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).
Increase pay for NHS healthcare workers and recognise their work
Gov Responded - 4 May 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Patrick Grady's petition debate contributionsI would like the government to review and increase the pay for healthcare workers to recognise the work that they do.
Reduce or scrap the immigration health surcharge for overseas NHS Staff.
Gov Responded - 29 May 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Patrick Grady's petition debate contributionsTo revoke the Immigration Health Surcharge increases for overseas NHS staff. The latest budget shows an increase of £220 a year for an overseas worker to live and work in the UK, at a time when the NHS, and UK economy, relies heavily on them.
We would like the government to consider social care as equally important to NHS
Gov Responded - 20 Apr 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Patrick Grady's petition debate contributionsWe would like the government to support and regard social care: financially, publicly and systematically on an equal par as NHS. We would like parliament to debate how to support social care during COVID-19 and beyond so that it automatically has the same access to operational and financial support.
Give non-British citizens who are NHS workers automatic citizenship
Gov Responded - 6 May 2020 Debated on - 25 Jun 2020 View Patrick Grady's petition debate contributionsGive NHS workers who are EU and other Nationals automatic UK citizenship if they stay and risk their own lives looking after the British people during the COVID crisis.
These initiatives were driven by Patrick Grady, 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.
Patrick Grady has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Patrick Grady has not introduced any legislation before Parliament
Universal Jurisdiction (Extension) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Brendan O'Hara (SNP)
Global Climate and Development Finance Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Liam Byrne (Lab)
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Pension Transfers (Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Investigation) Bill Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - David Johnston (Con)
Plastics (Wet Wipes) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Fleur Anderson (Lab)
Import of Products of Forced Labour from Xinjiang (Prohibition) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Brendan O'Hara (SNP)
Ministerial Interests (Emergency Powers) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Owen Thompson (SNP)
Prime Minister (Nomination) and Cabinet (Appointment) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Pete Wishart (SNP)
British Indian Ocean Territory (Citizenship) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Henry Smith (Con)
Unpaid Trial Work Periods (Prohibition) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Stewart Malcolm McDonald (SNP)
Feeding Products for Babies and Children (Advertising and Promotion) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Alison Thewliss (SNP)
I refer the Honourable Member to my response to UIN 1516 on 21 November 2023.
On Sunday, 7th May 2023, a special Coronation Concert will take place at Windsor Castle. Produced, staged and broadcast live by the BBC and BBC Studios, the Coronation Concert will bring global music icons and contemporary stars together in celebration of the historic occasion.
Alongside the stars of the concert, the show will also see an exclusive appearance from The Coronation Choir. This diverse group will be created by the BBC from the nation’s community choirs and amateur singers from across the United Kingdom, such as Refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups and deaf signing choirs.
The BBC has not yet taken decisions on exactly which choirs will participate. They still plan to have a refugee choir but all applications need to be assessed in the round.
On Sunday, 7th May 2023, a special Coronation Concert will take place at Windsor Castle. Produced, staged and broadcast live by the BBC and BBC Studios, the Coronation Concert will bring global music icons and contemporary stars together in celebration of the historic occasion.
Alongside the stars of the concert, the show will also see an exclusive appearance from The Coronation Choir. This diverse group will be created by the BBC from the nation’s community choirs and amateur singers from across the United Kingdom, such as Refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups and deaf signing choirs.
The BBC has not yet taken decisions on exactly which choirs will participate. They still plan to have a refugee choir but all applications need to be assessed in the round.
The UK Presidency team has regular meetings with UNICEF. We support many of the principles in the declaration on children, youth and climate action and are carefully considering how to engage with it.
The UK has been committed to amplifying the voices of young people from across the world through our COP26 presidency and domestic frameworks. COP26 agreed a new 10 year work programme on Action for Climate Empowerment which significantly increases youth engagement in climate processes.
In the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs 25 Year Environment Plan, the government sets out a plan for how the natural environment will be protected and enhanced for our, and future, generations. One of the actions it commits to is to help children and young people from all backgrounds engage with nature and improve the environment.
Emissions from the military were not on the agenda at COP26 and as such, were not discussed during preparations for the conference.
The agenda for each meeting is agreed by consensus through the UNFCCC.
The UK has long recognised the unequivocal threat that climate change and environmental degradation pose to the lives and wellbeing of individuals and communities across the world, including the most marginalised and vulnerable.
The UK has been committed to amplifying the voices of young people from across the world through our COP26 presidency and domestic frameworks.
In the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ 25 Year Environment Plan, the Government sets out a plan for how the natural environment will be protected and enhanced for our, and future, generations. One of the actions it commits to is to help children and young people from all backgrounds engage with nature and improve the environment.
We support many of the principles in the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action and will carefully consider how to engage with it.
I will answer Oral Questions in the House on a regular basis. Written questions can be tabled to myself as the President of COP26.
The House of Commons Commission has not received a request from the Government to arrange for Big Ben to chime to mark the UK’s departure from the EU.
The Commission is aware of EDM No. 2, tabled by the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford, which calls on Mr Speaker and the House Authorities to make arrangements for Big Ben to chime at 11.00 pm on 31 January 2020.
The Commission is further aware that an amendment in the names of Mark Francois and other signatories has been tabled to the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill that moves the following clause;
Exit day chimes of Big Ben
(1) The United Kingdom leaves the European Union, in accordance with Article 50 (2) of the Treaty on European Union, at 11.00pm Greenwich Mean Time on Friday 31 January 2020.
(2) The Speaker of the House of Commons and the Corporate Officer of the House of Commons, together with any other relevant parliamentary authorities, must make arrangements for the occasion in subsection (1) to be marked by the sounding of the hourly chimes including eleven strikes of the principal bell (Big Ben) of the Great Clock in the Elizabeth Tower of the Houses of Parliament at 11.00pm Greenwich Mean Time on Friday 31 January 2020.
In May 2018, the Commission agreed that, during the Elizabeth Tower refurbishment project, Big Ben should sound only for Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day and over the New Year.
Military assistants are serving members of the Armed Forces, seconded to Downing Street. The release of their details is a matter for the Ministry of Defence.
The Minister for Brexit Opportunities does not meet music industry representatives on this issue, as this falls largely within the remit of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
The Government is committed to supporting the touring sector to adapt to new arrangements with the EU. We have worked with the sector and directly with Member States to clarify arrangements, press for specific changes from Member States, and introduce unilateral measures where possible.
Government ministers and officials regularly engage with the music sector, including on the important issue of touring. This includes the DCMS-led touring group, which last met in June 2022, with attendance from the former DCMS Minister for Media, Data and Digital Infrastructure, officials from across government and devolved authorities, and representatives of the creative and cultural sectors.
The Government remains committed to engaging with devolved governments on the reviews into retained EU law, including engaging at Ministerial level.
To date, there have been regular official level discussions with the devolved administrations. We will continue to engage at an official level in areas of interest.
The Hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs was appointed as a Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office on 3 February 2022. He is a Minister of the Crown.
As has been the case under successive administrations, issues relating to staff employed by the governing party are a matter for that party.
I refer the Hon. Member to the reply I gave to the Hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne on 7 February 2022 (Hansard Volume 708, Column 695) and the answer I gave on 10 February to PQ 119903 to the Hon. Member for Luton South.
I refer to the reply I gave to the Hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne on 7 February 2022 (Hansard Volume 708, from Column 695).
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is a Minister of the Crown.
On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed that a public inquiry into COVID-19 will be established on a statutory basis, with full formal powers and that it will begin its work in spring 2022. A chair will be appointed by the end of the year. More details, including the terms of reference for the inquiry, will be set out in due course.
On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed that a public inquiry into COVID-19 would be established on a statutory basis, with full formal powers, and that it will begin its work in spring 2022.
Further details will be set out in due course.
On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed the public inquiry into COVID-19 will begin in Spring 2022. The Government understands that to ensure we learn lessons from the pandemic, it is imperative that we engage and consult with bereaved families and others, before the terms of reference are finalised. Throughout the pandemic senior ministers, including the Prime Minister, have met and will continue to meet with bereaved families.
I want to thank the Bereaved Families for Justice group for all their efforts in representing bereaved families throughout the pandemic. Every death from this virus is a tragedy and our deepest sympathies are with everyone who has lost loved ones. The Government remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that these families have the scrutiny of the Government’s response to managing the pandemic that they deserve.
Every death during the pandemic has been a tragic loss, made so much harder for those unable to say goodbye or grieve as they would have wished. It is absolutely right that we come together to mark and remember this period appropriately.
The Prime Minister announced on 12th May that the Government will support these efforts by establishing a UK Commission on Covid Commemoration. The Commission will carefully consider how communities across the country can remember those who have lost their lives and recognise those involved in the response in a fitting and permanent way.
The Government is aware of Bereaved Families for Justice’ call to be included in the membership of the Commission. I am thankful to them for all their efforts throughout the pandemic. We recognise the need for bereaved families to be represented on the Commission and are committed to ensuring this happens. The Government will set out the Commission membership and terms of reference in due course.
The Government was elected on a manifesto which made clear our plans to exit the EU and that the transition period would end on 31 December 2020. The UK Government has agreed and delivered a deal with the EU which fully delivers on this manifesto commitment.
While efforts are currently focused on dealing with the pandemic and supporting businesses and citizens, many millions of people welcome this outcome and will mark it in their own private ways. Suggestions from colleagues and the public are always welcomed.
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.
The National Audit Office, the public spending watchdog, has published its report on Government procurement activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as outlined in the statement on gov.uk.
The Government has always been clear that there will be opportunities to look back, analyse and reflect on all aspects of COVID-19. This will include an independent inquiry at the appropriate time. For now the Government is focused entirely on responding to the pandemic and saving lives, particularly as the country is experiencing a second wave of the virus.
We have notified the Regional Returning Officer for Scotland of the MEP vacancy and asked them to take the necessary steps to fill the MEP seat in accordance with the European Parliamentary Elections Regulations 2004.
Last year my Department published the UK's Critical Minerals Strategy to accelerate domestic production, collaborate with international partners, and enhance international markets to strengthen supply chains.
The Strategy commits to boost global environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance to support a more transparent, responsible, and sustainable critical minerals and mining industry. The UK is playing a leading role in international efforts to drive up ESG performance through its bilateral and multilateral engagements, including the Minerals Security Partnership. The UK is also a strong supporter and implementing country of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
Further, we will ensure UK domestic mining complies with permitting and planning regulations that protect the interests of communities and our natural environment.
The Department routinely considers the implications of evidence from a range of sources when assessing the effectiveness of its policies on working practices. The government has no plans to implement a four-day week but has recently supported the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023.
The Act makes changes to the right to request flexible working to better support employers and employees to agree flexible working arrangements that work for everyone.
Decisions on the opening hours of Royal Mail’s customer service points are an operational matter for the business. The Government does not have a role in Royal Mail's operational or commercial decisions.
The Government is working with the Community Energy Contact Group on the content of the annual report and consultation. Whilst it hopes to publish these products as soon as possible, until these discussions have concluded the Government is unable to outline a definitive timeline.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is responsible for regulating advertising in the UK across traditional forms of media and operates independently of the Government. The ASA takes environmental issues seriously and addresses them through the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) Codes, which set the rules and standards for advertising to the marketing industry.
I have had regular meetings with energy suppliers, charities – including disability charities - and other external organisations in recent months on a range of consumer and affordability issues, including the energy needs of households that include a disabled person.
As set out in the 2022 autumn statement, the Government is exploring the best approach to consumer protection, as part of wider retail market reforms.
The Government continues to monitor the situation and will keep options under review.
As set out in the 2022 autumn statement, the Government is exploring the best approach to consumer protection, as part of wider retail market reforms.
The Government continues to monitor the situation and will keep options under review.
Ofgem rules require suppliers to proactively identify and provide support to those that are self-disconnecting. My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State is writing to suppliers to stress the importance that the rules are followed and will publish his letter. There is also immediate financial support, including the Energy Price Guarantee and Energy Bills Support Scheme.
On 5 December the Government published the response to the consultation “Making flexible working the default”[1]. This committed to make a number of changes to the existing Right to Request Flexible Working, including making it apply from the first day of employment. It also committed the Government to issue a call for evidence on non-contractual and ad hoc flexible working. These steps will support parents, people with disabilities and older workers who wish to remain in or return to work.
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/making-flexible-working-the-default
The Government is delivering the Energy Bills Support Scheme, a £400 non-repayable grant to support all families with their energy bills. The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will save a typical household in Great Britain £900 this Winter. In addition, families with disabled children are entitled to a one-off £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment. The Government is currently reviewing the EPG. The consultation will explore the best ways to ensure that vulnerable high energy users, such as those with medical requirements, are not put at risk of having to pay more.
The Government is delivering the Energy Bills Support Scheme, a £400 non-repayable grant to support all families with their energy bills. The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will save a typical household in Great Britain £900 this Winter. In addition, families with disabled children are entitled to a one-off £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment.
The Government is currently reviewing the EPG. The consultation will explore the best ways to ensure that vulnerable high energy users, such as those with medical requirements, are not put at risk of having to pay more.
As set out in the Flexible Working Post Implementation Review which was published in September 2021[1], research shows lower levels of absenteeism and higher levels of employer loyalty among those who have taken up a flexible working arrangement. However it remains difficult to isolate the specific impact of the role played by legislation.
[1] https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1398/pdfs/uksiod_20141398_en.pdf
Ministers regularly meet with representatives from the fashion sector, including most recently from the Leicester textile industry, to discuss the key issues affecting the sector, including the introduction of a Fashion Watchdog / Garment Trade Adjudicator.
The Government continues to engage with enforcement bodies and industry partners to strengthen our understanding of the garment trade. The Government will continue to review this issue and consider options to drive up standards across the sector.
Ofgem, as the independent energy regulator, uses the price control process to set the amount that Network Operators can spend and the returns they can make on investment, in a way that allows the funding needed for a more resilient, low-carbon network while protecting consumers from excessive costs. The Government engages regularly with Ofgem and the network companies throughout the development of the price controls. The next electricity distribution network price control will commence in April 2023, with Final Determinations from Ofgem expected shortly.
Ofgem, as the independent energy regulator, uses the price control process to set the amount that Network Operators can spend and the returns they can make on investment, in a way that allows the funding needed for a more resilient, low-carbon network while protecting consumers from excessive costs. The Government engages regularly with Ofgem, the network companies and stakeholders, including consumer interest groups, throughout the development of the price controls. The new electricity distribution network price control will commence in April 2023, and Final Determinations from Ofgem were published on 30th November.
Ofgem, as the independent energy regulator, uses the price control process to set the amount that Network Operators can spend and the returns they can make on investment, in a way that allows the funding needed for a more resilient, low-carbon network while protecting consumers from excessive costs. The Government engages regularly with Ofgem, the network companies and stakeholders, including consumer interest groups, throughout the development of the price controls. The new electricity distribution network price control will commence in April 2023, and Final Determinations from Ofgem were published on 30th November.
The Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) is considering how to reduce the role of gas as a price setter for electricity. This includes reforms for bringing forward investment in low carbon generation, leading to less frequent use of gas, as well as options around wholesale market reform.
The UK is closely monitoring the situation surrounding the Energy Charter Treaty’s modernisation process, including the positions taken by other Contracting Parties.
The Scottish Government has introduced legislative changes on fireworks in response to issues specific to Scotland. The Government continues to monitor these changes and work closely with all Devolved Administrations to ensure the safety of the public across the UK.
Solar is a key part of the UK’s energy mix and the Government’s strategy for decarbonising the electricity system by 2035. The Government needs sustained growth in both rooftop and ground mounted capacity in the next decade to support delivery of net zero. Utility scale solar is now one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation. Deploying more home grown solar will help limit household electricity bills and ensure Britain is less affected by fluctuations in volatile global gas prices.