Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Wednesday 22 September 2021 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ruth Edwards announced the appointment of Iain Anderson as LGBT business champion to work with the Government on workplace equality issues.
  • Ruth Edwards asked about supporting the east midlands freeport business case, which could create 60,000 jobs in the region.
  • Taiwo Owatemi questioned the Government's decision to cut the 20 uplift to universal credit, highlighting the impact on women.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ruth Edwards
Business & Trade Women & Equalities
Context

Announcement of a new business champion to support LGBT people's integration into workplaces.

Question

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.

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Ruth Edwards
Employment Business & Trade
Context

Discussion on creating jobs in the east midlands and support for a specific freeport business case.

Question

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?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific support for East Midlands freeport business case not addressed

How: Supporting All Regions

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Taiwo Owatemi Lab Coventry North West
Benefits & Welfare Women & Equalities
Context

Concern about the upcoming cut in Universal Credit and its disproportionate impact on women, particularly those seeking support from StepChange Debt Charity.

Question

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?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Request to cancel cut not addressed

How: Public Finance Management, Support For Vulnerable

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Paul Howell
Justice & Courts
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Guy Opperman

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 David Linden SNP
Benefits & Welfare Women & Equalities
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Guy Opperman

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting request not addressed

How: Automatic Enrolment

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)