📅 Business of the House

Commons Chamber

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The session outlined upcoming parliamentary business, including debates on children’s wellbeing, knife crime, and coastal communities, alongside the processing of various bills related to infrastructure and energy. MPs expressed concerns over issues like wheelchair provision delays, the impact of national insurance rises on rural areas, and the need for better support for mental health and social care. Calls for debates on topics such as school infrastructure, food and drink exports, and the role of local theatres in communities highlighted diverse public interests. The session also included tributes to community figures and recognition of cultural events like Purim and Holi.

Summary

  • Forthcoming Parliamentary Business:
    • Monday 17 March and Tuesday 18 March: The House will continue debates on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
    • Wednesday 19 March: The House will consider Lords amendments to the National Insurance Contributions Bill, followed by an Opposition day debate.
    • Thursday 20 March: General debates scheduled on knife crime among young people and coastal communities.
    • Friday 21 March: The House will not be sitting.
    • Monday 24 March to Friday 28 March: Upcoming debates include the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, Lords amendments to various bills, the Chancellor’s spring statement, and debates on St Patrick’s Day, Northern Irish affairs, and the Modern Slavery Act’s 10th anniversary.
  • Criticism of Government Decisions:
    • Jesse Norman criticized the Government for high taxes and national insurance increases, claiming they negatively impact growth and rural communities, particularly farmers. He also questioned the delayed decision on small modular reactors.
  • Government’s Response:
    • Lucy Powell defended the Government’s decisions as necessary to fix the economy they inherited, boost public services, and promote jobs and growth. She highlighted the significant achievements in the first 100 days of the parliamentary session, including passing several key bills.
  • Concerns and Requests for Debates:
    • Various MPs raised issues and requested debates on topics such as Primodos pregnancy test scandal, children’s access to free school meals, delays in the Access for All railway programme, the Disclosure and Barring Service delays, and more specific regional concerns like the Consett Empire’s reduced hours and the Canal & River Trust’s funding.
  • Recognition of Community Efforts:
    • MPs acknowledged the work of community groups, such as young carers, Parkinson’s UK, and highlighted local achievements like the opening of Union Yard in Aldershot and the work of the Almanaar Muslim cultural centre in north Kensington.
  • Cultural and International Observations:
    • Wishes were extended for Purim and Holi celebrations. Concerns were raised about human rights violations in Algeria and a request was made for a statement on the issue.
  • Miscellaneous Points:
    • Positive remarks about the impact of local businesses and community services, like the community equipment sector and foster care, were shared. There was also an expression of concern about the state of school buildings needing capital investment.

Divisiveness

The level of disagreement in this parliamentary session is moderate, primarily centered around policy critique rather than overt conflict. Here’s a detailed analysis:

  1. Jesse Norman’s Critique: Jesse Norman, a Conservative MP, criticizes the government, led by the Labour Party, for its policies. His critique spans various sectors, including economic policy (‘The Government’s brand of socialism’), energy policy (‘Great British Energy was announced, and did nothing’), and rural policy (‘The Government are simultaneously reducing farm incomes’). However, the tone and content of the critique do not escalate into a direct personal confrontation. The Leader of the House, Lucy Powell, responds with points that defend government policy but maintain a factual and measured tone without escalating into a personal attack or heated argument.

  2. Lucy Powell’s Defense: In response to Jesse Norman’s criticisms, Lucy Powell rebuts by outlining government achievements and defending policies. She states, ‘This Government had to take some very difficult decisions to deal with an economy that no Government would want to deal with: high and rising debt; stagnant growth; low productivity; low wages; and public services on their knees.’ Powell’s responses are focused on policy justification rather than personal rebuttals, maintaining a level of decorum and professionalism.

  3. Other MPs’ Requests: Other MPs, such as Robbie Moore, raise concerns about specific policies (e.g., wind farm developments), but these are presented as requests for debates rather than confrontational disagreements. Powell responds consistently by acknowledging the concerns and outlining government positions without fueling conflict.

  4. General Tone: The session includes a mix of policy critiques, recognition of public service efforts, and requests for debates on various issues. The MPs engage in a dialogue that, while containing disagreement, remains focused on policy rather than personal disputes.

In conclusion, while there are clear disagreements, particularly between opposition and government members, the session does not exhibit intense conflict. The disagreements are presented in an organized, parliamentary manner, with responses focused on policy defense rather than personal attacks. Therefore, a rating of 2 is appropriate, indicating moderate disagreement but with a maintained level of civility and focus on substantive issues.