Topical Questions 2021-07-01
2021-07-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from proposed broadcasting reforms that include regulating video on demand services, ensuring prominence for public service broadcasters, and considering changes to Channel 4's ownership.
I am concerned about the government's ambitious proposals for broadcasting reform including equalisation of regulation of video on demand services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. Can the Secretary of State confirm these plans?
I have announced ambitious proposals for broadcasting reform, including the equalisation of regulation of video on demand services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, prominence for public service broadcasters, and potential change in ownership of Channel 4 to secure its long-term success.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue arose after the Presiding Officer of the Senedd banned Conservative Members from displaying the Union flag, and the First Minister described it as “vacuous symbolism.”
I want to draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the issue of displaying the Union flag in the Welsh Parliament. Does my right hon. Friend agree that people across Wales are proud to display the Union Jack because of their pride in what the UK stands for? What actions will be taken?
I share my hon. Friend's pride in the Union flag, because it unites us as a nation and a people. The Union flag is the national flag of the United Kingdom, embodying the emblems of three countries united under one sovereign: the kingdoms of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions regarding display of the Union flag were not addressed
Out Of Touch With The People
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister for Digital and Culture previously stated that the decision on Government-backed insurance for live events is with the Treasury.
I remind the Secretary of State of the election results in Wales. Can the Government underwrite time-limited insurance for live events? The industry needs a straight yes or no, please.
I understand the industry's desire for insurance. We are making good progress towards 19 July. If there is a market failure, we will look at extending insurance with some sort of Government-backed scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on underwriting time-limited insurance was not provided
Extending Insurance If Commercial Providers Cannot Insure
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Festivals continue to be cancelled due to lack of guidance on sector reopening.
The Secretary of State will not confirm insurance now and he will not publish guidance. How can festivals and live events scheduled for after 19 July go ahead?
We are making very good progress towards full reopening from 19 July. Festivals have benefited from millions of pounds of wider support through the culture recovery fund, and one of our events research programme pilots is in relation to a festival.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific guidance for festivals post-19 July not provided
Progress Towards Full Reopening
Culture Recovery Fund
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
There is a need for improvements in mobile phone coverage across these regions.
May I ask the Secretary of State how the shared rural network will finally get us the improvements in mobile phone coverage we desperately need in north Lincolnshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire?
The shared rural network will eliminate partial notspots across huge swathes of the country, particularly in Yorkshire and the Humber; it will take the region from 95% to 99% coverage from at least one operator, and from 81% to 90% coverage from all four operators.
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government has free trade deals with many countries, each having different rules making it hard for the industry to tour across Europe.
When are the Government going to sort out this situation and get a deal allowing our artists, musicians, truckers and support staff to tour across Europe properly?
We are aware of the importance of UK's creative and cultural industries. Through our engagement with member states, we have established that at least 17 of the 27 allow visa and permit-free touring, including France, Germany, and Italy.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or deal for touring across Europe not provided
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
None specified, the question is about a local charity event.
I am joining the Maccabi 24-hour football challenge in Prestwich. Will the Minister join me in wishing everyone the best of luck and crossing his fingers for the best weather?
I cannot promise the weather but I wish all those participating in the Maccabi 24-hour football challenge the very best of luck. The FA will be matching some of the money raised, providing a fantastic opportunity for volunteers to raise money for their club.
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Nightclubs are closed and facing financial difficulties. They have no income but must start paying towards furlough payments.
Does the Secretary of State think it is fair on nightclubs that they cannot open today, do not know under what rules they will reopen, have no income, and still rack up debts while having to pay for furlough?
Nightclubs fall within the responsibility of BEIS. We are making progress towards reopening them by 19 July, and many existing schemes will continue to pay out for coming weeks and months, including the culture recovery fund until end of this year.
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Assessment & feedback
The fairness question was not directly addressed; only future plans were mentioned without acknowledging current difficulties.
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
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Context
Hillingdon Council has invested in youth facilities. The question is about the plans for using funds from the Youth Investment Fund.
Many constituents have benefited from Hillingdon Council's investment in youth facilities. Will my hon. Friend provide an update on Department plans for the use of Youth Investment Fund money?
The Youth Investment Fund aims to level up access to youth provision over this Parliament. £30 million has been committed as capital funding in 2021-22, providing investment in new and refurbished safe spaces for young people. Details of the bidding process for future rounds will be announced.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy