Steve Reed · LabourAnswering body: Ministry of Justice
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate he has made of the total number of inquiries into public bodies in each year since 2017.
Government answer
Answering body: Ministry of Justice
The UK Government Inquiries established in each year since 2017 are set out below. These include both non-statutory Inquiries and those established under the Inquiries Act 2005. They do not include Inquiries established by the Northern Ireland Executive or the Scottish Government.
<tbody>
2017
Elizabeth Dixon Investigation; Grenfell Tower Fire Inquiry; Infected Blood Inquiry; Independent Inquiry into the award of the Magnox decommissioning contract by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and its subsequent termination
2018
Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review; Independent Inquiry into the issues raised by Ian Paterson
2019
Brook House Inquiry; Manchester Arena Inquiry
2020
Jermaine Baker Inquiry; Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry
2021
Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry
2022
Angiolini Inquiry; Dawn Sturgess Inquiry; Fuller Inquiry; UK Covid-19 Inquiry; Independent Inquiry into alleged unlawful activity by British Armed Forces during deliberate detention operations in Afghanistan
2023 to date
Inquiry into the preventability of the Omagh bombing
Lord True · ConservativeAnswering body: Leader of the House of Lords
Parliamentary excerpt
My Rt Hon Friend the Prime Minister has made the following statement:On 28 June 2022, the final terms of reference for the Covid-19 Inquiry were announced in this House. Baroness Hallett has emphasised that she is keen to start hearing evidence as quickly as possible and to make timely recommendations. To assist with this, and following careful consideration and consultation with Baroness Hallett, I have decided the Inquiry will be most efficient and swift if Baroness Hallett sits without a p...
Recorded statement
Answering body: Leader of the House of Lords
My Rt Hon Friend the Prime Minister has made the following statement:
On 28 June 2022, the final terms of reference for the Covid-19 Inquiry were announced in this House. Baroness Hallett has emphasised that she is keen to start hearing evidence as quickly as possible and to make timely recommendations. To assist with this, and following careful consideration and consultation with Baroness Hallett, I have decided the Inquiry will be most efficient and swift if Baroness Hallett sits without a panel.
To help ensure that the Inquiry has the expertise required for its broad scope, Baroness Hallett stated when she opened the Inquiry that she would appoint scientific, economic and other experts to help her with her work, covering a range of different topics and views. The reports and advice Baroness Hallett receives from these experts will be entered into evidence and published by the Inquiry.
Experts will play an important role in the Inquiry but the pandemic has affected every one of us right across the United Kingdom. We have always been very clear that the Inquiry must hear from those most affected by the pandemic, including those who have tragically lost their loved ones. The Inquiry will be gathering views from the public in a number of different ways, including through a ‘listening exercise’ which will enable individuals to contribute to the Inquiry without the formality of giving evidence or attending a public hearing.
The Inquiries Act allows the independent inquiry chair to determine an inquiry’s process and procedure. Baroness Hallett has considerable experience and expertise in leading complex investigations. She is putting in place mechanisms to enable the Inquiry to gather the breadth of evidence and experiences needed to deliver its work effectively and efficiently, with the findings and recommendations published as soon as practicable.
I therefore believe that the inquiry will have access to a range of expertise which negates the need for a panel. For these reasons, and for those of pace, I have decided not to pursue a panel to sit alongside Baroness Hallett.
In weighing up these issues, I am conscious of the recent criticism over the length of time that the public Inquiry may take to reach its conclusions. It is in the public interest that the Inquiry is thorough, rigorous and comprehensive, but also delivers its report without excessive delay.
Rishi Sunak · ConservativeAnswering body: Prime Minister
Parliamentary excerpt
On 28 June 2022, the final terms of reference for the Covid-19 Inquiry were announced in this House. Baroness Hallett has emphasised that she is keen to start hearing evidence as quickly as possible and to make timely recommendations. To assist with this, and following careful consideration and consultation with Baroness Hallett, I have decided the Inquiry will be most efficient and swift if Baroness Hallett sits without a panel.To help ensure that the Inquiry has the expertise required for i...
Recorded statement
Answering body: Prime Minister
On 28 June 2022, the final terms of reference for the Covid-19 Inquiry were announced in this House. Baroness Hallett has emphasised that she is keen to start hearing evidence as quickly as possible and to make timely recommendations. To assist with this, and following careful consideration and consultation with Baroness Hallett, I have decided the Inquiry will be most efficient and swift if Baroness Hallett sits without a panel.
To help ensure that the Inquiry has the expertise required for its broad scope, Baroness Hallett stated when she opened the Inquiry that she would appoint scientific, economic and other experts to help her with her work, covering a range of different topics and views. The reports and advice Baroness Hallett receives from these experts will be entered into evidence and published by the Inquiry.
Experts will play an important role in the Inquiry but the pandemic has affected every one of us right across the United Kingdom. We have always been very clear that the Inquiry must hear from those most affected by the pandemic, including those who have tragically lost their loved ones. The Inquiry will be gathering views from the public in a number of different ways, including through a ‘listening exercise’ which will enable individuals to contribute to the Inquiry without the formality of giving evidence or attending a public hearing.
The Inquiries Act allows the independent inquiry chair to determine an inquiry’s process and procedure. Baroness Hallett has considerable experience and expertise in leading complex investigations. She is putting in place mechanisms to enable the Inquiry to gather the breadth of evidence and experiences needed to deliver its work effectively and efficiently, with the findings and recommendations published as soon as practicable.
I therefore believe that the Inquiry will have access to a range of expertise which negates the need for a panel. For these reasons, and for those of pace, I have decided not to pursue a panel to sit alongside Baroness Hallett.
In weighing up these issues, I am conscious of the recent criticism over the length of time that the public Inquiry may take to reach its conclusions. It is in the public interest that the Inquiry is thorough, rigorous and comprehensive, but also delivers its report without excessive delay.
To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the total cost to the economy to date of COVID-19-related lockdowns.
Government answer
Answering body: Treasury
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the UK economy. Between 2019 Q4 and 2020 Q2, according to the Office for National Statistics the economy contracted by 23% - the steepest recession on record.
The success of the UK’s vaccination campaign lead to a strong recovery in GDP, with annual growth of 7.5% in 2021 and 4.1% in 2022. In both these years, GDP growth in the UK was the fastest in the G7.
The Government acted quickly to prevent catastrophic increases in unemployment during the pandemic. The Government provided up to £400 billion of direct support for the economy which helped to safeguard jobs, businesses and public services in every region and nation of the UK.
The Treasury is engaging constructively with the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, which plans to examine the Government’s responses to the pandemic.
That this House marks that on 24 April it is 10 years since the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which killed at least 1,132 workers and injured more than 2,500, a large proportion of whom were women in what was one of the worst industrial accidents on record; is concerned at the ongoing poor labour conditions, low wages and unsafe work environments, with a high incidence of work-related accidents and deaths, faced by workers in the garment sector worldwide; is alarme...
That the House notes that a Civic Reception will be held to mark Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels being awarded the overall winners of the Provost’s Civic Awards in 2021; understands that due to the covid-19 pandemic they were not afforded an opportunity to be recognised for their achievements and that their volunteers, helpers and friends will have that opportunity at this reception; also notes that the services they provide include food supplies via their community pantry, toiletries, feminine p...
That this House is congratulates Jack Ransom, a resident of Largs, who reached the milestone of his 103rd birthday on 15 April 2023; understands that Jack is a Londoner by birth, known locally as the Scottish Cockney, and notably served in the army and survived the horrific conditions of the Burma Railway in World War Two; recognises that, due to covid-19, Jack was unable to celebrate his 100th birthday as planned and, therefore, is determined to celebrate this special occasion; and wishes Ja...
That this House congratulates Lisa Sultana for her fundraising successes in Strathaven; recognises her creative and determined efforts in setting up a Facebook group and raffling prizes to raise money for charity, especially for food banks; notes how this not only encouraged the local community in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, but also raised over £20,000; applauds the wider community for their generous giving of money, gifts and daily essentials; commends the further contribution made ...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Department is taking to ensure that the Covid-19 inquiry hears views from people with protected characteristics including (a) ethnicity, (b) disability and (c) sex.
Government answer
Answering body: Cabinet Office
The Covid-19 inquiry's terms of reference require it to consider any disparities evident in the impact of the pandemic on different protected characteristics including (a) ethnicity, (b) disability and (c) sex, and to listen to the experiences of those most affected by the pandemic. The inquiry’s process and procedure for fulfilling its terms of reference are a matter for its independent chair.
That this House congratulates Parkhead Congregational Church on their 150th anniversary; notes that in 1863 twenty scholars and three teachers met in the East End of Glasgow to form a Sunday School, this eventually became the Parkhead Congregational Church; commends the Church for supporting the local community through many historical events over the past 150 years, particularly for supporting their congregation recently with the covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis; and hopes that...
That this House congratulates Auchmuty High School, Glenrothes on their success in achieving Eco-School status and the recent award of their Green Flag; recognises that pupils in the Eco-Schools Working Group have worked relentlessly over recent years including throughout the covid-19 pandemic to reach their Eco-Schools goal; notes that Eco-Schools is the largest sustainable schools programme in the world, with participation across 74 countries; acknowledges that Auchmuty High School is the l...
That this House welcomes the announcement that BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2023 will be held in Dundee’s Camperdown Park; notes that the Big Weekend 2020 was due to be held in the city but was sadly cancelled due to the covid-19 pandemic; further notes that 80,000 people are expected to attend the festival over its three days, with millions more watching and listening to coverage through the BBC; recognises the cultural and economic benefits that this will bring to Dundee and the wider area; th...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent discussions he has had with the chair of the covid-19 public inquiry on the progress of that inquiry.
Government answer
Answering body: Cabinet Office
The Cabinet Office, as sponsor department, has supported the Covid Inquiry with its practical set up. Under the Inquiries Act, the process, procedure and timing of the inquiry’s stages are matters for the independent inquiry Chair. Progress is well underway and details relating to the Inquiry’s planned and current work are available on the Covid-19 Inquiry’s website.
That this House recognises that vital work of Great Annual Savings Group, a business to business cost reduction service, in promoting local enterprise; notes the company has been recognised as the UK’s leading cost reduction specialist for customer care according to Trustpilot; also notes Great Annual Savings was named the second fastest growing company in the North East at the prestigious Ward Hadaway North East Fastest 50 Awards; thanks the Great Annual Saving team for their community legac...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department is taking steps to help ensure that the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities are fully represented in the Government's UK covid-19 public inquiry.
Government answer
Answering body: Cabinet Office
The Inquiry is specifically required to consider any disparities evident in the impact of the pandemic on different categories of people. This includes, but is not limited to, those relating to protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 and equality categories under the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Under the Inquiries Act 2005, decisions regarding the conduct of the Inquiry are for the Independent Chair.
That this House congratulates Niamh Junner from East Renfrewshire after the most successful year in her karate career to date; appreciates that Niamh won a bronze medal at the under-21 European championships in Prague and a further bronze medal at the under-21 World championships in Konya; notes that due to her successes in Prague and Konya, Niamh is now ranked in the World's top 5 under-21 females +68 kg category; recognises that Niamh has been a member of the Scotland national karate team f...
That this House congratulates Begg Shoes in Inverness on recently being awarded the Living Wage Scotland Newcomer Award; recognises their commitment to adopting the real Living Wage after covid-19 pandemic, particularly given the challenges local retailers faced during this time; notes that Begg Shoes pay their staff above the Real Living Wage rate to help protect living standards for their staff; and recognises the ongoing work of Living Wage Scotland to increase the number of employees rece...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister plans to meet with the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice to discuss appointing panel members to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
Government answer
Answering body: Cabinet Office
Appointments to an inquiry panel are made in accordance with the statutory provisions of the Inquiries Act 2005 and in consultation with the chair. Any representations on the composition of the panel will be duly considered by the Government. Moreover, the inquiry’s terms of reference require it to “listen to and consider carefully the experiences of bereaved families and others who have suffered hardship or loss as a result of the pandemic".
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what is the projected cost to the public purse of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
Government answer
Answering body: Cabinet Office
The Inquiry’s timescales, process and procedure are all matters for its independent Chair, who is under a statutory duty to avoid unnecessary cost in the conduct of the Inquiry. The Inquiry will publish details of its expenditure on its website in due course.
That this House congratulates family business, Sylvia’s Soapy Suds in Ardrossan, on winning the prestigious accolade of Best Laundry Business at the grand finale of Scotland’s Business Awards 2022; appreciates that this business, which was established almost 11 years ago, is now a cherished feature of the Ardrossan community; recognises that this award comes after a challenging period for businesses which struggled during the Covid-19 pandemic; applauds the delivery service provided by the bu...
Philip Davies · ConservativeAnswering body: Cabinet Office
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many employees in his Department work on matters related to covid-19.
Government answer
Answering body: Cabinet Office
There are 27 full time employees in one business unit currently working on the Government’s response to the Covid-19 Inquiry. There are no other business units in the Cabinet Office that are dedicated to COVID-19. Roles are not recorded at an individual level.
Philip Davies · ConservativeAnswering body: Home Office
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many employees in her Department work on matters related to covid-19.
Government answer
Answering body: Home Office
The Home Office no longer actively monitor staff deployment for Covid-19, the number of staff members where their role is wholly or in part related to Covid-19 can only be retrieved by disproportionate effort.
However, the Department’s response to the Covid-19 Inquiry has a total of 7 (6.6FTE) employees.
Philip Davies · ConservativeAnswering body: Department for Transport
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many employees in his Department work on matters related to covid-19.
Government answer
Answering body: Department for Transport
As of the 15th November 2022 there are 19 members of staff undertaking work on matters directly relating to Covid-19 where this work constitutes the majority of their working time. These staff members are primarily in DfT’s Covid-19 Inquiry Response Division. Their work will include input and support from relevant functions and modal teams as necessary.
Philip Davies · ConservativeAnswering body: Ministry of Justice
Parliamentary excerpt
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many employees in his Department work on matters related to covid-19.
Government answer
Answering body: Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice does not hold centrally a figure for how many employees in the department work on matters related to COVID-19. However, I can confirm that there are currently 12.7 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employees working on the department’s response to the UK COVID-19 Inquiry.
There is also a network of Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across the department. They assist with the preparation for the response to the UK COVID-19 Inquiry alongside other roles and responsibilities.
That this House condemns the proposed cuts to BBC local radio programming which will see programming shared between regions after 2pm and on weekends; applauds the role of BBC local radio stations in democratic accountability, combating isolation and responding to crises such as covid-19 and local emergencies; questions for what reason the BBC’s digital first strategy is at the expense of a vital part of local media infrastructure; notes with concern that staff whose jobs are at risk found ou...