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It is a pleasure to be able to speak in this debate, and this will be my last speech in this Chamber. I shall come to that in a moment, but first let me address the substance of the Bill.
I represent a constituency, Airdrie and Shotts, with significant and incredible...
It is a pleasure to be able to speak in this debate, and this will be my last speech in this Chamber. I shall come to that in a moment, but first let me address the substance of the Bill.
I represent a constituency, Airdrie and Shotts, with significant and incredible...
It is very kind of my hon. Friend to say so.
In my maiden speech, I thanked my wife Karlie and my then 11-month-old daughter Isla for their love and support. I said then that it would not be standing up to Tory Governments or standing up for the people of...
It is very kind of my hon. Friend to say so.
In my maiden speech, I thanked my wife Karlie and my then 11-month-old daughter Isla for their love and support. I said then that it would not be standing up to Tory Governments or standing up for the people of...
That this House celebrates the social, political and economic achievements of women on International Women's Day; acknowledges the positive contributions made by Monklands Women's Aid in providing a necessary lifeline to women who have suffered abuse across the Lanarkshire area; recognises the importance of independent dedicated women's services; and calls upon the Government to protect these vital grassroots organisations.
That this House celebrates the social, political and economic achievements of women on International Women's Day; acknowledges the positive contributions made by Monklands Women's Aid in providing a necessary lifeline to women who have suffered abuse across the Lanarkshire area; recognises the importance of independent dedicated women's services; and calls...
That this House regrets that over half a million UK pensioners continue to have their pensions frozen as a result of where they live and notes that 90 per cent of those people live in Commonwealth countries with which the UK has strong cultural and historical ties; is further concerned that this leaves UK citizens without the financial support needed to maintain livelihoods and dignity in retirement and believes all pensioners should be paid the full state pension wherever they live; welcomes the Canadian Government’s request for a reciprocal social security agreement with the UK to cover the uprating of pension payments; and urges the Government to respond positively to this request as a first step to end this injustice for UK pensioners everywhere.
That this House regrets that over half a million UK pensioners continue to have their pensions frozen as a result of where they live and notes that 90 per cent of those people live in Commonwealth countries with which the UK has strong cultural and historical ties; is further concerned...
That this House commends Family Fund for their work across the country over the last 48 years; recognises that they have provided over 90,000 grants to families with disabled or seriously ill children over the last year; notes that Family Fund’s aim is to work toward a vision that all families raising disabled or seriously ill children have the same choices, quality of life, opportunities and aspirations as other families; and congratulates all their staff on their excellent work especially during this difficult year.
That this House commends Family Fund for their work across the country over the last 48 years; recognises that they have provided over 90,000 grants to families with disabled or seriously ill children over the last year; notes that Family Fund’s aim is to work toward a vision that all...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure that recipients of the Scottish Government’s Taxi and Private Hire Driver Support Fund do not have their universal credit payments reduced.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure that recipients of the Scottish Government’s Taxi and Private Hire Driver Support Fund do not have their universal credit payments reduced.
The eligibility criteria for the Scottish Government’s new £1,500 grant for private hire and taxi drivers is a matter for the Scottish Government not the UK government. While DWP was not consulted in advance about the eligibility criteria, it is our understanding that the grant is intended to assist with fixed costs and expenses, including license plate fees, rental fees and insurance payments for taxis not on the road. Legislation already provides that Covid-19 related grants which are intended to cover loss of business income and to aid business recovery will be disregarded for Universal Credit purposes for 12 months.
What recent assessment he has made of the UK's progress on becoming a global leader on tackling climate change ahead of COP26.
What recent assessment he has made of the UK's progress on becoming a global leader on tackling climate change ahead of COP26.
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10 February.
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10 February.
I had a meeting recently with the PCS about public sector pay and heard from constituents in Shotts and Calderbank who work for UK Government Departments, both of whom are struggling to cover a real-terms pay cut over decades—one has to take partial early retirement so that the lump sum can keep him going. What will the Prime Minister say to the Chancellor to convince him of the need to properly reward all those who have been on the frontline during the covid pandemic? Will he at the very least follow the Scottish Government’s lead in fully funding a rise in public sector pay?
I had a meeting recently with the PCS about public sector pay and heard from constituents in Shotts and Calderbank who work for UK Government Departments, both of whom are struggling to cover a real-terms pay cut over decades—one has to take partial early retirement so that the lump sum can keep him going. What will the Prime Minister say to the Chancellor to convince him of the need to properly reward all those who have been on the frontline during the covid pandemic? Will he at the very least follow the Scottish Government’s lead in fully funding a rise in public sector pay?
We have seen above-inflation increases in public sector pay, and that is quite right. We particularly support increases in investment in our NHS, and the hon. Gentleman will know of the package we have put in place for nurses. However, the single best thing we can do is support the living wage, which this Government introduced, and which we have now increased by record amounts two years in a row. [ Interruption. ] I see the Scottish nationalist party—forgive me, national. I do not know whether they are nationalists—perhaps they could clear it up.
That this House considers nobody is safe until we are all safe from covid-19; believes all policy tools should be deployed to address the global crisis around access to covid-19 vaccines, treatments, diagnostics and equipment; notes that the head of the World Health Organization warns we face a catastrophic moral failure because of unequal covid vaccine policies; welcomes the Government’s commitment to ensuring access for all to safe and effective, high-quality and affordable vaccines, diagnostics, medicines, and other health technologies as part of an effective response to the pandemic; further welcomes the substantial amounts of public funding for research, development, at-risk manufacturing and purchasing of covid-19 vaccines, reducing the risks for private sector companies developing vaccines; notes that existing flexibilities within the TRIPS agreement are not sufficient in the context of a pandemic; urges the Government to defend the rights of countries to use TRIPS flexibilities especially as they have long been subjected to intense pressure in the interests of pharmaceutical companies when they have done so; notes that 100 countries support a proposal from India and South Africa for a TRIPS waiver, which would allow WTO members to quickly overcome Intellectual Property barriers to access much-needed vaccines and treatments during the global crisis; is concerned that the Government does not yet support this proposal; and urges the Government to recognise that intellectual property barriers are hindering equitable access to covid-19 health technologies, reconsider its position and support the waiver proposal at upcoming TRIPS Council and WTO General Council Meetings.
That this House considers nobody is safe until we are all safe from covid-19; believes all policy tools should be deployed to address the global crisis around access to covid-19 vaccines, treatments, diagnostics and equipment; notes that the head of the World Health Organization warns we face a catastrophic moral...
That this House congratulates the Scottish national men's rugby union team on their 11-6 victory over England in the opening game of the Six Nations Championship, winning the Calcutta Cup; notes that this is the first victory by a Scotland team at Twickenham since 1983; appreciates the work and dedication shown by coach Gregor Townsend, captain Stuart Hogg and the rest of the squad; congratulates Duhan van der Merwe on his try and Finn Russell on his two successful penalty kicks; applauds the extremely assured debut performances by Cameron Redpath and David Cherry; further notes that a Scottish victory was very apt as this year marks the 150th anniversary of the first rugby international between Scotland and England which took place on 27 March 1871 at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh which Scotland also won; and wishes Scotland the very best of luck in their remaining Six Nations fixtures.
That this House congratulates the Scottish national men's rugby union team on their 11-6 victory over England in the opening game of the Six Nations Championship, winning the Calcutta Cup; notes that this is the first victory by a Scotland team at Twickenham since 1983; appreciates the work and dedication...
That this House notes that Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificates for motorbikes and mopeds are issued on a two year basis for learner drivers; further notes that these vehicles provide a low carbon mode of transport for passenger and cargo; notes that many key workers use this mode of transport as part of their commute, especially in rural areas where public transport links can be poor; notes that as a result of lockdown measures, motorcycle and moped tests are suspended; expresses concern that road users whose CBT certificates lapse whilst lockdown measures are in place are prohibited from using their vehicles on public roads through no fault of their own; notes that whilst road safety concerns are paramount, motorists in this position have been using their chosen mode of transport for two years; calls for a temporary extension of CBT certificates whilst lockdown measures are in place; and further calls on the Government to annul test fees for people with CBT certificates which have lapsed during the current lockdown if they will not extend their validity.
That this House notes that Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificates for motorbikes and mopeds are issued on a two year basis for learner drivers; further notes that these vehicles provide a low carbon mode of transport for passenger and cargo; notes that many key workers use this mode of transport...
What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of Government support for women during the covid-19 outbreak.
What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of Government support for women during the covid-19 outbreak.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 14 January 2021 to Question 137948, what the exceptions are to providing an individual with an explanation of amendments to their universal credit journal.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 14 January 2021 to Question 137948, what the exceptions are to providing an individual with an explanation of amendments to their universal credit journal.
In response to Questions 137946, 137947 and 137948, where a journal entry is modified or removed, an explanation should also be supplied through the journal. As claimant circumstances can be varied and complex, Work Coaches and Case Managers, using their knowledge of an individual claimant’s needs, are also able to use their discretion to communicate through an alternative channel, such as telephone or SMS, where this better suits the needs of the claimant, or where actions on the journal need additional clarification.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2021 to Question 134451, what redress claimants are given in addition to an explanation, in circumstances where they are unable to identify an incorrect decision or payment as a result of her Department's...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2021 to Question 134451, what redress claimants are given in addition to an explanation, in circumstances where they are unable to identify an incorrect decision or payment as a result of her Department's...
Universal Credit payment information is provided through an online statement which provides a breakdown of entitlement following the end of each monthly assessment period. Work Coaches and Case Managers are unable to alter these statements as they are automatically generated based on individual claimant circumstances, including any decisions made by the Department that effect the award amount. If a claimant cannot resolve an issue through their journal or via the freephone Universal Credit helpline, formal complaints can be raised by following the Department’s complaints procedure which is published on GOV.UK
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a four-day working week.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a four-day working week.
Enforcing a four-day working week would likely increase business costs at a time where we should be supporting businesses. We need to help businesses by creating and protecting jobs, not adding to their costs. This is why the Government has extended a number of Covid support schemes, such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, through the winter.
The UK’s flexible labour market allows employers to independently agree working arrangements with their workers. Enforcing a four-day working week would take that choice away from both workers and employers.
What steps his Department is taking to reduce disruption to cross-border travel as a result of the end of the transition period.
What steps his Department is taking to reduce disruption to cross-border travel as a result of the end of the transition period.
The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation agreement will allow for smooth travel to and from the EU, Covid-19 restrictions allowing.
The Secretary of State suggested that her approach to universal credit is evidence-based, yet the Government dismissed the Select Committee on Work and Pensions report on this issue. Then she described anti-poverty measures as a priority, yet removing the universal credit uplift would plunge 200,000 children across the UK into poverty. If the UK Government make the smaller one-off payment that has been suggested, it will provide no security and do nothing to help those who first claim UC after the payment has been made. Alongside the discussions on universal credit, has the Secretary of State suggested to the Chancellor any action to end the discrimination against those on legacy benefits who have seen their support rise by just 1.7% during the pandemic?
The Secretary of State suggested that her approach to universal credit is evidence-based, yet the Government dismissed the Select Committee on Work and Pensions report on this issue. Then she described anti-poverty measures as a priority, yet removing the universal credit uplift would plunge 200,000 children across the UK into poverty. If the UK Government make the smaller one-off payment that has been suggested, it will provide no security and do nothing to help those who first claim UC after the payment has been made. Alongside the discussions on universal credit, has the Secretary of State suggested to the Chancellor any action to end the discrimination against those on legacy benefits who have seen their support rise by just 1.7% during the pandemic?
People on legacy benefits can transfer to universal credit, and the final barrier to that is being lifted this Wednesday. I encourage people to consider that move, because we are confident as a Department that the majority of people would be better off. I remind the House that Parliament voted to end both legacy benefits and tax credits and to move to universal credit because it is a welfare system that is agile and incentivises people to work when they can.
So no action on legacy benefits, which means that the active discrimination from the UK Government against sick and disabled people, who disproportionately claim them, will continue. Robert Burns said:
“Whatever mitigates the woes or increases the happiness of others, this is my criterion of goodness; but whatever injures society at large or any individual in it, then this is my measure of iniquity.”
If the uplift to universal credit is not made permanent, the Secretary of State will be presiding over a system that not only discriminates against disabled people but in which out-of-work support falls to its lowest ever level relative to wages, confirming Burns’s definition of iniquity. In that scenario, how in all conscience could she remain in post?
So no action on legacy benefits, which means that the active discrimination from the UK Government against sick and disabled people, who disproportionately claim them, will continue. Robert Burns said:
“Whatever mitigates the woes or increases the happiness of others, this is my criterion of goodness; but whatever injures society at large or any individual in it, then this is my measure of iniquity.”
If the uplift to universal credit is not made permanent, the Secretary of State will be presiding over a system that not only discriminates against disabled people but in which out-of-work support falls to its lowest ever level relative to wages, confirming Burns’s definition of iniquity. In that scenario, how in all conscience could she remain in post?
Tonight, many people right across the United Kingdom will be celebrating Burns night, recognising the strength of the poet and the prose he delivers. I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman’s comments fail to hit with me right now. The reality is that we have supported the welfare system with an extra £7 billion in the past year. We continue to spend more on benefits
and we continue to spend more to try to help people back into work. This is a Government who are on the side of people, recognising the difficult situation that we face. As I have said before, as long as the Opposition keep trashing universal credit it will be no wonder that people do not realise that many of them would be better off moving tomorrow. I would encourage people to look into that.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the Resolution of the House of 18 January 2021 on universal credit and working tax credit; and if she will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the Resolution of the House of 18 January 2021 on universal credit and working tax credit; and if she will make a statement.
The £20 per week uplift to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit was announced by the Chancellor as a temporary measure in March 2020 to support those facing the most financial disruption as a result of the public health emergency. This measure remains in place until March 2021. As the Government has done throughout this crisis, it will continue to assess how best to support low-income families, which is why we will look at the economic and health context before making any decisions.