Asked by: Gavin Shuker (Independent - Luton South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that the aviation industry can continue without disruption after the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by Chris Grayling
The Government and EU have agreed the text of a Withdrawal Agreement which includes provision for a transition or implementation period after we leave the EU. During this period flights will continue as now. We have also agreed a Political Declaration on the broad terms of our future relationship with the EU. This confirms that the future relationship for aviation will be set out in a Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement which will provide for market access for UK and EU airlines.
Asked by: Gavin Shuker (Independent - Luton South)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what his long-term plans are for the adult social care precept after 2019-20.
Answered by Elizabeth Truss
Funding for Local Government after 2019-20 will be agreed at the Spending Review next year.
Asked by: Gavin Shuker (Independent - Luton South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps his Department has taken to expand the Oyster card system beyond London.
Answered by Andrew Jones
We have invested £80m so that passengers have a smart option for almost all journeys across the network by the end of the year; this is in addition to our £150 million commitment to smart ticketing in the North. Our goal is to ensure that across regional and urban commuter areas smart ticketing is able to deliver the kind of pay as you go structure used in London.
Asked by: Gavin Shuker (Independent - Luton South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect of the Rail Review announced on 11 October 2018 on the timing of the East Midlands franchise process; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Lord Johnson of Marylebone
When the Rail Review was announced on 20 September 2018 the Government made clear in its statement that, with the exception of the Cross Country franchise, all other ongoing franchise competitions (including the East Midlands franchise) and other live rail projects are continuing as planned.
Asked by: Gavin Shuker (Independent - Luton South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan (a) lasts and (b) marks the beginning of a peace process in the region.
Answered by Mark Field
The Government is concerned by recent reports of high levels of firing and shelling between Indian and Pakistani troops over the Line of Control in Kashmir. We continue to follow developments closely, encourage dialogue and call for both sides to exercise restraint. The UK's longstanding position is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution to the situation in Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. It is not for the UK to prescribe a solution or to act as a mediator. We welcome recent contact between Indian and Pakistani militaries in an effort to reduce firing over the Line of Control.
Asked by: Gavin Shuker (Independent - Luton South)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect on medical facilities in Yemen of the recent cyclone in that country.
Answered by Alistair Burt
Two tropical cyclones – Sagar and Mekunu – hit parts of Yemen in the second half of May, with the most severe damage reported on the island of Socotra. A rapid assessment suggests that all the health facilities in Socotra are functioning but with low capacity and in urgent need of essential drugs. The humanitarian community has started to send shelter kits and other non-food items, as well as food and medical supplies to the island. A UN team is working with the local authorities to assess further needs and coordinate response efforts.
Only half of Yemen’s health facilities are fully functional and 16 million Yemenis require support to obtain healthcare. Our support of £170 million to Yemen this financial year (2018/19) includes support for improving the quality and availability of healthcare and medical supplies in Yemen.
Asked by: Gavin Shuker (Independent - Luton South)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect on access to clean drinking water in Yemen of the recent cyclone in that country.
Answered by Alistair Burt
Two tropical cyclones – Sagar and Mekunu – hit parts of Yemen in the second half of May. Early reports indicate that the damage was most severe on the island of Socotra, where the water network has been damaged and floods are increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. The humanitarian community has started to send emergency supplies, including hygiene kits and chlorine to purify water to Socotra, and a UN team is working with the local authorities to assess further needs and coordinate response efforts.
Some 16 million Yemenis require support to meet their basic water, sanitation and hygiene needs. The UK’s support of £170 million to Yemen this financial year (2018/19) is helping to provide clean water, sanitation and hygiene services to Yemen.
Asked by: Gavin Shuker (Independent - Luton South)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to tackle sexual exploitation and trafficking of Rohingya refugee women and girls.
Answered by Alistair Burt
We recognise that Rohingya women and girls face risks in the camps including domestic violence, sexual harassment, forced labour and sexual exploitation. DFID is helping to provide services including psycho-social counselling, reproductive health services, child-friendly spaces, safe shelters and legal advice in the camps. We are also providing essential help in the camps such as improved lighting and alarms to help keep women and girls safer.
Asked by: Gavin Shuker (Independent - Luton South)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment she has made of the risk of sexual exploitation of women and girls at refugee camps in Bangladesh.
Answered by Alistair Burt
We recognise that Rohingya women and girls face risks in the camps including domestic violence, sexual harassment, forced labour and sexual exploitation. DFID is helping to provide services including psycho-social counselling, reproductive health services, child-friendly spaces, safe shelters and legal advice in the camps. We are also providing essential help in the camps such as improved lighting and alarms to help keep women and girls safer.
Asked by: Gavin Shuker (Independent - Luton South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to (a) the government of Sudan and (b) other governments in that region on the case of Noura Hussein.
Answered by Harriett Baldwin
The UK Ambassador to Sudan raised our deep concern about Noura Hussein's case at a senior level with the Government of Sudan on 15 May, making clear our strong opposition to the use of the death penalty and to forced marriage. We released a statement on the same day in partnership with EU member states and others confirming our firm opposition to the death penalty and calling on all States to join a moratorium on its use, while working towards its definitive abolition.