Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Easter Adjournment

30 March 2023 · 8 other contributors · 16,897 words

Opened by Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

Responding minister: Marcus Jones

TaxationCommunity SecurityForeign AffairsWomen & EqualitiesLocal GovernmentNHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Bob Blackman raised concerns about easter adjournment in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP highlighted Harrow Council's balanced budget and free Easter activities for children.
  • MP noted over 5,550 antisocial behaviour cases reported to his office this year.
  • MP expressed concern over ULEZ expansion without proper consultation.

Key requests to Government

The MP asked for a proper response to constituents' concerns regarding ULEZ expansion, urged the Government to include the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the list of proscribed terrorist organisations, and requested that the Education Secretary look into introducing a Romanian GCSE. He also called for an immediate implementation of the proposed tobacco control plan. The MP asked the government to address record-keeping for medical conditions in schools, review historical discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in civil services, consider an open protocol system for lift repairs to increase competition, provide greater rights for tenants under the renters reform Bill, and ensure affordable social housing through increased housebuilding. Fiona Bruce asked Ministers to support a short Bill that would establish her role permanently and ensure continued commitment to the Truro review recommendations. She requested renewed energy in implementing these commitments, particularly recommendation 6 which addresses establishing the role of special envoy on FORB permanently. The MP asks for better transparency on what happens with user data and calls for a regulator of algorithms that can link the issue to data management. He suggests regulating at the pace of industry development to set global standards in AI regulation.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

The MP highlighted the excellent performance of Harrow Council in balancing its budget and offering free activities for children during Easter holidays. However, he also noted an increase in antisocial behaviour cases reported to his office, with more than 5,550 incidents recorded this year alone. He expressed concern about the expansion of the ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) without proper consultation and a lack of response from the Mayor's office. Additionally, he condemned the Iranian government's actions against protests in Iran and highlighted issues related to proscribed terrorist organizations operating within the UK. The MP raised several issues affecting constituents: a tragic case of a nine-year-old child dying due to inadequate medical support at school; historical discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in the secret services, including the dismissal of one constituent for being gay; delays and difficulties with lift repairs impacting daily life, especially for those living on higher floors; and housing challenges, including high private rents, insufficient social housing, and temporary accommodation issues. Fiona Bruce expressed concern about the lack of progress in implementing the Truro review within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). She noted that five written parliamentary questions raised by a colleague received generic replies instead of addressing specific recommendations. A detailed expert assessment indicated substantial work remains to be done on FORB implementation, and Fiona highlighted the importance of embedding her role as special envoy for freedom of religion or belief in statute. The MP is concerned about the lack of clarity from tech companies regarding data usage on platforms like TikTok. He notes that while the app is user-friendly, it raises questions about privacy and security, particularly with regards to facial recognition technology and data sharing practices. The MP highlights issues around steroid use among 500,000 to 1 million UK users due to social media pressures.

Other contributors (8)
  • Chris Stephens SNP Glasgow North East

    I thank the hon. Member for taking my earlier intervention in good humour and discuss the newly formed all-party parliamentary group for kabaddi, highlighting the need for policy-makers to understand real people's lives better when making decisions. I am concerned about the impact of government policy on communities during Easter. The SNP calls for a review of how public services are funded and managed to ensure they meet the needs of all constituencies. Chris Stephens thanked the hon. Member for Harrow East and acknowledged issues raised by other MPs, such as LGBTQ injustices and body image concerns among young women. He highlighted the Resolution Foundation's report showing workers in the UK are £11,000 a year worse off than their European neighbours due to stagnation and austerity. Stephens also discussed Universal Credit deductions and called for an end to sanctions on those struggling with social security. Additionally, he expressed concern over strike action among government workers during the cost of living crisis.

  • David Evans Con Bosworth

    Talked about TikTok and other social media impact on body image, AI regulation issues.

  • Fiona Bruce Con Congleton

    Advocated for freedom of religion, religious rights, and mentioned a case where a young man was sentenced after singing a song about religious persecution.

  • Jessica Morden Lab Newport East

    Apologised for missing an event at Caldicot School and highlighted the work of churches in her constituency, including warm hubs during the cost of living crisis. Mentioned the Sanctuary Project's support for Afghan refugees and called for improved support for victims of modern slavery. Raised concerns about the Government's responsiveness to communication from MPs and cited a figure from the Resolution Foundation that people are £11,000 worse off since 2010.

  • Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham

    Before calling the Minister, Mr Vickers asked him to allow Mr Blackman a minute at the end to wind up.

  • Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central

    Championed the campaign to save Reading gaol and turn it into an arts and heritage hub, urging the Government to support the local bid rather than favouring commercial redevelopment. Emphasised the historical significance of the site and its potential as a venue for art installations and community activities. Discussed the proposed project in Reading related to Oscar Wilde's prison sentence site, involving community, arts, and LGBT+ community.

  • Meg Hillier Lab Co-op Hackney South and Shoreditch

    The hon. Member raises a very important issue regarding the ineffectiveness of sanctions as a blunt instrument to encourage people into work, citing the Public Accounts Committee's findings on sanctions' inefficacy. Meg Hillier also highlights the National Audit Office's access to critical data that the Government often does not release publicly and expresses shock at the lack of transparency concerning information on sanctions. The Home Office's responses are often slow, with some constituents waiting years for replies. Face-to-face meetings have improved the situation temporarily but are not sustainable. Discussed the death of Rasharn Williams and procedures for supporting pupils with medical conditions, urged a meeting between the Schools Minister and Lorna Williams. Mentioned an LGBT constituent's case involving diplomatic service.

  • Mark Williams Con Ceredigion

    The hon. Member thanked Mr Blackman and expressed his ignorance regarding a sport, showing openness to new information.

Government Response

Marcus Jones

Acknowledged Harrow Council's work and supported Conservative councils. Discussed antisocial behaviour measures including penalties for fly-tipping and laughing gas ban. Addressed ULEZ concerns, improvements in Home Office casework, Romanian GCSE issue, private Member's Bills on rogue landlords, Indian trade deal, smoking prevalence, Rasharn Williams death case procedures, LGBT diplomatic service perception, lift providers' support, renters reform Bill progress, affordable homes programme funding, Fiona Bruce's advocacy for freedom of religion and religious rights, Oscar Wilde prison site project, TikTok and social media impact on body image, AI regulation issues. Provided updates on cost-of-living measures including £94 billion support package, state pension increase, fuel duty reduction.

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