Topical Questions 2021-02-11

2021-02-11

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op
York Central
Context
The question is prompted by the new UK-EU relationship outside the single market, which necessitates adjustments for businesses and citizens.
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?
The Government are launching a £20 million SME Brexit support fund to help small businesses adjust. The civil society forum is one way for the UK and EU to work together; involving third sector participants, including trade unionists, is important.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to specific majority of participants from charities, social enterprises, and trade unions
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op
York Central
Context
The question arises due to ongoing issues following the UK's departure from the EU, including glitches in trade relationships.
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?
Some specific issues are being resolved, while others represent a new normal. The £20 million SME Brexit support fund helps businesses adjust to these challenges.
Assessment & feedback
Specific reassurance on glitch resolution and EU compliance with protocols
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Context
The Public Accounts Committee revealed £1.7 billion worth of contracts were awarded through a secretive VIP procurement fast lane, despite the Paymaster General denying its existence.
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?
Every firm recommended went through rigorous due diligence. The Government ensured frontline staff received necessary equipment, and all contracts are being published.
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for publishing names and criteria of fast lane participants
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Rachel Reeves Lab
Leeds West and Pudsey
Context
Contracts awarded through the fast lane resulted in unusable equipment and overpriced items, raising concerns about transparency and fairness.
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?
More than 99% of goods supplied could be used in the NHS, while prices rose globally due to pandemic demand. Every contract went through rigorous due diligence.
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for publishing names and criteria of fast lane participants
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Rachel Reeves Lab
Leeds West and Pudsey
Context
With local elections approaching, there is a need to ensure staff and candidates involved in the count are safe from infection during prolonged indoor activities.
How will the Department ensure that people fulfilling roles for local election counts will be kept safe from infection?
My hon. Friend's point is important; working with returning officers and others, counting will proceed safely but may take longer.
Assessment & feedback
Specific safety measures and timelines for election counts
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Context
Elderly and vulnerable individuals may face risks from the virus even with vaccination, making postal votes more crucial.
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?
I welcome the constructive approach taken by the hon. Member, and we will look at his proposals. We are revising proxy voting rules to help those suffering from the pandemic.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about postal vote forms in polling cards was not addressed directly
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Context
Voter fraud concerns are raised due to the expected increase in postal and proxy voting for upcoming elections.
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?
My hon. Friend raises an important point. We are working with local authorities to promote democratic inclusivity while protecting voting system integrity.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures against voter fraud
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Vicky Foxcroft Lab
Lewisham North
Context
Recent polling by Scope found significant concerns among disabled individuals about accessing vaccination centres safely.
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?
The hon. Lady makes an important point. Our NHS works with organisations like Scope to ensure vaccination centres are safe and accessible.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures or timelines for accessibility and safety
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
Last year, Greater Manchester had its mayoral election disrupted. Concerns arise about voter rights for future elections.
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?
My hon. Friend makes an important point. We aim for Conservative representation in our great cities, recognising the changing political landscape.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific ask about voting and campaigning opportunities
Changing Political Landscape
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Brendan O'Hara SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Context
Shellfish exporters in Argyll and Bute are facing significant financial losses due to trade conditions.
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?
I am grateful for this issue being raised. We are working with the Scottish Government and UK-wide bodies to support the seafood sector.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific long-term plan or timeline
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Rachel Hopkins Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Context
Electoral Commission warns of potential 135,000 spoiled votes due to incorrect postal vote forms.
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?
I am grateful for this issue being raised. The Electoral Commission and Minister are taking steps to ensure voting integrity in May.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures against spoilt votes
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
Pet owners face significant costs and bureaucracy due to the EU's veterinary standards and the Northern Ireland Protocol.
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?
The hon. Member raises an important point. We are working with EU and Irish Governments to ensure travel for citizens with pets in the common travel area.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures addressing veterinary standards issues
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
The east midlands has proposed a free port covering key sites in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire. The proposal aims to create 60,000 new jobs in the region.
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
My hon Friend makes an impressive pitch for the east midlands which we know is the commercial heart of the United Kingdom and so a very appropriate location for a free port The ultimate decision of course rests with my right hon Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer but I am sure he will pay close attention to the case that my hon Friend and her colleagues make
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or timeline on when the decision will be made by the Chancellor.
The Ultimate Decision Rests With My Right Hon Friend The Chancellor Of The Exchequer
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Ian Lavery Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Context
The contaminated blood scandal has resulted in over 3,000 deaths. More than 200 victims have died since the inquiry began, with many individuals not receiving any form of compensation.
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
I am very grateful to the hon Gentleman for raising the case of not just his constituent but all those who were affected by this issue He has been a very effective campaigner on behalf of the victims and a statement will be made in the House shortly on the Government's response Again I thank him and other colleagues who have been so effective in making sure that we do not forget the victims of this affair
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeframe for when the statement will be made.
A Statement Will Be Made In The House Shortly
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
Commissioner Šefčovič's letter to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has raised concerns about the EU's intentions towards Northern Ireland.
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
My right hon Friend accurately reflects the sentiments and feelings of many in the House and beyond It is vital that we work constructively to ensure that the people of Northern Ireland recognise that the United Kingdom Government will stand up in every forum and in every way for their rights as integral members of this great nation
Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment or approach towards fixing the immediate problems of the protocol.
It Is Vital That We Work Constructively To Ensure
Response accuracy