Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Wednesday 18 December 2024 · 4 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Rosie Wrighting asked the Government what measures are in place to support those affected by domestic violence during the holiday season.
  • Claire Coutinho inquired why the Government refuses to support legislation to ban a specific practice, prompting a response that the Government will review such issues.
  • Gregory Stafford requested that the Minister write to the Oxford Union to declare that antisemitism has no place in society, particularly not in universities, to which the Government reaffirmed its stance against antisemitism and all forms of racism in any societal context.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rosie Wrighting Lab Kettering
Crime & Law Enforcement Women & Equalities
Context

Last week the MP visited Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service, which discussed estimates of a 20% increase in reported incidents of domestic abuse in the UK during the Christmas period.

Question

What are the Government doing to ensure that those affected by domestic violence can get support at this time of year?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I thank my hon. Friend for that important question, and I pay tribute to the work of Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service and everyone working across domestic violence and sexual abuse services this Christmas. I know from my own experience of working in such services over the Christmas period how busy it can be, but I want to send a message to all victims that support is always there when they need it, even at Christmas, and the police will always respond when called.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or commitments for supporting victims during the Christmas period.

How: Sentimental Language, Broad Statements Of Support

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Q2 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Context

The MP references the right hon. Friend's tabled legislation to ban cousin marriages, which are known to significantly increase birth defects and risk coercive relationships.

Question

Why will the Government not support sensible legislation to ban this practice?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

The Government will of course always keep such issues under review, and I will ensure that the Minister in the relevant Department speaks with the right hon. Lady on this topic.

Not addressed: Did not provide reasons for not supporting the proposed legislation.

How: Shifting Responsibility

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Q3 Lee Pitcher Lab Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement Environment
Context

The MP attended a Royal National Institute of Blind People event highlighting challenges faced by blind or visually impaired individuals navigating past parked cars, which forces them to walk into the road.

Question

What will the Government do to help make our streets safer and more navigable in future?

Answer from Stephen Timms

My hon. Friend raises a good example of the kind of topic we need to work on across Government, and I was pleased to chair the first meeting of the cross-Government disability lead Ministers yesterday. The Department for Transport has consulted on this problem, which can be very serious for people with a sight impairment, and is considering the options for tackling it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or commitments for making streets safer.

How: General Statements, Broad Discussions

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Q4 Gregory Stafford Con Farnham and Bordon
Community Security
Context

The MP references a debate at the Oxford Union where students discussed not reporting Hamas's plans prior to attacks, which he found disgusting.

Question

Will the Minister write to the Oxford Union and say that antisemitism has no place in our society, especially not in our universities?

Answer from Anneliese Dodds

The Government could not have been clearer about our position on antisemitism: there is no place for antisemitism in our society, nor for any form of racism. That applies whether it is in educational settings or in any other part of our society, and that has been made very clear indeed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to writing a letter to the Oxford Union.

How: Broad Statements, Reiteration Of Stance

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