Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
UK Government to formally recognise the State of Palestine
Gov Responded - 8 Jun 2021 Debated on - 14 Jun 2021 View 's petition debate contributionsRecognise the state of Palestine to help stop the conflict from Israel. Not recognising the Palestinian state allows Israel to continue their persecution of the Palestinians.
Introduce sanctions against Israel
Gov Responded - 8 Jun 2021 Debated on - 14 Jun 2021 View 's petition debate contributionsThe Government should introduce sanctions against Israel, including blocking all trade, and in particular arms.
Do not rollout Covid-19 vaccine passports
Gov Responded - 3 Mar 2021 Debated on - 15 Mar 2021 View 's petition debate contributionsWe want the Government to commit to not rolling out any e-vaccination status/immunity passport to the British public. Such passports could be used to restrict the rights of people who have refused a Covid-19 vaccine, which would be unacceptable.
Impose sanctions on China over its treatment of Uyghur Muslims
Gov Responded - 28 Jul 2020 Debated on - 12 Oct 2020 View 's petition debate contributionsThe UK Government plans to introduce “Magnitsky law”, a law which targets people who commit gross human rights violations. Through this law or alternative means, this petition urges the UK Government to impose sanctions on China for their human rights violations on the Uyghur people.
Extend maternity leave by 3 months with pay in light of COVID-19
Gov Responded - 14 May 2020 Debated on - 5 Oct 2020 View 's petition debate contributionsIn light of the recent outbreak and lock down, those on maternity leave should be given 3 extra months paid leave, at least. This time is for bonding and social engaging with other parents and babies through baby groups which are vital for development and now everything has been cancelled.
Extend the transition; delay negotiations until after the coronavirus outbreak
Gov Responded - 9 Apr 2020 Debated on - 5 Oct 2020 View 's petition debate contributionsThe government should consider delaying negotiations so they can concentrate on the coronavirus situation and reduce travel of both EU and UK negotiators. This would necessitate extending the transition period; as there can only be a one off extension, this should be for two years.
These initiatives were driven by John Howell, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.
John Howell has not been granted any Urgent Questions
A Bill to make provision for the effect of an apology in certain legal proceedings.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to limit the grounds of appeal against decisions on planning applications consistent with a neighbourhood development plan or local plan; and for connected purposes
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Pension Transfers (Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Investigation) Bill Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - David Johnston (CON)
Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Jim Shannon (DUP)
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Pension Transfers (Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Investigation) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Lord Vaizey of Didcot (CON)
Fetal Dopplers (Regulation) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Antoinette Sandbach (LDEM)
Parish Council Governance (Principles of Public Life) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Mims Davies (CON)
I have made no assessment of the implications of the debate or the new Charter on government policy as the Charter is aimed at political parties, but we appreciate the work of the Council of Europe and in particular PACE in this sphere. The government's roadmap for fostering diversity and inclusion is set out in Inclusive Britain, which I published on 17 March.
This debate underlines this Government’s belief that the circumstances of one’s birth should not determine life outcomes. We are taking a new approach to equality, which goes beyond the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 to address socio-economic and geographic disparities too. As part of this new approach, we are delivering the Equality Data Programme, which examines the different barriers that hold people back and will encourage evidence-based action to tackle them.
Through our levelling up agenda, we will create a society where everyone, wherever they live and regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed. The Government published its landmark Levelling Up White Paper in February, which sets out ambitious plans to address regional disparities across the UK, put more money in the pockets of those who need it most, and transform the UK economy by generating higher paid jobs and new investment.
We are aware of the Council of Europe’s recent report on LGBT+ people. We are fully committed to supporting the rights of all LGBT+ people and are clear that all forms of hate crime are completely unacceptable.
Unlike many of the other countries criticised in this report, the UK has robust legal protections in place to protect LGBT+ people and enable them to get on with life including Hate Crime legislation, the Equality Act 2010 and equal marriage, but we know there is more to do.
The Home Office will shortly be publishing a new Hate Crime Strategy to set out the Government’s plan for tackling these abhorrent crimes and will respond to recommendations set out by the Law Commission in due course.
The UK has long recognised the unequivocal threat that climate change and environmental degradation poses to the lives and wellbeing of individuals and communities across the world, including the most marginalised and vulnerable.
During the 48th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council, the UK voted to recognise the human right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The UK Government will continue to monitor the implementation of this human right and make internal assessments of the implications from both the Human Rights Council and the Council of Europe.
The Government remains fully committed to building a fairer Britain and taking action to address disparities wherever they exist. That is why the Prime Minister established the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities in July 2020.
The Commission submitted its findings to the Prime Minister on 31 March, along with 24 recommendations for key actions for the Government. We will publish our response to the report later this summer and it would be inappropriate to comment on the implications of the debate of 24 June in advance of that.
The Government is committed to being one of the safest countries to be online and we recognise the wider international debates taking place to address online safety. This includes the work of the Council of Europe, in particular the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, noting that recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review.
The UK continues efforts to tackle online harm through our Online Safety Bill, and to do so in a way that defends freedom of expression and pluralism online, protecting people’s rights to participate in society and engage in robust debate online. We remain committed to a pluralistic media landscape, where people can access information from a range of sources in order to form their opinions.
The Government shares the concerns raised by the Council of Europe about the impact of children’s exposure to pornography online.
The Online Safety Bill provides protection for children from online pornography. Services in scope of the Bill that host or publish pornography, including pornography sites, social media, video sharing platforms and forums will be required to protect children from this content.
The Government continues to engage with international partners, including through multilateral organisations such as the Council of Europe, to lead global discussions and build consensus around our approaches to tackling online harms.
The Government recognises the crucial work of the Council of Europe and in particular the PACE in this sphere, noting that recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review.
The Government recognises the important role that sport and physical activity plays, and took action to support the sport sector during Covid as a time of crisis. This is demonstrated by the £600 million Sport Survival Package set up in November 2020 as a result of restrictions on crowd capacities.
Furthermore, the £100 million National Leisure Recovery Fund has supported local authority leisure centres to recover and reopen during the pandemic. This is in addition to more than £6 billion of unringfenced funding that has also been given to local authorities since the start of the pandemic to allocate in line with local needs which includes leisure facilities.
The Government is committed to reforming football governance, and recognises the crucial work of the Council of Europe and in particular the PACE in this sphere, noting that recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review.
The Government recognises the need for the long-term financial sustainability of football clubs, particularly those in the lower leagues. That is why we have welcomed the Independent Fan Led Review of Football Governance and have endorsed in principle the primary recommendation of the review, that football requires a strong, independent regulator to secure the future of our national game.
The Government is working at pace to review the report in full, including detailed consideration of the recommendations made on improving financial stability and the governance of football clubs across the game, as we work towards issuing a full response to the report in the Spring.
This Government recognises the vital role of the media in supporting our communities and our democracy through the provision of reliable and high-quality information. The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the value of accurate information and trusted news sources in times of crisis. We are currently considering the conclusions of the Council of Europe debate, which rightly highlighted the importance of a strong, pluralistic, and independent media ecosystem in times of crisis.
We recognise the crucial work of the Council of Europe and in particular the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in this sphere, noting that recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review.
The Government is committed to protecting the freedom of the press and recognises that a vibrant and free press plays an invaluable role in our cultural and democratic life. We want to make sure that this continues, with high journalistic standards working in the public interest. The government set up the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists, and published the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists. The plan and the Committee’s aim is to ensure that journalists operating in the UK are as safe as possible, reducing the number of attacks on and threats issued to journalists. In addition, the government recently published an Online Media Literacy Strategy and Action Plan. Matters involving the Council of Europe are the responsibility of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The Charity Commission is the independent regulator and registrar for charities in England and Wales. As an independent non-Ministerial Department, Ministers cannot direct or control the Charity Commission. It is answerable to the courts for its legal decisions.
Disputes and disagreements in charities can be particularly damaging to the public’s confidence in charities. The Charity Commission opened a regulatory compliance case into Christ Church college in January last year and has continued to engage with the charity over a number of issues connected to the dispute at the College. These have included the expenditure of charitable funds on legal expenses connected to the dispute. The Commission has also instructed the trustees to commission an independent governance review. The Commission continues to closely engage with the charity and will do so until the matter is resolved.
The government is committed to promoting and protecting children’s rights and recognises the crucial work of the Council of Europe. We value and endorse the report’s key message that every child has the right to speak and be heard.
The government continues to actively engage with children and young people through its policy making and promotes the use of the children’s rights impact assessment across Whitehall, including the development of a children’s rights training package.
We have proactively sought views from as many young people as possible as we prepare the UK’s United Nations (UN) Committee on the Rights of a Child state party report, which we will submit to the UN Committee in June.
This has included:
We also work closely with the Children’s Commissioner for England and welcome her work with children and young people, in particular, the big ask survey, which was distributed to all children across England and captured their views on their priorities for the future.
This Government recognises the value of supporting students to study and do work placements overseas because of the benefits it brings to the UK and our international partners.
Student mobility can provide life changing opportunities while creating a generation of globally minded young people with broadened horizons. It enhances productivity and employment outcomes for young people while also helping to build international relationships between students and institutions.
That is why we introduced the UK’s £110 million international mobility programme, the Turing Scheme, which is providing the opportunity for more than 40,000 students in schools, colleges and universities to study and work abroad this academic year in over 150 destinations.
The Turing Scheme specifically seeks to support participation of UK students from disadvantaged backgrounds and areas of historical low participation in student mobility. More than 19,000, 48%, of the placements approved for funding are for participants from disadvantaged backgrounds. This will help to ensure these life-changing opportunities are accessible to everyone across the country.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, protecting and promoting the best interests of the child has been at the heart of the action this government has taken, and continues to take. The debate at the Council of Europe highlighted a number of areas impacted by COVID-19 relating to children’s rights, such as education, socio-economic inequality and vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak the government has worked to prioritise vulnerable children. During the outbreak, we were one of few countries across the world to keep schools open for vulnerable children and children of critical workers throughout national restrictions, protecting children’s right to education. We also distributed over 1.3 million laptops and tablets to schools, trusts, local authorities and further education providers for disadvantaged children and young people as part of a £400 million government investment to support access to remote education and online social care services.
We know that the mental health and wellbeing of young people has been affected by the outbreak, and that being back in school and college plays a central role in promoting wellbeing for pupils. That is why we worked hard to ensure that schools were first to reopen in March 2021. We have also announced £17 million towards improving mental health and wellbeing support in schools and colleges, including £7 million additional funding for local authorities to deliver the Wellbeing for Education Recovery programme.
We have put £200 million into Summer Schools, giving secondary pupils access to enrichment activities and this year we are investing up to £220 million in our Holiday Activities and Food programme, which has now been expanded across England.
Children's social care services and early help services have also continued to support vulnerable children and young people and their families throughout the outbreak.
The government is now looking ahead to recovery. We must 'build back better' for vulnerable children and their families to ensure support is available for those that need it most, when they need it. As part of this, we have invested over £3 billion since June 2020 to support education recovery for children aged 2-19 in schools, colleges and early years settings. This will have a material impact in addressing lost learning and closing gaps that have emerged.
We are not at this time planning on applying inflation indices but we will review payment rates for our offers so that they remain credible and attractive to farmers.
In light of recently rising input costs and price volatility around certain agricultural commodities such as nitrogen fertiliser, the Government is planning to change the way we make payments under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in 2022. Eligible farmers will now receive their payment in two instalments - half from the end of July and the rest from December 2022. This will be a permanent change to Direct Payments that will remain for the rest of the agricultural transition. By doing this, the Government intends to inject cash into farm businesses, helping them to make business decisions sooner, with more confidence.
This builds on the increase in revenue payment rates for the Countryside Stewardship scheme to reflect the change in costs since 2013, which Defra announced in January 2022. The majority of payment rates increased, on average by around 30%, although rate changes vary from option to option. These changes affected around 30,000 agreements and show we are willing and able to respond as and when there is a clear case.
In March 2022, Defra began rolling out the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to recipients of the BPS. SFI will help with the costs of sowing nitrogen fixing plants and green manures in crops to substitute some fertiliser requirements for the coming season, as well as reducing the dependence on manufactured fertilisers which are impacted by the price of gas. Rising fertiliser prices highlight that we need to find alternatives and move towards more organic-based fertiliser products. SFI is designed to help farmers move to these new sustainable farming methods gradually - which will improve environmental conditions of the land, while building the long-term resilience of our food security and production.
The Secretary of State recently announced a range of measures in support of the current situation, such as delaying changes to the use of urea fertiliser to help farmers manage their costs and improving statutory guidance for use of slurry. Defra has also created the Fertiliser Taskforce - where Government and industry are working together to help improve market confidence and provide farmers with the information they need to make business decisions on fertiliser use.
Towards the end of this year, farmers will be able to apply for slurry storage grants, helping them to meet the Farming Rules for Water and reducing their dependence on artificial fertilisers. This grant will contribute towards the costs of covered slurry store construction projects, helping farmers to get six months storage capacity. We will set the rates based on our assessment of the market at the time, as is our usual practice.
Defra is supporting investment in technology and research to further improve productivity. The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund has offered grants of up to £48m to over 4,000 applicants - enabling farmers to invest in equipment, technology and infrastructure. We have also announced a new Adding Value theme - a £30 million fund helping farmers and growers to process, diversify and add-value to their products again using up to date market information.
The Government continues to monitor the wider context of global supplies that can impact farm income and productivity, as well as take-up of our agri-environment and other schemes. Defra will use the findings to inform our plans throughout the agricultural transition.
We are not at this time planning on applying inflation indices but we will review payment rates for our offers so that they remain credible and attractive to farmers.
In light of recently rising input costs and price volatility around certain agricultural commodities such as nitrogen fertiliser, the Government is planning to change the way we make payments under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in 2022. Eligible farmers will now receive their payment in two instalments - half from the end of July and the rest from December 2022. This will be a permanent change to Direct Payments that will remain for the rest of the agricultural transition. By doing this, the Government intends to inject cash into farm businesses, helping them to make business decisions sooner, with more confidence.
This builds on the increase in revenue payment rates for the Countryside Stewardship scheme to reflect the change in costs since 2013, which Defra announced in January 2022. The majority of payment rates increased, on average by around 30%, although rate changes vary from option to option. These changes affected around 30,000 agreements and show we are willing and able to respond as and when there is a clear case.
In March 2022, Defra began rolling out the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to recipients of the BPS. SFI will help with the costs of sowing nitrogen fixing plants and green manures in crops to substitute some fertiliser requirements for the coming season, as well as reducing the dependence on manufactured fertilisers which are impacted by the price of gas. Rising fertiliser prices highlight that we need to find alternatives and move towards more organic-based fertiliser products. SFI is designed to help farmers move to these new sustainable farming methods gradually - which will improve environmental conditions of the land, while building the long-term resilience of our food security and production.
The Secretary of State recently announced a range of measures in support of the current situation, such as delaying changes to the use of urea fertiliser to help farmers manage their costs and improving statutory guidance for use of slurry. Defra has also created the Fertiliser Taskforce - where Government and industry are working together to help improve market confidence and provide farmers with the information they need to make business decisions on fertiliser use.
Towards the end of this year, farmers will be able to apply for slurry storage grants, helping them to meet the Farming Rules for Water and reducing their dependence on artificial fertilisers. This grant will contribute towards the costs of covered slurry store construction projects, helping farmers to get six months storage capacity. We will set the rates based on our assessment of the market at the time, as is our usual practice.
Defra is supporting investment in technology and research to further improve productivity. The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund has offered grants of up to £48m to over 4,000 applicants - enabling farmers to invest in equipment, technology and infrastructure. We have also announced a new Adding Value theme - a £30 million fund helping farmers and growers to process, diversify and add-value to their products again using up to date market information.
The Government continues to monitor the wider context of global supplies that can impact farm income and productivity, as well as take-up of our agri-environment and other schemes. Defra will use the findings to inform our plans throughout the agricultural transition.
The UK remains deeply concerned about the restrictions on movement and access that affect Gaza. DFID is providing £1.3 million (2018-21) to support the UN’s Access Coordination Unit (ACU), which works with all relevant parties to ensure humanitarian access to Gaza for UN and NGO workers. The ACU works with the Egyptian authorities to facilitate access through the Rafah crossing.
The UK is committed to the protection and promotion of social rights. The UK has ratified the 1961 European Social Charter (ESC), the European Code of Social Security and numerous other international social rights instruments. The UK is fully committed to all of the Council of Europe instruments it is Party to and engages constructively in work on socio-economic inequalities at the Council of Europe.
The UK Government is taking important steps to reduce inequalities and levelling up across the whole of the United Kingdom, particularly as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. We have launched a suite of employment support schemes, significant investments in skills, training and apprenticeships, and Universal Credit has played a crucial and effective role in protecting the most vulnerable.
The Department for Work and Pensions is continuously reviewing its policies on socio-economic inequalities to ensure that no one and no community is left behind.
While no formal assessment has been made, the cross-Whitehall Counter Disinformation Unit works with social media platforms to understand and counter the extent of misinformation and promote accurate information from trusted sources.
We welcome this debate, as the NHS Long Term Plan committed to achieving at least a 50% reduction in the number of people with a learning disability and autistic people who are inpatients in mental health hospitals by March 2024.
The proposed reforms to the Mental Health Act 1983 aim to end inappropriate detentions of people with a learning disability and autistic people. We are also developing the ‘Building the right support’ action plan to reduce reliance on mental health inpatient care through the provision of services in the community.
The Government has no plans to make such an assessment at this stage. The Government discusses the appropriate response to COVID-19 with a wide range of partners, such as the World Health Organization, G7 and G20 bilaterally, which enables it to draw lessons on the most appropriate policies. The Government will be publishing its plans for living with COVID-19 in due course.
The Government recognises the crucial work of the Council of Europe and in particular the Parliamentary Assembly to the Council of Europe and notes that recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review.
We are not aware of any specific issues. If an individual believes that their COVID-19 vaccine data is inaccurate, this can be resolved with the Vaccination Data Resolution Service (VDRS) via 119. The VDRS will contact the individual within 21 days. Where vaccine data does not appear on records in England, this will not prevent people from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals affected can attend a walk-in site for either their booster or primary course of vaccination.
Interoperable digital and non-digital solutions are now available in each nation of the United Kingdom. The service an individual accesses depends on where their general practitioner (GP) is registered.
Before an NHS COVID Pass can be issued, both vaccine doses must be recorded. NHS Digital has established live bi-directional data flows between England and Scotland which updates the GP record and NHS COVID Pass status. Therefore, those vaccinated in England, but registered with a GP in Scotland, can access the certification services provided in Scotland and vice versa, as well as being able to demonstrate their vaccination status anywhere in the UK.
The Government continues to make the case that anyone on a COVID-19 vaccine trial should be treated the same in terms of certification as someone who has received a deployed vaccine. Our Chief Medical Officer has written to all of his counterparts in the European Union and European Economic Community on this matter. Discussions are ongoing with other countries, including through groups such as the Group of Seven, the European Commission and the World Health Organisation to shape the approach taken around the world to sharing health status for travel.
The Vaccines Taskforce and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are working with Novavax to help ensure their COVID-19 vaccine is authorised as quickly as possible. The decision to license a vaccine is made by the MHRA.
The Department is not currently making any recommendations regarding hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment (HBOT) for long COVID due to a lack of scientific evidence to support its use.
There have been two long COVID research calls launched by the National Institute for Health Research and UK Research and Innovation, resulting in 19 funded projects. The calls specifically asked for projects investigating possible therapies for long COVID and a number of studies of this type have been funded. HBOT has not formed part of any application to either of these calls. Other ongoing calls are open and available for long COVID research applications and if a project on HBOT for long COVID was received, it would be considered.
The Department is aware of clinical trials currently taking place internationally, which are researching the use of HBOT for long COVID.
Face-to-face appointments have been available throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and approximately half of all appointments in June 2021 were delivered in person. NHS England and NHS Improvement wrote to general practitioner practices on 19 July to set out that practices should offer a blend of face-to-face and remote appointments, with remote triage where possible. The letter is available at the following link:
Patients’ input into the choice of consultation mode should be sought and practices should respect preferences for face-to-face care unless there are good clinical reasons to the contrary, for example the presence of COVID-19 symptoms.
Public Health England monitors the number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and whether they have received one or two doses of the vaccination. This data is used to calculate vaccine effectiveness estimates which are available at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccine-surveillance-report
NHS Digital collects data on the number of people who have contracted COVID-19, patients who have received one or two doses of a vaccine and hospital data that can be used to calculate average length of stay. These three datasets can be linked where possible to track patient outcomes for vaccinated people.
The United Kingdom and European Union are aligned in the technical approach to COVID-19 status certification. We are actively engaging other states on a bilateral basis and multilaterally through organisations including the International Civil Aviation Organization and the World Health Organization to support this work. The certification app in France now allows scans the code from the NHS COVID Pass and work continues to set up similar arrangements elsewhere.
The debate at the Council of Europe highlighted key issues which the Government has considered in its policies regarding COVID-19 certificates. We are working to support United Kingdom residents to demonstrate their vaccination status using the fully secure NHS app. In addition to the digital service, the National Health Service is working on providing individuals with the means to demonstrate their COVID-19 status through non-digital routes to ensure the service is accessible to all.
We have no plans to make a specific assessment. Public bodies must comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty. This already requires them to consider how their policies affect people who are protected under the Equality Act 2010, including those with a disability.
We have not made a specific assessment.
We are committed to tackling discrimination. Public authorities, including the Department and all National Health Service providers, must comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty. This requires them to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination when carrying out their activities.
The Government is committed to championing democracy and human rights in Kyrgyzstan, and we welcome the partnership of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe with the Kyrgyz Parliament. I (Minister Cleverly) recognise the crucial work of the Council of Europe, and in particular the value of PACE experience in this sphere, noting that its recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for review.
The UK Government condemns Russia's unprovoked and premeditated invasion of Ukraine and we recognise the important work of the Council of Europe, and in particular the role of Parliamentary Assembly, for their swift action to expel Russia. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has left nearly 16 million people in need of humanitarian assistance within Ukraine, with around 32% of the population displaced either internally or externally. The UK is one of the largest bilateral donors to Ukraine and the region. We have allocated £220 million of humanitarian assistance to the crisis, with a focus on protecting and supporting the most vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls. We note that recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course.
The UK has played a leading role in taking forward justice and security for women in peace reconciliation through our diplomatic, defence and development efforts, by formulating detailed National Action Plans (NAP) and through the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI). The UK's fifth Women, Peace and Security NAP is currently being developed and will launch in the end of 2022. Violence Against Women and Girls can dramatically increase in scale and severity during conflict and crisis and we recognise the Council of Europe, in particular the role of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, for their work in this sphere. We note that the recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course.
The UK is firmly committed to supporting children and children without parental care in conflict settings through our development work. At the multilateral level, we continue to press for the inclusion of child protection provisions in UN peacekeeping mandate renewals and resolutions, including for children without parental care. We recognise the Council of Europe, and in particular, the role of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for their work in this sphere, noting the recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course.
The UK Government is working with the international community to hold Russia to account over its blockade of the Black Sea. The UK strongly supports UN efforts to unlock the export of Ukrainian grain and find practical ways to open up commercial shipping routes. We are also working with the EU to increase the volume of grain exported by rail. We will continue to fund humanitarian aid and economic support for those that need it most, protecting them from the fallout of Russian aggression. We recognise the work of the Council of Europe and in particular Parliamentary Assembly to the Council of Europe, and note that recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course.
The UK Government continues to call out Russia on their unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack against Ukraine, and we welcome the work of the Council of Europe and in particular Parliamentary Assembly to the Council of Europe in this sphere. The UK and our international partners stand united in condemning Russia government's reprehensible actions, which are an egregious violation of international law and the UN Charter. We note that recommendations will go to the CoE Committee of Ministers in due course.
The imprisonment of Vladimir Kara-Murza is the latest attempt by Russian authorities to shutdown opposition to their policies. On the 18 May diplomatic representatives from British Embassy Moscow, alongside international partners attended Mr Kara-Murza's appeal hearing. On 26 May, Minister Cleverly met with Mrs Evgenia Kara-Murza to discuss the detention of her husband. On 9 June, we raised his case in the Permanent Council of the OSCE. We continue to call for the Russian Federation to release Vladimir Kara-Murza, and recognise the vital work of the Council of Europe and PACE in this sphere. We note that recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review.
The UK Government is committed to calling for the release of political prisoners in the Russian Federation, and we note the crucial work of the Council of Europe and PACE in this sphere. The UK is deeply concerned by Russian actions, targeting opposition politicians, civil society actors, religious groups, and LGBT people through prosecutions and repressive legislation towards so-called "undesirable" and "extremist" organisations and "foreign agents". We continue to call out Russia in international fora for these actions.
The Government is committed to continuing to call for the restoration of human rights and rule of law in the North Caucasus region, and recognises the crucial work of the Council of Europe and in particular the PACE in this sphere. We regularly challenge Russia in international fora on their human rights abuses, including those perpetrated in the North Caucasus and encourage Russia to implement European Court of Human Rights judgments- a vital step to ending the climate of impunity in the region. We note that recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review.
The UK Government is clear that Russia should fully cooperate with all the investigations relating to the downing of flight MH17, and we welcome the work of the Council of Europe (CoE) and Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The UK Government supports the work of the Joint Investigation Team and the Dutch criminal trial in their efforts to deliver justice for the victims of this avoidable tragedy and answers for the families and friends of the victims, and to ensure those responsible are held to account for this appalling crime. The families of the 10 British victims remain foremost in our thoughts. We note that recommendations will go to the CoE Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review.
We want to hold accountable those responsible for the atrocities that have been committed in Ukraine. The UK supports the International Criminal Court investigation into the situation in Ukraine, in its role as the primary international institution with the mandate to investigate and prosecute war crimes and other international crimes. The UK also welcomed the publication of the OSCE's Moscow Mechanism independent report, which found evidence of multiple instances of clear violations of international law by Russian forces in Ukraine, and supports the UN Human Rights Council Commission of Inquiry. We recognise the important work of the Council of Europe and in particular PACE in this sphere, including at the 14-15 March session where the UK Delegation played a pivotal role in ensuring Russia's expulsion from the organisation as a result of its invasion of Ukraine. We note that recommendations from PACE will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review.
Russia's war is an unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack on Ukraine, and the very foundation of our societies and the rules by which we coexist - sovereignty, democracy and the UN Charter. The UK continues to work with our allies, united in support for Ukraine, to provide economic and defensive support. We recognise the crucial work of the Council of Europe and in particular PACE in this sphere, including at the 14-15 March session where the UK Delegation played a pivotal role in ensuring Russia's expulsion from the organisation. We note that recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review.
The UK Government supports the intention to strengthen human rights protections in Europe through the EU's accession to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). However, we maintain our principled position that the EU must be bound to the ECHR on the same basis as other contracting Parties. The Government recognises the crucial work of the Council of Europe and in particular PACE in this sphere, noting that recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review.
The UK has a long track record of supporting democracy and inclusive governance. We are committed to working with partners and allies across the world, including civil society, to support more open, inclusive and accountable societies. The government recognises the crucial work of the Council of Europe and in particular PACE in this sphere, noting that recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review.
The UK Government will continue to champion and encourage the strengthening of democratic institutions in Armenia. We recognise the crucial work in this area of the Council of Europe and in particular Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, noting that recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review. During his phone call with Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan on 1 February, I [Minister for Europe] reaffirmed HMG's support for the programme of democratic reform that Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan is undertaking.
The UK Government recognises the crucial work of the Council of Europe, and in particular Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, in ending enforced disappearances, noting that recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers for appropriate review in due course. We strongly condemn any instances of this criminal practice and urge states to fully investigate allegations, prosecute those responsible and deliver justice to victims and their families.
The Government is committed to addressing the range of security challenges across Europe, including in Belarus and the Russian military build-up in and around Ukraine's borders. We recognise the crucial work of the Council of Europe in building peace and dialogue between member states and in addressing any 'democratic backsliding' in the region. We understand that any recommendations from the debate will go to the Committee of Ministers for review in due course.
The debate that took place at the Parliamentary Assembly to the Council of Europe on January 26 on the poisoning of Alexander Navalny was important and timely. We look forward to considering any recommendations that subsequently go to the Committee of Ministers. We condemn Russia's continued violations of human rights and curtailing of basic freedoms. We have repeatedly called on the Russian authorities to immediately release Alexey Navalny from his politically motivated imprisonment. We have also sanctioned 13 individuals responsible for planning or carrying out the attack on him. The UK welcomes the crucial work of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on this and related issues.
Iran has been in non-compliance with its Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) commitments since July 2019. Iran has taken steps that have permanently upgraded its nuclear capabilities, including by producing Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU), which is unprecedented for a state without a nuclear weapons programme. Since February 2021, Iran has also curtailed monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The longer that the Agency's access is reduced, the greater the opportunity for Iran to divert resources from declared activities and the less the international community knows about the status of the Iranian programme.
We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to the JCPoA, and to restoring the deal. Our priority is to see the US return to the deal and Iran return to compliance with its commitments. If a deal to return to the JCPoA is not swiftly concluded in Vienna and Iran continues its nuclear escalation, Iran will be responsible for missing the opportunity to restore the JCPoA and for bringing about the collapse of the deal.
We remain concerned at Lukashenko's continued use of migrants and refugees to increase pressure on neighbouring states. This harmful, aggressive and exploitative behaviour must stop. We stand in support and solidarity with Lithuania, Latvia and Poland in dealing with this situation. The Foreign Secretary discussed the issue with her Baltic counterparts on 11 October.
The Government has been clear that that the Taliban regime will be judged by its actions not its words. We agree with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe that the situation requires a coordinated international approach and the Government has been working hard to achieve this.
The UK Government welcomes the important and influential role that the UK delegation to the CoE Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) continues to play. We note the Assembly debate on 27 September, on the humanitarian consequences of last year's conflict. I have continued to engage with the Armenian and Azerbaijani Governments on many of the topics discussed during that debate and will continue to do so. This includes key topics such as the return of prisoners of war and the remains of the deceased, and the importance of a sustainable and peaceful settlement that has been negotiated under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group.
We welcome the role the Council of Europe plays in the Western Balkans. Euro-Atlantic integration is the sovereign choice of the governments and people of the countries of the Western Balkans. The UK works with the governments of the region and other partners to support internal reforms, in particular on the rule of law - including to tackle organised crime, illicit finance and corruption - and to promote reconciliation and good neighbourly relations.
We continue to call upon the Palestinian security forces and the Palestinian leadership to undertake necessary reform and to demonstrate their respect for Palestinians' human rights, including by delivering swift and transparent investigations into Nizar Banat's death and the policing of subsequent protests.
We are disappointed that elections in the Occupied Palestinian Territories have been postponed. The Palestinian people should be allowed to enjoy their democratic rights - and Israel must allow voting for Palestinians in East Jerusalem, in line with the Oslo Accords. We urge further work towards genuine and democratic national elections for all Palestinians, which is crucial to the establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian State. To this end, we call on all Palestinian factions to seek common ground and to work together to pursue a positive path towards democracy.
We continue to encourage the Palestinian leadership to work toward strong, inclusive, accountable and democratic institutions, based on respect for the rule of law and human rights.
The UK supports freedom of expression as both a human right in and of itself and as an essential element for the enjoyment of the full range of other human rights. We have a long history of promoting freedom of expression globally, including through our commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights. Freedom of expression is an essential quality of any functioning democracy; people must be allowed to discuss and debate issues freely, to challenge their governments, and to make informed decisions. HMG is committed to continuing championing these values, and recognises the crucial work of the Council of Europe and in particular the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in this sphere, noting that the resolution and recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review.
Hungary took over the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 21 May, taking over from Germany as the previous chair. Hungary set out its priorities for the Chairmanship on 19 May, including interreligious dialogue and technological challenges.
The UK is committed to freedom of religion or belief, and we hope to work with Hungary on interreligious dialogue to strengthen mutual respect, understanding and tolerance in Europe. The UK supports the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in November. We welcome Hungary's proposal to hold a conference of the member States' Ministers of Justice in Budapest in October to discuss justice in the digital age and tackling cybercrime.
We welcome Hungary's commitment to further promote and strengthen human rights, democratic values and the rule of law during their Chairmanship. The UK is committed to the Council of Europe, and it is important that the institution continues its focus on these core values. It is vital that member States uphold their obligations as members of the Council of Europe, and we expect that Hungary will continue Germany's strong lead on this.
UK policy on Albania aims to help the country to become a strong, prosperous, mature democracy, better able to tackle the challenges it faces including the threat from Serious and Organised Crime. Our policy supports the wider objectives set out in the Government's Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy published in March 2021. The UK continues to work closely with the international community, including the Council of Europe (CoE) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE ODIHR), in support of these aims. We continue to encourage Albania to engage constructively to further improve the country's electoral practices in line with recommendations from the CoE and ODIHR.
The UK commends the people and Government of Bulgaria on the successful conduct of parliamentary elections on 4 April, despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. As set out in the Government's Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy published in March, the UK aims to support Bulgaria in defending common values such as democracy and counter shared threats including from Serious and Organised Crime. The UK continues to work closely with the international community, including the Council of Europe (CoE) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE ODIHR), in support of these aims. HM Ambassador to Sofia met members of the OSCE election observation mission during their visit to Sofia earlier this year and will engage with the OSCE ODIHR and Bulgarian authorities concerning preparations for upcoming parliamentary elections on July 11, including on issues identified in the CoE's observations. We continue to encourage Bulgaria to engage constructively to further improve its electoral practices in line with recommendations from the CoE and OSCE ODIHR.
The UK fully supports freedom of expression as a human right. We have a long history of promoting freedom of expression globally, including through our commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights. Freedom of expression is an essential quality of any functioning democracy. HMG is committed to continuing championing these values, and recognises the crucial work of the Council of Europe and in particular the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in this sphere, noting that the resolution and recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review.
The UK welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza on 20 May, which is an important step to ending the cycle of violence and loss of civilian life. The UK unequivocally condemns the firing of rockets at Jerusalem and locations within Israel. We strongly condemn these acts of terrorism from Hamas and other terrorist groups. The UK retains a policy of no contact with Hamas in its entirety.
The UK Government welcomes the important work that Lord Blencathra has undertaken as a Rapporteur for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, on the need for widespread and achievable electoral reform in Belarus. For too long the Belarusian regime has deprived its people of their democratic and political rights. Since last year's fraudulent Presidential elections, the UK Government has been at the forefront of international efforts to hold the Belarusian authorities to account, including through invoking the OSCE Moscow Mechanism. The UK and our partners have repeatedly called on the Belarusian authorities to implement all of the recommendations in Professor Benedek's subsequent report into electoral fraud and human rights violations. This includes the holding of new Presidential elections that meet international standards and are subject to unhindered monitoring by credible independent observers, including the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The UK Government continues to urge the Belarusian authorities to support the calls for urgent electoral and democratic reform and the growth of civil society, to ensure the rightful democratic aspirations of its people are met.
The UK welcomes President Sandu's focus in her 19 April speech on the importance of political, economic and judicial reforms to Moldova's future stability and prosperity. I was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss these issues with President Sandu and others during my recent visit to Moldova. During my visit, I underlined the UK's continued support for efforts to combat corruption, and to develop a professional, independent, impartial and transparent judiciary, in line with international rules and norms. This included the announcement of a new UK project, which will provide support to the Presidential Administration on developing anti-corruption and judicial reform strategies and initiatives. The UK's work in this area is well-aligned with the Council of Europe Action Plan for Moldova.
I welcome Minister Roth's address to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 22 April, and wish to thank him for the German Chairmanship's efforts and leadership during this particularly difficult time. The UK advocates strongly for the Council of Europe to remain focussed on the core tasks of promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law; we will continue to work with incoming Chairmanships on this important task.
We welcome the intention of EU accession to the ECHR to strengthen and enhance human rights protections in Europe, whilst protecting the integrity of the Council of Europe and the ability of the European Court of Human Rights to operate. The Court is an essential part of the system for protecting human rights across Europe. We will continue to engage proactively in negotiations with these principles in mind.
The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly's strategic reflection is a welcome and important one. The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe is considering the strategic direction of the Council of Europe following the Secretary General's report. I will represent the UK at the Council of Europe Ministerial on 21 May, which will be an opportunity for the Committee of Ministers to determine the medium term direction of the institution. The Assembly's views will of course be included in these considerations. The Assembly plays a vital role as the parliamentary and consultative arm of the Council of Europe, and the UK is proud to contribute a committed and active delegation to this work.
The UK has stood up for Israel when it faces bias and unreasonable criticism, and has been clear that the existence of a dedicated agenda item in the Human Rights Council ('Item 7') is damaging and does little to advance dialogue, stability or mutual understanding. As such, at the 40th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2019 we moved to voting against all resolutions under Item 7. However, the UN and its member states have every right to address issues of concern in a measured, balanced and proportionate way. We will continue to support scrutiny of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the Human Rights Council, so long as it is justified, proportionate, and not proposed under Item 7.
The UK has stood up for Israel when it faces bias and unreasonable criticism, and has been clear that the existence of a dedicated agenda item ('Item 7') damages the prospect for a two-state solution and does little to advance dialogue, stability or mutual understanding. As such, at the 40th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2019 we moved to voting against all resolutions under Item 7. However, the UN and its member states have every right to address issues of concern in a measured, balanced and proportionate way. We will continue to support scrutiny of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the Human Rights Council, so long as it is justified, proportionate, and not proposed under Item 7.
The UK has stood up for Israel when it faces bias and unreasonable criticism, and has been clear that the existence of a dedicated agenda item ('Item 7') damages the prospect for a two-state solution and does little to advance dialogue, stability or mutual understanding. As such, at the 40th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2019 we moved to voting against all resolutions under Item 7. However, the UN and its member states have every right to address issues of concern in a measured, balanced and proportionate way. We will continue to support scrutiny of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the Human Rights Council, so long as it is justified, proportionate, and not proposed under Item 7.
The UK is concerned about allegations of incitement in Palestinian Authority (PA) textbooks. The UK does not fund textbooks in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The PA is in the process of revising its textbooks and we understand that it has already updated Grades 1-6 and hopes to update the remaining textbooks as soon as possible.
An independent review of the content in Palestinian textbooks led by our European partners is currently underway. The final report is due in the near future and we will study its findings carefully before deciding any next steps. We have also raised our concerns about school naming at senior levels within the Palestinian Authority and will continue to do so.
We are clear that the prisoner payments system should be reformed and is one among many hurdles in the way of a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The UK has made frequent representations to the Palestinian Authority (PA) on the matter, which have helped establish it as a priority of the PA to address. Coordination between the parties, suspended in light of Israel's threat to annex parts of the West Bank illegally, has now resumed. We hope that the parties will soon again be resolving the problems between them.
The UK is concerned about allegations of incitement in Palestinian Authority (PA) textbooks. The UK does not fund textbooks in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. UK aid to the PA helps to ensure it can deliver essential services, including by the contributing to the salaries of carefully vetted education and healthcare professionals in the West Bank.
We regularly raise our concerns about allegations of incitement in Palestinian textbooks and school naming at senior levels within the PA and will continue to do so.
No UK aid is used for payments to prisoners or their families. The UK has robust controls against fraud and the diversion of aid to ensure UK aid reaches the intended beneficiaries.
We are clear that the prisoner payments system should be reformed so that it is needs based, transparent and affordable. The UK has and continues to raise the need for reform at the highest levels of the Palestinian Authority, including when the Foreign Secretary visited the Occupied Palestinian Territories in August.
Our partnership with the Palestinian Authority includes a commitment from the Palestinian leadership to adhere to the principle of non-violence and to tackle any language and actions that could incite violence or hatred. We have a regular dialogue with the Palestinian Authority in which we reiterate the need for both sides to prepare their populations for peaceful coexistence, including by promoting a more positive portrayal of each other. We continue to urge the Israeli and Palestinian leadership to avoid engaging in, or encouraging, any type of action and language that makes it more difficult to achieve a culture of peaceful coexistence and a negotiated solution to the conflict.
We have raised the need for reform at the highest levels of the Palestinian Authority, including when the Foreign Secretary visited the Occupied Palestinian Territories in August 2020.
No UK aid is used for payments to prisoners or their families. The UK has robust controls against fraud and the diversion of aid to ensure UK aid reaches the intended beneficiaries.
The UK strongly condemns all acts of terrorism and incitement to violence, which are a significant barrier to achieving a negotiated solution. There can be no justification for such acts of violence. Every Israeli and Palestinian has the right to live in peace and security. We consistently call for an immediate end to all actions that act as obstacles to peace and undermine the viability of the two-state solution.
The Government takes note of the debate on overcoming the socio-economic crisis sparked by the Covid-19 pandemic and notes that the resolution and recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course.
The Government has acted to support the economy on a scale unmatched in recent history, protecting jobs and livelihoods and boosting public services.
Because of our economic plan, our recovery will be faster, with the Office for Budget Responsibility now expecting the economy to reach its pre-Covid size two quarters earlier and unemployment to peak at a rate 1 percentage point lower than in its November forecast.
The policy support announced by the Government has led to a significant but necessary increase in borrowing and debt. But it is clear that the costs of inaction would have been far higher.
Strong public finances are a fundamental part of a strong economy and a strong Union. The certainty that comes from ensuring the public finances are on a sustainable path will support economic stability across the UK. Measures announced at Budget 2021 bring debt under control over the medium term, through a fair and progressive package.
The Government notes the resolution and welcomes the Council’s support for the work of the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS).
The Government has been proactive in pressing for an international solution to the tax challenges posed by digitisation of the economy for a number of years.
It is a Government priority to reach a comprehensive global solution this year which includes outputs on both OECD Pillars: on both reallocation of taxing rights and minimum taxation.
Reaching agreement on this would be a major multilateral achievement that introduces stability into the international tax landscape.
HMT officials are in discussion with the IMF, through the UK’s delegation at the IMF, on the situation in Lebanon and options for IMF economic support. Any new programme needs to be agreed with a new Government, who will succeed the current caretaker arrangement, to ensure that all commitments can be delivered and implemented. No new programme is able to be proposed at this interim stage, so a formal view on the adequacy of safeguards is not possible.
The IMF must establish adequate safeguards for use of its resources, consulting and updating the Board of Directors, as its policy develops. Safeguards can include for example: strengthening auditing or procurement rules, and wider Central Bank reform. The UK uses its seat on the IMF Board, in conjunction with other board members, to help ensure that programme conditions are consistent with the IMF’s mandate.
There have not been formal discussions at the IMF board on Lebanon, though the IMF’s spokesman has said recently that “there is significant scope to strengthen the transparency and accountability of economic policies, and public sector entities.”
For all IMF programmes, the UK uses its seat at the IMF’s Board to engage in the process of programme design and stipulation of conditions on lending. We utilise the expertise of our embassy network to ensure that programme conditions reflect the domestic political situation while remaining consistent with the IMF’s mandate.
IMF programmes in general are subject to strict policies of oversight and monitoring, underpinned by well-established mechanisms.
Under its Articles of Agreement, the IMF must establish adequate safeguards for the use of its resources. IMF lending requires safeguards covering key areas of governance and control to help mitigate the risks of misuse of Fund resources and misreporting of data. These safeguards may include limits on how much can be borrowed, conditions on the loans, measures to deal with misreporting or arrears, and safeguard assessments of central banks. The UK also uses its seat at the Board to help shape these policies and ensure that they are applied across all the IMF’s lending arrangements.
The UK has mature policies in place relating to the disposal of confiscated criminal assets. Domestically, confiscated assets are disposed of in line with the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS), under which operational agencies are allocated a portion of the assets recovered.
The use of ARIS allocations/payments is a matter for each agency. However, in the spirit of the Scheme, incentive payments should be used to drive up performance on asset recovery and, where appropriate, to fund local crime fighting priorities for the benefit of the community.
Internationally, the UK is fully committed to recovering and returning corruptly obtained assets. HMG has recently published its first ever Framework for Transparent and Accountable Return, which details HMG’s process for returning assets in line with UNCAC, including the involvement of civil society actors in this process.
The government is committed to the principle that all police use of force must be reasonable, proportionate and necessary and this is set in law.
We recognise the crucial work of the Council of Europe and in particular the Parliamentary Assembly in this sphere, noting that recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review.
A: The UK government is aware of the debate entitled European Pact on Migration and Asylum, during the recent session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), and notes the resolution agreed by PACE on the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact.
The UK Government is committed to increasing cooperation with European member states to strengthen borders and to deter secondary movement to the UK.
The Nationality and Borders Bill, which is currently before Parliament, will drive forward reform of the UK’s asylum system.
The Government strongly supports the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime as the leading international treaty on cybercrime. We also welcome the work of the Council of Europe to develop the Second Additional Protocol to the Convention, to ensure that the Convention remains effective if the face of changing threats in cyberspace, and that it continues to provide an effective legal basis for international cooperation to tackle these threats.
So called 'honour’-based abuse (HBA) is a terrible form of abuse, and we are clear that we will not allow political or cultural sensitivities to get in the way of tackling it. No-one should suffer because of who they are or what community they are born into.
Our focus remains on preventing these crimes from happening, supporting and protecting survivors and those at risk, and bringing perpetrators to justice. The Home Office is providing up to £150,000 to the charity Karma Nirvana this year to run its national HBA helpline; between April and September 2021 the helpline provided assistance to 1,212 users of the service. The joint Home Office/Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Forced Marriage Unit has provided advice and support for thousands of victims of forced marriage and delivers regular training to police officers and social workers.
The Government’s recent Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy set out a number of further actions to tackle HBA, including that the Home Office will seek out community advocates who can talk to community audiences to explain why HBA practices are wrong, that the College of Policing will produce advice for police officers to advise both first responders and investigators on how to deal with cases of HBA, and that the Department for Health and Social Care will work to criminalise ‘virginity testing’ to send a clear message that this practice is wholly unacceptable in our society.
We welcome the insights communicated in the debate at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe last month. The Government pays close attention to the experiences of our international partners in tackling HBA and works closely with them in tackling it. For example, in 2018 the Government signed a protocol on female genital mutilation (FGM) with the United States to increase collaboration and the sharing of intelligence between the two countries. This enabled the UK and the United States to run Operation Limelight (a joint operation between border staff and the police which seeks to raise awareness of FGM and forced marriage at the border in order to safeguard potential victims) concurrently at several ports in the two countries.
Antisemitism has no place in our society, which is why we became the first country to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism and continue to encourage other bodies to do so. We also continue to support the independent adviser on Antisemitism, Lord Mann, to provide expert advice to Government on contemporary Antisemitism, and how best to tackle it.
Online abuse of any kind, including antisemitic abuse, is unacceptable. We want the internet to be a safe space for all users - we are clear that what is unacceptable offline should be unacceptable online. A new regulatory framework will mean that companies will be held to account for tackling illegal activity and content, such as hate crime, harassment and cyber-stalking, as well as that which may not be illegal but is nonetheless highly damaging to individuals and society.
This Government is providing £14 million this year, and has provided over £65 million to date, for the Protective Security Grant to provide protective security measures at all Jewish state, free and independent schools, colleges, nurseries, and some other Jewish community sites, including a number of synagogues.
The Government was pleased to lay the Local Government (Exclusion of Non-commercial Considerations) (England) Order 2022 on Wednesday 25th May, as set out here: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/id/ukdsi/2022/9780348235500
The Order will be debated in the House of Commons on Monday 20 June and if made, will allow local authorities to follow the Cabinet Office Procurement Policy Notice (PPN 01/2022), as set out here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-0122-contracts-with-suppliers-from-russia-and-belarus
Government has supported growth in Oxfordshire through a range of measures, such as through the Getting Building Fund, Enterprise Zones and the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal. Local authorities in the county also have the opportunity to bid for further support through the second round of the Levelling Up Fund and will benefit from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK is committed to creating a fair society in which all people are valued and able to participate fully and realise their own potential. We have made great strides to become a fairer and more tolerant society, but we must acknowledge that there is so much more to do in eradicating prejudice and creating opportunity. We supported the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly debate on a European policy on diasporas on 24 June, and note that the resolution and recommendations will go to the Committee of Ministers in due course for appropriate review. We will continue to engage with international institutions as this work progresses.
We welcome the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe’s important work in this area. The UK Government continues to take its responsibilities under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities very seriously and does not underestimate the importance and challenge of preserving national minorities.
The UK is committed to creating a fair society in which all people are valued and able to participate fully and realise their own potential. In that respect, we call on all member States who have not done so, to ratify the Framework Convention for National Minorities in a timely manner, as a valuable tool for protecting the rights of minorities across Europe.
The Government is committed to a sentencing framework that takes account of the true nature of crimes and targets specific groups of offenders accordingly. This means that serious criminals must spend time in prison that reflects the gravity of their crimes, whilst we also look to divert offenders away from a life of crime and support them to rehabilitate.
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act introduced targeted interventions for the most serious and most dangerous offenders, and those of most public concern. This includes those who commit the premeditated murder of a child, for example. These are serious crimes, and we must ensure that offenders are receiving appropriate punishments so that victims are protected for longer and the public can have confidence in the system.
This government has made tangible progress in tackling the £18 billion cost of reoffending and protecting the public. Data shows that over the last 10 years, reoffending rates have decreased from 30.9% in 2009/10 to 25.6% in 2019/2020. To continue this progress, we will invest £200m a year by 2024-25 to improve prison leavers’ access to accommodation, employment support and substance misuse treatment. This includes delivering a Prisoner Education Service which raises the level of the numeracy, literacy, skills and qualifications of offenders and delivering a presumption in favour of offering offenders the chance to work in prisons and on release.
Alongside delivering 20,000 additional prison places by the middle of this decade, we are also continuing to invest in critical maintenance projects to ensure as much capacity as possible is kept online. This will have a positive impact on lowering the proportion of crowding within the prison estate.
The UK welcomes the visits and reports of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT). The UK Government promotes a general policy of transparency by having a default position of authorising the publication of the visit reports and the UK responses, and encouraging other Member States to do likewise.
The UK Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe has in the past intervened in the Committee of Ministers, calling on Member States to agree to the publication of all CPT reports. Although there are no immediate plans to adopt the automatic publication procedure, we shall continue to take the approach of authorising the publication of the CPT visit reports and the government responses.
The Ministry of Justice is committed to working with health partners to improve the timeliness of transfers from prison to hospital under the Mental Health Act. As stated in the Government’s response to the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment’s report, we recognise that in some cases this currently takes far too long.
That is why last month the Government published a draft Mental Health Bill which introduces a new statutory time limit of 28-days for transfers from prisons to hospital. This time limit, together with operational improvements, will help reduce unnecessary delays and ensure people in the criminal justice system receive swift access to treatment.
The draft Bill will also end the use of prison as a ‘place of safety’. This will end the practice of courts diverting offenders or defendants requiring assessment and treatment in an inpatient setting to prison when there are no hospital beds available, ensuring vulnerable offenders are able to access the right support in the right environment.
The draft Bill will now be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny.
HMPPS is committed to promoting prisoner welfare and wellbeing. This is ensured through a number of procedures and mandatory policies.
In relation to Time in the Open Air, subject to weather conditions and the need to maintain good order and discipline, all prisoners are afforded a minimum of 30 minutes in the open air daily. However, many prisoners may regularly benefit from more, including through participation in activities.
Prison cell occupancy in prisons in England and Wales is certified by the Prison Group Director (PGD) in accordance with the Certified Prisoner Accommodation Framework, which provides guidelines for determining cell capacities. Cells are only shared where a PGD has assessed them to be of an adequate size and condition.
The capacity of each prison and the overall capacity of the prison estate is reviewed on a weekly basis to ensure there are sufficient places for all offenders. Prison numbers can fluctuate, which is why we have a robust set of plans in place to ensure we will always have enough places for offenders sent to custody by the courts.
We are committed to building as many prison places as we need. Over the next ten years, additional capacity will come in to use through new build prison accommodation, existing accommodation returning to use following the completion of essential maintenance or places coming into use following a change in function.
We are investing £3.8 billion to deliver 20,000 additional, modern prison places including 2,000 temporary prison places across England and Wales. This includes refurbishing and building additional houseblocks across existing prison sites and creating four new prisons over the next six years and expanding another four prisons over the next three years. The first of these, HMP Five Wells in Northamptonshire, opened in February and work is also well underway at HMP Fosse Way, Leicestershire (on the former HMP Glen Parva site).
We have taken note of the activities undertaken by Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights during 2021. These activities of course have taken place across the different member States of the Council of Europe, and on many topics in a human rights context.
My Hon Friend will appreciate that there are a number of competing demands for time in the House of Commons chamber. This includes ensuring adequate time for scrutiny of the government's legislative programme and meeting the standing order requirements to provide opposition and backbench time. While I am not in a position to commit to an annual debate on the Council of Europe, this is the type of subject matter for debate that my Hon Friend may wish to take up with the Backbench Business Committee.