Topical Questions 2021-09-22
2021-09-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Announcement of a new business champion to support LGBT people's integration into workplaces.
I am delighted to announce the appointment of LGBT business champion Iain Anderson, who will work with the Government, building the evidence base on how to ensure that LGBT people can be themselves in the workplace. Among his first priorities will be kick-starting a business-led mentor network, including small and medium-sized enterprises, supporting the global LGBT conference and engaging businesses to highlight the economic case for LGBT inclusion.
I am delighted to announce the appointment of LGBT business champion Iain Anderson, who will work with the Government, building the evidence base on how to ensure that LGBT people can be themselves in the workplace. Among his first priorities will be kick-starting a business-led mentor network, including small and medium-sized enterprises, supporting the global LGBT conference and engaging businesses to highlight the economic case for LGBT inclusion.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussion on creating jobs in the east midlands and support for a specific freeport business case.
Does my hon. Friend agree that the best way to tackle geographic inequality is by making sure that people can get great jobs and have fulfilling careers wherever they live? Will she join me in backing the east midlands freeport business case, which would create 60,000 jobs across the region?
I do agree with my hon. Friend, and I point out that the Government are doing just that with our plan for jobs, which included £895 million to recruit an additional 13,500 work coaches by March 2021—which we achieved. She raises an important point and we are, of course, glad to support her region and all regions across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific support for East Midlands freeport business case not addressed
Supporting All Regions
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about the upcoming cut in Universal Credit and its disproportionate impact on women, particularly those seeking support from StepChange Debt Charity.
Next month, this Government will cut the £20 uplift to universal credit. However, this summer, a staggering seven in 10 UC claimants seeking support from the StepChange Debt Charity were women. StepChange also reported that from October 70% of women receiving UC will see their monthly spending exceed their income. How will the Minister respond to a callous cut that disproportionately impacts women? Better still, will she support cancelling the cut altogether?
We have had multiple debates on UC, and we have been at pains to say that this extra £20 was a temporary measure brought in because of covid. We are looking after the public finances, we are doing the right thing by taxpayers and we are doing everything we can to support vulnerable people in this country.
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Assessment & feedback
Request to cancel cut not addressed
Public Finance Management
Support For Vulnerable
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Concern over a case involving Thomas Gill and his parents where a female offender received lenient sentencing compared to what would typically be given to male offenders.
Last week, I had the privilege of meeting my constituents Thomas Gill and his parents, who suffered major injuries as a result of a car being driven by a female driver who was under the influence of drink and drugs. Thomas raised his concern because the sentencing was so low and young women were getting more lenient treatment than young men. Could the Minister assure him that we are equal under the law?
I was very sorry to learn of the injuries sustained by Thomas, and it is right that this matter is raised by my hon. Friend. I can assure him and the House that equality applies to all aspects of justice—it always has and it always will.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over an underpaid group of pensioners which disproportionately includes women according to a National Audit Office report. In addition, WASPI women have faced injustices.
On top of the injustices suffered by 3.8 million WASPI women and the widening gender pensions gap, today's National Audit Office report finds that the Department for Work and Pensions underpaid 134,000 pensioners, many of whom were women. What steps are the Government taking to tackle the gender pensions gap? Will the Minister agree to meet me to discuss how we can try to tackle that?
The Government are doing huge amounts to tackle the gender pensions gap. Automatic enrolment is transforming the situation. Women used to be at 38%; they are now at more than 80% of savings on an ongoing basis.
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Assessment & feedback
Meeting request not addressed
Automatic Enrolment
Response accuracy