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Votes and Proceedings
Thursday 29 April 2021

Read the agenda for business in the House of Commons chamber, Westminster Hall and Commons Committees.

Find out more about the Votes and Proceedings

Contents

Chamber business

The House met at 9.30 am.

Prayers

1Questions to the Secretary of State for Transport

2Suspension of sitting

The Speaker suspended the sitting (Order, 26 April).

3Message to attend the Lords Commissioners

A Message from the Lords Commissioners was delivered by the Lady Usher of the Black Rod.

Mr Speaker, 

The Lords, authorised by virtue of Her Majesty's Commission, for declaring Her Royal Assent to Acts agreed upon by both Houses, and for proroguing the present Parliament, desire the immediate attendance of this Honourable House in the House of Peers, to hear the Commission read.

Accordingly the Speaker, with the House, went up to the House of Peers, where a Commission was read, giving, declaring and notifying the Royal Assent to the following Acts and Measures, and for proroguing this present Parliament. 

Trade Act 2021

Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021

Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act 2021

Non-Domestic Rating (Public Lavatories) Act 2021

Forensic Science Regulator Act 2021

British Library Board (Power to Borrow) Act 2021

Education and Training (Welfare of Children) Act 2021

Domestic Abuse Act 2021

Prisons (Substance Testing) Act 2021

Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021

Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021

Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021

Financial Services Act 2021

Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act 2021

Fire Safety Act 2021

National Security and Investment Act 2021

Diocesan Boards of Education Measure 2021

Cathedrals Measure 2021

And afterwards Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech was delivered to both Houses of Parliament by the Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal (in pursuance of Her Majesty’s Command), as follows: 

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons.

In the midst of a global pandemic, my Government's legislative programme responded to the needs of the United Kingdom, making sure that public services and businesses had the support they needed. In addition, it progressed domestic reforms to strengthen the union; increase productivity and protect citizens; and delivered the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

My Government acted to protect the health and safety of the nation. Legislation was passed to ensure the NHS could continue to provide care for all those in need of it and that essential public services, such as the courts and prisons, could continue.

My Government took action to support jobs, businesses and livelihoods, with over 350 billion pounds of financial support, helping to protect over 11 million jobs. To support businesses, my Government provided affordable loans, business rates relief and modernised insolvency laws. To facilitate businesses operating under social distancing restrictions, laws were passed to increase flexibilities in planning and licensing decisions. My Government took action to support the industries most heavily affected by the pandemic, including tourism, culture and leisure and took steps to repair the public finances once economic recovery is secure.

My Government protected the most vulnerable by supporting those who were shielding during the pandemic, placing rough sleepers in emergency accommodation and increasing funding for essential public services.

My Government worked with the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure all citizens across the United Kingdom shared in the benefits of scientific advances in testing, medicines and vaccines, as well as benefiting from the logistical expertise of our gallant Armed Forces.

My Government built one of Europe's largest testing regimes, supporting an evidence-based roadmap to ease restrictions and making it safe to visit loved ones, including in care homes, at the earliest opportunity.

My Government supported research by British scientists to develop one of the world’s most effective vaccines. Following the first deployment of a clinically authorised COVID-19 vaccine anywhere in the world, my Government embarked on one of the fastest vaccination programmes. My Ministers led international efforts to ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines for every country in the world.

Legislation was passed to ensure the United Kingdom's smooth exit from the European Union and the end of the transition period. A comprehensive Trade and Cooperation Agreement was negotiated with the European Union, alongside continuity trade agreements with 67 countries. 

Legislation passed in this session will make the most of the opportunities that being an independent nation brings for the entire United Kingdom. A points-based immigration system was introduced, ending free movement whilst enabling the United Kingdom to welcome skilled workers from across the world. Hundreds of powers were returned to the devolved governments following the end of the transition period. Laws were enacted to enable the funding of projects which further the prosperity of all parts of the United Kingdom through shared economic growth, enhanced infrastructure and common cultural values. Legislation was passed to ensure the union continues to provide an effective market for businesses, regardless of where in the United Kingdom they buy from or sell to.

My Government pursued an extensive programme of domestic reform. Alongside increased investment in schools and putting more police on the streets, my Government prioritised the safety and health of the nation whilst pursuing economic growth and increasing opportunity across the whole United Kingdom.

My Ministers further supported the NHS by enshrining in law for the first time a multi-year funding settlement. Legislation was passed to ensure faster and safer access for patients to innovative medicines.

My Government prioritised investment in infrastructure and world-leading scientific research and skills. To unleash productivity and improve daily life for communities across the country, my Ministers brought forward proposals to transform rail, road, bus and aviation infrastructure and modernise the planning system. Legislation was passed to accelerate the delivery of gigabit capable broadband.

Legislation was passed to ensure the United Kingdom's financial services sector remains open and internationally competitive.  Pension laws were reformed to make it easier for people to save for later life.

The security of the nation and its citizens remains of the highest importance to my Government. New powers to protect the United Kingdom from emerging economic and cyber threats were introduced. New legislation passed in this session will ensure the security services have the powers they need to keep citizens safe.

To tackle violence against women and girls, landmark laws were passed to address domestic abuse, including recognising coercive control and non-fatal strangulation for the crimes that they are. New measures were introduced to increase prison sentences for the most serious crimes, including terrorism, and to support victims and their families.

To keep residents safe in their homes, steps were taken to apply building safety regulations to communal areas and establish a new regulator to keep buildings safe.

My Ministers have pursued policies to protect the environment for future generations, including by improving the sustainability of agricultural and fishing practices. Proposals were published to reform the energy sector and deliver net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. My Government prioritised creating green jobs, including plans to quadruple offshore wind generation. My Ministers continued to lead the global effort against climate change, making preparations to host the COP26 Summit in Glasgow. Funding was increased for developing countries to respond to the impacts of climate change.

Legislation was passed to ensure that Parliamentary boundaries are equally sized and up to date. Draft legislation was published to repeal the Fixed-term Parliaments Act.

My Ministers announced plans to invest over 24 billion pounds in our gallant Armed Forces over the next four years. Legislation to strengthen the Armed Forces Covenant was introduced into Parliament. Measures to tackle vexatious claims made against veterans were passed into law.

My Government published a comprehensive review of its defence, foreign and national security policies and continued to promote freedom of speech, human rights and the rule of law. A new sanctions regime targeted human rights violators and abusers, including those responsible for human rights violations in Xinjiang. A new visa will enable eligible citizens of Hong Kong to live, work and make their home in the United Kingdom.

My Government worked closely with international partners to tackle the global challenges presented by the pandemic, including by delivering over 300 aid programmes and supporting girls at risk of being excluded from education. Additional funding was announced to prevent famine for over seven million vulnerable people.

Members of the House of Commons

I thank you for the provisions which you have made for the work and dignity of the Crown and for the public services.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

After which the Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal said:

By virtue of Her Majesty's Commission which has now been read, we do, in Her Majesty's name, and in obedience to Her Majesty's commands, prorogue this Parliament to Tuesday the eleventh of May, to be then here holden, and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Tuesday the eleventh of May.

Other Proceedings

Lords Messages

4Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill

The Lords do not insist on certain of their Amendments to the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill to which the Commons have disagreed and agree without amendment to the Amendments proposed by the Commons in lieu thereof; and they do not insist on their remaining Amendment to which the Commons have disagreed.

5Fire Safety Bill

The Lords do not insist on their Amendment to the Fire Safety Bill to which the Commons have disagreed.

6National Security and Investment Bill

The Lords do not insist on their Amendments to the National Security and Investment Bill to which the Commons have disagreed.

Reports from Select Committees

7Education Committee

(1) Accountability hearings: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 262);

(2) The impact of COVID-19 on education and children's services: Written evidence, to be published (HC 254)

(Robert Halfon).

8Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee

Land-based education: Written evidence, to be published (HC 1318) (Neil Parish).

9Public Accounts (Committee of)

(1) Fraud and error: Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 1290);

(2) Improving the prison estate: Written evidence, to be published (HC 244)

(Meg Hillier).

10Welsh Affairs Committee

Renewable energy in Wales: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 1021) (Stephen Crabb).

Lindsay Hoyle

Speaker

Papers Laid

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution

1Nationality

Draft British Nationality Act 1981 (Immigration Rules Appendix EU) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Priti Patel)

2Sanctions

Myanmar (Sanctions) Regulations 2021 (SI, 2021, No. 496), dated 26 April 2021 (by Act), with accompanying reports (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Nigel Adams)

Papers subject to Negative Resolution

3Antarctica

Antarctic (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (SI, 2021, No. 509), dated 26 April 2021 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Nigel Adams)

4Customs

(1) Customs Tariff (Establishment) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (SI, 2021, No. 520), dated 28 April 2021 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Jesse Norman)

(2) Customs Tariff (Preferential Trade Arrangements and Tariff Quotas) (EU Exit) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2021 (SI, 2021, No. 527), dated 28 April 2021 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Jesse Norman)

5Exiting the European Union (Health Care and Associated Professions)

Nursing and Midwifery (European Qualifications) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (SI, 2021, No. 531), dated 28 April 2021 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Edward Argar)

6International Immunities and Privileges

G7 Presidency (Immunities and Privileges) Order 2021 (SI, 2021, No. 521), dated 28 April 2021 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Nigel Adams)

Other papers

7Air Force (Constitution)

Queen's Regulations for the Royal Air Force (Sixth Edition) (by Act) (James Heappey)

8Reserve Forces

Report under section 56(7) of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 on the renewal of call-out orders under section 56(1B) and (3) of that Act, dated 28 April 2021, for operations in Mali, operations in Bosnia, Herzegovina and Kosovo, and operations to counter the threat of Daesh (by Act) (James Heappey)

SPEAKER'S CERTIFICATES

Voting by proxy

1. New pandemic proxy voting arrangements

The Speaker has certified, under the terms of Standing Order No. 39A (Voting by proxy), as amended by the temporary Orders of 23 September 2020 (Proxy voting during the pandemic) and 3 November 2020 (Proxy voting during the pandemic (No. 2)) and extended by the Orders of 22 October 2020 and 25 March 2021, that the Member listed in the table below are eligible to have a proxy vote cast on their behalf by the nominated proxy listed in the table below, starting on the date specified below and ending on 21 June 2021, unless the arrangement is ended or the House otherwise orders. 

Member

From

Proxy

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown

11 May

Stuart Andrew

2. Ending pandemic proxy voting arrangements

The Speaker has certified, under the terms of Standing Order No. 39A (Voting by proxy), as amended by the temporary Orders of 23 September 2020 (Proxy voting during the pandemic) and 3 November 2020 (Proxy voting during the pandemic (No. 2)) and extended by the Orders of 22 October 2020 and 25 March 2021, that the following Members have given notice that they wish to end their proxy voting arrangement with effect from the end of the current Session of Parliament:

Steve Brine

Ben Everitt

 

CORRECTION

Wednesday 28 April

In item 32 (Environmental Audit Committee), the following entry should have appeared after item 32(2): 

( ) Technological innovations and climate change: community energy: Written evidence, to be published (HC 1208);