In a week where the media’s attention was focused on the publication of the Defence Investment Plan and the resulting fallout, along with Andy Burnham’s speech on Monday about his plans for further devolution, here are some developments from within Parliament that you might have missed.
Immigration bill introduced to Commons
The Immigration and Asylum Bill had its First Reading on Tuesday in the House of Commons.
The legislation will implement the Restoring Order and Control statement made last year and aims to speed up the removal and deportation of foreign criminals, while reducing the pull factors of illegal migration.
Dominating the headlines around the Bill was the announcement that asylum seekers, once they start earning above a certain threshold, will have to pay back £10,000 of the costs of accommodation and support they accrued.
The legislation has proved controversial among some of Labour’s left, and Andy Burnham may well be put under pressure to water down or scrap some of the outlined reforms. Burnham has indicated broad support for migration reform, but could well be influenced once he takes office.
Also key is whether Shabana Mahmood remains as Home Secretary, which the rumour mill has been suggesting is a realistic prospect. The bill will have its Second Reading on 13 July, which should provide key insights into which of its provisions are most likely to come under pressure to be watered down.
Government faces pressure over UK-US pharma deal
The Government is facing increasing pressure over the impacts of the UK-US pharmaceutical deal.
The DHSC section of Tuesday’s estimates day debate focused on the impact of the deal, with Health and Social Care Committee Chair Layla Moran setting out several concerns about the costs to the NHS.
Health Innovation and Safety Minister Preet Kaur Gill was repeatedly urged to publish the deal’s impact assessment, which she said would not happen due to it containing commercially sensitive information.
However, later on this week, reports emerged that the deal could cost significantly more than forecast and lead to a troubling amount of excess deaths, with £45 billion estimated to be diverted from the health service to pay for medicines over the next decade. This issue does not seem to be going away, and parliamentarians are likely to continue to apply pressure for more transparency.
Online safety and AI dominate DSIT questions
DSIT questions on Wednesday morning were dominated by online safety, misinformation, and AI. Ministers explained ongoing work with Ofcom relating to crisis response measures and online safety codes.
It is clear that MPs do not see the announcement of a social media ban for children as the be-all-and-end-all for online protection, with the Government promising further announcements on age verification and AI safety later this month.
MPs urge action on youth financial inclusion
MPs used a Westminster Hall debate this week to press the Government to take stronger action on youth financial inclusion. There was cross-party support for reforms, with Labour MP Josh Dean warning about young people being locked out of mainstream financial products due to insecure work, the cost of living, and “thin” credit files.
Meanwhile, Shadow Treasury Minister Richard Fuller called for better financial education, wider access to small-sum lending, and a review of KYC rules.
Economic Secretary Rachel Blake responded by explaining that a wider financial inclusion strategy is being developed. She detailed some of what is planned in relation to this, such as debt collection reforms.
The debate demonstrates the impact that the cost-of-living has had across sectors, in this case leading to a greater focus on financial inclusion.
Find out more
DeHavilland is always monitoring the developments around UK policy. If you would like to start receiving these updates, start your trial today.
