House of Lords
Parliament

Image source, Press Association

The House of Lords kicks off with its first question of today, from Liberal Democrat Lord Greaves. He's asking what the government assessment is of the effect of Brexit on the provision of affordable housing.

He says the Federation of Master Builders has warned about the impact on construction companies if workers are put off coming to the UK to live and work.

Communities and Local Government Minister Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth replies that workers from the EU are "important" and the government has made "a fair and serious offer" to protect EU nationals' rights.

House of Commons
Parliament

Image source, HoC

It's panto season, begins the SNP's Pete Wishart.

He proposes his own parliamentary panto - "Mother Totally Goosed" - in which the hero is transported to a magical land of "unfettered trade deals and transitional arrangements grown from magic Brexit beans."

House of Commons
Parliament

Shadow leader of the house Valerie Vaz says that following the attacks in Westminster, Manchetsr, London Bridge and Finsbury Park many families will be spending their first Christmas without loved ones.

She says her thoughts are with them but also the deputy speaker whose daughter died last week.

Andrea Leadsom echoes her sentiments.

Jeremy Hunt says Damian Green clearly breached ministerial code but that it is a sad moment.

House of Commons
Parliament

Leader of the House Andrea Leadsom reads out the future business in the Commons.

She announces that the remaining stages of the EU Withdrawal Bill will be on 16 and 17 January.

House of Commons
Parliament

Chair of the Justice Committee Bob Neill says that recent high profile cases have highlighted "appalling failures" in disclosure by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

He asks the government to ensure that in its review it looks not just at working practices but also the professional culture and the independence of the CPS.

"We need urgently to understand what went wrong," Jeremy Wright replies.

He adds that one of the challenges is the increase in the amount of electronic material.

How to perfect your Brexit chat and avoid a family row when Brexit crops up over Christmas...

House of Commons
Parliament

Labour's David Lammy raises the case of the fatal shooting of Jermaine Baker which has caused "tremendous concern across the wider black community".

Jeremy Wright says he understands the family is waiting to hear the outcome of the charging decision in relation to Jermaine Baker's death and adds that it is expected early in the new year.

House of Commons
Parliament

Attorney General Jeremy Wright begins by wishing MPs a "very merry and lawful Christmas".

The first question comes from Conservative Nusrat Ghani, who seeks assurance that convicted offenders detained in prison will not be allowed to vote.

Since 2005, the UK government has been in breach of a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that its blanket ban breached the right to free and fair elections.

The dispute came to an end last month when the UK government announced proposals to ease the blanket ban.

Jeremy Wright replies that it is right the UK complies with the court's judgement, but adds that prisoners will not be allowed to vote from their cells.

He adds that the new proposals will only affect 100 prisoners.

House of Commons
Parliament

Conservative Tom Tugendhat says that in his constituency watching catch-up TV can be problematic.

Other areas have copper or fibre, he says "we in Kent appear to have a hemp line".

"We need decent connectivity," replies Culture Minister Matt Hancock, adding that is why the government is bringing in the universal service obligation.

House of Commons
Parliament

Image source, HoC

Labour's Mike Amesbury asks what the government is doing to promote public sources of funding for charities.

Tracy Crouch says that Libor banking fines and money diverted from VAT on tampons helps funding for charitable organisations.

In reply Mr Amesbury says charities will lose £250m a year in EU funding and the government "appears" to have no plans to replace it.

He asks for "Christmas cheer" for charities, ensuring that none will lose out post-Brexit.

Ms Crouch says discussions with charities about EU funding have been taking place "for some time now" and the government is working on a framework.

House of Commons
Parliament

Image source, HoC

Culture Minister Matt Hancock is feeling particularly festive.

In response to a question on broadband in Scotland he replies: "When she took my hand on a cold Christmas Eve, she promised me broadband was waiting for me".

While celebrating news on the legal guarantee for "decent high speed broadband" he slips in: "All I want for Christmas is USO" (universal service obligation).

"Very well done," says the Speaker John Bercow.

House of Commons
Parliament

Image source, HoC

"I congratulate the Honourable Member for Kettering on his tie, which is as flamboyant as my own," the Speaker tells the Commons.

Conservative Philip Hollobone asks his question about library cuts to Northamptonshire County Council.

Minister John Glen says he will be visiting libraries in the new year and will be discussing ways forward then.

House of Commons
Parliament

Image source, HoC

Shadow culture secretary Tom Watson notes that income for good causes from the lottery has risen by 2% but shareholder profits have risen by 122%.

"Are those ratios fair?" he asks.

Culture Minister Tracey Crouch replies that she is "not unsympathetic to the points that he made".

House of Commons
Parliament

Image source, HoC

Labour's Wes Streeting asks what the government is doing to ensure that the level of funding for charities is maintained from National Lottery funds.

Minister Tracey Crouch says the government is working with Camelot and the Gambling Commission to ensure that lottery funding benefits charities.

Mr Streeting says that income for Lottery Funding is falling, meaning lottery distributors may not be able to meet their financial commitments.

He says the government has agreed to underwrite any shortfall for UK sport, and asks if the government will do this for other funding bodies.

Ms Crouch says the government is working with the Gambling Commission and Camelot to ensure there isn't a continuous fall in lottery funding.

The National Lottery has raised over £37bn for good causes since it was started, she adds.

House of Commons
Parliament

When will a decision on relocating Channel 4 be made, asks Labour MP David Hanson.

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley says discussions are ongoing but adds that there are "clear benefits" to moving the channel outside of London.

Former culture secretary John Whittingdale argues that it is important that as an "alternative broadcast" Channel 4's headquarters should be outside of SW1.

Lib Dem Christine Jardine says it is more important for programme makers rather than programme commissioners, like Channel 4, who need to reflect the diversity of the country.

House of Commons
Parliament

Image source, PA

It's the last day before the Christmas recess and MPs begin with culture questions followed by questions to the attorney general.

There will then be three statements covering future business in the Commons, an independent complaints and grievance policy for parliament and supported housing.

In the afternoon MPs take part in a debate on Russian interference in UK politics.