Post Office - Horizon
Mike's reply:
Like many of my Parliamentary colleagues across the House, I am appalled by the treatment of the sub-postmasters who were accused of theft based on flawed evidence from the Horizon IT system. Victims' accounts of the impact of these prosecutions are harrowing: some served prison sentences; many had their livelihoods and life savings decimated; marriages broke down; four committed suicide; others passed away before being able to clear their names; and many were ostracised by their local communities and as a result failed to find alternative work.
While we cannot undo the damage that has been done, we must establish what went wrong. I am aware that nobody at either the Post Office or Fujitsu has been held directly accountable. However, in light of the rulings, the Government converted a public inquiry into the affair to a statutory footing which allows its Chair, Sir Wyn Williams, the necessary powers and time to conduct an in-depth analysis of the decision-making processes that led to the scandal. I understand that Sir Wyn has publish his interim report, and my ministerial colleagues will provide a formal response shortly. You can read Sir Wyn’s interim report here: https://www.postofficehorizoninquiry.org.uk/interim-report-compensation…
The Post Office (Horizon System) Compensation Bill will ensure that the trailblazers who exposed the scandal do not miss out on compensation because of an arbitrary deadline. The Government is determined to make compensation claims as soon as possible, and by the current deadline of August 2024. However, time needs to be taken to assess more complex claims, so postmasters receive full and fair compensation and are not unduly rushed into making a decision on their claims.
Emergency legislation is being brought forward as soon as possible to overturn convictions of all those convicted in England and Wales on the basis of Post Office evidence given during the Horizon scandal. The Government will consider in the coming days whether to include the small number of cases that have already been considered by the appeals courts and their convictions upheld. The Government recognises that this is an exceptional step, however these are exceptional circumstances,.
To date, more than £148 million has been paid to 2,700 victims across all compensation schemes, 93 convictions have been overturned and, of those, 30 have agreed full and final settlements. Just over £30 million has been paid out in compensation to those with overturned convictions, including interim payments.
Of the original 555 courageous postmasters who took the Post Office to court and who first brought the Horizon scandal into the public eye, £27 million has been paid out to 477 claimants in addition to the net £11 million received through the December 2019 settlement. Forty-seven members of the original Group Litigation Order (GLO) group have also received compensation following the overturning of their convictions, totalling more than £17 million. The Government has received full claim forms from 59 of those postmasters who are eligible for the GLO scheme and issued 43 offers. There have been 21 full and final settlements paid and a further seven full and final settlements accepted. That brings the total number of accepted full and final GLO settlements to 28.
It is worth noting that the 2,417 postmasters who claimed through the original Horizon shortfall scheme have all received offers of compensation. Around 85 per cent have accepted those offers, worth over £107 million. In total, over £91 million has been paid out through the scheme, with the Post Office now dealing with late applications and with cases where initial offers were not accepted
I understand that there is great concern about the role of the Post Office in prosecuting these cases. The Post Office rightly decided to stop undertaking private prosecutions in 2015. If we are to make sure that a scandal such as this can never happen again, we need to look at the way in which private prosecutions such as these have been undertaken. Any company can bring private prosecutions in this way: this is not a special power of the Post Office.
As you may be aware, Paula Vennells has confirmed she will hand back her CBE. I believe that this is the right decision. The Government's focus continues to be on ensuring all those whose lives were torn apart have swifter access to compensation and justice.
The harm that these prosecutions have wreaked on the affected families over the past 20 years is irreparable. Lessons should and will be learnt to ensure that an injustice of this magnitude never happens again.
January 2024
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Government support for pensioners
Mike's reply:
The Government is fully committed to enabling older people to live with the dignity and respect they deserve. I welcome that in April, the State Pension was increased by 10.1 per cent, in line with inflation. As a result, the full yearly amount of the basic State Pension will be over £3,050 higher, in cash terms, than in 2010.
Regarding the uprating of the State Pension, I understand that the Government is maintaining the Triple Lock in full for 2024/25. This means that in April 2024, the basic State Pension, new State Pension, and Pension Credit minimum guarantee will be uprated in line with September 2023 average earnings growth - 8.5 per cent.
Additionally, while I appreciate your concerns about pensioners that live alone, I am confident that the Government is providing substantial support for pensioners through the welfare system.
The Government is continuing to provide support to older through the provision of free bus passes, free prescriptions, Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments for those in receipt of Pension Credit. The Government is also providing targeted support to older people through the £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which will be paid to all households in receipt of Winter Fuel Payments.
All households, including pensioner households, will benefit from the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG). This guarantee limits the amount consumers can be charged per unit of gas or electricity. The current price guarantee, set at £3,000, will support households until April 2024. Although energy prices are currently below the level at which EPG payments would be made, it will remain in force until the end of March 2024 to protect households from price spikes, putting in place a safety net for the most vulnerable.
Moreover, the Government is providing an additional £1 billion of funding to enable the extension of the Household Support Fund (HSF) this financial year, bringing total funding to £2.5 billion. I welcome that since its launch in October 2021, the HSF has issued early 26 million awards to those in need of support.
I hope that this response reassures you that pensioners in the UK are being adequately supported and that the most vulnerable will continue to be protected during the months ahead.
December 2023
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Live Animal Exports
Mike's reply:
The UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world which the Government continues to strengthen further.
My ministerial colleagues and I recognise that long journey times for slaughter and fattening pose welfare risks including stress, exhaustion and injury. I understand that the shortest direct to slaughter export journey from Great Britain to continental Europe in 2018 was a journey time of 18 hours. Most domestic journeys to slaughter in the UK are significantly shorter. In 2020, the Government carried out a consultation on ending live animal exports, and 87 per cent of respondents agreed that livestock and horses should not be exported for slaughter and fattening.
Now that the UK is no longer in the European Union, the Government can end live animal exports, further strengthening animal welfare protections. The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill delivers the Government’s manifesto commitment by banning the live export of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses for slaughter and fattening. It will prevent unnecessary long export journeys, instead using shorter and less stressful domestic journeys. The Bill will ensure that animals are slaughtered domestically, in high welfare UK slaughterhouses and preventing the export to unknown and likely lower welfare slaughterhouse conditions. These new rules will still allow live animal exports in other circumstances, for example for breeding and competitions, provided they are transported in line with legal requirements aimed at protecting their welfare.
While no animals have been exported for slaughter from Great Britain since the Government announced its intention to bring forward a ban in 2021, I know that this Bill makes this permanent. I am assured that this legislation reinforces the UK’s position as a world leader on animal welfare, boosting the value of British meat and helping to grow the economy.
December 2023
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Housing Benefit & The Private Rented Sector
Mike's reply:
The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) determines the maximum financial support available for renters in the private rented sector. It applies to claims for Housing Benefit and the housing element of Universal Credit. The LHA policy is kept under regular review and rates are reviewed annually by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
To support low-income households with increasing rent costs, the Government will raise Local Housing Allowance rates to the 30th percentile of local market rents in April 2024. This will benefit 1.6 million low-income households, who will be around £800 a year better off on average in 2024-25. However, it is worth noting that LHA rates are not intended to meet all rents in all areas.
While three-quarters of private renters have no difficulties in keeping up with their rent, I understand that affordability may be an issue for some and that they may require additional support. Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are available to those entitled to Housing Benefit or the Housing element of Universal Credit who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs. Since 2011, the Government has provided around £1.6 billion in DHPs to local authorities.
I also welcome the Chancellor’s announcement that the Government will provide £1 billion of extra funding by extending the Household Support Fund for another year, bringing the total of the fund to £2.5 billion.
November 2023
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Pension Triple Lock
Mike's reply:
As happens each year, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions is required by law to undertake an annual review of benefits and the State Pension. The outcome of that review will be announced in the autumn, following the publication of the relevant indices by the Office for National Statistics in October, and the new rates will take effect from April 2024.
In April, the State Pension saw its biggest ever rise, increasing by 10.1 per cent. The full yearly amount of the basic State Pension is over £3,050 higher, in cash terms, than in 2010. That’s £790 more than if it had been uprated by prices, and £945 more than if it had been uprated by earnings (since 2010).
The Government also provides additional support to older people, which includes the provision of free bus passes, free prescriptions, and Winter Fuel Payments, with Cold Weather Payments for those in receipt of Pension Credit.
The Government is fully committed to ensuring that older people can live with the dignity and respect they deserve, and the State Pension is the foundation of state support for older people. The Triple Lock is Government policy and has been for a long time.
October 2023
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Renter's Reform Bill
Mike's reply:
I am confident that the Renters (Reform) Bill will help create a fairer rental market in England. The legislation will see tenants protected from revenge evictions and rogue landlords, and landlords given greater powers to evict anti-social tenants.
The Bill will abolish Section 21 'no fault' evictions, which I recognise can deter tenants from challenging poor practice or unfair rent increases in fear they will be forced out of their home. To do this, the legislation will create a fairer tenancy structure where all assured tenancies will become periodic. I believe that this will create more security for tenants, without compromising the flexibility which attracts many to the private rented sector.
The Bill will also introduce more comprehensive possession grounds so landlords can still recover their property, including where they wish to sell their property or move in close family. The reforms will make it easier to repossess properties where tenants are at fault, for example in cases of anti-social behaviour and repeat rent arrears.
These changes come in addition to new powers to create a Privately Rented Sector Ombudsman which will provide fair, impartial and binding resolutions to many issues in the sector. I recognise that this will provide a quicker and cheaper alternative to the court system. The Government will also set up a Private Rented Property Portal. The portal will help landlords understand their legal obligations and demonstrate regulatory compliance, providing assurance to responsible landlords and helping them to attract prospective tenants. The portal will also help councils to target enforcement activity where it is needed most.
I believe that these reforms will benefit both tenants and landlords, and I look forward to discussing this legislation in more detail as it makes its way through Parliament.
October 2023
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Ocean Protection/Global Ocean Treaty
Mike's reply:
The UK is a global leader in protecting our seas, the ocean and marine life, and works with counterparts both in the UK and overseas to help achieve these aims.
I welcome that a deal to protect nature was agreed by almost 200 countries at COP15 in December 2009. This agreement includes a global commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and also to protect 30 per cent of land and oceans by 2030. I understand that nearly 8.3 per cent of the global ocean is protected. The UK has been leading the way and announced nearly £30 million to support developing countries in delivering the 30by30 target. I am also aware that in March, UN Member States agreed the High Seas Treaty, which aims to help place 30 per cent of the seas into protected areas by 2030.
Further, 374 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) protect 38 per cent of UK waters, which are all subject to planning and licensing regimes to ensure they are protected from harmful activities. The Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) sets the country on a path to deliver an improved marine environment and halt the decline in biodiversity which benefits us all. As set out in the EIP, the Government has a statutory target to have 70 per cent of designated features in MPAs in a favourable condition by 2042, with the remainder in a recovering condition
Finally, the first three Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) have come into force. These are areas of the sea that will allow for the highest level of protection in our waters and full recovery of marine ecosystems and will exclude all fishing. For HPMAs to be successful, the Government will work with the fishing industry, other marine industries and sea users in designating, managing and monitoring them.
October 2023
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Fireworks Regulations
Mike's reply:
While many people enjoy the use of fireworks on special occasions, I appreciate that others do not like them. Fireworks can, of course, be dangerous and so it is right that the use and sale of them is controlled.
Firework regulations allow fireworks for home use to be sold during the traditional firework periods of Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali. Suppliers who wish to sell fireworks outside the traditional periods must comply with stringent conditions before being granted a licence by their local licensing authority. This means the availability and use of fireworks outside the traditional periods has been greatly reduced.
Although there is some use of fireworks outside the traditional periods, the majority of people who use fireworks do so at the appropriate times of year and have a sensible and responsible attitude towards them.
While there are no plans at the moment to place further limitations on the use of fireworks, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) engaged with a wide range of views and developed an evidence base on the key issues that have been raised around fireworks including noise, as well as anti-social behaviour, non-compliance, environmental impact, and the impact on humans and animals.
Following the review by the OPSS, I understand that the Government remains committed to promoting the safe and considerate use of fireworks through the effective legislative framework and through non-legislative measures. Any further restrictions on fireworks sold to the public by retail outlets could possibly lead to more individuals buying products inappropriately, through online social media sources or from outside the UK which could drive individuals to source fireworks from illegitimate or unsafe suppliers, where products may not meet the UK’s safety requirements.
The Government has previously run public awareness campaigns and worked with a variety of stakeholders, including animal welfare groups, to promote the safe and considerate use of fireworks to the general public, to ensure that those using them do so safely and considerately.
October 2023
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Ban Electronic Collars
Mike's reply:
The UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and my ministerial colleagues and I are committed to raising these standards even higher.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has considered the evidence regarding the use of electronic aids to control dogs. Defra listened to the views from pet owners, animal welfare organisations, e-collar manufacturers and trainers who use e-collars. I am aware that concerns were raised that electric shock collars controlled by hand-held devices can cause long-term harm.
Research commissioned by Defra showed that many e-collar users were not using them properly or in compliance with the manufacturers’ instructions. As well as being misused to inflict unnecessary harm, there is also concern that e-collars can redirect aggression or generate anxiety-based behaviour in pets, making underlying behavioural and health problems worse. In addition, the Government’s consultation on this received more than 7,000 responses.
Following this research, the Government will ban training collars that can deliver an electric shock to a cat or dog by a hand-held remote-controlled device in England. I understand that this ban will not extend to collars which use alternative stimuli, such as noise, spray or vibration. Invisible fencing systems which help animals quickly learn to stay within a boundary and have welfare benefits, such as keeping pets away from roads, will also still be permitted. These new regulations will come into force on 1 February 2024.
September 2023
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Save Brixton Academy
Mike's reply:
I appreciate your concern about the future of the music venue. As you mention, sadly in December 2022 two people were killed and others seriously injured following a crush. As a result, Lambeth Council suspended the venue's operating licence and the Metropolitan Police subsequently added that it had "lost confidence" in the operator, Academy Music Group (AMG), and recommended that the licence be revoked.
I understand that Lambeth Council ran a two-day hearing on 11 and 12 September after which time councillors will vote on whether to accept the Metropolitan Police's recommendation to revoke AMG of its licence to operate, or decide in AMG’s favour and allow it to stay open on revised terms which include enhanced security measures.
I am very aware of the rich history of this music venue which has hosted musicians including David Bowie, The Smiths, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. I know many music fans want a solution to be found which secures the music venue's future with significant improvements to safety measures. I will follow developments closely following the hearing.
September 2023
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Climate Change
Mike's reply:
It is crucial that we recognise the importance and urgency of action needed on climate change. The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has concluded that the world is warming faster than anticipated, the effects of which are being seen in every single region of our planet. Immediate global action is needed to limit warming, heatwaves, heavy precipitation, droughts, and loss of Arctic Sea ice, snow cover and permafrost.
The debate on climate change has been stuck between two extremes. It’s important to bring everyone with us as we forge ahead in eradicating the UK’s contribution to climate change. We can do this and still meet our international commitments and interim domestic targets.
The UK was the first G7 country to legislate to achieve net zero by 2050, and I am proud that the UK has made progress to cut emissions faster than any other G7 country, having already slashed emissions by 48 per cent, compared to 41 per cent in Germany, 23 per cent in France, as well as surpassing the targets most countries have set for 2030. It is this over-delivery on reducing emissions that provides the space to take a more pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic approach to reaching net zero. I am pleased that these recently revised plans will ease the burden on working people, as the Government has made it clear that the plans to meet net zero will only succeed if public support is maintained.
However, the UK accounts for less than 1 cent of global emissions; clearly, global action is required. When the UK took on the COP26 Presidency, in partnership with Italy, only 30 per cent of the world was covered by net zero targets. This figure is now at around 90 per cent. I am strongly encouraged by the ambitions of the Glasgow Climate Pact which calls on accelerated global efforts to phase down unabated coal power and phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, while providing targeted transitional support to the poorest and most vulnerable in line with national circumstances.
I am encouraged that the UK will produce enough offshore wind to power every home, quadrupling how much we currently produce to 50GW by 2030, and supporting up to 60,000 jobs, and I welcome the Prime Minister’s recent announcement about promoting more offshore wind. The Government will work with industry and aim to generate 10GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030 for industry, transport, power and homes. In addition, the Government aims to develop the first town heated entirely by hydrogen by the end of the decade. The Government has launched a new Energy Security Strategy, which will see a significant acceleration of nuclear, with an ambition of up to 24GW by 2050 to come from what I am assured by my ministerial colleagues is a safe, clean, and reliable source of power.
Other measures include a target to install 600,000 heat pumps every year by 2028, £1 billion funding to make our schools, hospitals and homes more energy efficient, planting 30,000 hectares of trees every year, promoting and investing in zero-emission transport and £20 million to develop clean maritime technology. The plan also includes a pledge to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2035.
The next decade is critical; every country, government, business and citizen must unite to tackle this huge threat to our planet and humanity.
September 2023
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International Health Regulations
Mike's reply:
The International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) are a key part of the global health security system to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease.
The original International Sanitary Regulations, which preceded the International Health Regulations, were adopted in 1969 and amended several times: in 1973, in 1981, and in 2005. The third edition (2005) has been amended twice – in 2014 and 2022. The revisions of the regulations illustrate their fluid nature, adapting to the health challenges that the world faces at that time. As medical knowledge changes, I believe it is only right that health regulations change too.
Regarding the current amendments, HM Government (HMG) is eager to ensure that countries' obligations under the IHR remain fit for purpose and reflect the lessons learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic. Measures that HMG wish to see include a stronger global commitment to effective disease surveillance, early reporting of potential health threats, and transparency in sharing information. I understand that HMG continues to formulate positions during ongoing textual negotiations and has engaged other World Health Organisation member states on the matter, including through the Working Group on Amendments to the IHR (2005).
July 2023
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People's Plan for Nature
Mike's reply:
Biodiversity loss is a global problem that needs a global solution. I welcome that at COP15, the UN biodiversity summit held in Canada, a new deal to protect nature was agreed by almost 200 countries. The Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) includes a commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and to protect 30 per cent of land and oceans by 2030. The GBF also commits to ending human-induced extinctions of known threatened species.
The UK played a leading role in the negotiations, building on the UK’s COP and G7 presidencies, including the Leaders Pledge for Nature. This commits world leaders to taking action to drive sustainable food production, end the illegal wildlife trade and tackle climate change. At the recent meeting of Climate and Environment Ministers of the G7, members committed to the swift implementation of the GBF, as well as international climate finance to nature-based solutions.
Domestically, the Environment Act 2021 sets a legally binding target to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030. Biodiversity net gain and a strengthened biodiversity duty on public authorities will create and restore rich habitats that enable wildlife to recover and thrive, while conservation covenants will help secure habitat for the long-term.
Regarding farming, the Sustainable Farming Incentive will provide farmers with a range of paid actions to manage hedgerows for wildlife, plant nectar-rich wildflowers and manage crop pests without the use of insecticides. These incentives will make food production more resilient and efficient over the longer term while contributing towards the UK’s environmental goals on carbon, biodiversity, water quality and net zero.
Further, Countryside Stewardship Plus will reward farmers for taking coordinated action, working with neighbouring farms and landowners to support climate and nature aims. It will deliver environmental ambitions including managing floodplain meadows to reduce flood risk and improve biodiversity, restoring and maintaining peatland for carbon capture and storage, and enhancing and managing woodland to mitigate against drought.
July 2023
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King's Guard Cap Faux Fur
Mike's reply:
Guardsmen take great pride in wearing the bearskin cap, which is an iconic image of Britain, and the MOD is very sparing in the acquisitions that it makes. Individual soldiers do not possess their own hats, rather they are cared for and shared within the Household Division and, despite their constant use, every effort is made to carefully prolong the longevity of each ceremonial cap. On account of this, they usually last for more than a decade, with some having been in use for as long as 60 years.
That said, I can assure you that the MOD would like to find an alternative material to bearskin should one prove acceptable. This is a commitment the MOD takes very seriously. Indeed, where sustainable, affordable and appropriate faux material exists, the MOD has used it; the busby caps of the Royal Horse Artillery are a prime example.
June 2023
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Animal research
Mike's reply:
Animal research plays a vital role in providing safety information for potential new medicines. As a result of findings from animal studies, a large number of potential new drugs never get as far as being tested in humans. Some aspects of the toxicological assessment of new medicines cannot be adequately assessed in humans, and animal data will be the only kind available.
I would like to reassure you that the UK's rigorous regulatory system ensures that no animal testing or research takes place if a non-animal alternative exists that would achieve the scientific outcomes sought. The National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs) is the UK’s leading scientific based organisation dedicated to replacing, refining, and reducing the use of animals in scientific research and testing. The NC3Rs supports the research community to use the latest science and technology to replace animal studies, providing new approaches for biomedical research, and avoiding the time and cost associated with animal models.
June 2023
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Stop deep sea mining
Mike's reply:
The UK has agreed not to support the issuing of any exploitation licences for deep-sea mining projects unless or until there is sufficient evidence about the potential impact on deep-sea ecosystems.
The UK’s approach is both precautionary and conditional. As a responsible international actor and Party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the UK is fully engaged in the negotiations underway at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and will work closely with partners who are committed to ensuring the highest environmental standards are embedded in the Regulatory framework of the ISA.
To inform policymaking, the Government commissioned an independent evidence review into the potential risks and benefits of deep sea mining. This was conducted by the British Geological Survey, the National Oceanography Centre and Heriot-Watt University and was published in October 2022.
Through the UK’s sponsorship of academic research and existing exploration licences, over 70 peer-reviewed publications supporting a greater understanding of environmental issues associated with deep-sea mining have already been produced, with more to come. The Government is also part-funding the SMARTEX project on seabed mining and resilience to experimental impact, which aims to build a better understanding of the ecosystem in the Pacific abyss.
The Government has made clear it would engage in public consultation ahead of making a decision to issue any UK-sponsored deep sea mining exploitation licence.
May 2023
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Testing of cosmetics on animals
Mike's reply:
I can assure you that the Government has recognised the public concern around the testing on animals of chemicals used as ingredients in cosmetics. I welcome the fact that no new licences will now be granted for animal testing of chemicals that are exclusively intended to be used as ingredients in cosmetics products.
Alongside this, the Government is taking action to seek alternatives to animal testing for worker and environmental safety of chemicals used exclusively as cosmetic ingredients. This reflects the Government’s wider commitment to replacing the use of animals in science wherever scientifically possible. The Government is confident that the UK science sector and industry has the talent to provide the solutions needed here.
The regulatory framework around cosmetics has long required manufacturers to demonstrate that their products are safe for use by consumers. Animal testing for this purpose was banned in the UK in 1998 and this ban remains in force.
Under chemicals regulations, manufacturers and importers must assess and stringently mitigate the hazards to human health and the environment of the chemicals they place on the market. This includes chemicals used as ingredients in cosmetics. In some cases, where there are no validated alternatives, this has in the past required testing on animals as a last resort.
These regulations are separate from, and have a different purpose to, the consumer cosmetics regulations, which is why it had been possible that a chemical used in cosmetics could have been required to be tested on animals. On that basis, a small number of time-limited licences were issued between 2019 and 2022. However, a ban on new licences has now been introduced with immediate effect, and the Government is engaging urgently with the relevant firms to determine a path forward on the few remaining legacy licences.
The Government is also undertaking to review, at pace, the effective administration of the ban over the longer term. This will give due regard of the needs of the science industry, the need to ensure worker and environmental safety, and the need to protect animals from unnecessary harm.
May 2023
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Retained EU Law (Revocation & Reform) Bill
Mike's reply:
The European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 brought a large number of EU laws and regulation into our domestic law. This was called Retained EU Law (REUL), and had special status, reflecting the supremacy of EU law, European Court of Justice case law and EU legal principles. In September 2022, the Government introduced the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill. The Bill will abolish this special status and will enable the Government, via Parliament, to amend more easily, repeal and replace REUL.
As the Bill is currently drafted, almost all REUL is automatically revoked at the end of 2023, unless a statutory instrument is passed to preserve it. This is known as a ‘sunset’ provision. The Government has tabled an amendment for Lords Report, which will replace the current sunset in the Bill with a list of all of the EU laws that it intends to revoke under the Bill at the end of 2023. The remainder will continue in force without the need to pass extra laws. By making it clear which regulations will be removed from our statute book, businesses and all those affected by these laws will have certainty. The Government will retain the vitally important powers in the Bill that allow it to continue to amend REUL, so more complex regulation can still be revoked or reformed after proper assessment and consultation.
I have been assured that the Government is committed to upholding workers’ and consumers' rights, as well as environmental protections, following the UK’s departure from the EU. The Working Time Directive has been transposed into UK law; our consumer protections will remain some of the best in the world; and the Government has recently legislated to strengthen environmental protection in the form of the Environment Act 2021.
This Bill will benefit people and businesses across the United Kingdom and end the supremacy of EU law.
What I want to see is meaningful reform which not only removes unnecessary red tape, but allows us to tailor regulation to our needs and for the UK to secure its own path. Already, over 1,000 laws have been revoked or reformed since Britain's exit from the EU. This Bill would revoke around 600 more and other legislation will revoke a further 500. The Bill now provides certainty for business by making it clear which regulations will be removed from the statue book, instead of highlighting only the REUL that would be saved. Crucially, the powers included in the Bill that allow us to continue changing REUL have been retained. As such, more complex regulation can still be revoked or reformed after proper assessment and consultation.
May 2023
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Kept Animals Bill
Mike's reply:
The UK has long led the way on animal welfare. In 2021, the Government published the Action Plan for Animal Welfare, setting out a series of future reforms for this Parliament and beyond. Since the plan was published, the Government has passed the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act, recognising the sentience of vertebrate animals and some invertebrate animals. In addition, the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act introduced tougher sentences for animal cruelty, increasing maximum sentences. The Ivory Act came into force in 2022 and has recently been extended to cover five more endangered species. In April, the Government made cat microchipping compulsory, helping to reunite pets with their owners.
The Kept Animals Bill, introduced in June 2021, was designed to implement several of the Government’s ambitions for animal welfare. This included banning the live exports of animals, seeking to prevent pet theft, and new measures to tackle livestock worrying. I am aware that the Bill’s multi-issue nature means that there has been considerable scope-creep, and the Bill risks being extended far beyond the original commitments in the Conservative Manifesto that I was elected on and the Action Plan for Animal Welfare. Therefore, the Government will now be taking forward measures in the Kept Animals Bill individually during the remainder of the Parliament. Which means that the Bill may not be proceeding but the measures contained will be.
I am assured that the Government remains fully committed to delivering its manifesto commitments on animal welfare. Having left the EU, the Government is able to and will ban live exports for fattening and slaughter. There have been no live exports from Great Britain since 2020, but legislation will ensure this becomes permanent, and Ministers remain committed to delivering it.
Regarding puppy smuggling, I know that the Government will ban the imports of young, heavily pregnant or mutilated dogs and this will be achieved quicker with a single-issue Bill than the secondary legislation required under the Kept Animals Bill. Further, the keeping of primates as pets will be banned and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will consult on primate-keeping standards.
I am assured by my ministerial colleagues in Defra that the Government is committed to maintaining its strong track record on animal welfare and to delivering continued improvements, both in the course of this Parliament and beyond.
May 2023
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Assisted dying
Mike's reply:
Coping with terminal illness is distressing and difficult both for the patient and their families. These cases are truly moving and evoke the highest degree of compassion and emotion.
Assisting or encouraging suicide is a criminal offence under Section 2 of the Suicide Act 1961 for which the maximum penalty is 14 years’ imprisonment. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) published guidelines primarily concerned with advising the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutors about the factors which they need to consider when deciding whether it is in the public interest to prosecute a person for assisting or encouraging another to commit suicide.
I fully accept that suicide, assisting or encouraging suicide, assisted dying and euthanasia are all subjects on which it is entirely possible for people to hold widely different but defensible opinions. This is why the substance of the law in this area is not a matter of party politics but of conscience, and any vote would be a free one should the law in this area ever be altered.
As you may know, a debate was held in Parliament on 4 July 2022. This was the first time this topic was discussed in Parliament for some time. I want to pay tribute to my colleagues from both sides of the House who spoke bravely with significant contributions.
As the Government takes a neutral position, a change would have to be made via a Private Members’ Bill. If, at a future date, it became the clearly expressed will of Parliament to amend or change the criminal law so as to enable some form of assisted dying, the Government would undertake the role of ensuring that the relevant legislation was delivered as effectively as possible.
My own stance on assisted dying has been heavily influenced by a friend who was diagnosed with a terminal illness and moved to the Netherlands so he could commit suicide. Six months after his suicide, there was a breakthrough in drug treatments for his illness. I am therefore not yet convinced of the arguments to enshrine the mechanism for assisted dying in law.
May 2023
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Onshore wind farms
Mike's reply:
The United Kingdom was the first major economy to legislate for net zero carbon emissions and since 2000, the UK has decarbonised faster than any other G7 country.
I understand onshore wind is a key part of the Government’s strategy for low-cost decarbonisation of the energy sector. Achieving net zero by 2050 will require increased deployment across a range of technologies, including onshore wind.
It is for this reason, as part of the new Energy Security Strategy, the Government will be consulting on developing partnerships with a limited number of supportive communities who wish to host new onshore wind infrastructure in return for guaranteed lower energy bills. In addition, onshore wind prices are down 50 per cent since 2013.
The Energy White Paper stated that there will need to be sustained growth in the capacity of onshore wind over the next decade alongside solar and offshore wind. Therefore, in March 2020 the Government announced that onshore wind and other established renewable technologies such as solar PV will be able to compete in the latest Contracts for Difference (CfD) allocation round. The round is now open and will aim to deliver up to double the renewable capacity of the last successful round in 2019 with £285 million a year.
Furthermore, the Hydrogen Strategy made clear that Scotland has a key role to play in the development of a UK hydrogen economy, with the potential to produce industrial-scale quantities of hydrogen from offshore and onshore wind resources, wave and tidal power, as well as with Carbon Capture Usage and Storage. The Energy Security Strategy also indicates that there will be 12,000 jobs in the UK hydrogen industry by 2030 – 3,000 more than previously expected.
I will continue to monitor any future developments closely.
April 2023
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Public Order Bill
Mike's reply:
Recent protest activity from a minority of individuals utilising guerrilla tactics has caused misery to the hard-working public, disrupted businesses, interfered with emergency services, cost millions in taxpayers’ money, and put lives at risk.
Indeed, fuel supply has been disrupted by protesters tunnelling under oil terminals and cutting the brakes on tankers, and police officers have spent hours trying to unglue people’s body parts from some of the UK’s busiest and most dangerous motorways. This includes groups like Just Stop Oil, which alone has cost the police over £5.9 million in a matter of months.
The Government is therefore legislating to equip the police to better manage and tackle dangerous and highly disruptive tactics, as well as prevent major transport projects and infrastructure from being targeted by protestors. This follows the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PSCS) Act, having received Royal Assent at the end of the last parliamentary session, which introduced a number of measures to enable the police to better manage protests.
The new Public Order Bill seeks to: introduce new criminal offences of locking-on and going equipped to lock-on; make it illegal to obstruct major transport works such as HS2; create a new criminal offence for interfering with key national infrastructure; extend stop and search powers for police to search for and seize articles related to protest-related activity; and introduce Serious Disruption Prevention Orders where a breach of the order would constitute a criminal offence.
I am confident these new changes to public order law will put a stop to the relentless reoffending and significant disruption caused by a selfish minority of protesters which impinge on the rights of the British public to go about their daily lives in peace.
March 2023
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Pet Theft
Mike's reply:
The theft of a much-loved pet causes emotional trauma and impacts pet owners and families. The Government launched a Pet Theft Taskforce in May 2021 in response to concerns about a perceived increase in pet theft.
While it is already a criminal offence to steal a pet, the emotional impact of having a pet stolen, on both the owner and the animal, is undeniable. The Pet Theft Taskforce recommended a new offence of pet abduction would best address concerns that the criminal law is only currently capable of treating the theft of a pet as a theft of property.
This new offence would also recognise the potential impact on the pet’s welfare when taken by strangers. The offence as currently drafted in the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill focuses on dogs, with enabling powers. The inclusion of the enabling powers means that the Secretary of State would be able to extend the offence to other animals, such as cats. I am aware that this Bill is due to return to the House as soon as parliamentary time allows.
Finally, microchipping for dogs became compulsory for animals over eight weeks of age in Great Britain in 2016. The Government announced that it would introduce compulsory microchipping of cats. These changes will make it easier for pets to be reunited with their owners if they have gone missing or been stolen.
February 2023
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Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill
Mike's reply:
The UK has for a long time led the world on enshrining animal welfare standards in law. Ministers are building on our world-leading standards with ambitious reforms, as outlined in the Action Plan for Animal Welfare, and the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill will introduce landmark protections for pets, livestock and kept wild animals. I look forward to supporting the Bill through Parliament.
February 2023
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Masafer Yatta
Mike's reply:
The UK's position, which I support, is clear and longstanding. There should be a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, with Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states, and a fair and realistic settlement for refugees. The UK Government consistently calls – both bilaterally and via the UN – for an immediate end to all actions that undermine the viability of the two-state solution.
This includes the eviction of Palestinians from their homes, the demolition of Palestinian property – homes, schools and so forth – and Israeli settlements in the OPTs. Indeed, the UK is clear that these actions cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians, call into question Israel's commitment to a viable two-state solution, and, in all but the most exceptional of cases, are contrary to international humanitarian law. The Fourth Geneva Convention, which applies to all occupied territories, including East Jerusalem, prohibits demolitions or forced evictions absent military necessity.
Settlement expansion is also particularly counterproductive in light of the normalisation agreements reached between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco in the last few years.
The UK repeatedly raises our opposition to these actions with the Israeli authorities, both bilaterally and in cooperation with like-minded diplomatic partners, including at a ministerial level. The UK also regularly makes our position clear on the world stage, including via the main organs of UN such as the Security Council, Human Rights Council and General Assembly.
The FCDO is aware of the decision by the Israeli Supreme Court on the Masafer Yatta eviction case and is monitoring the situation closely. The Minister for the Middle East met with Palestinian families affected by the ongoing demolition and eviction orders there during a visit to the OPTs and raised the UK's concerns with the Israeli Deputy in June.
I join Ministers in London and officials from the UK Embassy in Tel Aviv and at the UN in calling for evictions, demolitions and settlement expansion to cease with immediate effect.
January 2023
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Fireworks and animals
Mike's reply:
I fully appreciate the distress that fireworks can cause to pets, livestock and wildlife. I understand that there is a noise level limit of 120 decibels on fireworks for home use, which helps to reduce disturbance to both animals and people. Fireworks used for professionally organised displays are only available for sale to people who have undertaken an accredited course of training in pyrotechnics.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals through the misuse of fireworks. Fireworks should not be set off near livestock or close to buildings that house livestock, or near to horses in fields. Anyone planning a firework display in rural areas should warn neighbouring farmers.
Further, I understand that retailers are restricted to only selling consumer fireworks during a limited period around specific seasonal celebrations, and retailers may only supply fireworks outside these periods if they obtain a licence from their local licensing authority. However, I am not aware of any plans to introduce further restrictions on the sale of fireworks to the public.
Finally, the Government published a statutory Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, which advises dog owners to avoid exercising with dogs during times when fireworks could be let off. I understand that during the 2021 fireworks season, the Government worked with animal welfare groups to promote the safe and considerate use of fireworks.
January 2023
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Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
Mike's reply:
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has long been clear about its concerns over the continued destabilising activity of the IRGC. This includes IRGC political, financial and military support to a number of militant and proscribed groups.
Let me assure you that, as made clear in the 2021 Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, the UK is committed to addressing growing threats from Iran, as well as other states. UK officials regularly raise Iran's destabilising role in the region at the UN Security Council and are fully engaged in negotiations to try and secure a return to the Iran nuclear deal and the country's full compliance with it. The UK also maintains a range of sanctions that work to constrain the destabilising activity of the IRGC.
While I appreciate that you would like to see the IRGC proscribed as a terrorist organisation here in the UK, I know that Ministers do not routinely comment on whether an organisation is or is not being considered for proscription. I can assure you, however, that the Home Office keeps the UK's list of proscribed organisations under constant review.]
Going forward, HM Government will continue to use the wide range of tools at its disposal to protect the UK and our interests from any Iran-linked threats.
January 2023
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Onshore wind farms
Mike's reply:
Protecting the beauty and local amenity of our countryside is something I consider with the utmost importance. At the same time, I fully appreciate the need to boost our national capacity for renewable energy.
That is why I welcome the Government's plans to introduce changes to the planning system whereby planning permission for onshore wind would depend upon a project commanding local support and being able to satisfactorily address any impacts identified by the local community. A consultation will shortly be launched on how local authorities can demonstrate local support and respond to the views of their communities when considering onshore wind development in England.
Views will also be sought on developing local partnerships for supportive communities to enable those who would like to host new onshore wind to benefit, for example through lower energy bills. I understand that the Government will also consider how the planning system can support communities to have their voices heard on the necessary infrastructure to connect wind farms to the grid and upgrade existing onshore wind infrastructure.
I appreciate that there are a range of views on onshore wind. I firmly believe that local authorities - who know their areas best - are best placed to make decisions on onshore wind sites. The Government has been clear that strong environmental protections will remain in place, with valued landscapes such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Green Belt protected.
Onshore wind is one of the most cost-effective electricity generating technologies and already accounts for approximately a quarter of installed renewable capacity in the UK. I look forward to further details on the Government's consultation soon.
December 2022
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Free school meals
Mike's reply:
I believe it is imperative that children have regular healthy and balanced meals throughout the day to ensure they are able to thrive in the classroom. The Government is also keenly aware of the impact that the cost-of-living crisis is having on families across the country.
Over a third of pupils in England currently receive free school meals in education settings and the Government has just announced a further investment in the National School Breakfast Programme, extending the programme for another year until July 2024, backed by up to £30 million.
The Department spends over £1 billion each year on free school meals, including through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme and school breakfast clubs. This includes around £600 million on Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM). In June 2022, the Government allocated £18 million of additional funding for UIFSM to help schools provide for the 1.25 million children in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 with a free, healthy and nutritious lunch, in recognition of the rising cost of living.
The Government funds over £200 million a year on HAF, which provides healthy meals and holiday club places to children from low-income families. The Government is allocating £30 million over two years for the National School Breakfast Programme, which benefits over 2,000 schools across the country.
As announced in the Autumn Statement, for those who require extra support, the Government is providing an additional £1 billion to help with the cost of household essentials, for the 2023-24 financial year, on top of what has already been provided since October 2021, bringing total funding for this support to £2.5 billion.
December 2022
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British embassy in Israel
Mike's reply:
The position of the UK Government has remained constant since April 1950, when the UK extended de jure recognition to the State of Israel, but withheld recognition of sovereignty over Jerusalem pending a final determination of its status. This determination should be sought as part of a negotiated settlement between Israelis and Palestinians, and must ensure Jerusalem is a shared capital of the Israeli and Palestinian states, with access and religious rights of both peoples respected.
The British Embassy to Israel is based in Tel Aviv. While Downing Street has not given any indication of timing, it has been confirmed that a review of the location of the Embassy is under way. Whilst I will not speculate on the outcome of this review, I can assure you that the Prime Minister is aware of the sensitivity and importance of the location of the British Embassy to Israel.
November 2022
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Plastic Pollution
Mike's reply:
The Resources and Waste Strategy for England sets out the Government’s plans to reduce, reuse, and recycle more plastic than we do now. Ministers have committed to work towards all plastic packaging placed on the market being recyclable or reusable by 2025.
Significant progress has already been made to address plastic pollution. This includes introducing one of the world’s toughest bans on microbeads in rinse-off personal care products and restricting the supply of plastic straws, plastic drink stirrers, and plastic-stemmed cotton buds. The use of single-use carrier bags has been reduced in the main supermarkets by over 97 per cent and this has been increased to 10p and extended to all retailers. The Government recently consulted on proposals to ban the supply of single-use plastic plates, cutlery, and balloon sticks, and expanded and extruded polystyrene food and beverage containers, including cups. Ministers are committed to addressing other sources of plastic pollution and ran a call for evidence on other problematic plastic items, including wet wipes, tobacco filters, sachets, and other single-use cups.
The Environment Act requires the Government to set at least one long-term target in the areas of resource efficiency and waste reduction. I understand that the Government recently consulted on its target to reduce residual waste. The consultation closed on 27 June 2022. Over 180,000 responses were received and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is currently analysing responses and I look forward to reading the Government’s response.
I understand that setting individual, material-specific legally-binding targets, such as a plastics waste reduction target, could risk shifting the environmental impact to other material types and could even lead to increases in residual waste due to switches to heavier materials. Ministers want to ensure that the targets take a holistic approach to all materials and avoid unintended substitution effects. As well as being significant global environmental waste and pollution issue, plastics are strong, durable, and versatile materials, bringing environmental and economic benefits. Setting wider-reaching targets that encourage reductions in our consumption of materials more broadly, not only plastics, will help ensure we achieve the best environmental outcome.
Finally, the export of plastic waste is subject to strict controls set out in UK legislation. Businesses involved in the export of waste are required to take steps to ensure that the waste they ship is managed in an environmentally sound manner throughout its shipment and during its recycling. Individuals and businesses found to be exporting waste in contravention of the requirements of the legislation can face a two-year jail term and an unlimited fine.
The Government wants to deal with more of our waste at home and I understand Ministers committed to banning the export of plastic waste to countries which are not members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. The Environment Act contains a power that will enable the Government to deliver on this commitment.
November 2022
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Online Safety Bill
Mike's reply:
Fraud conducted online is a devastating and pernicious crime, causing financial and emotional harm to victims. I understand from my constituency correspondence just how much this impacts individuals, leaving them feeling insecure and sometimes even ashamed. However, it is important to remember that cyber fraudsters have become extremely sophisticated in their methods and, moreover, are indiscriminate. We are all vulnerable to fraud at different points in our lives; sadly, all it takes is a momentary lapse in vigilance.
The Government is undertaking ground-breaking work to tackle this depressing trend in a variety of ways. The Online Safety Bill will require regulated companies to confront user-generated fraud on their platforms. This will impact some of the most harmful types of online fraud such as investment and romance scams. Notably, fraud is included as priority offence on the face of the Bill. This means that companies will have to take robust, proactive action to ensure that user-generated fraud is not readily published or exposed to users on their platforms.
Furthermore, the Online Safety Bill includes a legal duty requiring the largest and most popular social media platforms and search engines to prevent paid-for fraudulent adverts appearing on their services. The change will improve protections for internet users from the potentially devastating impact of fake ads, including where criminals impersonate celebrities or companies to steal people’s personal data, peddle dodgy financial investments or break into bank accounts. To be absolutely clear, the legislation has not been withdrawn and I know my colleagues in Government are working hard to ensure it completes its passage through Parliament as quickly as possible.
November 2022
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Human Rights Act
Mike's reply:
The UK has a long, proud history of commitment to the principles of personal liberty and human rights. However, increasingly, human rights laws are being interpreted in more manipulable and innovative ways that often go beyond the original intentions of the architects of the European Convention on Human Rights. Therefore, I welcome the Government's recent consultation on reforming the Human Rights Act and the introduction of the Bill of Rights Bill to ensure our human rights system meets the needs of the society it serves.
The reforms included in the Bill of Rights Bill will strengthen home-grown rights. The Bill will boost freedom of the press and freedom of expression by introducing a stronger test for courts to consider before they can order journalists to disclose their sources. It will also recognise that trial by jury is a fundamental component of fair trials in the UK. I am glad that it will also introduce a permission stage in court requiring people to show they have suffered a significant disadvantage before their claim can go ahead, thereby preventing trivial legal claims wasting taxpayers’ money.
Where human rights have been used to frustrate the deportation of criminals, the Bill will prevent such misuse, ensuring those who pose a serious threat can be deported by allowing future laws to restrict the circumstances in which their right to family life would trump public safety and the need to remove them. It will mean that under future immigration laws, to evade removal a foreign criminal would have to prove that a child or dependent would come to overwhelming, unavoidable harm if they were deported.
The Bill will reinforce in law the principle that responsibilities to society are as important as personal rights. To achieve this, courts will consider a claimant’s relevant conduct, such as a prisoner’s violent or criminal behaviour, when awarding damages. The Bill will also make clear that the UK Supreme Court is the ultimate judicial decision-maker on human rights issues, and that the case law of the European Court of Human Rights does not always need to be followed by UK courts. This will be achieved while retaining the UK’s fundamental commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights.
I therefore support the Bill of Rights Bill in strengthening UK traditional freedoms and I will follow its progress closely as it passes through Parliament.
November 2022
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National Security Bill
Mike's reply:
The threat from hostile states is a growing, diversifying and evolving one, manifesting itself in several different forms. Our espionage laws date back to 1911 and I know my ministerial colleagues are concerned that they do not account for how threats to our national security have changed over time.
The UK’s espionage legislation is contained within the Official Secrets Act 1911, 1920 and 1939. While the Government has already strengthened our ability to deter, withstand and respond to hostile state activity, (including through Schedule 3 to the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 which grants an examining officer at UK ports and the border area several powers when a person appears to be involved in espionage on behalf of a foreign government), more can be done to update our laws for the 21st century.
Through the new National Security Bill, the Government aims to deter, detect and disrupt state actors who seek to harm the UK. The Bill seeks to reform existing espionage legislation to tackle modern threats and bring in new offences to address state-backed sabotage, interference, the theft of trade secrets and assisting a foreign intelligence service. Crucially, it will also make it an offence to be an undeclared foreign spy working in the UK. The new National Security Bill will keep pace with the changing threat and will keep our country safe by making the UK an even harder target for those states who seek to conduct hostile acts.
Since the legislation was introduced, the Government has added a new Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), which will compel those acting for a foreign power or entity to declare any political influencing activity that they are carrying out – and criminalise those who do not. This aims to strengthen the resilience of the UK political system against covert foreign influence. The Scheme will also enable the Government to specify foreign powers, or entities they control, if they attempt to undermine the UK, its democracy and values. This will mean individuals or companies acting at their behest will be required to register any arrangements or activities with them – and face prosecution if they do not.
Specifically on the Bill’s implications for journalists, I would like to underline that the freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy, and I am committed to protecting the rights and values we all hold dear. Reports that the legislation will treat journalists like spies are incorrect; the media will continue to be free to hold Ministers to account. I simply would not support legislation that limits or erodes press freedom.
November 2022
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Attack on nature
Mike's reply:
I would like to assure you that claims that the Government is rowing back on commitments to our farming reforms or nature are wholly untrue.
Now that we are outside of the European Union, the UK is free from the Common Agricultural Policy, which did little to deliver for farmers, farming or the environment. The Government was elected on a manifesto which pledged to maintain the budget for farming but spend it in a way that does better for farming and nature.
My ministerial colleagues and I want to support the choices that individual farmers make for their farms, boost food production and agricultural productivity. This will bolster the rural economy and support communities across the country. Ministers are rolling out new schemes which will support farmers to both produce high-quality food and enhance the natural environment.
We have the chance to have a farming industry that is more independent and resilient. It will be an industry that champions economic growth and increases domestic production while returning nature to the land and improving the natural assets that support food production, such as high-quality soil.
Further, the Environment Act 2021 includes a commitment to halt the decline of nature by 2030. This Government will never undermine its commitments to the environment in pursuit of growth; any reforms will rightly contribute to growing our economy in equal step with successfully meeting our commitments in the 25 Year Environment Plan and the legally binding environmental targets through this Act. Internationally, the UK has also committed to protect 30 per cent of its land and ocean by 2030, through the Leaders Pledge for Nature, which committed to putting nature and biodiversity globally on a road to recovery by 2030.
Specifically on Investment Zones, I am aware that the purpose of speeding up the planning system in defined Investment Zone areas is to cut back on unnecessary bureaucratic requirements and processes that slow down high-quality development. While the Government has set an intention to remove burdensome EU requirements as part of the streamlined planning process in Investment Zones, guidance provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is clear that this will target requirements which “create paperwork and stall development but do not necessarily protect the environment”. I understand that key planning policies which ensure developments protect our precious natural heritage and maintain national policy on Green Belt will continue to apply.
November 2022
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Action Plan for Animal Welfare
Mike's reply:
My ministerial colleagues and I share your high regard for animal welfare. In May 2021, the Government set out a series of ambition reforms in the Action Plan for Animal Welfare. Since 2010, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has had a strong track record in delivery reforms and passing legislation. This includes banning the use of conventional battery cages for laying hens, making CCTV mandatory in slaughterhouses across England, banning the use of wild animals in circuses and introducing the strongest ivory ban in the world. Other measures introduced include the mandatory microchipping of dogs in 2015 and the modernisation of the licensing system for dog breeding and pet sales. In 2021, the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act came into force, raising the maximum sentence for animal cruelty from 6 months to 5 years.
The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act formally recognises animals as sentient beings in domestic law and ensures that animal sentience is taken into account when developing policy across Government through the creation of an Animal Sentience Committee, which will be made up of animal experts from within the field.
Further, the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill will bring in some of the world’s strongest protections for pets, livestock and kept wild animals. This includes introducing a ban on keeping primates as pets, banning the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening, and also addressing the unethical trade of puppy smuggling by reducing the number of pets that can travel under pet travel rules. I look forward to supporting this Bill as it continues to progress through Parliament.
Finally, Ministers are committed to ban the import of hunting trophies from thousands of species. This will be one of the toughest bans in the world and will protect endangered animals and help to strengthen and support long-term conservation. The Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill has been formally introduced to Parliament and I look forward to supporting this Bill.
November 2022
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Marine Protected Areas
Mike's reply:
The UK is a global leader in protecting our seas, the ocean and marine life, and works with counterparts both in the UK and overseas to help achieve these aims. The Government joined other world leaders at the UN Ocean Conference in June to announce new initiatives to protect the global marine environment, marking a significant step forward in our mission to protect at least 30 per cent of the global ocean by 2030.
I know that across the UK, 372 MPAs now protect 38 per cent of UK waters, which are all subject to planning and licensing regimes to ensure they are protected from harmful activities.
Following the Benyon Review into Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs), the Government has committed to introducing pilot HPMAs in English waters. HPMAs provide the highest protection in our seas and will allow full recovery to as most natural a state as possible, as they prohibit all destructive, extractive and depositional activities within the entire site, thus enabling the ecosystem to thrive.
Further, I know that underpinning the UK’s ambition for ocean health is the commitment to world-class fisheries management to achieve sustainable fisheries, safeguarding stocks and the marine environment for the long-term. The objectives in the Fisheries Act, the Joint Fisheries Statement and Fisheries Management Plans collectively reaffirm these commitments while tailoring the approach to our unique seas and the needs of our fishing industry.
Finally, Ministers are also supporting ocean protection through appropriate funding. For the UK this includes the £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund, and the Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund, both of which have funded successful projects in the marine environment. Internationally, the Government’s £500 million Blue Planet Fund will help some of the world’s poorest communities to protect the ocean from plastic pollution, overfishing and habitat loss.
October 2022
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Gene editing
Mike's reply:
The Government is working to encourage agricultural and scientific innovation in the UK. The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill will enable the development and marketing of precision bred plants and animals, which will drive economic growth and position the UK as the leading country in which to invest in agri-food research and innovation.
Ministers recognise that there is a need to safeguard animal welfare and that is why the Government is taking a step-by-step approach with creating enabling legislation for precision bred plants first and then animals. I am assured that no changes will be made to the regulation of animals under the genetically modified organism (GMO) regime until the regulatory system outlined in the Bill is developed to safeguard animal welfare.
Further, I am aware that before marketing precision bred animals, developers will need to provide assurances to confirm that the welfare of the animal (and its offspring) will not be adversely affected by any trait resulting from precision breeding. This will be in the form of an animal welfare declaration, with accompanying evidence. The Environment Secretary will need to be satisfied with the declaration before issuing a precision bred (PB) animal marketing authorisation, after which point a PB animal can be marketed. This process will also involve an independent scientific assessment of the declaration.
Finally, all animals are protected by comprehensive and robust animal health and welfare legislation. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to an animal or to fail to provide for its welfare.
October 2022
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Fracking
Mike's reply:
First, I would like to make clear that our new Prime Minister supports the core ambitions of the 2019 manifesto on which this Government was elected. The Government will therefore revert to a precautionary approach regarding shale gas exploration in England.
In the November 2019 manifesto, the Government confirmed a moratorium on shale gas exploration in England with immediate effect. Having listened to local communities and assessed the state of the science, Ministers ruled out changes to the planning system. As set out in the manifesto, the Government will not support shale gas extraction unless the science shows categorically that it can be done safely. In line with the British Geological Survey report on the scientific advances in hydraulic fracturing since 2019, forecasting the occurrence of large earthquakes and their expected magnitude owing to shale gas extraction remains a challenge with significant uncertainty.
Fracking will only be supported if it can be carried out in a way that is sustainable and protects local communities. This will be led by the evidence on whether this form of exploration can be done in a way which acceptably manages the risk to local communities.
Furthermore, Ministers are taking a presumption against issuing any further hydraulic fracturing consents. This position will be maintained until compelling new evidence is provided which addresses the concerns around the prediction and management of induced seismicity.
October 2022
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Alcohol duty
Mike's reply:
Pubs up and down the country play a vital role not only in the economy but in our local areas, supporting a real sense of community. After nearly two years of difficulties as a result of the pandemic, I am glad that pubs have returned to business as usual. The Government is committed to supporting our pubs and I welcome the fact that the Government’s long-term strategy for the hospitality sector includes an extension to pavement licences, making it easier and cheaper for pubs, restaurants and cafes to continue to make outdoor dining a reality with seating, tables and street stalls to serve food and drinks. This will be implemented through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.
Further, the Autumn Budget 2021 confirmed that duty rates on beer, cider, wine and spirits will be frozen for another year, a move which will save consumers £3 billion over the next five years, and provide further support to the hospitality industry and its suppliers as they recover from the pandemic. Duty rates on draught beer and cider will be cut by 5 per cent, taking 3p off a pint and further supporting pubs. I was also glad to see the announcement in the Autumn Budget that, following a review, the alcohol duty regime is to undergo a major simplification. The old system was outdated system that set rates based on historical anomalies, and a new regime will be fairer to both consumers and producers, and promote product innovation in response to evolving consumer tastes. This radical simplification of the duty system will reduce the number of main rates from 15 to 6, and tax products in proportion to their alcohol content.
All tax categories, such as beer and wine, will be moved to a standardised set of bands, with rates for products between 1.2-3.4 per cent alcohol by volume (ABV), 3.5-8.4 per cent ABV, 8.5-22 per cent ABV, and above 22 per cent ABV. Above 8.5 per cent ABV, all products across all categories will pay the same rate of duty if they have the same proportion of alcohol content. Registration and payment will also be simplified, and the practice where individual products have different administrative rules will end.
The new progressive manner in which alcohol is taxed will ensure higher strength products incur proportionately more duty, and these rates will be the same across all product categories. This change will address the problem of harmful high-strength products being sold too cheaply, and the new rates for low strength drinks below 3.5 per cent ABV will encourage manufacturers to develop new products at lower ABVs, giving consumers greater choice and greater options to drink responsibly.
I also welcome the introduction of a new small producer relief which will build on the previous success of the Small Brewers Relief, which will benefit cidermakers and other producers of lower ABV drinks. This will allow small producers to diversify their product range to other products below 8.5 per cent ABV while still benefitting from reduced rates.
October 2022
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Abortion buffer zones
Mike's reply:
As you might be aware, MPs agreed to add New Clause 11 - which would introduce areas around abortion clinics and hospitals (buffer zones) where interference with, and intimidation or harassment of, women accessing or people providing abortion services would be an offence - to the Public Order Bill. Matters related to abortion are a free vote for MPs, meaning the Government does not ask members to vote a certain way. I can confirm that I voted for the New Clause, however, I recognise that there are very strong views from both sides of the debate on this subject.
This country has a proud history of allowing free speech but the right to peaceful protest does not extend to harassment or threatening behaviour. The law already provides protection against harassment and intimidation, and the police have a range of powers to manage protests. Like all members of the public, protesters are subject to the law and suspected criminal offences must be robustly investigated and dealt with by the police.
Following concerns about the tactics of protestors outside some abortion clinics, a review was instigated by Government in 2018. This review revealed that anti-abortion demonstrations take place outside a small number of facilities. In 2017 for example, 363 hospitals and clinics in England and Wales carried out abortions. Of those, 36 hospitals and clinics experienced anti-abortion demonstrations. With this in mind, the Government’s assessment is that introducing national buffer zones would not be an appropriate response given the experiences of the majority of hospitals and clinics.
The Government has, however, taken steps through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act to give police the powers they need to better manage protests, enabling them to balance the rights of protesters against the rights of others to go about their daily business. It is also the case that Public Spaces Protection Orders have been implemented successfully to restrict harmful anti-abortion protests in Ealing, Richmond and Manchester.
October 2022
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UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership
Mike's reply:
The UK has a proud record of providing support to those in need of protection; our resettlement programmes have provided safe and legal routes to better futures for hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe. Since 2015, over 185,000 adults and children seeking refuge have been offered a place in this country, being one of the most generous resettlement schemes in Europe. This includes almost 100,000 British Nationals Overseas in Hong Kong; 20,000 Syrians; 13,000 from Afghanistan; and 50,000 Ukrainians.
However, it is clear that the global asylum system, as it operates today, is fundamentally flawed. Some 80 million people are on the move around the world, uprooted by conflict and instability. Many more are on the move to seek better prospects, driven by a desire for a better life. The result is increased illegal migration flows, including into Europe and onto the UK, with the asylum systems collapsing under the strain of real humanitarian crises and the work of people smuggling gangs.
As a result of the UK's Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda, people who enter the UK illegally may have their asylum claim considered in Rwanda (as opposed to the UK), with a view to receiving the protection they need there if their claim is successful. It is particularly encouraging that the Home Office has begun issuing formal removal direction letters to those who are set to go to Rwanda where they will be able to rebuild their lives in safety. Officials are now speaking with all individuals to ensure the process is fully understood and people are given the appropriate support ahead of departure.
The UK is investing £120 million into Rwandan economic development and growth, with funding also provided to help deliver asylum operations, similar to the costs incurred in the UK. Furthermore, Rwanda has one of the fast-growing economies and enterprise cultures, with growing trade links with the UK, which this scheme will complement as part of our Global Britain agenda. Combined with asylum reforms and legal changes through the Nationality and Borders Act, these new measures will deter illegal entry into the UK. In doing so they will help break up criminal smuggling gangs, protect the lives of those they endanger, ensure continued support for the truly vulnerable, and enhance our ability to remove those with no right to be in the UK.
On concerns about wrongful transferrals, please know that I have spoken to ministerial colleagues and been reassured that each individual case will be assessed for any reasons why the Rwanda scheme would be unsuitable for the applicant. It is certainly not a blanket approach as each individual would continue to have access to legal advice and the challenge and appeals processes.
September 2022
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Channel 4
Mike's reply:
I would like to reassure you of the Government's commitment to the success and sustainability of the UK’s public broadcasting system, of which Channel 4 is an integral part.
Channel 4 has been hugely successful in delivering the aims set out at its creation in 1982, including: supporting the UK independent production sector; delivering diverse and risk-taking content; and contributing to the wider public goals of public service broadcasting. However, since then, the TV landscape has changed beyond recognition.
As you might be aware, Channel 4 is entirely commercially funded, but has been publicly owned since it began broadcasting. It was set up in this way principally to provide greater choice. Today though, audiences can now watch what they want, when they want, how they want, across a range of internet-enabled personal devices. The independent production sector has also grown enormously so that it now supplies content to a wide range of broadcasters and streaming services.
The previous Culture Secretary, after public consultation, found that Government ownership was holding Channel 4 back from competing against streaming sites such as Netflix and Amazon. As such, the Government confirmed that a change of ownership would offer Channel 4 the freedom to continue its success as a public service broadcaster long into the future.
As you may know, the new Culture Secretary has said that she will review the business case to change ownership of Channel 4. While this process is ongoing, I will follow any developments closely, ensuring my ministerial colleagues are aware of the wide range of concerns that constituents have shared with me
September 2022
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Support for pubs
Mike's reply:
Pubs up and down the country play a vital role not only in the economy but in our local areas, supporting a real sense of community. After nearly two years of difficulties as a result of the pandemic, I am glad that pubs have returned to business as usual. The Government is committed to supporting our pubs and I welcome the fact that the Government’s long-term strategy for the hospitality sector includes an extension to pavement licences, making it easier and cheaper for pubs, restaurants and cafes to continue to make outdoor dining a reality with seating, tables and street stalls to serve food and drinks. This will be implemented through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.
Further, the Autumn Budget 2021 confirmed that duty rates on beer, cider, wine and spirits will be frozen for another year, a move which will save consumers £3 billion over the next five years, and provide further support to the hospitality industry and its suppliers as they recover from the pandemic. Duty rates on draught beer and cider will be cut by 5 per cent, taking 3p off a pint and further supporting pubs. I was also glad to see the announcement in the Autumn Budget that, following a review, the alcohol duty regime is to undergo a major simplification. The old system was outdated system that set rates based on historical anomalies, and a new regime will be fairer to both consumers and producers, and promote product innovation in response to evolving consumer tastes. This radical simplification of the duty system will reduce the number of main rates from 15 to 6, and tax products in proportion to their alcohol content.
All tax categories, such as beer and wine, will be moved to a standardised set of bands, with rates for products between 1.2-3.4 per cent alcohol by volume (ABV), 3.5-8.4 per cent ABV, 8.5-22 per cent ABV, and above 22 per cent ABV. Above 8.5 per cent ABV, all products across all categories will pay the same rate of duty if they have the same proportion of alcohol content. Registration and payment will also be simplified, and the practice where individual products have different administrative rules will end.
The new progressive manner in which alcohol is taxed will ensure higher strength products incur proportionately more duty, and these rates will be the same across all product categories. This change will address the problem of harmful high-strength products being sold too cheaply, and the new rates for low strength drinks below 3.5 per cent ABV will encourage manufacturers to develop new products at lower ABVs, giving consumers greater choice and greater options to drink responsibly.
I also welcome the introduction of a new small producer relief which will build on the previous success of the Small Brewers Relief, which will benefit cidermakers and other producers of lower ABV drinks. This will allow small producers to diversify their product range to other products below 8.5 per cent ABV while still benefitting from reduced rates.
September 2022
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Stop Arming Israel
Mike's reply:
HM Government takes its export control responsibilities extremely seriously and operates one of the most robust export control regimes in the world. All export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria, based on the most up-to-date information and analysis available, including advice received from the FCDO, MOD, and other government departments and agencies as appropriate.
Licence decisions take account of prevailing circumstances at the time of application and include human rights and international humanitarian law considerations. I am assured that the Government will not issue export licences where to do so would be inconsistent with the Criteria, including where there is a clear risk that the arms might be used for internal repression or in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
I am assured that ministers continue to monitor the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories closely, and will take action to suspend, refuse or revoke licences – in line with the Criteria – if circumstances require.
August 2022
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Breed Specific Legislation
Mike's reply:
Ministers recognise that many people are opposed to the prohibitions placed on the four types of dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. However, the Government must balance the views of those who want to repeal or amend breed specific legislation with Ministers’ responsibility to ensure that the public is properly protected from dog attacks.
I am aware that simply repealing the breed specific provisions contained in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 with no other changes may increase the risks to public safety, which I know the Government is unwilling to do. Any changes to current legislation would require careful consideration to ensure that public safety remains at the heart of the regime.
Regarding the rehoming of exempted dogs, I understand that current legislation only permits transfer of keepership of prohibited dogs where the existing keeper has died or is seriously ill. However, case law has confirmed that a person with a pre-existing relationship with the dog may apply to place it on the Index, even if they are not the owner or most recent keeper.
In December 2021, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published research in collaboration with Middlesex University, investigating measures to reduce dog attacks and promote responsible dog ownership across all breeds of dog. The report made recommendations relating to improved data recording and collection, consistency in enforcement practice, the quality of dog training and dog awareness courses, and improved knowledge and awareness of appropriate behaviour around dogs.
Finally, Defra has set up a steering group with the police, local authority representatives and animal welfare stakeholders to consider these recommendations in detail and provide advice to the Government as to how these could be taken forward. The steering group will consider the recommendations alongside further evidence and expertise from relevant stakeholders, academics, and experts, to inform its final advice.
August 2022
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Northern Ireland Protocol
Mike's reply:
The Government will always work in the best interests of Northern Ireland. That means making the changes necessary to fix parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol to restore stability and ensure the delicate balance of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement is protected.
To achieve this, the Government has introduced the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill which will address the practical problems the Protocol has created in Northern Ireland in four key areas: burdensome customs processes, inflexible regulation, tax and spend discrepancies, and democratic governance issues. These problems include disruption and diversion of trade and significant costs and bureaucracy for business. They are undermining all 3 strands of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and have led to the collapse of the power-sharing arrangements at Stormont. The UK government is committed to seeing these institutions back up and running so that they can deliver for the people of Northern Ireland.
This Bill is a reasonable and practical solution to these problems which is designed to protect all three strands of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, including North-South cooperation, and support stability and power-sharing in Northern Ireland. It will end the untenable situation where people in Northern Ireland are treated differently to the rest of the United Kingdom and protect the supremacy of our courts and our territorial integrity. It will also safeguard the EU Single Market and protect the free flow of North-South trade, ensuring there continues to be no hard border on the island of Ireland.
The UK has engaged in 18 months of negotiations with the EU on these issues and the Government’s preference remains for a negotiated solution to fix these problems. However, the EU continues to insist that they will not change their position, even though their proposals do not solve the problems and in many cases would actually make them worse. Ministers believe that the serious situation in Northern Ireland means they cannot afford to delay.
It is the duty of the Government of the United Kingdom to take the necessary steps to preserve stability and prosperity in Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill will support that. You can find further information on the Government’s legal position at this weblink: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/northern-ireland-protocol-bill-uk-government-legal-position/northern-ireland-protocol-bill-uk-government-legal-position.
July 2022
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Impact of Covid-19 on the NHS
Mike's reply:
The Covid-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge for us all, particularly the NHS, and the way in which people accessed general practice services during Covid-19 changed. The NHS has set out that GP surgeries should now be providing face-to-face appointments as well as remote consultations. In March 2022, 62 per cent of appointments were face-to-face. NHS guidance also states that health and care staff should continue to wear face masks when working in Covid-19 and respiratory pathways and in settings where patients are at high risk due to immunosuppression. Inpatients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 and outpatients with respiratory symptoms attending emergency care should also be provided with a face covering.
Further, I do understand the importance of being able to visit loved ones in hospitals and the contribution this can make to an individual’s wellbeing. Inpatients in hospitals can be more vulnerable to Covid-19 but the Government and NHS England have been clear that visits should be facilitated. NHS England has published guidance explaining that visiting should be accommodated for at least one hour per day and that patients should not be required to attend hospital on their own in outpatient and emergency settings unless this is a personal choice. Policies for visiting patients in hospital are ultimately at the discretion of the local NHS Trusts and other NHS bodies.
The Government does recognise the impact the pandemic has had on the NHS and waiting lists and, as such, an additional £12 billion per year of funding will be invested in health and social care services on average over the next three years. The Government will also spend £2 billion this year, double the previous commitment, to tackle the elective backlog caused by the pandemic. Up to £340 million will also be provided to offer patients earlier access to cutting-edge treatments through the Innovative Medicines Fund.
Finally, the Government’s manifesto committed to 50,000 more nurses and 6,000 more doctors in general practice by 2023/24. As of February 2022, there were already 30,000 more nurses compared to September 2019 and 1,672 more full time equivalent doctors in December 2021 compared to the start of the Parliament in December 2019.
June 2022
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National Security Bill
Mike's reply:
It is clear that the threat from hostile states is a growing, diversifying and evolving one, manifesting itself in several different forms. It is unsettling that our espionage laws date back to 1911 and I know my ministerial colleagues are concerned that they do not account for how threats to our national security have changed over time.
The UK’s espionage legislation is contained within the Official Secrets Act 1911, 1920 and 1939. While the Government has already taken steps to strengthen our ability to deter, withstand and respond to hostile state activity, including through Schedule 3 to the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 which grants an examining officer at UK ports and the border area several powers when a person appears to be involved in espionage on behalf of a foreign government, I do think there is more that can be done to ensure our laws are fit for the 21st century.
It is welcome that the Government has introduced legislation, through the new National Security Bill, which aims to deter, detect and disrupt state actors who seek to harm the UK. The Bill seeks to reform existing espionage legislation to provide effective protection to tackle modern threats and bring in new offences to tackle state-backed sabotage, interference, the theft of trade secrets and assisting a foreign intelligence service. Crucially, it will also, for the first time, make it an offence to be an undeclared foreign spy working in the UK.
Furthermore, a Foreign Influence Registration Scheme will be introduced, requiring individuals to register certain arrangements with foreign governments to deter and disrupt state threats activity in the UK. This sits alongside new civil measures which could be used as a tool of last resort where prosecution of a hostile actor is not possible.
I would like to be very clear that the freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy, and I am committed to protecting the rights and values we all hold dear. There have been a number of reports in the media that this legislation will treat journalists like spies. This is incorrect and I can assure you that the media will continue to be free to hold ministers to account. I simply would not support legislation that limits or erodes press freedom.
The threat of hostile activity from states targeting the UK’s democracy, economy and values is ever evolving and we need to stay one step ahead. I am confident that the new National Security Bill will keep pace with the changing threat and will keep our country safe by making the UK an even harder target for those states who seek to conduct hostile acts.
June 2022
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Online gambling regulation
Mike's reply:
For many, gambling can be fun but I recognise that, for others, it can become a serious problem. While we all want a healthy gambling industry that makes an important economic contribution, we must also protect those that use it from harm.
Operators must be licensed by the Gambling Commission and comply with the accompanying conditions. In 2019, the Gambling Commission introduced new rules to ensure operators verify customers’ age and identity details quickly and robustly. Furthermore, in 2020, the Government and Commission provided further protections, including a ban on credit card gambling, making participation in the self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP mandatory for online operators, and new guidance for operators to identify customers who may have been at heightened risk during the pandemic.
I understand Public Health England’s review of gambling-related harms did not find evidence that exposure to advertising is a risk factor for harmful gambling. However, I am reassured that my ministerial colleagues are aware that gambling advertising can negatively affect some groups, such as those with gambling problems, and that some aspects of advertising can appeal to children. While rules are already in place to prevent advertising from causing harm to children and vulnerable people, the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) has recently implemented strengthened protections for adults who are vulnerable to gambling harm. A further announcement on new rules aimed at reducing the appeal of gambling adverts to children is also expected shortly.
I am pleased that the Government recognises that the Gambling Act 2005 isn’t fit for purpose in consideration of substantial advancements in online gambling services. A review of the act was launched in 2020 and examines online restrictions, marketing and the powers of the Gambling Commission. Furthermore, protections for online gamblers like stake and spend limits, advertising and promotional offers and whether extra protections for young adults are needed are also being explored. I understand that the Government aims to set out its findings in a White Paper in the coming months.
July 2022
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End the Cage campaign
Mike's reply:
I would like to assure you that I take the welfare of all animals very seriously. I know that the Government is committed to maintaining our world-leading farm animals welfare standards, and ministers will deliver a series of ambitious reforms, as outlined in the Action Plan for Animal Welfare. One of the ways in which the Government wishes to improve the welfare of farm animals is strengthening protections against animal confinement, and I know that the Government is actively exploring options to phase out the use of cages in farming, including enriched cages for laying hens, farrowing crates for pigs and cages for breeding pheasants and partridges.
I am aware of an e-petition calling for the end the use of cages for farmed animals. I understand that a Westminster Hall debate has been scheduled on the subject on 20 June 2022. Further, the Government’s Animal Health and Welfare Pathway will prioritise areas for further improvement in the health and welfare for pigs, cattle, sheep and poultry. One of the Pathway’s prioritises will be to support a transition away from enriched cages for laying hens.
More broadly, I am aware that ministers are taking action to improve the health and wellbeing of farm animals through the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, which will ban exports of livestock and equines for slaughter and fattening.
June 2022
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WHO Pandemic Treaty
Mike's reply:
The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the greatest challenges to the established international order since the Second World War; a global threat that has required global solutions borne out of global cooperation. It has been immensely heartening to have seen the peoples and nations of the world pull together as they have. I pay tribute to all, everywhere.
As in the late 1940s, where, to avert a repeat of the cataclysm of total war, world leaders came together to establish the multilateral system we have today, I think it is reasonably fair to argue that a similar effort is required on the part of world leaders to strengthen preparedness for potential future pandemics.
As such, I welcome the suggestion of the Prime Minister, writing with other world leaders last year, that the international community should commit to producing a new international treaty for pandemic preparedness and response. I am told that such a treaty would aim to foster greatly enhanced cooperation in future pandemics, by further embedding the principles of shared responsibility and transparency into the multilateral system and through material improvements to global alert systems, data-sharing, research, production and distribution of medical technologies, such as vaccines.
Discussions are ongoing at the World Health Organisation to this end. I know that the UK Government will engage with any such proposals, including at the World Health Assembly in May, with a view to a final outcome that learns the lessons of COVID-19. The UK’s representative at the WHO will scrutinise all provisions of any proposed treaty to make sure it both adheres to international law and respects national sovereignty.
July 2022
Support for carers
Mike's reply:
I recognise the valuable contribution made by carers of all kinds - residential, domiciliary, paid, unpaid - many of whom spend a significant proportion of their life providing support to family members, friends and neighbours. I completely agree that carers must receive the right support to help them carry out their caring roles. A tenth of adults in the UK provide unpaid care for a friend or family member, and these people should be supported in the invaluable work they do.
The Government is continuing to support the implementation of improved rights for carers, enshrined in the Care Act 2014. Carers can receive support through the Carer Element in Universal Credit and through Pension Credit and Carer's Allowance has been increased to £69.70 per week. Over the last twelve years successive changes will have provided an additional £800 a year for carers.
The Government’s Social Care White Paper outlined a number of measures to support carers including up to £25 million to kick start a change in the services provided to support unpaid carers. This could include respite, breaks and well-being support. The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will also introduce a Carer’s Leave entitlement of five days of unpaid leave per year for eligible employees.
Going forward, NHS England at a national level and Integrated Care Boards at a local level will have a duty to involve carers when care is being commissioned for their loved one. Further, the Department for Education (DfE) will be amending the School Census to include young carers. Local authorities are also required to undertake a Carer's Assessment for carers who require support. This may include recording a career's needs and the impact of providing care. Local authorities will have a legal duty to meet a carer's needs if these are assessed as being eligible for support.
June 2022
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Breast Cancer
Mike's reply:
This is an issue that I have done considerable work in the past as both leader of Barnet Council and as an MP, having been involved in a years-long campaign culminating in the installation of permanent breast cancer screening unit at Finchley Memorial Hospital in 2019. I’ve also taken part in the Wear It Pink day event in past years, as well as the 2016 & 2017 London Charity Moonwalk, raising over £5000 in the process.
Breast cancer survival rates have improved remarkably over the last 40 years, with five-year survival rates for women at over 86 per cent, up from just 53 per cent in the 1970s. This is a testament to the efforts made to raise awareness of, and boost funding into tackling this disease. However, more must be done.
I want to provide reassurance to you that reducing waiting times for cancer treatment, including for breast cancer, is an urgent priority for this Government. As part of the 2021 Spending Review, £2.3 billion was allocated to improve diagnostic capacity over the next three years. The Government is also committed to rolling out at least 100 Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs), which will be new one-stop-shops for checks, scans and tests, helping those with suspected breast cancer to access earlier diagnostic tests closer to home. In addition, NHS England and Improvement is asking local health services to focus on reducing the number of people waiting over 62 days on cancer pathways.
June 2022
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Ban the IRGC in the UK
Mike's reply:
While it is Government policy not to comment on whether or not a group is under consideration for proscription or not, I thought it may be helpful to set out the legal basis on which proscription decisions are made.
Legislation allows for a group to be proscribed in the UK only if the Secretary of State believes it is currently concerned in terrorism, as defined in the Terrorism Act 2000. This means an organisation can only be proscribed if it commits or participates in acts of terrorism, prepares for terrorism, promotes or encourages terrorism (including the unlawful glorification of terrorism) or is otherwise concerned in terrorism.
Proscription sends a strong message that terrorist organisations are not tolerated in the UK and deters them from operating here. It is a criminal offence to be a member or supporter of the organisation, with a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. It is also a criminal offence for a person to display or publish an article or item of clothing in such a way or in such circumstances to arouse a reasonable suspicion that they are a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation. This could lead to up to 6 months in prison, and/or a £5000 fine.
Organisations which cause concern are kept under continuous review. As and when new material comes to light, this evidence is considered and the organisation reassessed as part of that process. The investigation and prosecution of proscription offences is a matter for the police and Crown Prosecution Service.
June 2022
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Support for Cyprus
Mike's reply:
This is an issue on which I have done a great deal of work in the past, having been involved in leading parliamentary debates on the Missing (https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2011-07-13/debates/11071366000004/MissingPersons(Cyprus)?highlight=mike%20freer#contribution-11071366000460), attended the Morphou Rally, and engaged extensively with the National Federation of Cypriots. I also know that the status of Cyprus is a vitally important issue for many of those living in my constituency belonging to the Greek Cypriot community, and I have repeatedly raised their concerns with ministers at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The UK remains committed to supporting the UN process to reach a Cyprus Settlement, which will increase the prosperity of Cyprus and strengthen the security and stability of the region. The UK is actively engaging with all parties.
I know that the UK Government continues to advocate a solution in line with UN parameters based on the model of a Bi-zonal, Bi-communal Federation with political equality – a model that is internationally accepted and which the UK considers broad enough to address the concerns of both sides. The UK Government regularly engages with the parties to the settlement talks at all levels, and continues to encourage all parties to engage constructively in talks and demonstrate they are committed to making progress.
It is for the sides to agree on the details of any final settlement deal which will require the agreement of the two leaders, the support of Greece and Turkey and, importantly, successful referenda in each community. On Security and Guarantees, the UK has always made clear that we are open to whatever arrangements the two sides and other guarantor powers can agree to meet the security needs of the two Cypriot communities.
I am confident that the UK, as a guarantor power, will continue to do all it can to facilitate renewed and comprehensive negotiations. Please be assured that I will be following all developments on this very closely.
June 2022
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Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill
Mike's reply:
The UK has long led the way on animal welfare. I know that ministers are enhancing our world-leading standards with ambitious reforms, as outlined in the Action Plan for Animal Welfare. The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill will introduce some landmark protections for pets, livestock and kept wild animals. I look forward to supporting the Bill through its parliamentary passage.
Through the Bill, the Government will meet its manifesto commitment to ban keeping primates as pets, creating a rigorous licensing scheme to ensure higher protections for all primates kept privately in England. The Bill will update the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 to improve enforcement and strengthen conservation requirements for zoos.
The Bill will also tackle puppy smuggling by reducing the number of pets, including dogs, cats and ferrets permitted to travel. The Bill enables the Environment Secretary to regulate the importation of cats, dogs and ferrets for the purpose of promoting their welfare. Further restrictions could include raising the minimum age that pets can travel into Great Britain and banning the import of dogs with mutilations such as cropped ears and docked tails. The Bill will introduce a new pet abduction offence to reflect the value that we all place on our pets.
I am aware that the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill has been carried over into the new parliamentary session and will return to the House as soon as parliamentary time allows.
June 2022
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Masafer Yatta
Mike's reply:
The UK's position on evictions and demolitions in the OPTs, which I support, is clear and longstanding. There should be a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states, and a fair and realistic settlement for refugees. The UK Government consistently calls – both bilaterally and via international bodies – for an immediate end to all actions that undermine the viability of this two-state solution.
This includes the eviction of Palestinians from their homes, the demolition of Palestinian property – homes, schools and so forth – and Israeli settlements in the OPTs. Indeed, the UK is clear that these actions cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians, call into question Israel's commitment to a viable two-state solution, and, in all but the most exceptional of cases, are contrary to international humanitarian law. The Fourth Geneva Convention, in particular, prohibits demolitions or forced evictions absent military necessity. Further, settlement expansion is also extremely counterproductive in light of the normalisation agreements reached between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco in the last few years.
The UK repeatedly raises its opposition to these actions with the Israeli authorities, both bilaterally and in cooperation with like-minded diplomatic partners, including at a ministerial level. The UK also regularly makes our position clear on the world stage, including via the main bodies of the UN such as the Security Council, Human Rights Council and General Assembly.
June 2022
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Rising cost of living
Mike's reply:
Higher than expected global energy and goods prices have already led to an unavoidable increase in the cost of living in the UK as we have emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic. The repercussions of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine have added to these pressures and increased inflation further in the last months, creating particular uncertainty in energy markets. The sanctions and strong response by the UK and its allies are vital in supporting the Ukrainian people, but these decisions have inevitably had an adverse effect on the UK economy and other economies too.
Despite unfavourable global conditions, our economy is in a strong position to meet these challenges. The success of the government’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout and the Plan for Jobs have helped support a quicker than expected recovery and a strong labour market, with the total number of payrolled employees now well above pre-pandemic levels. Tax receipts have been stronger than expected, and the improvement in our public finances has created additional headroom against the Government’s fiscal rules, which we have prioritised using to deliver reductions in tax and to take significant steps to help with the cost of living.
The Government is providing support to families worth over £37 billion in 2022-23 to help with cost of living pressures. This includes raising the annual National Insurance Primary Threshold and Lower Profits Limit from £9,880 to £12,570, from July 2022, aligning it with the income tax personal allowance and helping almost 30 million working people, with a typical employee benefitting from a tax cut worth over £330 in the year from July. This Government has also cut the Universal Credit taper rate, and raised the National Living Wage, putting an extra £1000 in the pockets of millions of people.
Furthermore, since Ofgem’s confirmation of the price cap rise, which is now in effect, the Government has put forward a three-part support package to help both lower and middle-income earners with the immediate adjustment. This includes a £400 grant for energy bills for all which the Chancellor has not only recently doubled, but has also cancelled the clawback mechanism meaning this will not have to be repaid. Additionally, a non-repayable £150 cash rebate is being provided for homes in Council Tax bands A-D, equivalent to 80 per cent of all households and £144 million of discretionary funding for local authorities to support those not eligible for the council tax rebate. This means that hard working families will receive £550, with lower income families receiving even more help.
For those most vulnerable to the rising costs of living, a £650 one-off cost of living payment will be given to those on means tested benefits such as Universal Credit, job seekers allowance and pension credit, as well as a £150 one-off disability cost of living payment for people in receipt of disability benefits. Further to this, a £300 one-off pensioner cost of living payment will be given to pensioners in receipt of the Winter Fuel Allowance.
Please be assured that the Government is looking to support those most affected by inflationary pressures and the rising cost of living wherever it can, and will keep track of economic trends moving forward to see whether any further response is required.
June 2022
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Government disengagement with NUS
Mike's reply:
The Government has made the decision to temporarily disengage with the National Union of Students (NUS) in light of a spate of recent allegations of anti-Semitism within the organisation.
I understand that this will involve the NUS being removed from all Department for Education groups and replaced with alternative student representation. The Department has also asked arm's length bodies, including the Office for Students to take similar action. The Department have further confirmed that the NUS will not receive any Government funding whilst the disengagement is in place. The Minister for Higher and Further Education, the Rt Hon. Michelle Donelan, has also written to Civica, the electoral body that had oversight to the NUS election for the current NUS President, and asked for more information on how the electoral process is currently carried out.
I welcome this move, and am dismayed by the allegations of anti-Semitism which have prompted a feeling of insecurity amongst Jewish students across the country, as well as concerns that systemic anti-Semitism within the NUS is not being properly addressed. This is completely unacceptable, and I can assure the community of Jewish students that ministers are committed to taking action and ensuring that anti-Semitism has no place in our society. I am concerned by the thought of Jewish students feeling ostracised by the NUS, which should be a voice for their community and an advocate of equality for all students.
I understand that the decision to disengage with the NUS will be kept under review as the organisation seeks to demonstrate it has suitably addressed issues raised by students. I can assure you I will continue to monitor this issue closely, and ensure that these issues are addressed and resolved.
June 2022
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Miscarriage in the Women's Health Strategy
Mike's reply:
This issue unfortunately affects many people and I offer my sympathy to those who have suffered miscarriages. In March 2021, the public were asked for their views on the first-ever government-led Women’s Health Strategy for England. The call for evidence was launched for two reasons: firstly, to improve the way in which the health and care system responds to women’s concerns and secondly, to improve women’s health outcomes all over England, regardless of where you live.
Nearly 100,000 responses from women across the country were submitted, informing the Government’s vision for a new healthcare system. Fertility, pregnancy, pregnancy loss and post-natal support were listed as one of the six priority areas and the second most selected topic that respondents picked for inclusion in the Women’s Health Strategy.
As part of its response, the Government indicated that it would consider how to strengthen healthcare support for women and their partners affected by pregnancy loss and consider the recommendations of the forthcoming Pregnancy Loss Review. The Government has also announced that the Women’s Health Strategy would include data on miscarriages, as well as the 24/7 availability of emergency miscarriage services.
The Strategy will be published in full later this year and the Government’s ambitions will be set out in more detail with full delivery plans. Please be assured that I will be following developments closely.
May 2022
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Wind Power (email calling for a shift from gas to wind)
Mike's reply:
I support the UK’s offshore and onshore wind industry as it provides a critical source of renewable energy for our growing economy.
I welcome the Government’s commitment to this sector, and the UK’s world-leading offshore wind industry will be important in helping us achieve net zero. In October 2020, the Government announced £160 million investment into offshore wind coastal manufacturing infrastructure across the whole of the UK, and committed to deploying 40 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030. In February 2021, £95 million investment for two new offshore wind port hubs was announced, to be constructed on Humberside and Teesside.
The Government is working to decarbonise the UK's electricity by 2035, subject to security of supply. This ambition, set forth in the new Energy Security Strategy, will provide more than enough energy to power every home in the UK, of which up to 5GW is anticipated to come from floating offshore wind in deeper seas. This brand new technology allows wind farms to be built further out to sea in deeper waters, boosting capacity even further. This will provide massive opportunities for Scotland, the Celtic and Irish seas.
Over £30.7 billion has been spent on renewable electricity through the Renewable Obligations, Feed-in-Tariffs and Contracts for Difference (CfD) schemes. The CfD scheme is the main mechanism for supporting new large-scale renewable electricity generation projects in Great Britain. In previous rounds, £557 million has been made available for CfD schemes to improve the route to market for renewables. In the last CfD allocation round, contracts were awarded to 12 renewable projects with the potential for nearly 6GW of new renewable capacity, which is enough to power over 7 million homes. The next allocation round is now open and I welcome that £285 million per year will be provided to businesses in this fourth round of the scheme. This round aims to double the renewable electricity capacity secured in the third round and generate more than the previous three rounds combined.
Low carbon electricity, including wind power, will play an ever-increasing role in our future energy mix as we accelerate the transition to cleaner energy and I will continue to monitor any developments on this topic closely.
May 2022
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Moving the British Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem
Mike's reply:
The position of the UK Government has remained constant since April 1950, when the UK extended de jure recognition to the State of Israel, but withheld recognition of sovereignty over Jerusalem pending a final determination of its status. This determination should be sought as part of a negotiated settlement between Israelis and Palestinians, and must ensure Jerusalem is a shared capital of the Israeli and Palestinian states, with access and religious rights of both peoples respected.
The British Embassy to Israel is based in Tel Aviv. While Downing Street has not given any indication of timing, it has been confirmed that a review of the location of the Embassy is under way. Whilst I will not speculate on the outcome of this review, I can assure you that the Prime Minister is aware of the sensitivity and importance of the location of the British Embassy to Israel.
May 2022
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Reversion back to imperial units of measurement from metric
Mike's reply:
It has been the policy of successive UK Governments since 1965 to adopt metric weights and measures. I understand this decision was partly taken as there was a global trend towards metrication and the UK would therefore possibly have been at a global disadvantage if it did not use metric measurements.
I know that imperial measurements continue to be used and therefore I am glad that there are so many dual measurement products available, such as dual scale jugs or scales. Traders are permitted to use imperial units if they are used alongside metric in dual labelling and consumers can still request imperial quantities.
As I understand it, the Government is reviewing the EU ban on the use of imperial units for markings to ensure that businesses have more choice over the measures they use. This exhibits the sovereignty that we have regained now that the UK has left the EU and it is an important step in taking back control of our national rules. The Government will consult to ensure that it has the best evidence available on which to make changes.
May 2022
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Anti-Semitic content on Spotify
Mike's reply:
Antisemitism has absolutely no place in our society. It is something I condemn wholeheartedly, and I welcome that the Government is taking a strong lead in tackling it in all its forms.
I was concerned to read of the reports highlighting the prevalence of anti-Semitic content on Spotify. For example, I understand that a Sky News investigation found podcasts totalling several days’ worth of listening promoting extreme views around scientific racism, Holocaust denial and far right anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. While I am encouraged that Spotify did remove the content once it was reported, it is extremely concerning that these podcasts were available on the platform to begin with.
I welcome that the Government is taking action to tackle online abuse which causes misery to so many. Under new internet safety laws, in-scope services will need to protect users from illegal abuse, including illegal anti-Semitic abuse.
Services in-scope which are likely to be accessed by children will need to protect them from harmful or inappropriate content. If platforms fail in their new duties under the Bill, they will face tough enforcement action including fines of up to 10 per cent of global annual qualifying turnover.
I am confident these new measures will usher in a new era of accountability for tech – placing at its centre the protection of young people and tackling racist and anti-Semitic abuse.
April 2022
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Make misogyny a hate crime
Mike’s reply:
I have always been clear that protecting women and girls from violence and supporting victims is of the utmost importance. I was glad to stand on a manifesto which pledged to continue the fight against the perpetrators of violence against women and girls.
I welcome the publication of the tackling violence against women and girls strategy to ensure women and girls are safe everywhere - at home, online and on the streets. The strategy will increase support for victims and survivors, increase the number of perpetrators brought to justice and to reduce the prevalence of violence against women and girls in the long-term.
It is also vital that good practice is shared and the new tackling violence against women and girls strategy will make this happen. The Government has introduced a new national policing lead on violence against women and girls. The lead will be the point of contact for every police force and will ensure, best practice is shared and that progress on improving the response to these crimes is being carefully monitored.
Since the publication of the Hate Crime Action Plan in 2016 I have been encouraged by the progress that has been made, which has seen an increase in reporting and improvements in identification and recording of crime by the police. However, rates of attrition within the criminal justice system remain worryingly high and targeted online abuse continues to present a significant problem. While in contrast to overall trends, under-reporting still exists within specific groups.
You may be aware of the wide-ranging Law Commission review into hate crime. The review, which has now been published, includes a number of recommendations around levelling up the protection for disability and LGBT victims, tackling sex and gender abuse, and protecting freedom of expression. The Government is currently reviewing the report and recommendations and I look forward to its full response in due course.
While this is not making misogyny a hate crime, it can inform longer-term decisions once the Government has considered the recommendations made by the Law Commission.
April 2022
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Universities failure to adopt IHRA definition of anti-Semitism
Mike’s reply:
No student should face discrimination, harassment or racism, including antisemitism. I am assured that the Government is committed to addressing antisemitism wherever it occurs, and I am encouraged that the UK became the first country to formally adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
Ministers will continue to call on all higher education institutions to accept the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, which is a tool to help front-line services better understand and recognise instances of antisemitism. I believe this would send a clear message that antisemitic behaviour will not be tolerated and will be taken seriously by higher education providers.
All universities and higher education institutions have a responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive environment and have a responsibility to ensure students do not face discrimination, harassment, abuse or violence, including online. Universities are expected to have robust policies and procedures in place to comply with the law, and to investigate and swiftly address any hate crime and antisemitic incidents that are reported.
Over the past two years, the Department for Education has provided funding for the Holocaust Educational Trust’s (HET) Lessons from Auschwitz project with more than £2.5 million provided since 2019, which was also match funded by the Pears Foundation. I was also pleased to learn that a further £500,000 has been committed in funding until 2023 to the HET in partnership with the Union of Jewish Students for the Lessons from Auschwitz Universities Project, which brings together almost 450 student leaders and will reach 8000 students through education on the Holocaust, anti-racism work, British values and faith values. This is part of a wider Government commitment to Holocaust remembrance which has included a donation of £1 million to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.
April 2022
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End of free Covid testing
Mike’s reply:
I’m proud of the incredible testing and diagnostics capacity that has been built in the UK over the course of the pandemic, which is the biggest in Europe. Testing and tracing have been important throughout the pandemic, helping people to protect themselves and other by taking tests before meeting friends, family and colleagues and reducing the workforce impacts of isolation by allowing close contacts of positive cases to test daily rather than self-isolate.
This has, of course, come at significant cost to the taxpayer, with the Testing, Tracing and Isolation budget in 2020/21 exceeding that of the Home Office and in 2021/22 costing £15.7 billion. When the population did not have such a high level of protection from Covid-19 and the virus posed a more serious risk, I absolutely believe that this spending was necessary.
However, with the great success of the vaccination programme, access to new treatments, natural immunity and the increased understanding about how to manage risk from this virus, the population has stronger protection against Covid-19 than ever before. I believe now is the right time to change the focus of our response to the pandemic away from regulation and towards guidance and advice, while targeting protection at those who are most at-risk. As such, from 1st April, free universal symptomatic and asymptomatic testing provision will end in England. However, there will be some limited ongoing free symptomatic testing, including for a small number of at-risk groups and social care staff. More detail will be set out in due course, which I will of course be scrutinising closely.
I understand that the Government is working with retailers and pharmacies to help establish a private market in testing to ensure those who wish to purchase them can still do so.
April 2022
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Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill
Mike’s reply:
I am proud that the UK has consistently led the way on animal welfare. It was one of the key EU members that lobbied for the recognition of animal sentience in Article 13 of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009 and, in addition, recognised in law that animals can feel pain and suffering through the Animal Welfare Act.
Now that the UK has left the EU, I am glad that this country has the opportunity to go further to promote animal welfare by making sure that all Government departments consider animal sentience in policy, covering all vertebrate animals from farm to forest. The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill, which is making its way through Parliament, enshrines the recognition that animals are sentient in domestic law. It also creates a proportionate accountability mechanism to help reassure that central government policymaking takes this into account.
I am encouraged that this Bill will create an Animal Sentience Committee with experts which will produce reports on how well policy decisions have paid all due regard to the welfare of animals. The relevant minister must then respond to reports via statements to Parliament. From now on, ministers will need to be ready to show that the needs of animals have been considered in relevant policy decisions. This much awaited reform applies to all policy areas and to all stages of Government policy making and implementation which is not explicitly devolved. This means it covers England and policy areas that affect the whole of the UK.
I welcome that these reforms will also underpin the Government’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare, which contains upwards of forty valuable reforms. I know that this Government is committed to maintaining the very highest standards of animal welfare and I am delighted that this piece of legislation has now been introduced.
April 2022
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Banning fur trade
Mike’s reply:
My ministerial colleagues and I are united in the Government’s commitment to upholding our world leading standards in animal welfare. The Government’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare sets out the Government’s vision to introduce a range of reforms to improve the welfare and conservation of animals at home and abroad.
Fur farming has been banned in the UK for 20 years. As well as this, there are already restrictions on some skin and fur products which may never be legally imported into the UK. The UK has established controls on fur from endangered species protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and does not allow imports of fur from wild animals caught using methods which are non-compliant with international humane trapping standards.
I appreciate that there is considerable support for banning all imports of fur products. However, while there are existing import restrictions, it is still possible to import other fur from abroad. I therefore welcome the Government’s decision to seek views on animal welfare through a recent call for evidence. This will be published soon and will be used to inform any future decisions on the fur trade.
April 2022
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Early medical abortion
Mike’s reply:
In February, the Government announced a six-month extension to temporary arrangements put in place at the beginning of the pandemic that mean women can take both pills for early medical abortion at home.
The temporary approval will end at midnight on 29 August and, from this point, the pre-Covid regulatory requirements for the provision of early medical abortion will be reinstated.
These measures were put in place as part of the public health emergency, in order to address a specific and acute medical need, reducing the risk of transmission of Covid-19, and to ensure that abortion services could continue to be accessed during this unprecedented time. Like many of the other measures brought in around this time they were temporary, and time-limited to two years.
I know that the Government recognises the sensitivities around abortion, and so I am glad that they consulted thoroughly on whether to make these temporary arrangements permanent, giving everyone an opportunity to input views, evidence and data. I am told that, after careful consideration, the Government has come to the view that the provision of early medical abortion should return to pre-Covid arrangements. I am also assured that the wellbeing and safety of women requiring access to abortion services has been, and will continue to be, the first and foremost priority.
Thanks to the success of the vaccination programme, we are in a very different position compared to the beginning of the pandemic, however health services have been under increased pressure in recent months. For this reason, the six-month extension has been approved to enable a safe and reliable return to pre-pandemic arrangements and continued access to services.
March 2022
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Animal in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) Change Programme
Mike’s reply:
Several constituents have raised concerns with me regarding the ASRU Change Programme, and the impact it might have on animal welfare standards. Let me reassure that I, and my colleagues, take the issue of animal welfare extremely seriously and that this is reflected in a legislative agenda focused on further raising standards for the treatment of animals.
There are stringent provisions already in place to ensure compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA). This Act makes provision for the protection of animals used for experimental or other scientific purposes. It also adopts the 3Rs principle which seeks to use experimental procedures which either replace the use of animals, reduce the number of animals used, or refine how the animals are treated during the process.
The ASRU is responsible for the administration and enforcement of ASPA, which includes providing advice on the regulations, operating the licence system, and ensuring the compliance of licence holders and the terms of their licenses. Regarding the Change Programme, I have been assured that its core aim is to better align ASRUs activities to deliver its purpose of protecting animals in science by maintaining compliance with ASPA. The benefits of the programme include increased efficiency and more effective delivery of outcomes and services.
Furthermore, the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB) is an essential part of establishment governance to ensure compliance with ASPA. All applicants for a new project licence must be evaluated by the local AWERB which is constituted to advise on how effectively the applicant is applying the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement).
March 2022
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BBC Bias Against Israel
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about the Balen Report.
I appreciate your concerns with this matter. It is absolutely right that trust needs to be restored in a culture of transparency and accountability within the BBC.
As the BBC is operationally and editorially independent of Government, the decision whether to publish the Balen Report is a matter for the corporation itself, with the Government having no involvement in the matter.
Despite this, it is the job of Government to ensure that there is a strong and robust system of governance at the BBC with effective external oversight. I welcome that this was delivered as part of fundamental changes to the renewal of the BBC’s Charter in 2015-16, with Ofcom operating as the independent regulator responsible for overseeing the BBC’s content and being the ultimate adjudicator of complaints.
Furthermore, the Mid-Term Review of the Royal Charter offers an opportunity for the Government to consider whether the current governance and regulatory arrangements for the BBC are working effectively, including the effectiveness of the regulation by Ofcom. I look forward to the outcome of this review, which I am confident will be based on a thorough and robust examination of the current regime.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
November 2021
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Green alternatives to gas boilers
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about possible green alternatives to gas boilers.
There are currently around 1.7 million fossil fuel boiler installations every year,
but by the mid-2030s I am pleased that the Government expects all newly installed heating systems to be low-carbon or to be appliances that can be converted to a clean fuel supply.
A significant proportion of household heating is achieved from burning natural gas, which unfortunately accounts for a large proportion of household carbon emissions. I understand many people would like in due course to switch to a greener heating system, but would like more information about the costs and practicalities of this.
There are several alternatives to gas boilers already in existence, including heat pumps. A heat pump is a very efficient electrically-driven device that extracts heat from the air, ground or water and concentrates it to a higher temperature and delivers it elsewhere, for example to a central heating system, therefore it has the potential to replace fossil fuel heating, such as a gas or oil boilers. In the Ten Point Plan, the Government announced that it will increase the installation of electric heat pumps from 30,000 per year to 600,000 per year by 2028, supporting up to 20,000 jobs by 2030.
Another possible green alternative is a hydrogen boiler. The Government is working with industry to examine the potential role of hydrogen in heating homes and workplaces. It would work in a similar way to gas boilers today but without any carbon emissions. The UK is already a world leader in hydrogen and the Government is investing £500 million in new hydrogen technologies. Prior to consulting on the role of ‘hydrogen ready’ appliances, the Government will assess the case for encouraging, or requiring, new gas boilers to be readily convertible to hydrogen, so-called ‘hydrogen-ready’ boilers, in preparation for any future conversion of the gas network.
The Hy4Heat programme has also supported the development of prototype 'hydrogen-ready' boilers, cookers and fires. As a result, two 'hydrogen homes' have opened to the public in Gateshead to give people an opportunity to experience a zero-emission gas-fuelled home of the future. In addition, there is the opportunity to interact with green technologies inside the showrooms and demonstrate to customers that they can have a choice about how they heat their homes sustainably in the future.
In addition, the recently-published Hydrogen Strategy confirmed that, dependent on the success of the heating trials and the information gathered, the Government aims to make a strategic decision on the future of hydrogen for heat in 2026.
I have spoken with colleagues at HM Treasury about your suggestions for the Spending Review taking place this year. I am regrettably not in a position to pre-empt the conclusions of the review. I am, however, assured by my aforementioned colleagues that they are aware of the policy suggestions you raised.
More broadly, while the UK continues to work towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050, thereby eliminating the UK’s contribution to climate change, I am encouraged that renewables will continue to play a far greater role in the UK’s energy mix.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
October 2021
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Universal Credit
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about the £20 per week uplift to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits.
As I am sure you are aware, this extra support was announced by the Chancellor as a temporary measure in March 2020 to support those likely to be facing the most financial disruption as a result of the public health emergency. Alongside the temporary increase to Universal Credit and Tax Credits, the Government invested over £352 billion in measures to create, support and protect jobs and businesses – as well as introduced measures such as mortgage holidays and additional support for renters, and has worked with energy suppliers to protect those struggling with energy bills.
In the 10 years prior to the pandemic – employment was at record high levels, thanks to the Government’s careful handling of the economy. This allowed the Government to provide an unprecedented response during the past 18 months. Now as we open up and our recovery gathers pace, it’s right that focus is switched to getting people back into work and improving their prospects. To support this the Government announced a multi-billion-pound Plan for Jobs.
I am encouraged to see this already delivering for those who have been affected by the pandemic including, for example, through the £2 billion Kickstart scheme, which has already seen over 263,000 approved roles created from a range of different sectors for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit, with over 50,000 young people already in Kickstart roles. This will give young people the practical experience that we know is so crucial in securing sustainable employment. Furthermore, the £2.9 billion Restart scheme will provide intensive help to over a million jobseekers who have been out of work for over 12 months.
I know that my ministerial colleagues have been committed to supporting the British people through the pandemic, so that no one was left behind as we faced one of the greatest economic challenges in our history. This has required a comprehensive £400 billion package of support, including a £7.4 billion injection into our welfare system to help lower income families.
As we move to the next phase of our national economic recovery, I know that the Government's priority is supporting people back into work and helping those already employed to progress and earn more, through the Plan for Jobs. The Plan for Jobs is an ambitious and comprehensive strategy designed to support people into work as we recover from Covid-19, it includes:
• Supporting long-term unemployed people into work through our £2.9 billion Restart scheme.
• Helping young people into work through the £2 billion Kickstart scheme, with 69,000 young people having already taken up Kickstart jobs.
• Doubling the number of Work Coaches to 27,000, giving jobseekers the personalised and intensive support they need to move back into work.
• Investing over £200 million in the Job Entry Targeted Support scheme, helping jobs seekers into work.
• Launching a Lifetime Skills Guarantee, currently being legislated for through the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill, to ensure that people can get the skills they need at every stage of their life.
I believe it is important to consider that extending the £20 increase by another 12 months – or making it permanent – would cost over £6 billion per year. That is equivalent to adding 1p on the basic rate of income tax together with a further 5p on fuel duty.
Thank you again for contacting me.
September 2021
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The Elections Bill
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about the Elections Bill.
Our democracy is admired around the world for its values that have been upheld for generations. I recognise the importance of ensuring that those values are robustly defended.
That is why the Elections Bill will put British citizens’ participation at the heart of democracy and support voters in making free and informed choices at elections. Measures will address postal vote harvesting, introduce digital imprints, as well as require a photographic ID before voting at a General Election – a requirement in Northern Ireland since 2003. I understand there are concerns from constituents regarding the voter ID. Nonetheless, those without a driving licence, passport or any of the other approved forms of photo ID would be able to obtain one free of charge from the Council. If people can manage to complete the voter registration forms, bank account opening identity checks, Oyster card applications, over 60 oyster applications, benefit claim forms, the numerous items used in daily life that all require some form of “paperwork’ to be completed, I do not see how requiring an ID to vote is discriminatory.
I understand concerns about civil society organisations being prevented from adding their voice to the debate but let me assure you that this would not be the case. I recognise the important role CSOs play in providing valuable information on a variety of policies. The Bill instead aims to make elections fairer and more transparent by requiring greater transparency from campaigners.
Clauses 24 of the Bill, for instance, would require third party campaigns to give notice to the Electoral Commission at a lower level of expenditure that is currently required. Clause 25 would require campaign spending, which is part of a joint plan between a registered party and a third party or parties, to be counted as part of the spending limits of all parties involved.
I believe that joint campaigning has an important role to play in our electoral system but it should be transparently and fairly regulation particularly when it could be regarded as intending to achieve a common purpose.
Thank you again for contacting me.
September 2021
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Afghanistan
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about the situation in Afghanistan.
The entire international community has acknowledged that the world has been surprised by the speed at which the situation has deteriorated in Afghanistan. I commend the Prime Minister and Government for their swift and decisive response to events, fast-moving as they are, and indeed to this new reality.
The safety of British Nationals, deployed military personnel, and Afghans who risked their lives working alongside the UK is the Government's immediate priority at this time. In recent days, the UK Government has implemented its contingency plans for evacuating British nationals and former staff in Afghanistan. Once the US announced their withdrawal the PM sought to build a new international coalition to replace the US capability. No other countries were willing to join. We are left with no other choice but to manage the withdrawal. 900 Military personnel have been deployed to Kabul, together with the Foreign Office Rapid Deployment Team – all of whom are working to support consular personnel and facilitate the safe passage of these persons out of Afghanistan. I commend these efforts and all involved.
In regard to those who seek to flee Afghanistan and move to the UK, I know that the Government will always stand by those in the world in their hour of need. It is therefore extremely encouraging that thousands of Afghan women, children and others most in need will be welcomed to the UK. The new Afghan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) will be one of the most generous resettlement schemes in the history of the UK. This new route is modelled on the successful Syrian vulnerable persons resettlement scheme, which resettled 20,000 Syrian refugees over a seven-year period from 2014 to 2021.
Ministers have outlined that the new scheme will resettle 5,000 Afghan nationals in its first year with priority given to women and girls and religious and other minorities, who are most at risk of human rights abuses and dehumanising treatment by the Taliban. I understand that this resettlement scheme will be kept under further review for future years, with up to a total of 20,000 in the long-term.
I would like to reassure you that this new scheme is separate from, and in addition to, the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), which offers any current or former locally employed staff who are assessed to be under serious threat to life priority relocation to the UK. 5,000 former Afghan staff and their family members are expected to be relocated to the UK by the end of this year under ARAP.
In regard to the new Taliban Government, the Prime Minister has been very clear that any international recognition of a new government in Afghanistan must happen on a coordinated basis. As G7 President, the UK will work to unite the international community behind a clear plan for dealing with this regime in a unified and concerted way. The legitimacy of any government must also be subject to the upholding of internationally agreed standards on human rights and inclusivity. I am assured that the UK will continue to use its G7 Presidency as well as membership of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and NATO, and strong relations with like-minded regional partners, to ensure this is the case.
The Prime Minister has spoken with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, UN Secretary General António Guterres, and with President Biden, President Macron, Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Khan to this end. Likewise, the Foreign Secretary has been leading the efforts of the Foreign Office throughout, speaking to a wide range of counterparts, including those from Pakistan, Qatar and the US.
At the UNSC on 16 August, the UK called on the Taliban to do three things immediately: (1) Cease all hostilities and military action, to ensure the protection of civilians and to allow the safe and orderly departure of foreign nationals and others who wish to leave; (2) Commit unequivocally not to harbour or give safe haven to terrorists groups which endanger other countries; and (3) Honour their promises to protect and uphold human rights, including those of women, girls and minorities.
If the Taliban continue to abuse basic human rights, they cannot expect to enjoy any legitimacy in the eyes of the Afghan people or the international community. The Foreign Secretary has been clear that everyone has an interest in ensuring that Afghanistan must not again become a safe-haven for terrorists. The Taliban have to understand that they will be accountable for that, and for any abuses that take place on their watch. I am assured by the Prime Minister that HM Government, using every political and diplomatic means at its disposal, is now urgently engaged upon the tasks at hand, and to holding the Taliban to account.
August 2021
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Ban Hamas
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about Hamas.
As you may know, Hamas' military wing has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK since 2001 and is listed in Schedule 2 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The UK maintains a no contact policy with the group in its entirety.
I share the Government's position that the Hamas ideology is unacceptable and I strongly condemn all acts of terrorism.
I appreciate concerns about the political wing of Hamas. I understand the political wing of Hamas is not proscribed as it is considered that there is a clear distinction between Hamas’s military and political wings.
In distinguishing between the political and military wings for the purposes of proscription, the Government's aim is to proscribe only those parts of Hamas which are directly concerned in terrorism. However, I am concerned that the distinction is blurred and so I have written to the Home Secretary asking for all parts of Hamas to be proscribed.
August 2021
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Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill
Mike's reply:
Thank you for your email regarding the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. There has been a lot of comment in the Media and from constituents and I am now pleased to get the chance to address these issues directly.
Firstly, I would like to point that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill isn’t just about protests. The particular section on protests that is causing concern compromises a very small part of the Bill. It is primarily about the criminal justice system, including increasing penalties for some of the worst crimes imaginable.
There has also been a narrative pushed that the Bill is being rushed through. This is completely untrue. This Bill has been thoroughly scrutinised throughout its time in Parliament. The Second Reading saw the Bill being examined over two days in March and the Bill has spent over eight days at Committee Stage, where it received further scrutiny. This hardly indicates a frantic rush. The Bill returned to the House of Commons on Monday 5th July, where MP’s had an opportunity, on the floor of the House, to debate and consider further amendments (proposals for change) to the legislation. This is in addition to the examination of the Bill which has already taken place in the Committee Stage. I am pleased to say this Bill passed the Third Reading and as with all legislation, the House of Lords will now have the opportunity to scrutinise this Bill.
I also wanted to address the narrative that this Bill will remove the right to protest. This, again, is simply untrue. Freedom of speech is a key principle in our society, and one I fully support. But, for example, demonstrators do not have the right to bring London to a halt. They do not have a right to prevent other citizens going about their lawful activities or demonstrate in a way that prevents others from working. To be clear, it is not an attack on free speech, or on safe and legal protest.
This view of nuisance being addressed isn’t based on the views of the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, as has been suggested by some, but that of the Law Commission. Their views, which were first published in 2015, can be seen here: https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/lawcom-prod-storage-11jsxou24uy7q/uploads/2015/06/lc358_public_nuisance.pdf.
As I have said earlier, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill is one that covers an enormous amount of policy areas within the criminal justice sphere, and it is not purely a Bill that is against protests as the Labour Party, and others, might have you think.
To vote against this Bill, I would be voting against:
- Putting the police covenant into law, to better support our police officers and their families
- Doubling maximum sentences for common assault and battery against emergency workers, to protect those who work to keep us safe
- Measures to stop the minority of protests who seek to use mob rule to stop the public from going about their lawful activities
- Introducing Whole Life Orders for the premeditated murder of a child – so that courts can make sure people convicted of the vilest of crimes spend the rest of their lives behind bars
- New Serious Violence Reduction Orders so that people with a history of carrying illegal knives can be stopped and searched to check if they are carrying a knife again
- Introducing life sentences for killer drivers who cause fatal accidents while racing or while drunk
- Better protection for victims and witnesses in cases of violent and sexual offences, with strict bail conditions
- Extending “position of trust laws” to protect teenagers from abuse by sports coaches and religious leaders
- More honesty in sentencing so that serious criminals spend more of their sentences in prison instead of out on licence, and those who pose a threat to the public are kept behind bars.
- Tougher community sentences, with longer curfews, to ensure offenders give back to the society they have harmed
- Changing the law so that desecration of war memorials and vandalism of graves and tributes is treated as seriously as criminal damage with a higher monetary value
- Protecting our green spaces and play areas from unauthorised encampments, with criminal penalties including seizure of vehicles for those who refuse to obey a request to leave or who come back after being evicted
These issues that are covered by the Bill are vital. The Police Covenant, measures to keep our heroic emergency workers safe, protection for victims and witnesses of violent crime and sexual offences, and ensuring those who are found guilty of premediated murder of a child are not things that I could, with good conscience, vote against.
I look forward to the further scrutiny it will receive as makes its way through Parliament.
July 2021
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The Health and Care Bill
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about the Health and Care Bill.
I completely agree with you that the unprecedented threat of the COVID-19 pandemic reminded us how vital our health and care system is to all of us. I want to assure you that the NHS will always be free at the point of use, and any proposed reforms will aim to continue to improve the quality of these services and patient outcomes.
As we build back better from this pandemic, it is right and necessary that our health and care services are at the forefront. The pandemic underlined not only the dedication and skill of those in this sector, but also the necessity of a broader, more integrated health and care system. I welcome the intention to develop more joined up, integrated care between the NHS, Local Government and other partners including the voluntary and community sector, which will be vital in tackling the factors that affect the long-term sustainability of patient services. I understand that these proposed reforms will also include proper accountability mechanisms and give patients and the public the confidence that they are receiving the best care from their healthcare system.
The measures set out in the Health and Care Bill deliver on the NHS’s own proposals for reform in its Long Term Plan. I believe these proposals have been developed in consultation with key stakeholders in this sector, and I am encouraged by the preliminary positive feedback received. In particular, the comments from the Chief Executive of NHS England, who has said that this Bill “will support our health and care services to be more integrated and innovative so the NHS can thrive in the decades to come”, are reassuring.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
July 2021
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Foreign Aid
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about UK spending on foreign aid, otherwise known as Official Development Assistance (ODA).
I am a firm supporter of our Overseas Aid work but the manifesto did not foresee the pandemic and the unprecedented costs of supporting businesses and workers. Circumstances have changed and so a temporary reduction in our ODA spend is necessary. The manifesto also said that we would not borrow to pay for day to day spending. Which is what we are currently doing. An immediate increase of £4b would require tax rises and or spending cuts on domestic budgets.
This country has been and always will be open and outward-looking, leading in solving the world's toughest problems and striving to be a force for good in the world. Whether it is stepping up to support desperate Syrians and Yemenis in conflict zones, leading the fight against Ebola and Malaria, or supporting millions of children to gain a decent education.
Nevertheless, we must be honest about where we are. The UK is currently experiencing its worst economic contraction in 300 years because of the pandemic, with a budget deficit double that caused by the 2008 financial crisis. At this time of unprecedented crisis, tough choices must be made, which is why the Chancellor announced a temporary reduction in the UK’s ODA budget from 0.7 per cent to 0.5 per cent of the UK's Gross National Income (GNI).
I am encouraged that the UK will be spending more than £10 billion in 2021 on its seven ODA priorities, as set out by the Foreign Secretary – climate change and biodiversity; global health security, including Covid-19; girls' education; responding to humanitarian crises, such as those in Yemen and Syria; science and technology; resolving conflicts and defending open societies, including human rights; and promoting trade. The £10 billion doesn’t include our donations of COVID vaccines through COVAX or the donations of PPE.
As one of the most generous aid donors in the G7, with a commitment considerably higher than the OECD average, and coupled with our expertise and convening power, the UK remains a development superpower.
The UK is, for example, the biggest bilateral donor to the Global Partnership for Education, the largest fund in the world dedicated to improving education in developing countries; and the World Bank International Development Association, which works to accelerate progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Likewise, our contribution to the COVAX AMC is amongst the largest, and will contribute to the supply of at least 1.3 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines in 2021, already reaching over 120 countries.
I have been assured that the UK will return to 0.7 per cent as soon as the fiscal situation allows.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
July 2021
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Kept Animals Bill
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill.
The UK has a long history of leading the way on animal welfare. I am pleased that now we have left the EU, the Government is committed to improving our already world-leading standards by delivering a series of ambitious reforms, outlined in the Action Plan for Animal Welfare. Building on the Action Plan, the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill will bring in some of the world’s highest and strongest protections for pets, livestock and kept wild animals. I look forward to supporting the Bill as it makes its way through Parliament.
Primates are highly intelligent animals with complex needs and require specialist care. I am pleased that through the Bill the Government will deliver on the manifesto commitment to introduce a ban on keeping them as pets, ensuring that all primates being kept privately in England are being kept at zoo-level standards and that ownership of primates at a level below these standards is phased out.
I understand that live animals can endure excessively long journeys during export, causing distress and injury. EU rules prevented any changes to these journeys, but the UK Government is now free to pursue plans which would see a ban on the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening. This Bill will ensure that the UK is the first European country to end this practice.
I want to reassure you that I take the issue of illegal puppy imports very seriously. I am pleased that the Bill will introduce new powers to tackle the unethical trade of puppy smuggling by reducing the number of pets, including dogs, cats and ferrets, that can travel under pet travel rules. It will also provide powers for the Government to bring in further restrictions on the movement of pets on welfare grounds, and allow for enforcement measures to support these restrictions. Further restrictions could include an increase in the minimum age of imported puppies, as well as the prohibition of the import of pregnant dogs and dogs with mutilations such as cropped ears and tails.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.June 2021
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Summer Camps
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me regarding residential holidays and summer camps for children.
I am very aware of the incredible benefits that outdoor learning can have on young people’s social and educational development, as well as their mental health and wellbeing. As such, Ministers ensured that after-school clubs, holiday clubs and other out-of-school settings were able to continue for those most in need during the national lockdowns.
From 21 June, out-of-school settings can organise domestic residential visits for children in consistent groups of up to 30 children. This replaces the current limit of 6 people or 2 households. However, these trips must be conducted in line with relevant COVID-19 guidance and regulations in place at the time. It is advised that children should be kept within their consistent groups (bubbles) for the purpose of the visit. These measures are in place to ensure that children and all staff at residential centres and camps remain safe whilst the virus still circulates in the community.
If all things go well, it is hoped that from July 19th there will be no group limits placed on summer camps.
June 2021
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Durban Conference Campaign
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about the upcoming 20th anniversary commemoration of the UN World Conference against Racism (2001), or Durban Conference.
My ministerial colleagues and I share your concerns about the antisemitic actions and speeches in and around the Durban Conference and its various follow-up events. I have already shared my concern regarding the UK’s participation in this event directly with the Foreign Secretary. These acts are no cause for celebration.
Following historic concerns of antisemitism – as in 2011 (the 10th anniversary) – the UK has decided not to attend the UN’s Durban Conference anniversary event later this year. The US, Australia and Canada will also not be attending.
Let me be clear that the Government unequivocally condemns, and remains fully committed to tackling, all forms of racism and antisemitism, both domestically and internationally.
On 14 October 2020, for instance, the Foreign Secretary chaired the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting, whereupon Foreign Ministers unanimously adopted a Commonwealth Statement on Racism, originally proposed by the UK, expressing their collective opposition to all forms of racism and discrimination. More recently, in March 2021, the UK's Human Rights Ambassador delivered a statement at the UN Human Rights Council to reaffirm our commitment to tackling racism.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
June 2021
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Support Cyprus Campaign
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about Cyprus.
I have been a long-term supporter of Cyprus and have also stood up for the Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities in my constituency. Prior to being a Government Whip I participated in a Westminster Hall debate on Cyprus where I discussed the missing people/children, such as Christaki Georghiou, the brother of Mrs Hatjoullis, a constituent of mine. He disappeared at the age of five in 1974. The tragedy of missing persons is a humanitarian problem with implications for human rights and international humanitarian law. I have also raised such matters when I was an Officer on the APPG on Cyprus. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the APPG meeting on 19th July, but I will be sure to keep a close eye on this issue, and discuss the matter with my ministerial colleagues.
Having said that, I understand your concerns. After 46 years the events of 1974 continue to cast a long shadow over Cyprus. The best way to address these issues is through a just and lasting settlement on the island. The UK’s commitment to a deal on Cyprus remains unwavering.
I know that the UK Government strongly supports a comprehensive and just Cyprus settlement based on the internationally accepted model of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. The UK regularly engages with the parties to the settlement talks at all levels, and continues to encourage all parties to engage constructively in talks and demonstrate they are committed to making progress.
It is for the sides to agree on the details of any final settlement deal which will require the agreement of the two leaders, the support of Greece and Turkey and, importantly, successful referenda in each community. On Security and Guarantees, the UK has always made clear that we are open to whatever arrangements the two sides and other guarantor powers can agree to meet the security needs of the two Cypriot communities.
The Foreign Secretary attended talks at the UN in Geneva on 27 April aimed at restarting formal negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem. Although common ground did not emerge for this to occur at the close of the talks, I welcome that both sides committed to meeting again soon. I am assured that the UK, as a guarantor power, will continue to do all it can to facilitate renewed and comprehensive negotiations. I will follow developments closely.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
June 2021
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Defend Israel
Mike's reply:
Thank you for taking the time to contact me.
I have been closely following the events of recent weeks and I am deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza.
There is no justification for the firing of around 2,333 rockets towards Israel by terrorists in the Gaza Strip this week. These attacks harm both Israeli and Palestinian civilians, with more than 350 rockets falling short of their intended targets and exploding in Gaza.
I share the UK Government’s view that Hamas and other terrorist groups must permanently end their incitement and rocket fire against Israel, and that Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence.
Nine Israelis have been killed in the attacks, and 119 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Israeli airstrikes against Hamas-linked facilities and in explosions caused by misfired Hamas rockets. The loss of civilian lives is deeply regrettable in all circumstances.
It is disappointing that the Hamas terror group has sought to exploit frustrations by encouraging violence following Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas’ decision to postpone the much-anticipated first set of Palestinian elections in 15 years.
President Abbas’ Fatah party has encouraged mass protests, calling for increased rioting and violence. A statement attributed to Fatah and publicised by official PA news agencies urged Palestinians to “raise the level of confrontation in the coming days”.
On Jerusalem’s Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif compound, Judaism’s holiest site and the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque (Islam’s third holiest site), Palestinian rioters have thrown rocks and launched fireworks at Israeli police forces and also reportedly onto Jewish worshippers below at the Western Wall.
With regards to the extremely complex dispute in Sheikh Jarrah, this is a legal matter for Israel’s highly respected Supreme Court to determine. I understand that the planned evictions will not go ahead before the appeal is heard by the Supreme Court, with a date to be determined within the next 30 days.
Ultimately, the only way to resolve these issues is to secure a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians.
The Abraham Accords signed between Israel and her Gulf partners last year present an important opportunity to reinvigorate the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. I will continue to urge the UK Government to support efforts to restart direct negotiations to achieve a lasting peace.
I fully support the Prime Minister’s comments on the recent ceasefire between Israel-Palestine, “I welcome news of a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. Leaders in the region must now work to find a durable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that prevents terrorism, ends the cycle of violence and delivers a sustainable and just peace.”
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
May 2021
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Immigration detention
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about immigration detention.
It is only right that every case is considered individually and kept under constant review - my constituents would expect nothing less. I would like to assure you that there is a general presumption of liberty for all and if detention is used as circumstances change, detention is reviewed, and release may then be the appropriate response.
I know the Government is committed to using immigration detention sparingly and only when necessary. Indefinite detention is not permitted in UK law. In order for the detention of an individual to be lawful, there must be a realistic prospect of their removal within a reasonable timescale. The Government is held to account on this by the courts, and by a series of safeguards that ensure proper scrutiny of decisions to detain, and on-going detention.
In my view, a time limit is not only unnecessary, but it would also severely limit the Government’s ability to use detention as an effective means of maintaining lawful immigration control. I have been advised that any time limit would encourage those who seek to frustrate the removal process to run down the clock until the time limit is reached and release is guaranteed, regardless of the proximity of removal and the facts of the case.
I was very concerned to discover that if there was a 28-day limit to immigration detention in place in December 2019, over 100 rapists, murderers, and child sex offenders awaiting deportation would have been released. That is why I support the Government in striking a balance on detention and public safety.
Thank you again for contacting me.
October 2020
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Agriculture Bill
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about the Agriculture Bill.
This Bill will allow ambitious new land management schemes to be introduced in England, based on the principle of public money for public goods. This means that farmers and land managers who protect our environment, improve animal welfare and produce high quality food in a more sustainable way can be rewarded. The Bill will help farmers to stay competitive, with measures to increase productivity and to invest in new technology. I am pleased that transparency in the supply chain will also be improved to help food producers strengthen their position at the farm gate and seek a fairer return from the marketplace.
British consumers want high welfare produce, and if our trading partners want to break into the UK market, they should expect to meet those standards. The manifesto I stood on was clear that in all trade negotiations, our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards will not be compromised. The Government will stand firm in trade negotiations to ensure any deals live up to the values of our farmers and consumers.
I am pleased that all food coming into this country will be required to meet existing import requirements. I know that at the end of the transition period the Withdrawal Act will convert all EU standards into domestic law. This includes a ban on using artificial growth hormones in both domestic and imported products and nothing apart from potable water may be used to clean chicken carcasses. Any changes to these standards would have to come before parliament.
The Government has committed to a serious and rapid examination of what could be done through labelling in the UK market to promote high standards and high welfare goods. Any scheme could not be devised until we have competed the transition period and would need to recognise World Trade Organisation (WTO) obligations.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
October 2020
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Asylum seekers and refugee resettlement
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about asylum seekers and refugee resettlement.
The UK continues to be one of the world’s leading refugee resettlement states. As a country, we resettle more refugees than any other in Europe and are in the top five countries worldwide. Since 2015, the Government has resettled more than 25,000 vulnerable refugees in need of protection through our refugee resettlement schemes, with around half being children.
You mentioned that more needs to be done in this area and I agree. In the year ending March 2020, over 7,400 refugee family reunion visas were issued to partners and children of those previously granted asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK. This is 37 per cent more than in the previous year.
I understand your concerns and agree that when it is safe to do so the UK should recommence refugee resettlement. I welcome the fact that the Home Office is evaluating how to respond and is continuing to discuss this with international and domestic stakeholders.
It is important that this is not rushed as plans to restart resettlement are dependent on a number of factors. These include the lifting of restrictions imposed by governments of host refugee countries, local authority and central government capacity and the recovery of the asylum system from the impact of COVID-19. It is good news that the Government is taking action but I will continue to push Ministers to restart resettlement as soon as it is safe and practicable to do so.
It is also important to note that the UK will continue to reunite unaccompanied children with family members in the UK under the Dublin Regulation during the transition period, processing and deciding all ‘take back’ requests that have been submitted.
I respectfully believe that our disagreement on this issue is more about process than policy. As you may be aware, the Government presented a sincere offer to the EU on a future reciprocal arrangement for the family reunion of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children where it is in the child’s best interests. I welcome the fact that the Government has agreed to revisit the UK’s unilateral position if an agreement is not possible.
The Prime Minister made clear the importance that the Government places on ensuring that unaccompanied children who are seeking international protection in an EU Member State can continue to be reunited with specified family members who are in the UK, as well as children in the UK with family in the EU, following the UK’s exit from the EU.
In 2016 Parliament agreed to relocate 480 unaccompanied children from Europe to the UK. In May this year, the Government announced that 478 children from Greece, Italy and France had been transferred to the UK under the scheme. The final two transfers were suspended due to the travel restrictions in place due to the Coronavirus pandemic. You may be pleased to hear that the UK has now completed the final two transfers and therefore completed the commitment you have referred to.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
October 2020
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Overseas Operations Bill
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about the Overseas Operations Bill.
I understand that you will have concerns regarding the incorrect use of the Overseas Operations Bill. Victims of torture need to know that their allegations will be taken with the utmost seriousness and I am confident that the Bill makes provision for the correct course of justice to be maintained.
The Overseas Operations Bill is designed to give service personnel and veterans the protections needed in prosecution cases. As you are aware, there is a presumption against prosecution over allegations that happened more than 5 years ago. However, the Bill makes clear that there are exemptions to the 5-year principle. If an exceptional case is brought forward, then it will be pursued.
I believe it is right that service personnel are held to the highest standards of behaviour and conduct. This Bill ensures that credible allegations are investigated and pursued where necessary, but also that our Armed Forces will be protected from the vexatious claims and repeated investigations that so many have suffered in recent years.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
October 2020
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UK Internal Markets Bill
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about the UK Internal Markets Bill.
First, let me say that I completely appreciate your entirely understandable concerns. This Bill will ensure the UK continues to thrive, while it ensures we can deliver on a manifesto commitment on which I stood last December for unfettered trade across the UK.
Firstly, the UK Parliament has supremacy and will not agree to harm the UK by allowing Northern Ireland to be split away from us due to the demands of foreign powers. No Prime Minister could allow Northern Ireland to be partitioned with a hard border. Of course, we all hope that such provisions seen in this bill will never be required.
The Withdrawal Agreement negotiated last year was never perfect, and there were always elements that needed to be resolved. This was the job of the Joint Committee. However, these issues are currently not resolved, as the end of the transition period and therefore a hard deadline approaches, it is necessary for the UK Government to have a contingency plan in place. There are no guarantees that the Joint Committee – which was established to iron out inconsistencies in the Protocol – will reach an agreement on the outstanding issues in time. Talks are ongoing, quite rightly, but this Bill is a safety net, and an essential mechanism to ensure we can always stay true to our commitment to the people of Northern Ireland.
Since the outset of trade negotiations, the UK has acted in good faith. The EU however, it could be argued, have not. For example, the EU are insisting that current arrangements on fisheries and state aid remain exactly the same as they are now, which doesn’t take into account the fact that we are now a sovereign, independent nation. Similarly, the EU has made claims around our food standards, despite our food standards currently being in line with the EU food standards. The UK was offered a Canada style agreement for trade, which was then withdrawn by the EU. The EU are looking to impose conditions on the UK that they have not imposed on any other country seeking a trade deal.
On the matter of International Law, it is not unusual for countries to choose to disapply elements of a treaty or for a member state to ignore parts of EU law. The UK have done it previously. Currently, there are over 1000 infringement cases open by the Commission against the EU27. We have also deviated from EU law previously, such as on the votes for prisoners. The EU law required us to introduce this, however the UK chose to break and ignore the law. I do not remember a particularly large amount of concern from the public then.
I voted in favour of the 2nd Reading of the Bill, not least so that the detail and debate can be flushed out at Committee stage. I hope that we can agree a deal with the EU and that these provisions won’t be required, but I will not be voting to allow Northern Ireland be split from the rest of the UK."
September 2020
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Tate Enterprises & EDM 695
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about possible redundancies at Tate Enterprises and EDM 695.
Government Ministers do not, by convention, sign any Early Day Motions, as doing so is likely to breach the Ministerial Code’s rules on collective responsibility. However, I recognise that the lockdown has had a major impact on those who rely on temporarily closed venues for their livelihoods. That is why I welcome that the Government stepped in with a major support package, both for businesses and individuals, including those who are self-employed.
A £1.57 billion rescue package that has been announced to help Britain’s globally renowned arts, culture and heritage industries weather the impact of coronavirus. Thousands of organisations across a range of sectors including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to access emergency grants and loans. The money, which represents the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture, will provide a lifeline to vital cultural and heritage organisations across the country hit hard by the pandemic and will also benefit those who work in the sector.
More broadly, a Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been created as s a UK-wide scheme to pay a grant to any business for each worker they identify as furloughed, so that they can remain employed but not be expected to work. These grants currently cover 80 per cent of furloughed employees’ usual monthly wage costs up to £2,500 a month, as well as the associated Employer National Insurance contributions and minimum automatic enrolment employer pension contributions.
Ultimately it is for individual businesses and institutions to take advantage of this unprecedented level of support to secure their future and maintain their workforce. I hope that Tate Enterprises will succeed in doing so."
September 2020
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Public Monuments
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about public monuments.
I understand the strength of feeling surrounding certain statues and memorials that adorn our public spaces. However, I strongly condemn the actions of those who have defaced and damaged public property, or otherwise broken the law.
Many public statues and memorials are erected on land overseen by local authorities. Elected councillors have responsibility for such municipal sites, accountable to local voters. It is my hope that councillors will follow the advice from Historic England (HE) on this issue. HE is the Government’s adviser on the historic environment, and its guidance advises against removing so called ‘contested heritage.’
I am pleased that the Government itself does not have any plans to remove statues or memorials on its property. It is of course true that many statues are dedicated to people who said or did things that we would not defend today. We must recognise that the past is another country where values and laws were different.
Here in London, the proposal for a Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm is from the Labour Mayor of London. It is not a Government body or Government initiative. The Greater London Authority has no powers over street naming, nor any specific remit over the municipal realm other than on its own property. I would urge the Mayor to listen to the Government's heritage adviser, Historic England, which has advised against the removal of 'contested heritage.'
I strongly agree with the Prime Minister that we must not try to edit or censor our past. Rather than seeking to air brush our history, our aim should be to use heritage to educate people about all aspects of our complex past – good and bad. Historical figures acted in a completely different context to the one we live in today. To pass judgement from our current viewpoint, in one of the freest and most prosperous societies ever to have existed, is both unfair and ahistorical.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me."
September 2020
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Belarussian Presidential Election
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about the Belarusian Presidential election.
I entirely appreciate the concerns you have both about the elections and the violence that we have seen. The Government of Belarus must refrain from further acts of violence following the seriously flawed Presidential elections. The violence and the attempts by Belarusian authorities to suppress protests are completely unacceptable.
The UK does not accept the results of this election. I have been appalled by the lack of transparency throughout the electoral process, as well as the imprisonment of opposition candidates, journalists and peaceful protestors. I join the Government in calling for an independent investigation through the OSCE into the flaws that rendered the election unfair, as well as the grisly repression that followed. The UK will work with international partners to sanction those responsible, and hold the Belarusian authorities to account.
The Belarusian people have demanded democracy, fundamental freedoms and the right to determine their futures. All aims which I fully support. I am glad to have received reassurances that the UK, alongside international partners, has called on the Government of Belarus to fulfil its international commitments and the aspirations of its people.
I will be following developments closely. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me."
September 2020
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Badger Cull
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about controlling the spread of bovine TB.
The UK’s bovine TB eradication strategy is founded in science. It applies the lessons of previous attempts to control the disease, as well as evidence from other countries around the world. This strategy includes a policy of regular testing and removal of infected cattle from herds, as well as tougher restrictions on cattle movements from herds at risk of infection and measures to encourage greater risk management in areas where the disease is rife.
The badger cull has led to a significant reduction in the disease, but no one wants to continue the cull of this protected species indefinitely. That is why the Government asked Sir Charles Godfray to conduct a review, which concluded in October 2018. Earlier this year, in response to that review, the Government set out its intended next steps, focussed around three key priorities.
The current BCG vaccine will never provide full protection, so I am pleased that funding will be made available to accelerate the research and trial work needed with the aim of having a deployable vaccine in the next five years. Alongside this, an exit strategy from the intensive culling of badgers will begin. As soon as possible, a pilot Government-funded badger vaccination will be introduced in at least one area where the four-year cull cycle has concluded, with simultaneous surveillance of disease. The aim is to only allow future culls where the evidence points to a significant reservoir of Bovine TB in badgers.
Finally, the Government will invest in the deployment of better, more frequent and more diverse cattle testing so that we are able to detect the presence of the disease earlier and remove it from cattle herds faster. I am pleased that world-leading bovine TB cattle vaccination trials are also set to get underway in England and Wales as a result of a major breakthrough by Government scientists. These trials enable work to accelerate towards planned deployment of a cattle vaccine by 2025, in the latest milestone to eradicate this highly damaging animal disease.
Ministers hope that any remaining areas who join the current cull programme in the next few years will then wind down by the mid to late 2020s. Of course, tere is no single answer to tackling the scourge of bTB but by deploying a range of policy interventions, we can turn the tide on this terrible disease.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.September 2020
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Violence in Nigeria
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about violence in Nigeria.
I was horrified to learn of the killing of five aid workers in Nigeria, following their abduction by Boko Haram. My thoughts are with the families of the five workers at what must be an incredibly difficult time.
Like you, I am incredibly concerned by the violence and deaths we are seeing in Nigeria, especially in the North East, and will ensure that ministers are aware of the points you have raised.
I am encouraged that the UK remains committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria and its neighbours in the fight against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa. The Prime Minister discussed UK support for tackling the insurgency in the North East with President Buhari at the UK Africa Investment Summit in January.
The UK provides a comprehensive package of security, stabilisation and humanitarian assistance to Nigeria to help tackle the threat from these terrorist groups. This includes: capacity building support for the Nigerian armed forces, with an emphasis on adherence to internationally recognised Rules of Engagement, International Human Rights and Humanitarian law; counter-IED and bomb scene management training; and support to the Multinational Joint Task Force, a regional taskforce which seeks to coordinate military efforts in the region.
I welcome that the UK is also providing support to affected communities. Between 2017 and 2022, the UK is providing up to £300 million of humanitarian support, which includes the provision of vital food assistance for 1.5 million people affected by the conflict.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me."
September 2020
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Birds of Prey - Hen Harriers
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about the protection of birds of prey.
After speaking to the Minister, it is clear that the Government is very concerned about hen harrier populations, which is why it took the lead on the Hen Harrier Action Plan. This sets out what will be done to increase hen harrier populations in England and includes measures to stop illegal persecution.
My colleagues and I recognise the conservation and economic benefits that shooting sports bring to rural communities. A study in 2010 by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust showed that predator control resulted in significant increases in the breeding success of ground nesting birds such as curlew, golden plover and lapwing. I believe that individuals should be free to manage wildlife within the law, and that the Government should only intervene when there is good reason to do so.
All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and there are strong penalties in place for offences committed against birds of prey and other wildlife, with most wildlife crimes carrying up to an unlimited fine and/or a six-month custodial sentence. To address concerns about illegal killing of birds of prey, senior Government and enforcement officers have identified raptor persecution as a national wildlife crime priority. The National Wildlife Crime Unit monitors and gathers intelligence on wildlife crime, including raptor persecution, and aids police forces in their investigations when required.
Ministers have always been clear of the need to phase out rotational burning of protected blanket bog to conserve these vulnerable habitats. Real progress is being made in promoting sustainable alternatives and I am pleased to hear that legislation is being looked at which could help achieve this. Ministers have also been encouraging landowners to adopt sustainable options and continue to work with them constructively. The England Peat Strategy will be published later this year which will detail further how we can protect, restore, and reduce damage to our peatlands.
While there are no current plans to carry out a review of the management of grouse moors, I recognise it is vital that wildlife and habitats are respected and protected, and that the law is observed. I am pleased that the Government will continue to work to ensure a sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship between shooting and conservation.Thank you again for taking the time to contact me."
September 2020
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Supertrawlers
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about sustainable fishing in British waters and the access of large trawling vessels to our waters.
I share your concern about the protection and health of British waters and I am fully aware of the impact that super trawlers have on marine life. Our waters are a precious natural resource and they must be managed carefully. The future of the communities that earn their livelihoods from the sea and the biodiversity of the ocean depends on a balanced and considered approach to fisheries management.
The UK has 357 Marine Protected Areas covering a quarter of the country’s waters but the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy currently restricts our ability to impose more stringent protections on our seas. After the end of the end of the transition period, however, the UK will be able to introduce stronger measures so that we can manage our waters as we see fit.
The Fisheries Bill currently going through Parliament will help to protect our marine resources and develop plans to restore our fish stock back to more sustainable levels. This builds on a manifesto commitment which promised to introduce a legal commitment to fish sustainably as we become an independent coastal state once again.
I understand that the access of super trawlers to UK waters is of significant concern to local fishing communities and to those working to protect our seas. That is why I am glad that the Fisheries Bill will provide the Government with powers to licence foreign vessels in UK waters. Foreign vessels will have no automatic right of access to our waters in the future. Any vessel granted access to our waters will also be required to abide by UK rules, including on sustainability, and I fully support this approach.
The Bill takes back control of our fishing waters."
September 2020
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Protect British Farmers Campaign
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about maintaining British food production standards ahead of any future trade deals.
British consumers want high welfare produce and if our trading partners want to break into the UK market, they should expect to meet those standards. The manifesto I stood on was clear that in all trade negotiations, our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards will not be compromised. The Government will stand firm in trade negotiations to ensure any deals live up to the values of our farmers and consumers.
I am pleased that all food coming into this country will be required to meet existing import requirements. I know that the EU Withdrawal Act will transfer all existing EU food safety provisions, including existing import requirements, onto the UK statute book. These import standards include a ban on using artificial growth hormones in domestic and imported products and set out that no products, other than potable water, are approved to decontaminate poultry carcasses. Any changes to existing food safety legislation would require new legislation to be brought before Parliament.
Finally, I am pleased that the Government are already engaging with the agricultural sector as part of its trade discussions, including the National Farmers Union. It is encouraging that Ministers share my determination to ensure our future trade agreements will deliver benefits for our brilliant farmers and food producers."August 2020
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Military Exports: Israel Campaign
Mike's reply:
Thank you for contacting me about military exports to Israel.
I remain concerned about security in Israel and our friendship with Israel does not prohibit our criticism of some Israeli policies, nor our recognition of Israel as a thriving democracy. The UK supports Israel’s right to defend itself and will work alongside anyone in the Middle East who seeks to establish better stability and security for their people.
I know the Government takes its export control responsibilities extremely seriously and operates one of the most robust export control regimes in the world. All export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, based on the most up-to-date information and analysis available.
Licence decisions take account of prevailing circumstances at the time of application and include human rights and international humanitarian law considerations. I understand the Government will not issue export licences where there is a clear risk that the arms might be used for internal repression or in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
The UK’s support for Israel’s right to self-defence does not extend to support for the annexation plans for part of the West Bank. I strongly welcome the shelving of these annexation plans as part of the normalisation of relations between Israel and the UAE.
I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories as an opportunity to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to the Middle East peace process."August 2020
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'The Government's response to recent Channel crossings' Campaign
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me.
I understand your concern and anger about this issue. I entirely agree with you that the number of small boat crossings is unacceptable. The Home Secretary has said that we must make this route unviable in order to secure a long-term solution to the issue.
The National Crime Agency, Border Force and the Police have been engaging closely with the French authorities to crack down on the criminal gangs who facilitate these crossings. Firm action is needed to protect our border and save the lives of migrants who are being so cruelly misled by criminals and people smugglers.
The Home Secretary has outlined a two-part plan to stop the entry of migrants to the UK across the Channel. I welcome the work taking place to stop the boats from leaving France in the first place. Ministers are urging the French authorities to move migrants who are caught attempting to reach the UK by boat away from Calais and the UK is funding patrols on the beaches of northern France to prevent migrants crossing in the first place. The second part of the plan is to intercept and return anyone who attempts to make a crossing. I understand that the Government has asked the French to consider interceptions at sea and has offered to work with the authorities in France on joint exercises to highlight how boats can be returned safely.
I would like to reassure you that once the occupants of the boats arrive on our shores, they do not automatically receive the right to remain in the UK. I agree that France is a safe country with an established asylum system. Those coming across the Channel should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach.
This has never been about escorting boats across The Channel. Once an unseaworthy small boat reaches the sea, the first priority is to save lives, this is something I agree with and will not apologise for. The Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and those onboard the small boats are not wearing suitable life jackets despite the rough waters. It is important not to forget that these people are desperate and will put their own lives and those of their children at risk rather than go back to France. This is a complex and extremely challenging issue.
If the occupants of small boats are intercepted by the Border Force or Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) they are medically assessed and transferred for an interview by immigration enforcement officers. At this point, they may make a claim for asylum and will be processed in the usual way. However, if an individual is known to have made a claim in another country the Home Office will look at the process of returning them as promptly as possible.
In the year ending March 2020, over 7,400 refugee family reunion visas were issued to partners and children of those previously granted asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK. This is 37 per cent more than in the previous year.
I hope you can see from this response that the Government is taking firmer action to stop these crossings. I am encouraged by this work but will push the Government to continue to act fast to make this route unviable and end the cruel and dangerous people smuggling between France and the UK."August 2020
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Stop BDS (Boycotts, Divestments, Sanctions) Campaign
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about the Israel-Britain Alliance campaign on local government pensions guidance and foreign policy.
At issue in the case was if the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 conferred the necessary powers to the Secretary of State for two provisions in the Local Government Pension Scheme (Management and Investment of Funds) Regulations 2016. Although the Supreme Court upheld the High Court decision, I would note that the decision passed by only a bare majority.
Please be assured that the Government is committed to ensuring public bodies are consistent with investments and stop introducing local boycotts, which undermine community cohesion and sow distrust. I do not believe it is right for local councils to try to influence foreign policy decisions which are properly the purview of the UK Government. To address the points raised in the case, l have been assured new legislation will be brought in to ensure the technical aspects are considered."
August 2020
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'Fix Adult Social Care' Campaign
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about adult social care.
I believe we must all receive dignified care in old age. With an ageing population, this is one of the biggest challenges our country faces. I support the Government’s commitment to making sure that the most vulnerable in society gain the support they need. While it is important to note that more than 4 of every 5 people in care receive care from good and outstanding organisations, it is clear that more needs to be done to tackle this serious challenge – crucially by securing a long term funding solution. I’m delighted that the Prime Minister has spoken of his determination to tackle this, stating in his first speech as Prime Minister that “we will fix the crisis in social care once and for all with a clear plan we have prepared, to give every older person the dignity and security they deserve”.
Since 2015 local authorities have had greater flexibility over the use of the council tax social care precept, so they can choose to raise extra money, as well as retain savings from the New Homes Bonus, totalling £240 million. In the Spending Round in September, an extra £1.5 billion was made available to councils for adult social care services. This funding should be viewed as a significant down payment as we move towards a long term funding solution.
Money alone will not fix the problem and reform is needed to encourage high standards across the whole country. It is vital for us to consider ways of better joining up health and care services, and I am encouraged by the use of the Better Care Fund to assist local government and the NHS with the implementation of integrated health and care services.
In the Conservative Manifesto, on which I was proud to stand, it was made clear that we must build the same level of consensus on social care that we have already built on the NHS, across political parties, so that an answer can be brought forward that solves the problem, commands the widest possible support, and stands the test of time. I stand by this commitment, and urge my colleagues and constituents of all political beliefs to take part in a conversation about establishing a care system fit for the 21st century."
July 2020
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Fishing and Supertrawlers
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about sustainable fishing in British waters and the access of large trawling vessels to our waters.
I share your concern about the protection and health of British waters and I am fully aware of the impact that super trawlers have on marine life. Our waters are a precious natural resource and they must be managed carefully. The future of the communities that earn their livelihoods from the sea and the biodiversity of the ocean depends on a balanced and considered approach to fisheries management.
The UK has 357 Marine Protected Areas covering a quarter of the country’s waters but the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy currently restricts our ability to impose more stringent protections on our seas. After the end of the end of the transition period, however, the UK will be able to introduce stronger measures so that we can manage our waters as we see fit.
The Fisheries Bill currently going through Parliament will help to protect our marine resources and develop plans to restore our fish stock back to more sustainable levels. This builds on a manifesto commitment which promised to introduce a legal commitment to fish sustainably as we become an independent coastal state once again.
I understand that the access of super trawlers to UK waters is of significant concern to local fishing communities and to those working to protect our seas. That is why I am glad that the Fisheries Bill will provide the Government with powers to licence foreign vessels in UK waters. Foreign vessels will have no automatic right of access to our waters in the future. Any vessel granted access to our waters will also be required to abide by UK rules, including on sustainability, and I fully support this approach.
The Bill takes back control of our fishing waters."
July 2020
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EDM 719 and Press Freedom
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about Julian Assange and Press Freedom.
I was encouraged to see the situation in the Ecuadorean embassy finally come to an end. Ecuador’s actions recognise that the UK’s criminal justice system is one in which rights are protected and in which, contrary to what Mr Assange and his supporters may claim, he and his legitimate interests will be protected.
As you will know, in May 2019, as a result of Mr Assange’s failure to surrender in relation to his extradition proceedings, he was sentenced to 50 weeks in prison.
You may also be aware that the then Home Secretary signed an extradition warrant, following a request by the US Department of Justice. In making this decision, the then Home Secretary had limitations on what could be considered, in line with the Crime and Courts Act 2013; judgments on human rights or health issues can only be made in court.
I understand due to the Coronavirus outbreak the extradition hearing for this case has now been delayed. I can assure you that I will closely follow any new developments as they occur. Julian Assange is currently held on remand and under these circumstances, it is for the courts to determine whether an individual should be granted bail or remain in custody.
I agree that journalists play a vital role in our society and must be free at all times to do their jobs without fear. The Minister for Media and Data made this clear recently when he signed the public statement issued by the National Union of Journalists, calling for the freedom of the press to be respected and protected.
As he said, “Journalism is a bedrock of democracy and those who are keeping our communities informed and holding the powerful to account must not be intimidated or threatened as they carry out their work. We stand with journalists and will do all we can to support them in doing their jobs without fear or favour.
I must add however that members of the Government do not, by convention, sign any Early Day Motions, as doing so is likely to breach the Ministerial Code’s rules on collective responsibility. For this reason I will not be signing this EDM.
However, I will closely monitor the developments in this area and I look forward to the full consultation before any changes are finalised."
July 2020
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EDM 658 and Tackling Illegal Immigration
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about tackling illegal immigration and EDM 658.
As a Government Minister, I am not allowed to sign EDMs, as doing so would be a breach of the Ministerial Code.
A wide range of measures were introduced in the Immigration Acts 2014 and 2016 to remove the ability of illegal immigrants to remain in the UK in defiance of our immigration laws. These include allowing the earnings of illegal workers to be seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act, while employers of illegal workers also face tougher enforcement, with increased custodial sentences for those who persistently use illegal workers as a source of cheap labour.
It is also true that those who have no right to remain in the UK are expected to leave voluntarily and should take all reasonable steps to do so. If they do not leave voluntarily I know that the authorities will seek to enforce their removal. More generally, the Government is in the process of building our future immigration system to benefit the needs and interests of all parts of the UK. I have always been clear that the UK’s new point-based immigration system must serve the national interest and lead to a reduction in migration.
I do, however, remain committed to an immigration policy which welcomes people to the UK through safe and legal routes. All illegal immigration should be deterred and prevented.
With regard to EDM 658 that you have mentioned, tabled by Claudia Webbe MP, I understand that the Immigration Rules already provide a route for undocumented migrants to regularise their immigration status. I welcome the fact that these rules are kept under constant review and evolve in light of feedback and findings of the courts."
July 2020
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Conversion Therapy
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about conversion therapy.
The suggestion that being LGBT can be “cured” is both morally and medically wrong and the concept of conversion therapy has no place in our society. Being lesbian, gay or bisexual is not an illness to be treated or cured.
It is a subject of special importance to me and one for which I secured a debate. Details of which can be found via this link- https://bit.ly/3emuu9t
I am encouraged that this view is shared by the head of the NHS, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the UK Council for Psychotherapy, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the British Medical Association. Each of these bodies have concluded that such therapy is unethical and potentially harmful to those with a non-heterosexual identity.
Ending conversion therapy is a complex issue which requires careful thought, not least because the understanding that the NHS and other organisations have reached about conversion therapy has a potentially problematic interplay with gender identity services offered by, for example, the NHS.
The Government Equalities’ Office commissioned a large-scale LGBT survey in 2017. Sadly, 2 per cent of respondents to the national LGBT survey said they had undergone conversion therapy in an attempt to ‘cure’ them of being LGBT. A further 5 per cent said they had been offered it. Unfortunately, in this survey, what conversion therapy entailed was not defined, so the results should be read with that caveat. Nor were the respondents asked whether or not the conversion therapy referred to in their answer was offered in the UK.
I welcome the firm commitment to preventing these activities from continuing. Led by colleagues in the Government Equalities Office, I understand the Government will consider all options to end promoting, offering or conducting conversion therapy. The main objective is to protect people who are vulnerable to harm or violence, whether that occurs in a medical, commercial or faith-based context. I am clear that this will not prevent LGBT people from seeking legitimate medical or spiritual support from their faith leader in the exploration of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
I am positive about the steps that have been made so far in the UK to achieve LGBT equality, and am confident that this good work will continue."
July 2020
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Cancer Treatment and Radiotherapy during the Covid-19 Outbreak
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about cancer treatment and Radiotherapy during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
When people start treatment for cancer, their medical team works with them to balance the risks and benefits of treatment before agreeing a plan. As a result of the pandemic, it may be that doctors consider the risks of certain treatments, particularly those that weaken the immune system, to be much greater than normal. They will take into consideration how urgent your treatment is: in some cases, delaying treatment might not make a big difference to the outcome. Patients with cancer visit hospitals regularly, but for those who are particularly vulnerable, this is more risky than usual as it may result in exposure to the virus.
Cancer is a priority for the Government and survival rates are at a record high. Since 2010 rates of survival from cancer have increased year-on-year. Around 7,000 people are alive today who would not have been had mortality rates stayed the same as then. I agree that we need to keep working on this, which is why I welcome the Government's stated aim to see three quarters of all cancers detected at an early stage by 2028 (currently just over half are detected at an early stage).
The plan will overhaul screening programmes, provide new investment in state of the art technology to transform the process of diagnosis, and boost research and innovation. This is part of the NHS Long Term Plan (LTP), published in January 2019, and forms part of how the Government will achieve its ambition to see 55,000 more people surviving cancer for five years in England each year from 2028. I will continue to support the Government and the NHS to deliver on this, in spite of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
One of the measures outlined in the LTP is safer and more precise treatment, including advanced radiotherapy techniques and immunotherapies to continue to support improvements in survival rates. This will be supported by a £130 million upgrade of radiotherapy machines across England, as well as commissioning the NHS new state-of-the-art Proton Beam facilities in London and Manchester. In addition, the LTP commits to reforms to the specialised commissioning payments for radiotherapy hypofractionation to support further equipment upgrades. Faster, smarter and effective radiotherapy, supported by greater networking of specialised expertise, will mean more patients are offered curative treatment, with fewer side effects and shorter treatment times. Starting with ovarian cancer, the NHS will ensure greater access to specialist expertise and knowledge in the treatment of cancers where there are fewer or more risky treatment options.
Tackling breast cancer has been one of my major campaigns, I have been raising money and awareness for this cause through the annual sponsored London MoonWalk. Additionally, I played an instrumental role in securing a permanent breast screening unit at Finchley Memorial and I have an upcoming 200-mile ride for cancer research. I will continue to fight for better services and resources on this front both at Local and National level."
July 2020
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EDM 267 - Import and Sales of Fur
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about the fur trade.
We are a nation of animal lovers, so it is only right that we have some of the highest welfare standards in the world. In addition to fur farming being banned in the UK, I am pleased to note that the import of fur products is tightly regulated. It is illegal to import furs derived from cats or dogs, or products made from them. In addition, the fur and skin of endangered animals or fish cannot be imported without a valid permit.
As well as this, it is prohibited to import furs or fur products from 13 wild animal species originating in countries where they are caught in the wild by leg-hold traps, or trapping methods that do not meet international standards of humane trapping. Strict rules are also in place to ensure that animals kept for fur production are kept, trapped and slaughtered humanely.
I appreciate that there is considerable support for banning all imports of fur products. The UK continues to support higher animal welfare standards worldwide as the best way of phasing out cruel and inhumane fur farming and trapping practices that are banned here. Now we have left the EU, the Government has retained all the current regulations banning imports of cat and dog fur and seal products from commercial hunts, as well as controls on products from endangered species and humane trapping. Until the end of the transition period it is not possible to introduce additional restrictions on the fur trade, but at the end of that period the UK will have a unique opportunity to ensure we have the highest standards in every area of animal welfare.
The UK will also be able to press for high standards through international forums such as the World Organisation for Animal Health, CITES and others. The UK will retake our seat on these bodies and be able more effectively to promote and support improved animal welfare standards internationally.
As a Government Whip, and therefore a Minister, I am unable to sign EDMs as, in doing so, it is likely to breach the Ministerial Code's rules on collective responsibility."
July 2020
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EDM 135 - Use of the Whip in Horse Racing
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about the use of the whip in horseracing. I too share your concern for the welfare of horses.
I believe that the irresponsible use of the whip is completely unacceptable. The British Horseracing Association (BHA), the governing and regulatory body for the sport, requires that whips used in horse racing must be used responsibly, for safety reasons and only to encourage the horse.
The current BHA policy on the whip was drawn up in consultation with animal welfare groups, such as the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare. The latest rules include a threshold on the number of times the whip can be used before racing stewards can consider an inquiry. If the rules are broken, the jockey may be banned from racing for a certain number of days depending on the seriousness of the offence.
The Horse Welfare Board’s five-year Horse Welfare Strategy, published in February 2020, contains 20 recommendations for improving horse welfare. It recommends that, as a minimum, the penalties for misuse of the whip need to increase and that the BHA should conduct a consultation on the use of the whip this year. As well as seeking views on appropriate sanctions for misuse of the whip, it also recommends that the BHA uses the consultation to consider whether the use of the whip for encouragement should be banned or retained and whether the rules that restrict the use of the whip for encouragement need to be changed. While I am aware the consultation process has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, a new timetable will be agreed at an appropriate point in the future. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this consultation once it has taken place.
In addition to sanctions from the sport, using the whip indiscriminately on horses could lead to a prosecution under the 2006 Animal Welfare Act, which makes it a criminal offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal. I would encourage anyone with evidence that a racehorse has suffered unnecessarily from being whipped to report it to the local authority.
As a Government Whip, and therefore a Minister, I am unable to sign EDMs as, in doing so, it is likely to breach the Ministerial Code's rules on collective responsibility."
July 2020
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Domestic Abuse Bill - Clause 28
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me regarding votes in Parliament on New Clause 28 to the Domestic Abuse Bill.
I will be voting against this amendment for a number of reasons. Firstly, it treats women unequally by differentiating between victims of domestic abuse and other women (e.g. who have been raped by a stranger). It would also allow unsupervised abortions past the current time limit of 10 weeks, which is dangerous and could put women’s lives at risk.
Thirdly, it puts busy clinicians in the awful position of having to judge in a short phone call whether the patient they are helping is a victim of domestic abuse within the scope of sections 1 and 2 of the Domestic Abuse Bill. If they got it wrong, medics could be dragged through the courts. Finally, reforming the law of abortion should be a matter of detailed and careful reflection; shoehorning in last-minute and flawed amendments is not fair to victims of Domestic Abuse or women generally.
The Domestic Abuse Bill has been years in the making and is a huge step forward in the protection of victims, of which we can be rightly proud. We mustn’t let it get knocked off course by an attempt to open up the abortion debate."
July 2020
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Human Rights in Bahrain - Death Sentences of Mohamed Ramadhan and Husain Moosa
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about human rights in Bahrain.
I share your concerns and depth of feeling on this issue.
Human rights and democracy are fundamental to the values the UK champions on the world stage. That is why I am glad Bahrain is a human rights priority country for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
The UK Government’s relationship with the Government of Bahrain allows it to speak honestly about a range of issues, including human rights and press freedom, and it does not shy away from sharing concerns at a senior level. The UK has urged the Government of Bahrain to protect freedom of expression for all its citizens in line with its international commitments. The UK's position on the use of the death penalty is also longstanding and clear. The UK opposes its use in all circumstances and countries.
The UK will continue to support Bahraini-led reform by providing a range of technical expertise to promote the rule of law and further develop the work of Bahrain’s human rights oversight bodies. I believe that working together in this way offers the best opportunity to see the positive changes which the Government of Bahrain has committed to implementing, including on international agendas such as women’s empowerment and combating modern slavery.
I hope this helps to clarify the UK’s commitment to addressing Bahrain’s human rights record, and I will continue to follow developments closely and engage with Ministers.
Like you I am deeply concerned about the death sentences given to Mohamed Ramadhan and Husain Moosa.
The Government of Bahrain is fully aware that the UK is firmly opposed to the death penalty, in all circumstances. The UK has and will continue to monitor the cases closely and raise concerns with senior members of the Bahraini Government. I am told that technical assistance to Bahrain, which is kept under regular review, is provided in line with international standards, and fully complies with our domestic and international human rights obligations."
July 2020
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Universal Basic Income
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for your email. The Chancellor is making statement next week that will outline the Government’s plans for our economic recovery post coronavirus.
The Government is committed to doing what it can to support our recovery, and the unprecedent support already provided has already done a lot to support this. A universal basic income would mean giving money to the richest alongside the poorest and as such is illogical. Targeted support through Universal Credit and our welfare system is much more effective.
The Prime Minister said yesterday in PMQs that “a universal basic income is one that we have looked at. The best way forward for our country is to get the disease under control in the way that we are doing; get our people back into work; build, build, build; and take this country forward."
July 2020
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IR35
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about IR35.
The fair tax treatment of individuals working across the labour market is a well-established principle of the UK tax system. The off-payroll working rules are designed to ensure that where two people are working in the same way, but one is directly employed and one is working through a company, broadly the same amount of tax is paid. Without these rules there is nothing to prevent employers moving employees off-payroll simply to avoid paying employment taxes.
However, the cost of non-compliance with these rules is set to reach £1.3 billion per year by 2023/24 if not addressed. This is an unsustainable cost that is borne by taxpayers up and down the country. This reform will improve compliance by moving responsibility for determining whether the rules apply from a contractor’s limited company to their client. This is not a new tax but a transfer of responsibilities within the existing rules.
This reform has been in place in the public sector since 2017. Unless this reform is also introduced in the private sector, a disparity of treatment will continue, potentially leading to recruitment and retention difficulties in the public sector and unfairness for contractors working for public sector clients.
I am certainly aware of efforts to amend the Finance Bill such as those amendments that you mention. These were defeated, but my colleagues at the Treasury assure me that they understand that the reform is a significant change and that they recognise the concerns of MPs about implementing it at such an uncertain time for individuals and businesses. A number of significant improvements and changes have been made to the policy itself."
July 2020
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Debt Cancellation for the World's Poorest Countries
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about debt cancellation for the poorest countries in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
I share your concerns about the debt vulnerabilities in developing countries, which has been amplified by coronavirus, and welcome that the UK has made available up to £150 million to the International Monetary Fund's Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust to help developing countries meet their debt repayments.
Of course, responding to this crisis requires international cooperation. The UK, alongside G20 and the Paris Club of official creditors has committed to a historic suspension of debt repayment from the world's poorest countries. This will see official creditors provide up to $12 billion of cash-flow relief, which, importantly, will enable countries to focus available resources on tackling coronavirus and ensure they can direct greater resources to vital healthcare efforts, rather than interest payments. The Chancellor and G20 Finance Ministers have publicly called for the private sector to voluntarily participate in this initiative as well and, if it did so to the full extent, that would provide another $10 billion of breathing space for these countries.
The agreement also provides time to assess what further assistance these countries may need as the full economic impact becomes clearer, for example future restructuring of debt may be needed. I am glad that the Government is keeping all options under review.
I am proud that the UK is at the forefront of the global response to Covid-19. There has never been a more important time for us to be out in the world, delivering our 0.7 commitment and helping the most vulnerable in the world’s poorest countries."
July 2020
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'Please Keep London Transport Free for Under 18s' Campaign
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about TfL and the temporary suspension of certain free travel arrangements.
As you may be aware, the Government has recently had to step in and provide TfL with £1.095 billion of new grant funding and a further loan facility of £505 million, in order to keep vital public transport services running in London, and to increase the number of services to facilitate social distancing.
The settlement was needed because TfL was facing serious financial difficulties. This was the result of both the dramatic fall in TfL’s revenue due to COVID-19, and also because of the poor pre-existing condition of TfL’s financial position as a result of decisions made over the last four years by Mayor Khan.
The Government has attached various conditions to this funding package. Conditions include the temporary suspension of free travel for over-60s in the morning peak, the temporary suspension of free travel for under-18s all day, requiring services to be restored to their pre-COVID levels as quickly as possible, and requiring fares to be collected on buses while ensuring drivers are kept safe.
However, I understand that these conditions are necessary to put TfL back on a sustainable footing while ensuring fairness for the wider British taxpayer, and also reflect the need to avoid crowding on services and reduce the exposure of vulnerable groups.
I also want to reassure you that to help make sure these sorts of drastic actions can be avoided in future, a Government-led review into TfL's future financial position and structure will begin immediately."
July 2020
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EDM 267 - Importation of Fur
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about the fur trade.
We are a nation of animal lovers, so it is only right that we have some of the highest welfare standards in the world. In addition to fur farming being banned in the UK, I am pleased to note that the import of fur products is tightly regulated. It is illegal to import furs derived from cats or dogs, or products made from them. In addition, the fur and skin of endangered animals or fish cannot be imported without a valid permit.
As well as this, it is prohibited to import furs or fur products from 13 wild animal species originating in countries where they are caught in the wild by leg-hold traps, or trapping methods that do not meet international standards of humane trapping. Strict rules are also in place to ensure that animals kept for fur production are kept, trapped and slaughtered humanely.
I appreciate that there is considerable support for banning all imports of fur products. The UK continues to support higher animal welfare standards worldwide as the best way of phasing out cruel and inhumane fur farming and trapping practices that are banned here. Now we have left the EU, the Government has retained all the current regulations banning imports of cat and dog fur and seal products from commercial hunts, as well as controls on products from endangered species and humane trapping. Until the end of the transition period it is not possible to introduce additional restrictions on the fur trade, but at the end of that period the UK will have a unique opportunity to ensure we have the highest standards in every area of animal welfare.
The UK will also be able to press for high standards through international forums such as the World Organisation for Animal Health, CITES and others. The UK will retake our seat on these bodies and be able more effectively to promote and support improved animal welfare standards internationally.
As a Government Whip, and therefore a Minister, I am unable to sign EDMs as, in doing so, it is likely to breach the Ministerial Code's rules on collective responsibility."
July 2020
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British Airways and Slot Allocation
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about British Airways. I fully appreciate that this must be a very worrying and upsetting time for British Airways employees and their families.
I regret the commercial decisions that BA have announced, not least because the airline was benefiting from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which was not designed to fund the wages of employees only for companies to put the same staff on notice of redundancy during the furlough period.
There can be no doubt the aviation sector is facing serious challenges. However, making use of the unprecedented support available, such as the deferral of VAT payments, the Covid Corporate Financing Facility and of course the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, is clearly preferable to making employees redundant. Organisations who do decide to make employees redundant should do so with fairness. Indeed, businesses are judged by the way they behave and by the way they treat their employees, and British Airways are no different.
I also want to reassure you that the Department for Work and Pensions nonetheless stands ready to help affected employees identify and access the support that is available.
The UK’s independent slot coordinator, Airport Coordination Limited, is responsible for allocating slots at UK airports, and as I understand it the Government is legally prevented from intervening in slot allocation decisions. However, Ministers have said that as the UK aviation market recovers, they want to look at the process for slot allocation to ensure it encourages competition and provides connectivity. This might create pressure for British Airways to act responsibly.
Going forward I will continue to monitor the situation very closely and listen to the views of those here in our constituency. I will continue convey the concerns raised with me to my Ministerial colleagues and the Chair of the Transport Select Committee, Huw Merriman."
July 2020
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Asylum Seekers Support and Employment
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about asylum seekers support and employment.
I recognise that this is a very important issue; the UK has a proud tradition of providing a place of safety for refugees. Each claim for asylum is carefully considered and where it is found that individuals are in need of protection, asylum is given, with the ultimate aim of helping them to return home if it is safe to do so.
Asylum seekers are allowed to work, in jobs on the Shortage Occupation List, if their claim has not been decided after 12 months through no fault of their own. The current policy aims to strike a balance between being equitable towards asylum seekers, while considering the rights and needs of our society as a whole, prioritising jobs for British citizens and those with leave to remain here, including refugees. The Government is considering recent calls to change the current policy and is reviewing the evidence available.
I should also mention that any asylum seeker who would otherwise be destitute is provided with free accommodation, utility bills and council tax paid and a weekly cash allowance with extra money available for mothers and young children.
From the 15 June, the cash allowance was raised from £37.75 to £39.60, representing a rise of around 5 per cent. It is important to consider that this is significantly higher than general inflation which data showed was 0.8 per cent in the 12 months to April 2020. Indeed, food inflation over the same period was 1.4 per cent.
I know you have concerns over this allowance figure. The methodology used for the cash allowance has been recognised by the Courts as rational and lawful. You may be interested in reading about how this works here - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/report-on-review-of-cash-allowance-paid-to-asylum-seekers. It is also important to factor in that NHS healthcare and education for children is provided free of charge.
I will continue to monitor closely the support available to asylum seekers to ensure sufficient support is provided."
June 2020
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Immigration Detention Centres
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about immigration detention.
I understand your concerns regarding this issue and I welcome this opportunity to provide some further clarity. Immigration detention is only used as a last resort, as an immediate precursor to removal from the country or when there is a serious risk of absconding or to public safety. 97% of people currently in Immigration Detention are Foreign National Offenders who have committed serious crimes – including murder, rape and child sexual abuse. Imposing a fixed arbitrary time limit on Immigration Detention will make it much harder to remove these people. For example, as at December 2019 the imposition of a 28 day limit to immigration detention would have resulted in the immediate release of (amongst others) the following foreign nationals awaiting deportation:
- 29 rapists
- 52 violent offenders (including murderers)
- 27 child sex offenders
- 43 other sex offenders
Clearly, constituents across Finchley & Golders Green and indeed the country at large expect the Government to keep the public safe and maintain the lawful detention of high-harm individuals. For this I will not apologise.
95% of the people in the UK illegally and who are liable to deportation or removal (and are therefore eligible for detention) are in fact managed in the community. Immigration Detention is used very sparingly. I would like to assure you that there is a general presumption of liberty for all and if detention is used as circumstances change, detention is reviewed and release may then be the appropriate response. Anyone who thinks their immigration Detention is unfair can apply to a Judge for Immigration Bail, which is usually heard within a matter of a few days. Anyone wishing to leave Immigration Detention can also do so at any time by simply leaving the country, as they are legally obliged to do.
The UK has an extraordinarily generous record of offering asylum, protection and assistance. In 2019 we made around 20’000 grants of asylum and other forms of protection – one of the highest numbers in Europe. Last year we welcomed over 3’000 Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASCs) – more than any other country in Europe and 20% of the total EU intake.
I know you may not agree with me on all elements of the Government's policy in this area. However, I hope we can agree that lawful immigration detention is necessary to keep the public safe and I will work to hold the Government to account on this issue and ensure the system remains fair and humane."
June 2020
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Westferry Printworks Development
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about the planning decision on the Westferry Printworks Development.
This issue has been debated in Parliament on the 11th, 15th and 24th June. The Secretary of State gave a full account, which may be worth reading, in the Chamber on 24th June, which you can see here. The Housing Minister then closed the same debate on the matter, which you can see here.
In addition, the Secretary of State has published a large number of documents and correspondence for the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee. The Head of the Civil Service has said the Prime Minister considers the matter closed.
I am satisfied that it is the right approach for the planning decision to be redetermined by another minister."
June 2020
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The Immigration Bill and Amendment NC29
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me regarding the Immigration Bill and Amendment NC29. I note your concerns and have spoken to both the Home Secretary and Ministers about this issue.
At the end of the transition period, we will no longer be bound by the Dublin Regulation; however, the Government is committed to the principle of family reunion and to supporting vulnerable children. The Government has presented a genuine and sincere offer to the EU on a future reciprocal arrangement for the family reunion of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children where it is in the child’s best interests. Getting a reciprocal arrangement between the EU and UK is in the best interests of the children because it will maximise the number of children reunited with their families. For the UK to act unilaterally now, as the amendment seeks to do, would undermine the negotiation now underway with the EU and make it less likely that we secure a reciprocal arrangement. The Government therefore asks that Parliament gives the negotiations time to play out. If agreement is not possible, we can come back to the UK’s unilateral position in due course.
During the transition period, the UK is continuing to reunite unaccompanied children with family members in the UK under the Dublin Regulation, and are continuing to accept transfers in spite of Covid-19. On 11 May, the UK accepted the arrival of 50 children and other family members coming from Greece to unite with family here. Furthermore, children in Europe with immediate family members who have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK will continue to be able to apply to join them under the refugee family reunion rules, Part 8 and Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, which are routes unaffected by our exit from the EU.
The United Kingdom has a proud record in protecting and reuniting vulnerable children – this is clearly borne out in the statistics. In 2019, the UK received 3,651 asylum applications from unaccompanied children, a rise of 19% on the previous year and the highest intake of unaccompanied children since 2008. This means the UK received more asylum applications from unaccompanied children in 2019 than any country in the EU and accounted for approximately 20% of all UASC claims made in the UK and the 27 EU Member States (excluding Spain whose figures have yet to be published).
Furthermore, there are over 5,000 unaccompanied children being cared for in the UK – a 146% increase since before the migration crisis in 2014, with a high concentration in a handful of local authorities, like Kent and Croydon. It is crucial we focus our immediate efforts on easing the increasing burden being placed on them. In this context, the suggestion the country with the highest number of asylum claims from unaccompanied children in Europe should accept more appears to contradict the precise point that many campaigners who called for the original Dubs Amendment made at the time – namely, more should be done to support those countries with the most children.
Additionally, under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, the Government is now close to hitting its target of resettling 20,000 vulnerable refugees affected by the Syrian civil war, with 19,768 vulnerable refugees – many of whom are children – resettled since September 2015. And lastly, we have almost delivered on our commitments in section 67 of the Immigration Act 216, with 478 children relocated to the UK, with the final two arriving once Covid-19 restrictions in Italy have lifted.
I hope this provides reassurance on the Government’s track record and continued commitment to vulnerable children."
June 2020
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Treasury Committee Report – Gaps in Support
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about the recent Treasury Committee report.
I understand the strength of feeling on this issue. The virus has affected everyone and ensuring that the right support has been put in place for people is essential.
After reading through the Treasury Committee's report, I raised concerns with colleagues in Government and they have assured me that the report will be taken into careful consideration. This includes looking into the recommendations made in the report to improve on the current schemes introduced to support those who need it most during the outbreak of Covid-19.
I am encouraged by the level of support that has been in place since the start of the crisis. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has supported over 9 million jobs and 1 million employers. Whereas, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has had over 2.6 million claims, which has guaranteed stability for self-employed people.
As the country moves past the pandemic, I believe it is right to offer the most support to those hit the hardest at this time. I will support the Government in doing this."
June 2020
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Opposition Motion on Coronavirus Testing for NHS staff
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about regular coronavirus testing for NHS staff.
NHS staff, care workers and other medical professionals are on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus, and I am in awe of their dedication, skill and professionalism. Over recent months, we have significantly increased our testing capacity in this country – we are now able to carry out more than 200,000 tests a day – which means that we can ensure all NHS and care staff are prioritised for regular testing.
The approach on the testing of NHS staff has been determined by clinical experts, including the Chief Medical Officer, and the NHS has now set out plans for how it will work. This includes continuing to prioritise testing of all NHS staff with symptoms, regular testing of asymptomatic staff in situations where there is an incident or outbreak, and regular surveillance testing across all staff. The Government is continually reviewing clinical evidence to ensure regular testing of staff without symptoms is undertaken where appropriate.
As I’m sure you can understand, we are taking a targeted approach to this testing, so that it is focused on the most high-risk areas. Clinical advice is to focus intensive asymptomatic testing in those areas or settings identified to have high prevalence. Staff working with patients on wards, for example, will benefit from regular testing far more than NHS staff working in offices or administrative roles where they do not come into regular contact with patients. This approach is crucial as, when prevalence of the virus is very low, the risk of misleading results is higher. This can undermine the value of testing.
We will continue to support our brilliant NHS staff throughout this pandemic, ensuring they have access to the equipment, tests and support they need as they continue to control the virus and save lives.
The Shadow Health Secretary in his opening remarks in the opposition debate said Labour are calling for weekly testing of NHS staff, “if necessary”. But “if necessary” was not in the wording of their motion, which instead called for blanket weekly testing without any qualification – proving this was nothing more than a political stunt by a Labour party that could not even agree among themselves what they were asking for.
The motion I supported that was ultimately passed unopposed read:
“That this House expresses thanks to the heroic work of frontline NHS staff who have saved lives throughout the Covid-19 pandemic; pays tribute to the at least 312 NHS and Social Care staff who have died of coronavirus in the United Kingdom; recognises the impact that coronavirus will have upon the NHS to deliver routine care including mental health care without additional Government support; notes that NHS waiting lists are projected to reach 10 million by the end of 2020, that cancer referrals fell 60 per cent during the peak of the coronavirus lockdown and that four out of five children have reported their mental health has got worse during the pandemic; further notes that there is a backlog of NHS care that needs to be tackled and that it is vital to prepare NHS services to deliver safe care alongside care for coronavirus, including preparing for winter and ensuring necessary supplies of PPE and medicine; and recognises the unprecedented action the Government has taken in its tireless efforts against Coronavirus to protect the NHS and save lives.""
June 2020
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Contact Tracing and NHS App Security
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about contact tracking and tracing measures for coronavirus.
I fully support steps being taken to reduce the spread of coronavirus through sensible social distancing and isolation measures where appropriate. Mass testing and contact tracing are not, by themselves, solutions, but may allow some social restrictions to be relaxed faster by working to supress transition more precisely. The UK now has capacity to carry out over 100,000 tests per day, and the Government committed to increase capacity to 200,000 tests per day by the end of May.
The COVID-19 Test and Trace Taskforce programme will ensure that, when someone develops COVID-19-like symptoms, they can rapidly have a test to find out if they have the virus ,and people who they’ve had recent close contact with can be alerted and provided with advice. Part of the tracing effort will include a voluntary NHS contact tracing app; this will help increase the speed and effectiveness of the tracing effort.
As the test, track and trace programme rolls out nationally Public Health England is overseeing the deployment of 18,000 additional contact tracers to support the programme. My understanding is that at present there are no moves to make downloading an app compulsory. However, the more people who use it, the better informed the Government response. It will enable staff to understand the spread of the virus, as well as to get in touch with people who may be at risk.
I absolutely agree that it is important to protect people's privacy, which is why I am pleased that the Government has been working with Apple and Google to ensure that the security is of the highest standard and is compatible with all devices.
This programme is vital to the national effort to defeat coronavirus, and I will continue to monitor it closely."
June 2020
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Immigration and Coronavirus
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about immigration and visas as the Coronavirus outbreak continues.
This is of course an unprecedented time and I know the Home Office is working hard to ensure people are not unfairly affected by circumstances beyond their control. You may be pleased to know that the Government is keeping family immigration requirements under review and this includes the minimum income requirement. I have been assured that Ministers will make adjustments where it is necessary.
I understand that the Government has already introduced measures to support and help those with immigration status. If an individual is in the UK and their leave is expiring, their visa will be extended to the 31 July 2020 they are unable to leave the UK due to travel restrictions or self-isolation relating to Coronavirus.
As a temporary response to coronavirus the Home Office has increased screening facilities across the UK to facilitate asylum applications. This will allow asylum claims to be made in a safe way that adheres to social distancing guidance. This is a proportionate response to the risks posed by coronavirus, and is in line with Government guidance. The Asylum Intake Unit (AIU) in Croydon will continue to operate as normal but will additionally be supported by limited operations in Glasgow, Belfast, Liverpool, Leeds, Solihull and Cardiff. These new locations will enable asylum seekers to attend appointments without having to travel long distances.
We are confident these will be to meet the demands of asylum registrations within the geographical areas and will not operate a 5-day service. There is no need to go further to introduce online appointments. Asylum seekers including failed asylum seekers are entitled to asylum support in line with travel restrictions due to coronavirus. There is no need for this cohort to call on any funding outside asylum support."
June 2020
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Self Employed Income Support Scheme
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about support for the self-employed. It really is appreciated in what I know is a difficult time.
I welcome that measures have been announced to help self-employed people, many of whom are especially vulnerable during this time.
These measures take the form of the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS), which seeks to match the support already afforded through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) by providing a taxable grant worth 80 per cent of a self-employed person’s average monthly profits over the last three years, up to £2,500 a month. The scheme was launched ahead of schedule in the first weeks of May, and applications for the first grant remain open until 13 July.
I welcome that the extension of SEISS means that self-employed individuals can qualify for a second and final taxable grant, when the scheme reopens for applications in August. This second grant will be worth 70 per cent of average monthly trading profits, capped at £6,570 in total, and according to the same eligibility criteria as the first grant. This extension is fair as it matches the support available under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Some self-employed individuals may have only been adversely affected by COVID-19 during this second stage of the scheme, therefore an individual does not have to have claimed a grant in the first stage in order to apply for and receive a grant in the second stage.
It is important that this scheme is fair and that it benefits those whose livelihoods are genuinely at risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I understand that to achieve this goal, the SEISS has been limited to those who having trading profits of less than £50,000, as determined by the year 2018-19, or an average of trading profits in 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19. These profits must make up over half of income in 2018-19, or by an average of the past three years. this threshold ensures that 95 per cent of those who are majority self-employed are covered by the scheme, and also balances against widespread fraud.
For the self-employed, income tax self-assessment payments for July have been deferred until the end of January 2021, and the minimum income floor has been suspended for 12 months, meaning self-employed people can now access Universal Credit at a rate that is equivalent to Statutory Sick Pay for employees.
I hope that these measures come as a welcome relief to those in self-employment who have been put in a difficult position during this crisis."
June 2020
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'View from the Red Wall' Campaign by Best for Britain on Extending the Transition Period
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about the economy and your proposal to extend the transition period.
I understand your concerns, but I believe that an extension to the transition period will only create more uncertainty for businesses. A future partnership agreement will provide stability in the long-term and encourage investment and trade.
An extension to the transition period could also have significant economic and political consequences for the UK. Our contribution to the EU budget would continue and we would remain under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. The UK left the EU in January this year and the EU’s control over our affairs must come to an end.
Negotiations have been continuing throughout the coronavirus outbreak with discussions by videoconference in April, May and June following the first round of talks in March. Progress has been made across a number of areas and the technical detail is well understood by both sides. The differences that remain are largely of a political nature and I am hopeful that these can be resolved. The UK is not asking for a special, bespoke, or unique deal. We are looking for a deal like those the EU has previously struck with other friendly countries like Canada.
The UK and the EU agreed that the transition period would end on 31 December as part of the Withdrawal Agreement. This is part of UK law and there is no intention of extending it. I do not believe that further delay will help business confidence.
No deal is now an irrelevant concept. The UK left the EU on 31 January with a deal. The question now is whether we can agree with the EU a deeper trading relationship on the lines of the free trade agreement the EU has with Canada, or whether we have a trading relationship based on the 2019 deal, without a free trade agreement on the lines of Australia’s. The UK and the EU have committed legally to reaching an agreement in good faith by the end of the year and the Government is working hard to achieve that outcome which would benefit both sides.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me."
June 2020
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Sunday Trading and Covid-19
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about Sunday Trading and for sharing your concerns about calls to relax the laws at this time.
The Employment Rights Act 1996 recognises Sunday as a special day for many people and entitles employees in shops and betting shops to opt out of working on Sunday if they do not wish to work on a Sunday. Unless Sunday is the only day they have been employed to work, all shop and betting shop employees can opt out of Sunday working at any time by giving their employer three months’ notice, even if they agreed to it in their contract.
As you may know, legislation dictates that a large shop may only be open for 6 consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm on a Sunday. If a large shop is restricted by Sunday Trading hours, they must display their opening times both inside and outside their premises. Small shops, measuring up to and including 280 metres, can open any day and any hour with no trading restrictions.
Some large shops are exempt from Sunday Trading restrictions, including airport and railway outlets, service station outlets, registered pharmacies selling only medicinal products and medical and surgical appliances, farms selling mainly their main produce and exhibition stands selling goods. The full list is available online at: https://www.gov.uk/trading-hours-for-retailers-the-law.
There is a precedent for temporarily relaxing Sunday trading laws. This took place during the London 2012 Olympics to support consumers and, of course, the economy as well.
I understand that while some large establishments support a temporary relaxation of Sunday Trading laws during the Covid-19 crisis, other SME businesses have been in touch with me to voice their concerns. These include concerns over preserving Sunday as a special day, possibly for religious purposes, and also concerns about physical exhaustion that working longer hours may cause when businesses have already been working flat-out to stay afloat during this crisis.
I will continue to raise these concerns with my Ministerial colleagues who have assured me that they are aware of the concerns of workers and the range of views on this issue. I understand that the Government is keeping Sunday Trading laws under review throughout this crisis."
June 2020
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The Environment Bill
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about the Environment Bill.
The Environment Bill will place environmental ambition and accountability at the heart of Government. Legislative measures will be introduced to address the biggest environmental priorities of our age, including nature recovery, ensuring we can deliver on the commitment to leave the natural world in a better condition than we found it.
In the 25 Year Environment Plan, the Government committed to developing a Nature Recovery Network and, in the long term, to create or restore 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat outside the protected site series. A new framework for Local Nature Recovery Strategies will be legislated for in the Environment Bill, to help support the Nature Recovery Network and better direct investment in the environment and green infrastructure – creating places that are richer in wildlife and provide wider benefits for local communities. The Bill will also require the preparation and publication of Local Nature Recovery Strategies, mapping nature-rich habitats, so that investment can be targeted where it will make the most difference. These local plans will embrace local knowledge to strengthen links between neighbouring communities and support the wider Network.
Finally, the Government will establish a £640 million Nature for Climate Fund. The Fund will be used to plant more than 40 million trees and restore 35,000 hectares of peatland in England."
June 2020
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The Death of Shukri Abdi
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about Shukri Yahye-Abdi.
The death of Shukri was tragic and deeply distressing. My thoughts continue to be with her family and friends at this difficult time.
I know you, like many of my constituents, have raised concerns regarding the role of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in this case. I welcome the fact that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had the opportunity to investigate GMP’s handling of the case.
I am sure you will appreciate that as the inquest is yet to finish, it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail regarding the IOPC investigation or the role of GMP. I understand that the IOPC report has been shared with Shukri Yahye-Abdi’s family. I will continue to follow this inquest closely.
I entirely understand your concerns about reports of bullying faced by Shukri at school. Bullying is absolutely unacceptable and should not be tolerated in our schools.
All state schools in England are required to have a behaviour policy in place that includes measures to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils. While schools are free to develop their own anti-bullying strategies, they are held to account for their effectiveness by Ofsted. Schools also have an important role to play in promoting community cohesion and integration.
Ultimately, it is important that school leaders identify any bullying in our schools and work hard, with the support available, to stamp it out. I am deeply troubled by Shukri’s case and will be urgently bringing this to the attention of the Secretary of State for Education.
The local MP advises that he is liaising with the Mayor of Greater Manchester I will of course be following developments closely."
June 2020
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Israel and the West Bank
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about Israel and the West Bank.
I appreciate your concerns about the situation in the region. That is why I firmly support the UK’s longstanding position on the Middle East Peace Process.
There should be a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states, and a fair and realistic settlement for refugees. The UK Government consistently calls for an immediate end to all actions that undermine the viability of the two-state solution.
The UK’s position has not changed, including towards the West Bank and the 1967 borders. I am glad that the UK repeatedly reaffirms this commitment, including most recently at the UN Security Council, and will continue to do so.
I am concerned by reports of possible Israeli moves towards annexation and believe that any such unilateral moves would be damaging to the renewed efforts to restart peace negotiations, and contrary to international law. No changes to the status quo can be made without an agreement negotiated by the parties themselves and I join my colleagues in Government in calling for a meaningful return to negotiations by all concerned parties.
As a Government Whip, and therefore a Minister, I am unable to sign EDMs as, in doing so, it is likely to breach the Ministerial Code's rules on collective responsibility. "
June 2020
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Support for British Universities
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for taking the time to contact me about supporting the UK's universities.
Our universities contribute hugely to the economy and more widely to society and I understand the concerns about their finances. Universities are at the core of our response to this coronavirus, not only leading on research into potential cures and vaccines, but also being fundamental to the knowledge economy which will be so key to the national recovery.
I am pleased that Ministers have announced measures to support students and universities through these difficult times.
To stabilise admissions, temporary student number controls will be put in place. Providers will be able to recruit students up to a temporary set level, based on provider forecasts, which allows additional growth of up to 5 per cent in the next academic year. The Education Secretary will also have the discretion to allocate an additional 10,000 places on top of the controls, of which 5,000 will be allocated to students studying nursing or allied health courses, to ensure growing numbers that will support our vital public services. A ban on unscrupulous recruitment practices, such as the large-scale use of unconditional offers, and a more structured approach to clearing will also ensure the admissions process this year is fair and orderly.
An estimated £2.6bn of tuition fee payments will be bought forward to help universities better manage financial risks over the autumn. This will have no impact on students. A further £100m of public funding will be brought forward to this academic year to help protect vital university research activities.
Ministers have confirmed that education providers are eligible to apply for the broader COVID-19 support packages, including business loan support schemes, which the Office for Students estimates could be worth at least £700m to the sector. Further guidance has been published about how providers should access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to safeguard staff jobs, in particular stating that any grant from the scheme should not duplicate other sources of public funding where these are being maintained, such as UK home student tuition fees.
Further details about the support for universities can be accessed here - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-support-package-for-universities-and-students
Much of this support draws on proposals from universities. I would encourage Ministers to remain open minded about adapting to the needs of universities as the pandemic unfolds."
June 2020
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'UNRWA #70YEARSOFFAILURE' Campaign
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
The UNWRA has a unique mandate to support Palestinian refugees until a lasting political settlement is reached, and until then, the UK is clear it will continue to meet humanitarian need and promote regional security by supporting the 5.6 million Palestinian refugees across the Middle East.
The UK's contribution to the UNRWA last year helped provide education to more than 533,000 children, half of whom were girls and health services for around 3.1 million Palestinian refugees. While I appreciate concerns around the UNRWA, I believe that we cannot afford to lose the progress made, or risk young people, especially girls, losing the opportunity to have an education at all.
I am concerned about the allegations of incitement in the Palestinian Authority’s school textbooks. The PA needs to prepare their populations for peaceful coexistence, including by promoting a more positive portrayal of each other. I welcome that the UK lobbied, and funded work to develop the methodology, for an in-depth review of school textbooks, and this review is now underway.
More broadly, I am told that UK officials are in regular contact with the UNRWA to ensure high quality aid delivery. I am encouraged that they judge that UNRWA is effective in allocating resources on the basis of need however I appreciate your concerns about the performance of the UNRWA and have raised these with Ministers at DFID.
Ultimately, there needs to be a just, fair, agreed, and realistic solution to the Palestinian refugee question as part of a negotiated peace agreement. The UK is firmly committed to a two-state solution to provide the long-term answer for Palestinian refugees."
June 2020
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UK Food Standards and Future Trade Deals
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me regarding UK food standards and future trade deals.
The Government will not compromise on our standards. The Government remains firmly committed to upholding our high environmental, food safety and animal welfare standards outside the EU and the EU Withdrawal Act will transfer all existing EU food safety provisions, including existing import requirements, onto the UK statute book.
These import standards include a ban on using artificial growth hormones in domestic and imported products and set out that no products, other than potable water, are approved to decontaminate poultry carcases. Any changes to existing food safety legislation would require new legislation to be brought before this Parliament. The UK’s food standards, for both domestic production and imports, are overseen by the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland. These are independent agencies and provide advice to the UK and Scottish governments. They will continue to do so in order to ensure that all food imports comply with the UK’s high safety standards. Decisions on these standards are a matter for the UK and will be made separately from any trade agreement.
We should be proud of our world-leading food, health and animal welfare standards and we will not lower our standards as we negotiate new trade deals."
June 2020
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The Death of Belly Mujinga and the Safety of Transport Staff
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about transport staff during the Covid-19 outbreak at the death of Belly Mujinga.
I was sorry to hear of Belly Mujinga’s death and my thoughts are with her family and friends. I have read the statement issued by the British Transport Police carefully and understand that their investigations led them to conclude that the spitting attack was not linked to her death. I welcome their decision to request that the CPS review this decision to ensure the correct decision has been reached.
Guidance has been issued to transport operators to help them identify and address risks to their staff as the lockdown eases. For example, the guidance encourages operators to carry out risk assessments, set out clear rules on interacting with passengers, re-deploy clinically vulnerable people into roles where the risk is lower, support staff to wear face coverings safely and use screens to create a physical barrier at places such as ticket offices.
In addition, operators should put in place protocols to ensure that both public and private areas and vehicles are kept clean to stop transmission of coronavirus through people touching contaminated surfaces. Buttons, handrails, vehicle keys and other touch points should be subject to increased cleaning.
The guidance recognises that transport staff may not be able to stay 2 metres apart from each other or passengers at all times, but states that the length of these periods should be minimised.
Guidance for passengers also makes clear to those who have to make essential journeys that they should consider all other transport options before deciding to take public transport. Passengers have also been advised to avoid using public transport during rush hour, as well as to stay a distance of two metres from others, wash or sanitise their hands and catch coughs or sneezes with tissues. People should not be using public transport at all if they have symptoms of coronavirus or if they or anyone in their household is self-isolating."
June 2020
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Rough Sleeping
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about ending rough sleeping.
I welcome your efforts to end homelessness and I am proud to have been elected on a manifesto that pledged to end it under this Parliament by expanding programmes such as the Rough Sleeping Initiative and Housing First.
This crisis has shown us what is possible, but at the same time presents new challenges as we work together to end rough sleeping here in the constituency and throughout the country.
As I am sure you are aware, the taskforce led by Dame Louise Casey will form the next phase of the Government’s support for rough sleepers during the current pandemic. The taskforce will work with councils to support rough sleepers into long-term accommodation once lockdown is lifted, ensuring as few people as possible return to the streets. Since the start of the pandemic more than 5,400 rough sleepers – over 90 per cent of those on the street at the beginning of the crisis and known to local authorities – have been offered safe accommodation. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has also recently announced a £6 million emergency fund to provide relief for frontline homelessness charitable organisations who have been affected by Covid-19.
I am proud of the steps taken prior to the pandemic to end rough sleeping. In January 2020, MHCLG announced allocations of a £112 million Rough Sleeping Initiative fund to provide support to those living on the streets. This funding will be used by local authorities, charities and other organisations in around 270 areas and will fund up to 6,000 bed spaces and 2,500 staff.
At this time of emergency we need to keep the momentum up."
June 2020
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The Trade Bill and the NHS
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about the Trade Bill.
The Trade Bill is an important piece of legislation which has a number of practical functions.
The UK has been working to reach continuity agreements with countries who we currently trade with through EU trade deals. The Trade Bill will enable these continuity agreements to be embedded into UK law so that the agreements can be fully implemented.
In addition, in leaving the EU, the UK will be acceding to the World Trade Organisation’s Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) in its own right. The Bill’s provisions will make sure the UK can implement procurement obligations under the Agreement, ensuring continued access to £1.3 trillion per year of global procurement opportunities for UK businesses.
The Bill will also facilitate the creation of a new Trade Remedies Authority (TRA), to deliver a new UK trade remedies framework, which among other things will include protections for UK businesses from unfair trade practices or unforeseen import surges.
It is important to make clear that the Trade Bill is a continuity Bill, and its functions are largely distinct from the Government’s future trade agreements programme. Indeed, the Bill cannot be used to implement new free trade agreements with countries such as the US. The Bill simply enables the 40 free trade agreements that the EU had signed with third countries before the UK exited to be transitioned.
Separate work on the future trade agreements programme is of course also pressing ahead, with negotiations already underway with the US, and soon to begin with Japan.
With specific regard to a UK-US free trade agreement (FTA), I believe that as our economy recovers from the challenges posed by COVID-19, we need to be negotiating enhanced trade ties rather than putting up barriers.
I am reassured by my Ministerial colleagues’ commitment not to compromise the UK’s high animal welfare, environmental, food safety and food import standards in any future FTA, including one with the US. Ministers do not want to compromise the UK’s domestic welfare production standards either.
The UK remains committed to the delivery of Sustainable Development Goals too, and will continue to meet all of its international commitments following a potential US trade deal.
I want to be clear that the NHS will also be protected in any future trade agreement, including one with the US. The price the NHS pays for drugs will not be on the table, and nor will the services the NHS provides."
May 2020
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The Agriculture Bill - NC1/NC2
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about food standards, animal welfare and the Agriculture Bill.
I fully recognise the importance the public attach to the UK’s high standards of food production, and the unique selling point it provides for our farmers, whose high-quality produce is in demand around the world.
I know that that in trade negotiations the Government will not compromise on our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food safety standards.
Without exception, all animal products imported into the UK under existing or future free trade agreements from all trading partners, including the EU and others, will have to meet our stringent food safety standards, as they do now. These standards have been built up over many years and have the trust of the public and the world. I know the Government will not adjust those standards to secure a trade deal. The standards will be based on science and decided by the UK alone.
Regarding the Agriculture Bill, I will be voting alongside the Government against new clauses one and two. The UK already imports food from countries such as Canada, South Africa and Japan through preferences in existing free trade agreements – none of these agreements require those countries to follow domestic UK production standards.
The amendments would put up new trade barriers and prevent the Government from being able to agree fair and mutually beneficial trade deals. Indeed, forcing all our trading partners to produce to UK domestic standards will only result in fewer export opportunities for our own farmers. In addition, the amendments, if implemented, would cause real challenges for developing countries and our Commonwealth partners, as for them it would be particularly difficult to align with UK domestic production standards."May 2020
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Abortion Framework in Northern Ireland - Right to Life Campaign
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about the new abortion framework for Northern Ireland.
I do appreciate that this is a hugely emotive issue and one which has always been a free vote issue in the House. The motion to move the framework did not take place on 12 May, though I understand it is due to come before the House in due course.
I do not believe this is a more liberal regime than that in England and Wales in practice. Although Northern Ireland now has a different starting point to the rest of the UK given abortion has been decriminalised through repeal of sections 58 and 59 Offences Against the Person Act, where appropriate, the Government has mirrored provisions under the Abortion Act 1967, to ensure consistency in provision of services across the UK.
A consultation was held on the proposed framework and on the specific point about severe fetal impairment (SFI) or fatal fetal abnormality (FFA), the consensus among most healthcare bodies, women’s groups and statutory bodies was that access to abortion services should be permitted without time limit in both cases of SFI and FFA, and that decisions to terminate in these circumstances should be made by the pregnant woman or girl.
I believe that this decision complies with the specific duty on the Government to implement the CEDAW recommendation and that the regime under the Abortion Act 1967, which provides a similar ground of access to abortion, is compliant with the international human rights framework.
I understand that this is not the response that you were hoping for, but I am sure we can agree that whatever decision is ultimately taken, women and girls should be provided with appropriate support and information on all their options to be able to make an informed choice either way."
May 2020
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Animal Testing at Porton Down
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about animal testing at Porton Down.
The work done by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Porton Down helps deliver the latest scientific and technological advantages for the UK’s defence and security. This includes the means to tackle chemical and biological attacks as well as injuries from conventional warfare. I know it is not the answer you were hoping to receive, but part of Dstl’s role is to find solutions to problems that unfortunately cannot currently be addressed without the use of animals in research. Animals are essential in supporting the scientific processes that save British lives at home and abroad. However, quite rightly, there are rules in place to make sure the testing of animals meets certain ethical standards.
Experimental procedures have to be in line with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which aims to ensure the suffering of the animals is minimised. This legislation requires the Dstl to report to the Home Office how many animals are used in research every year. When research programmes are being planned, Dstl also follows the 3Rs principle to seek experimental procedures which either replace the use of animals, reduce the number of animals used, or refine how the animals are treated.
As necessary as animal testing is for scientific research, I am glad that Dstl has made significant efforts to keep its levels of animal testing under control, while still helping contribute to the security and defence capability of the UK. Animal testing by Dstl only makes up less than 0.5 per cent of the national total."April 2020
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Religious Freedom in China and Uyghur Muslims
Mike's reply:
"Thank you for contacting me about Uyghur Muslims in China.
I share your concerns about the human rights situation in Xinjiang and the Chinese Government's deepening crackdown on Uyghur Muslims, including the extra-judicial detention of over a million Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in “political re-education camps”.
I welcome that, in March, the Foreign Secretary directly raised these concerns with his Chinese counterpart and the UK used its national statement to raise concerns about systematic human rights violations and reports of forced labour in Xinjiang.
I join my colleagues in Government in urging China to implement important UN recommendations to end the practice of extra-judicial detention of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities, and to allow UN observers unfettered access to the region.
The risk of the spread of Covid-19 in places of detention is a matter of concern in a number of countries around the world, including in China. I am told that the Government is aware of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom report on Covid-19 and will consider its findings."April 2020
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