Topical Questions 2020-10-01

2020-10-01

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Vicky Foxcroft Lab
Lewisham North
Context
The serious violence taskforce has not met for over a year, despite the government's commitment to a public health approach to tackling youth violence.
The Government have confirmed that they are adopting a public health approach to tackling youth violence. This involves a cross-departmental, multi-agency approach, and a long-term strategy over a minimum of 10 years. Can the Minister therefore offer any explanation as to why the serious violence taskforce has not met for over a year?
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for raising this question. She has been a consistent voice in this House, and beyond it, for new, imaginative and effective ways of dealing with the scourge of youth and gang violence. Her attention and focus on this issue has helped to improve the work of Government and others. Some of the issues that she mentions are subsumed within the work of the broader criminal justice taskforce that the Prime Minister has set up. I will ask the Home Office to make sure that there is an opportunity for her to be briefed on its work, and if there is more that can and should be done, then we will benefit from her involvement.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address why the serious violence taskforce has not met in over a year but offered to brief the MP on criminal justice taskforce work instead.
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Rachel Reeves Lab
Leeds West and Pudsey
Context
A leaked letter suggests that cars made in Britain are likely to face tariffs from January 1st, despite no further rounds of negotiations being planned.
We are told that the two sticking points in the Brexit negotiations are state aid and fisheries, but we have now learned from a leaked letter—not from Ministers—that cars made in Britain are likely to face tariffs from 1 January next year, deal or no deal. Detailed negotiations on automotives or on crucial rules of origin requirements are not on the agenda for the crunch talks taking place this week, and there are no further rounds of negotiations planned. So can the Minister tell the House at what point precisely do the British Government give up on the British car industry?
The hon. Lady, not least during the time when she was Chairman of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, was a strong champion for manufacturing, and indeed this Government are strongly committed to manufacturing, not least in the automotive sector. Of course we are fighting for the best possible deal on rules of origin and diagonal cumulation, and we are seeking a no-tariff and no-quota deal with the European Union. That has always been our consistent aim.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify when or if they will give up but stated their commitment to manufacturing and automotive sector.
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Rachel Reeves Lab
Leeds West and Pudsey
Context
MP criticized the government for lack of action on protecting British automotive jobs.
The complacency is staggering. It is the responsibility of the British Government to stand up for British industry. The letter from the Government's chief negotiator says that they “obviously cannot insist on” tariff-free trade. But our Government should be insisting on the very best deal for car manufacturing and for British industry. There are 150,000 jobs that depend on car manufacturing. I can tell this House that a Labour Government would do that. Will the Minister get out of first gear and prioritise and protect the jewels in the crown of British manufacturing? Will he agree to urgently meet representatives of the automotive sector and the trade unions Unite and GMB to ensure that we do not do away with this vital industry and the vital jobs that depend on it?
The hon. Lady knows how to wound with her reference to getting out of first gear. I suspect that she knows, as many Members know, that it took me seven attempts to pass my driving test and therefore I am not an expert—
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the question about protecting jobs or meeting industry representatives but instead responded with a personal anecdote.
Personal Insult
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Rachel Reeves Lab
Leeds West and Pudsey
Context
MP questioned the Minister's driving skills as a response to his lack of action towards car industry protection.
Did you check your eyesight?
I took my final successful test in Aldershot, not County Durham, but still. On the hon. Lady's serious and substantive point, she is right and I will happily meet representatives of the manufacturing sector, including representatives of the trade unions. It is our aim to secure tariff-free access. Officials from the Cabinet Office talked to Ford Motor Company only earlier this week to make sure that we could support them through the end of the transition period. The hon. Lady is right to emphasise the importance of the sector, not least as we move from internal combustion engine manufacture and towards electric and other zero carbon vehicles.
Assessment & feedback
Responded to a personal question without addressing substantive issues about meetings with automotive sector representatives.
Personal Insult
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Context
First Minister of Wales claims no engagement with Prime Minister regarding covid, conflicting with official statements.
We have heard from the First Minister of Wales in the past few months that he has had no engagement or meetings with the Prime Minister about covid. He is clearly trying to make out that there has been no contact with the UK Government. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that there has been significant discussion between the UK and Welsh Governments? What discussions has he had recently with the devolved Administrations about the upcoming end to the transition period?
My hon. Friend makes an important point. As I said earlier, there was a Cobra meeting just last week at which the First Minister of Wales was an important and constructive participant, and my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister talked to the First Minister prior to that. I enjoy my regular conversations with the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. I think I have probably spoken to the First Minister of Wales more often in the past couple of months than I have to my own mum and dad, and that is a reflection of the high regard in which I hold the First Minister of Wales, not of any lack of regard for my parents in Aberdeen.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm significant discussion on covid but talked about personal interactions with First Ministers instead.
Personal Anecdote
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Hilary Benn Lab
Leeds South
Context
There is a discrepancy between the Minister's statement and that of the Road Haulage Association regarding the readiness of certain IT systems.
Last week the right hon. Gentleman told the House that the two IT systems that will be crucial to enabling goods to move across the border from 1 January—namely the goods vehicle movement service and smart freight—are “in operation.” Later that day, the chief executive of the Road Haulage Association wrote that these were “absolutely not in operation.” I wonder whether the right hon. Gentleman would like to clarify what he meant.
Yes of course. I have found that the Road Haulage Association, valuable organisation though it may be, has not always necessarily been the most constructive partner at every stage in the conversations that we needed to have. Nevertheless, I think it is the case that we are having conversations with it and others to ensure that these and the other IT systems that we need for the end of the transition period are in place.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm or deny if systems were operational but criticized Road Haulage Association's stance.
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Context
Concern over businesses' readiness for the end of transition period regardless of outcome.
What steps are the Government taking to ensure that businesses in Basildon and Thurrock are ready for the end of the transition period, regardless of the outcome?
The Government's campaign to ensure businesses are prepared for opportunities and challenges post-transition has seen an uptick in UK business preparedness. The reasonable worst case scenario was published last week to demonstrate consequences if readiness is not achieved by January 1st.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or timeline not provided
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Joy Morrissey Con
Beaconsfield
Context
Request for details on government's plans to disperse key decision makers across the UK.
Can my right hon. Friend outline what steps are being taken to deliver the much-needed Whitehall reforms that he outlined in the Ditchley speech earlier this year to ensure that the Government can deliver effectively for all corners and communities of the UK? May I welcome his call for the civil service to return to Whitehall?
Strands of work include dispersing key decision makers across UK, led by Lord Agnew for new senior civil service posts in locations like Teesside. More transparency and effectiveness in how Government delivers for all parts of the UK is needed through data and digital tools.
Assessment & feedback
Specific details on Whitehall reforms not provided
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
Advocacy for supporting local manufacturers such as Ebac, Cleveland Bridge, Hitachi, and Roman Showers in Sedgefield.
As was discussed in the blue collar Conservative session in Sedgefield, opportunities for UK growth post-covid and Brexit are aligned by doing everything that we can to support Made in Britain. Will my right hon. Friend support that agenda and encourage HS2 in particular to do so rather than placing orders for steel and bridges overseas? We have great companies in Sedgefield such as Ebac, Cleveland Bridge, Hitachi and indeed Roman showers, of which David Osborne, one of the joint chairs of Made in Britain, is the managing director. I invite my right hon. Friend to come with me to visit Roman and others to see for himself the passion behind a Made in Britain agenda?
Advocates for north-east, particularly Sedgefield. Investment in next generation of manufacturing excellence is crucial with young men and women leading the revolution supported by strong local representation.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address support for UK manufacturing or HS2 orders specifically
Response accuracy
Q10 Direct Answer
Mohammad Yasin Lab
Bedford
Context
Request to enshrine high food standards in law when Agriculture Bill returns.
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has said that over his dead body would he accept United States food standards, so will he take the opportunity to protect our farmers and keep our food clean and safe in a post-Brexit future by enshrining our standards in law when the Agriculture Bill returns to this place?
Already upholding high animal welfare, environmental protection and food safety standards in law. No compromise on these standards will be made post-Brexit.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
Difficulty for SMEs such as Hydro Cleansing in Carshalton and Wallington getting access to public sector contracts.
Like many small and medium-sized enterprises, Hydro Cleansing in Carshalton and Wallington provides very specialist services that are not available on the open market, yet it still has trouble getting access to public sector contracts. What more can my right hon. Friend do to ensure that SMEs such as Hydro Cleansing can get access to those contracts?
SMEs are backbone of economy and deserve simpler procurement processes. Outside EU, we can simplify the process for SMEs to gain access to Government contracts.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or timeline not provided
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
Survey indicating public preference for local public health teams in delivering test and trace services.
Given that today we have heard a number of very positive comments from Ministers about the effectiveness and the quality—sorry, I am trying not to laugh here—of the delivery of test and trace by the private sector, is the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster aware of the recent survey that showed that 74% of the public want those services delivered by local public health teams, which have proven to be far more effective in stopping the spread of the virus?
74% of public prefer local public health teams. Important is what works, ensuring mix of public and private sector delivery to keep constituents safe with innovation from both sectors working hand in hand.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or timeline not provided
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
Advocacy for EU to return to negotiating table and end brinkmanship.
Does my right hon. Friend not agree that it is in the interests of both Unions—the EU and the UK—for the EU to return to the negotiating table, end its games of brinkmanship and sign the deal?
Right hon. Friend correct. Progress made but still sticking points on state aid, level playing field, fisheries. Government determined to achieve resolution with good will from both sides while maintaining red lines.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or timeline not provided
Response accuracy