Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 7 September 2023 · 18 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 5 Partly answered 11 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government has established a Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee to develop proposals for a permanent memorial and a legacy programme for Queen Elizabeth II.
  • The Minister stated that the issue regarding the delay faced by constituents due to the outsourcing of the Help to Buy service to Lenvi will be addressed with relevant ministerial colleagues.
  • The Lord Chancellor is overseeing an urgent investigation into the circumstances of Mr Khalife's escape and will provide updates to Parliament and the public.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Context

Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's passing, prompting questions about how her legacy will be honoured.

Question

Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities and provide more information on the memorialisation plans for the late queen.

Answer from Oliver Dowden

The Government, jointly with the royal household, have established a new Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee. That committee will develop proposals for a permanent memorial and a broader legacy programme enabling everyone in the nation to commemorate her life of service.

Answered
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Q2 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Housing
Context

The Cabinet Office is conducting a review into Homes England, which has resulted in concerns regarding the Help to Buy scheme's efficiency.

Question

Can the Minister comment on the delay faced by constituents due to the outsourcing of the Help to Buy service to Lenvi and express his pride or dissatisfaction with this outcome?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

Of course, it is incumbent on Ministers to drive efficiencies in arm's length bodies such as Homes England. I am happy to pick up this issue with my relevant ministerial colleagues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: pride or dissatisfaction with the current situation

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Q3 Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire
Context

There is a focus on honouring Queen Elizabeth II's legacy, and questions arise about the Government's plans for her memorial.

Question

Can the Minister provide more details about the late Queen Elizabeth II's memorialisation?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

I have already met with Lord Janvrin, who will lead the committee. The aim is for the committee to report by 2026, which would have been Her Majesty's 100th birthday.

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Q4 Pat McFadden Lab Wolverhampton South East
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

There is a major breach of security involving the escape of Daniel Abed Khalife from Wandsworth prison.

Question

Can the Secretary of State update on the search for Mr Khalife and provide insight into why a terror suspect was held at a lower security category prison?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

The Lord Chancellor has asked for an urgent investigation working with the Prison Service to find out exact circumstances of the escape. Clearly, the initial law enforcement response will be led by the Home Office.

Partly answered

Not addressed: reasoning behind holding Khalife at Wandsworth prison

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Q5 Pat McFadden Lab Wolverhampton South East
Justice & Courts
Context

Daniel Abed Khalife managed to escape by clinging to the underside of a food delivery van, raising questions about current security measures.

Question

Can the Secretary outline how procedures will be reviewed after Mr Khalife's escape and inform on the timeline for updating public and Parliament?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

The Lord Chancellor is overseeing an examination into the exact circumstances of the escape. If individuals escaped in those circumstances, clearly should not have happened. My right hon. and learned Friend takes it seriously indeed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: timeline for informing public and Parliament about changes made

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Q6 Mark Fletcher
Veterans
Context

Rolls-Royce and the military face challenges in retaining nuclear skills, prompting a need for better integration between the two.

Question

What is being done to bring together extra work and career paths so that those with nuclear skills can transition between the private sector and the military?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

We have introduced several mechanisms, including Operation Fortitude, Operation Courage, Operation Restore, and Operation Nova for accelerating veterans with specialist skills into jobs. Veteran employment is at 87%, but there is more to do.

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Q7 Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North
NHS
Context

The question is prompted by the government's data deal with Palantir, which was done without competitive tender. Additionally, a £5 million donation from a health tycoon has raised concerns.

Question

It is clear that the Tories want to privatise our health service, selling NHS data in England to a Trump-backed business, Palantir, under a £27 million deal without competitive tender. They also accepted a £5 million donation this week. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that keeping Scotland's NHS out of Westminster Tory hands is essential for its protection?

Answer from Alex Burghart

The hon. Lady will know, because she sat on the Procurement Bill Committee, that we have a new procurement regime coming in, but it is my understanding that everything was above board and in line with due process.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific concerns about NHS data deal and donation were not directly addressed

How: Referred To General Procurement Process

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Q8 David Duguid Con
Scotland
Context

The question is prompted by the First Minister of Scotland's programme for government that did not address many pressing issues relevant to people in Scotland.

Question

Given the UK Parliament's reserved status over the constitution, and considering there was little new in Scotland's programme for government, does my hon. Friend agree that the First Minister should focus on real issues affecting businesses and people in Scotland instead of pushing a second referendum?

Answer from Alex Burghart

As ever, my hon. Friend has his finger on the pulse. People I met in Scotland were interested in employment, skills, health service, and law and order—not raising a second referendum.

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Q9 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Democracy & Elections Standards & Ethics
Context

A recent Ipsos poll showed only 12% of respondents believed politicians, the lowest level in 29 years.

Question

Ipsos recently published its annual poll on trust in politics, showing only 12% believe what a politician says. Will the Minister review my Elected Representatives (Codes of Conduct) Bill aimed at restoring trust and confidence in politics?

Answer from Alex Burghart

I am very happy to look again at the hon. Lady's work. We believe actions as elected representatives will restore trust rather than legislation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific review of the bill was not committed to

How: Emphasized Actions Over Legislation

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Q10 Jo Gideon
NHS
Context

The cost of ill health to government is hundreds of billions, with obesity alone estimated at over £58 billion.

Question

Given the cost of ill health, does my right hon. Friend agree it's time for a multi-departmental taskforce to develop early intervention strategies on societal challenges?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

My hon. Friend is right to highlight these challenges. The health service in his constituency is innovative in addressing wider public health issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific taskforce proposal was not directly addressed

How: Referenced Local Initiatives

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Q11 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Policing & Resources Standards & Ethics
Context

A data leak caused by human error raised concerns about cyber-security and data breaches for public service workers.

Question

Although the police data leak was due to human error, there are wider concerns about cyber-security. Will the Cabinet Office ensure that forces across England and Wales do not face similar issues with personal data security?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

The hon. Gentleman is right to say that this issue is local but there may be lessons for Government about making sure people's data is secure.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific work on securing personal data not committed to

How: Referenced Potential Learning Across Government

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Q12 Andrew Selous Con
NHS Local Government
Context

A problem exists where houses have been built but section 106 money has not been allocated for adequate health facilities.

Question

Will the Cabinet Office convene an inter-ministerial committee to address the legacy issue of insufficient health facility funding following house construction?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

That is an interesting proposal. The Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill seeks to ensure infrastructure is in place, but I am cautious about setting up more inter-ministerial groups.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to convening a committee not given

How: Caution About New Committees

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Q13 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Employment
Context

Cleaning and security staff are striking over a poverty pay offer by the outsourced contractor ISS.

Question

What is the government doing to help resolve the dispute with PCS Union about low pay offers from an outsourced contractor, and end the race to the bottom for pay terms?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

I am sorry that strike action is ongoing. Ultimately, this is a matter between employees and their employer.

Not addressed: No specific steps mentioned

How: Referenced General Relationship Between Workers And Employer

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Q14 Anna Firth
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill has been debated. Victims and veterans have long felt let down by the government.

Question

Will the Minister for Veterans' Affairs update the House on the Northern Ireland legacy legislation?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

Yesterday the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill passed this House. Legacy is an incredibly difficult issue. Victims have been let down for many years. Veterans have been let down. This Government made a commitment that we would see through our promises to both those groups, and that is what we did yesterday.

Answered
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Q15 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
NHS
Context

The infected blood inquiry has recommended extending interim payments for those affected. The Government is facing criticism for not implementing this recommendation.

Question

Further to the question on the infected blood inquiry from my right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull North, why will the Government not get on with extending the interim payments now as they could do and as was recommended by Sir Brian Langstaff? It is absolutely shameful to delay that any longer.

Answer from Jeremy Quin

We paid interim compensation last year, as the House is aware, and the second interim report has come through. I am expecting the final report in the autumn, putting us in a place to respond as swiftly as possible once it is received.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific timeline or concrete plan for extending interim payments

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Q16 Anum Qaisar
Economy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Due to economic mismanagement, food prices have risen significantly. The questioner is concerned about food insecurity in their constituency.

Question

Yesterday marked a year since the Prime Minister's predecessor took office, and as you may remember, Madam Deputy Speaker, a lettuce ended up outlasting her. Due to Tory economic mismanagement, that same lettuce would now cost around 20% more. The cost of food might not be an issue for the Prime Minister, who is the richest MP in the House of Commons, but it is a concern for my constituents. What discussions have Ministers had with Cabinet colleagues on tackling food insecurity?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Chancellor engage regularly with supermarkets and others to keep prices low. Since the Prime Minister came to office, we are seeing inflation fall and a record upward revision in growth numbers.

Not addressed: specific discussions on food insecurity

How: Discussing General Economic Improvements Instead Of Addressing Food Insecurity

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Q17 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
NHS
Context

The second interim report of the infected blood inquiry recommended setting up a bespoke psychological service for those affected, but England has not implemented this.

Question

I am going to have another go: why is it that the Minister has not been able even to implement recommendation 17 of the second interim report, which is to set up a bespoke psychological service for those infected and affected, when other nations of the United Kingdom have been able to do that? Why has England been left out?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

That issue is being taken forward by the Department of Health and Social Care. I know it has made substantial progress on exactly such a scheme, and I look forward to an announcement in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific timeline or concrete plan for implementation

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Q18 Peter Grant SNP
Democracy & Elections
Context

The forthcoming by-election will be the first under new voter ID rules. The questioner is concerned about potential disenfranchisement.

Question

The forthcoming by-election in Rutherglen and Hamilton West will be the first in Scotland under the new requirement for voter identification. We know that thousands of voters in England were disenfranchised at council elections because they did not have a passport or driving licence. What specific steps is the Cabinet Office taking to make sure that the voters of Rutherglen and Hamilton West are not prevented from voting?

Answer from Alex Burghart

We have had a widespread publicity campaign to ensure that people understand the identity requirements at elections. At the local elections, despite considerable scaremongering from Opposition parties, the disruption was minimal.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific steps or measures to prevent disenfranchisement in Rutherglen and Hamilton West

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