Topical Questions

Question

If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. The institutional framework within the UK-EU trade and co-operation agreement provides an opportunity to rebuild relationships with the EU, including through a civil society forum. What progress has been made in establishing this forum? Will there be a significant majority of participants from charities, social enterprises, and trade unions?

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Can my right hon. Friend reassure me that current glitches are just teething problems and that the EU can be convinced to honour all protocols for seamless free trade? What about challenges and opportunities brought by leaving the EU?

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When will the Government publish names of businesses awarded contracts and details on how they got onto this fast lane? Why is transparency important for such significant public money?

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Given misuse of contracts and National Audit Office concerns, when will the Government publish details on who was on the VIP fast lane and how they were chosen? Is it honestly based on merit?

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How will the Department ensure that people fulfilling roles for local election counts will be kept safe from infection?

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I am concerned about elderly and vulnerable people who might still be at risk of catching the virus despite being vaccinated. Postal votes are vital to ensure they can vote safely. Will the Minister direct local authorities to provide a postal vote application form with every polling card and ensure freepost addresses for applications?

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With more postal and proxy voting likely on 6 May, will all measures be put in place to prevent voter fraud, while promoting democratic inclusivity?

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A quarter of disabled people are concerned they cannot access a vaccination centre, with a third worried about catching covid there. What action is being taken to ensure the vaccine roll-out is accessible and safe for all disabled people?

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Will my right hon. Friend ensure that people across the United Kingdom have the opportunity to vote and engage fully in campaign activities during this year's elections?

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Seafood exporters are hemorrhaging money, with one company paying €1,400 to transport prawns to avoid losing a high-value customer. What long-term plan is the Government implementing to support seafood exporters in these impossible trading conditions?

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With a significant increase in postal voting expected for May's elections, what steps are being taken by the Government to address concerns over spoilt postal votes?

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Many pet owners travel frequently between GB and NI, facing excessive vet bills and paperwork. What measures are being taken to address this injustice caused by the protocol?

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I thank my right hon Friend for his tireless work to ensure free trade flows post Brexit Will he join me in welcoming a fantastic proposal to boost trade It is for a free port in the east midlands that covers key sites in Nottinghamshire Derbyshire and Leicestershire and will create 60,000 new jobs in the region

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The right hon Gentleman will agree that the contaminated blood scandal is a human tragedy It has resulted in more than 3,000 deaths to date and an astonishing 200 victims have died since the inquiry began Justice has been denied and many individuals have not received any form of compensation When can Sean Cavens a constituent of mine and the other victims expect the justice that they deserve

Question

Thank you Mr Speaker The arrogance and intransigence expressed in Commissioner Šefčovič's letter to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has caused many of us to conclude that the EU's professed concern for Northern Ireland was only ever a disguise for its cynical negotiating objectives Will my right hon Friend take a tough approach with the EU on fixing the immediate problems of the protocol but also develop a replacement so that we can remove it altogether in future