Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Wednesday 22 January 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Margaret Ferrier asked the Minister to confirm Heather Anderson as the new MEP for Scotland and to ensure Scottish voters are not under-represented in EU votes on the withdrawal agreement.
  • Selaine Saxby inquired about how the Government coordinates work to help farming communities succeed post-Brexit, particularly in North Devon.
  • Deidre Brock raised concerns about transparency in campaigns and asked the Chancellor to respond to recommendations on regulating campaign data and spending caps.
  • Abena Oppong-Asare questioned the Minister about identification requirements for voting, citing a lack of evidence justifying these measures.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Margaret Ferrier SNP Fury
Scotland Brexit
Context

Following the election of a Member of Parliament from Stirling, there is a need to confirm Heather Anderson as a new Member of the European Parliament for Scotland.

Question

Can the Minister take steps to confirm Heather Anderson as the new MEP for Scotland following Alyn Smith's election to this House? Also, will the UK Government ensure that Scottish voters are not under-represented in the EU when voting on the withdrawal agreement they rejected?

Answer from Michael Gove (Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster)

The hon. Lady has made a fair point, and it gives me an opportunity to congratulate Alyn Smith on his election. We will do everything we can to ensure appropriate representation for every part of the UK during our remaining EU membership.

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Q2 Selaine Saxby Con Teignbridge
Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Government aims to support farming communities as the UK leaves the EU.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend set out how work across Government is coordinated by his Department to ensure that farming communities, like those in North Devon, can succeed as a result of Brexit?

Answer from Michael Gove (Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster)

As Environment Secretary previously, it was my pleasure to visit North Devon's farmers. Their produce is some of the finest in the UK, and as we leave the EU there will be an opportunity for us on a global stage to ensure that Devonian produce reaches all deserving customers.

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Q3 Deidre Brock SNP Glasgow North West
Democracy & Elections
Context

There are concerns about transparency in political campaigning and the use of personal data.

Question

Does the Chancellor share my concern about lack of transparency in campaigns, including rumours of wrongdoing? Will he respond to the APPG's recommendations on regulating campaign data targeting and spending caps?

Answer from Chloe Smith (Minister without Portfolio)

I will take a look at that report and shall be happy to talk to the hon. Lady further.

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Q4 Abena Oppong-Asare Lab Orpington
Democracy & Elections
Context

Voter ID requirements have led to some voters losing their ability to participate in local elections.

Question

Over 1,000 voters lost the chance to vote due to identification requirements. Does the Minister agree with Professor Toby James that there is no evidence justifying these requirements?

Answer from Chloe Smith (Minister without Portfolio)

The hon. Lady was elected earlier, welcome to her seat. On this question, the evidence supports us, the experience from pilots and Northern Ireland is on our side, and the British people are behind it as it was a core part of our manifesto.

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