Nusrat Ghani MP: speeches

Speeches

• 24 Jun 2025 · Department of Health and Social Care · Hansard source

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  Order. Due to time constraints, I must now call the Front Benchers, starting with Helen Morgan.

• 20 Jun 2025 · Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill · Hansard source

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  Order. Colleagues can see how busy the Chamber is, and will understand that not everybody will get in, but if speeches are longer than five minutes, even fewer colleagues will get in. I call Dr Beccy Cooper.

• 20 Jun 2025 · Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill · Hansard source

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  That was a four-minute speech—thank you very much. I now call the Father of the House.

• 20 Jun 2025 · Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill · Hansard source

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  Ahem.

• 20 Jun 2025 · Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill · Hansard source

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  If colleagues do not want me coughing at the end of their speech, it is best to keep them under five minutes.

• 13 Jun 2025 · Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill · Hansard source

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  I have no doubt that if the right hon. Member gives the hon. Member for Gosport (Dame Caroline Dinenage) a moment, she will address it quickly, because even Members who are contributing do not have long.

• 13 Jun 2025 · Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill · Hansard source

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  Order. Before an intervention is taken, may I put it on the record that Members should not be wandering into the Chamber and then very quickly making an intervention? Lots of Members are waiting to speak and to make interventions. Is that the case? Have you been in the Chamber for a while?

• 13 Jun 2025 · Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill · Hansard source

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  Order. The hon. Lady has made it clear that she is not taking interventions at this time.

• 13 Jun 2025 · Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill · Hansard source

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  As Mr Speaker has already mentioned, in order for everybody to get in—well, in order for most to get in—we need speeches to be shy of six minutes, and interventions to be short. I call Gregory Stafford.

• 13 Jun 2025 · Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill · Hansard source

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  Order. Before Dr Spencer resumes, I note that this has been a well-tempered debate. Let us keep it so. We know our constituents are watching.

• 13 Jun 2025 · Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill · Hansard source

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  indicated assent.

• 13 Jun 2025 · Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill · Hansard source

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  Okay, go on.

• 12 Jun 2025 · Covid: Fifth Anniversary · Hansard source

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  I call the shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

• 4 Jun 2025 · Product Regulation and Metrology Bill [Lords] · Hansard source

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  With this it will be convenient to discuss the following: New clause 2— Requirement to inform customers about changes to prepackaged products — “(1) A supermarket must inform customers if— (a) there has been an increase in price per unit of measurement in any prepackaged product sold by the supermarket; and (b) this increase has resulted from a decrease in the quantity of the goods included within the package. (2) The requirement to inform customers must include a statement attached to the product, or placed alongside the product. (3) The statement must— (a) include the amount the quantity has decreased by and the amount the price per unit of measure has increased by; (b) be the same font size as the unit price of the product and must be visible and legible; and (c) be in place from the date of the change in unit quantity and remain in place for the following 60 days. (4) In this section— ‘prepackaged product’ is a product that has been wrapped or placed in a container before being made available for retail; ‘quantity of goods’ includes, but is not limited to— (a) weight of goods; (b) volume of goods; (c) number of units; ‘supermarket’ is a store with a sales area greater than 400m² of which 50% or more of the products sold are food products.” This new clause would place a requirement on supermarkets to inform customers when the quantity of goods within the product had decreased resulting in a price increase per unit of measurement. New clause 3— Reviews of potential country of origin labelling for meat products — “(1) The Secretary of State must undertake a review into the feasibility, benefits, and potential impacts of requiring food service businesses employing over 250 people to display the country of origin of beef products sourced from the United States on menus. (2) The review must consider— (a) the potential public health, environmental, and animal welfare concerns related to beef production standards in the United States compared to those in the United Kingdom; (b) the practicality of creating regulations for the labelling of beef for food service businesses equivalent to the Beef and Veal Labelling (England) Regulations 2010; (c) consumer demand for country of origin information in relation to beef products; and (d) the practicality and cost implications for the hospitality sector. (3) The Secretary of State must, in undertaking the review, consult with representatives of the food and hospitality sectors, the National Farmers Union, food safety bodies, animal welfare groups, and any other stakeholders deemed relevant. (4) The Secretary of State must lay a report on the findings of the review before Parliament within 6 months of the passing of this Act. (5) Within 6 months of laying the report under subsection (5) the Government must undertake a further review into the feasibility, benefits, and potential impacts of requiring food service businesses employing over 250 people to display the country of origin labelling for any meat product from any country with reference to the outcomes of the report under subsection (5). (6) The Secretary of State must lay a report on the findings of the review under subsection (6) before Parliament within 6 months of the launch of that review.” This new clause requires the Government to undertake reviews into the feasibility of requiring food businesses to disclose the country of origin of meat products on menus. New clause 4— Labelling for UK-produced or manufactured products — “(1) The Secretary of State must establish a voluntary labelling system to indicate when a product has been produced or manufactured in the United Kingdom. (2) The label must be— (a) displayed clearly on the front-facing packaging of applicable goods; (b) standardised in appearance, including a nationally recognised symbol or wording indicating UK origin; and (c) legible, visible and no smaller in font size than the unit price display or equivalent information on the product. (3) A product qualifies for the label if— (a) it is wholly or substantially produced, manufactured, grown or reared in the United Kingdom; and (b) it meets any additional criteria as set out by regulations made by the Secretary of State. (4) The Secretary of State must consult food producers, retailers, consumer groups and relevant trade associations before setting the criteria for qualifying products and the design of the label. (5) The Secretary of State must undertake a promotional campaign to ensure consumers are aware of the new labelling system. (6) Regulations under this section must be made within 2 months of the passing of this Act. (7) In this section— ‘product’ includes food, drink and manufactured goods available for retail sale; ‘produced or manufactured in the United Kingdom’ includes goods where the final significant production process occurred in the UK.” This new clause would require the Government to introduce a voluntary labelling system, clearly marking goods produced or manufactured in the UK, helping consumers make informed choices and supporting domestic producers. New clause 5— Support and Guidance for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises — “(1) The Secretary of State must produce and maintain guidance for small and medium-sized enterprises on how to comply with any provisions made by regulations under this Act. (2) The guidance must include— (a) a summary of the key provisions of the Act relevant to SMEs; (b) practical advice on compliance requirements; (c) information on any available financial, technical, or advisory support; and (d) contact details for further enquiries or assistance. (3) The first version of the guidance must be published on the day this Act is passed. (4) Each time regulations are made under this Act, a revised version of the guidance must be published on the day the regulations are made.” This new clause would ensure that guidance and support for SMEs on the impact of the Bill should be available 60 days before implementation. New clause 6— Review of access to testing and certification for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)— (1) The relevant Minister must undertake a review into the accessibility and affordability of independent product testing and certification for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in relation to the requirements of this Act. (2) The review must include consideration of— (a) the typical costs incurred by SMEs in meeting relevant testing and certification requirements; (b) the availability and capacity of accredited testing providers serving SMEs; (c) any barriers to market access arising from testing and certification obligations; and (d) potential non-financial measures to support SMEs in meeting compliance requirements. (3) The Minister must publish a report on the findings of the review, including any recommendations, within 12 months of the commencement of this section.” This new clause would require the Government to undertake a review into the accessibility and affordability of independent product testing and certification for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in relation to the requirements of this Act. New clause 7— Liability and redress for unsafe or defective products — “The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for— (a) the extension of liability for unsafe or defective products to online marketplaces and any other persons within the scope of section 2(3); (b) the disclosure of evidence in relation to claims for compensation or other rights of action in law for harm caused by unsafe or defective products and presumptions of liability that may arise accordingly; (c) proceedings, including collective proceedings, to ensure redress for consumers or other individuals suffering harm as a result of unsafe or defective products made available in breach of requirements imposed under powers given by this Act.” This new clause allows the Secretary of State to make regulations providing for liability of online marketplaces for defective and unsafe products, and to ensure that those suffering harm from unsafe or defective products can obtain redress. New clause 8— Alignment with EU law — “(1) Where equivalent or similar EU law exists in relation to relevant product regulations, the Secretary of State must, when making provision under section 1, update Parliament on whether the Government proposes to vary the regulations from alignment with EU law. (2) If the Secretary of State believes divergence from relevant EU law to be in the interests of the United Kingdom, they must arrange for a statement to be made in Parliament on the benefits to United Kingdom business to be achieved by this divergence, at least fourteen days before the relevant regulations are laid before Parliament. (3) If the Secretary of State believes alignment with the relevant EU law to be in the interests of the United Kingdom, they must arrange for a statement to be made in Parliament on the benefits to United Kingdom business to be achieved by this alignment, at least fourteen days before the relevant regulations are laid before Parliament. (4) The statement under subsection (2) or (3) must include the date by which any such regulations will be reviewed, which can be no later than 36 months after implementation.” This new clause provides greater regulatory certainty for UK businesses by requiring scrutiny of all decisions to diverge or align with EU regulations and a process for Parliamentary scrutiny and review, whether Ministers determine that divergence or alignment from such regulations would be in the best interests of the UK. New clause 9— Inclusion of lithium-ion batteries as a priority product category — “(1) The Secretary of State must, within three months of the passing of this Act, make regulations under this Act to include lithium-ion batteries as a specified product category subject to relevant safety, performance, labelling, environmental, and end-of-life requirements. (2) Regulations made under subsection (1) must include— (a) provisions for minimum safety and performance standards for lithium-ion batteries placed on the UK market; (b) requirements for clear labelling, including information on capacity, cycle life, and safe handling; (c) obligations for manufacturers and importers relating to fire safety, product recalls, and end-of-life disposal or recycling; (d) powers for market surveillance authorities to take enforcement action in relation to non-compliant lithium-ion batteries. (3) In this section, a ‘lithium-ion battery’ means any rechargeable battery containing lithium compounds as a primary component of the electrochemical cell.[KM1] (4) Before making regulations under this section, the Secretary of State must consult the following stakeholders— (a) representatives of the battery industry, (b) environmental groups, (c) consumer safety organisations, (d) fire services, and (e) any other person whom the Secretary of State considers to be relevant.” This new clause would ensure that Lithium-ion batteries are included in the Bill. New clause 10— Duties of online marketplaces — “(1) Without prejudice to the generality of any other powers or duties conferred by this Act, the Secretary of State must by regulations make provision about requirements that must be met by a person mentioned in section 2(3)(e), including regarding duties— (a) to operate an online marketplace using effective systems and processes designed to monitor for, and identify, products presenting risks to consumers or other individuals and prevent such products being made available on or through the online marketplace; (b) to cooperate with relevant authorities, with other persons mentioned in subsection 2(3) or any other relevant persons, to facilitate any action taken to eliminate or, if that is not possible, to mitigate the risks presented by a product that is or was made available on or through their online marketplace; (c) to ensure that information regarding the identity and activities of persons marketing products on or through online marketplaces to consumers or other individuals is obtained and verified; (d) to remove products presenting risks to consumers or other individuals from availability on or through an online marketplace as quickly as possible if alerted to their presence or becomes aware of it in any other way. (2) Within 3 months from the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish and lay before Parliament a statement that sets out how the Secretary of State is exercising, or expects to exercise, the powers under subsection (1) regarding the proposed duties that must be met by a person mentioned in section 2(3)(e).” This new clause provides a list of duties that must be imposed upon online marketplaces by regulations, and for a statement by the Secretary of State to be made to Parliament within 3 months of Royal Assent regarding the exercise of the duties conferred by this section. New clause 11— Product recall — “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, make regulations on product recall processes. (2) The regulations must include provision to ensure— (a) the creation and maintenance of a publicly accessible, government-hosted online database of all active product recalls affecting the UK market; (b) clear obligations on manufacturers, importers, and distributors to notify the appropriate enforcement authority and upload recall notices to the database promptly upon identification of a safety risk; (c) that recall notices include details of the affected product, risks identified, corrective action to be taken, and information on how consumers can claim a refund, replacement, or repair; and (d) minimum standards for direct communication to affected consumers, including by email, SMS, or postal notice where reasonably practicable. (3) The regulations must establish consumer rights entitling individuals to— (a) a full refund, suitable replacement, or repair of a recalled product within a reasonable timeframe; (b) access to support and guidance through the recall process, including where a product is no longer in production. (4) The Secretary of State must consult with consumer protection organisations, trading standards bodies, manufacturers, and other relevant stakeholders before making regulations under this section.” This new clause would ensure that a centralised Product Recall Mechanism is established to protect consumers. New clause 12— Local weights and measures authorities: review — “(1) The Secretary of State must, within one year of the day on which this Act is passed, lay before Parliament a review of the funding and capabilities of local weights and measures authorities to carry out in an effective way their enforcement responsibilities under the regulatory framework provided by this Act and other trading standards and consumer protection laws. (2) In conducting the review under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must consult regulators and other persons likely to be affected by the review, including such representatives of consumer and business organisations as they consider appropriate.” This new clause provides for the Secretary of State to carry out a review of how the funding and capabilities of Trading Standards authorities affects their enforcement activities, to consult appropriate bodies and stakeholders and to lay the review before Parliament. New clause 13— International agreements — “(1) The Secretary of State may not make regulations under section (1)(2) or section (2)(7) that will disadvantage the United Kingdom or its trade under— (a) the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, (b) the Japan Economic Comprehensive Partnership Agreement, (c) the UK-Canada Continuity Trade Agreement, (d) The UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement, (e) the UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, or (f) any other trade treaties to which the United Kingdom is, or becomes, a signatory, including any free trade agreement with the United States of America and India.” This new clause would prevent the Secretary of State making regulations to align with EU standards which would damage the UK’s current or future trade agreements. New clause 14— Review Panel — “(1) The Secretary of State must establish an independent review panel (“the Panel”) no later than 2 years after the day on which this Act comes into force. (2) The Panel must— (a) carry out a review of all regulations under this Act corresponding to, similar to, or making references to, the requirements of relevant foreign laws under section 2(7), with a view to establishing— (i) their effect on economic growth; (ii) their effect on trade in the product concerned on a global basis; (iii) their effect on the relevant industry or industries within the United Kingdom; (b) prepare a report of the review, and (c) lay a copy of the report before Parliament, no later than 12 months from the date of the Panel’s creation. (3) The Panel must consist of— (a) at least one person with expertise in economics; (b) at least one person with expertise in trade policy; (c) at least one person with expertise in domestic regulation of business.” This new clause would ensure a review and report to Parliament of any regulations aligning UK regulations with those of other countries or territories. New clause 15— Consultation on committee to examine changes to product regulations — “(1) The Secretary of State must, within three months of the passing of this Act, commission a consultation on the creation of a committee on changes to product regulations. (2) A consultation under subsection (1) must consider the suitability of current scrutiny mechanisms for assessing regulations created through the powers created or amended by the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025. (3) A consultation under subsection (1) must consult— (a) the Chair of the House of Commons Business and Trade Committee, (b) the Chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee, (c) the Chair of the House of Commons Liaison Committee, (d) the Chair of the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, and (e) the House of Commons Commission. (4) The Secretary of State must, as soon as practicable after receiving a report of a consultation under subsection (1), lay before both Houses of Parliament— (a) a copy of the report of the consultation, and (b) a statement setting out the Secretary of State’s response to that consultation.” The new clause would require the Secretary of State to consult on the establishment of a House of Commons committee that would examine all changes to product regulations which are made by the powers granted by this legislation. New clause 16— Regulations: requirement for certification — “When laying regulations to be made using the regulation making powers in this Act, the Secretary of State must certify that their effect is not to undermine the resolve of our constitutional arrangements to honour the choice of the people of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union by means of subjecting the United Kingdom to the same law as the European Union so it could subsequently be argued that the United Kingdom should rejoin so it has a voice in making the legislation rather than adopting legislation that has already been made by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers.” New clause 17— Brexit good faith statement — “When laying regulations to be made using the regulation making powers in this Act, the Secretary of State must provide a statement (a “Brexit good faith statement”) setting out how in the development of the regulations it has sought to honour the decision of the people of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union by developing, through the regulations, a legislative framework that intentionally seeks to exploit the opportunities afforded by Brexit to develop competitive and other advantages for the United Kingdom compared with the European Union in the global marketplace.” Amendment 9, in clause 1, page 1, line 3, leave out subsection (1). This amendment seeks to remove the broad powers granted to the Secretary of State under product regulations, when defining and regulating risks and determining what constitutes efficient or effective product operation. Amendment 10, page 1, line 9, leave out subsection (2). This amendment removes the Secretary of State’s ability to make regulations about the marketing or use of products in the United Kingdom which corresponds, or is similar to, a provision of relevant EU law for the purpose of reducing or mitigating the environmental impact of products. Amendment 11, page 1, line 9, leave out “also”. This amendment is consequential on Amendment 9. Amendment 32, page 1, line 10, leave out “the United Kingdom” and insert “Great Britain”. Amendment 25, page 1, line 11, leave out “EU” and insert “foreign”. Amendment 12, page 1, line 13, leave out “(1) or”. This amendment is consequential on Amendment 9. Amendment 7, page 1, line 14, at end insert— “(3A) Further, the Secretary of State may only make regulations under subsections (1) or (2) if satisfied that making the regulations will not result in reducing the necessary levels of consumer protection and regulatory standards in relation to products, with reference where applicable to equivalent product regulations or standards in force at the time.” This amendment prevents the Secretary of State from making regulations unless satisfied that the regulations will not reduce consumer protection and regulatory standards in relation to products. Amendment 8, page 1, line 21, at end insert— “(4A) The Secretary of State must also by regulations make provision aimed at promoting investment, fostering innovation, and encouraging economic growth in relation to the marketing or use of products in the United Kingdom. (4B) Regulations under subsection (4A) must support— (a) the creation of economic incentives for businesses that contribute to economic growth, and (b) the alignment of product regulations with the strategic aim of positioning the United Kingdom as a global leader in innovation.” This amendment ensures that the regulations in the Bill prioritise economic growth and the United Kingdom’s role in innovation and economic expansion. Amendment 26, page 2, leave out lines 12 to 18 and insert— “‘relevant foreign law’ means law of one or more of the United States of America, Canada, Japan, the European Union, Switzerland, Australia, or New Zealand relating to standards, the marketing, or use of products in those markets, which are in force on a specific date and only that date, as specified in regulations;” Amendment 5, in clause 2, page 3, line 6, at end insert— “(2A) Product regulations must include requirements in relation to an environmental impact assessment, and provisions related to the right to repair and the circular economy.” This amendment guarantees that future regulations under the Act will include provisions which relate to the circular economy and granting consumers the right to repair products. Amendment 3, page 3, line 21, at end insert— “(fa) a person involved on behalf of a person mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (f), in product marketing or the use of products, including storage, transportation, packaging, labelling or disposal;”. This amendment closes a potential loophole in the Secretary of State’s powers to ensure that, whatever their legal status or location, all relevant organisations in the supply chain, including fulfilment houses, can be held accountable by regulations to protect consumers from non-compliant goods. Amendment 16, page 3, line 39, leave out subsections (7) and (8). This amendment removes the ability for product regulations to provide that product requirements are met if the requirements of relevant EU law are met. Amendment 27, page 3, line 41, leave out “EU” and insert “foreign”. Amendment 14, page 4, line 2, at end insert— “(7A) Any regulations under subsection (7) which specify a relevant foreign law must specify that the foreign law referred to is that which is in application on a particular date, which must be specified.” This amendment prevents the Bill enabling ambulatory references or dynamic alignment to relevant foreign laws, and only enables alignment with laws as they stand on a particular defined date. Amendment 15, page 4, line 2, at end insert— “(7A) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (7)(a), a product requirement of relevant EU law must not be treated as met unless regulations are made by the Secretary of State to incorporate them into United Kingdom law.” Amendment 28, page 4, line 5, at end insert— “(8A) Before making provision described in subsection (7), the Secretary of State must make a statement in Parliament if the provision relates to relevant foreign law of only one of the markets listed in the definition of ‘relevant foreign law’ in section 1(7).” This amendment, and Amendments 25, 26 and 27, open up the possibility of defining product regulations by relation to the laws of countries other than the European Union, and require the justification of decisions to limit any such reference to the laws of one territory only. Amendment 29, page 4, line 5, at end insert— “(8B) The final meaning or interpretation of any provision of relevant foreign law under this Act shall be made exclusively by the Secretary of State or by a court or tribunal of the United Kingdom, as appropriate, and must not be delegated or conceded to any other authority within or outside the United Kingdom. (8C) The enforcement of any provision of relevant foreign law under this Act must be undertaken exclusively by the authorities of the United Kingdom Government and must not be delegated or conceded to any other authority within or outside the United Kingdom.” This amendment would prevent the interpretation or enforcement of any regulations referring to foreign law, notably that of the EU, from being undertaken by any authorities other than those based in the UK (for example the European Commission or the CJEU). Amendment 13, page 4, line 6, at end insert— “(10) The provision described in subsection (7) may only be made if— (a) a Minister of the Crown has laid before each House of Parliament a statement explaining the necessity of aligning with relevant EU law, and (b) the updated provision had been approved by a resolution of the House of Commons on a motion moved by a Minister of the Crown.” This amendment would require the Secretary of State to make a statement to Parliament when aligning with EU law, and for Parliament to approve that provision before aligning with EU law. Amendment 17, page 4, line 6, at end insert— “(10) The final meaning or interpretation of any provision of relevant EU law under this Act must be made exclusively by the Secretary of State or by a court or tribunal of the United Kingdom, as appropriate, and may not be delegated or conceded to any other authority within or outside the United Kingdom. (11) The enforcement of any provision of relevant EU law under this Act must be undertaken exclusively by the authorities of the United Kingdom Government and may not be delegated or conceded to any other authority within or outside the United Kingdom.” This amendment would prevent the interpretation or enforcement of any regulations referring to EU law from being undertaken by any authorities other than those based in the UK (for example the European Commission or CJEU). Amendment 21, in clause 3, page 4, line 8, leave out subsections (1) and (2). Amendment 22, page 4, line 11, leave out subsection (3). Amendment 23, page 4, line 17, leave out subsection (4). Amendment 24, page 5, line 16, leave out subsections (9) to (11). Amendment 6, in clause 12, page 11, line 37, at end insert— “‘circular economy’ means that products are manufactured to minimise waste and maximise the use, reuse, and recyclability of products;”. This amendment clarifies the meaning of “circular economy” and is consequential on Amendment 5. Amendment 4, page 12, line 21, at end insert— “(e) provision described in section [Product recall].” Amendment 1, in clause 13, page 13, line 4, leave out from “Act” to “may” in line 5. This amendment would make all regulations under this act subject to affirmative resolution of both Houses of Parliament. Amendment 2, page 13, line 8, leave out subsections (4) and (5) This amendment is consequential on Amendment 1. Amendment 30, page 13, line 8, at end insert— “(za) provision described in section 2(7);” This amendment would ensure that the affirmative parliamentary procedure will apply to regulations under Clause 2(7), that is, any regulations which include referenced to relevant foreign law. Amendment 31, page 13, line 19, at end insert— “(4A) Any regulations made under section 1(1) or (2) which correspond to, are similar to, or make a reference to the requirement of relevant foreign laws under section 2(7), expire at the end of four years from the date on which they come into force.” Amendment 18, page 13, line 24, at end insert— “(6A) Regulations that amend or replace primary legislation must be subject to the affirmative resolution procedure. (6B) Before making any regulations under this section, the Secretary of State must— (a) conduct a consultation for a period of no less than six weeks; (b) publish a statement outlining the purpose and necessity of the proposed regulations, the expected impact on businesses, consumers, and enforcement bodies, and the outcome of the consultation. (6C) Within six months of any regulations made under this section which amend or repeal primary legislation, the Secretary of State must publish a review of the effect of that regulation and lay it before Parliament.” This amendment requires that any regulations made under the Act that amend or replace primary legislation be subject to the affirmative resolution procedure. Amendment 33, page 13, line 24, at end insert— “(6A) Where the regulations are for the purpose of applying to Great Britain regulations already applied to Northern Ireland by the European Union, Northern Ireland must also be involved in the said consultation on an equal basis with the rest of the United Kingdom.”

• 22 May 2025 · Access to NHS Dentistry · Hansard source

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  Order. Because so many Members wish to contribute and we have to conclude by 5 pm, we will have a time limit of three minutes starting from now. I call Sir Julian Lewis, who I think can manage that—I think you can do it.

• 22 May 2025 · Access to NHS Dentistry · Hansard source

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  I call Ben Maguire. [ Interruption. ] I call Dr Andrew Murrison.

• 22 May 2025 · Access to NHS Dentistry · Hansard source

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  I call the shadow Minister.

• 22 May 2025 · Access to NHS Dentistry · Hansard source

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  I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

• 19 May 2025 · Mental Health Bill [Lords] · Hansard source

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  I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

• 19 May 2025 · Mental Health Bill [Lords] · Hansard source

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  Order. I want to retain the tone of this debate, but to get everybody in, we will have a speaking limit of seven minutes, which is still quite a long time.

• 19 May 2025 · Mental Health Bill [Lords] · Hansard source

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  The hon. Lady’s family must be very proud.

• 19 May 2025 · Mental Health Bill [Lords] · Hansard source

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  That was a very moving speech.

• 15 May 2025 · Sanctions Implementation and Enforcement · Hansard source

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  The final question goes to the ever-patient Chris Vince.

• 29 Apr 2025 · Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill · Hansard source

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  With this it will be convenient to discuss the following: Government new clause 18— Consequential amendments to the Social Security Fraud Act 2001 . Government new clause 19— Devolved benefits . Government new clause 20— Powers of Scottish Ministers . New clause 1— Recovery of overpayments of Carer ’ s Allowance — “The Secretary of State may not exercise any of the powers of recovery under this Act in relation to a person who has received an overpayment of Carer’s Allowance until such time as— (a) the Secretary of State has commissioned an independent review of the overpayment of Carer’s Allowance; (b) the review has concluded its inquiry and submitted a report containing recommendations to the Secretary of State; (c) the Secretary of State has laid the report of the independent review before Parliament; and (d) the Secretary of State has implemented the recommendations of the independent review.” This new clause would delay any payments being taken from people who the Government may think owe repayments on Carer’s Allowance until the independent review into Carer’s Allowance overpayments has been published and fully implemented. New clause 2— Impact of Act on people facing financial exclusion — “(1) The independent person appointed under section 64(1) of this Act must carry out an assessment of the impact of this Act on the number of people facing financial exclusion. (2) The independent person must, after 12 months of the passing of the Act— (a) prepare a report on the review, and (b) submit the report to the Minister. (3) On receiving a report the Minister must— (a) publish it, and (b) lay a copy before Parliament.” This new clause would look into the impact of the Act on people facing financial exclusion. New clause 3— Audit of algorithmic systems used in relation to Carer ’ s Allowance overpayments — “(1) An independent audit of algorithmic systems used in the assessment, detection or recovery of Carer’s Allowance overpayments must be conducted at least once every six months. (2) Any audit under subsection (1) must be conducted by persons with relevant expertise in data science, ethics and social policy who have no direct affiliation with— (a) the Department for Work and Pensions, or (b) any person or body involved in the development or operation of the algorithmic systems under review. (3) An audit conducted under this section must consider— (a) the accuracy of the algorithmic systems in identifying overpayments, and (b) the fairness of the systems’ design, application and operation, including any disproportionate impact on particular groups. (4) After every audit a report on its findings must be— (a) published; (b) laid before both Houses of Parliament within 14 days of publication; and (c) made publicly available in an accessible format. (5) If any audit identifies significant inaccuracies, unfairness or biases in any algorithmic systems, the Secretary of State must, within 30 days of the publication of the report outlining these findings, present an action plan to Parliament which outlines the steps which the Government intends to take to address the identified issues.” This new clause would provide for an audit of algorithmic systems used in relation to Carer’s Allowance overpayments. New clause 4— Inclusion of systems within the Algorithmic Transparency Reporting Standard — “(1) For the purposes of this section, “system” means— (a) algorithms, algorithmic tools, and systems; and (b) artificial intelligence, including machine learning; provided that they are used in fulfilling the purposes of this Act. (2) Where at any time after the passage of this Act, the use of any system is— (a) commenced; (b) amended; or (c) discontinued; the Minister must, as soon as reasonably practicable, accordingly include information about the system in the Algorithmic Transparency Reporting Standard.” This new clause would require the use of algorithms, algorithmic tools, and systems, and artificial intelligence, including machine learning, to be included within the Algorithmic Transparency Reporting Standard. New clause 5— Duty to consider domestic abuse risk to account holders— “(1) Before any direct deduction order under Schedule 5 is made, the Secretary of State has a duty to consider its effect on any person who— (a) is a victim of domestic abuse, or (b) the Minister reasonably believes to be at risk of domestic abuse. (2) In this section “domestic abuse” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.” New clause 6— Review of whistle blowing processes in relation to public sector fraud — “(1) Secretary of State must, within one year of the passing of this Act, conduct a review of whistle blowing processes in relation to fraud in the public sector. (2) A review conducted under this section must consider— (a) the appropriateness and efficacy of existing whistle blowing processes; (b) barriers to reporting fraud and reasons for under reporting of fraud; and (c) recommendations for change. (3) The Secretary of State must publish a report containing— (a) the findings and conclusions of the review, and (b) a timetable for the delivery of any recommendations for change within six months of the completion of the review.” New clause 7— Overpayments made as a result of official error — “(1) Section 71ZB of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1), for “The” substitute “Subject to subsection (1A), the”. (3) After subsection (1) insert— “(1A) The amount referred to in subsection (1) shall not include any overpayment that arose in consequence of an official error where the claimant or a person acting on the claimant’s behalf or any other person to whom the payment is made could not, at the time of receipt of the payment or of any notice relating to that payment, reasonably have been expected to realise that it was an overpayment.”” This new clause would provide that, where universal credit overpayments have been caused by official error, they can only be recovered where the claimant could reasonably have been expected to realise that there was an overpayment. New clause 8— Offence of fraud against a public authority — “(1) A person who- (a) commits, (b) assists or conspires in the committal of, or (c) encourages the committal of, fraud against a public authority commits an offence. (2) A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable- (a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the general limit in a magistrates’ court or a fine (or both); (b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years.” New clause 9— Application of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 to investigations conducted by the Department for Work and Pensions — “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, introduce regulations for the purpose of applying certain powers of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, subject to such modifications as the order may specify, to investigations of offences conducted by the Department for Work and Pensions. (2) The powers to be applied must include– (a) the power of arrest; (b) any other such powers that the Secretary of State considers appropriate. (3) Regulations made under this section shall be made by statutory instrument.” New clause 10— Liability orders — “(1) Where a person– (a) has been found guilty of an offence under section 1 or section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006, or the offence at common law of conspiracy to defraud, (b) that offence relates to fraud committed against a public authority, and (c) has not paid the required penalties or not made the required repayments, the Secretary of State must apply to a magistrates’ court or, in Scotland, to the sheriff for an order (“a liability order”) against the liable person. (2) Where the Secretary of State applies for a liability order, the magistrates’ court or (as the case may be) sheriff shall make the order if satisfied that the payments in question have become payable by the liable person and have not been paid. (3) The Secretary of State may make regulations in relation to England and Wales— (a) prescribing the procedure to be followed in dealing with an application by the Secretary of State for a liability order; (b) prescribing the form and contents of a liability order; and (c) providing that where a magistrates’ court has made a liability order, the person against whom it is made shall, during such time as the amount in respect of which the order was made remains wholly or partly unpaid, be under a duty to supply relevant information to the Secretary of State. (4) Where a liability order has been made against a person ("the liable person"), the Secretary of State may use the procedure in Schedule 12 to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (taking control of goods) to recover the amount in respect of which the order was made, to the extent that it remains unpaid.” New clause 11— Publication of results of pilot schemes— “Within three months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must publish the results of any pilot schemes run with banks to test the provisions in Chapter 1 of Part 2.” New clause 12— Report on cost implications for banks — “The Secretary of State must, within three months of the passing of this Act, publish a report on the expected cost implications of the provisions of this Act for banks.” New clause 13— Annual reporting of amounts recovered — “(1) The Secretary of State must publish an annual report detailing the amount of money which has been recovered under the provisions of this Act. (2) A first report must be published no later than 12 months after the passing of this Act with subsequent reports published at intervals of no more than 12 months.” New clause 14— Impact of Act on vulnerable customers — “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, lay before Parliament an assessment of the expected impact of the Act on vulnerable customers. (2) For the purposes of this section, “vulnerable customers” means someone who, due to their personal circumstances, is especially susceptible to harm, particularly when a firm is not acting with appropriate levels of care.” New clause 15— Publication of an Anti-Fraud and Error Technology Strategy — “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, publish an Anti-Fraud and Error Technology Strategy. (2) An Anti-Fraud and Error Technology Strategy published under this section must set out– (a) how the Government intends to use automated technologies or artificial intelligence to tackle fraud against public authorities and the making of erroneous payments by public authorities, and (b) a series of safeguards to provide for human oversight of decision making that meet the aims set out in subsection (3); (c) how rights of appeal will be protected; (d) a framework for privacy and data sharing. (3) The aims of the safeguards in subsection (2)(b) are— (a) to ensure that grounds for decision making can only be reasonable if they are the result of a process in which there has been meaningful human involvement by a human of adequate expertise to scrutinise any insights or recommendations made by automated systems, (b) to make clear that grounds cannot be reasonable if they are the result of an entirely automated process, and (c) to ensure that any information notice issued is accompanied by a statement— (i) setting out the reasonable grounds for suspicion that have been relied on, and (ii) confirming that the conclusion has been formed on the basis of human involvement.” New clause 21— Offence of encouraging or assisting others to commit fraud — “(1) The Social Security Administration Act 1992 is amended as follows. (2) In section 111A (dishonest representation for obtaining benefit etc), after subsection (1G) insert— “(1H) A person commits an offence if they— (a) encourage or assist another person to commit an offence under this section, or (b) provide guidance on how to commit an offence under this section. (1I) An offence under this section can be committed where the encouragement, assistance or guidance happens online. (1J) A person who commits an offence under this section is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or an unlimited fine.” (3) In section 112 (false representations for obtaining benefit etc), after subsection (1F) insert— “(1G) A person commits an offence if they— (a) encourage or assist another person to commit an offence under this section, or (b) provide guidance on how to commit an offence under this section. (1H) An offence under this section can be committed where the encouragement, assistance or guidance happens online. (1I) A person who commits an offence under this section is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or an unlimited fine.”” New clause 22— Impact of Act on people with protected characteristics — “The Secretary of State must, prior to making regulations under section 103 to bring into force any provision of this Act, lay before Parliament an assessment of the expected impact of the Act on people with protected characteristics who are in receipt of social security benefits.” This new clause would ensure any impact of the Bill on people with protected characteristics in receipt of social security benefits was examined prior to the Act’s implementation. New clause 23— Report on public sector fraud during COVID-19 pandemic — “(1) The Minister for the Cabinet Office must, within six months of the passing of this Act, lay before Parliament a report evaluating the extent of public sector fraud that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) The report must include— (a) an account of fraudulent or erroneous payments made by or on behalf of public authorities, including but not limited to the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, (b) a review of how public procurement practices in place between March 2020 and December 2021, including— (i) the use of high priority and expedited contracting for suppliers, and (ii) the role of political appointments and personal connections in procurement decisions, may have contributed to fraud against public authorities, (c) the cost to the public purse of fraud against public authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (d) an assessment of the adequacy of Government oversight and other measures then in place to prevent fraud against public authorities. (3) Where the report finds or concludes that there were— (a) failings in Government oversight and other measures then in place to prevent fraud against public authorities, or (b) any action or inaction by the Government which enabled fraud against public authorities, the Minister must make a statement to the House of Commons acknowledging these findings and setting out actions planned to ensure any failings are not repeated.” Amendment 15, in clause 3, page 3, line 10, leave out “10” and insert “28.” Government amendments 23 and 24. Amendment 16, in clause 4, page 3, line 33, leave out “Minister” and insert “First Tier Tribunal”. Amendment 13, page 3, line 33, after “notice” insert “or of the duration of the period mentioned in section 3(4)(a)”. Amendment 80, page 3, line 34, leave out “7” and insert “28”. Amendment 17, page 3, line 36, leave out “Minister” and insert “First Tier Tribunal”. Amendment 18, page 3, line 38, leave out “Minister” and insert “First Tier Tribunal”. Amendment 14, page 4, line 2, after “notice” insert “, including by extending the duration of the period mentioned in section 3(4)(a) where satisfied that the person is reasonably unable to comply with the requirement to provide the information within the time required by the notice”. Amendment 19, page 4, line 3, leave out “Minister” and insert “First Tier Tribunal”. Amendment 81, page 4, line 10, at end insert— “(7) Where a person has applied for a review of an information notice, the period mentioned in section 3(4)(a) is to be treated as beginning on the day after which the outcome of the review is notified to the person to whom the information notice was given.” Government amendments 25 to 29. Amendment 1, in clause 64, page 34, line 15, at end insert— “(1A) Prior to appointing an independent person, the Minister must consult the relevant committee of the House of Commons. (1B) For the purposes of subsection (1A), “the relevant committee” means a committee determined by the Speaker of the House of Commons.” This amendment would provide for Parliamentary oversight of the appointment of the “Independent person”. Government amendments 30, 31, 76, 75, 32 and 33. Amendment 2, page 40, line 36, leave out clause 74. This amendment removes the requirement for Banks to look into relevant claimants’ bank accounts. Amendment 3, in clause 75, page 41, line 21, at end insert— “(1A) Prior to appointing an independent person, the Minister must consult the relevant committee of the House of Commons. (1B) For the purposes of subsection (1A), “the relevant committee” means a committee determined by the Speaker of the House of Commons.” This amendment would provide for Parliamentary oversight of the appointment of the “Independent person”. Government amendments 34 to 43. Amendment 8, in clause 89, page 55, line 6, leave out from “unless” to the end of line 14 and insert— “(a) the liable person agrees, or (b) there has been a final determination by a court or tribunal that it is necessary and proportionate to exercise a power under Schedule 3ZA.” This amendment would mean that the Secretary of State can only exercise powers to recover amounts from a person where the person agrees or where a court or tribunal has determined that such recovery is necessary and proportionate. Amendment 10, page 56, line 16, leave out clause 91. Government amendments 79, 78, 77, 74, 73 and 44. Amendment 4, in clause 103, page 63, line 29, leave out from start to “following” in line 32 and insert— “Subject to subsections (1A) and (2), this Act comes into force on such day as the Secretary of State or the Minister for the Cabinet Office may by regulations appoint. (1A) No part of this Act may come into force until the recommendations of a report commissioned under section [Recovery of overpayments of Carer’s Allowance] have been implemented. (2) Subject to subsection (1A), the” This amendment which would delay the implementation of the whole Act until the findings of the independent review into Carer’s Allowance overpayments has been published and fully implemented. Amendment 20, page 64, line 1, at end insert— “(3A) Before bringing into force any of the provisions of Part 1 of this Act, the Secretary of State must consult with banks as to the costs which will be incurred by banks upon application of the provisions of Part 1. (3B) Where consultation finds that the expected costs to banks are at a disproportionate level, the Secretary of State may not bring into force the provisions which are expected to result in such disproportionate costs.” Government amendments 72 and 45. Amendment 5, page 73, line 6, leave out schedule 3. This amendment is related to Amendment 2 and removes the requirement for Banks to look into relevant claimants’ bank accounts. Amendment 11, in schedule 3, page 73, line 25, leave out from “accounts” to the end of line 31 and insert— “which belong to a person who the authorised officer has reasonable grounds to suspect has committed, is committing or intends to commit a DWP offence.” This amendment would limit the exercise of an eligibility verification notice to cases where the welfare recipient is suspected of wrongdoing. Amendment 22, page 84, line 12, at end insert “(d) housing benefit.” Amendment 6, page 84, leave out line 12 This amendment would remove pension credit from being a “relevant benefit” for the purposes of the Act. Amendment 71, page 84, line 13, leave out from “to” to end of line 17 and insert— “remove types of benefit from the definition of”. This amendment would mean that benefits could not be added to the list of “relevant benefits” by regulations. Amendment 7, page 84, leave out lines 13 to 17. This amendment ensure that the bill can only be used in relation to benefits listed in the Bill. Amendment 21, page 84, line 25, after “money” insert “or such an account which is held by a person appointed to receive benefits on behalf of another person.” Government amendments 46 to 67. Amendment 9, in schedule 5, page 98, line 10, leave out from beginning to end of line 24 on page 99. This amendment would remove the requirement for banks to provide information to the Secretary of State for the purposes of making a direct deduction order. Government amendments 68 and 69. Amendment 12, page 111, line 18, leave out schedule 6. Government amendment 70.

• 3 Apr 2025 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  For the final question, I call the ever-patient David Williams.