House of Lords
Parliament

Image source, HoL

Liberal peer Lord Clement-Jones asks about the impact of plans for Verify, the Government Digital Service's digital identity system.

Cabinet Office Spokesperson Lord Young says three million people have used the digital identity system so far and "the government has an immediate and growing need for a digital identity service."

Lord Clement Jones says "this is a very sorry tale when the plans were for the system to have had 25 million users by 2020" - and questions rumours that the government will hand the running of the service over to the private sector.

"Isn't it interesting that when the need for a digital identity service has never been higher the government is abdicating all responsibility?" he adds, calling the system "a total failure".

Lord Young says "progress is being made towards the target of 25 million users by 2020," and that whilst "overall responsibility has been transferred to DCMS, the government's digital service remains in the Cabinet Office which I have responsibility over".

House of Commons
Parliament

Labour's shadow defence minister Fabian Hamilton says Russia has undoubtedly breached the terms of the treaty but asks isn't it better for the US to remain in it and encourage Russian compliance.

Mr Williamson says a treaty that only involves two people with one not complying is "not the most successful of treaties".

"The United States are quite right to highlight the fact that Russia is in breach of its obligations."

House of Lords
Parliament

Image source, HoL

Labour MP Lord West of Spithead asks about the importance of the Appledore Shipyard as part of the United Kingdom's future shipbuilding strategy

Defence Minister Earl Howe says the government was "very disappointed" to learn of Babcock's decision to cease operations at Appledore and that he recognises "how concerning this is to members of the community".

Earl Howe says the government is "committed to ensuring an expansion of the shipbuilding industry".

Liberal peer Lord Campbell questions the future of the United Kingdom's shipbuilding strategy in "these uncertain times" surrounding Brexit.

Earl Howe says he is "confident" in the stability of the UK's shipbuilding strategy.

House of Commons
Parliament

SNP MP Drew Hendry asks what representations have been made to the US on remaining in the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, external.

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to quit the treaty with Russia, which eliminated both sides' short- and intermediate-range nuclear and conventional missiles during the Cold War.

Gavin Williamson says the UK shares US concerns about certain new Russian missiles, they want to see the treaty to continue to stand but that requires all sides to comply.

"There is one nation that is in breach of that treaty and it is Russia...They need to comply immediately."

House of Lords
Parliament

Image source, HoL

Labour peer Baroness Sherlock kicks off today's oral questions, asking about plans to split payments in Universal Credit.

Work and Pensions Minister Baroness Buscombe says split payments are already available on request for Universal Credit claimants and that there are "procedures in place for complex issues".

Baroness Sherlock says at present, money in tax credits for those with children is paid to the main carer every fortnight and there is "widespread concern this will exacerbate abuse" in cases of domestic violence.

She asks what the government is doing to ensure that more people are taking advantage of split payments in Universal Credit and that people "are not afraid and are not putting themselves at risk" in doing so.

Fellow Labour peer Baroness Lister says the government are "out of touch" if they believe that those suffering from cases of domestic violence will "put themselves at serious risk" by volunteering to claim split payments.

Conservative peer Baroness Couttie asks if the government requires details of domestic abuse to ensure they have access to split payments, and calls on the government to have closer communications with women's charities.

Baroness Buscombe says "all personal information is treated in confidence" and that "no details of specific cases are needed".

House of Commons
Parliament

Image source, HoC

Tory MP Sir David Amess gets defence questions started, asking about the importance of the Commonwealth in UK national security.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson says the National Security Capabilities Review highlighted the importance of the UK's relationship with the Commonwealth as absolutely vital.

Conservative Phillip Hollobone asks about Cyprus, where the UK continues to base troops, and questions what conversations have been had with Cypriot leaders about concerns around the apparent possible development of European army.

Mr Williamson says there's been no conversations on the topic, but makes clear that Britain remains committed to Nato and would not be joining a European army.

House of Commons
Parliament

Another busy Westminster week begins for MPs with defence questions at 2.30pm, before Theresa May takes the stand to deliver a Brexit statement.

Yesterday, European leaders backed the withdrawal agreement and political declaration in Brussels.

Theresa May's last Brexit statement lasted around two and half hours, so it's fair to predict that - considering the mixed feelings among MPs - it could go on as long.

After that, there'll be a general debate to mark the 100 Year Anniversary of the Royal Air Force, followed by Labour MP John Mann's adjournment debate on the College of West Anglia Football Academy.

House of Lords
Parliament

Our coverage of the Lords will begin at 2.30pm with oral questions - which today include questions on plans to split payments in Universal Credit and requiring organisations to produce action plans to respond to their gender pay gap reports.

Following this, Liberal Democrat peer Lord Wallace of Saltaire will ask a private notice question on Russia's capture of three Ukrainian naval vessels in the waters off the Crimean Peninsula.

Yesterday, Ukraine's navy said Russia fired at its three naval vessels after Russia accused Ukraine of illegally entering its territorial waters.

Russia confirmed it had used weapons to force the Ukrainian vessels to stop in an incident which injured three Ukrainian sailors, and Ukraine have asked parliament to back a proposal to declare martial law this afternoon.

Peers will then debate the Prisons (Interference with Wireless Telegraphy) Bill at committee stage, which would authorise public communication providers to disrupt the use of unlawful mobile phones in prisons.

After this, the committee stage of the Voyeurism (Offences) (No. 2) Bill - a bill which would see the worst offenders of upskirting placed on the Sex Offenders' Register - will commence.

Labour peer Lord Dubs will then lead a debate on the 80th anniversary of the decision to allow Kindertransport children to come to the UK.

We're covering another busy week in Westminster here, as Theresa May prepares to face MPs in the Commons this afternoon, to make a statement on the Brexit negotiations.

Brexit: Back my deal or risk more division, May to tell MPs - BBC News

There'll be plenty to follow in the Houses of Parliament this week, as well, with the PM appearing before the Liaison Committee (the super-select committee, made up of chairs of other committees) on Thursday; as well as the usual crop of questions, debates, statements and bills.

For more of what's on this week, you can turn to our parliamentary correspondent Mark D'Arcy's blog.

Thanks for joining us.