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To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Smith of Malvern on 14 July (HL1473), what mechanisms are in place to ensure that (1) the expert panel is publicly accountable, and (2) the wider community can submit feedback on the standards and specialist provision packages being developed.
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Smith of Malvern on 14 July (HL1473), what mechanisms are in place to ensure that (1) the expert panel is publicly accountable, and (2) the wider community can submit feedback on the standards and specialist provision packages being developed.
The independent expert panel has been appointed to oversee the development of the National Inclusion Standards and Specialist Provision Packages. The panel will draw on evidence from academics, education leaders and practitioners, the Education Endowment Foundation, health and social care professionals, and UKRI. They will promote high-quality, evidence-based practice, to ensure accountability and alignment across the system.
The panel will also engage with stakeholders from the wider community, including children, young people, families, practitioners, local authorities and representative organisations to make sure their recommendations are informed by a wide range of views and lived experience. A parent engagement group to support the panel's work is being established.
The panel will publish their recommendations on draft Specialist Provision Packages for the department and the Department of Health and Social Care to decide on. The departments will be accountable for decision-making on the Specialist Provision Packages.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill on the functions of the intelligence and security services.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill on the functions of the intelligence and security services.
The Government has worked closely with the UK Intelligence Community and with the Intelligence and Security Committee to assess the impact of any measures on the functions of the intelligence and security services.
The Bill includes measures designed to ensure that sensitive information is handled securely and can be protected from inappropriate disclosure. This includes information related to the functions of the intelligence and security services.
As for all public authorities, there will be some limited costs for the intelligence and security services in preparing for the application of the duty and in adapting existing practice to meet its requirements. The Bill’s impact assessment sets out that the extent of ‘new’ costs in the support of these investigative processes is likely to be low.
The Government will continue to review the impact assessment of the Bill as the Bill is amended.
Developments and decisions on the reorganisation of English local government in 2025-26
Developments and decisions on the reorganisation of English local government in 2025-26
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of the proportion of planning applications in England that will be determined by (a) elected planning committees and (b) planning officers following the introduction of the National Scheme of Delegation; what assessment he...
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of the proportion of planning applications in England that will be determined by (a) elected planning committees and (b) planning officers following the introduction of the National Scheme of Delegation; what assessment he...
My Department has published statutory guidance setting out how the national scheme of delegation will operate, including the arrangements for referral to planning committees and transparency and reporting requirements. This can be found on gov.uk here.
An updated impact assessment was reviewed by the Regulatory Policy Committee and published alongside the final Regulations (The Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026). This can be found on gov.uk here.
My Department already publishes data on applications which are delegated to planning officers. Once the Regulations in question come into force on 31st October 2026, we will collect data on applications referred to planning committees. This information will be published alongside other national planning statistics on gov.uk here.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure accountability and transparency in local government spending.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure accountability and transparency in local government spending.
Local authority funding is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland.
The government recognises the significant pressures that councils are facing and is making good on long overdue promises to fundamentally update the way we fund local authorities. We are delivering fairer funding, targeting money where it is needed most through the first multi-year Settlement in a decade.
The 2026-27 Local Government Finance Settlement makes available £78 billion in Core Spending Power for local authorities in England in 2026-27, a 6.1% increase compared to 2025-26, this includes over £4 billion new grant funding.
We are empowering local leaders and giving them flexibility to prioritise spending according to local need.
In England, the new Local Outcomes Framework will be used to understand progress across 16 priority outcomes in local areas. This will improve transparency and enable the public, government, local government and local partners to have a shared view of progress.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review: Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy, published in December 2025, and what steps they intend to take to hold the school to account for the practices highlighted in the report.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report Local Child Safeguarding Practice Review: Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy, published in December 2025, and what steps they intend to take to hold the school to account for the practices highlighted in the report.
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure clear accountability for vaccination commissioning and delivery following the withdrawal of Section 7A of the National Health Service Act 2006 and the abolition of NHS England; and what role the Department of Health and Social Care will play in...
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure clear accountability for vaccination commissioning and delivery following the withdrawal of Section 7A of the National Health Service Act 2006 and the abolition of NHS England; and what role the Department of Health and Social Care will play in...
From April 2027, integrated care boards (ICBs) will take on responsibility and accountability for commissioning vaccination services. This includes taking on responsibility for improving uptake towards the targets for vaccination coverage which are currently set out as key performance indicators in the National Health Service public health functions agreement 2026 to 2027. These targets will be maintained through delegation.
The NHS Oversight Framework provides a consistent approach to assessing how well providers and ICBs are delivering for patients and supporting improvement. Uptake of the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine and healthcare worker flu vaccine are included in the metrics used to assess ICB performance. The Department is continuing to develop the detail of our approach to oversight and accountability of the system as part of the transformation to merge NHS England into the Department.
Throughout this period and beyond we will continue to support new vaccination programmes with clear, time-bound delivery plans working with national partners, including the UK Health Security Agency, and partners throughout the system including, from April 2027, offices for pan-ICB commissioning and ICBs.
We will also continue to support commissioners to arrange high-quality vaccination services including supporting a strong core offer through general practice and school-age immunisation services as well as the arrangement of effective supplementary and targeted outreach services that drive uptake where needed and appropriate for population health needs.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what oversight and accountability arrangements are in place to regulate the content of relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) in schools.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what oversight and accountability arrangements are in place to regulate the content of relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) in schools.
Relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) is subject to statutory guidance, which schools must have regard to when developing and delivering their curriculum. Governing bodies, academy trusts and school proprietors are responsible for ensuring that RSHE is taught in accordance with legal requirements and the statutory guidance, including consultation with parents. Ofsted inspects schools’ safeguarding arrangements and wider personal development, which includes evaluating whether pupils receive a comprehensive and age-appropriate RSHE curriculum.
All schools must have an up-to-date written policy for relationships education or, where they teach sex education, for relationships and sex education (RSE). Statutory RSHE guidance requires schools to consult parents on their RSHE policy and provide examples of the resources they plan to use. The department is clear that parents should be able to view curriculum materials on request, and schools should not enter into arrangements that prevent them from sharing RSHE resources with parents.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure greater accountability and transparency from landlords and managing agents.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure greater accountability and transparency from landlords and managing agents.
I. Framework agreement between DHSC and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority 2026-2029. Incl. Annex.38p. Letter dated 20/07/2026 from Baroness Merron to the Deposited Papers clerk regarding the Framework agreement for deposit in the House libraries. 1p.
I. Framework agreement between DHSC and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority 2026-2029. Incl. Annex.38p. Letter dated 20/07/2026 from Baroness Merron to the Deposited Papers clerk regarding the Framework agreement for deposit in the House libraries. 1p.
A briefing on the constitutional status and regulation of the Home Civil Service (Great Britain), the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Diplomatic Service.
A briefing on the constitutional status and regulation of the Home Civil Service (Great Britain), the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Diplomatic Service.
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to amend the Public Office (Accountability) Bill to require local authorities to correct inaccurate statements.
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to amend the Public Office (Accountability) Bill to require local authorities to correct inaccurate statements.
The Public Office (Accountability) Bill establishes a new duty of candour and assistance at Inquiries, inquests and other investigations, backed by criminal sanctions. Local authorities will be under new obligations to help investigations to find the truth by providing information and evidence with candour proactively and without favouring their own position.
The Bill already requires public authorities and officials to correct any errors or omissions in information given to an Inquiry or investigation. In the case of a public authority, they must provide a position statement and further information or clarification and must comply with other directions, as soon as reasonably practicable.
The Bill also requires local authorities to establish a professional duty of candour for all staff, to be set within a wider code of ethics. These obligations will be underpinned by a new duty requiring public bodies to promote the ethical conduct of those that work for them.
My Lords, this Bill is not the right mechanism that I would wish for the prevention and punishment of genocide.
First, it asks the courts of the UK to do something they are not equipped to do. The most fundamental problem is evidential. Genocide determinations have to be carried out in...
My Lords, this Bill is not the right mechanism that I would wish for the prevention and punishment of genocide.
First, it asks the courts of the UK to do something they are not equipped to do. The most fundamental problem is evidential. Genocide determinations have to be carried out in...
My Lords, I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Alton of Liverpool, on securing the Bill’s Second Reading and on his persistence, which spans a decade from its first introduction in 2016. Today, as an adviser to the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, and someone who has spent many...
My Lords, I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Alton of Liverpool, on securing the Bill’s Second Reading and on his persistence, which spans a decade from its first introduction in 2016. Today, as an adviser to the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, and someone who has spent many...
My Lords, it is a pleasure to follow the noble Baroness, Lady Goudie. I would also like to thank the noble Lord, Lord Alton, not just for his perseverance on this Bill, but for his lifelong advocacy on behalf of so many.
I am not a regular contributor on foreign affairs,...
My Lords, it is a pleasure to follow the noble Baroness, Lady Goudie. I would also like to thank the noble Lord, Lord Alton, not just for his perseverance on this Bill, but for his lifelong advocacy on behalf of so many.
I am not a regular contributor on foreign affairs,...
My Lords, as other noble Lords have done, I congratulate my friend, the noble Lord, Lord Alton of Liverpool, on this extremely important Bill and on his commitment to this issue, which reaches back across decades. I am proud to speak along with others who support the Bill. I wish...
My Lords, as other noble Lords have done, I congratulate my friend, the noble Lord, Lord Alton of Liverpool, on this extremely important Bill and on his commitment to this issue, which reaches back across decades. I am proud to speak along with others who support the Bill. I wish...
My Lords, I join in the shower of congratulations on the noble Lord, Lord Alton, for sponsoring the Bill, which I support, and for his many years of work in this field. The Bill is not about labelling current or past actions as genocide; that often passionately contentious area diverts...
My Lords, I join in the shower of congratulations on the noble Lord, Lord Alton, for sponsoring the Bill, which I support, and for his many years of work in this field. The Bill is not about labelling current or past actions as genocide; that often passionately contentious area diverts...
My Lord, I pay tribute to the noble Lord, Lord Alton of Liverpool, not only for introducing this Bill but for decades of tireless work exposing some of the gravest human rights abuses across the world. Whether campaigning for victims of religious persecution, standing up for prisoners of conscience or...
My Lord, I pay tribute to the noble Lord, Lord Alton of Liverpool, not only for introducing this Bill but for decades of tireless work exposing some of the gravest human rights abuses across the world. Whether campaigning for victims of religious persecution, standing up for prisoners of conscience or...
My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Alton of Liverpool, for presenting this Bill. Like all noble Lords in today’s debate, I pay tribute to him for his tireless campaigning, both in this House and indeed in an earlier life in the other place, on these issues...
My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Alton of Liverpool, for presenting this Bill. Like all noble Lords in today’s debate, I pay tribute to him for his tireless campaigning, both in this House and indeed in an earlier life in the other place, on these issues...
When I referred to an omertà, I was not suggesting that there had not been discussion in this House about Gaza or the West Bank. I was suggesting that many people around this House feel inhibited about raising this issue or speaking to it because they fear that they will...
When I referred to an omertà, I was not suggesting that there had not been discussion in this House about Gaza or the West Bank. I was suggesting that many people around this House feel inhibited about raising this issue or speaking to it because they fear that they will...
I apologise if I misunderstood my noble friend. To be absolutely clear, somebody can be very critical of the actions of the Israeli Government, as I am, but that should not be conflated with antisemitism. But I also do not think that necessarily inhibits any Member in your Lordships’ House...
I apologise if I misunderstood my noble friend. To be absolutely clear, somebody can be very critical of the actions of the Israeli Government, as I am, but that should not be conflated with antisemitism. But I also do not think that necessarily inhibits any Member in your Lordships’ House...
My Lords, I thank all noble Lords who have contributed to today’s important debate. I am grateful even to those who have disagreed with the principle, the practicalities or the specifics of the Bill, because I think I heard from the noble Lords, Lord Wolfson and Lord Katz, from their...
My Lords, I thank all noble Lords who have contributed to today’s important debate. I am grateful even to those who have disagreed with the principle, the practicalities or the specifics of the Bill, because I think I heard from the noble Lords, Lord Wolfson and Lord Katz, from their...
Lords second reading. Agreed to on question. Bill committed to a Committee of the Whole House.
Lords second reading. Agreed to on question. Bill committed to a Committee of the Whole House.
My Lords, on this politically auspicious day, as we mark the appointment of Andy Burnham Member of Parliament as the new leader of the Labour Party, we know that we have a parliamentarian who is passionately committed to the principle of public accountability and justice. It is serendipitous, perhaps providential,...
My Lords, on this politically auspicious day, as we mark the appointment of Andy Burnham Member of Parliament as the new leader of the Labour Party, we know that we have a parliamentarian who is passionately committed to the principle of public accountability and justice. It is serendipitous, perhaps providential,...
My Lords, it is a privilege to follow and support my friend, the noble Lord, Lord Alton. Although he sits in a different part of the House, I regard him as a friend, and I am very glad to have this opportunity to pay tribute to the tireless way that...
My Lords, it is a privilege to follow and support my friend, the noble Lord, Lord Alton. Although he sits in a different part of the House, I regard him as a friend, and I am very glad to have this opportunity to pay tribute to the tireless way that...
My Lords, as a general rule, I support most of the ideas the noble Lord, Lord Alton, brings to your Lordships’ House, as he is motivated by a genuine desire to improve the state of the world and those who live in it. I join the noble Lord, Lord Wills,...
My Lords, as a general rule, I support most of the ideas the noble Lord, Lord Alton, brings to your Lordships’ House, as he is motivated by a genuine desire to improve the state of the world and those who live in it. I join the noble Lord, Lord Wills,...
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Alton of Liverpool, for introducing this Bill, which I support, and for his unwavering commitment over many years to the prevention of genocide, the protection of persecuted communities and the advancement of human rights.
At the heart of the Bill lies a simple...
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Alton of Liverpool, for introducing this Bill, which I support, and for his unwavering commitment over many years to the prevention of genocide, the protection of persecuted communities and the advancement of human rights.
At the heart of the Bill lies a simple...
My Lords, in previous debates on atrocity crimes, I have said that we cannot continue to look away when there is credible evidence of genocide. The Bill before us today is an opportunity to address this challenge, and I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Alton, for his continued...
My Lords, in previous debates on atrocity crimes, I have said that we cannot continue to look away when there is credible evidence of genocide. The Bill before us today is an opportunity to address this challenge, and I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Alton, for his continued...
My Lords, if, as the Government constantly assert, only a court ruling can determine acts of genocide, the courts must have the powers to carry out this function. At present, they do not. This renders the 1948 genocide convention no longer fit for purpose, and the commitment, following the Holocaust,...
My Lords, if, as the Government constantly assert, only a court ruling can determine acts of genocide, the courts must have the powers to carry out this function. At present, they do not. This renders the 1948 genocide convention no longer fit for purpose, and the commitment, following the Holocaust,...
My Lords, it always gives me pleasure to be able to support my friend, the noble Lord, Lord Alton. He and I have worked extensively over many years, and I pay tribute to him, as others have. He comes to us again with this Bill, which aims to establish a...
My Lords, it always gives me pleasure to be able to support my friend, the noble Lord, Lord Alton. He and I have worked extensively over many years, and I pay tribute to him, as others have. He comes to us again with this Bill, which aims to establish a...
My Lords, last week marked the 31st anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, where 8,372 Bosniak men and boys were systematically murdered in what the United Nations had declared a safe haven. Their wives, daughters and sisters were subjected to rape and expulsion as part of a calculated campaign of...
My Lords, last week marked the 31st anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, where 8,372 Bosniak men and boys were systematically murdered in what the United Nations had declared a safe haven. Their wives, daughters and sisters were subjected to rape and expulsion as part of a calculated campaign of...
My Lords, I add my tribute to the noble Lord, Lord Alton, for keeping matters of this kind before us and demanding that we give them our attention. I am most grateful.
In a briefing paper that I was very impressed by, I saw a formula showing the atrocities that have...
My Lords, I add my tribute to the noble Lord, Lord Alton, for keeping matters of this kind before us and demanding that we give them our attention. I am most grateful.
In a briefing paper that I was very impressed by, I saw a formula showing the atrocities that have...
My Lords, it is a pleasure to salute and thank my friend, the noble Lord, Lord Alton of Liverpool, for allowing us to consider this Bill. The noble Lord has spent a decade fighting for the Bill and far longer refusing to let the House look away from the Yazidis...
My Lords, it is a pleasure to salute and thank my friend, the noble Lord, Lord Alton of Liverpool, for allowing us to consider this Bill. The noble Lord has spent a decade fighting for the Bill and far longer refusing to let the House look away from the Yazidis...
My Lords, I too congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Alton, on introducing the Bill. I respect his tireless work on this topic.
States have a legal obligation to prevent atrocities, including genocide, and the Bill would ensure that the UK Government, as a signatory to the genocide convention, would be able...
My Lords, I too congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Alton, on introducing the Bill. I respect his tireless work on this topic.
States have a legal obligation to prevent atrocities, including genocide, and the Bill would ensure that the UK Government, as a signatory to the genocide convention, would be able...
How the police must handle allegations of police misconduct.
How the police must handle allegations of police misconduct.
Investigation into the provision of false evidence to the High Court and the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in relation to Agent X. [Sir John Goldring] Incl. annexes. 213p.
Investigation into the provision of false evidence to the High Court and the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in relation to Agent X. [Sir John Goldring] Incl. annexes. 213p.
I. Standards and Testing Agency Framework Document. Incl. annex. 32p. II. Letter dated 16/07/2026 from Georgia Gould MP to the Deposited Papers Clerk regarding a document for deposit in the House libraries. 1p.
I. Standards and Testing Agency Framework Document. Incl. annex. 32p. II. Letter dated 16/07/2026 from Georgia Gould MP to the Deposited Papers Clerk regarding a document for deposit in the House libraries. 1p.
As the hon. Lady suggests, the next Prime Minister was absolutely central to helping to deliver the Public Office (Accountability) Bill. It is crucial that we got that Bill through this place, and I hope it will see the statute book, but, as the hon. Lady has alluded to, that...
As the hon. Lady suggests, the next Prime Minister was absolutely central to helping to deliver the Public Office (Accountability) Bill. It is crucial that we got that Bill through this place, and I hope it will see the statute book, but, as the hon. Lady has alluded to, that...
I herald the passage into law of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, but many will be disappointed that the judge in Tuesday’s High Court hearing had to rule, under current legislation, that the Chinook families were out of time to challenge the Ministry of Defence, which has kept secrets and...
I herald the passage into law of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, but many will be disappointed that the judge in Tuesday’s High Court hearing had to rule, under current legislation, that the Chinook families were out of time to challenge the Ministry of Defence, which has kept secrets and...
The briefing provides an overview of general practice in England
The briefing provides an overview of general practice in England
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to their recent announcement that they will provide an additional £23 million contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, what accountability conditions they have attached to that funding.
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to their recent announcement that they will provide an additional £23 million contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, what accountability conditions they have attached to that funding.
The UK continues to support the full implementation of the Colonna Report by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to ensure that the agency meets the highest standards on neutrality and integrity, including the recommendations relating to staff vetting, conduct and oversight. The last Quarterly Colonna Progress Report, published on 11 May, stated that 40 out of 50 recommendations had now been implemented in full, and we look forward to evidence of further progress in the next report, covering the period April-June 2026.
In line with the approach taken by most other Member States, the UK has conducted extensive due diligence and are satisfied that UNRWA adequately manages UK funds.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will review governance arrangements for the (a) UK Statistics Authority and (b) Office for Statistical Regulation to make them more accountable to Parliament.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will review governance arrangements for the (a) UK Statistics Authority and (b) Office for Statistical Regulation to make them more accountable to Parliament.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure accountability and value for money from the defence nuclear budget.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure accountability and value for money from the defence nuclear budget.
I congratulate the Prime Minister on being the recipient yesterday of a Légion d’honneur medal, and on the passing of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, which will mean that these scandals—I include those relating to Grenfell and Windrush—will never happen again. Does he agree that the media have sometimes twisted the knife a bit and made the pain worse for the victims’ families in those scandals, so can he revisit some of the same principles of accountability and justice for the gutter press?
I congratulate the Prime Minister on being the recipient yesterday of a Légion d’honneur medal, and on the passing of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, which will mean that these scandals—I include those relating to Grenfell and Windrush—will never happen again. Does he agree that the media have sometimes twisted the knife a bit and made the pain worse for the victims’ families in those scandals, so can he revisit some of the same principles of accountability and justice for the gutter press?
I am very proud that we delivered the Hillsborough law yesterday. It is important to recognise that there has always been an initial injustice and then a further injustice when the state does not acknowledge and get to the truth. We are putting that right with the Hillsborough law.
I am very proud that we delivered the Hillsborough law yesterday. It is important to recognise that there has always been an initial injustice and then a further injustice when the state does not acknowledge and get to the truth. We are putting that right with the Hillsborough law.
What police and crime commissioners do and the government's plans to scrap them.
What police and crime commissioners do and the government's plans to scrap them.
The "Hillsborough Law" would create a duty of candour for public officials and introduce parity of representation for bereaved families at inquests.
The "Hillsborough Law" would create a duty of candour for public officials and introduce parity of representation for bereaved families at inquests.
Government new clause 8, discussed with Government new clause 9, new clauses 1 to 7, 10, 11, amendments and Government amendments. Government new clauses 8 and 9 agreed to. Amendment 3 negatived on division (93 votes to 323). Government amendments 151 to 168, 26, 28, 32, 33, 37 to 42 agreed to. Amendment 199 negatived on division (102 votes to 409). Amendment 19 negatived on division (104 votes to 412). Government amendments 43 to 72, 169 to 177, 76, 178, 179, 78, 180 to 182, 79, 80, 183 to 197, 91, 198, and 93 to 142 agreed to. King's Consent signified. Third reading agreed to on question and the Bill passed. Ordered, That the period on the expiry of which proceedings on the Public Office (Accountability) Bill shall lapse in pursuance of paragraph (13) of Standing Order No. 80A shall be extended by 136 days until 29 January 2027.
Government new clause 8, discussed with Government new clause 9, new clauses 1 to 7, 10, 11, amendments and Government amendments. Government new clauses 8 and 9 agreed to. Amendment 3 negatived on division (93 votes to 323). Government amendments 151 to 168, 26, 28, 32, 33, 37 to 42...
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.
It is an absolute privilege to bring the Bill back to the House on Report. I know that Members across the House have long supported it and have been waiting for its return.
At its heart, this legislation is about what people should expect from the state when the worst happens:...
It is an absolute privilege to bring the Bill back to the House on Report. I know that Members across the House have long supported it and have been waiting for its return.
At its heart, this legislation is about what people should expect from the state when the worst happens:...
Will the Minister give way?
Will the Minister give way?
I am going to make some progress, but I will give way.
It is essential that there is accountability, not denial, so that those affected get the support they need, not obstruction. We often refer to this Bill as the Hillsborough law. Without the determination of the Hillsborough families, we would...
I am going to make some progress, but I will give way.
It is essential that there is accountability, not denial, so that those affected get the support they need, not obstruction. We often refer to this Bill as the Hillsborough law. Without the determination of the Hillsborough families, we would...
Will the Minister give way?
Will the Minister give way?
I will make some progress, and then I will take interventions.
Many have graciously—often at huge personal and emotional cost—shared their experiences with us to shape the Bill. The changes that it brings forward are so needed. It is thanks to their campaigning, perseverance and willingness to work with us to...
I will make some progress, and then I will take interventions.
Many have graciously—often at huge personal and emotional cost—shared their experiences with us to shape the Bill. The changes that it brings forward are so needed. It is thanks to their campaigning, perseverance and willingness to work with us to...
I am proud to have sponsored the original proposal, promoted by the hon. Member for Liverpool West Derby (Ian Byrne), and I salute the survivors and the victims’ families. I am glad that the UK Government have listened to them, and that the Bill reflects the level of accountability required...
I am proud to have sponsored the original proposal, promoted by the hon. Member for Liverpool West Derby (Ian Byrne), and I salute the survivors and the victims’ families. I am glad that the UK Government have listened to them, and that the Bill reflects the level of accountability required...
I thank the right hon. Member for her intervention. She has my assurance that we are clear that the Bill needs to apply across the United Kingdom, and we are working with devolved nations to ensure that happens.
I thank the right hon. Member for her intervention. She has my assurance that we are clear that the Bill needs to apply across the United Kingdom, and we are working with devolved nations to ensure that happens.
The Minister is making a passionate and important speech about a long-overdue piece of legislation. Freddie Scappaticci was the agent known as Stakeknife in the IRA. He was involved in lots of murders, but the Government have yet to unmask him as Scappaticci. Will the Bill put an end to...
The Minister is making a passionate and important speech about a long-overdue piece of legislation. Freddie Scappaticci was the agent known as Stakeknife in the IRA. He was involved in lots of murders, but the Government have yet to unmask him as Scappaticci. Will the Bill put an end to...
I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. We are seeking a full culture change, and are trying to prevent any kind of attitude of covering things up. I am happy to meet him further to discuss that specific case.
All the work that has been undertaken has enabled us to...
I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. We are seeking a full culture change, and are trying to prevent any kind of attitude of covering things up. I am happy to meet him further to discuss that specific case.
All the work that has been undertaken has enabled us to...
Will the Minister give way?
Will the Minister give way?
I am going to make some progress, and then I will take interventions again.
The amendments before the House ensure that the duty of candour and assistance applies to all individual intelligence officers, while establishing secure procedures for the disclosure of sensitive information. First, the Bill as introduced did not allow...
I am going to make some progress, and then I will take interventions again.
The amendments before the House ensure that the duty of candour and assistance applies to all individual intelligence officers, while establishing secure procedures for the disclosure of sensitive information. First, the Bill as introduced did not allow...
I am grateful to the Minister for giving way on the matter of the safety of our citizens. I have been contacted over the last couple of years by the family of Major Anthony Hornby MBE, who was a victim of the Chinook crash. Today, the Ministry of Defence is...
I am grateful to the Minister for giving way on the matter of the safety of our citizens. I have been contacted over the last couple of years by the family of Major Anthony Hornby MBE, who was a victim of the Chinook crash. Today, the Ministry of Defence is...
I am very happy to meet the hon. Member and others, specifically in relation to the Ministry of Defence, and to give reassurance on how this can work and be done safely.
I am very happy to meet the hon. Member and others, specifically in relation to the Ministry of Defence, and to give reassurance on how this can work and be done safely.
Will the Minister give way on the point about the duty of candour?
Will the Minister give way on the point about the duty of candour?
If it is specifically in relation to security services, and to security at the moment—
If it is specifically in relation to security services, and to security at the moment—
It is on the duty of candour.
It is on the duty of candour.
If I can just wait—
If I can just wait—
It is important to stress that nothing in this Bill, and nothing about its practical effect, changes our position in relation to national security. Many in our public services work in sensitive roles, and revealing their identity could put them or others at risk. The Bill does not require anyone...
It is important to stress that nothing in this Bill, and nothing about its practical effect, changes our position in relation to national security. Many in our public services work in sensitive roles, and revealing their identity could put them or others at risk. The Bill does not require anyone...
I pay tribute to everyone who has pushed and cajoled the Government to enable us to get to this stage. The Minister mentioned secondary legislation. One of the key areas mentioned in the Grenfell inquiry by Grenfell United and Justice for Grenfell was a national oversight mechanism to make sure...
I pay tribute to everyone who has pushed and cajoled the Government to enable us to get to this stage. The Minister mentioned secondary legislation. One of the key areas mentioned in the Grenfell inquiry by Grenfell United and Justice for Grenfell was a national oversight mechanism to make sure...
It is absolutely right that recommendations are tracked and that we ensure there is a clear way of giving everyone confidence that recommendations will be implemented. The Cabinet Office is doing a significant piece of work to ensure that that is put in place, and both the Cabinet Office and...
It is absolutely right that recommendations are tracked and that we ensure there is a clear way of giving everyone confidence that recommendations will be implemented. The Cabinet Office is doing a significant piece of work to ensure that that is put in place, and both the Cabinet Office and...
I appreciate the way in which the Minister has responded on the national oversight mechanism, but if this is to have teeth, and if it is to deal with both inquiries and inquests, do we not need a separate public body? It is a substantial piece of work.
I appreciate the way in which the Minister has responded on the national oversight mechanism, but if this is to have teeth, and if it is to deal with both inquiries and inquests, do we not need a separate public body? It is a substantial piece of work.
The Government have already taken steps to improve transparency in response to inquiry recommendations, including launching the new gov.uk dashboards, which demonstrate progress in delivering accepted inquiry recommendations. The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee is currently considering how the implementation of recommendations resulting from future public inquiries should be...
The Government have already taken steps to improve transparency in response to inquiry recommendations, including launching the new gov.uk dashboards, which demonstrate progress in delivering accepted inquiry recommendations. The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee is currently considering how the implementation of recommendations resulting from future public inquiries should be...
I have given the Government evidence that hundreds of children with special educational needs and disabilities are avoidably killing themselves because of public authority negligence and misconduct, including my constituent Jen Bridges-Chalkley. Does the Minister agree that the first step in tackling this problem is knowing how many of these...
I have given the Government evidence that hundreds of children with special educational needs and disabilities are avoidably killing themselves because of public authority negligence and misconduct, including my constituent Jen Bridges-Chalkley. Does the Minister agree that the first step in tackling this problem is knowing how many of these...
The Office of the Chief Coroner has continued work to improve access to prevention of future deaths reports, while the Government seek to strengthen arrangements for responding to concerns raised through them, including better and more strategic use of technology. In addition to the work that the Public Administration and...
The Office of the Chief Coroner has continued work to improve access to prevention of future deaths reports, while the Government seek to strengthen arrangements for responding to concerns raised through them, including better and more strategic use of technology. In addition to the work that the Public Administration and...
Do the Minister and the Government agree with the principle that an independent body should oversee the Government’s performance in responding to inquiry recommendations? Is that the way we are going to go forwards? The way that the Government—not just this one, but others in the past—have responded to recommendations...
Do the Minister and the Government agree with the principle that an independent body should oversee the Government’s performance in responding to inquiry recommendations? Is that the way we are going to go forwards? The way that the Government—not just this one, but others in the past—have responded to recommendations...
It is clear that there needs to be public confidence about what happens to any recommendations, and this is therefore an area of work that is being considered. I am happy to ensure that my hon. Friend is kept up to date with the work as it continues.
I will now...
It is clear that there needs to be public confidence about what happens to any recommendations, and this is therefore an area of work that is being considered. I am happy to ensure that my hon. Friend is kept up to date with the work as it continues.
I will now...
I think there is widespread welcome in the House for the expansion of legal aid, but does the Minister agree that allowing advocacy for each family only to the first person who manages to apply for it might cause some problems subsequent to disasters like Hillsborough? What will she do...
I think there is widespread welcome in the House for the expansion of legal aid, but does the Minister agree that allowing advocacy for each family only to the first person who manages to apply for it might cause some problems subsequent to disasters like Hillsborough? What will she do...
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for the time she has spent with me in raising this and other issues. Under our proposed expansion, multiple family members will be able to receive non-means-tested legal help to prepare for an inquest hearing where a public authority is an interested...
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for the time she has spent with me in raising this and other issues. Under our proposed expansion, multiple family members will be able to receive non-means-tested legal help to prepare for an inquest hearing where a public authority is an interested...
Will my hon. Friend give way?
Will my hon. Friend give way?
I will—my hon. Friend assists me in finding my place in my notes again, so I thank her.
I will—my hon. Friend assists me in finding my place in my notes again, so I thank her.
My hon. Friend is most welcome. I am grateful for all the amendments that the Government have tabled, but I remain concerned that the current civil legal aid rate is £40 an hour. She has referred to security-vetted counsel. Is it likely that security-vetted counsel will be prepared to work...
My hon. Friend is most welcome. I am grateful for all the amendments that the Government have tabled, but I remain concerned that the current civil legal aid rate is £40 an hour. She has referred to security-vetted counsel. Is it likely that security-vetted counsel will be prepared to work...
My hon. Friend has been a passionate advocate in relation to legally aided work, and I know that she will take every opportunity to raise concerns about the rates. The amendments mean that the expansion will operate efficiently from the outset, giving bereaved families the support that they need while...
My hon. Friend has been a passionate advocate in relation to legally aided work, and I know that she will take every opportunity to raise concerns about the rates. The amendments mean that the expansion will operate efficiently from the outset, giving bereaved families the support that they need while...
You are probably aware, Madam Deputy Speaker, of the fact that I have chaired the all-party parliamentary group on Primodos for the last 14 years. The Minister may well be aware that earlier in the Bill’s consideration I asked for reassurance that independent panels established by Ministers would be covered,...
You are probably aware, Madam Deputy Speaker, of the fact that I have chaired the all-party parliamentary group on Primodos for the last 14 years. The Minister may well be aware that earlier in the Bill’s consideration I asked for reassurance that independent panels established by Ministers would be covered,...
The Bill allows a Minister to extend the duty and allows the flexibility to apply it to reviews where it would be most beneficial. I know that my hon. Friend has campaigned long on this point, and I would be happy to talk to her about how that takes place.
In...
The Bill allows a Minister to extend the duty and allows the flexibility to apply it to reviews where it would be most beneficial. I know that my hon. Friend has campaigned long on this point, and I would be happy to talk to her about how that takes place.
In...
I was nine years old at the time of the Hillsborough tragedy, and I remember listening to the news of the terrible events on the radio, sitting behind my parents in the car. I was 32 when, while working in the Home Office, I received a copy of the report...
I was nine years old at the time of the Hillsborough tragedy, and I remember listening to the news of the terrible events on the radio, sitting behind my parents in the car. I was 32 when, while working in the Home Office, I received a copy of the report...
The shadow Secretary of State will know, given his background working in the Home Office, that a duty of candour is not the same as the duty to disclose sensitive information. The two should not be conflated, and he should not be doing so on the Floor of the House.
The shadow Secretary of State will know, given his background working in the Home Office, that a duty of candour is not the same as the duty to disclose sensitive information. The two should not be conflated, and he should not be doing so on the Floor of the House.
I am confused by that intervention from the hon. Lady, who was the Minister in charge of this Bill. The argument I am making is consistent with the position she brought to the House in January, only to back down when it became controversial.
As I was saying, this could lead...
I am confused by that intervention from the hon. Lady, who was the Minister in charge of this Bill. The argument I am making is consistent with the position she brought to the House in January, only to back down when it became controversial.
As I was saying, this could lead...
Could the hon. Member point to current legislation that has a gap and does not give the protection to the intelligence services that we all wish to see?
Could the hon. Member point to current legislation that has a gap and does not give the protection to the intelligence services that we all wish to see?
I am not sure I follow the hon. Member’s question. If he wants to repeat it more clearly, I will happily listen.
I am not sure I follow the hon. Member’s question. If he wants to repeat it more clearly, I will happily listen.
The hon. Member is saying that the intelligence services are not protected under the current legislation. Could he say why?
The hon. Member is saying that the intelligence services are not protected under the current legislation. Could he say why?
The point is that this is a new duty, which is backed by criminal sanction, and that is why it is different from the status quo.
As I was saying, the Justice Secretary is a Privy Counsellor. He is the Deputy Prime Minister. He was once the Foreign Secretary—the man to...
The point is that this is a new duty, which is backed by criminal sanction, and that is why it is different from the status quo.
As I was saying, the Justice Secretary is a Privy Counsellor. He is the Deputy Prime Minister. He was once the Foreign Secretary—the man to...
Does the hon. Gentleman recognise that chairs of inquiries and inquests already have the power to hold closed sessions in private if they are looking at information that is sensitive or potentially poses a risk to our national security? That already exists, and the measures in the Bill do not...
Does the hon. Gentleman recognise that chairs of inquiries and inquests already have the power to hold closed sessions in private if they are looking at information that is sensitive or potentially poses a risk to our national security? That already exists, and the measures in the Bill do not...
What the hon. Lady says is not entirely relevant to this proposition. This is about the provision of information to particular investigations and inquiries, and we do not know—indeed, we cannot know—the identities of the people who lead those investigations and inquiries. That is one of the reasons why this...
What the hon. Lady says is not entirely relevant to this proposition. This is about the provision of information to particular investigations and inquiries, and we do not know—indeed, we cannot know—the identities of the people who lead those investigations and inquiries. That is one of the reasons why this...
I used to be a prosecutor before coming to this place. We were able to find perfectly good ways of dealing with confidential sources of information—informants and others. There are procedures already in place for that.
I used to be a prosecutor before coming to this place. We were able to find perfectly good ways of dealing with confidential sources of information—informants and others. There are procedures already in place for that.
We are sent here to scrutinise legislation. That is what we are doing. We have talked to people in the intelligence agencies, the police and others who are very concerned about this. The concerns that I am expressing were shared by Ministers themselves, which is why the amendment we are...
We are sent here to scrutinise legislation. That is what we are doing. We have talked to people in the intelligence agencies, the police and others who are very concerned about this. The concerns that I am expressing were shared by Ministers themselves, which is why the amendment we are...
The interventions and the shadow Secretary of State’s responses are indicative of what he said earlier: we should not be discussing something as technically complex as this, which could have wide-reaching ramifications, with 24 hours’ notice and without any opportunity to have a proper discussion and raise these points.
The interventions and the shadow Secretary of State’s responses are indicative of what he said earlier: we should not be discussing something as technically complex as this, which could have wide-reaching ramifications, with 24 hours’ notice and without any opportunity to have a proper discussion and raise these points.
My hon. Friend is exactly right. The Prime Minister said this was going to be one of his first acts as Prime Minister; it turns out it is going to be his final act as Prime Minister. He is only doing it by the skin of his teeth, because he...
My hon. Friend is exactly right. The Prime Minister said this was going to be one of his first acts as Prime Minister; it turns out it is going to be his final act as Prime Minister. He is only doing it by the skin of his teeth, because he...
The people who lead these inquiries are leading public figures and have usually held significant judicial office. Is the hon. Member honestly suggesting that they are going to be successfully pressured by people who want to destroy the British state?
The people who lead these inquiries are leading public figures and have usually held significant judicial office. Is the hon. Member honestly suggesting that they are going to be successfully pressured by people who want to destroy the British state?
I am tempted to say that the hon. Lady should have a conversation with the Attorney General, who used to prosecute British soldiers and was still appointed to one of the highest offices in the land.
Irish republicans, Islamist extremists, useful idiots deployed by Putin’s Russia—they will all see the opportunity...
I am tempted to say that the hon. Lady should have a conversation with the Attorney General, who used to prosecute British soldiers and was still appointed to one of the highest offices in the land.
Irish republicans, Islamist extremists, useful idiots deployed by Putin’s Russia—they will all see the opportunity...
One of the hon. Gentleman’s former colleagues went to Downing Street just a month ago with a letter that says he believes he was misled by his own Department when he was the Secretary of State for Defence, so why on earth is the hon. Gentleman arguing this particular case?...
One of the hon. Gentleman’s former colleagues went to Downing Street just a month ago with a letter that says he believes he was misled by his own Department when he was the Secretary of State for Defence, so why on earth is the hon. Gentleman arguing this particular case?...
I think the hon. Lady, whether it is by design or by mistake, misunderstands my point. Of course, there should be accountability and transparency, and there are many ways in which we can do that, but there are ways of doing it that do not jeopardise the operations of the...
I think the hon. Lady, whether it is by design or by mistake, misunderstands my point. Of course, there should be accountability and transparency, and there are many ways in which we can do that, but there are ways of doing it that do not jeopardise the operations of the...