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To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether it is his policy that payments to farmers in Northern Ireland will be comparable to Common Agricultural Policy payments after 2022.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether it is his policy that payments to farmers in Northern Ireland will be comparable to Common Agricultural Policy payments after 2022.
Following the Bew Review, the Government has confirmed that it will not simply apply the Barnett formula to changes in Defra funding beyond this Parliament and has committed to developing an approach on future (i.e. after 2022) funding allocations, recognising that agriculture policy is and will remain devolved. Longer term discussions between the Government and the devolved administrations will be about ensuring allocations are fair and that no farmers in any part of the UK gain an unfair competitive advantage.
As I mentioned in Northern Ireland questions today, many of our MLAs are doing a fantastic job through their offices. It is important that we keep that representation for the general public.
As I mentioned in Northern Ireland questions today, many of our MLAs are doing a fantastic job through their offices. It is important that we keep that representation for the general public.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what financial support the Government will provide to farmers in Northern Ireland in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what financial support the Government will provide to farmers in Northern Ireland in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
As a responsible Government, we have been working with our DAERA colleagues to minimise any disruption to farmers in the event of a no deal.
We have made it clear that we will support vulnerable sectors through Government intervention in a no deal, should this be necessary. We will be monitoring the sectors which may be exposed to short-term difficulties as a result of Exit closely to identify early signs of market disturbance, allowing us to intervene swiftly if necessary.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with businesses in Northern Ireland on the requirement to fill out declaration forms to trade with the rest of the UK under the Government's agreement with the EU.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with businesses in Northern Ireland on the requirement to fill out declaration forms to trade with the rest of the UK under the Government's agreement with the EU.
The Government has engaged and will engage closely with affected businesses and business representative organisations over the new deal, including those in Northern Ireland, to ensure that delivery of any new administrative requirements works for everyone.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps her Department is taking to help businesses expand through the use of digital platforms.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps her Department is taking to help businesses expand through the use of digital platforms.
We want the UK to be the best place in the world to start and grow a business. Government is taking action to support businesses to take advantages of the opportunities to expand through digital platforms in several ways:
As businesses and consumers increasingly use digital platforms, it is important that competition works well in these markets. That is why the Government commissioned Professor Jason Furman to identify how to unlock competition in digital markets. The Government is considering his proposals and will respond in due course.
Government’s Exporting is GREAT campaign supports UK businesses with free expert e-commerce export support. DIT’s E-Exporting Programme’s Selling Online Overseas Tool, that sits on great.gov.uk, is a free to use online service that helps UK companies identify and sell on global marketplaces.
We are acting to support SMEs to adopt basic digital technology, including using e-commerce software. For example, we recently announced the third wave of funding through our Business Basics Programme to test innovative ways of encouraging SMEs to adopt basic technologies. This round of funding will include up to £1m focusing the adoption of payment technology, including ecommerce technologies.
The Digital Skills Partnership (DSP), announced in the UK Digital Strategy 2017, aims to improve digital skills across the skills spectrum and the Digital Enterprise Delivery Group, led by Lloyds Banking Group, is working to increase the digital capabilities of SMEs. The group is now working with partners on a programme aimed at increasing efficiency and productivity through greater tech adoption among SMEs.
There is a lot of talk about reducing the salaries of MLAs, but I am sure the Secretary of State will agree with me that many, many MLAs work hard in their constituencies to provide constituency services through their offices. That is an important factor.
There is a lot of talk about reducing the salaries of MLAs, but I am sure the Secretary of State will agree with me that many, many MLAs work hard in their constituencies to provide constituency services through their offices. That is an important factor.
My hon. Friend is right. The quality of political leadership and the quality of MLAs is high. We need all MLAs to come together and get going in the interests of Northern Ireland.
My hon. Friend is making a very good speech. She mentioned large companies, but the backbone of Northern Ireland is small, family businesses. We have helped those in manufacturing with rates relief and other measures. Regarding innovation, we have the Young Enterprise programmes, which are coming through into small businesses...
My hon. Friend is making a very good speech. She mentioned large companies, but the backbone of Northern Ireland is small, family businesses. We have helped those in manufacturing with rates relief and other measures. Regarding innovation, we have the Young Enterprise programmes, which are coming through into small businesses...
My hon. Friend touched on business rates. I understand that there will be a rate review next year in Northern Ireland; as a party, we should use our influence to try to do something for the retail sector.
My hon. Friend touched on business rates. I understand that there will be a rate review next year in Northern Ireland; as a party, we should use our influence to try to do something for the retail sector.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with the large supermarket chains on reducing the amount of single-use plastics they sell in favour of reusable containers.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with the large supermarket chains on reducing the amount of single-use plastics they sell in favour of reusable containers.
The Resources and Waste Strategy (RWS) sets out our approach to reducing the use of single-use plastics. The Secretary of State met with major supermarket retailers on 25 September and discussed the impact of the reforms set out in the RWS, including a Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers and reform of packaging waste regulations.
In April last year, the Waste and Resources Action Plan and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation launched their world-leading UK Plastics Pact, with support from the Government, and all major supermarkets have signed up to it. The Pact brings these organisations together with four key targets for 2025 that aim to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated. This includes action to eliminate problematic or unnecessary single-use plastic packaging items. Our proposed reforms will support supermarkets in achieving those targets.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to encourage the public to (a) reduce and (b) recycle food waste.
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to encourage the public to (a) reduce and (b) recycle food waste.
Food waste is a financial, environmental and moral issue. The UK currently produces 10 million tonnes of food waste every year, and 70% of food waste comes from households who waste 1/5 of what they buy. This amounts to a £810 per year cost to an average family.
(a) Action needs to be taken to reduce waste in our homes. The Resources and Waste Strategy, published in December 2018, outlined our continued support for the Waste and Resources Action Programme’s citizen food waste strategy to reduce food waste in our homes, for example through the Love Food Hate Waste campaign. In addition, the Food Waste Action Week will run between 13 - 19 January 2020. The week will focus on raising awareness of the impacts of food waste as an urgent issue.
b) Following support at consultation, the draft legislation in the Environment Bill (https://services.parliament.uk/Bills/2019-20/environment/documents.html) stipulates that a core set of materials, including food waste, is to be collected for recycling from households by all local authorities in England from 2023. This legislation also stipulates that businesses and other organisations will be required to separate food waste from residual waste for recycling from 2023. Alongside clear communication, this will reduce the quantity of food waste sent to landfill and increase the amount recycled.
That this House remembers, with great sadness, the murder of Nivruit Islania who was just six months old when killed by the IRA whilst at a petrol station in the car with her father RAF Corporal Maheshkumar Islania who was also instantly killed; extends sincere sympathy to the rest of the family who still mourn the loss of life; and vows to remember that despicable act and ensure that the next generation never forgets the evil acts that took place during the Troubles.
That this House remembers, with great sadness, the murder of Nivruit Islania who was just six months old when killed by the IRA whilst at a petrol station in the car with her father RAF Corporal Maheshkumar Islania who was also instantly killed; extends sincere sympathy to the rest of...
That this House notes the recent campaign and picketing by LGBT+ rights protesters of the US-owned fast food chain chick-fil-A, founded by Christians, in the Oracle shopping centre in Reading; further notes that the store has been informed that their lease will not be renewed; notes that after the announcement of the lease termination, protests are to continue until closure; highlights that the chain offers above average wage levels, employs people on an equitable basis and has made no comment on political issues; further highlights that the chain makes considerable charitable donations; and notes that the protesters do not appear to have commented on the fact that the Oracle shopping centre is owned by a Government fund in the UAE where LGBT+ individuals face significant restrictions.
That this House notes the recent campaign and picketing by LGBT+ rights protesters of the US-owned fast food chain chick-fil-A, founded by Christians, in the Oracle shopping centre in Reading; further notes that the store has been informed that their lease will not be renewed; notes that after the announcement...
I thank my hon. Friend for giving way again. An issue raised with me time and again is research and development assistance from Invest NI, because small companies are very much hands-on, so they do not have the manpower or staff to handle research and development. Maybe we could look...
I thank my hon. Friend for giving way again. An issue raised with me time and again is research and development assistance from Invest NI, because small companies are very much hands-on, so they do not have the manpower or staff to handle research and development. Maybe we could look...
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the cost of electricity to consumers.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the cost of electricity to consumers.
Energy policy is largely devolved to Northern Ireland, including energy price regulation. Across the island of Ireland the Single Electricity Market (SEM) is designed to put downward pressure on consumer electricity prices, facilitate the integration of renewables and provide continued security of supply.
The Government is committed to ensuring fair energy prices for consumers and has a range of policies in Great Britain. The Domestic Gas and Electricity (Tariff Cap) Act requires the energy regulator to cap standard variable and default energy tariffs. Ofgem estimate this could save consumers around £75-100 per year.
There are around 60 domestic suppliers in the GB energy market with a range of innovative tariffs for consumers to choose from. Switching in early 2019 hit historic highs, with the total number of domestic switches in the 12 months up to July 2019 was 10% higher than over the same period last year. In August 2019, customers could save up to £408 a year by switching.
Over 2 million low income and vulnerable households receive £140 off their electricity bills each winter through the Warm Home Discount.
Improving the energy efficiency of a home is the best way of reducing energy bills for the long-term. Since 2013, over 2 million homes, including those with electric heating, have had their energy efficiency improved under the Energy Company Obligation.
That this House welcomes the Government's decision to purchase five new type 31 frigates for the Royal Navy; recognises that the name Coventry has been associated with the Royal Navy since 1658; further recognises that six ships have borne the name Coventry in this time until 2002; acknowledges the need to honour the 30 crew members who lost their lives on board HMS Coventry in 1982; calls on the Government to name one of the new frigates HMS Coventry; and notes that this would be a fitting and lasting legacy for Coventry as UK City of Culture in 2021.
That this House welcomes the Government's decision to purchase five new type 31 frigates for the Royal Navy; recognises that the name Coventry has been associated with the Royal Navy since 1658; further recognises that six ships have borne the name Coventry in this time until 2002; acknowledges the need...
I hope the Secretary of State will realise the difficulties that this will make for the agrifood industry in Northern Ireland; they will be massive. But I want to ask him a very straight question and I would appreciate a straight answer. My constituents are asking me this question, especially...
I hope the Secretary of State will realise the difficulties that this will make for the agrifood industry in Northern Ireland; they will be massive. But I want to ask him a very straight question and I would appreciate a straight answer. My constituents are asking me this question, especially...
rose—
rose—
During our inquiry, witnesses regularly made the point that kerbside collections and all the legislation can be in place, but if the general public do not take part, stiff penalties in some shape or form are required to force them to. Otherwise, we will have a major problem—more so than...
During our inquiry, witnesses regularly made the point that kerbside collections and all the legislation can be in place, but if the general public do not take part, stiff penalties in some shape or form are required to force them to. Otherwise, we will have a major problem—more so than...
I refer back to what the Chairman of the Select Committee, the hon. Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Neil Parish), said: we have to get the system right. But supermarkets, of course, are sometimes governed by public health in what they should do, so it is a multi-agency decision on...
I refer back to what the Chairman of the Select Committee, the hon. Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Neil Parish), said: we have to get the system right. But supermarkets, of course, are sometimes governed by public health in what they should do, so it is a multi-agency decision on...
I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the debate. He referred to having been a big fat pudding; well, I probably am, but we will not go there. Importantly, we have young children in schools who need insulin, but there is a difficulty with teachers and classroom assistants giving it...
I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the debate. He referred to having been a big fat pudding; well, I probably am, but we will not go there. Importantly, we have young children in schools who need insulin, but there is a difficulty with teachers and classroom assistants giving it...