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  • Peter Bone – 2022 Parliamentary Question on Returning Migrants to France

    Peter Bone – 2022 Parliamentary Question on Returning Migrants to France

    The parliamentary question asked by Peter Bone, the Conservative MP for Wellingborough, in the House of Commons on 16 November 2022.

    Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con)

    If migrants who crossed the channel from France illegally were immediately returned to France, it would stop illegal migration to this country, break the economic model of the people smugglers and, perhaps more importantly, stop thousands of people descending on northern French cities, which would benefit the French. When the Prime Minister spoke to the French President, was a returns policy discussed? If so, what was the President’s response?

    The Deputy Prime Minister (Dominic Raab)

    My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this issue. I cannot tell him the precise read-out from the meeting—I have not seen it yet—but I can tell him that the Home Secretary’s deal and agreement with her French opposite number means a 40% increase in officers patrolling beaches in northern France; UK officers embedded with their French counterparts for the first time; investment in port security infrastructure; more technology; and more wider European co-operation. We have taken all those measures in the teeth of the opposition from the Labour Front Bench, who have opposed every single measure that we have taken to stop illegal immigration, including things where I would have thought there would be cross-party consensus, such as life sentences for traffickers who play on human misery.

  • Judith Cummins – 2022 Parliamentary Question on Northern Powerhouse Rail

    Judith Cummins – 2022 Parliamentary Question on Northern Powerhouse Rail

    The parliamentary question asked by Judith Cummins, the Labour MP for Bradford South, in the House of Commons on 16 November 2022.

    Judith Cummins (Bradford South) (Lab)

    Seven years ago, in my first PMQs, a Conservative Prime Minister told me to stop “griping” and “get behind” his rail investment plans. A few weeks ago, the new Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said that there “wasn’t really much point” in going ahead with Northern Powerhouse Rail. Time and again, Tory Prime Ministers have promised NPR only to break their promises. Will the Deputy Prime Minister now put on the record whether he supports Transport for the North’s preferred option for NPR, with a stop in Bradford?

    The Deputy Prime Minister

    I can tell the hon. Lady that our £96 billion integrated rail plan will make Northern Powerhouse Rail a reality. We are committed to the project; the precise details will be set out in due course.

  • Rebecca Long-Bailey – 2022 Parliamentary Question on Exposing Military to Nuclear Weapons Testing in 1950s

    Rebecca Long-Bailey – 2022 Parliamentary Question on Exposing Military to Nuclear Weapons Testing in 1950s

    The parliamentary question asked by Rebecca Long-Bailey, the Labour MP for Salford and Eccles, in the House of Commons on 16 November 2022.

    Rebecca Long-Bailey (Salford and Eccles) (Lab)

    A 1958 instruction from Whitehall ordered medics to take blood samples regularly from exposed veterans during nuclear weapons tests. I have been made aware that many veterans and their families have been reported being unable to obtain the test results, so are denied the ability to make any sense of what they, and in some cases their families, suffered. Will the Deputy Prime Minister investigate and inform me of the legal rights of these men to obtain their medical records? Will he undertake to ask the Prime Minister to order that the medical files be opened to veterans and the UK Health Security Agency immediately?

    The Deputy Prime Minister (Dominic Raab)

    I thank the hon. Lady, who has been a consistent champion on this issue, for which I recognise and pay tribute to her. My understanding is that the information is available to veterans and their families, who may request details of their service and medical records, but if the hon. Lady would like to write to me, I will make sure that she gets an adequate answer on her more specific point.

  • Harriett Baldwin – 2022 Parliamentary Question on Education Cannot Wait

    Harriett Baldwin – 2022 Parliamentary Question on Education Cannot Wait

    The parliamentary question asked by Harriett Baldwin, the Conservative MP for West Worcestershire, in the House of Commons on 16 November 2022.

    Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)

    All our constituents want to see an end to the dangerous and illegal channel crossings. One of the best ways to do that is to make sure that services are delivered in the first safe place to which refugees flee. In that context, will the Deputy Prime Minister, as a former Foreign Secretary and Development Minister, commit to backing the work of Education Cannot Wait, which delivers education in refugee camps?

    The Deputy Prime Minister (Dominic Raab)

    My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the brilliant work that Education Cannot Wait does. She will know the importance of the campaign for girls’ education under both the previous Prime Minister and the current Prime Minister. We will certainly look at what more we can do to support that brilliant work, particularly for children growing up in refugee camps.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Stagecoach Devon Ordered to Provide Free Bus Services in Exeter

    PRESS RELEASE : Stagecoach Devon Ordered to Provide Free Bus Services in Exeter

    The press release issued by the Department of Transport on 18 November 2022.

    The company attended a public inquiry over two days in June and October this year. A DVSA investigation found that around 21% of services were not running to timetable. The figure was accepted by the operator who put the cause down to a lack of drivers despite efforts to recruit and retain.

    In his written decision following the inquiry, Traffic Commissioner Kevin Rooney noted that this was not a case of buses running more than one minute early or five minutes late (the accepted “window of tolerance”) but one of buses not running at all. Stagecoach’s own evidence was that between six and nine percent of registered mileage had been lost. He found that the operator had not been quick enough to act and was also critical of the information available to passengers. He set the shortcomings against the significant lack of drivers across the bus and coach sectors since the pandemic and EU exit, and the significant recent action to recruit and retain drivers.

    In making the order for free services, estimated to cost around £120,000, Mr Rooney also recorded the company’s intent to keep a member of staff available at peak hours at Exeter Bus Station.

    The decision can be found here.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Local authorities having to find homes for children at the ‘last minute’ [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Local authorities having to find homes for children at the ‘last minute’ [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 18 November 2022.

    An Ofsted report published today, finds that local authorities are struggling to find homes for children coming into care.

    Local authorities are struggling with a last minute dash to find homes for children coming into care due to the rising demand for places and a lack of suitable accommodation, according to Ofsted.

    In a report published today, Ofsted found that the lack of enough suitable accommodation, and the need to find placements quickly, mean local authorities often struggle to plan for and meet their legal duty to offer sufficient accommodation for children in need of care. Difficulty forecasting demand and the need for urgent placements leaves local authorities with little option but to respond to individual cases as and when they arise.

    Some local authorities told Ofsted that a lack of time and resources for forward planning results in a last-minute response when a child comes into care. Even when local authorities can plan, there is often a lack of available accommodation and care for children with more complex needs.

    Local authorities also noted tension in their relationships with some private providers and their ‘power’ over the children’s social care market. Some suggested that providers can cherry-pick certain children, making it difficult for them to follow their plan and fulfil their sufficiency duty. Conversely, other local authorities highlighted how positive relationships with providers mean they are better able to find homes for children with more complex needs and negotiate the cost of placements.

    Ofsted’s report draws on interviews and focus groups with social workers, regional commissioning groups and other local authority staff.

    The research also found:

    • local authorities’ knowledge about providers and agencies is often held by individuals, which can be lost when there are staff changes
    • some local authorities are concerned about the ageing population of foster carers in their area and their ability to plan for long term placements

    Yvette Stanley, Ofsted’s National Director for Regulation and Social Care:

    Today’s report lays bare some of the challenges facing local authorities when it comes to finding the care children need. More children are coming into care, many with high-level physical and mental health needs. The need to find places for these children quickly overrides local authorities’ long-term planning.

    It is clear that these findings are set against the issues affecting children’s social care nationally, and local authorities cannot solve the sufficiency issue on their own. There is a lack of suitable homes in the right places, particularly for children with the most complex needs – this needs to be addressed.

    Text of Ofsted Report.

  • Ben Wallace – 2022 Comments on the Promotion of Vice Admiral Keith Blount

    Ben Wallace – 2022 Comments on the Promotion of Vice Admiral Keith Blount

    The comments made by Ben Wallace, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 18 November 2022.

    I am delighted to congratulate Vice Admiral Keith Blount on his promotion to Admiral and appointment as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

    His appointment demonstrates the United Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to NATO and our leadership in European defence. I pay tribute to the contribution Vice Admiral Blount has made to the Royal Navy and the Alliance in his career to date. He brings extensive leadership experience and has served on operations across the globe alongside our allies and partners. I look forward to continuing to work with him and NATO.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Vice Admiral appointed NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Vice Admiral appointed NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 November 2022.

    Vice Admiral Keith Blount is to be appointed NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR), demonstrating the UK’s continued leadership in the Alliance. For the past three years, he has been Commander of NATO’s Maritime Command.

    Vice Admiral Blount will take up the appointment in the rank of Admiral in succession to General Sir Tim Radford in July 2023.

    Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe serves as the second in command to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and concurrently as the deputy head of Allied Command Operations. This is the first time the role has been held by a representative from the Royal Navy.

    Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

    I am delighted to congratulate Vice Admiral Keith Blount on his promotion to Admiral and appointment as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

    His appointment demonstrates the United Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to NATO and our leadership in European defence. I pay tribute to the contribution Vice Admiral Blount has made to the Royal Navy and the Alliance in his career to date.  He brings extensive leadership experience and has served on operations across the globe alongside our allies and partners. I look forward to continuing to work with him and NATO.

    Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:

    Vice Admiral Blount’s appointment as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe is testament to his leadership of NATO’s Maritime Forces at this pivotal time for European security.

    It also reflects the United Kingdom’s commitment to the Alliance on land and in the air, our exceptional nuclear contribution, our growing cyber capabilities, and our pivotal role on NATO’s northern flank, all of which make Britain the leading European ally.

    Vice Admiral Keith Blount said:

    It is an absolute honour to have been selected to succeed General Sir Tim Radford as the next Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

    He has been instrumental in guiding NATO’s work at a critical time for the Alliance and its Partners and I look forward to maintaining the momentum.

    The strength of NATO lies with its people and we have a highly skilled and dedicated team that is laser focused on our collective defence.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Millions across Great Britain see energy bills reduced as £1.8 billion is paid out in first month of government scheme [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Millions across Great Britain see energy bills reduced as £1.8 billion is paid out in first month of government scheme [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 18 November 2022.

    – £1.8 billion was paid out last month through the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS), reducing energy costs for over 27 million households across Great Britain

    – £136 million worth of vouchers have been provided to traditional prepayment meter customers, with government urging households to redeem them

    – a second instalment of the EBSS payment will reduce November bills, adding to wider government support to protect against soaring energy prices

    Over 27 million households across Great Britain received money off their energy bills last month as the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) provided £1.8 billion in payments.

    New figures released today show the EBSS successfully provided a £66 discount for 97% of eligible households in England, Scotland and Wales in its first month.

    This is the first payment made through the EBSS since it launched in October and will see households receive a £400 discount on energy bills paid in 6 monthly instalments. The second instalment of the EBSS will reduce households’ November energy bills, which brings the total amount spent on the scheme so far to £3.8 billion.

    Vouchers were sent to all 2 million customers with traditional pre-payment meters. The government today urged consumers to redeem vouchers as soon as possible, after figures showed only around two thirds had already done so. Suppliers will tell customers where to redeem them, for example at a Post Office branch or a PayPoint shop. Payzone outlets are unable to accept the vouchers.

    Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Grant Shapps, said:

    The government is committed to supporting people facing unique stresses with the cost of living and rising energy costs. Today’s figures show how we are making a difference in over 27 million homes across Great Britain.

    All vouchers have now been sent to customers who should have them, so I urge everyone who uses a traditional prepayment meter to make sure they receive their voucher from their supplier and redeem them promptly so they get the energy bill support they are entitled to.

    Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Cartlidge, said:

    We are facing a global energy crisis driven by Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and we know this is a huge challenge for people here in the UK.

    That’s why we have taken direct action, ensuring millions of households are protected this winter.

    From December onwards, the amount discounted from energy bills will increase to £67 as the scheme continues to provide support to households over the winter months.

    Administered by energy suppliers, the scheme is designed so customers receive the rebate in the same way that they pay their energy bills, such as via direct debit, credit, smart meters and traditional prepayment meters. For the small minority who have not yet received the discount for October, this was down to factors such as issues around a customer’s bank details where they pay via direct debit, and customers on pre-payment meters who are yet to redeem the vouchers.

    Gillian Cooper, Head of Energy Policy for Citizens Advice, said:

    As winter starts to set in, this financial support should help millions of people to keep their heating and lights on. It’s vital it reaches everyone who needs it.

    Most people should get the payment directly, but if you use a traditional prepayment meter, you’ll be sent monthly vouchers that you can redeem at your local shop or Post Office. If you haven’t received the first 2 payments, contact your energy supplier as soon as possible.

    Earlier this year, the government introduced new powers that mean intermediaries, such as landlords, must pass on savings made under the EBSS and other energy support schemes to end users, who don’t pay their energy bills directly, for example tenants.

    Those on traditional prepayment meters are sent monthly vouchers by their supplier via text, email or post with suppliers having contacted customers in advance of the scheme launching to advise how the discount will be applied.

    Vouchers expire after 90 days to ensure it helps people over the winter months but can be reissued by the supplier on request. Suppliers must make several attempts to contact customers who have not redeemed their vouchers, with the scheme also allowing for consumers to transfer EBSS payments from electricity meters to gas meters. All vouchers must be redeemed by 30 June 2023.

    The EBSS comes in addition to wider government support to help households with the cost of living this Winter. As well as discounts provided through the EBSS, the government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will save a typical household around £700 this winter, based on what energy prices would have been under the current price cap – reducing bills by roughly a third. The EPG will continue to provide support for another 12 months from April 2023, and with energy prices forecast to remain high, this equates to an average of £500 support for households in 2023 to 2024. An additional £1,200 of support in direct payments is being provided to vulnerable households this year, with £26 billion worth of targeted support to help protect the most vulnerable announced by the Chancellor for the next financial year.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Momentum for change is building around the UN – UK statement on reform of Security Council [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Momentum for change is building around the UN – UK statement on reform of Security Council [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 November 2022.

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the General Assembly debate on Security Council reform.

    Thank you President.

    May I start by joining others in congratulating Ambassador Albanai of Kuwait and Ambassador Mlynár on their appointment as Co-Chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council reform. Under their leadership, we look forward to engaging in and driving forward the IGN.

    President,

    Momentum for change is building around the UN. The world is not the same today as it was in 1946 when the Security Council first met, or as it was in 1965 when it was last expanded. The challenges we face today are more complex and more interconnected. Including threats to the Charter that bind us together, and its principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    The way we respond must change too.

    Our position is well known. The United Kingdom has long called for the expansion of the Security Council in both the permanent and non-permanent categories.

    We support the creation of new permanent seats for India, Germany, Japan and Brazil, as well as permanent African representation on the Council.

    We also support an expansion of the non-permanent category of membership, taking the Security Council’s total membership to somewhere in the mid-twenties.

    With these changes, the Council would be more representative of the world today. And, coupled with a renewed commitment to the UN Charter, it would be better able to respond decisively to threats to international peace and security.

    President,

    Since the General Assembly last met on this topic, we have seen the veto used egregiously in the Council, to prevent action that would have saved lives, and to censor criticism of Russia’s unjust and illegal war in Ukraine.

    We were proud therefore to co-sponsor the Veto Initiative that now enables this Assembly to hold vetoing powers to account.

    For our own part, the United Kingdom has not exercised our right to use the veto since 1989. We prefer to persuade Council members of the merit of our positions to secure their support in the Council. As supporters of the Accountability Coherence and Transparency group Code of Conduct, we remain committed not to vote against a credible draft resolution to prevent or end a mass atrocity, and we encourage all States to join us.

    President,

    We have a shared goal of reforming the Security Council. The upcoming Intergovernmental Negotiations are an opportunity for practical and focused discussions on how to make it a reality.

    Text based negotiations would help all countries in this assembly to engage constructively on this important issue, and would help us make swifter progress.

    I thank you President.