Topical Questions 2022-03-31
2022-03-31
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from a broader context of UK's governmental structure and international relations, including the need for strategic self-sufficiency in light of events like Ukraine.
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Events in Ukraine prove that the international rules-based order continues to be threatened by aggression and competition. What is being done to increase and improve the UK's strategic independence and self-sufficiency for its needs?
This month we appointed Baroness Gisela Stuart, who is well known to the House, as the new civil service commissioner to oversee the body guaranteeing that civil servants are selected on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition. Baroness Stuart brings a wealth of experience, having been a Member of this House for 20 years and a Government Minister for the Labour party, and brings a non-partisan spirit to roles including her time at the University of Birmingham, the Royal Mint and as a non-executive director of the Cabinet Office. We have also been working on taking forward the Prime Minister's work on Brexit opportunities; my right hon. Friend the Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency has identified almost 2,000 EU regulations remaining in British laws, which he is reviewing in order to reduce the burdens on business and the public. I have also written to Departments across Whitehall to ensure that we make the necessary regulatory changes to ease the burden of the cost of living, and will have further meetings with colleagues to take that work forward.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not specifically address the question about strategic independence and self-sufficiency for needs in light of Ukraine events.
Shifting Focus To General Departmental Responsibilities
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its implications for the UK's strategic position.
Events in Ukraine prove that the international rules-based order continues to be threatened by aggression and competition. What is being done to increase and improve the UK's strategic independence and self-sufficiency for its needs?
That is an extremely important point in terms of both our energy security and our wider commitments building on COP26 and net zero. That is why the Prime Minister, the Trade Secretary and I hosted a number of Australian investors, who collectively have committed £25 billion of inward investment in green technology to the UK, at No. 10 Downing Street last night. That is both an indication of our commitment to energy security and to ensuring that we learn the lessons of Russia and Ukraine, and a signal of the attractiveness of the UK for foreign investment, which reflects this Government's commitment to supporting business and levelling up across the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer provides some context but does not fully address measures for strategic independence and self-sufficiency specifically in response to Ukraine events.
Shifting Focus To Foreign Investment
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue arises from the Prime Minister's previous promises to limit MPs' second jobs, which have been shelved by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Contrary to the Prime Minister's own promises last year, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has quietly shelved any attempt to limit MPs' second jobs. He claims it is impractical. Since I was elected two years ago, I have received more than 1,500 emails a month, sent nearly 40,000 emails back to my constituents, spoken in this Chamber more than 380 times and tabled more than 500 questions. For me, what would be impractical is having a second job in the first place. However, more than a quarter of Conservative Members have second jobs, and I do not think many are NHS workers. That brings them an extra £4.4 million a year in extra earnings—so, colleagues, the post-Adjournment party drinks are on the Conservatives. I will ask a question being asked across the country: is it impractical finally to stop the second jobs bonanza, or is it simply inconvenient?
It is slightly odd simply to say it is the Government side of the House. There are hon. Members on both sides of the House who have had second jobs, including with the NHS and in a range of public services; but equally, working with business is important as is ensuring that the House is aware of how we generate the prosperity to level up across the community and building on that £25 billion investment that we were discussing a moment ago. Perhaps she can enlighten the House on whether writing a book is a valid use of someone's time, or indeed chairing a panel on “Have I Got News For You”, as one of her colleagues did recently, and on the distinction between that and working in areas that contribute tax and contribute to the country at large?
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not address whether it is impractical to stop MPs from having second jobs.
Shifting Focus
Counter-Questioning
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the UK's need to be consistent in its approach towards sanctions against Russia, given concerns about double standards.
The Chancellor has asked businesses to think very carefully about any investments that would in any sense support Putin and his regime. However, this is pretty hypocritical given that he and his family are still making millions from Infosys, a company still trading out of Moscow. We need to be united in our opposition to Putin. It cannot be one rule for us and another for the Tory elite.
I am not going to engage with sweeping comments that do not address the record of this Government, which is very clear in respect of Russia and Ukraine. This Government have led in their actions on sanctions, in their investment in bilateral aid, and in their response to military support in-country. That is reflected in the response both of the Ukrainian Government and of the Russian Government. In respect of the ministerial code, Lord Geidt addresses those issues in the usual way.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not address whether it is hypocritical for the Chancellor to ask businesses not to support Putin while he continues to profit from Infosys.
Shifting Focus
Denying Relevance
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by issues of procurement malpractice at the Labour-led Sandwell Council, raising concerns about value for money in local services.
Local government procurement is an important part of ensuring that we get vital services to the most vulnerable in our communities. My right hon. Friend will be aware of the disgraceful procurement practices at Labour-led Sandwell Council, which has seen contracts handed to mates, dodgy land deals, and finally commissioners bashing down the doors to deal with these problems. Can he assure the House that as part of his reforms to local government procurement, he will prioritise value for money, and, more importantly for my constituents in Wednesbury, Oldbury and Tipton, prove to them that the actions of Sandwell Council are not the norm?
My hon. Friend raises an extremely important point. It would be great to hear voices from the Labour Benches showing their commitment to tackling these issues. I can reassure him as to the Government's support on the issue that he raises, and he is right to bring it to the attention of the House.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer acknowledges the importance but does not commit to specific measures or actions regarding procurement reforms.
Shifting Focus
Acknowledging Issue
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to guarantee transparency and accountability in the investigation of alleged breaches during the pandemic, particularly concerning the Downing Street parties.
This week I joined grieving families like mine to mark the anniversary of the covid memorial wall. On the same day, we watched in shock as the Met police issued 20 fines for the Downing Street parties. Right now, the chair of the UK inquiry is meeting the bereaved families on the terms of reference of the inquiry, and soon the chair will pass draft terms to the Prime Minister. Given the importance of this inquiry, will the Minister confirm that the draft terms will be published in full to guarantee that the chair's recommendations are implemented?
The hon. Gentleman raises an extremely important point. It is a deeply emotive point for the families affected. That is why we are committed to getting the terms of reference right. That is why, as my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office set out, this is shaped by the judge Lord Hallett and comes under the terms of the legislation passed by a previous Labour Administration. I know that Lord Hallett is committed to working with stakeholder bodies as regards reflecting the terms of reference in a way that meets the wider need.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer acknowledges importance but does not confirm publication of draft terms in full.
Shifting Focus
Acknowledging Issue
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The online safety Bill is moving forward in the House after the Easter recess. Concerns about effective co-ordination between relevant organisations are raised.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that as we legislate through the online safety Bill, there must be effective co-ordination on disinformation between the counter-disinformation unit and the RESIST programme at the Cabinet Office, as well as Ofcom, to make sure social media companies take proactive action against known threats including frauds and scams?
That is an extremely important point. Both the Minister for the Cabinet Office and I have chaired several Cabinet Sub-Committees focusing on our wider domestic resilience, including in response to the conflict in Ukraine. This builds on national and government cyber strategies launched before and after Christmas respectively. It involves working with stakeholders for a whole-of-society approach, from de-classified documentation about Russian misinformation campaigns by the Ministry of Defence to training and regulation aimed at creating a resilient society.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific coordination between the counter-disinformation unit, RESIST programme, Ofcom, and social media companies was not addressed directly
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The Radisson RED hotel in Glasgow, Alison Thewliss's constituency, was promised full compensation by the UK Government but has not received it. The hotel is being passed from pillar to post between the COP26 President and the Cabinet Office.
The Radisson RED hotel was promised full compensation for business disruption during COP26 but hasn't received it. It has been passed from the COP26 President, Alok Sharma, who committed to meeting me in this House but never did, and the Cabinet Office which is ignoring their emails. Can you tell how many other businesses have been similarly treated? Will you meet me on this issue?
The COP26 President has a strong commitment to addressing any issues. Glasgow hosted an event that was a demonstration of UK unity. If there are specific constituency issues, I will ensure they are brought to the attention of the COP26 President and ask if he can meet Alison Thewliss as a matter of priority.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific number of businesses facing similar treatment was not provided
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
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Context
The Brexit Freedoms Bill is expected to ensure companies, particularly in the thriving tech sector, can innovate more freely post-Brexit.
Will my right hon. Friend comment on how the legislation will enable those companies in the thriving tech sector across my constituency of Buckingham to innovate in a free manner than when we were in the EU?
The Brexit Freedoms Bill aims to modernise UK's approach to making regulations, enabling HM Government to amend, repeal or replace any retained EU law. These reforms cut business costs by removing EU red tape and creating a UK-centric regulatory framework encouraging competition, innovation and growth.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The Local Government Act 1972 changed the face of England and Wales, but some damage was done to historic Lancashire. The questioner seeks restoration of the lords lieutenant to cover the historic county.
Will the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster look at restoring the lords lieutenant to cover the historic counties for ceremonial purposes so that the Duke of Lancaster's representative can cover his entire county palatine?
While reinforcing Lancashire's historical importance is welcome, advice must be taken regarding interaction with the Palace. The work of the lords lieutenant in civic activities across constituencies makes a valuable contribution.
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Assessment & feedback
Restoration of the lords lieutenant to represent historic counties was not committed to directly
Response accuracy
Q11
Direct Answer
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Context
The Department for Work and Pensions helps veterans find work after leaving the armed forces. The questioner seeks a visit to his constituency to thank services and charities supporting veterans.
Will the Veterans Minister join me in thanking Government services that help veterans find employment? Will he consider visiting some of those services and support charities in my constituency, Banff and Buchan?
Veterans make brilliant employees; employment is at the heart of our strategy. We introduced national insurance contribution holidays for those who employ veterans and a guaranteed job interview for civil service jobs. I would be delighted to join my hon. Friend in thanking Banff and Buchan's veterans contributing supplies to Ukraine.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about cyber security threats to UK citizens due to the low National Cyber Force budget.
Every one of the 65 million people in these four nations who has a mobile phone, tablet, iPad or Alexa-enabled device is a potential target for hostile nations seeking to damage our cyber-security. The National Cyber Force budget amounts to 10p per month for each citizen. What representations have been made to the Chancellor to raise this budget to a more reasonable level?
I have some exposure to this, having been Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Of all the budgets, the agencies' budgets have increased more than most, if not the most. Significant funding has been put into the National Cyber Force as part of the cyber corridor in the north-west.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about representations made to the Chancellor was avoided
Response accuracy
Q13
Direct Answer
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Context
Post-Brexit considerations for exploring new trade opportunities, particularly with the Commonwealth.
We have exited the EU and regained control, but I fear we have lost a lot in terms of trade and unity. Does my right hon. Friend agree that we should explore new avenues of trade, such as through the Commonwealth?
I concur with my hon. Friend that the Commonwealth is of huge importance. He is right to highlight that, but it fits within the wider strategy of the integrated review as part of global Britain.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about potential Russian cyber-attacks on UK financial institutions and the need for support.
My mother calls me James or Jim, so you can choose, Mr Speaker. I thank the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster for all his answers. On the recent fears of a Russian cyber-attack, what contact and security support is there for our banking sector? What financial help or assistance can be offered to keep our institutions free from Russian cyber attack?
The hon. Gentleman and other hon. Members have rightly highlighted the importance of our cyber resilience in general and at this time. There is a host of excellent advice in the whole-of-Government approach set out in our national cyber strategy launched before Christmas.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about financial help was not directly addressed
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about the benefits of public sector pension schemes for workers of all ages and a proposal to expand similar provisions in the private sector.
In light of the benefits of their pension schemes to public sector workers of all ages, can my right hon. Friend offer support for the idea of expanding pension auto-enrolment to workers of all ages in the private sector so that they can begin building a pension?
Our ambition remains to enable people to save more and to start saving earlier by taking forward the core recommendations of the Department for Work and Pensions 2017 review of automatic enrolment, which the Government committed to implement in the mid-2020s subject to engagement with stakeholders and finding ways to make the changes affordable.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about support for expanding pension auto-enrolment was not directly addressed
Response accuracy
Q16
Direct Answer
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Context
A question to acknowledge and pay tribute to the Chancellor for his work as a Minister.
Notwithstanding the earlier exchange, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will want to acknowledge my gratitude and satisfaction at the excellent job that he is making of his second job as a Minister of the Crown, will he not?
I simply pay tribute to my right hon. Friend. For a question of that sort, I think brevity is the best response in acknowledging the point that he raises.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about the need for government support to promote UK food and drink exports in new trade deals.
I thought I would take advantage of an extra question. With our trade deals with Australia and New Zealand, which are to be welcomed, we will need to make a great drive to send food and drink across the world. Can we have more enthusiasm from the Government to drive our exports, especially food and drink?
It is crucial that we do exactly what the Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee says. The Cabinet Office works closely with DEFRA on our great campaign to promote food around the world and we do that through our trade commissioners and the great teams that we have in post.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about more enthusiasm was not directly addressed
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about the impact of Article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol on maximising UK's trade and economic opportunities.
May I ask the Minister for Brexit Opportunities whether he believes that we can maximise our opportunities as long as article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol remains in place?
I thank my hon. Friend for his brilliant and inspired question. There are obviously difficulties with the Northern Ireland protocol, which was set out in the agreement to be amendable, changeable and alterable, and that must be done.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about maximising opportunities was not directly addressed
Response accuracy