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Category: Parliament

  • Dawn Butler – 2021 Speech in the House of Commons [Calling Boris Johnson a Liar]

    Dawn Butler – 2021 Speech in the House of Commons [Calling Boris Johnson a Liar]

    The speech made by Dawn Butler, the Labour MP for Brent Central, in the House of Commons on 22 July 2021.

    The last 18 months have been a tale of the good, the bad and the ugly.

    The good is that the people of Brent and elsewhere have joined together to form mutual aid groups, religions have come together to find common ground, and strangers are now firm friends. The bad is this Government’s catastrophic handling of the pandemic, the mixed messages, the corruption in plain sight, the authoritarian laws and the erosion of our democracy. And the ugly is that racism in society has reared its ugly head, spurred on by Government reports and the hyping up of the culture war and the war on woke.

    While the NHS was coping with 130,000 people dying from the pandemic, the Prime Minister was making his mates rich. Cronyism is rife and old chums are given jobs regardless of their skillset—some a little bit on the side. This has been one big experiment for this corrupt, authoritarian, racism-laden Government, and I am not scared of saying it like it is.

    The Government said we need to talk about class, so let us do it. Let us call out this toxic elitism once and for all. Byline Times, the Good Law Project, Novara Media, openDemocracy, Amnesty and Liberty have all exposed the Government, and the Government’s response is to spend public money defending the indefensible.

    It is funny how there is no money for NHS staff, yet £1 billion of covid contracts have been awarded to Conservative donors. We were told that Ministers were not involved, but then the Good Law Project exposed emails from the Prime Minister’s advisers and the Home Secretary lobbying for money. The corrupt, authoritarian approach of this Government would be condemned and investigated if it were happening anywhere else in the world.

    The 1% believe they owe nothing to society. They do not believe in the NHS, and they do not support it. This week I spoke to Orwell Foundation youth writer Manal Nadeem. She wrote:

    “Let anti-racism be both common logic and law. May we have more accountability than apologies. May performative, placeholder posts be followed by policy… When the future arrives, let the minimum wage be a liveable wage… Let survival be a birthright… When the poor cannot pay with anything else, let us not ask them to pay with their lives.”

    Poor people in our country have paid with their lives because the Prime Minister spent the last 18 months misleading this House and the country.

    Peter Stefanovic from the Communication Workers Union has a video with more than 27 million views online. In it he highlights that the Prime Minister says: that the economy has grown by 73%—it is just not true; that he has reinstated nursing bursaries—just not true; that there is not a covid app working anywhere in the world—just not true; and that the Tories invested £34 billion in the NHS—not true. The Prime Minister said

    “we have severed the link between infection and serious disease and death.”

    Not only is that not true but it is dangerous.

    It is dangerous to lie during a pandemic, and I am disappointed that the Prime Minister has not come to the House to correct the record and correct the fact that he has lied to this House and the country over and over again.

    Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)

    Order. I am sure the hon. Lady will reflect on her words and perhaps correct the record.

    Dawn Butler

    What would you rather, Madam Deputy Speaker, a weakened leg or a severed leg? At the end of the day, the Prime Minister has lied to this House time and time again. It is funny that we get in trouble in this place for calling out the lie rather than for lying.

    Madam Deputy Speaker

    Order. Can you please reflect on your words and withdraw your remarks?

    Dawn Butler

    Madam Deputy Speaker, I have reflected on my words. Somebody needs to tell the truth in this House that the Prime Minister has lied.

    The Deputy Speaker ordered Dawn Butler, Member for Brent Central, to withdraw immediately from the House during the remainder of the day’s sitting (Standing Order No. 43), and the Member withdrew accordingly.

  • Adam Holloway – 2021 Personal Statement on Interference with Judicial Process

    Adam Holloway – 2021 Personal Statement on Interference with Judicial Process

    The statement made by Adam Holloway, the Conservative MP for Gravesham, in the House of Commons on 22 July 2021.

    I wish to apologise to the House. Yesterday, the Committee on Standards adjudged that I and four other MPs were wrong to write a joint letter to two senior judges, copied to the judge who was hearing a case, which was followed by further letters to the Lord Chief Justice and the case judge, to try to influence the way personal references in court cases were made public. I now know it was improper to do so. I regret that and repeat and emphasise my apology.

  • Michael Gove – 2021 Statement on English Votes for English Laws

    Michael Gove – 2021 Statement on English Votes for English Laws

    The statement made by Michael Gove, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, in the House of Commons on 12 July 2021.

    Today, I am informing the House that the Government intend to bring forward a motion for the House of Commons to consider whether to amend the Standing Orders to remove the English Votes for English Laws procedure from the legislative process in the House of Commons.

    The English Votes for English Laws procedure, which was introduced in 2015, amended the legislative process for the purpose of providing MPs representing English constituencies—or those representing English and Welsh constituencies—the opportunity to have an additional say on matters that applied to England—or England and Wales only.

    It also applies to legislation introducing a tax measure that affects only England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which must be approved by a majority of MPs representing constituencies in those areas.

    The English Votes procedure does not apply to the legislative process in the House of Lords, although it is the case that amendments made in the Lords which apply to England—or England and Wales—only are subject to a double majority vote in the House of Commons.

    The procedure was introduced as more powers were being devolved to the Scottish Parliament and Senedd but does not reflect the unique nature of the UK Parliament and the principle that all parts of the UK should be, and are, represented equally in the UK Parliament.

    The introduction of the procedure in 2015 added additional stages to the legislative process in Parliament and in doing so introduced complexity to our arrangements and has not served our Parliament well. This Standing Order reform is a sensible change that will ensure the effective operation of the legislative process.

    Removing English Votes for English Laws does not change the fact that MPs with constituencies in England—and indeed MPs who represent constituencies across the UK—have a strong voice and role in the UK Parliament.

    It is a fundamental principle that all constituent parts of the United Kingdom should be equally represented in Parliament, and Parliament should deliver for the whole UK. The operation of this procedure—and the constraints on the role of certain MPs—does not support this aim.

    Rather than maintain this procedure, the Government shall on 13 July bring forward a motion in the House of Commons so that MPs can debate whether the English Votes procedure should be removed from the legislative process.

  • Thangam Debbonaire – 2021 Comments on the Return of Rob Roberts

    Thangam Debbonaire – 2021 Comments on the Return of Rob Roberts

    The comments made by Thangam Debbonaire, the Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, on 13 July 2021.

    Most people found to have sexually harassed their staff would expect to lose their job.

    But because of a procedural anomaly and the Conservatives’ refusal to act, Rob Roberts’ constituents are being denied the chance to decide whether or not they want him as their MP.

    Labour has proposed a change to close this loophole but the Government is inexplicably blocking it. Yet again, they seem to think it is one rule for them and another for everyone else.

  • Angela Rayner – 2021 Comments on the Personal Conduct of Michael Gove

    Angela Rayner – 2021 Comments on the Personal Conduct of Michael Gove

    The comments made by Angela Rayner, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, on 29 June 2021.

    Michael Gove has contradicted himself so many times it’s no surprise he won’t answer questions about his role in his friends being unlawfully awarded more than half a million pounds of taxpayers’ money.

    Gove’s attitude smacks of a contempt for the truth and habitual dishonesty. If he is so sure he’s done nothing wrong he should publish all the correspondence and refer himself for an investigation so he can clear his name.

    After the Matt Hancock scandal the stench of sleaze hanging around this government is growing stronger every day. The public need answers about what has gone on here, and there is clear evidence that Michael Gove has broken the Ministerial Code.

  • Thangam Debbonaire – 2021 Comments on Rob Roberts

    Thangam Debbonaire – 2021 Comments on Rob Roberts

    The comments made by Thangam Debbonaire, the Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, on 24 June 2021.

    Rob Roberts is hiding behind a procedural loophole but his constituents deserve a say in whether he is still fit to represent them.

    To be suspended from the House for six weeks but not automatically be subject to the Recall Act shows the system is not fit for purpose, nor offering adequate protection and support for staff.

    This MP should do the decent thing and resign. But for as long as the Government leave the loophole in place, they are aiding and abetting his evasive strategy. Labour will use every device available to Parliament to close the loophole.

  • Chloe Smith – 2021 Statement on Electoral Policy

    Chloe Smith – 2021 Statement on Electoral Policy

    The statement made by Chloe Smith, the Minister for the Constitution, in the House of Commons on 17 June 2021.

    The public rightly expect effective and independent regulation of the electoral system. The Electoral Commission has a vital role to play in upholding the integrity of free and fair elections and public confidence in that integrity. As the independent regulatory body charged with such pivotal responsibilities, the Commission should be fully accountable to Parliament for the way it discharges its functions.

    In recent years, some across the House have lost confidence in the work of the Commission and have questioned the adequacy of the existing accountability structures. We must reflect on the current structures charged with this important responsibility, enhance good practice and, where there is a need for change, be prepared to make it.

    Parliamentary accountability on electoral policy

    The Government are therefore announcing today that we will bring forward measures in the forthcoming Elections Bill to improve the Electoral Commission’s accountability arrangements through the introduction of a strategy and policy statement that sets out guidance and principles to which the Commission must give regard in exercising its functions. It is commonplace for the Government and Parliament to set a policy framework by which independent regulators should work.

    The statement will be subject to parliamentary approval and will provide an opportunity for Parliament to articulate its expectations of the Commission and enable greater visibility and scrutiny of its work. The statement will be developed through a statutory consultation with key stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission. It is likely to include the following:

    A statement of priorities for the Electoral Commission, rooted in priorities already set out in law, such as: providing clear and high-quality guidance for campaigners, setting and monitoring robust performance standards for returning officers and electoral registration officers, and effectively enforcing the rules on political finance and election spending.

    Executive and legislative priorities during this Parliament in relation to elections, such as the content of the Elections Bill once passed.

    Principles for the Electoral Commission, such as: impartiality, accountability, value for money, proportionality and consistency.

    An illustrative example of a statement and policy statement for the Electoral Commission will be published during the passage of the Elections Bill to aid parliamentarians. We will also be engaging with the Parliamentary Parties Panel and other interested parties on how a draft statement might be framed.

    Enhancing the remit of the Speaker’s Committee

    The Speaker’s Committee, to which the Commission reports, is not currently able to hold the Electoral Commission to account for its performance and delivery of general objectives.

    Therefore in addition to the strategy and policy statement, measures in the Elections Bill will expand the function and powers of the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission. These will include assessing the Commission’s performance against objectives set in the strategy and policy statement, and allowing Parliament to better scrutinise the work of the Commission.

    Clarity on criminal prosecutions

    The Government are clear that the proper place for criminal investigations and prosecutions relating to electoral law is with the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (and the Public Prosecution Service in Northern Ireland) who are experts in this domain.

    In recent years, the Electoral Commission has sought to develop the capability to bring criminal offences before the courts. This has never been agreed by the Government or Parliament. Having the Electoral Commission step into this space would risk wasting public money as well as present potential conflicts of interest for a body responsible for providing advice and guidance on electoral law to initiate proceedings which might depend on the very advice that was given.

    We will therefore maintain the status quo by providing clarity in law that the Electoral Commission should not bring criminal prosecutions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This measure will not apply in Scotland where there is already a single prosecutorial body. We are committed instead to supporting the existing independent and impartial police forces, prosecution services and courts as necessary to enforce electoral regulation fairly and effectively.

    Such reforms do not seek to interfere or inappropriately influence the investigative, operational or enforcement decisions of the Electoral Commission. These planned reforms predate any current inquiries, and stem from work initiated following (the then) Sir Eric Pickles’ independent review: “Securing the ballot: Report of Sir Eric Pickles’ review into electoral fraud”. The reforms would not in any way affect the ability of the Commission to undertake enforcement activity as it sees fit, but they will ensure greater accountability to Parliament on how the Electoral Commission discharges its wider functions.

    This Government are taking forward a greater emphasis on the need to tackle and prevent electoral fraud, especially in light of the corruption that took place in Tower Hamlets in 2014, in light of the points made in the Pickles review. These measures also address the concerns and recommendations raised in the Pickles review on the role of the Electoral Commission and the current system of its oversight.

    More broadly, the Committee on Standards in Public Life is undertaking a review into electoral regulation and the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee is doing an inquiry into the work of the commission. We will carefully consider any proposals from these Committees in due course.

    We are committed to protecting our democracy and maintaining public confidence in our electoral system. The measures in the Elections Bill will ensure that our democracy remains secure, modern, transparent and fair.

  • Lindsay Hoyle – 2021 Statement on Jo Cox

    Lindsay Hoyle – 2021 Statement on Jo Cox

    The statement made by Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, on 16 June 2021.

    Today marks the fifth anniversary of the death of our friend and colleague Jo Cox, who was murdered on her way to meet constituents in her Batley and Spen constituency. She was doing what so many of us do as constituency MPs, and that made her death more shocking to us all. May I, on behalf of the whole House, express our sympathy with her family, friends and colleagues on this sad anniversary? We will never forget Jo or her legacy. We remember her wise words: that we have

    “far more in common than that which divides us.”—[Official Report, 3 June 2015; Vol. 596, c. 675.]

  • Daniel Kawczynski – 2021 Statement on His Personal Conduct

    Daniel Kawczynski – 2021 Statement on His Personal Conduct

    The statement made by Daniel Kawczynski, the Conservative MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, in the House of Commons on 14 June 2021.

    With your permission, Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal statement to the House. The matter I am referring to occurred on 27 April 2020. I had been trying to get online to an important Committee meeting. After many attempts throughout the day, I was still not connected and had to leave the meeting. I did not swear or raise my voice, but my behaviour led to two complaints. I have reflected on my behaviour. I accept that it constituted bullying and, as such, was entirely inexcusable. The circumstances were stressful for the staff assisting the Committee and for me. I apologised to them before, and I apologise to them again, and to the House, unreservedly. I will never repeat such behaviour.

  • Lindsay Hoyle – 2021 Statement on Government Avoiding Parliament

    Lindsay Hoyle – 2021 Statement on Government Avoiding Parliament

    The statement made by Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, on 14 June 2021.

    Before I call the Health Secretary to make his statement, I want to repeat the point I made earlier. It is entirely unacceptable that the Government did not make today’s announcement to the House first. It was disrespectful to the House and to our constituents. The Government clearly planned that the media would be told information today not far from this Chamber, and that this House would have to wait until tomorrow. I want to say very clearly to the Government that this is not how this House should be treated.

    The Government’s own ministerial code says:

    “When Parliament is in session, the most important announcements of Government policy should be made in the first instance, in Parliament.”

    The Prime Minister polices the ministerial code. He wrote the foreword to it. He must now lead from the top and follow the guidance in it. The House can be assured that I will be pursuing this matter with him.

    I do not find it acceptable at all. Members of this House are elected to serve their constituents here, not via Sky or the BBC. Questions should be answered here. The Prime Minister should be here. I am sorry if his dinner would have been affected. I was told that he would be in Brussels—I think the nearest Brussels tonight were the sprouts in the dinner being served. I say now, Prime Minister, you are on my watch, and I want you to treat this House correctly.

    I now call the unfortunate person who has had to pick up the pieces, the Secretary of State, Matt Hancock, to make the statement.