Topical Questions

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

My Department's four priorities are to reset our trade relations, deliver a new deal for working people, support small business and implement a mission-focused industrial strategy. In just a few short weeks, we have begun preparing no fewer than four Bills for the King's Speech. I have attended the G7 trade summit, and set up the Horizon convictions redress scheme. We have ensured UK Export Finance support for the defence of Ukraine, changed the remit of the Low Pay Commission and organised an international investment summit for 14 October.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

I hope you will allow me, Madam Deputy Speaker, to pay tribute to my hon. Friend after what his community has been through, and the incredible way that he stepped up to represent that community. That is something we would all like to acknowledge. The points that my hon. Friend makes are right: small businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups are essential to our economic success, in Southport and in every part of the UK, and the support we will give them covers advice, guidance and training.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his place. We have been in office for two months, and we have already set up the Horizon convictions redress scheme. Indeed, I was pleased to work with the former Minister, the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Kevin Hollinrake), on creating the legal environment necessary to do that.

Answer from Justin Madders

The introduction of the minimum wage was one of the proudest achievements of the last Labour Government, but for too long the UK's labour market enforcement system has been fragmented and ineffective. That is bad for workers and bad for the majority of businesses that want do to the right thing and comply with the law.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

I thank the right hon. Member for his role, which I have referred to in the past and has been important in these matters. I am not passing the buck to anyone; I am simply saying that it is the Ministry of Justice, rather than me, that sends those letters out. As of 30 August, 130 letters have been sent out, quashing more than 370 convictions.

Answer from Gareth Thomas

I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the question about a banking hub in his constituency. As he will have heard in answers that I gave earlier, reform of the business rates system to tackle some of the egregious disincentives in respect of the need to invest in our high streets and the competition from online giants is something we took seriously in opposition and continue to take seriously in government.

Answer from Douglas Alexander

I assure the hon. Lady that the SPS agreement—the veterinary agreement—is one of the priorities we are pursuing. That matter is being led by the Cabinet Office, as is the reset with the European Union.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

Good product regulation and public confidence in the system are important across every sector. The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will give powers to regulate fields like this.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

We have moved at pace to put the scheme in place due to legislation from the last Parliament. We are working on letters and information distribution.

Answer from Douglas Alexander

The reset is about turning the page and reinvigorating our alliance with EU neighbours. We aim to build stronger cooperation in areas like security, law enforcement, and economic security.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

I give the right hon. Gentleman an absolute assurance that I would expect and demand there to be no modern slavery in any part of a supply chain affecting UK products or goods.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that question. I meet businesses every day, including recently at breakfast events on making work pay. A meeting with him will certainly be arranged.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

The policy is a Department for Transport initiative from the previous Government. We supported it as it aligns with phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles. There are flexibilities in policies allowing transfer of penalties between financial years, though we review everything closely to ensure industry and consumer confidence.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

Following the visit, we are collaborating closely with the Association of British Insurers for quick claims processing. Businesses can still seek help under the Riot Compensation Act 2016.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

We prioritise the inclusion of pilots' qualifications, but cannot promise negotiation outcomes.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

Our reforms to zero-hours contracts will not affect seasonal labour, and we acknowledge the importance of this sector in the labour market.

Answer from Justin Madders

We believe businesses work best with recognised trade unions. The Government will look closely at this as part of our plan to make work pay.

Answer from Justin Madders

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced a review, and the Competition and Markets Authority is also looking into it.

Answer from Jonathan Reynolds

I am very grateful to my right hon. Friend for that question. As a new Secretary of State, the inquiry and the whole issue has affected deeply how I believe accountability and power should be considered in the roles we have as Ministers. It comes on the back of what we heard about Grenfell yesterday, and what we have heard about Bloody Sunday and Hillsborough. I believe that, although this is essentially a legacy issue, it is exactly the agenda that we have on coming into these jobs. The future of the Post Office must be linked to the inquiry not just in terms of redress, but in how the business model works better for sub-postmasters. I do not believe that this has been put into the public domain yet, but I have received a request to attend the inquiry. I will, of course, do so, and believe it is an essential way to put across what we will take from that inquiry and our plans for long-term reform in the future.