📚 Business of the House

Commons Chamber

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The parliamentary session focused on upcoming legislative business, including the Second Reading of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill and discussions on various other bills and regulations. Concerns were raised about the rushed handling of the assisted dying Bill, with criticisms on the lack of proper scrutiny and transparency in its legislative process. Members also requested debates on critical issues such as the impact of government policies on young children, digital poverty, and the need for better mental health support for children. Additionally, there were discussions on local government funding and community infrastructure, reflecting ongoing concerns about public services and community needs.

Summary

  • Forthcoming Parliamentary Business:
    • Monday 10 February: Second Reading of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.
    • Tuesday 11 February: Review of Lords message on the Water (Special Measures) Bill, and Committee stages of the Arbitration Bill, followed by debates on Neonatal Care Leave and Statutory Neonatal Care Pay regulations.
    • Wednesday 12 February: Second Reading of the Data (Use and Access) Bill.
    • Thursday 13 February: A general debate on LGBT+ History Month, marking the start of the February recess until Monday 24 February.
    • Monday 24 February: Final stages of the Crown Estate Bill, with other provisional business scheduled for the week.
    • Wednesday 5 March: An estimates day to discuss Government department spending.
  • Concerns Over Government Policies and Legislation:
    • Jesse Norman criticized the government’s investment decisions, emphasizing insufficient support for AstraZeneca compared to large payouts related to the Chagos islands.
    • Norman also raised concerns about the rushed handling of an assisted dying Bill, with procedural defects, lack of impact assessments, and restricted scrutiny. He pointed out opposition from health and justice Secretaries, and expert warnings about practical and legal issues.
  • Government Response and Other Issues Raised:
    • Lucy Powell defended the parliamentary process for the assisted dying Bill as reflective of the House’s will and involving extensive scrutiny.
    • MPs requested debates on various topics including: early years and baby policies; local democracy and election postponements; nuclear power and waste; mental health support for children and in the farming community; cultural access and community hubs; and housing and town deal delivery.
    • Calls were made for discussions on knife crime prevention, support for autism, domestic violence victims’ rights, prostate cancer awareness, and public transport connectivity.
  • Additional Comments and Acknowledgements:
    • The Leader of the House acknowledged the importance of community centers and volunteers like Julie Meares, and committed to addressing concerns about parliamentary etiquette and the use of parliamentary symbols by former members.
    • Concerns were also expressed about the environmental impact of battery storage facilities and the need for a climate emissions framework before expanding airports.

Divisiveness

The session exhibits a moderate level of disagreement, primarily centered around the handling and process of the assisted dying Bill. The session includes several requests for debates on various issues, but these are generally handled with courtesy and agreement on the need to discuss them further, which does not necessarily indicate disagreement but rather a procedural request for more detailed discussion. The key point of disagreement is articulated by Jesse Norman, the shadow Leader of the House, and Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House, over the assisted dying Bill. Jesse Norman criticizes the process, the rushed nature of the bill’s handling, and the involvement of the Government in what he describes as a private Member’s Bill. He expresses concerns about procedural defects and the lack of proper scrutiny, while also mentioning opposition from high-ranking officials. Lucy Powell counters these criticisms by defending the process as adhering to the will of the House, highlighting the steps taken to ensure thorough scrutiny and accusing Jesse Norman of providing a one-sided, politically motivated narrative.

Examples of this disagreement include: - Jesse Norman’s statement regarding the rushed handling of the assisted dying Bill and the Government’s discreet support, as well as the lack of impact assessments and legal analysis. - Lucy Powell’s rebuttal that the process is according to House procedures, including unprecedented scrutiny for a private Member’s Bill, and her accusation that Jesse Norman misrepresented the truth.

This disagreement is central and escalates the level of contention in the session, contributing to a rating of 3 on the disagreement scale. While other members raise concerns and issues, these are generally met with agreement to look into them or to facilitate further discussion, which does not escalate to the level of disagreement seen with the assisted dying Bill.