argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Covid-19: Housing Market — House of Commons, 2020-05-13
Topic: Housing
Robert Edward Jenrick (Conservative, Centre-right): I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that question. I am sure that thousands of people in Stafford, and across the country, will have been in a state of limbo and unable to move home. This announcement today will make a big difference to their lives and to the local economy in Staffordshire. With respect to the guidelines, they are clear, as I have already said, that people need to respect social distancing when in others’ properties. We are encouraging virtual viewings, which can be more sophisticated and may come at a cost, or can be as simple as the agent or homeowner producing a video on their smartphone and making it available to anyone interested in the property before they visit. With respect to show homes, we are strongly encouraging people to attend by appointment only to avoid unnecessary speculative visits.
Covid-19: Housing Market — House of Commons, 2020-05-13
Topic: Housing
Robert Edward Jenrick (Conservative, Centre-right): With respect to supporting the industry, today is too soon to judge with confidence the state of the housing market because there have been so few transactions in recent weeks. However, we stand ready to work with the industry and to help to guide it through what will undoubtedly be an extremely challenging period. We have announced some measures today—for example, enabling councils to defer CIL and section 106 payments. That does not mean that there will be an impact on social infrastructure or affordable homes in the longer term, but it does mean that small and medium-sized enterprise builders in particular can have a bit of breathing space in the weeks and months ahead, which is a critical lesson learnt from the last downturn in the market We are thinking carefully about what more we can do to protect renters. Of course, there are other Government schemes, such as the furlough scheme, which is now paying a proportion of millions of working people’s wages and helping to support them through this difficult period. The moratorium on evictions prevents possession proceedings in court at the present time, but we will need to think carefully about what to do when that comes to an end in June.
Covid-19: Housing Market — House of Commons, 2020-05-13
Topic: Housing
Peter Alexander Gibson (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend knows that the construction industry is core to our economy’s success. Will he outline what steps the Government are taking to ensure that that important sector has the flexibility that it needs to operate safely and restart?
Covid-19: Housing Market — House of Commons, 2020-05-13
Topic: Housing
Robert Edward Jenrick (Conservative, Centre-right): Across the country, millions of people are employed in the construction industry. It is absolutely essential that we get them back to work, but we have to do so safely. Today’s charter, working with the house builders, will set out ways in which we believe that that can be done. Many of the country’s house builders have been working with us in recent weeks to put in place the protocols and site working practices that will be needed to protect those working people Today’s written ministerial statement, extending the work of sites, will also play its part. It will enable sites to stay open during the summer months, potentially to 9 pm in residential areas, and longer than that in areas where there are no neighbouring properties. This is to help the industry to catch up if it wants to and, above all, to help it to put in place the social distancing rules that it will need to operate sites safely and reduce pressure on public transport. I hope that all of us across the country, and our councils, will support that and ensure that it is implemented smoothly.
Covid-19: Housing Market — House of Commons, 2020-05-13
Topic: Housing
Robert Edward Jenrick (Conservative, Centre-right): As I have already said, we have legislated to have a moratorium on evictions, which comes up for review in June. At that point, the Secretary of State has the power to extend it if necessary. We will take that judgment on the basis of the market at that time and the evidence we see in respect of how many individuals might be coming before the courts with eviction proceedings. We will consider what further steps might be necessary at the time.
Covid-19: Housing Market — House of Commons, 2020-05-13
Topic: Housing
Robert Alexander Courts (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my right hon. Friend for his statement. In order to provide the reassurance and clarity that my constituents in West Oxfordshire would like, will he confirm that although people can move whenever they like and removal firms are able to help, the Government do still ask and require that such activity is carried out safely?
Covid-19: Housing Market — House of Commons, 2020-05-13
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Robert Edward Jenrick (Conservative, Centre-right): It is extremely important that removal firms across the country, many of which are small and medium-sized businesses, get back to work, and we have worked with them to produce guidelines that we believe will enable them to do so safely. We may do more work in the weeks and months ahead to learn from that. These businesses play a critical role in the industry.
Covid-19: Housing Market — House of Commons, 2020-05-13
Topic: Mixed Topics
Robert Edward Jenrick (Conservative, Centre-right): I am extremely grateful for the work of local councils and charities in places such as Nottingham: they did an amazing job in bringing at least 90% of those individuals who were sleeping rough at the onset of the crisis into safer accommodation. In some parts of the country, the numbers of rough sleepers have now fallen to as low as one, two or three individuals. We believe that the success rate could even be as much as 98% so far, but the challenge is by no means complete and there is more work to do. We have said that the Government’s policy on no recourse to public funds has not changed, but councils do have flexibility, as they know, to support those individuals when there is a risk to life and serious concern. They should behave humanely and compassionately.
Covid-19: Housing Market — House of Commons, 2020-05-13
Topic: Housing
Robert Edward Jenrick (Conservative, Centre-right): This is one of the most comprehensive, coherent and clear plans for any sector of the economy. We have worked with every part of the industry, from the removal companies, estate agents and letting agents to the surveyors, conveyancers and builders—you name it—to put in place the guidance that is needed, and it has all been published today on gov.uk. It has been hugely welcomed by people across the industry and the millions of people in England who want to move house and get on with their lives, as well as the 2.3 million people whose jobs depend on this critical industry.
Covid-19: Housing Market — House of Commons, 2020-05-13
Topic: Housing
Robert Edward Jenrick (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend and I have discussed this issue at length on a number of occasions, and he has been assiduous in campaigning to break this deadlock. It is extremely unfortunate that before the coronavirus crisis house building in the Solent area was essentially paused because of the issue he described. I have been working with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Natural England to bring forward guidelines and to bring the parties together, because too many people’s livelihoods depend on this and we need to move forward. I hope that those guidelines are now available and will ensure that we continue to work with his local council and others to get the industry moving in the Solent area.
Agriculture Bill — House of Commons, 2020-05-13
Topic: Other
Eleanor Fulton Laing (Conservative, Centre-right): We now go to Angus and Dave Doogan—[Interruption.] I beg your pardon. I am grateful to Members in the Chamber for correcting my mistake. We go to North Devon—[Interruption.] We go to North Down, and Stephen Farry.
Remote Division Result: New Clause 7 — House of Commons, 2020-05-13
Topic: Other
Eleanor Fulton Laing (Conservative, Centre-right): As the next Question is contingent on the outcome of the remote Division that has just concluded, but the result of which we do not yet have, I have to suspend the House for a short time—about five minutes—while the report of the Division on amendment 39 is prepared.
Remote Division Result: Amendment 39 — House of Commons, 2020-05-13
Topic: Other
Eleanor Fulton Laing (Conservative, Centre-right): Before I put the Question, I confirm that my final determination is that the Question should be decided by remote Division. There is therefore no need for me to collect the voices or for Members present in the Chamber to shout Aye or No Question put forthwith (Order, this day), That the Bill be now read the Third time The House proceeded to a remote Division.
LGBT Rights — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Civil Rights
Elizabeth Mary Truss (Conservative, Centre-right): I am proud that we are one of the leading countries in the world for LGBT rights. The UK will host an international LGBT conference, chaired by Nick Herbert. The theme is "Safe to be me". It will focus on asking countries to tackle the persecution of LGBT people, including ending violence and discrimination.
LGBT Rights — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Civil Rights
Robert Largan (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government have a strong record on LGBT rights, especially the introduction of equal marriage, which I am proud to have campaigned for. We have come a long way, but there is still work to be done. Can my right hon. Friend tell me why a married monogamous gay couple living in High Peak cannot donate blood or plasma, including for the ongoing and vital covid-19 trial?
LGBT Rights — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Civil Rights
Dehenna Sheridan Fareham (Conservative, Centre-right): We have seen numerous reports that the covid lockdown is having a disproportionately negative impact on the LGBT+ community, here in Bishop Auckland and right across our country, particularly with regard to mental health, domestic abuse and homelessness. With the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia coming up on 17 May, what are the Government doing to ensure that LGBT+ people are receiving the support needed throughout the covid crisis?
LGBT Rights — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Civil Rights
Elizabeth Mary Truss (Conservative, Centre-right): We absolutely want to ensure that all LGBT people are able to secure that support during the crisis. That is why we have extended the contract of Dr Michael Brady, and where we are able to provide those services we are ensuring that we do. I will follow up on the specific issue my hon. Friend raises with Dr Michael Brady to ensure that those services are available.
STEM Subjects — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Civil Rights
Elizabeth Mary Truss (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my hon. Friend for his question. It is still the case that women make up only 25% of those employed in manufacturing and 30% of those in information technology. We need more women in those fields to use their amazing talents. We are committed to removing the barriers to success for women and to celebrating those who have achieved, such as Ruth Amos of StairSteady, who has invented new areas of engineering, which we should continue to celebrate.
Equality of Opportunity — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Civil Rights
Elizabeth Mary Truss (Conservative, Centre-right): As we turn the tide on covid-19, I want to ensure that the Cabinet Office equalities hub focuses on the evidence, and that everyone in the UK has their opportunity and does not face discrimination or barriers to success.
Equality of Opportunity — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Civil Rights
David Mervyn Johnston (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my right hon. Friend for that statement. Does she agree that, although they are not in the Equality Act 2010, we should have a firm focus on social background and social mobility, so that it is not the school someone went to, the family they come from or the area they grew up in that determines their life chances?
Equality of Opportunity — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Mixed Topics
Elizabeth Mary Truss (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my hon. Friend for his question. We are restructuring the equalities hub so that it covers areas such as social background and geography. It will put world-class analysis and research at its heart, and I am proud that both the Department for International Trade and the equalities hub were named among the top 75 employers by the social mobility employer index, which I know my hon. Friend established.
Covid-19: BAME Communities — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Civil Rights
Olukemi Olufunto Badenoch (Conservative, Centre-right): We are very concerned by reports of a disproportionate impact of covid-19 on ethnic minorities. It is important that we understand what is underpinning these disparities and that we have robust and accurate data to do so, in order to take effective action.
Covid-19: BAME Communities — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Civil Rights
Olukemi Olufunto Badenoch (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government Equalities Office is refocusing the equality hub. The race disparity unit, the GEO and the disability unit want to spend more time on research and data so that we can help to inform Government Departments on their activity. We want to become more evidence-led. The Public Health England review is going to fit in with this overall strategy. It will be analysing how different factors, including ethnicity, gender and age, can impact on people’s health outcomes from covid-19. We are confident that this review will be able to analyse available data on health outcomes for NHS staff as well. We expect it to be published at the end of May.
BAME Covid-19 Review Taskforce — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Civil Rights
Olukemi Olufunto Badenoch (Conservative, Centre-right): As someone who is affected by this issue of ethnic minorities and the disproportionate impact they suffer from covid, I am glad to see that it is being taken seriously across the House. I am confident that both Parliament and the Health and Social Care Committee will have the opportunity to scrutinise the Government and hold them to account on this in due course, and this is where cross-party work will be most effective.
Covid-19: Domestic Abuse — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Housing
Marco Longhi (Conservative, Centre-right): The Churches Housing Association of Dudley and District is a charity that provides support and housing to vulnerable people, including victims of domestic abuse. Does my hon. Friend agree that the recent announcement of £76 million to support such charities and the new priority need status allocated to victims who are seeking local housing will provide very real support to an extremely vulnerable group of people at this difficult time?
Covid-19: Domestic Abuse — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Mixed Topics
Victoria Atkins (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the hon. Lady, and I welcome her to her position. We are very aware that disabled people face additional pressures when they are victims of domestic abuse, so certainly those considerations form part of the Government’s plans to help the most vulnerable people in society during these very troubling times.
Engagements — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Simon James Jupp (Conservative, Centre-right): First, I would like to welcome the Prime Minister back to where he belongs, and I am sure that the whole House will join me in congratulating him and his fiancée on the birth of their son, Wilfred On coronavirus, tourism is absolutely crucial to the economy of the south-west, including my constituency of East Devon. While I am currently asking visitors to come back later, once the lockdown has ended, I want to make sure that our vital tourism industry survives so that we can be open for business at the earliest opportunity. Can the Prime Minister assure me, my constituents and East Devon’s tourism industry that further and flexible financial support is coming to protect this crucial industry?
Engagements — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes, indeed I can. I thank my hon. Friend for what he is doing to campaign for tourism in East Devon, and I can tell him that we are adding another £1.3 million to help the tourism industry in that area. Clearly, the priority of the Government and, I believe, of the whole House is now to suppress this disease further and, as we do that, to get our economy going again and to encourage tourism across our whole country and, of course, East Devon in particular.
Engagements — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Other
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): I will, of course, undertake that there will be a statement to the House—as you, Mr Speaker, and the House would properly expect—about what we propose. I just want to explain to the House, as a courtesy, why it is happening on Sunday; I am sure that you would be interested to know that, Mr Speaker. The reason is very simple. We have to be sure that the data is going to support our ability to do this, but that data is coming in continuously over the next few days. We will want, if we possibly can, to get going with some of these measures on Monday, and I think it will be a good thing if people have an idea of what is coming the following day. That is why I think Sunday—the weekend—is the best time to do it, but of course the House will be fully informed and will have the full opportunity to debate and interrogate me or the Government on that matter.
Engagements — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Mixed Topics
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes. By the way, I forgot to thank the right hon. Gentleman and other colleagues for their kind words about Wilfred. I want to thank him for that; I forgot to say that, and I will be marked down if I don’t. So thank you. Listen, I share the right hon. Gentleman’s aims. We will do our level best to make sure that the outlines of this attract the widest possible consensus; I think that they can and ought to. I am delighted by his call for a prohibition on "political arguments about the constitution" and I think that would be warmly welcomed across this country.
Engagements — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Civil Rights
Atta-Ur-Rehman Chishti (Conservative, Centre-right): Like other colleagues, I am absolutely delighted to see the Prime Minister back at the Dispatch Box. I congratulate him and Carrie on the birth of their child. My constituent, Jackie Potter, recently lost her husband, Ashley, who was 64. The family would like to bury Ashley with a small church service, applying social distancing. If Ashley were to be cremated, that would happen, but as he is being buried, under current guidelines, that is not possible. Can this anomaly between burials and cremations be urgently addressed so that families of all faiths who want to bury their loved ones, applying social distancing and in a faith service, are able to do so?
Engagements — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Civil Rights
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): Yes, indeed. I thank my hon. Friend, and I extend my deepest sympathies to the friends and family of his constituent, Ashley. We are asking councils to do exactly that—to help people to attend without breaching the rules on social distancing. I am sure that he would appreciate that we think that is the right balance to strike.
Engagements — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Mixed Topics
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my hon. Friend and congratulate him on the way he represents his constituents in Barrow. He is exactly right. That is why, among other things, we are ensuring that there are extra computers and laptops for disadvantaged communities, while making sure that we supply them with more 4G routers, which are invaluable at this particularly difficult time. There will be more to come, because this Government will pursue our agenda of uniting and levelling up across the whole UK.
Lifting the Lockdown: Workplace Safety — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Paul Stuart Scully (Conservative, Centre-right): I am grateful for that question. As my right hon. Friend knows, we have had three independent reviews of various aspects of audit by John Kingman, the Competition and Markets Authority and Sir Donald Brydon. We are committed to acting on their recommendations, including by legislating to create a tougher, stronger regulator, as soon as parliamentary time allows. We are working on that and will publish our proposals in due course.
Lifting the Lockdown: Workplace Safety — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Mixed Topics
Andrew Edmund Armstrong Selous (Conservative, Centre-right): If we want businesses to come back, they need to survive. Small businesses that pay themselves through dividends are not pariahs; they operate entirely legally. Will my hon. Friend speak to the Treasury to make sure that these businesses survive, and can we look again at the dividend issue, because many small businesses will not survive to allow their workers to come back next week if we do not?
Lifting the Lockdown: Workplace Safety — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Mixed Topics
Paul Stuart Scully (Conservative, Centre-right): I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising the important issue of those people who are most vulnerable in this situation. The guidance already sets out the steps that individuals living with shielded and vulnerable people should take to keep them safe. Where the Health and Safety Executive identifies employers who are not taking appropriate action to ensure that workers in the shielded category can follow the NHS advice to self-isolate for the period specified, it will consider taking a range of actions to improve the control of risks in the workplace.
Lifting the Lockdown: Workplace Safety — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Domestic Commerce
Nusrat Munir Ul-Ghani (Conservative, Centre-right): The vast majority of businesses in my constituency and across the country want to do the right thing, and the right thing is to get back to business. Does my hon. Friend agree that we should encourage a return to work, of course safely? Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of our country, and they deserve even more support now.
Lifting the Lockdown: Workplace Safety — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Mixed Topics
Dean Russell (Conservative, Centre-right): As my hon. Friend works with the Prime Minister on the comprehensive plan for the next phase of the response to coronavirus, can he assure me that we will continue to work with both Public Health England and the Health and Safety Executive to ensure that workplaces are safe, with a particular focus on complex workplaces such as construction sites? Our incredibly hard-working construction workers are having to go into work, and I want to ensure that they are safe on site.
Lifting the Lockdown: Workplace Safety — House of Commons, 2020-05-06
Topic: Mixed Topics
Paul Stuart Scully (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is right to take the specific example of construction sites. Clearly, there are different types of site. Battersea power station, which I visited just before the restrictions were introduced, is a 40-acre site, so social distancing is easier there than on a far smaller, constrained site. That is why we are bringing together industry expertise, union expertise and business representatives to ensure we have guidance that fits as many different workplaces as possible, backed up by Public Health England and the Health and Safety Executive.