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That this House regrets that the UK has received its lowest-ever rank on the ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map; recognises the 2024 Rainbow Map is the organisation's 13th annual review of the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people in 49 countries in Europe and Central Asia; further regrets the UK’s 51% rating, noting the decline from last year’s rating of 53.9%; acknowledges this ranking is a result of the UK Government's decision to block the Scottish Parliament's Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, delays to the banning of conversion practices and the UK Government’s treatment of LGBTI migrants, including fears that the Illegal Migration Act may be used to expel LGBTQ+ asylum seekers to their home or a third country; condemns this government’s record of failing to protect and support LGBTQ+ communities; and calls for an urgent reflection on the direction this Government is taking on human rights.
That this House regrets that the UK has received its lowest-ever rank on the ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map; recognises the 2024 Rainbow Map is the organisation's 13th annual review of the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people in 49 countries in Europe and Central Asia; further regrets the UK’s...
That this House joins in commemorating the 19th annual Joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day ceremony, held on Yom HaZikaron—Memorial Day—in Israel, beginning on the evening of 12 May 2024; pays tribute to all Israelis and Palestinians who grieve together and stand united in their demand for an end to bloodshed between both peoples; recognises that the lives of everyone connected to Israel and Palestine will never be the same as a result of the devastating events of 7 October 2023 in Israel and what has followed afterwards in Gaza; supports the work of Combatants for Peace and the Parents Circle-Families Forum in bringing Israelis and Palestinians together; believes that their mission of transforming despair into hope and building compassion around ideals of shared humanity, justice and equality provides a pathway to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; further supports all grassroots efforts to build a shared future and a political solution that brings freedom, justice and safety for all; agrees that occupation, oppression, and conflict are not inevitable; and calls on the Government to fully support, through all relevant financial and political means, all such joint Israeli-Palestinian initiatives that promote peace, justice and a shared future for Israelis and Palestinians.
That this House joins in commemorating the 19th annual Joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day ceremony, held on Yom HaZikaron—Memorial Day—in Israel, beginning on the evening of 12 May 2024; pays tribute to all Israelis and Palestinians who grieve together and stand united in their demand for an end to bloodshed between...
That this House has no confidence in Mr Speaker.
That this House has no confidence in Mr Speaker.
That this House recognises and celebrates February as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month 2024; welcomes this month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans history; notes that LGBTQ+ people have a long history of making incredible contributions to the UK; further notes that LGBTQ+ History month is much needed to challenge discrimination and educate; commemorates the progress we have made in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and related civil rights through the past decades; further celebrates the increasing freedoms and equality afforded to the LGBTQ+ community in recent years; notes that there is still a lot of work needed to challenge discriminatory rhetoric and attitudes in society; acknowledges that hate crime against the trans community is on the rise and the LGBT community is still discriminated against in many areas of society; and pledges to fight for full equality for all members of the LGBTQ+ community to allow LGBTQ+ people achieve their full potential and contribute fully to society.
That this House recognises and celebrates February as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month 2024; welcomes this month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans history; notes that LGBTQ+ people have a long history of making incredible contributions to the UK; further notes that LGBTQ+ History month is...
That this House is deeply alarmed by the attempted take-over of the Cows’ Garden in the Armenian Quarter of occupied Jerusalem by illegal Israeli settler organisations; notes that, despite the cancellation of a lease agreement, Israeli settlers have used violence, threats and bulldozers against the Armenians at this site; recognises that settlements in the Old City of Jerusalem are a method of permanent land acquisition and theft of territory, and needs the same robust international response as elsewhere in occupied Palestinian territory; acknowledges the severe and critical threat to the Armenian community of Jerusalem, which has had a presence in the Old City for almost two millennia; further recognises that the destruction within the Cows’ Garden in the Armenian Quarter wounds the local fabric and relations between communities; highlights the particular vulnerability of the small yet vibrant Armenian community of Jerusalem; and calls on the Government to take effective measures in response including supporting all legal and accountability mechanisms to resolve this crisis.
That this House is deeply alarmed by the attempted take-over of the Cows’ Garden in the Armenian Quarter of occupied Jerusalem by illegal Israeli settler organisations; notes that, despite the cancellation of a lease agreement, Israeli settlers have used violence, threats and bulldozers against the Armenians at this site; recognises...
That this House acknowledges the plight of Dr Ofer Cassif, Member of Israeli Knesset of the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash) who currently faces unconstitutional expulsion from the Israeli Knesset on the grounds of supporting armed struggle against the state following his signature on a petition supporting South Africa’s appeal to the International Court of Justice (ICJ); recognises that Dr Cassif simply insists upon an end to the bloodshed, death and destruction in Gaza and calls for the release of all hostages, as well as for a lasting just peace in the interest of both Israelis and Palestinians; applauds the courage it takes for Israelis to express sympathy and solidarity with innocent Palestinian victims and speak out against their Government’s actions particularly at this time amidst repression and harassment; and furthermore supports all calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
That this House acknowledges the plight of Dr Ofer Cassif, Member of Israeli Knesset of the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash) who currently faces unconstitutional expulsion from the Israeli Knesset on the grounds of supporting armed struggle against the state following his signature on a petition supporting South...
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will publish all the scientific data supporting the findings in the Joint position paper from the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) and Committee on Toxicity (COT) on establishing a provisional acceptable daily intake (ADI)...
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will publish all the scientific data supporting the findings in the Joint position paper from the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) and Committee on Toxicity (COT) on establishing a provisional acceptable daily intake (ADI)...
The scientific data was summarised in the joint position paper from the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes and Committee on Toxicity, which is available at the following link:
Further detailed information will be published on the Food Standards Agency’s website in safety assessments relating to the novel foods applications for cannabidiol, as required by Article 23 4 (e) of Novel Foods Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, which are in preparation.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with (a) the Food Standards Agency and (b) its advisory committees on its guidance on the acceptable daily intake of cannabidiol (CBD) for consumers, published on 12 October 2023.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with (a) the Food Standards Agency and (b) its advisory committees on its guidance on the acceptable daily intake of cannabidiol (CBD) for consumers, published on 12 October 2023.
The Secretary of State has regular discussions with the Government’s arm’s-length bodies, including the Food Standards Agency, on a range of issues.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Israeli counterpart on the compliance of its instruction to residents of Gaza City to move south with the fourth Geneva Convention.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Israeli counterpart on the compliance of its instruction to residents of Gaza City to move south with the fourth Geneva Convention.
The UK is steadfast in its position that all states should uphold International Humanitarian Law, and we call on our friends and partners to do so. Israel has the right to defend itself proportionately, and its military operations must be conducted in accordance with International Humanitarian Law. Distinction must be made between civilians and combatants and only direct attacks against suspected combatants and other military objectives are to be made. Both the Prime Minister and the former Foreign Secretary have, in their discussions with their Israeli counterparts, emphasised the importance of taking all possible measures to protect civilians. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has stated that Israel will operate in accordance with international law.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to make an assessment of the adequacy of Israel's compliance with the Geneva convention during its operations in Gaza.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to make an assessment of the adequacy of Israel's compliance with the Geneva convention during its operations in Gaza.
The UK is steadfast in its position that all states should uphold International Humanitarian Law, and we call on our friends and partners to do so. Israel has the right to defend itself proportionately, and its military operations must be conducted in accordance with International Humanitarian Law. Distinction must be made between civilians and combatants and only direct attacks against suspected combatants and other military objectives are to be made. Both the Prime Minister and the former Foreign Secretary have, in their discussions with their Israeli counterparts, emphasised the importance of taking all possible measures to protect civilians. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has stated that Israel will operate in accordance with international law.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the availability of potable water in Gaza on the risk of fatalities.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the availability of potable water in Gaza on the risk of fatalities.
The available evidence indicates that immediate action is needed to prevent death and illness from lack of sufficient safe water. According to the United Nations, 50 per cent of water infrastructure has been destroyed or heavily damaged. In response, the UK is calling for sustained, unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza so that essential aid including food, water, fuel and medical supplies can reach civilian populations. This includes calling for humanitarian pauses to ensure emergency aid can be distributed and calling for the Kerem Shalom crossing to be opened.
The UK Government has also announced £30 million in humanitarian funding and has already sent more than 51 tonnes of emergency relief for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This funding will support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in responding to critical food, water, health, shelter and security needs in Gaza. The UK is also calling on all parties to protect border crossings to support safe humanitarian access and mitigate harm to civilians.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the implications for his policies of the level of access to water, food and fuel for people in Gaza.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the implications for his policies of the level of access to water, food and fuel for people in Gaza.
The available evidence indicates that immediate action is needed to prevent death and illness from lack of sufficient safe water. According to the United Nations, 50 per cent of water infrastructure has been destroyed or heavily damaged. In response, the UK is calling for sustained, unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza so that essential aid including food, water, fuel and medical supplies can reach civilian populations. This includes calling for humanitarian pauses to ensure emergency aid can be distributed and calling for the Kerem Shalom crossing to be opened.
The UK Government has also announced £30 million in humanitarian funding and has already sent more than 51 tonnes of emergency relief for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This funding will support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in responding to critical food, water, health, shelter and security needs in Gaza. The UK is also calling on all parties to protect border crossings to support safe humanitarian access and mitigate harm to civilians.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has commissioned (a) judicial and (b) other legal advice on the Government's position with respect to the conflict in Gaza.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has commissioned (a) judicial and (b) other legal advice on the Government's position with respect to the conflict in Gaza.
The UK position is clear: all sides must abide by their international obligations and must respect International Humanitarian Law. The Foreign Secretary and his ministerial team receive legal advice on all matters related to foreign policy, including the conflict in Israel and Gaza. The UK Government is closely following the security situation in the Middle East and maintains a regular dialogue with international counterparts. We will continue to use all the tools of British diplomacy to sustain the prospects of peace and stability in the region.
This House utterly condemns the massacre of Israeli civilians and taking of hostages by Hamas; agrees with the United Nations Secretary-General that these horrific acts do not justify responding with the collective punishment of the Palestinian people; expresses its deep alarm at the Israeli military bombardment and total siege of Gaza and the resulting deaths and suffering; believes that the urgent priority must be to stop the deaths and suffering of any more civilians in Gaza and Israel; welcomes the joint statement from 12 leading aid agencies, including Oxfam, Christian Aid, CAFOD, Medical Aid for Palestinians and Islamic Relief, calling on the UK Government to use its influence to help protect civilians, to ensure adherence to international humanitarian law and to guarantee civilians have access to critical life-saving humanitarian support; and to this end supports their call for the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary to urgently press all parties to agree to an immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities, to ensure the immediate, unconditional release of the Israeli hostages, to end the total siege of Gaza and allow for unfettered access of medical supplies, food, fuel electricity and water, to guarantee that international humanitarian law is upheld and that civilians are protected in accordance with those laws.
This House utterly condemns the massacre of Israeli civilians and taking of hostages by Hamas; agrees with the United Nations Secretary-General that these horrific acts do not justify responding with the collective punishment of the Palestinian people; expresses its deep alarm at the Israeli military bombardment and total siege of...
Yesterday, the Prime Minister said that we would finally challenge actions that undercut legitimate aspirations for Palestinian statehood, and there are none more fundamental than 57 years of breaches of the fourth Geneva convention by the illegal occupation of the territories, and then with 750,000 Jewish settlers being placed in those territories making a two-state solution very, very difficult. Are we actually now going to do something about that, or does my right hon. Friend share my concern that the meaningful resolution to which the Foreign Secretary referred may include the transfer of the people of Gaza and Gaza itself out of the state of Israel into the hands of another state or state system, and, more concerningly, that that would be followed by the expulsion of the Palestinians from the west bank?
Yesterday, the Prime Minister said that we would finally challenge actions that undercut legitimate aspirations for Palestinian statehood, and there are none more fundamental than 57 years of breaches of the fourth Geneva convention by the illegal occupation of the territories, and then with 750,000 Jewish settlers being placed in those territories making a two-state solution very, very difficult. Are we actually now going to do something about that, or does my right hon. Friend share my concern that the meaningful resolution to which the Foreign Secretary referred may include the transfer of the people of Gaza and Gaza itself out of the state of Israel into the hands of another state or state system, and, more concerningly, that that would be followed by the expulsion of the Palestinians from the west bank?
My hon. Friend has a long-standing and principled view on these matters. I do not share his view and nor do the Government. Nor do I think that the latter part of his question and the specific points that he made are likely to come about.
My right hon. Friend knows that I am one of the Members of this House who takes the most satisfaction in the fact that it is he who is Prime Minister of this great democratic country, with all the powers of analysis that he brings to his role. We are...
My right hon. Friend knows that I am one of the Members of this House who takes the most satisfaction in the fact that it is he who is Prime Minister of this great democratic country, with all the powers of analysis that he brings to his role. We are...
May I say to my right hon. Friend that whatever the investigation finds out, in a sense it will not matter a great deal to all those who are dead in the hospital? Whether the Israeli explanation is correct that it was an Islamic Jihad missile that misfired and then...
May I say to my right hon. Friend that whatever the investigation finds out, in a sense it will not matter a great deal to all those who are dead in the hospital? Whether the Israeli explanation is correct that it was an Islamic Jihad missile that misfired and then...
My right hon. Friend has been absolutely right to lead the nation in reassuring the British Jewish community in the wake of the utterly appalling atrocity visited upon Israel and Jews on 7 October. I understand that my right hon. Friend will be travelling to the region, and he will see for himself the shock and trauma that is through the Israeli nation after this
event—shock and trauma that is accompanied by a rage. The enormous danger is that the Israeli reaction, led by a Prime Minister who will be held accountable for this failure of intelligence, is going to amount—is indeed amounting—to a war crime. That will not only be a crime; it will be a mistake. I urge my right hon. Friend: there is now no one better placed to urge Israel to stay within the international rule of law, and to exercise restraint on behalf of us all.
My right hon. Friend has been absolutely right to lead the nation in reassuring the British Jewish community in the wake of the utterly appalling atrocity visited upon Israel and Jews on 7 October. I understand that my right hon. Friend will be travelling to the region, and he will see for himself the shock and trauma that is through the Israeli nation after this
event—shock and trauma that is accompanied by a rage. The enormous danger is that the Israeli reaction, led by a Prime Minister who will be held accountable for this failure of intelligence, is going to amount—is indeed amounting—to a war crime. That will not only be a crime; it will be a mistake. I urge my right hon. Friend: there is now no one better placed to urge Israel to stay within the international rule of law, and to exercise restraint on behalf of us all.
As a friend, we will always urge Israel to take every possible practical precaution to avoid harming civilians, and indeed to act within international law, as Israel’s President has said its armed forces will do, while recognising the incredible complexity and difficulty of the situation on the ground. It bears repeating that Hamas is a terrorist organisation that embeds itself inside a civilian population. We always have to remember that. Israel is taking every possible practical step to avoid harming civilians, and we will do everything we can to provide humanitarian support to the area.
This House utterly condemns the massacre of Israeli civilians and taking of hostages by Hamas; agrees with the United Nations Secretary-General that these horrific acts do not justify responding with the collective punishment of the Palestinian people; expresses its deep alarm at the Israeli military bombardment and total siege of Gaza and the resulting deaths and suffering; believes that the urgent priority must be to stop the deaths and suffering of any more civilians in Gaza and Israel; welcomes the joint statement from 12 leading aid agencies, including Oxfam, Christian Aid, CAFOD, Medical Aid for Palestinians and Islamic Relief, calling for the Government to use its influence to help protect civilians, to ensure adherence to international humanitarian law and to guarantee civilians have access to critical life-saving humanitarian support; and to this end supports their call for the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary to urgently press all parties to agree to an immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities, to ensure the immediate, unconditional release of the Israeli hostages, to end to the total siege of Gaza and allow for unfettered access of medical supplies, food, fuel electricity and water, to guarantee that international humanitarian law is upheld and that civilians are protected in accordance with those laws.
This House utterly condemns the massacre of Israeli civilians and taking of hostages by Hamas; agrees with the United Nations Secretary-General that these horrific acts do not justify responding with the collective punishment of the Palestinian people; expresses its deep alarm at the Israeli military bombardment and total siege of...
I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement. I welcome in particular his urging of the state of Israel to act in line with international humanitarian law and his call for Israel to take every precaution to avoid harming civilians. May I ask him to press upon our Israeli friends the...
I welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement. I welcome in particular his urging of the state of Israel to act in line with international humanitarian law and his call for Israel to take every precaution to avoid harming civilians. May I ask him to press upon our Israeli friends the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in the Welsh Government on support for (a) businesses and (b) universities for research into psilocybin.
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in the Welsh Government on support for (a) businesses and (b) universities for research into psilocybin.
I routinely meet with Welsh Government Ministers to discuss a variety of issues. In addition, my officials regularly engage with Welsh Government officials regarding R&D support for Welsh businesses and universities, including health-based R&D.
The UK Government is investing £39.8 billion on R&D between 2022 and 2025, the largest amount ever. This will contribute to the Prime Minister’s ambition to cement the UK as a science and technology superpower by 2030, in which businesses and universities in Wales will play a key role.
I have recently visited all of the universities in Wales and I have also visited many businesses within the Welsh Life Sciences and MedTech sectors. I have greatly appreciated seeing the innovative technologies that are contributing to the Welsh R&D landscape because of excellent research and collaboration between academia and industry.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in the Scottish Government on support for (a) businesses and (b) universities for research into psilocybin.
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in the Scottish Government on support for (a) businesses and (b) universities for research into psilocybin.
Drug policy and the associated legislation regarding its use and possession is reserved. I have not had any discussions with the Scottish Government regarding research into psilocybin.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he is taking steps to support (a) businesses and (b) universities in Northern Ireland to conduct research into psilocybin.
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he is taking steps to support (a) businesses and (b) universities in Northern Ireland to conduct research into psilocybin.
Support for businesses and universities in Northern Ireland to conduct research is a devolved matter for the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy.
However, the Government is committed to supporting economic growth and driving transformational investment in Northern Ireland. In conjunction with Invest Northern Ireland and local partners, the UK Government will host the Northern Ireland Investment Summit in Belfast in September to showcase Northern Ireland’s internationally renowned sectors, including advanced manufacturing, software and technology, financial & professional services and emerging life & health sciences sector.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of psilocybin on the (a) health and (b) ability to work of people with long term health conditions; and whether his Department is taking steps to support research into these...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of psilocybin on the (a) health and (b) ability to work of people with long term health conditions; and whether his Department is taking steps to support research into these...
No assessment has been made by the Department for Work and Pensions of the potential impact of psilocybin on the health, or ability to work, of disabled people and people with long-term health conditions.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health. This includes the potential impact of psilocybin on the health and ability to work of people with long-term health conditions. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to increase the level of research into the use of psilocybin for the treatment of (a) depression, (b) addiction and (c) other chronic conditions on health inequalities; and if he will take steps to...
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to increase the level of research into the use of psilocybin for the treatment of (a) depression, (b) addiction and (c) other chronic conditions on health inequalities; and if he will take steps to...
The Department commissions research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), who have invested £1.1 million in a randomised controlled trial to examine if it is feasible, safe and effective to use psilocybin to treat people with treatment-resistant depression. NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including the use of psilocybin in the treatment of depression, addiction and other chronic conditions. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality.
NIHR infrastructure is supporting psilocybin research via the NIHR King’s Clinical Research Facility and the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre where researchers are developing and evaluating the efficacy and safety of psilocybin therapy for use in the National Health Service and other healthcare settings.
I found a way of accommodating myself to the laws and to the rules of society of the time. I then overtly followed a successful journey through my life and career. This report—an outstanding piece of work—is causing me to re-evaluate the damage done to me, and the price paid...
I found a way of accommodating myself to the laws and to the rules of society of the time. I then overtly followed a successful journey through my life and career. This report—an outstanding piece of work—is causing me to re-evaluate the damage done to me, and the price paid...
There are people in Ukraine who found their territory illegally occupied and annexed by Russia, their children disappeared into Russian custody and their land settled by ethnic Russians. Under international law, we recognise the right of victims of the criminal actions of the Russian state to resist. How can we...
There are people in Ukraine who found their territory illegally occupied and annexed by Russia, their children disappeared into Russian custody and their land settled by ethnic Russians. Under international law, we recognise the right of victims of the criminal actions of the Russian state to resist. How can we...
That this House notes the publication of the recent paper on drug reform from the Scottish Government entitled A Caring, Compassionate and Human Rights Informed Drug Policy for Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s public health approach to problematic drug use; further notes that the paper calls on the UK Government to implement the decriminalisation of all drugs for personal supply, progressed as part of a wider review of drug laws; believes that these are ambitious, evidence-based proposals; agrees that this approach would allow people found in possession of drugs to be treated and supported rather than criminalised and that people in recovery would have a better chance of employment without a criminal record; and calls on Ministers to give serious consideration to this paper and to engage with the Scottish Government on its proposals.
That this House notes the publication of the recent paper on drug reform from the Scottish Government entitled A Caring, Compassionate and Human Rights Informed Drug Policy for Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s public health approach to problematic drug use; further notes that the paper calls on the...
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I distinctly remember that during last week’s Second Reading of the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill, when the Communities Secretary was asked in an intervention whether there had been any advice against the Bill from diplomatic posts, he replied...
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I distinctly remember that during last week’s Second Reading of the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill, when the Communities Secretary was asked in an intervention whether there had been any advice against the Bill from diplomatic posts, he replied...
Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. The Communities Secretary gave the assurance to the House that he was unaware of any such advice in the context of diplomatic posts. It appears that that advice did exist, and that it came from the Foreign Secretary’s own office.
Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. The Communities Secretary gave the assurance to the House that he was unaware of any such advice in the context of diplomatic posts. It appears that that advice did exist, and that it came from the Foreign Secretary’s own office.
That this House recognises that the Palestinian people are under unprecedented attack; notes that the Israeli Government, one of the most right-wing in its history, has launched its biggest military incursion in the West Bank in two decades, is announcing thousands of new illegal settlements on a regular basis, continuing with its expulsions of Palestinians from East Jerusalem and Masafer Yatta and its school and home demolitions, and failing to prevent armed settlers from rampaging through Palestinian villages killing, maiming, and attacking Palestinians and destroying homes, mosques, and agricultural lands; is horrified to note that this year in the West Bank alone the Israeli military has killed more than 170 Palestinians, nearly one per day; further notes that the US Administration has publicly criticised the plans for illegal settlement expansion; is dismayed that instead of taking concrete steps to uphold human rights and international law, the British Government seems determined to shield Israel from accountability, as well as companies complicit in its occupation, by legislating to silence those trying to achieve change through peaceful and democratic means; believes that any suggestion that, alone among peoples facing oppression around the world, Palestinians should be singled out and denied the right to appeal to people of conscience for support is not only wrong but runs counter to the UK’s legal obligations and must be rejected; and insists that the ability of public authorities to divest from companies proven to be complicit or responsible for violations of human rights should be defended.
That this House recognises that the Palestinian people are under unprecedented attack; notes that the Israeli Government, one of the most right-wing in its history, has launched its biggest military incursion in the West Bank in two decades, is announcing thousands of new illegal settlements on a regular basis, continuing...
Understanding that this comes in the context of, for years, Israel building settlements that block the route to a settlement of this dispute, and understanding that Israel is failing to show restraint, failing to follow international humanitarian law and failing to protect civilians, what are the Government actually going to...
Understanding that this comes in the context of, for years, Israel building settlements that block the route to a settlement of this dispute, and understanding that Israel is failing to show restraint, failing to follow international humanitarian law and failing to protect civilians, what are the Government actually going to...
That this House notes that the Government allowed specialist medical practitioners to be able to prescribe cannabis medicines in 2018, but excluded general medical practitioners, despite their core role in supporting patients in their communities; further notes that, annually, around 20,000 patients obtain private prescriptions for medical cannabis, but just 1,000 have NHS prescriptions and that there are many more who access the illicit market to obtain cannabis for medical reasons; and calls on the Government to take the necessary steps to allow general medical practitioners to have the same medical cannabis prescribing rights as specialist medical practitioners.
That this House notes that the Government allowed specialist medical practitioners to be able to prescribe cannabis medicines in 2018, but excluded general medical practitioners, despite their core role in supporting patients in their communities; further notes that, annually, around 20,000 patients obtain private prescriptions for medical cannabis, but just...
Can my right hon. Friend help us here? As the effect of Israeli policy since 1967 has been to build out of existence the possibility of a two-state solution by settling 700,000 Jews who have arrived in the state of Israel, with their right to go there under Israeli law,...
Can my right hon. Friend help us here? As the effect of Israeli policy since 1967 has been to build out of existence the possibility of a two-state solution by settling 700,000 Jews who have arrived in the state of Israel, with their right to go there under Israeli law,...
The BDS is a Palestinian-led movement. Who else is it supposed to protest against? I realise that it has a global application, but it is a Palestinian-led movement about Palestine.
The BDS is a Palestinian-led movement. Who else is it supposed to protest against? I realise that it has a global application, but it is a Palestinian-led movement about Palestine.
I draw the attention of the House to my declaration in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Sheffield Central (Paul Blomfield), with whom I very largely agreed.
I want to start with a challenge to my right hon. Friend the Member...
I draw the attention of the House to my declaration in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Sheffield Central (Paul Blomfield), with whom I very largely agreed.
I want to start with a challenge to my right hon. Friend the Member...
On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. It concerns the status of the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill., which we are about to discuss. It occurred to me during my examination of the Bill that there is, at the very least, a prima facie case that...
On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. It concerns the status of the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill., which we are about to discuss. It occurred to me during my examination of the Bill that there is, at the very least, a prima facie case that...
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to publish the LGBT Veterans Independent Review.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to publish the LGBT Veterans Independent Review.
The Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans' Affairs jointly commissioned the independent review to better understand the impacts and implications of the pre-2000 policy relating to LGBT people serving in HM Armed Forces. The review underlines Defence's unwavering commitment to understanding how best to support its veteran and LGBT community.
Lord Etherton recently concluded his independent review and submitted his report and recommendations to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Minister for Veterans' Affairs in the Cabinet Office. The Government will now consider the report and recommendations and decide which Departments are best placed to take action. Defence is committed to publishing the report and responding in full in due course after giving the report due consideration, as per the terms of reference.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the requirement for drug testing charities to obtain licenses from her Department for back of house drug testing in the presence of police officers, for what reason (a) her Department's policy has changed and (b) charities were...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the requirement for drug testing charities to obtain licenses from her Department for back of house drug testing in the presence of police officers, for what reason (a) her Department's policy has changed and (b) charities were...
Home Office policy on drug testing has not changed. It is a long-established legal requirement, under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, that a controlled drugs licence is needed to lawfully undertake activities including the possession, supply or production of controlled drugs.
We have been clear that organisations providing drug testing services need to apply for a Home Office licence where they are undertaking activities with controlled drugs.
The Home Office has not received any licence applications from organisations wanting to provide drug testing services at festivals this year. The Government’s guidance on applying for a controlled drug licence sets out the timelines required for the Home Office to consider an application. These timelines enable the Home Office to fulfil its legislative duties and its international obligations under the United Nations Drug Conventions. Similarly, fees for licence applications are set out in statute and are applied universally to prospective licensees.
The Home Office has no plans to commission the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to review drug testing.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 8 June to Question 187573 on Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, whether she is taking steps to increase transparency in the functioning of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, and whether...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 8 June to Question 187573 on Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, whether she is taking steps to increase transparency in the functioning of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, and whether...
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) is an independent Non-Departmental Public Body, sponsored by the Home Office.
The operation of the Council is a matter for the ACMD, although my Department is aware that the ACMD follows and continues to develop its own standard operating procedure for using evidence in its reports.
The ACMD routinely publish their reports which can be found on Gov.uk.
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment her Department have made of the potential merits of banning conversion therapy for trans people; and if she will make a statement on the conversion therapy ban.
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment her Department have made of the potential merits of banning conversion therapy for trans people; and if she will make a statement on the conversion therapy ban.
There is clear evidence associating conversion practices with a range of significant harms. The Government remains committed to protecting everyone from these abhorrent practices, including those who are targeted on the basis of being transgender. We will shortly publish a draft Bill and consultation response setting out our approach. The draft legislation will go for pre-legislative scrutiny by a Joint Committee in this parliamentary session.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs' Part 2 report on Barriers to Research commission, published 12th December 2022, when her Department received a draft copy of the report; when she expects the final document to be...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs' Part 2 report on Barriers to Research commission, published 12th December 2022, when her Department received a draft copy of the report; when she expects the final document to be...
The Home Office has not received an advance draft of the ACMD’s barriers to research – part 2 report. I look forward to receiving the ACMD’s advice on this important topic.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to help ensure that the deletion in 2010 of disciplinary records relating to the ban on homosexuality will not adversely affect eligibility for any future compensation scheme.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to help ensure that the deletion in 2010 of disciplinary records relating to the ban on homosexuality will not adversely affect eligibility for any future compensation scheme.
Defence and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs jointly commissioned an independent review into the service and experience of LGBT veterans who served in the Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000. The review underlines Defence’s unwavering commitment to understanding how best to support its veteran and LGBT community.
The questions of financial compensation and other corrective and restorative measures were included in the scope of the LGBT Veterans Independent Review.
Defence is grateful to Lord Etherton for his work on this important review. We deeply regret the past treatment of LGBT personnel in the Armed Forces and thank those that have come forward. The Government is considering the recommendations of the review and will respond in due course.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reasons the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has not posted meeting minutes on its website since 16 May 2013; and if she will ask the Council to provide copies of those minutes.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reasons the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has not posted meeting minutes on its website since 16 May 2013; and if she will ask the Council to provide copies of those minutes.
As the ACMD is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB), sponsored by the Home Office, its operation and working practice is a matter for the ACMD.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how her Department plans to assess the impact of controlling nitrous oxide as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; and what estimate she has made of the cost of this policy to the public purse...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how her Department plans to assess the impact of controlling nitrous oxide as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; and what estimate she has made of the cost of this policy to the public purse...
The Government will conduct a full Impact Assessment before implementing control of nitrous oxide. This will include consideration of the impact control will have on levels of nitrous oxide misuse, as well as the impact control will have on businesses with legitimate requirements for nitrous oxide, the public sector, and other identified groups. This will examine the cost over a 10-year appraisal period and will be published on the GOV.UK website.
It is not our intention to hinder or place undue burden on those who wish to use nitrous oxide for legitimate purposes or to unduly impact businesses. To support our understanding of the uses of nitrous oxide and how best to exempt legitimate use, the Government published a consultation - Nitrous oxide: legitimate uses and appropriate controls - which seeks views from organisations and people who use, or might wish to use, nitrous oxide in the future for legitimate purposes. The consultation runs until 27 June and is available on the GOV.UK website.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will publish the (a) date and (b) minutes of the meeting referred to in The Official Report of 18 May 2023, Vol. 732, Col. 1038, between her Department's Chief Scientific Adviser and the Chief Medical Officer and the...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will publish the (a) date and (b) minutes of the meeting referred to in The Official Report of 18 May 2023, Vol. 732, Col. 1038, between her Department's Chief Scientific Adviser and the Chief Medical Officer and the...
The meeting referred to in Hansard was on reducing barriers to research into controlled drugs, rather than on the rescheduling of psilocybin. It took place on 28 April 2023.
The Home Office has no plans to publish minutes of this meeting, which was intended to support the provision of advice to Ministers.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to present the first annual report monitoring her Department's progress on the strategy and delivery of 10-year drug strategy From Harm to Hope.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to present the first annual report monitoring her Department's progress on the strategy and delivery of 10-year drug strategy From Harm to Hope.
Each relevant Secretary of State has accountability for delivery of the elements in the drug strategy, From Harm to Hope, that lie within their department’s remit. As the Combating Drugs Minister, I have overarching accountability for the strategy and delivery of the ambitions and commitments, and will present an annual report to Parliament to monitor progress.
The report is scheduled for publication in summer 2023 and will contain an update on progress on work funded by the strategy.
That this House recognises that people harmed by drug and alcohol use should be treated fairly, justly and with dignity; further recognises that they are, however, frequently dehumanised, marginalised and discriminated against; acknowledges that negative preconceptions and stereotypes present a major obstacle to people accessing harm-reduction and recovery services; welcomes the recent launch of the Anti-Stigma Network, whose mission is to improve understanding of the stigma and discrimination experienced by many people harmed by drug and alcohol use; applauds the commitment of the NHS Addictions Provider Alliance and all individuals and organisations collaborating in this initiative; believes this represents a major step forward in fighting stigma and saving lives; and calls on the Government to support the efforts of the Anti-Stigma Network and all those challenging stigma, thereby helping to remove barriers to treatment and to reduce the record level of drug and alcohol deaths across the UK.
That this House recognises that people harmed by drug and alcohol use should be treated fairly, justly and with dignity; further recognises that they are, however, frequently dehumanised, marginalised and discriminated against; acknowledges that negative preconceptions and stereotypes present a major obstacle to people accessing harm-reduction and recovery services; welcomes...
That this House congratulates the pioneering efforts of the Irish Government for introducing mandatory health labelling on alcoholic drinks to alert consumers to calorie content, grams of alcohol, risks of cancer and liver disease and dangers of drinking while pregnant; recognises that standardised health labelling enable consumers to make informed decisions on alcohol consumption; notes that other food, drink and tobacco products contain clear health information, and where necessary, health warnings, therefore mandatory health labelling of alcohol products would be in line with existing practices; is alarmed that alcohol, like tobacco and asbestos, is a group 1 carcinogen and linked to over 100 illnesses yet such risks are not part of UK alcohol labelling requirements; is concerned that the current voluntary self-regulatory UK model of alcohol labelling does not sufficiently inform consumers; and calls on the Government to follow Ireland’s leadership and introduce mandatory health labelling on alcohol products that informs consumers of the significant health risks, to help reduce soaring rates of alcohol harm in the UK.
That this House congratulates the pioneering efforts of the Irish Government for introducing mandatory health labelling on alcoholic drinks to alert consumers to calorie content, grams of alcohol, risks of cancer and liver disease and dangers of drinking while pregnant; recognises that standardised health labelling enable consumers to make informed...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department plans to take to tackle the rise in transphobic hate crime.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department plans to take to tackle the rise in transphobic hate crime.
The Government takes all forms of hate crime seriously. We expect the police to fully investigate these hateful attacks and make sure the cowards who commit them feel the full force of the law.
The Government is committed to reducing all crime, including hate crime, which is why we have successfully recruited more than 20,000 extra police officers.