Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Wednesday 13 November 2024 · 8 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial steps are being considered to ensure disabled children are represented in the forthcoming children's wellbeing Bill.
  • The Government asserts that the Equality Act 2010 allows providers to restrict access based on biological sex.
  • Discussions are planned among Ministers to improve pavement design and layout for blind and visually impaired individuals.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Daniel Francis Lab Bexleyheath and Crayford
Children & Families
Context

The disability charity Sense estimates that 200,000 disabled children across the UK are struggling to get the right school support due to funding issues.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking to ensure disabled children are represented in the forthcoming children's wellbeing Bill?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

My hon. Friend champions the rights of disabled children. He is right to do so because when it comes to support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, the system we have at the moment just is not working, as shown all too clearly by the recent National Audit Office report. I am determined to listen to parents, experts, charities and others to ensure we reform the system to provide more timely intervention and support for children and families, and ensure all children in our country are able to thrive.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not specify concrete steps or a plan for representing disabled children in the Bill but acknowledged the need for reform.

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Q2 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Women & Equalities
Context

The MP was honoured to take on the role of shadow Minister for Equalities.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that equality is not about group identities or placing one section of society on a platform above another, but about individual freedom and responsibility?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I welcome the right hon. Lady to her place. I look forward to working with her on areas where we can agree and where we can take such concerns forward on a cross-party basis, wherever possible. I believe that she, like me, is passionate about tackling violence against women and girls. As she sets out, I believe that everyone in our country should have the chance to achieve all that they are capable of achieving. Our mission across Government is to ensure that where people are from does not determine what they can go on to achieve.

Not addressed: The Minister did not address the MP's stance on equality but instead focused on cross-party collaboration and individual achievement.

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Q3 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Women & Equalities
Context

The Conservative party committed to clarifying the definition of “sex” in the Equality Act 2010.

Question

At the end of this month, For Women Scotland v. Scottish Ministers will be heard in the UK Supreme Court. Can the Government assure the House that they are now clear that the definition in 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 means biological sex?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

The right hon. Lady will appreciate that I will not comment on ongoing cases. However, I can be clear that the Equality Act 2010 sets out that providers, for example, have the right to restrict access to service on the basis of biological sex. This Government are proud of our achievements in legislating for the Equality Act. We will ensure providers can continue to support single-sex exemptions, and it is important that providers have clarity in this area. I would be happy to work with her to ensure that is the case.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a clear stance on clarifying 'biological sex' but mentioned existing rights under the Act and willingness to discuss further.

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Q4 Lee Pitcher Lab Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
Employment Standards & Ethics Environment
Context

The Minister was asked about discussions with Housing, Communities and Local Government on pavement design.

Question

Will the Minister have discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on how pavement design and layout can be improved to enhance navigability for blind and visually impaired people?

Answer from Stephen Timms

That is good example of the kind of discussion we need among Ministers responsible for disability across Government. Department for Transport guidance on inclusive mobility and on tactile paving surfaces advises how design and layout can inform visually impaired people, including about hazards and directions. I am happy to pursue the subject further with my hon. Friend.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to having specific discussions but indicated willingness to explore the issue further.

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Q5 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group represents over 100 charities which said the increase in national insurance contributions will put frontline services at risk.

Question

What will the Government do to mitigate that risk for those charities, which are so important to those with disabilities?

Answer from Stephen Timms

We are working very closely with disability organisations, and I pay tribute to the work of those to which the hon. Gentleman referred. We will certainly ensure that barriers that too often confront disabled people are removed by this Government. That is the mission that we are on.

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a specific plan or mitigation strategy but acknowledged the importance of supporting disability organisations.

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Q6 Beccy Cooper Lab Worthing West
NHS
Context

The Darzi report highlighted a substantial decline in the social determinants of health.

Question

How is the Minister working with Cabinet colleagues to include health in policies that address those social determinants of health and tackle the health inequalities that are the legacy the Conservative Government left the country to deal with?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

My hon. Friend brings real expertise to the House in this area. We are committed across Government to tackling the social determinants of health and the stark health inequalities that sadly blight the life chances of too many across our country.

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a specific plan or commitment but acknowledged the importance of addressing health inequalities.

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Q7 Helen Maguire Lib Dem Epsom and Ewell
NHS
Context

A constituent of Helen Maguire, a new mother who was exclusively breastfeeding her infant, experienced resistance from hospital staff when trying to keep her child with her during a stay. The distress caused the woman to require post-traumatic stress disorder therapy.

Question

During a hospital stay, my constituent, an exclusively breastfed baby's mother, encountered resistance from staff when she tried to keep her child with her. This led to significant distress requiring PTSD treatment. What steps is the Minister taking with Government colleagues to ensure that hospitals support breastfeeding mothers appropriately?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

The hon. Lady raises an important point, and I am very sorry to hear about her constituent's experience. A Health Minister will pick up on this point and have a conversation with her because new mothers, including those who are breastfeeding, absolutely deserve the right level of support and advice.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or measures being taken to ensure hospital staff supports breastfeeding mothers appropriately

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Q8 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Foreign Affairs Women & Equalities
Context

Other countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands have expressed concern about violations of the UN convention on eliminating discrimination against women in Afghanistan. They are preparing to take their case to the International Court of Justice.

Question

Australia, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands have called on Afghanistan to stop violating the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. This is a precursor before they take their case to the ICJ. Will the UK be joining them?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

Mr Speaker, please forgive me, but I did not quite hear all of my hon. Friend's question, but I will make sure that the issue she identifies is picked up by the relevant Minister and that she receives a full response.

Not addressed: Did not respond to whether the UK would join other countries in addressing these violations at the ICJ

How: Did Not Hear All Of The Question

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