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It is a real pleasure to serve under your chairship, Dame Siobhain. It has been a while since you chaired Westminster Hall; it is always a pleasure to see you and I wish you well. I thank the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington (Matt Western) for leading the debate;...
It is a real pleasure to serve under your chairship, Dame Siobhain. It has been a while since you chaired Westminster Hall; it is always a pleasure to see you and I wish you well. I thank the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington (Matt Western) for leading the debate;...
I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Warwick and Leamington (Matt Western) on securing this important debate. I extend my congratulations to my hon. Friend the Member for East Renfrewshire (Blair McDougall) on his elevation to His Majesty’s Government. It is an honour and a privilege to be a...
I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Warwick and Leamington (Matt Western) on securing this important debate. I extend my congratulations to my hon. Friend the Member for East Renfrewshire (Blair McDougall) on his elevation to His Majesty’s Government. It is an honour and a privilege to be a...
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Dame Siobhain. I congratulate the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington (Matt Western) on securing this important debate. What we have heard from hon. Members has been extremely wide-ranging. I will focus the vast majority of my speech on ticket touting...
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Dame Siobhain. I congratulate the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington (Matt Western) on securing this important debate. What we have heard from hon. Members has been extremely wide-ranging. I will focus the vast majority of my speech on ticket touting...
It is a pleasure to speak for the Opposition in this interesting debate; I congratulate the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington (Matt Western) on securing it. I add my congratulations to the hon. Member for East Renfrewshire (Blair McDougall) on his appointment. I look forward to potentially confronting him,...
It is a pleasure to speak for the Opposition in this interesting debate; I congratulate the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington (Matt Western) on securing it. I add my congratulations to the hon. Member for East Renfrewshire (Blair McDougall) on his appointment. I look forward to potentially confronting him,...
It is a pleasure to serve in my first debate as a Minister under your chairship, Dame Siobhain. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Warwick and Leamington (Matt Western) on securing this debate. I would have felt cheated had the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) not been...
It is a pleasure to serve in my first debate as a Minister under your chairship, Dame Siobhain. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Warwick and Leamington (Matt Western) on securing this debate. I would have felt cheated had the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) not been...
I should have congratulated my hon. Friend at the very beginning on his appointment—a very warm welcome, Minister, to the role. He talks about dynamic pricing and ticketing. He will probably be aware that in the Business and Trade Committee we looked at Ticketmaster and Live Nation. The Opposition spokesperson,...
I should have congratulated my hon. Friend at the very beginning on his appointment—a very warm welcome, Minister, to the role. He talks about dynamic pricing and ticketing. He will probably be aware that in the Business and Trade Committee we looked at Ticketmaster and Live Nation. The Opposition spokesperson,...
My hon. Friend makes a really good point. He referenced the comments made by the hon. Member for West Worcestershire (Dame Harriett Baldwin) on the impact on venues, big or small. It is important to say that there are ways of doing this that are advantageous to everyone. An example...
My hon. Friend makes a really good point. He referenced the comments made by the hon. Member for West Worcestershire (Dame Harriett Baldwin) on the impact on venues, big or small. It is important to say that there are ways of doing this that are advantageous to everyone. An example...
Several hon. Members around the Chamber raised the differential pricing between in-town and out-of-town stores. The points the Minister made are totally right, but when retailers were asked about this at the Business and Trade Committee, they just said that it was due to a different cost base. A corporate...
Several hon. Members around the Chamber raised the differential pricing between in-town and out-of-town stores. The points the Minister made are totally right, but when retailers were asked about this at the Business and Trade Committee, they just said that it was due to a different cost base. A corporate...
My hon. Friend makes his point powerfully. The argument that the Government sometimes hear from business is that it is about the cost of the property. He is shaking his head, and I will try to transmit the shaking of his head throughout the system on his behalf. He makes...
My hon. Friend makes his point powerfully. The argument that the Government sometimes hear from business is that it is about the cost of the property. He is shaking his head, and I will try to transmit the shaking of his head throughout the system on his behalf. He makes...
I thank all those who participated in the debate. It is a Thursday afternoon, and I would have anticipated that a lot more people would have wanted to speak to this issue. I welcome the points that have been made. We have used examples that perhaps bring a certain lightness...
I thank all those who participated in the debate. It is a Thursday afternoon, and I would have anticipated that a lot more people would have wanted to speak to this issue. I welcome the points that have been made. We have used examples that perhaps bring a certain lightness...
Motion that this House has considered consumer affairs. Agreed to on question. Sitting adjourned without Question put.
Motion that this House has considered consumer affairs. Agreed to on question. Sitting adjourned without Question put.
I beg to move,
That this House has considered consumer affairs.
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Dame Siobhain. You will be familiar with the expression “knowing the price of everything, but the value of nothing”. Perhaps that was yesteryear, or possibly yesterday, but today I want to say...
I beg to move,
That this House has considered consumer affairs.
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Dame Siobhain. You will be familiar with the expression “knowing the price of everything, but the value of nothing”. Perhaps that was yesteryear, or possibly yesterday, but today I want to say...
There are other products available, Dame Siobhain, but I will not give an entire list of them. Whatever someone’s guilty pleasure is, though, the products that they have grown up with and loved are not what they were.
Even tubes of toothpaste in boxes, despite appearing to be a similar size...
There are other products available, Dame Siobhain, but I will not give an entire list of them. Whatever someone’s guilty pleasure is, though, the products that they have grown up with and loved are not what they were.
Even tubes of toothpaste in boxes, despite appearing to be a similar size...
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department plans to provide guidance to Ofcom on maintaining access to (a) affordable and (b) time-sensitive subscription publications, following changes to the Universal Service Obligation.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department plans to provide guidance to Ofcom on maintaining access to (a) affordable and (b) time-sensitive subscription publications, following changes to the Universal Service Obligation.
A reliable and affordable universal postal service is crucial to the UK, and we are clear it must work for customers, workers and businesses that help drive growth across the country.
Parliament has made Ofcom the independent regulator for the postal sector, and as such Ofcom has the responsibility to ensure the provision of the universal service obligation. The government is not involved in Ofcom’s regulatory decisions.
Ofcom’s reforms to the universal service obligation are intended to improve Royal Mail’s reliability. The regulator is conducting a review of pricing and affordability and plan to publish a consultation in the new year.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Department's publication entitled MHCLG: spending over £25,000, March 2025, published on 28 April 2025, what the goods or services commissioned from HM Treasury entitled subscription were.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Department's publication entitled MHCLG: spending over £25,000, March 2025, published on 28 April 2025, what the goods or services commissioned from HM Treasury entitled subscription were.
The Department employs a number of analysts and some are members of the Government Economic Service and Government Social Research professions. The HMT subscription line covers payment of a range of membership costs for both these professions.
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what information his Department holds on the amount of income generated by the Ordnance Survey from public subscriptions in the last five years.
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what information his Department holds on the amount of income generated by the Ordnance Survey from public subscriptions in the last five years.
Since 2022-23, Ordnance Survey has published the revenue from paying subscribers to the OS Maps platform and app in its Annual Report and Accounts, and these are set out below.
2022/23: £8.4m
2023/24: £9.5m
The Annual Report and Accounts for 2024-25 will be published in due course and laid before Parliament.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 14 May 2025 to Question 48955 on MI5: Stonewall, for what reason MI5 renewed its membership of Stonewall.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 14 May 2025 to Question 48955 on MI5: Stonewall, for what reason MI5 renewed its membership of Stonewall.
MI5 does not comment publicly on internal policy or organisational decisions.
My Lords, I rise to express my deep concern about the inclusion of the clause repealing Section 116B of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, and to urge that it be removed in its entirety from the Bill.
The clause does not merely tidy up legislation or...
My Lords, I rise to express my deep concern about the inclusion of the clause repealing Section 116B of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, and to urge that it be removed in its entirety from the Bill.
The clause does not merely tidy up legislation or...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 8 April 2025 to Question 42602 on Stonewall subscriptions, whether MI5 pays subscription fees to Stonewall.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 8 April 2025 to Question 42602 on Stonewall subscriptions, whether MI5 pays subscription fees to Stonewall.
MI5 last renewed its paid membership as a 'Diversity Champion' of Stonewall in October 2024.
To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, pursuant to the Answer of 23 April 2025 to Question 44588 on Parliament: Television, whether any public bodies pay subscription fees to receive a direct television feed of the UK Parliament.
To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, pursuant to the Answer of 23 April 2025 to Question 44588 on Parliament: Television, whether any public bodies pay subscription fees to receive a direct television feed of the UK Parliament.
No public bodies pay a subscription fee to Parliament for a direct television feed.
To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission, pursuant to the Answer of 8 April 2025 to Question 42602 on Stonewall: Subscriptions, whether the National Audit Office pays subscription fees to Stonewall.
To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission, pursuant to the Answer of 8 April 2025 to Question 42602 on Stonewall: Subscriptions, whether the National Audit Office pays subscription fees to Stonewall.
The National Audit Office does not pay subscriptions to Stonewall.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 12 December 2024 to Question 18221 on Supreme Court: Judgments, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Supreme Court ruling on the (a) practices of the Cabinet Office and (b) its Arms Length...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 12 December 2024 to Question 18221 on Supreme Court: Judgments, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Supreme Court ruling on the (a) practices of the Cabinet Office and (b) its Arms Length...
As the ruling has no direct impact on the Cabinet Office, no considerations have been made as yet. The Cabinet Office will consider the impact, on the department and its Arms Length Bodies, in due course.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has received representations from providers of digital content subscription services on the potential impact of proposals on cooling-off rights within the new subscription contract regime under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has received representations from providers of digital content subscription services on the potential impact of proposals on cooling-off rights within the new subscription contract regime under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
The Government’s Consultation on the implementation of the new subscriptions contract regime included proposals for how refunds should work when consumers exercise their statutory cooling-off rights. The overarching aim set out in that document is for a framework that is fair for both businesses and consumers. Officials have met regularly with digital content subscription businesses and their trade bodies to hear their views. We are analysing all the responses to the consultation, including those from businesses that supply digital content or services, and will publish a Government Response in due course.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to help mitigate the potential impact of his Department's proposals for cooling-off rights within the subscription contract regime under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 on digital content streaming services.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to help mitigate the potential impact of his Department's proposals for cooling-off rights within the subscription contract regime under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 on digital content streaming services.
The Government’s Consultation on the implementation of the new subscriptions contract regime included proposals for how refunds should work when consumers exercise their statutory cooling-off rights. The overarching aim set out in that document is for a framework that is fair for both businesses and consumers. Officials have met regularly with digital content subscription businesses and their trade bodies to hear their views. We are analysing all the responses to the consultation, including those from businesses that supply digital content or services, and will publish a Government Response in due course.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had meetings with providers of digital content subscription services on the potential impact of proposals on cooling-off rights within the new subscription contract regime under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had meetings with providers of digital content subscription services on the potential impact of proposals on cooling-off rights within the new subscription contract regime under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
The Government’s Consultation on the implementation of the new subscriptions contract regime included proposals for how refunds should work when consumers exercise their statutory cooling-off rights. The overarching aim set out in that document is for a framework that is fair for both businesses and consumers. Officials have met regularly with digital content subscription businesses and their trade bodies to hear their views. We are analysing all the responses to the consultation, including those from businesses that supply digital content or services, and will publish a Government Response in due course.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the consultation on the implementation of the new subscription contracts regime, published on 18 November 2024, whether the provisions on subscription contracts will apply to the (a) sale and (b) marketing of trade union membership.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the consultation on the implementation of the new subscription contracts regime, published on 18 November 2024, whether the provisions on subscription contracts will apply to the (a) sale and (b) marketing of trade union membership.
The subscription regime will apply to contracts between a trader (a person acting for business purposes) and a consumer (an individual acting outside of their business) which have auto-renewal features and where the consumer receives goods, services or digital content from the trader in return for payment.
Generally, individuals are likely to join a trade union for purposes solely to do with their trade or profession. Although there are variations, they are joining a collective of workers that will represent their interests at work. Unions are democratic organisations, controlled by members, allowing them to influence how their membership fees are used.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an estimate of moving the BBC to a commercial subscription-based model on costs to the public purse.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an estimate of moving the BBC to a commercial subscription-based model on costs to the public purse.
The BBC is a vital British asset and makes a huge contribution to lives up and down the country. This government firmly believes that the unique obligations placed on the BBC demand continued, sustainable public funding to support its vital work.
The Government is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, and the forthcoming Charter Review will provide an essential opportunity to consider the best possible funding model to set the BBC up for success long into the future. We will provide more details in due course.
To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, which public bodies have a live television feed to Parliament other than BBC Parliament; and what the annual cost is of such a subscription.
To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, which public bodies have a live television feed to Parliament other than BBC Parliament; and what the annual cost is of such a subscription.
Other than BBC Parliament, there are no other live television feeds from public bodies to Parliament. Before migration to the internet over five years ago, the following channels from public bodies were available (in addition to BBC Parliament):
- Northern Ireland Assembly
- Scottish Parliament
- Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament
- European Parliament
UK Parliament’s sound and vision contractor provisioned the broadcast signals from these public bodies onto the Parliamentary Estate as part of their overall contract. It is not possible to separate out this cost from the overall contract.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the potential impact of the subscriptions regime in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 on the level of investment in the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the potential impact of the subscriptions regime in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 on the level of investment in the...
My Department regularly engages with the Department for Business and Trade on a range of issues relating to the implementation of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act 2024.
The Department for Business and Trade’s consultation on the implementation of these measures closed on 10 February 2025, and they are currently analysing responses.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the (a) Office for National Statistics, (b) National Audit Office, (c) Northern Ireland Civil Service, (d) Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, (e) GCHQ, (f) MI5, (g) SIS and (h) Crown Commercial Service pay subscription fees to Stonewall.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the (a) Office for National Statistics, (b) National Audit Office, (c) Northern Ireland Civil Service, (d) Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, (e) GCHQ, (f) MI5, (g) SIS and (h) Crown Commercial Service pay subscription fees to Stonewall.
As the sponsoring department for the following bodies, the Cabinet Office can confirm that the Office for National Statistics, the Public Health Service Ombudsman, and the Crown Commercial Service do not pay subscription fees to Stonewall.
All other bodies asked about are not sponsored by the Cabinet Office, and are therefore a matter for their individual sponsoring departments.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the effectiveness of proposed exemptions to cooling-off rights within the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 subscription regime for preventing consumers from...
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the effectiveness of proposed exemptions to cooling-off rights within the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 subscription regime for preventing consumers from...
My Department regularly engages with the Department for Business and Trade on a range of issues relating to the implementation of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act 2024.
The Department for Business and Trade’s consultation on the implementation of these measures closed on 10 February 2025, and they are currently analysing responses.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the potential impact of the subscriptions regime in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 on the level of investment in the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the potential impact of the subscriptions regime in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 on the level of investment in the...
My Department regularly engages with the Department for Business and Trade on a range of issues relating to the implementation of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act 2024.
The Department for Business and Trade’s consultation on the implementation of these measures closed on 10 February 2025, and they are currently analysing responses.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment each government body or department has made of the value for money of the subscription fees paid to the Business Disability Forum for (1) membership or (2) partnership, and what criteria were used for each assessment.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment each government body or department has made of the value for money of the subscription fees paid to the Business Disability Forum for (1) membership or (2) partnership, and what criteria were used for each assessment.
This information is not held centrally. Government departments are responsible for decisions about whether to buy services from third sector organisations to support equality, diversity and inclusion in their organisations.
Cabinet Office procured the Business Disability Forum subscriptions as a partner following a review of market options. This included looking at both the technical offering and price. Any future subscriptions will be subject to updated market analysis and value for money considerations.
The Business Disability Forum (BDF) provides support and guidance to the Cabinet Office on accessibility and disability-related issues, including reviews of procedures and policies, guidance on accessible training materials, and training for staff.
To ask His Majesty's Government how much each government department or body that is (1) a member, or (2) a partner, of the Business Disability Forum has paid in subscription fees in each year of its membership or partnership.
To ask His Majesty's Government how much each government department or body that is (1) a member, or (2) a partner, of the Business Disability Forum has paid in subscription fees in each year of its membership or partnership.
The Cabinet Office is a partner of the Business Disability Forum and has been a member since 2020. The Cabinet Office paid £26,400 for 2024/25. The annual cost varies each year.
Information on which Government Departments and bodies are members and the subscription fees paid is not held centrally.
The Business Disability Forum (BDF) provides support and guidance to the Cabinet Office on accessibility and disability-related issues, including reviews of procedures and policies, guidance on accessible training materials, and training for staff.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposals on cooling-off rights in the consultation on the implementation of the new subscription contracts regime, published on 18 November 2024, on (a) the heritage sector and (b) visitor attractions.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposals on cooling-off rights in the consultation on the implementation of the new subscription contracts regime, published on 18 November 2024, on (a) the heritage sector and (b) visitor attractions.
The Consultation on the implementation of the new subscriptions contract regime closed on 10 February 2025. We are analysing the responses, including submissions from the heritage and visitor attraction sectors. Officials have also met with relevant representatives and individual organisations in those sectors to hear their views.
The impact assessment for the subscriptions chapter in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act can be found here: Subscription traps: annex 2 impact assessment. Together the subscription measures are anticipated to provide £400m of consumer benefits per year and the estimated net cost to businesses is £171m per year.
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office on 22 October 2024 (HC8818), and further to the Written Statement by Baroness Neville-Rolfe on 14 May 2024 (HLWS462), whether the equality, diversity and inclusion spending controls announced in that Written Statement apply to decisions...
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office on 22 October 2024 (HC8818), and further to the Written Statement by Baroness Neville-Rolfe on 14 May 2024 (HLWS462), whether the equality, diversity and inclusion spending controls announced in that Written Statement apply to decisions...
The Civil Service Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Expenditure Guidance applies to the Civil Service workforce. That includes arm’s-length bodies that fall within the Civil Service. Affiliations, services or subscriptions to external organisations fall within the scope of external EDI expenditure, as set out in paragraph 7 of the guidance.
Lords motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
Lords motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
My Lords, this instrument was laid before the House on 18 December 2024 and relates to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024—the DMCC Act—which received Royal Assent in May 2024. The instrument makes amendments to legislation in consequence of Parts 3 and 4, and Chapter 2 of Part...
My Lords, this instrument was laid before the House on 18 December 2024 and relates to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024—the DMCC Act—which received Royal Assent in May 2024. The instrument makes amendments to legislation in consequence of Parts 3 and 4, and Chapter 2 of Part...
My Lords, the shocking thing is that it was only in May of last year that we were working on the then DMCC Bill. It feels, frankly, a great deal longer ago; an awful lot has happened and a lot has changed. Some of the substantive aspects of what I...
My Lords, the shocking thing is that it was only in May of last year that we were working on the then DMCC Bill. It feels, frankly, a great deal longer ago; an awful lot has happened and a lot has changed. Some of the substantive aspects of what I...
Lest you forget, my Lords. The rest of the Minister’s response to the question from the noble Baroness, Lady Stowell, was:
“Ministers recognise the high importance of foreign states not being allowed to influence the policy of UK newspapers, but there should be a balance to encourage investment into the press...
Lest you forget, my Lords. The rest of the Minister’s response to the question from the noble Baroness, Lady Stowell, was:
“Ministers recognise the high importance of foreign states not being allowed to influence the policy of UK newspapers, but there should be a balance to encourage investment into the press...
My Lords, I thank the Minister for introducing this SI and the noble Lord, Lord Fox, for his characteristically thought-provoking remarks, particularly those on the dynamics of data bridges between the EU and the US, which were very pertinent.
The measures in this SI are intended to facilitate the effective implementation...
My Lords, I thank the Minister for introducing this SI and the noble Lord, Lord Fox, for his characteristically thought-provoking remarks, particularly those on the dynamics of data bridges between the EU and the US, which were very pertinent.
The measures in this SI are intended to facilitate the effective implementation...
I thank the noble Lord and the noble Viscount for their thoughtful contributions in this debate. I will try to address each of the points raised in turn.
First, the noble Lord, Lord Fox, talked about how much has changed since May 2024 and I really see that, whether it is...
I thank the noble Lord and the noble Viscount for their thoughtful contributions in this debate. I will try to address each of the points raised in turn.
First, the noble Lord, Lord Fox, talked about how much has changed since May 2024 and I really see that, whether it is...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many social media accounts their Department operates; and how much their Department spent on social media (a) subscriptions and (b) advertisements on each social media platform in each of the last three years.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many social media accounts their Department operates; and how much their Department spent on social media (a) subscriptions and (b) advertisements on each social media platform in each of the last three years.
The Government communicates across a range of media channels in order to reach its target audience effectively. Channels are selected based on whether they will reach the intended audience on a specific issue to have the most impact.
Below is the Cabinet Office advertising spend through the GCS Framework. Subscriptions are delegated to team level and not centrally managed.
Platform | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
LINKEDIN IRELAND LIMITED | £385,239 | £577,093 | £824,660 |
META PLATFORMS IRELAND LIMITED | £513,717 | £1,229,993 | £3,650,904 |
NEXTDOOR EUROPE UK LIMITED | £0 | £110,000 | £0 |
REDDIT INC (GBP) | £0 | £0 | £287,965 |
REDDIT UK LIMITED (GBP) | £0 | £0 | £0 |
SNAP GROUP LIMITED | £47,396 | £349,279 | £750,874 |
TWITTER UK LTD | £0 | £216,090 | £791,456 |
TWITTER INTERNATIONAL COMPANY | £0 | £0 | £225,063 |
PINTEREST EUROPE LTD | £0 | £79,797 | £221,703 |
TIKTOK INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIE | £65,494 | £0 | £384,111 |
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many social media accounts the Prime Minister's Office operates; and how much the Prime Minister's Office spent on social media (a) subscriptions and (b) advertisements on each social media platform in each of the last three years.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many social media accounts the Prime Minister's Office operates; and how much the Prime Minister's Office spent on social media (a) subscriptions and (b) advertisements on each social media platform in each of the last three years.
The Government communicates across a range of media channels in order to reach its target audience effectively. Channels are selected based on whether they will reach the intended audience on a specific issue to have the most impact.
The Prime Minister’s Office is a business unit of the Cabinet Office. The Prime Minister’s Office has not spent any money on social media subscriptions or advertising.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to his Department's consultation on the implementation of the new subscription contract regime under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposals on cooling-off rights on the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to his Department's consultation on the implementation of the new subscription contract regime under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposals on cooling-off rights on the...
The Consultation on the implementation of the new subscriptions contract regime closed on 10 February 2025. We are analysing the responses, including submissions from the film and television sectors. Officials have also met with relevant trade associations and individual businesses in those sectors to hear their views.
The impact assessment for subscriptions chapter in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act can be found here: Subscription traps: annex 2 impact assessment. Together the subscription measures are anticipated to provide £400m of consumer benefits per year and the estimated net cost to businesses is £171m per year.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport's consultation on the implementation of the new subscription contract regime under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposals...
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport's consultation on the implementation of the new subscription contract regime under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposals...
The Consultation on the implementation of the new subscriptions contract regime closed on 10 February 2025. We are analysing the responses, including submissions from the film and television sectors. Officials have also met with relevant trade associations and individual businesses in those sectors to hear their views.
The impact assessment for subscriptions chapter in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act can be found here: Subscription traps: annex 2 impact assessment. Together the subscription measures are anticipated to provide £400m of consumer benefits per year and the estimated net cost to businesses is £171m per year.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much was claimed for trade union subscriptions under section 344 of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 in each of the last five years.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much was claimed for trade union subscriptions under section 344 of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 in each of the last five years.
The requested information is not available. Claims for Professional Membership Fees and Annual Subscriptions, (under s343 and s344 ITEPA 2003) are reported on HMRC returns under the ‘Fees and Subscriptions’ category and cannot therefore be separately identified.
Motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
Motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to amend Gift Aid legislation to ensure that charities who rely on a membership subscription model can continue to claim Gift Aid while complying with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to amend Gift Aid legislation to ensure that charities who rely on a membership subscription model can continue to claim Gift Aid while complying with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
The government is pleased to confirm its plans to legislate to amend the rules concerning Gift Aid due to implications of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This Act introduces new protections for consumers who take out subscription contracts. The government will amend existing Gift Aid legislation so that charities can continue to claim Gift Aid while complying with these new consumer protections when they come into force.
In relation to the other general question related to Gift Aid reform, the government keeps all rules under review and will continue to work closely with the sector with a view to improving processes.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many Bloomberg subscriptions her Department has.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many Bloomberg subscriptions her Department has.
HM Treasury has 3 subscriptions to Bloomberg News.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which news services her Department holds subscriptions to.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which news services her Department holds subscriptions to.
The Department holds subscriptions to the following news services:
- Dow Jones Factiva
- Times
- Telegraph
- The Independent
- The Guardian
- The Sun
- Daily Express
- Daily Mail/Mail on Sunday + Daily Mail Plus
- Daily Mirror
- Daily Star
- Financial Times
- PoliticsHome
- Bloomberg Online
- Bloomberg Tax Online
- The Economist
- The Spectator
- New Statesman
- Reuters
- Yorkshire Post
- Press Association Mediapoint
- Cision (press cuttings company)
Clauses 45, 47-49 agreed to. Clause 46 as amended, agreed to. Clause 48, amendment 126, negatived on division (3 to 11).
Clauses 45, 47-49 agreed to. Clause 46 as amended, agreed to. Clause 48, amendment 126, negatived on division (3 to 11).
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the implications for the Government's policies on departmental check-off arrangements of Supreme Court judgment [2024] UKSC 41 relating to (a) Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs v Public and Commercial...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the implications for the Government's policies on departmental check-off arrangements of Supreme Court judgment [2024] UKSC 41 relating to (a) Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs v Public and Commercial...
Departments are responsible for the development of their own workforce policies, subject to the framework of instructions set out in the Civil Service Management Code. This includes the administration of check-off arrangements.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on the implementation of the new subscription contracts regime, published on 18 November 2024.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation on the implementation of the new subscription contracts regime, published on 18 November 2024.
The consultation on the implementation of the subscription contracts follows the UK Government Consultation principles (Consultation principles: guidance - GOV.UK).
The subscription consultation is available in HTML and PDF formats. HTML provides greater accessibility for users. The PDF was published as an accessible PDF.
Alternative methods of completing the consultation are available including online, via email and via post.
Consultation on the implementation of the new subscription contracts regime. 75p.
Consultation on the implementation of the new subscription contracts regime. 75p.
The Department for Business and Trade has today published a consultation called ‘Consultation on the Implementation of the New Subscriptions Contracts Regime’.
The consultation seeks views on provisions to be made in secondary legislation to set out how the regime operates and is related to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers...
The Department for Business and Trade has today published a consultation called ‘Consultation on the Implementation of the New Subscriptions Contracts Regime’.
The consultation seeks views on provisions to be made in secondary legislation to set out how the regime operates and is related to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers...
My Hon Friend the Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets (Justin Madders MP) hastoday made the following statement.
The Department for Business and Trade has today published a consultation called ‘Consultation on the Implementation of the New Subscriptions Contracts Regime’.
The consultation seeks views on provisions to be made in secondary...
My Hon Friend the Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets (Justin Madders MP) hastoday made the following statement.
The Department for Business and Trade has today published a consultation called ‘Consultation on the Implementation of the New Subscriptions Contracts Regime’.
The consultation seeks views on provisions to be made in secondary...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 12 September 2024 to Question 4654 on Public Sector: Trade Unions, what the Government's policy is on check-off; and how many departments (a) charge trade unions for levying check-off and (b) have no check-off arrangements.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 12 September 2024 to Question 4654 on Public Sector: Trade Unions, what the Government's policy is on check-off; and how many departments (a) charge trade unions for levying check-off and (b) have no check-off arrangements.
I refer the Rt. Hon. Member to the answer given to PQ 4654 on 12 September 2024.
Data on check-off provisions in the Civil Service can be found in the impact assessment published under the previous administration alongside The Trade Union (Deduction of Union Subscriptions from Wages in the Public Sector) Regulations 2024. This data was collected prior to the regulations coming into effect.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has plans to bring forward proposals to make it easier to cancel online subscriptions.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has plans to bring forward proposals to make it easier to cancel online subscriptions.
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 introduces new rules to protect consumers from being trapped in unwanted subscription contracts, including a requirement for traders to provide straightforward ways for consumers to end contracts. The Government will be consulting later this year on proposals to inform the secondary legislation required to implement the regime.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the decision by the US Federal Trade Commission to require online subscription services to allow users to cancel more easily on UK consumers.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the decision by the US Federal Trade Commission to require online subscription services to allow users to cancel more easily on UK consumers.
Similar measures have already been introduced in the UK through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This introduces new rules to protect consumers from being trapped in unwanted subscription contracts, including a requirement for traders to provide straightforward ways for consumers to end contracts. These rules apply to all traders who target UK consumers, whether they are located in the UK or not. Nevertheless, the US initiative sets a standard the Government welcomes.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the decision by the US Federal Trade Commission to require online subscription services to be cancelled more easily on the UK.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the decision by the US Federal Trade Commission to require online subscription services to be cancelled more easily on the UK.
Similar measures have already been introduced in the UK through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This introduces new rules to protect consumers from being trapped in unwanted subscription contracts, including a requirement for traders to provide straightforward ways for consumers to end contracts. These rules apply to all traders who target UK consumers, whether they are located in the UK or not. Nevertheless, the US initiative sets a standard the Government welcomes.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 22 July 2024 to Question 902 on Public sector: trade unions, whether it is the Government's policy to (a) amend and (b) repeal the check-off provisions from the (i) Trade Union Act 2016 and (ii)...
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 22 July 2024 to Question 902 on Public sector: trade unions, whether it is the Government's policy to (a) amend and (b) repeal the check-off provisions from the (i) Trade Union Act 2016 and (ii)...
The Government is committed to repealing the Trade Union Act 2016. Further information on implementing this will be outlined in due course.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his policy is on check-off in the public sector.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his policy is on check-off in the public sector.
The Trade Union (Deduction of Union Subscriptions from Wages in the Public Sector) Regulations, also known as the ‘Check-off Regulations’ were brought in by the previous government. This Government values the role of trade unions and is supportive of employers enabling their employees to pay their subscriptions in a straightforward and convenient way.
The Government's King’s Speech committed to updating trade union legislation so it is fit for a modern economy and removing unnecessary restrictions on trade union activity.
Motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
Motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
The point about a “proportionate” response is relevant. In the original drafting of the Bill, the word used was “appropriate.” The Government changed that to “proportionate” on Report in this House, and the Lords have sought to reverse that change. What does the Minister think was disproportionate, if you like,...
The point about a “proportionate” response is relevant. In the original drafting of the Bill, the word used was “appropriate.” The Government changed that to “proportionate” on Report in this House, and the Lords have sought to reverse that change. What does the Minister think was disproportionate, if you like,...
We have engaged significantly, throughout the Bill’s passage and before it was introduced, with large tech and challenger tech. Our understanding is that all those cohorts are happy with where the Bill is today. Certainly, during that engagement, concerns were raised about the term “appropriate,” but the clear position that...
We have engaged significantly, throughout the Bill’s passage and before it was introduced, with large tech and challenger tech. Our understanding is that all those cohorts are happy with where the Bill is today. Certainly, during that engagement, concerns were raised about the term “appropriate,” but the clear position that...
It is clearly important that we understand what “proportionate” means in this context. Is the Government’s position that proportionality implies that there is more for the CMA to think about than just how effectively the imposition of a conduct requirement would fulfil the CMA’s requirements? If so, what can the...
It is clearly important that we understand what “proportionate” means in this context. Is the Government’s position that proportionality implies that there is more for the CMA to think about than just how effectively the imposition of a conduct requirement would fulfil the CMA’s requirements? If so, what can the...
My right hon. and learned Friend will know from his legal background that the term “proportionate” is well established in law. Of course, the courts play an important part here. We do not prescribe everything in our legislation; there is quite rightly the opportunity for people to challenge certain decisions...
My right hon. and learned Friend will know from his legal background that the term “proportionate” is well established in law. Of course, the courts play an important part here. We do not prescribe everything in our legislation; there is quite rightly the opportunity for people to challenge certain decisions...
The Minister suggested that stakeholders were now satisfied with the Bill. I can tell him that there is concern about the change from “appropriate” to “proportionate.” The fear is that it will enable the courts to look more broadly, and will allow more scope for challenge than was intended when...
The Minister suggested that stakeholders were now satisfied with the Bill. I can tell him that there is concern about the change from “appropriate” to “proportionate.” The fear is that it will enable the courts to look more broadly, and will allow more scope for challenge than was intended when...
It is not our intention. Our intention is to strike a balance. As I have said, the courts’ approach to proportionality was set out by the Supreme Court in Bank Mellat v. Her Majesty’s Treasury (No. 2), when the Court described the elements to be considered, including, most notably,
“whether a...
It is not our intention. Our intention is to strike a balance. As I have said, the courts’ approach to proportionality was set out by the Supreme Court in Bank Mellat v. Her Majesty’s Treasury (No. 2), when the Court described the elements to be considered, including, most notably,
“whether a...
I am very grateful to the Minister for giving way. I know that we have debated this point before, and I will discuss it further in my contribution, but I make the point again that there may be legislation, but it is not working. There have been only two prosecutions...
I am very grateful to the Minister for giving way. I know that we have debated this point before, and I will discuss it further in my contribution, but I make the point again that there may be legislation, but it is not working. There have been only two prosecutions...
It is not right to say that there have been only two prosecutions—
It is not right to say that there have been only two prosecutions—
rose—
rose—
I will just finish this answer. There have been two sentences. Two people got a £6.1 million fine. There were four more successful prosecutions in Leeds Crown court only very recently, and sentence is due to be imposed on those individuals. The hon. Lady raises important points, and did great...
I will just finish this answer. There have been two sentences. Two people got a £6.1 million fine. There were four more successful prosecutions in Leeds Crown court only very recently, and sentence is due to be imposed on those individuals. The hon. Lady raises important points, and did great...
The Government claim that they are doing enough, but that is just not the case. Here is an example for the Minister: on secondary ticketing sites, three tickets for the Taylor Swift show on 21 June are going for £72,000. They had a face value of £170 each. How is...
The Government claim that they are doing enough, but that is just not the case. Here is an example for the Minister: on secondary ticketing sites, three tickets for the Taylor Swift show on 21 June are going for £72,000. They had a face value of £170 each. How is...
I agree that some of the examples are shocking. The key question is what measures we will put in place to address them. Ireland, for example, completely banned secondary sales, yet the prices seen
on the internet are equivalent to what the hon. Lady describes, so there is no perfect...
I agree that some of the examples are shocking. The key question is what measures we will put in place to address them. Ireland, for example, completely banned secondary sales, yet the prices seen
on the internet are equivalent to what the hon. Lady describes, so there is no perfect...
First, I pay tribute to my much-loved neighbour, my hon. Friend the Member for Pontypridd (Alex Davies-Jones), who led for Labour during the last round of proceedings on the Bill, and to my hon. Friend the Member for Feltham and Heston (Seema Malhotra), who led for us when the Bill...
First, I pay tribute to my much-loved neighbour, my hon. Friend the Member for Pontypridd (Alex Davies-Jones), who led for Labour during the last round of proceedings on the Bill, and to my hon. Friend the Member for Feltham and Heston (Seema Malhotra), who led for us when the Bill...
Will the hon. Gentleman give way?
Will the hon. Gentleman give way?
Of course I will, to the right hon. Gentleman—another gentleman for whom I have a great deal of respect, and with whom I occasionally disagree.
Of course I will, to the right hon. Gentleman—another gentleman for whom I have a great deal of respect, and with whom I occasionally disagree.
I just wonder whether the transformation that the hon. Gentleman describes, which occurs when somebody moves from the Back Benches to the Front Bench, applies equally to the Opposition and the Government.
I just wonder whether the transformation that the hon. Gentleman describes, which occurs when somebody moves from the Back Benches to the Front Bench, applies equally to the Opposition and the Government.
The right hon. Gentleman knows more about bobbing between the Back Benches and the Front Bench than most Members of Parliament in history, I think. It is obviously a problem; I do believe in shared responsibility of Government—we want Governments to act as a single body, and not irresponsibly—so I...
The right hon. Gentleman knows more about bobbing between the Back Benches and the Front Bench than most Members of Parliament in history, I think. It is obviously a problem; I do believe in shared responsibility of Government—we want Governments to act as a single body, and not irresponsibly—so I...
How would a tribunal consider the appropriateness of a CMA intervention without considering the detail and merit of it?
How would a tribunal consider the appropriateness of a CMA intervention without considering the detail and merit of it?
The point is that either the change is necessary because a new and different measure is being adopted by the Government, in which case it is a lower threshold and therefore inappropriate, or the change makes no difference whatsoever, in which case it is unnecessary. The normal standards for deciding...
The point is that either the change is necessary because a new and different measure is being adopted by the Government, in which case it is a lower threshold and therefore inappropriate, or the change makes no difference whatsoever, in which case it is unnecessary. The normal standards for deciding...
Will my hon. Friend give way?
Will my hon. Friend give way?
I feel the fingernails.
I feel the fingernails.
I waited until my hon. Friend got to the end of all those disgraceful, abhorrent examples. Will he clarify for me a fallacy that the touts often put around about me and my hon. Friends—they will say the same about him? They say that we want to stop people being...
I waited until my hon. Friend got to the end of all those disgraceful, abhorrent examples. Will he clarify for me a fallacy that the touts often put around about me and my hon. Friends—they will say the same about him? They say that we want to stop people being...
I completely agree, and that is Labour party policy. I am used to fallacies being written about me, and I have seen many written about my hon. Friend as well. I am sure we will all get over it. Incidentally, that is why, as I shall come on to say...
I completely agree, and that is Labour party policy. I am used to fallacies being written about me, and I have seen many written about my hon. Friend as well. I am sure we will all get over it. Incidentally, that is why, as I shall come on to say...
rose—
rose—
I feel more fingernails.
I feel more fingernails.
My fingernails are nothing like as bad. Does my hon. Friend agree that the problem is actually worse than just the prices he quoted, of which he gave some really good and powerful examples, because of the selling of tickets that do not actually exist—fraudulent tickets? I have heard from...
My fingernails are nothing like as bad. Does my hon. Friend agree that the problem is actually worse than just the prices he quoted, of which he gave some really good and powerful examples, because of the selling of tickets that do not actually exist—fraudulent tickets? I have heard from...
I completely agree, and my hon. Friend is absolutely right. There are terrible instances of all sorts of different scams, and—this is the honest truth—remarkably few prosecutions. Whether the number is two, four or five, it should be in the hundreds. [Interruption.] Six—half a dozen—great!
The truth is that we all...
I completely agree, and my hon. Friend is absolutely right. There are terrible instances of all sorts of different scams, and—this is the honest truth—remarkably few prosecutions. Whether the number is two, four or five, it should be in the hundreds. [Interruption.] Six—half a dozen—great!
The truth is that we all...
It was your idea.
It was your idea.
Well, we have moved on and it is about time the Government moved on—in fact I look forward to the day when the Minister moves on from Government Benches to here on the Opposition Benches. The idea of a review at the dog end of a Parliament and at the...
Well, we have moved on and it is about time the Government moved on—in fact I look forward to the day when the Minister moves on from Government Benches to here on the Opposition Benches. The idea of a review at the dog end of a Parliament and at the...
May I start by saying that this was and still is a good Bill? It does an enormous number of very important things and I am glad to see that it has broad acceptance and agreement on both sides of the House, although with some minor points of disagreement. It...
May I start by saying that this was and still is a good Bill? It does an enormous number of very important things and I am glad to see that it has broad acceptance and agreement on both sides of the House, although with some minor points of disagreement. It...
I am very happy to make that commitment. We believe the Bill draws a clear distinction between infringement decisions and penalty decisions. After taking legal advice on this matter and looking at
previous competition case law considering similar issues, the Government consider that neither the Competition Appeal Tribunal nor the...
I am very happy to make that commitment. We believe the Bill draws a clear distinction between infringement decisions and penalty decisions. After taking legal advice on this matter and looking at
previous competition case law considering similar issues, the Government consider that neither the Competition Appeal Tribunal nor the...
I thank the Minister for that intervention and, emboldened by my success so far in getting him to front up, I move on to my second point, which has similar concerns around it: the issue of countervailing benefits. We have heard from the Opposition spokesman about that, so I will...
I thank the Minister for that intervention and, emboldened by my success so far in getting him to front up, I move on to my second point, which has similar concerns around it: the issue of countervailing benefits. We have heard from the Opposition spokesman about that, so I will...
rose—
rose—
He does, which is marvellous.
He does, which is marvellous.
The revised wording did not change the effects of the clause. Strategic market status firms will still have to prove that there is no other reasonable and practicable way to achieve the same benefits for consumers with less competitive effect.
The revised wording did not change the effects of the clause. Strategic market status firms will still have to prove that there is no other reasonable and practicable way to achieve the same benefits for consumers with less competitive effect.