Fairness at Work and Power in Communities

Caroline Dinenage Con

Gosport

The hon. Member for Gosport raised concerns about the lack of legislation in the Queen’s Speech to introduce unpaid carer’s leave, a commitment from the Government's 2019 manifesto and key part of their adult social care reforms.

Chris Stephens SNP

Glasgow North East

The hon. Member for Glasgow North East inquired about the absence of an employment Bill in the Queen’s Speech, despite previous promises to address issues such as zero-hours contracts and short-term shift notices.

Andy McDonald Lab

Middlesbrough and Thornaby East

The hon. Member for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East questioned the lack of protections afforded to P&O workers who lost their jobs over a video call, highlighting the need for stronger action against unscrupulous employers.

Siobhain McDonagh Lab

Mitcham and Morden

The hon. Member for Mitcham and Morden pointed out that several major retailers had reduced terms and conditions of their long-standing employees through a 90-day consultation period, questioning whether this was an appropriate way to treat workers.

Barry Sheerman Con

Huddersfield

The hon. Member for Huddersfield emphasised the importance of women returning to work and having flexible hours, highlighting the high cost of childcare in the UK as a barrier to achieving this.

Marsha de Cordova Lab

Battersea

The hon. Member for Battersea proposed mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting to address disparities among black and ethnic minority workers, advocating for more comprehensive measures in the labour market.

Kate Green

A member raised concerns about how exclusivity clauses might be used by employers to keep wages low and increase worker exploitation through multiple low-paid jobs.

Andy McDonald Lab

Middlesbrough and Thornaby East

The hon. Member for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East asked for an update on the advice received from 8 April regarding a criminal investigation into P&O workers' dismissals.

Dean Russell

Mr Dean Russell inquired about support for his Tips Bill, which would ensure that employers could not keep tips given to staff and waiters, supporting hospitality workers with the cost of living.

Chris Stephens SNP

Glasgow North East

The hon. Member for Glasgow North East again raised concerns about the absence of an employment Bill to address issues like zero-hours contracts and short-term shift notices, despite previous commitments from the Government.

Maria Miller

The hon. Member for Basingstoke asked if the Government were still planning to outlaw the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and confidentiality agreements in the workplace, which are often used to cover up wrongdoing.

Grahame Morris Lab

Easington

The hon. Member for Easington inquired about whether provisions in the Harbours (Seafarers’ Remuneration) Bill would apply to employment in the renewable energy sector on the UK continental shelf, which has potential for many new jobs but risks of offshoring.

Kate Green

A member proposed addressing the misuse of compulsory strike-off practices that allow unscrupulous directors to evade debts and other obligations by having their companies struck off.

Clive Betts Lab

Sheffield South East

The hon. Member for Sheffield South East asked for clarity on the additional powers Mayors will have under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill, to ensure local governance can effectively drive growth and regeneration.

Rosie Winterton Lab

Halifax

Called the deputy Leader of the Opposition to speak and informed the House that due to high demand for contributions, backbench speeches should be limited to no longer than 10 minutes each.

Angela Rayner Lab

Ashton-under-Lyne

The Government's failure to deliver on employment Bill promises leads to insecure work, low wages, and increased poverty. Labour proposes fair pay agreements, ending qualifying periods for basic rights, scrapping business rates, extending maternity and paternity leave, closing gender, disability, and ethnicity pay gaps, and using public procurement to support British businesses.

Andy McDonald Lab

Middlesbrough and Thornaby East

Admires Baroness McGregor-Smith's work on pay gap reporting which was thwarted by the Government. The Government is behind business, TUC, and others on this issue.

Barry Sheerman

The decision to close Channel 4 in Leeds will be a mortal blow to creative industries in the north of England.

Chris Stephens

Criticises Government's decision to close DWP and Insolvency Service offices, arguing it goes against Labour's vision for secure work.

Liam Fox Con

North Somerset

Mr. Fox discussed the impact of inflation on society, particularly highlighting its disproportionate effect on the poorest. He referred to a report by Carlos Fernandez Alvarez and Gergely Molnar from the International Energy Agency, explaining that the surge in energy prices was due to various supply and demand factors affecting global commodities. Mr. Fox pointed out significant differences in inflation rates across countries and argued for an investigation into why the Bank of England underestimated the inflation threat. He also emphasised the need for housing targets but stressed that local authorities should have discretion over planning decisions.

Kirsty Blackman SNP

Aberdeen North

The Scottish National Party member criticises the UK Government for failing to deliver on their promise of an employment Bill. She cites numerous examples, including the need for a proper living wage and flexible working rights from day one. She also mentions the failure to address neonatal leave, shared parental leave, tips for workers, redundancy protections for women, and other issues highlighted in the Taylor review. The speaker emphasises that the lack of action by the Government has worsened inequalities and calls for employment law to be devolved to Scotland.

Maria Miller Con

Basingstoke

The Government's focus on driving economic growth is essential for job security, wage increases and overall certainty. Maria highlights the need to spread economic recovery beyond London and southeast England through levelling-up initiatives, acknowledging past failures in regional policy and advocating for regular monitoring of effectiveness. She emphasises the importance of addressing cost-of-living issues and calls for changes to bring inflation under control. The Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill aims to provide opportunities across the UK regardless of location or background. Maria stresses that levelling up must extend beyond geography, including tackling employment market failures such as maternity discrimination, misuse of non-disclosure agreements, flexible working rights, unpaid carer’s leave, and parental leave. She also supports measures in education, victim support, and modern slavery legislation.

Clive Betts Lab

Sheffield South East

Asks for measures to address the cost of living crisis and expresses concerns about levelling up, questioning where the money and powers are. Criticises lack of funds and extra powers in the Bill. Suggests redistributing funding from richer areas to poorer ones and decentralising decision-making. Highlights planning reform improvements but calls for more action on build-out and housing targets. Welcomes social housing regulation changes but emphasises need for additional funding. Supports private renting commitments but seeks further legislation.

Christopher Chope Con

Christchurch

Mr Chope criticises the omission of changes to the vaccine damage payment scheme in the Gracious Speech, highlighting that the maximum compensation has not been increased since 2007 while industrial injuries disablement benefit has risen by 39%. He advocates for an increase and reform of the scheme. Mr Chope also mentions the newly formed vib.uk organisation calling for wider changes to the vaccine damage payment scheme. He further discusses the lack of reference to promised changes in pitch fees for park home residents from RPI to CPI, and expresses concern over potential windfall taxes, emphasising that such taxes would be detrimental to economic growth.

Kirsty Blackman SNP

Aberdeen North

Ms Blackman intervenes to express agreement with Mr Chope regarding the vaccine damage payment scheme and highlights the significant delays in decision-making processes, suggesting this is a key issue that needs urgent resolution.

Barry Sheerman

Mr Sheerman, during an intervention, recalls Margaret Thatcher's use of windfall taxes on banks which had made substantial profits, questioning Mr Chope's stance against such measures and suggesting it contradicts earlier Conservative practices.

Siobhain McDonagh Lab

Mitcham and Morden

Critiques the government's inaction on the cost of living crisis, proposing a windfall tax on oil and gas producers. Expresses concern over social housing waiting lists and criticises the scrapping of house building targets. Acknowledges progress for social housing tenants but emphasises the need for a strengthened regulator to address disrepair issues. Calls out the government's failure to deliver an employment Bill, highlighting the issue of fire and rehire practices in major organisations. Concludes with criticism of the government's tendency to delay action on critical issues.

Richard Drax Con

South Dorset

Called for radical reforms to boost economic recovery, including tax cuts, scrapping national insurance increases, and reducing VAT on domestic fuel. He also expressed concerns over potential impacts of the Northern Irish protocol and advocated for measures to support Northern Ireland veterans. Stressed the importance of maintaining a strong Army in future conflicts despite current successes in Ukraine. Also highlighted issues with excessive employment legislation and the need for better housing regulations.

Barry Sheerman Lab

Huddersfield

Mr. Sheerman expressed deep concern over the perceived downgrading of Parliament by the Government and criticised the Queen’s Speech for its lack of ambition, particularly in addressing health and social care issues such as supported housing shortages. He highlighted a moral imperative to confront national crises with honesty, acknowledging the need for higher taxation to fund necessary services. Mr. Sheerman also emphasised the undervaluation of frontline workers and lamented the absence of environmental initiatives, education policies aimed at levelling up, and strategies to combat child poverty in the Queen’s Speech.

Dean Russell Con

Watford

Mr Russell highlighted the importance of tackling loneliness in society and praised local charities for their support during the pandemic. He emphasised the need for mental health first aid in workplaces and introduced a ten-minute rule Bill on this issue previously. He also pushed for his Tips Bill to ensure fair access to tips by workers in hospitality, stressing its relevance in addressing the cost of living issues. Mr Russell discussed the role of creative services in the hospitality sector, particularly in theatres, and advocated for community involvement in planning decisions regarding building heights and street-level development. He noted the progress made in reducing rough sleeping and expressed hope that the Queen’s Speech would provide opportunities for people to thrive beyond just surviving. Additionally, he supported cross-party work on the Draft Online Safety Bill, emphasising the need to ensure online safety while enabling innovation.

Nia Griffith Lab

Llanelli

Griffith highlighted the importance of fair pay and job security for a productive workforce. She discussed how the Welsh Labour Government is implementing policies like paying carers the real living wage, which she sees as an example of putting into practice something that improves people's lives. She also mentioned practical solutions such as negotiating guaranteed minimum hours per week or month with employers to help workers cope with the cost of living crisis.

Tom Randall Con

Gedling

Emphasises the importance of property-owning democracy, noting the historical context and current challenges such as high house prices. He supports measures to ensure development looks nice, welcomes funding for design codes in Gedling Borough Council, and discusses estate rent charges where residents face unfair fees.

Dan Jarvis Lab

Barnsley North

Critiques the levelling-up agenda, highlighting deep cuts to council funds and lack of devolved control. He advocates for increased funding similar to German reunification efforts after 1990, a major shift towards fiscal devolution, step changes in devolved powers, and basic safeguards for regional solidarity and redistribution.

Tom Hunt Con

Ipswich

Hunt welcomed the focus on the cost of living and acknowledged steps taken by the Government. He discussed the importance of town centres, highlighting efforts to revitalise Ipswich's Carr Street through small independent businesses like Microshops. He emphasised the need for action against antisocial behaviour in town centres and supported measures relating to compulsory rental auctions and local authority powers. Hunt also welcomed the issue of small boat crossings and criticised illegal immigration, advocating for a British Bill of Rights. He praised efforts regarding education and special educational needs (SEN), calling for quick implementation of policies to address the SEN postcode lottery.

Helen Morgan Lib Dem

North Shropshire

In her speech, Helen Morgan emphasises the importance of rural communities and criticises the Conservative Government's lack of substance in their 'levelling up' slogan. She highlights issues such as limited public transport in Market Drayton, which affects access to healthcare and social opportunities. Additionally, she discusses the negative impact on health services due to centralization, isolation from essential services, and the challenges faced by farmers with rising costs. She proposes solutions including protecting farmers from trade deals that would lower standards, reversing closures of rural ambulance stations, improving staffing in healthcare, preventing water companies from dumping raw sewage into rivers, and improving transport infrastructure.

Kate Green Lab

Wirral South

Ms Green criticised the Queen’s Speech for failing to address poverty and job insecurity, particularly mentioning the lack of an employment Bill that would protect vulnerable workers. She emphasised the importance of regenerating local economies through education and skills training, raising concerns about the Schools Bill's potential impact on local schools' autonomy and accountability. Additionally, she discussed the higher education Bill’s lifelong loan entitlement, stressing the need for careful approach to ensure equitable access and quality outcomes for all students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Andy McDonald Lab

Middlesbrough and Thornaby East

The Queen’s Speech contains the most dispiriting programme of legislation that I have known during my time in Parliament. Following a pandemic with upwards of 175,000 deaths and a cost of living crisis, this Government have proposed a programme that will do nothing meaningful to help. Instead, they propose draconian laws including the Bill of Rights, Public Order Bill, and boycotts, divestment and sanctions Bill which are harmful to civil liberties and human rights. The employment Bill, announced three years ago with commitments for worker protections, has been ignored by the Government. The P&O Ferries incident highlighted the need for stronger employment rights and protections against corporate thuggery. There is a fear that proposed Brexit freedoms will regress on workers' rights. This moment calls for working people to realise that this Government are coming after their rights.

Feryal Clark Lab

Enfield North

My constituents in Enfield North want a Government who deliver for them. They need financial security, prosperity of a thriving high street, and respect from properly funded local services. The Queen’s Speech offered none of these things. Enfield has the 11th highest rate of child poverty in the country, with one in five workers on low pay and the highest private rental evictions due to section 21 notices which the Government have failed to reform for years. Inflation is at a 30-year high; levelling up cannot succeed under such conditions. Since 2018, Enfield Council’s budget has been cut by £70.2 million with no additional funding from central government despite applying for various funds like the towns fund and levelling up fund. More than 88% of the towns fund was allocated to Tory areas; people are cynical about Government's agenda. Levelling up Bills lack ambition, offering no new money or ideas and hoarding power in Whitehall instead of empowering local communities. Enfield cannot carry on with more of the same; we need action now for cost of living crisis, a rethink of economic settlement, real power handed to communities. Housing crisis is worsening; thousands are evicted for no reason while Government intervenes to prevent housing development. Public health spending disparity between boroughs is unfair and needs reform.

Chris Stephens SNP

Glasgow South West

The hon. Member highlights the election of Roza Salih as Scotland's first refugee councillor, celebrating her achievement and using it to argue for better rights for asylum seekers, including the right to work after a six-month period. He also criticises the Home Office for being dysfunctional and calls for protection against unfair working practices such as zero hours contracts and short-term shift changes. He further discusses the need for legislation to protect workers when companies cease trading and expresses concern over recent changes making sanctions on benefit claimants easier.

Andy McDonald Lab

Middlesbrough and Thornaby East

The hon. Member supports the principle that refugees should have recourse to public funds and the right to work, not just those under specific schemes like Homes for Ukraine.

Navendu Mishra Lab

Stockport

The hon. Member associates with the comments made about Roza Salih's election and emphasises the need for root and branch reform of the Home Office, citing its issues under both current and previous Conservative Governments.

Marsha de Cordova Lab

Battersea

The hon. Member agrees with Chris Stephens' call to scrap the sanctions regime, highlighting evidence that such measures do not work effectively for disabled people or others on benefits.

Barry Gardiner Lab

Brent West

Gardiner discussed the impact of insecure incomes, jobs, health services, and housing on citizens. He criticised the Queen’s Speech for not addressing key issues such as the right to food, restoration of the £20 cut to universal credit, employment rights, healthcare backlog, fire safety defects in accommodation, and homelessness. Additionally, he emphasised the need for land reform to address power imbalances within communities.

Marsha de Cordova Lab

Battersea

The Queen’s Speech missed opportunities to address social inequalities, increase living standards and promote community growth. Marsha de Cordova criticises the government for focusing on political gains over people's interests, highlighting losses in local elections where Labour won previously Conservative-held councils like Wandsworth Borough Council. She emphasises that the Government's policies have led to economic stagnation, inflation rise, and increased poverty, especially affecting disabled people and women. De Cordova argues for an emergency Budget with a windfall tax on oil and gas companies and calls for more protection of workers’ rights through legislation such as the employment Bill, which was omitted by the government. She also points out the lack of detail in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill and criticises Brexit freedoms that have created red tape hurting businesses. Furthermore, she urges the Government to address social housing issues and ensure quality standards are met. De Cordova supports renter reforms but warns about potential delays or inefficiencies. Lastly, she raises concerns over fire safety costs for leaseholders and educational disparities affecting minority children post-pandemic.

Mary Glindon Lab

Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend

The announcements in the Queen’s Speech do not increase trust or alleviate concerns about rising costs of living. Criticises Tory Government for scandals like Partygate, furlough fraud involving North Tyneside Conservative party. Highlights severe cuts to local services due to government policies since 2010 and the lack of progress on levelling-up promises in North Tyneside. Notes missed opportunities such as freeport status and job creation from transport investments. Urges for better accountability regarding levelling up initiatives.

Alex Norris Lab Co-op

Nottingham North and Kimberley

Raises concerns about the severe impact of rising costs on constituents, highlighting issues like inflation and energy bills. Criticises government’s failure to introduce measures such as a windfall tax or cancellations on national insurance rises. Emphasises the need for fairer work practices and stronger employment legislation. Advocates for building a co-operative economy with resilient businesses that support communities and provide better job security.

Navendu Mishra Lab

Stockport

Expressed gratitude for nurses on International Nurses Day and discussed the impact of the cost of living crisis, particularly on low-income individuals. Raised issues with universal credit and proposed reducing VAT from 20% to 17.5%. Mentioned concerns about volunteer drivers’ mileage rates due to increased fuel costs. Highlighted significant delays in cancer diagnosis and underfunding of NHS dentistry services. Addressed housing crises, including the inadequacy of local housing allowance and high rent prices. Discussed positive initiatives like bus franchising and the need for investment in public transport infrastructure, especially train stations. Emphasised the importance of maintaining nursery schools and proposed a funding formula to support them.

Sarah Owen Lab

Luton North

Responded to Navendu Mishra's concerns about accessibility at Leagrave station, emphasising the need for levelling up in infrastructure development.

Grahame Morris Lab

Easington

Morris criticised the government's approach to fairness at work, arguing that working conditions reflect societal power imbalances. He pointed out that while families are discussing rising costs and tax burdens, there is no talk of offshore financial practices. Despite the government's pledge to improve living and working conditions, Morris was disappointed with the lack of an employment Bill in the Queen’s Speech. He highlighted issues such as food bank reliance among workers and insecure job situations. Morris also discussed instances of union support and condemned P&O Ferries for sacking British workers and breaking laws without consequences. Additionally, he criticised government policies affecting police officers' retirement plans and prison officer conditions.

Dean Russell Con

Watford

Russell clarified that the Government has been supportive of his Tips Bill, despite Morris's earlier statement to the contrary, and stated that work continues towards its implementation.

Deidre Brock SNP

Edinburgh North and Leith

The speaker criticises the UK government's hostility towards devolution in Scotland, highlighting several issues such as the Brexit Freedoms Bill, the reduction of EU funding for Scotland, and the lack of transparency regarding levelling-up fund priority groups. The speech also emphasises that the Scottish Parliament should have autonomy over retained EU laws and stresses the importance of free prescriptions, tuition-free university education, and social security payments in improving living standards. Additionally, it argues that independence is the only way forward for Scotland to build a fairer society.

Olivia Blake Lab

Sheffield Hallam

Throughout the pandemic, we saw Ministers’ willingness to cast aside people in the rented sector. The covid crisis only confirmed what we already knew: that rents are too high, that renters’ rights are too precarious and that too often rented accommodation is unsafe or in poor condition. Since I was elected in 2019, not a week has gone by in which I have not heard horror story after horror story from people in my Sheffield constituency about mould, damp, exposed asbestos, broken appliances, rats, vermin and many other issues.

Kirsten Oswald SNP

West Tyrone

The UK Government's failure to deliver on promises, such as the employment Bill, is a sign of their inability to address pressing issues like workplace fairness and community empowerment. The Prime Minister's Brexit policy has caused significant harm across the UK. The Queen’s Speech missed opportunities for meaningful reforms in areas like shared parental leave, flexible working rights, and protection against unfair practices like P&O Ferries' mass layoffs. There is a need for urgent reform of employment law but the government focuses narrowly on specific issues without broader protections. Community focus is lacking in tackling cost-of-living crises; UK Government actions exacerbate financial anxiety by cutting benefits and raising taxes instead of offering support like Scotland's Scottish child payment. The UK Government also undermines human rights, with policies like the Nationality and Borders Act and potential breaches of devolution settlements regarding the Human Rights Act. There is a failure to ban conversion therapy in ways that protect trans people fully.

Lisa Nandy Lab

Wigan

The MP criticised the Government's record on levelling-up promises, noting how it had slashed solar subsidies, banned onshore wind and degraded gas storage. She argued that such policies led to an energy bills crisis. Furthermore, she highlighted the failure of the Education Secretary to build schools fit for the future, which would have cost £11 billion in repairs due to one in six kids being in crumbling schools. Nandy urged for real investment in communities and criticised the Government’s proposed Bill as a 325-page obituary that lacks real power or substance.

Kemi Badenoch Con

North West Essex

The Minister closes the debate, thanking Members for their contributions and addressing specific points raised by Opposition MPs. She emphasises that levelling up involves more than just funding but also requires other types of action. She denies the idea of a zero-sum game in levelling up policies and discusses devolution powers to combined authorities. The Minister states that the Housing target remains, but it is not the only metric for success.

Clive Betts Lab

Sheffield South East

The hon. Member intervenes to ask if the Government's housing target is 300,000 homes a year before the end of this Parliament.

Barry Sheerman

Intervenes to point out that he was mentioned by the Minister but was interrupted and requests the Minister to continue her praise.

Eleanor Laing

Serves as Deputy Speaker, maintaining order in the debate. She advises Members to respect each other’s contributions without excessive noise or interruption.

Richard Drax

Also intervenes stating that he was mentioned by the Minister but not allowed to speak further, asking for balance and fairness in addressing MPs who are mentioned during debate.

Marsha de Cordova Lab

Battersea

Asks if it is time to review disability pay gap reporting alongside gender and ethnicity pay gaps.

Chris Stephens

Reminds the Minister of employment Bill commitments in previous manifestos, asking when an employment Bill will be tabled.

Andy McDonald Lab

Middlesbrough and Thornaby East

Rises to speak but is denied by the Deputy Speaker for not being present at the start of the Minister's speech.

Kirsty Blackman SNP

Aberdeen North

Asks why constituents cannot afford to eat despite Government claims about levelling up.

Angela Rayner Lab

Ashton-under-Lyne

Raises a point of order regarding the publication of the Humble Address concerning Lord Lebedev's appointment, questioning if it sets a dangerous precedent for transparency and requests clarification from the Chair.

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