House of Commons
Parliament

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The prime minister says the Work and Pensions Secretary, Damian Green, attempted to contact the Opposition about the changes to PIPs, but there was no response.

Mr Corbyn says "there was no call" to his shadow work and pensions secretary.

"Can she look at the effects of her decision to override what an independent court has decided?" he demands.

"This government is spending more than ever on support for people with disabilities" says Mrs May and that "those most in needs will get most support."

House of Commons
Parliament

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House of Commons
Parliament

Jeremy Corbyn moves on to his questions for Theresa May, asking if the government's proposed changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIPs) amount to "balancing the books on the backs of the poor?"

The PM says the new regulations will "simply return" PIPs to their originally intended purpose.

She says PIPs are "better for people with mental health conditions", saying two thirds of people with mental health problems get the highest rate of payment.

She denies the changes were "sneaked out", made in a written ministerial statement to Parliament.

House of Commons
Parliament

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Before beginning his questioning of the prime minister, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wishes everyone a happy St David's Day.

He goes on to pay tribute to the Sir Gerald Kaufman, saying his family described him as an "awesome uncle".

House of Commons
Parliament

Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen has the first question.

He says that following last week's Copeland by-election victory, does the prime minister see that victory as endorsement of her government's plans to maintain a strong economy, bring society together and make a success of Brexit.

Theresa May congratulates the new MP for Copeland (who'll be introduced later, we believe).

She says Copeland should share in economic success, after "years of Labour neglect".

And she finishes by saying it demonstrates "strong competent leadership in the face of Labour's chaos."

House of Commons
Parliament

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Prime Minister Theresa May begins the question session by paying tribute to former Labour MP Sir Gerald Kaufman saying his "wisdom and experience will be missed right across the House."

House of Commons
Parliament

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House of Commons
Parliament

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Labour's Ian Murray says the "disgraceful uncertainty" faced by EU nationals needs to be clarified and asks whether the "lives of EU nationals as a bargaining chip" will be used in negotiations. 

Scottish Secretary David Mundell says he is "absolutely clear of the importance of EU nationals in the economy and the health care service." 

He also says it is important to balance this with the rights of Scots living within the EU and hopes this will be sorted in the early days of negotiations. 

House of Commons
Parliament

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House of Commons
Parliament

SNP Westminster Leader Angus Robertson asks the Scottish secretary to confirm whether Scotland will have fishing and agricultural powers restored after the UK leaves the EU.

He says they are important to the economy.

Scotland Secretary David Mundell says that the government's role is to "engage with the Scottish government to discuss these very serious issues".

He says that Scotland and the UK will have more powers post-Brexit, but does not directly say this will apply to the food sector. 

House of Commons
Parliament

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Conservative Edward Argar has the first question - and calls Scottish taxation powers one of the "most powerful devolved parliaments" in the world, saying that it also makes it one of the most highly taxed places in the UK - to uproar on the SNP benches. 

The SNP's Kirsty Blackman says that, particularly in regards to business rates, the Scottish government was using the powers to "listen to the people." 

She also denies that Scotland is the highest taxed place in the UK.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury Jane Ellison says that the Scottish government's tax powers make the parliament "accountable" to the Scottish people.

Select Committee
Parliament

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Conservative Victoria Borwick asks about the scope for international collaboration on ocean research.

Professor Bates says international collaboration is "really important", whether through commercial partners, the Foreign Office, or environmental NGOs.

"You get more understanding" by communicating with international bodies, and by fostering interest from primary school age children upwards, he says.

"We do collaborate wherever possible," says Dr Clark, with all data made publicly available.

Committee chair Stephen Metcalfe has a final question on US funding for research at Bermuda, but Professor Bates says there is "uncertainty" over the future of funding from the US.

With that, this committee session comes to an end.