Topical Questions 2023-10-25
2023-10-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The speaker addressed the impact of Middle Eastern events on UK religious communities.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The terrible events in the middle east have impacted religious communities across the UK, affecting their security and peace in Britain. There is a need to maintain civility and respect for diversity while condemning hate and aggressive behaviour.
As the Minister, she reflects on how religious communities in the UK have been impacted by Middle Eastern events. She emphasizes that citizens have a right to feel secure and condemns recent hostility towards Jewish communities and calls for jihad. Public sector organisations are reminded of their legal obligation under equality duties to consider good relations in community services.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP addressed the challenges faced by women in their 50s due to menopause, especially those with busy jobs.
I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. There should be no place for hatred in our communities. As a woman in her 50s—[Hon. Members: “No!”]—I know how challenging the menopause can be, especially when you have a busy job. What support is there for working women with the menopause?
There will be a full debate on menopause tomorrow, led by the Minister for Social Mobility. Helen Tomlinson has made progress since her appointment as the Department for Work and Pensions menopause employment champion. The report “No Time to Step Back” outlines this progress and future workshops.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The number of female pensioners living below the poverty line has increased, despite a decrease in the number due to rising state pension age.
In less than a decade, the proportion of female pensioners in the UK living in poverty has risen by 6%, which means that one in every five female pensioners are below the breadline, despite the fact that the number of female pensioners has fallen due to the rise in state pension age, which disadvantaged tens of thousands of older women. Does the Minister for Equalities share my concern that in the UK today 20% of female pensioners are living in poverty, and what action will she take to address that?
In 2021-22, there were 200,000 fewer female pensioners in absolute poverty than in 2009-10, after housing costs. The Barnett consequentials of the household support fund in Scotland are available for distribution by her Government.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No Specific Action
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Watford is a multi-faith community, and the MP invites colleagues to an event on interfaith understanding.
As you will know, Mr Speaker, Watford is a thriving multi-faith community, and it is a privilege to take part in so many celebrations and learn about the history of each culture that makes Watford unique and amazing. Will the Minister join me in encouraging colleagues to attend the event that I will be hosting with the Inter Faith Network on 14 November to promote a national organisation to understand how we can all engage better with the different faiths in our communities, and will he please also consider attending the event, if diaries permit?
Faith is a vital part of people's identities and communities. My hon. Friend is a great advocate for work around faith. The Minister encourages people to attend the event, and he will do everything possible to pop in himself.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Public Order Bill was passed a year ago, and the MP's new clause was supported to stop women being deterred from entering abortion clinics due to protests outside.
A year ago, the Public Order Bill was passed in this House, and with it my new clause, which was overwhelmingly supported in a free vote by MPs on both sides of the House, to stop women being deterred from using and entering the doors of abortion clinics by protests outside. A year on, intimidation is worse than ever, because the legislation is not being enacted. Will the Minister look into why that is and fix this now?
If the hon. Lady has a specific example of where that is happening, I will be happy to look at it if she raises it with me.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Requires Further Information
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Office for National Statistics estimated that there are 260,000 transgender people in the UK.
In its 2021 census, the Office for National Statistics estimated that there are 260,000 transgender people in the UK. Does the Minister agree with the separate Office for Statistics Regulation that, due to skewed methodology, this number is likely to have been a huge overestimate?
The Minister shares concerns raised by OSR. She asked officials to explore census methodology due to a lack of understanding of terminology like transgender and gender identity.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Requires Further Information
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The United Nations found that disabled people's rights were being systematically violated by Conservative Ministers, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission recently confirmed no changes.
Some years ago, the United Nations found that disabled people's rights were being systematically violated by Conservative Ministers. Recently, the Equality and Human Rights Commission found that nothing at all had changed. Is the Minister not ashamed?
The hon. Lady's point regarding EHRC is that it is an independent body. The Minister refutes her claim and highlights actions around British Sign Language.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Criticizing Opposition
Response accuracy