House of Commons · Bill Debate
15 December 2021 · 5 other contributors
Opened by Kwasi Kwarteng Con Spelthorne
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Kwasi Kwarteng raised concerns about the professional qualifications (scotland etc) bill - second reading of the bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Moves to revoke current EU-based approach for professional qualification recognition, replacing it with a new global system. Argues that this ensures fairness and equal opportunities for professionals from around the world while maintaining support for UK trade agenda. Highlights the importance of regulator autonomy in ensuring the Bill's success.
Intervenes to express concern that the British Dental Association has warned about the potential for the Bill to lower standards required to practise. Requests assurance from the Secretary of State on maintaining current professional standards.
Supports mutual recognition but emphasises maintaining high standards and protecting regulator independence. Cites examples of nurse and vet shortages, criticises initial errors in drafting the Bill, and calls for public scrutiny of secondary legislation changes.
Expressed concerns about the Bill's potential to undermine devolution, specifically highlighting Clause 16(3), which allows UK Ministers to exercise powers in devolved areas without seeking consent from Scottish or Welsh Governments. Emphasised the importance of legislative consent motions for clauses affecting devolved competencies and urged the Government to table amendments to align with devolution principles.
Acknowledged the importance of professional qualifications in various sectors and supported the Bill's aim to promote mutual recognition. Raised concerns about the excessive use of secondary legislation and inadequate consultation with devolved Administrations. Demanded that the Government amend the Bill to ensure proper parliamentary scrutiny and inclusion of devolved administrations in the regulation-making process.
Supports the Bill as it facilitates international trade and addresses domestic needs by allowing professionals to enter new markets while maintaining professional standards. He emphasises that regulators retain autonomy in setting and assessing standards even when entering into recognition agreements with overseas counterparts. The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement secures market access for key services sectors, including legal services where UK lawyers can practice using their UK title within the EU. The Bill also aligns with commitments to the Common Travel Area with Ireland and supports an overall skills strategy by enabling regulators to assess individuals’ qualifications gained overseas in cases of unmet demand. It also ensures that aspiring professionals have access to information about professions through transparency requirements and provides assistance centres for direct help.