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Damages
15 June 2020
Lead MP
Chris Philp
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Chris Philp raised concerns about damages 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The draft order seeks to rectify an incompatibility with the European convention on human rights identified by the Court of Appeal, allowing cohabiting partners who have lived together for at least two years to receive bereavement damages under section 1A of the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. The level of bereavement damages is set by the Lord Chancellor and currently stands at £15,120, having been recently increased in line with inflation. This order corrects a deficiency and rights a wrong.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked the Minister to confirm that the remedial Act and SI will protect cohabiting families who are life partners but have not taken legal steps to marry, ensuring they receive recognition in bereavement damages.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
Confirmed the draft order allows people cohabiting for at least two years to enjoy the same eligibility for bereavement damages as those who are in civil partnerships or married. It avoids intrusive inquiries about the nature of the relationship and simply divides any damages equally if a partner also has a spouse elsewhere.
Peter Kyle
Lab
Hove and Portslade
Supported the remedial order, highlighting the injustice faced by cohabiting partners not recognised by law. Emphasised that Parliament owes gratitude to Jakki Smith for her perseverance in bringing this issue forward.
I could suspend the House, but I really do not think it is necessary if Members promise me that they will swiftly exit without stopping near any other Members. Let us proceed.
Government Response
Government Response
Welcomed the support from the Labour Front Bench, thanked Jakki Smith for her bravery and tenacity, and addressed points raised about language descriptions, stating consistency with section 1 was maintained. Emphasised that remedial orders are strictly designed to remedy deficiencies.
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Assessment & feedback
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.