Summary

  • This morning: MPs questioned environment ministers

  • Followed by: Urgent question on sickness benefit underpayments

  • Exchanges over 'meaningful' Brexit vote for MPs dominate business statement

  • Later: Debates on supermarket supply chains and World Menopause Day

  • House of Lords debated cyber security and music education

  1. Goodnight from us!published at 19:18 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    The Commons now moves onto the adjournment debate, today led by Conservative MP Nadine Dorries, focusing on childhood obesity.

    We'll be leaving our coverage of the Commons there for today. The day began with questions to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Greg Clark and his team of ministers; before chair of the work and pensions committee, Frank Field, asked an urgent question on the roll out of Universal Credit.

    Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth then asked an urgent question concerning the disposal of medical waste and incineration capacity, before Labour MP John Mann asked an urgent question on the Dame Laura Cox Report.

    This report examined allegations of abuse and bullying in Westminster by MPs and other members of staff, and Leader of the House Andrea Leadsom's response to Mr Mann's question received a fierce response from MPs.

    Plaid Cymru's Hywel Williams then introduced his Cold Weather Payments Bill as a ten minute rule motion, before MPs considered a Lords amendment to the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Bill.

    There were divisions on both an amendment to the Overseas Electors Bill money resolution and the money resolution itself, but MPs eventually voted to fund the bill. After that, the University of London Bill and the Middle Level Bill were both considered and proceeded unopposed.

    Join us tomorrow from 11.30am for Scotland questions and of course PMQs, as well as Opposition Day debates on Universal Credit and social care funding.

  2. MPs approve Lords amendments to Middle Level Billpublished at 19:03 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    Middle Level Bill

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Minister Therese Coffey says the Middle Level authorities will be pleased to see that government provides so much scrutiny of bills such as today's.

    She says the bill matters because "this is a really important part of the country... there's a mixture of things that happen through the Middle Level which are critical to the prosperity of the area."

    This is why the government is supporting the amendments to the bill, she says.

    With that, MPs vote to approve the Lords amendments without division.

  3. Bill 'brings legislation up to date'published at 18:52 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    Middle Level Bill

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Opposition spokesman Luke Pollard says the bill brings legislation up to date, pointing out that the relevant legislation was last introduced while Queen Victoria was on the throne.

    "With the amendments in the other place," he says he is pleased the bill is up to the standards expected by the people it effects.

    He says the opposition will not be opposing the bill.

  4. Today in the Lordspublished at 18:50 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    House of Lords
    Parliament

    That's it for our coverage of the Lords today as the house has adjourned until tomorrow.

    The day began with oral questions on social care for the elderly and Further Education teachers' pay, before proceedings moved on to a private notice question introduced by crossbench peer Lord Hylton on the prevention of deaths form starvation at the Rukban camp on the Syria-Jordan border.

    After this peers moved on to debate the main business of the day, the report stage of the Courts and Tribunals (Judiciary and Functions of Staff) bill.

    This bill authorises staff of courts and tribunals to exercise some judicial functions.

    After that came a short debate on Universal Credit, before Liberal Democrat peer Lord Paddick introduced a motion opposing new interview powers for spies in relation to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Juveniles) (Amendment) Order 2018.

    Our coverage of the Lords will resume at 3pm tomorrow with oral questions.

  5. MPs debate Lords amendments to Middle Level Billpublished at 18:44 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    Middle Level Bill

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Kevin FosterImage source, HoC

    The University of London Bill passes second reading without division. MPs now move onto the the second piece of opposed business, the consideration of Lords amendments of the Middle Level Bill.

    This bill is also a private bill, which concerns levy charges on vessels using the Middle Level waterways, and brings the navigation authority for the Middle Level river system in line with other authorities.

    Opening the debate, Kevin Foster says "this bill is a better bill following the scrutiny it has had from in both houses."

    "The hope of this bill, the hope of this reform - you know it's not just about an exciting couple of debates for me in this chamber - the point of it is to make a real difference on the ground."

    He concludes, suggesting the Lords amendments should be supported by MPs.

  6. Baroness Williams: Using children for intelligence 'has been carried out for decades'published at 18:44 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    Juveniles Amendment Debate

    House of Lords
    Parliament

    Home Office Minister Baroness Williams says a 16 and 17 year old can request to have a parent or guardian present, despite it not being automatically provided.

    On Lib Dem peer Lord Paddick's question of why this is not an automatic right as it is in a criminal interview, the minister says "parental responsibility diminishes as a child develops."

    She says the use of children in cases of intelligence surveillance "is not unprecedented, and has been carried out for over a decade."

    "The use of children in these cases is not taken lightly, and safeguarding procedures are consistently reviewed," the minister says.

    Baroness Williams says there was no lawful need to consult the change in authorisations to be discussed publicly, but that the government did consult relevant bodies related to the children's sector.

    She says the government are listening carefully to the recommendations of the judicial review.

  7. Labour: Wide consultation needed on billpublished at 18:34 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    University of London Bill

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Gordon MarsdenImage source, HoC

    Shadow education minister Gordon Marsden says the bill is needed in order for University of London institutions to compete with international universities, especially as the UK's exit from the EU approaches.

    He says Labour "remain sceptical" about the change in the role of the privy council that the bill would lead to, however. He says it "has been a useful backstop against the flight and fancies of higher education administrations" in the past.

    Mr Marsden adds that there should be "wide consultation" on the bill.

    "That said, this is a necessary and proportional bill, and we will not be opposing it."

  8. Minister: Safeguarding practices 'have been increased'published at 18:24 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    Juveniles Amendment Debate

    House of Lords
    Parliament

    Baroness WilliamsImage source, HoL

    Labour peer Lord Kennedy says covert surveillance is an important tool that is used to provide evidence to deter and detect crime.

    "There may be no other way to get the intelligence needed, but proper codes of practice must be in place," he says.

    Home Office Minister Baroness Williams says only "few" children are involved in intelligence operations, and the bill will increase "safeguarding practices" for their use .

    The bill, she adds, is a "minor tweak to the previous legislation".

    An advanced risk assessment and safeguarding agreement must be carried out before children can take part in intelligence operations, she tells peers.

    The minister says "no restrictions were placed on the power" when it was introduced in 2000, and that this means the safeguarding structures in place now are "considerably better".

  9. Minister: Bill is 'uncontroversial and long overdue'published at 18:10 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    University of London Bill

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Sam GyimahImage source, HoC

    Universities minister Sam Gyimah says the current system undermines and damages University of London institutions, and the government supports the private bill.

    He says he expects all of the institutions to apply to become universities in their own right if the bill passes, as they meet government the requirements.

    The bill is "uncontroversial and long overdue," he says.

  10. Labour peer 'still concerned' about use of children for intelligencepublished at 18:07 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Juveniles) (Amendment) Order 2018

    House of Lords
    Parliament

    Lord HaskelImage source, HoL

    "This regret motion is as much about sending a message to the government about holding them to account, as much as it is about this substantive issue and using children as police informers," Lord Paddick says.

    He says the government is "prepared to sacrifice the rights of children for intelligence".

    Labour peer Lord Haskel says he raised concerns about this issue in July, and although the minister sought to reassure him, "my concerns were still strong on the fact that the rights of a child were being ignored".

    Lord Haskel says numerous charities, including Just for Kids Law, have sent letters to him saying they will seek judicial review on this matter as they are "gravely concerned for childrens' welfare".

    He questions whether this is a "proper activity for juveniles" at all, and says he hopes the government listen carefully to what comes out of the judicial review.

  11. MPs debate University of London Billpublished at 18:03 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    University of London Bill

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Karen BuckImage source, HoC

    MPs now move onto opposed private business, starting with the second reading of the University of London Bill.

    Conservative MP Christopher Chope opposed the bill on the grounds that Parliament should debate new laws, public or private, more thoroughly.

    The bill is a private bill - which is different to a private member's bill and relates to a private rather than public matter - and looks to update the procedure for making laws for the University of London.

    Presenting the bill, Labour MP Karen Buck explains that "the bill's primary focus is to correct a historical anomaly."

    "The key rational for this bill is that it will facilitate the university institutions becoming universities in their own right."

    She explains that currently University of London institutions, such as King's College and the London School of Economics, are currently considered colleges part of the University of London.

    She says this puts them at disadvantage, she says, adding that the bill would end the confusion. "Branding can matter", she adds.

  12. Peer introduces motion opposing new interview powers for spiespublished at 17:58 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Juveniles) (Amendment) Order 2018

    House of Lords
    Parliament

    Lord PaddickImage source, HoL

    Liberal Democrat peer and former Met police deputy assistant commissioner introduces his motion opposing the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Juveniles) (Amendment) Order 2018.

    The order amends a regulation from the year 2000 which gives the intelligence services the right to interview under-18s.

    The new legislation would extend authorisations from one to four months, and clarifies safeguards for meetings with sources under the age of sixteen.

    He says organisations concerned with the human rights and welfare of children were not consulted about the decision to extend the duration of the authorisations.

    "It is illegal to interview a child of those ages under caution about a criminal offence without an appropriate adult being present, but a parent or guardian doesn't have to be present when interviewing a child over intelligence," he says.

    "The safeguards are being weakened, and dangers facing young people are growing", he adds.

  13. MPs approve funding for Overseas Electors Billpublished at 17:34 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    Overseas Electors Bill

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    MPs vote in favour of funding the Overseas Electors Bill by 308 votes to 260.

    The bill would end the 15-year time limit on overseas voters voting in UK elections.

    MPs now move onto opposed private business, starting with the University of London Bill.

  14. Peers repeat question on universal creditpublished at 17:32 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    Urgent question on universal credit

    House of Lords
    Parliament

    Baroness BuscombeImage source, HoL

    Minister for Work and Pensions Baroness Buscombe repeats the urgent question in the Commons earlier this afternoon regarding the rollout of universal credit.

    Leaked documents seen by the BBC show ministers are planning to further delay the rollout of the new welfare system, which will merge six benefits into one payment.

    In reply, she says the government will take a "slow and steady approach" to the rollout, and act on feedback received.

    Shadow work and pensions spokesman Lord McKenzie says universal credit has caused "anxiety and confusion" across the country over the last few weeks.

    He asks why the rollout date has been moved back.

    For the Liberal Democrats, Lord Kirkwood says he is worried about people having their benefits turned off and then having to apply for the new system. "There needs to be an automatic process," he says.

    Baroness Buscombe says the government "remains committed to introducing the new system over the timescale of 2019 to 2023".

  15. Labour amendment defeatedpublished at 17:25 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    Overseas Electors Bill

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    After a division, MPs reject Labour's amendment by 296 votes to 259.

    MPs then divide again to vote on whether to approve the money resolution overall.

  16. MPs divide on Labour amendmentpublished at 17:23 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    Overseas Electors Bill

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    MPs then divide to vote on the Labour amendment to the money resolution to fund the Overseas Electors Bill.

    The amendment would cap any increase in spending attributable to the bill at £10,000.

    It also compels the government to report to MPs on the expected increases arising from the legislation.

  17. SNP: Ministers showing 'double standards' over money resolutionspublished at 17:22 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    Overseas Electors Bill

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    David LindenImage source, HoC

    The SNP's David Linden says there are two other MPs whose private members bill have not been granted a money resolution.

    He says the government "has chosen not to grant money resolutions" to them, describing it as "an abuse of their executive power."

    "We're seeing a case of double standards here," he suggests, pointing out that today's bill is behind a number of others that have not been given money resolutions.

    On the focus of the bill, he says that if ministers want to strengthen democracy they should start instead by abolishing the House of Lords and by introducing votes at 16.

  18. Peers reject amendment over right to reconsiderationpublished at 17:19 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    Courts and Tribunals Bill

    House of Lords
    Parliament

    After the first division this afternoon, peers reject amendment 8 by 236 votes to 146.

    The amendment, proposed by Labour peers Baroness Chakrabarti and Lord Beecham, would have guaranteed the right to judicial reconsideration of a decision made by an authorised person.

    That concludes the debate of all amendments proposed for this bill.

  19. Bill 'addresses crucial gap' - Tory MPpublished at 17:13 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    Overseas Electors Bill

    House of Commons
    Parliament

    Tory MP Glyn Davies, who sponsored the bill, says he "quite resents" any suggestion that the legislation "politicises this issue."

    "The bill addresses our crucial gap in our electorate," he says.

    "These voters should be recognised as an integral part of our democracy".

  20. Panel experts give their final answerspublished at 17:13 British Summer Time 16 October 2018

    Home Affairs Committee

    Select Committee
    Parliament

    Bringing the committee to a close, Labour MP and committee chair Yvette Cooper asks the panel members what they would change overnight to make the biggest difference to violent crime.

    Surgeon Duncan Bew replies he wants to build "inclusivity" into policy, so as to prevent "silos of risk".

    He also calls for safeguarding to be a performance indicator and for more listening to communities.

    Maggie Clarke from Compass calls for more school nurses as well as local and community involvement.

    Finally, Dr Magnus Nelson, says there is expertise from those affected by violent crime and asks for a regional understanding so that organisations are not competing.