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Oral Answers to Questions
18 October 2021
Lead MP
Sheryll Murray
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Migrants & BordersStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 44
At a Glance
Sheryll Murray raised concerns about oral answers to questions in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Response
Echoed sentiments about Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire. Addressed illegal protests stating they are dangerous, economically harmful, and causing distress to the public. Noted ongoing work with Mr Speaker and police forces across the country to ensure safety for those working in public-facing roles. Responded comprehensively on reducing small boat crossings, responding to refugees' reunions with families, addressing concerns about the Nationality and Borders Bill's implications, emphasising a multi-faceted approach including legal measures, international collaboration, and transparency in police disciplinary processes. Addressed concerns about online harms, reiterated the government's commitment to tackling illegal content and working on encryption issues. Also agreed to meet Siobhan Baillie regarding her verification campaign. Emphasised the need to protect Members and public while conducting security reviews. Acknowledged the work of intelligence and security agencies, as well as police forces in keeping everyone safe every day.
Expressed concern about illegal protests that have caused harm to law-abiding citizens and members of the public. Asked if the Government would review how to keep safe all those who work in public-facing roles.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Paid tribute to Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire, questioned about finding a balance between legal and illegal protests, emphasised the need for respect and civility in political discourse.
Asked questions related to implementing findings of the pet theft taskforce. Highlighted the rise in pet thefts by criminal gangs using proceeds to fund further criminal activity, urging swift legislative action.
Inquired about steps being taken regarding the pet theft taskforce and sought reassurance for local constituents worried about this issue.
Asked if the Department plans to take steps to reschedule psilocybin. Emphasised the potential of psychedelic drugs like psilocybin in treating mental health conditions, urging against further delay.
Inquired about research underlying the current policy on psilocybin and requested for details to be made available.
Discussed the rise in domestic abuse offences recorded in Hampshire. Asked for continued support for police and crime commissioners tackling this issue as a priority.
Asked questions related to supporting victims of domestic abuse, though no specific position was outlined in the given text.
Asked about support for male victims of domestic abuse.
Acknowledged that men can be victims of domestic abuse and cited statistics from the crime survey. Mentioned the government's efforts to strengthen their response through cross-Government initiatives and funding for specialist services.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Asked about steps being taken to reduce small boat channel crossings.
Inquired about the urgency of implementing offshore processing and the importance of the Nationality and Borders Bill in addressing illegal immigration via small boats.
Responded to questions on reducing small boat crossings, emphasising the need for a comprehensive approach including legal measures and international assistance. Also addressed concerns regarding the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Expressed condolences and raised issues about unaccompanied child refugees from Afghanistan being housed in Qatar and their desire to be reunited with families in the UK. Requested urgent steps by the Home Secretary.
Sent tributes for Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire, questioned the Nationality and Borders Bill's implications on persecuted groups like Uyghurs and Syrians, urging to remove problematic clauses from the Bill.
Welcomed the forthcoming legislation by the Government but urged for haste in its delivery to stop human trafficking and dangerous crossings. Emphasised collaboration with international partners.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Inquired about a recent assessment of drug safety testing at festivals and events, highlighting the deaths and hospitalisations due to lethal drugs in Bristol and advocating for government support or implementation of such services.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Acknowledged concerns about illicit drugs but stated that drug safety testing does not ensure their safety. Mentioned the possibility of applying for domestic licences for lawful activities involving controlled drugs and hinted at a forthcoming cross-Government strategy on drugs.
Asked about steps being taken to reduce violence against women and girls, recognising recent tragic murders that have raised concerns. Emphasised the need for transparency in disciplinary hearings of police forces.
Rachel Maclean
Con
Ruislip-Northwood
Acknowledged the importance of public confidence in policing response and transparency, mentioned independent misconduct hearings chaired by legally qualified chairs. Announced further review to ensure accountability.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham Yardley
Expressed condolences for Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire, questioned if the Home Office will implement recommendations from HMICFRS report on improving response to violence against women and girls, asked for an update on the previous commitment.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Expressed condolences and raised concerns about labour shortages in agri-food industry, particularly pig farmers facing crisis due to staff shortages. Asked about additional efforts by government departments to support the industry and meet pressing demand for labour.
Tom Pursglove
Con
Corby
Responded to questions on labour shortages in agri-food sector, mentioned broadening skills threshold under skilled worker visa to include school-leaver level roles such as butcher and farmer. Noted that recent changes are short-term fixes and long-term solutions focus on improving domestic workforce conditions.
Peter Bone
Con
Wellingborough
Suggested that leaving the EU provides ability to decide on immigration issues based on skills recruitment, congratulated Minister for their appointment.
Southgate and Wood Green
Paid tribute to Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire, raised concerns about chronic shortage of butchers and agriculture workers leading to pig farm backups. Asked for butchers and agriculture workers to be added to the shortage-occupation list.
Karl McCartney
Con
Brigg and Goole
Welcomed new Minister and asked for specific numbers on shortages, visa applications and grants regarding labour issues in various sectors.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Asked about steps the Department is taking to tackle online fraud and scams, particularly pension scams targeting elderly people.
Theresa Villiers
Con
Chipping Barnet
Expressed deep sadness at the loss of Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire. Questioned about actions being taken by government and police to protect the elderly from scams.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Responded to questions regarding the need for increased awareness about scams and fraud, emphasised the importance of reporting these crimes to build a wider picture. Also mentioned the focus on victim support and preventing re-victimisation.
Expressed respect for James Brokenshire and acknowledged his co-operative nature as an opposite number. Raised concerns about online harms including fraud, extremism, radicalisation, and terrorism, questioning the effectiveness of current measures in the online safety Bill.
Paid respects to Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire. Asked for a meeting with the Minister regarding her verification campaign 'Clean Up the Internet' aimed at tackling anonymous abuse.
Kate Osborne
Lab
Jarrow and Gateshead East
Expressed concern over statistics showing that suspected trafficking victims are referred for support after leaving immigration detention. Questioned about plans to open a new immigration centre in County Durham.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Responded to the concerns raised by Kate Osborne, stating that more work is being done through the Nationality and Borders Bill to safeguard victims. Also paid respects to Sir David Amess and acknowledged his contributions.
Asked about progress in getting more police officers on the streets in Derbyshire as part of a residents survey showing strong demand for bobbies on the beat to tackle antisocial behaviour.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Replied that we are now at the halfway mark with 20,000 extra police officers recruited, and Derbyshire constabulary has over 100 new officers on the streets.
Torfaen
Expressed condolences for Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire. Raised concerns about MPs' security following recent attacks, questioning when the review would be completed and how recommendations would be applied consistently.
No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Associated himself with the remarks made by Mr Speaker, Home Secretary, and other hon. Members. Paid tribute to Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire. Asked if protecting unfettered access constituents have to MPs should be a priority during security reviews.
Expressed thanks for the ongoing work of Mr Speaker and Home Secretary in reviewing and improving security measures. Highlighted the importance of protecting close links between public and representatives at all levels of democracy, including local councillors.
Echoed comments made about Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire. Asked for a commitment to scrap damping in police funding formula that has cost Bedfordshire about 95 officers on the beat.
Taiwo Owatemi
Lab
Coventry North West
Expressed condolences to families of Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire. Raised concerns over the extradition cases of 'the west midlands three', British citizens who have endured raids, arrest and threat of imminent extradition.
Extended condolences to the families and friends of Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire. Inquired about the lack of unexplained wealth orders for two years despite evidence of corrupt and criminal money entering the UK.
Kate Osamor
Lab Co-op
Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Extended condolences to Sir David’s and James Brokenshire’s family and friends. Asked if the Secretary of State would publish guidance on Department's expedition process for Windrush compensation scheme claims.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Inquired about the continuation of work on modern-day slavery, as a priority area for her and making the UK a world leader in this area.
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