Column 29 April - Progress in Parliament

This week my first session of Parliament ends, and Parliament goes into prorogation, ahead of the Queen’s Speech, which will set out the Government’s legislative programme for the next session of Parliament.

We have accomplished a great deal in this session, most notably getting Brexit done, but we have also accomplished a great deal more for our country, all in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes our continued progress all the more significant. Bills introduced to Parliament during the previous session include the Immigration Bill, the Trade Bill, the Fishing and Agricultural Bills, all crucial as move away from the EU as an independent sovereign nation.

One other area I am proud we are making a difference in is around the work the Government is doing to give our police more powers and the justice system more teeth. I am pleased that this Government has introduced new legislation to Parliament which will deliver on our manifesto commitment to do just that - to give the police and courts greater powers to do their jobs, while ensuring the most violent criminals spend longer behind bars.

We need a fair justice system-one that stands for the law-abiding majority, not the criminal minority. In the previous election, I pledged to crackdown on crime and build safer communities – and our Police, Crime Courts and Sentencing Bill delivers on that commitment, ensuring punishments fit the severity of the crime. The new protections and powers for police, while reforming sentencing, include whole life orders for child killers, with judges also allowed to impose this punishment on 18-20 year olds in exceptional cases, new powers to halt the automatic early release of offenders who pose a danger to the public and ends the halfway release of offenders sentenced for serious, violent and sexual offences.  It also introduces life sentences for killer drivers, gives police new stop and search powers against convicted knife and offensive weapons offenders, enshrines the Police Covenant in law and doubles the maximum sentence for assaulting an emergency services worker from 12 months to 2 years. This Bill builds on our progress to deliver 20,000 more police officers, and delivers on this Conservative Government’s pledge to restore confidence in the criminal justice system, giving our full support to the police and courts to cut crime and to make our streets safer.

As well as these national changes to help our police and courts, I am working locally with our Police and Crime Commissioner to free up funds currently held in the camera safety partnership. This is money that has been collected from speeding fines, and I know there are many communities in Truro and Falmouth that have ideas about road safety measures in their towns and villages. If we are successful in freeing up this money, it is hoped to be able to work up projects which can be delivered locally. I look forward to updating you about this again soon.

As ever, if you need my assistance with anything then my team and I are here to help. Please get in touch with me by email at Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk , or by telephone on 01872 229698.

BT GROUP – Say no to Key Worker redundancies Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents getting in touch regarding BT redundancies.  

I hugely regret any loss of jobs in the UK as a result of redundancy, and I very much appreciate the terrific efforts of BT staff to keep this country’s communication lines open during a period where many people have relied on them to work or learn from home. 

I have been assured that my Ministerial colleagues regularly engage with BT about a range of topics, including their UK workforce, at both the Official and Ministerial levels. Ultimately, however, BT is a private company so decisions about its structure and employment are a matter for its Board. BT has assured Ministers that its approach is to minimise redundancies through natural attrition (i.e. not always replacing those who are retiring) and to provide opportunities to re-skill and redeploy workers whenever possible, and that it engages properly and regularly with the trade unions that represent its workers at all levels. 

I know that Ministers are committed to boosting job creation. The 'Plan for Jobs' announced during the Summer Economic Update makes up to £30 billion available with a clear goal to create, protect, and support jobs, and to spur the UK's recovery following Covid-19. The plan includes three main points: supporting people to find the jobs that are out there, creating new jobs through investing in our infrastructure and housing, and protecting jobs by revitalising the hard-hit sectors upon which many jobs depend. 

More generally, the Government is committed to delivering nationwide gigabit connectivity as soon as possible, and is investing £5billion to deliver gigabit-capable services to the hardest to reach parts of the UK. Nationwide gigabit rollout will create thousands of high-quality jobs in the UK and help the country build back better from the Covid-19 pandemic. 

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.  

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk 

 

Ban Chen Quanguo from the UK Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents getting in touch regarding Chen Quanguo.

Firstly, I share all constituents’ concerns at the shameful and gross human rights abuses taking place which includes forced labour and extra-judicial detention in the Xinjang region in China.

Last year I was pleased that the government introduced sanctions under a new global human rights scheme.

The ‘Magnitsky’-style sanctions regime will target those who have been involved in some of the gravest human rights violations and abuses in the world.

I know that the list is regularly reviewed and that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) constantly monitors human rights issues. I will of course seek clarity from the FCDO on why the individual mentioned in this specific campaign is not currently on the list and to see if he is being considered.

You can see further details on the sanctions on the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-announces-first-sanctions-under-new-global-human-rights-regime

I should also point to the recently announced measures over the human rights abuses in Xinjang:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-government-announces-business-measures-over-xinjiang-human-rights-abuses

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk

Stop Sea Blasts Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents getting in touch regarding sea blasts.

I very much agree that we should do all we can to protect the welfare of our marine life, especially the whales and dolphins. 

I recognise the significant impact underwater noise from ordnance clearance and other activities can have on vulnerable marine species. I am, therefore, pleased that Ministers are working closely with the Marine Management Organisation, nature conservation bodies and marine industries to reduce underwater noise, but it is important that they ensure any clearance method used is both safe and effective.

I am aware that the underwater noise impact of using low order deflagration techniques for unexploded ordnance detonations is currently being researched. Two phases of a Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy funded project to characterise and contrast the acoustic fields generated by unexploded ordnance clearance using high order detonation and using low-order deflagration have been completed. I understand that a third phase has now been initiated to allow further assessment of the clearance options. A potential fourth phase of the work involving offshore field work is also being actively explored in which comparative noise measurements would be made during actual unexploded ordnance clearance campaigns using both deflagration and high order detonations.

The outcomes from the third and fourth phases will allow an informed discussion to take place, however, it will be for the regulatory authorities and the statutory nature conservation bodies to consider, the best available scientific evidence when providing advice on these matters. It is my understanding that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs does not expect to issue further formal guidance on the use of low-order deflagration techniques until this research has been completed.

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk

 

CrimeNotCompliment / Sexual Harassment Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents getting in touch regarding crimenotcompliment campaign on sexual harassment.

Protecting women and girls from violence and supporting victims is of the utmost importance. I am proud to stand on a manifesto which pledge to continue the fight against the perpetrators of violence against women and girls.

Hate crime, in all its forms, goes directly against the values of our country, and it is completely unacceptable that anyone in our society should live in fear of intimidation or violence. As such, we must face down discrimination wherever we see it.

Since the publication of the Hate Crime Action Plan in 2016, I have been encouraged by the progress that has been made, which has seen an increase in reporting and improvements in the identification and recording of crime by the police.

However, rates of attrition within the criminal justice system remain high, and targeted online abuse continues to present a significant problem.

You may be aware of the wide-ranging Law Commission review into hate crime. Work on this is well underway and the review will identify any gaps within the current legislation and determine whether sex or gender should be added to hate crime law. The Law Commission’s consultation closed on 24^th December 2020 and the government will be considering the review’s recommendations when they are complete.

You can see further details on the link below:

 Hate Crime | Law Commission

I am sure that you will agree the importance of allowing the Law Commission to complete its work in this area. However, the government recently announced that on an experimental basis, police forces will be asked to identify and record any crimes of violence against the person, including stalking and harassment, as well as sexual offences where the victim perceives it to have been motivated by a hostility based on their sex.

It is my understanding that Ministers will shortly begin the consultation with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and forces on this with a view to commencing the experimental collection of data from this autumn. While this is not making misogyny a hate crime, it can inform longer-term decisions once the government has considered the recommendations made by the Law Commission.

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk

EDM 50 Trophy Hunting Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents getting in touch regarding EDM 50 on trophy hunting.

 As a rule, I do not support Early Day Motions as they often do not get debated and have no legislative effect.

 However that is not to say I do not have sympathy with constituents’ concerns.

 Animals were mentioned many times in the 2019 Conservative manifesto and as an animal lover I welcome the actions proposed. For instance, it mentioned “We will bring the ivory ban into force and extend it to cover other ivory-bearing species, and ban imports from trophy hunting of endangered animals.”

In recent times trophy hunters have come under significant scrutiny in social media and other platforms. There is clearly a growing sense of disquiet of certain aspects of this “sport”.

I believe legislation around trophy hunting could be looked at further, not least because there has been a firm commitment expressed in the Conservative manifesto.

Now we have left the EU we will of course be free to make our own laws on import again and that will serve this cause and the nation very well on all manner of matters.

You may also be interested on a number of recent posts I have done on animals:

https://cherilynmackrorymp.blogspot.com/2021/04/uk-factory-farming-edm-1582-campaign.html

https://cherilynmackrorymp.blogspot.com/2021/04/ban-warfare-experiments-on-animals-edm.html

https://cherilynmackrorymp.blogspot.com/2021/04/please-help-stop-race-horses-being.html

https://cherilynmackrorymp.blogspot.com/2021/03/pig-husbandry-campaign-response.html

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk

Column 22 April 2021 - Online abuse

I was shocked at the beginning of this week to see various posts on social media warning of apparent messages being sent to and by students of Falmouth University regarding “national rape day”, with a group of boys competing to sexually assault the most women.

This is completely abhorrent, Falmouth University has said while it has no evidence that reports of these posts and purported related discussions are genuine, or that there is a genuine threat, it is clear that the issue is causing distress in its community.

In fact this is one of those instances where even if the original report is simply not true, and is some sort of hoax or sick joke, the ramifications of these actions can be severe, triggering upset and distress in people who have experienced sexual assault in the past, and even encouraging potential criminals to commit crimes.

I am pleased to see the university has said it is actively working with the police to support their investigations and that they will take a zero-tolerance approach to anyone found participating in any related group or engaging with the content in a way that could reasonably be foreseen to cause distress or emotional harm, whether intended or not.

If they are not genuine, then why are social media platforms allowing such posts at all?  Yet again, as with the online abuse of women elected representatives, it is clear that the anonymous and ‘safe distance’ nature of social media platforms allows such abuse to take place.  Offence, insults and threats can be handed out with anonymity.  People, to put it politely, can be far less respectful than they would usually be if speaking face-to-face.

Accountability for what one posts on social media must improve dramatically if we are going to save future women and girls from the vile comments my generation has experienced.

The Online Harms Bill, which is currently going before Parliament, is a pivotal opportunity to tackle online abuse against women and girls, including elected representatives. However, there is concern amongst civil society organisations that the white paper falls short when addressing the disproportionate levels of online harms faced by women and those with multiple protected characteristics. I believe that the Online Harms Bill must include gender-based abuse as a priority harm and recognise the compounding harm experienced by those with multiple protected characteristics, rather than categorisation as separate issues.

The reports of abuse that many of my colleagues in Parliament have experienced is shocking.  Senior colleagues have been visibly moved by what they have heard from some of my intake from the 2019 General Election.  Parliament, I believe, is united in wanting to improve discourse in public life for everyone.  We must ensure that it is unacceptable to use the fact that someone is a woman to direct sexist and violent insults her way, merely because there is a disagreement over policy.

I intend to use my time and energy in Parliament to improve this space for women and girls today and for those who come after me, both as elected representatives and across society.

As ever, if you need my assistance with anything then my team and I are here to help. Please get in touch with me by email at Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk , or by telephone on 01872 229698.

Online abuse of elected women representatives

There was an important Westminster Hall Debate today on the Online abuse of elected women representatives. Unfortunately, despite applying as appropriate I disappointingly was not picked to speak but I have provided my thoughts/views below:

I was particularly encouraged by members from across the political divide speaking and sharing their views and experiences today and I hope that this delivers a powerful signal to society that Parliament is united on this.

Intimidation and abuse continue to be experienced by individuals across public life, from all groups and across the political spectrum and unfortunately candidates who are female are one of the disproportionately targeted groups in terms of scale, intensity and vitriol. Quiet words of encouragement have had to be had with many women candidates that I know.  What do I do if it happens to me?  How does it feel?  Is it inevitable?

Addressing this intimidatory, bullying and abusive culture matters. It matters for the diversity of our public life; it matters as it has the potential to alter the ways the public can engage with representative democracy; and it matters because it has the ability to stifle the freedom to discuss and debate issues and interests.

It is so important that women are not put off from becoming Members of Parliament or from joining public joining public life anywhere in the UK or around the world. No matter what a person’s belief or ideology they should not be put off from pursuing a career in politics. Please …. let a woman speak – if you disagree with her, debate her…..do not intimidate her – it might make your argument the dominant one, it does not make your argument the superior one.

The cross party showing for this debate clearly shows that this is not a right vs left vs centrist vs leave vs remain issue. All sides include individuals responsible for the offensive, sexist, racist, patronising tweets, Facebook comments, emails, phone calls – Society does not like it – we must address it with some urgency.

Tackling intimidation would enhance political debate and intensify the scrutiny of elected representatives.  It would allow for freedom of expression to continue to be the cornerstone of public life: Freedom of expression is a hard won right and is an important part of a vibrant public life. Our democracy depends on those with different viewpoints disagreeing well and presenting intelligent alternatives.

Intimidation only aims to shut down debate – cutting off participation and engagement…

Tackling this intimidation, far from threatening genuine democratic debate and scrutiny, will serve to enhance and to protect it. Indeed, in order to represent all legitimate interests all voices should be heard so that the democratic process can be maintained.

If this is not addressed, we could be left with a political culture that does not reflect the society it should represent.

Locally, I wanted to draw the House’s attention to an appalling and shocking report in Cornwall’s local news (credit CornwallLive) this week.

 

“Students in Cornwall have said they are afraid to go outside after rumours spread of a group of boys competing to sexually assault the most women.

Messages on social media, sent around to students across Falmouth University, told of a rumoured “national rape day”.

Spreading across Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, and direct messages, the rumours claimed that a group of around 100 male students were going to compete to see who could sexually assault the most women.

One message said: “There’s a group chat of 100+ guys on campus, and they plan to rape as many girls as they can before April 24.

“The guys in the group chats are being threatened if they tell a soul.”

 

Falmouth University has reacted strongly with a ‘zero tolerance’ approach and is working with the local police.  So far, there is no evidence that these posts are genuine, yet they have had an impact on the female student population in Falmouth.

 

If they are not genuine, then why are social media platforms allowing such posts at all?  Yet again, as with the online abuse of women elected representatives, it is clear that the anonymous and ‘safe distance’ nature of social media platforms allows such abuse to take place.  Offence, insults and threats can be handed out with anonymity.  People, to put it politely, can be far less respectful than they would usually be if speaking face-to-face.

Accountability for what one posts on social media must improve dramatically if we are going to save future women and girls from the vile comments my generation has experienced.

The Online Harms Bill is a pivotal opportunity to tackle online abuse against women and girls, including elected representatives. However, there is concern amongst civil society organisations that the white paper falls short when addressing the disproportionate levels of online harms faced by women and those with multiple protected characteristics. The Online Harms Bill must include gender-based abuse as a priority harm and recognise the compounding harm experienced by those with multiple protected characteristics, rather than categorisation as separate issues.

The reports of abuse that many colleagues have experienced is shocking.  Senior colleagues have been visibly moved by what they have heard from some of the new intake.  Parliament, I believe, is united in wanting to improve discourse in public life for everyone.  We must ensure that it is unacceptable to use the fact that someone is a woman to direct sexist and violent insults her way, merely because there is a disagreement over policy.

I intend to use my time and energy in Parliament to improve this space for women and girls today and for those who come after me.

Sewage (Inland Waters) Bill Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents who have recently go in touch with me regarding The Sewage (Inland Waters) Bill.

I am pleased to say that I very much support the Bill and you will be able to see my name in the link provided in the campaign email:

https://www.sas.org.uk/EndSewagePollution-SewageBill

Unfortunately, as a consequence of Covid-19 on the Parliamentary timetable, the Second Reading debate for the Bill will not be progressing in this parliamentary session. The Bill could conceivably be re-introduced in some form in the next Parliamentary session. The Bill will have my support once again when re-introduced.

I do have good news however. Philip Dunne has been working with officials at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to find a way following their announcement in January of supporting the objectives of the Bill to clean up water quality in our rivers. He has been pressing them to turn their statement into action and the government has recently made further announcements to introduce measures to give this effect.

This is a significant step forward, giving clarity over three areas where the government intends to introduce legislation, namely to:

 

· publish a plan by September 2022 to reduce sewage discharges from storm overflows;

 

· report to Parliament on progress on implementing the plan; and

 

· publish data on storm overflow operation on an annual basis.

I have been working alongside Philip Dunne in my role on the Environmental Audit Committee where we have been conducting an inquiry into Water Quality of Rivers. I am confident that any recommendations which emerge will feed in to further government responses, in parallel with the continuing work of the Storm Overflow Task Force.

Although the Bill is not proceeding into statute as drafted, I believe that it has already helped raise public and political awareness of the long neglected issues of sewage pollution. I look forward to working on the continued drive working towards clean and safe waterways.

I would like to thank Surfers Against Sewage based in our constituency for their efforts in this campaign, it is greatly appreciated. I will continue to work closely with them on this extremely important issue.

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk

E-scooters Event Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents getting in touch regarding e-scooters.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the suggested event, but I will of course keep an eye out for any future events as I know that this is an important issue to those with a vision impairment.

As you may be aware, the Department for Transport is running a series of electric scooter trials in select areas across the country. The trials will run for twelve months, allowing the government to investigate the benefits and costs of electric scooters. It is being considered if e-scooters could ease the burden on the transport network and, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, help to facilitate social distancing. However, the government will need to scrutinise the full impact of e-scooters before any decisions is made on whether they should be legalised.

Some councils have raised concerns about the trials after reports of misuse of e-scooters, such as use in pedestrianised areas. This is against the clear government guidance first published in July, which lists the rules for members of the general public who are using e-scooters as part of trials. The full list of guidance is below:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e-scooter-trials-guidance-for-users

As I understand it, two cities have halted trials due to these issues, and I very much welcome the fact that councils are prioritising the safety and concerns of their communities. I have been told that the trials that have been put on hold will be reviewed by local authorities and may resume only when they can be sure that e-scooters will be used safely and appropriately.

Ministers have been clear that the more robust initial launch plans must be put in place for future trials, and it is my understanding that the Department for Transport is using this feedback to help other trials avoid these issues.

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk

UK Factory Farming - EDM 1582 Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents getting in touch regarding EDM 1582 on banning UK factory farming.

As a rule, I do not support Early Day Motions as they often do not get debated and have no legislative effect.

The government promotes efficient, competitive farming, but does not seek to favour large or small-scale farms. There are a number of different farming systems in use within the UK and farms of all sizes have a role to play in promoting sustainable agriculture. Increasing the size of herds does not necessarily equate to lower animal health or welfare standards. All farms must comply with comprehensive UK law on animal health and welfare, planning, veterinary medicines and environmental legislation. Stockmanship and high husbandry standards are key to ensuring high welfare standards for all farmed animals.

In the UK, we can be justly proud that we have amongst the highest standards of animal welfare in the world. We are developing an Animal Health and Welfare Pathway which will promote the production of healthier, higher welfare animals. Improving animal health underpins the welfare of farmed animals; reduces greenhouse gas emissions; slows the rise of anti-microbial resistance; better protects farmers and the public from the economic impacts of disease; and helps demonstrate a commitment to rising standards of animal health and welfare to our current and future trading partners across the world.

You may also be interested in an earlier post I did on the Pig Husbandry which I have provided on the link below:

https://cherilynmackrorymp.blogspot.com/2021/03/pig-husbandry-campaign-response.html

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk

Nuclear Weapons – EDM 1776 Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents getting in touch regarding Nuclear Weapons and EDM 1667.

As a rule, I do not support Early Day Motions as they often do not get debated and have no legislative effect.

Whilst I of course hope that we never need to use them I will be supporting the latest decision to lift the cap on our nuclear stockpile as we face evolving security threats.

I do not believe this is going to lead to a new nuclear arms race and I would add that even when lifting the cap we will stay 5th in the world in terms of nuclear stockpiles behind Russia, USA, China and France.

The risk of nuclear conflict remains remote, but the threats the UK faces are increasing in scale, diversity and complexity. That is why we must be able to deter the most extreme acts of aggression against us and our NATO Allies.

The UK has taken a consistent and leading approach on nuclear disarmament but not all states have followed. Some are significantly increasing and diversifying their nuclear capabilities. We must ensure they can never use their nuclear weapons to threaten us, constrain our decision making, or sponsor nuclear terrorism.

It may sometimes feel that these threats are far removed from our daily lives, but the UK must have the capability to protect itself and our NATO Allies. Deterrence plays a key role in keeping the public safe, and to abandon our nuclear deterrent would put us all at greater risk.

You can see full details of the integrated review on the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-britain-in-a-competitive-age-the-integrated-review-of-security-defence-development-and-foreign-policy

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk

Centene in our NHS – EDM 1628 Campaign Response.

Thank you to the many constituents getting in touch regarding Centene in our NHS – EDM 1628.

As a rule, I do not support Early Day Motions as they often do not get debated and have no legislative effect.

GPs have always been private contractors that work to NHS contracts, follow NHS guidelines and see NHS patients. They do not compete for patients, or profit in the way competitive providers of healthcare do. The NHS is free at the point of use and that does not and will not change with whomever is contracted to provide NHS services.

This is not new or different, this sort of thing has happened for a very long time. The NHS delivers services through a mixture of public and private provision – the key fundamental being that anyone accessing the services does not pay for them and that isn’t changing.

They are also still subject to all the regulation and inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CCQ).

If patients felt the care they were receiving under the new provider was insufficient or compromised in any way, they have the option to report to the CCQ. or, if they feel that strongly and the option is available, register with an alternative local GP surgery.

I am not aware of any GPs in our constituency being taken over by this company. I would of course always expect any GP to fulfil its contractual obligations and to be held to the highest standards.

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk

Ban Warfare Experiments on Animals - EDM 291 Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents who have recently go in touch with me regarding Warfare Experiments on Animals.

As a rule, I do not support Early Day Motions as they often do not get debated and have no legislative effect.

The UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and it is right for us to cement our status as a global leader by continuing to raise the bar now we have left the EU. It is welcome that the trade agreement struck with the EU recognises that voluntary cooperation on chemicals regulation can facilitate trade in ways that benefit consumers, businesses and the environment can contribute to enhancing the protection of human and animal health. I am pleased that the agreement also notes the UK’s and the EU’s commitment to facilitate the exchange for non-confidential information on the issue of chemicals.

I would like to reassure you that Ministers have stated their determination that there should be no need for any additional animal testing for a chemical that has already been registered to EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). I am pleased to say that the government will recognise the validity of any animal testing that has already been undertaken and so avoid the need for further testing. I am pleased that the Environment Bill already includes safeguards to protect the fundamental principles of REACH, and therefore the proposed amendment was not necessary. The grandfathering of all existing UK-held REACH registrations into the UK system will further avoid the need to duplicate animal testing associated with re-registration.

The UK will now be able to establish its own independent chemical regime. Although both the UK and EU will operate REACH frameworks, the two systems will not be linked. This means that companies wishing to retain access to the UK market will be required to notify and submit registration data to the Health and Safety Executive to confirm the registrations and ensure compliance with UK REACH.

I am very pleased that the UK has been at the forefront of opposing animal tests where alternative approaches could be used. This is known as the last-resort principle, which will be retained and enshrined in legislation through the Environment Bill.

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk

Ocean Recovery Strategy Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents getting in touch regarding oceans.

I am assured that the government is fully aware of the need to protect our oceans. Through our COP26 and G7 Presidencies, the UK will showcase global leadership in tackling key pressures facing the ocean and will use its influence to advocate for greater action and global collaboration. Ministers also intend to publish an update to the UK Marine Strategy Part 3, outlining the programmes of measures that will continue to move the UK towards Good Environmental Status in its seas.

As you may be aware, at the recent One Planet Summit, the UK accepted the position as Ocean Co-Chair of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People. Between this and the UK-led Global Ocean Alliance, there are now over 60 countries supporting a target to protect at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030 as part of the aim for an ambitious post-2020 global biodiversity framework for adoption at the 15^th Conference of Parties of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

The protection, restoration and management of the marine environment is central to objectives in the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. Further, it is encouraging that 38% of UK waters are in Marine Protected Areas and Ministers are focused on ensuring these are effectively protected. Ministers have also stated their intention to pilot Highly Protected Marine Areas in Secretary of State waters, and I look forward to reading the government’s response to Richard Benyon’s review on this issue in due course.

Together with Vanuatu, the government is driving forward ambitious action to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean through the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance, a growing group of 34 Commonwealth member states. The government has also committed up to £70m to tackle plastic pollution, helping developing countries to prevent plastic waste entering the ocean, and has committed to start negotiations on a new global agreement on marine plastic litter and microplastics.

Further, Ministers have committed to establishing a new £500m Blue Planet Fund, to help developing countries protect the ocean from key human-generated threats, including pollution.

I particularly pleased to see the high interest in this campaign as I am the Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Ocean Conservation and it is an issue close to my heart.

The Ocean Conservation APPG brings together politicians, peers, charities, experts, academics, business leaders and other key stakeholders into a participatory space where expertise, ideas and networking converge to help better protect the marine environment.

The group aims to examine a broad range of issues, including:

Water Quality – Water is essential for all life on our planet and pollution of our rivers and oceans has a huge detrimental impact upon us and wildlife. The laws that have cleaned up UK waters were made in Europe so as we prepare to leave the EU, we must ensure we keep our coastline clean and safe for everyone to enjoy through strong and progressive legislation that at least matches that of the European Union.

Plastic Pollution – Plastic pollution is one of the biggest issues facing our marine environment. Our oceans are at choking point. Its critical we all play our part in tackling this issue with governments putting in place strong legislation, businesses reducing and redesigning products and packaging, and individuals taking responsibility for their purchasing. Policies to stem the flow of plastic at source are in existence, we just need to implement them.

Global Heating – The Earth is warming at an alarming rate. Increasing ocean temperatures affect all marine life, causing coral bleaching and the loss of breeding grounds for fish and mammals. They also affect the things we rely on from the ocean – threatening fish stocks, causing more extreme weather and accelerating coastal erosion.

Marine Protected Areas – Overfishing has had a devastating impact on the biodiversity of our oceans. The consequences are far-reaching for the future of the food we eat and, because healthy oceans absorb half the CO2 we produce, for the stability of the climate.

This platform enables the collaborative development of policy drivers and legislative change to better protect our marine environment.

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk

Newspaper column 8 April 2021 - The Road to Recovery continues...

I hope everyone had a good Easter Weekend and my thanks to everyone who worked through it during these difficult times.

Easter Monday saw another step forward in our Roadmap to Recovery as the Prime Minister announced our plans are on track and the planned easements of COVID-19 restrictions can go ahead from next Monday, the 12^th April.

This is excellent news and I am pleased to see the continued positive news from the incredible rollout of the vaccine programme, which is going so well both nationally and in Cornwall. As of 3 April, 31.4 million people in the UK have had their first jab, 5.2 million people have had both doses, and over half of people aged over 80 have had both jabs. Hospitalisations and deaths are also both significantly down, showing that the vaccine programme is working.

The Government’s assessment to continue easing restrictions was based on meeting the four tests previously laid out, that the vaccine deployment programme continues successfully, that evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated, that infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS, and that the assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new variants.

From 12 April additional premises will be able to reopen – with the rules on social contact applying. Indoor settings must only be visited alone or with household groups, with outdoor settings limited to either six people or two households.

This includes non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers, beauty and nail salons; and indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and spas.

Overnight stays away from home in England will be permitted and self-contained accommodation can also reopen, though must only be used by members of the same household or support bubble.

Public buildings such as libraries and community centres will also reopen.

The majority of outdoor settings and attractions can also reopen, including outdoor hospitality, zoos, theme parks, drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances events.

Hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants will be able to open for outdoor service, with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcohol, and no curfew. The requirement to eat and drink while seated will remain.

People should continue to work from home where they can, and minimise domestic travel where they can. International holidays are still illegal.

The number of care home visitors will also increase to two per resident, and all children will be able to attend any indoor children’s activity, including sport, regardless of circumstance.

Parent and child groups of up to 15 people (not counting children aged under five years old) can restart indoors.

While this is all good news, we must all continue to show caution - there are no changes to social contact rules and many restrictions remain still in place. Outdoor gatherings must still be limited to 6 people or 2 households, and you must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with or have not formed a support bubble with.

As ever my thanks goes to everyone who continues to do what they can to stay safe and stick to the rules and I hope that we will be able to continue on this positive path and ease more restrictions as we head into the summer.

As ever, if you need my assistance with anything then my team and I are here to help. Please get in touch with me by email at Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk , or by telephone on 01872 229698.

Proportional Representation Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents getting in touch regarding support for Proportional Representation.

I am afraid that I do not support the use of Proportional Representation and certainly not for UK General Elections.

First Past The Post (FPTP) is a tried and tested system that encourages political stability and clear governance, and that also tends to prevent disproportionate influence by minority parties with minimal public support, who typically end up holding the balance of power in PR systems.

FPTP is well established and understood by voters, providing a clear and robust way of electing Members of Parliament, and the important link between constituents (and constituencies) and their representatives in Westminster under FPTP is almost universally acknowledged as a key, and hugely valuable, benefit of the FPTP system.

Most of the time, FPTP produces governments with working majorities in Parliament, enabling efficient and effective decision-making, and encouraging proper accountability at election time where people can easily decide if they prefer the existing governing party to the main alternative on offer.

In similar vein, FPTP also encourages the existence of a strong opposition party that can hold the government of the day accountable and that can try to prepare itself, and present itself, as a realistic alternative government at the following election.

PR systems are less transparent, more complicated and less likely to lead to an effective and truly accountable government. After a somewhat inconclusive PR election in Belgium in 2010 it took no fewer than 540 days to form a new government. I would also point to Israel which uses PR and has just had its fourth General Election in two years having had them in March 2020, September 2019, and April 2019.

I would also add that during these unprecedented and challenging times and after the Brexit saga of 2019 which eventually resulted in a General Election and my election as an MP the last thing that we would need now and having the past year that we have had is a hung Parliament.

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk

Please help stop race horses being whipped Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents who have recently go in touch with me regarding Early Day Motion 135 calling for an immediate ban on the use of the whip in racing.

As a rule, I do not support Early Day Motions as they often do not get debated and have no legislative effect. I believe change can be driven better through the other democratic processes available to us in Parliament.

I agree that the irresponsible use of the whip is unacceptable. The British Horseracing Association (BHS), the governing and regulatory body for the sport, requires that whips used in horse racing must be used responsibly, for safety reasons or only to encourage the horse.

The current BHS policy on the whip was drawn up in consultation with animal welfare groups, such as World Horse Welfare and the RSPCA. The latest rules include a threshold on the number of times the whip can be used before racing stewards can consider an inquiry. If the rules are broken, the jockey may be banned from racing for a certain period of time depending on how serious the offence is.

The Horse Welfare Board’s five-year Horse Welfare Strategy published in February 2020, contains 20 recommendations for improving horse welfare. It recommends that, as a minimum, the penalties for misuse of the whip need to increase and that the BHA should conduct a consultation on the use of the whip. As well as seeking views on the appropriate sanctions for misuse of the whip, it also recommends that the BHA uses the consultation to consider whether the use of the whip for encouragement should be banned or retained and whether the rules that restrict the use of the whop for encouragement need to be changed.

I know that the consultation process was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, a new timetable will be agreed at an appropriate time in the future and I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this consultation. In addition to sanctions from the sport, using the whip indiscriminately on horses could lead to a prosecution under the 2006 Animal Welfare Act, which makes it a criminal offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal.

You may also be interested in a previous post I have done on Animal Sentience.

https://cherilynmackrorymp.blogspot.com/2021/02/time-is-running-out-to-protect-animal.html

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk

Where is the Deposit Return Scheme Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents who have recently go in touch with me regarding the Deposit Return Scheme.

I have now raised this with Rebecca Pow, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity, and have received the following response, copied and pasted for ease of reference: -

“Following initial consultation in 2019, we are publishing detailed proposals for two of our major packaging and collection reforms that will boost recycling, make producers more responsible for the packaging they place on the market and use, that will also step-up our war against plastic pollution and litter. The following two consultations are being launched for a period of 10 weeks. We will provide final details for each reform later this year.

• A Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers: covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This will ensure that billions more drinks bottles and cans are recycled and reused and not condemned to landfill or littered in our communities. With consumers paying a small deposit when purchasing an in-scope drinks container, they will be incentivised to take their empty bottle or can to a return point to get their deposit back. This will ensure that we increase recycling, capture high-quality material for reprocessing, and reduce the number of bottles and cans littered in our streets and countryside.

• Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging: UK wide. This will see producers meeting the full net cost of managing the packaging that they place on the market once it becomes waste. Higher fees will be paid by those producers who use packaging that is more difficult to recycle or reuse, producers will need to meet higher recycling targets, and we are proposing that obligated producers will be incentivised to reduce litter and keep our communities clean. The third of our major reforms, which will see consistent recycling collections for all households and businesses in England, will also be going out to consultation shortly.

These reforms will help the UK build back better and greener from the pandemic and boost our global leadership in tackling climate change and plastic pollution. As hosts of COP26 this year, President of the G7 and a key player in the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), we are leading the international climate change agenda and our landmark waste reforms will help bring government, society and the world

https://together-for-our-planet.ukcop26.org/

Through our world-leading Environment Bill we are transforming the way we deal with our waste. Tackling plastic pollution lies at the heart of our efforts, and we have already taken steps to ban microbeads in rinse-off personal care products, cut supermarket sales of single-use plastic bags by 95% and prohibit the supply of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds.”

I hope that the above information is useful and as ever if you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk

Asylum Seeker Support Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents who have recently go in touch with me regarding Aylum Seeker support.  

I understand that this is a very important issue and I am pleased that the Uk's long tradition of providing a place of safety for refugees. All claims for asylum are carefully considered and where it is found that individuals are in need of protection, asylum is given, with the ultimate aim of helping them to return home if it is safe to do so.  

Asylum seekers are allowed to work, in jobs on the Shortage Occupation List, if their claim has not been decided after 12 months through no fault of their own. The current policy on this strikes a balance between being equitable towards asylum seekers, while considering the rights and needs of our society as a whole, prioritising jobs for British citizens and those with leave to remain here, including refugees. The government is considering recent calls to change the current police and is reviewing the evidence available.  

Any asylum seeker who would otherwise be destitute provided with free accommodation, utility bills and council tax paid and a weekly cash allowance with extra money available for mothers and young children.  

From 15 June, the cash allowance was raised from £37.75 to £39.60, representing a rise of around 5 per cent. It is important to consider that this is significantly higher than general inflation which data showed was 0.8% in the 12 months to April 2020. Indeed, food inflation over the same period was 1.4%.  

I appreciate that there are concerns over this allowance figure. The methodology used for the cash allowance has been recognised by the Courts as rational and lawful. It is also important to factor in that NHS healthcare and education for children is provided free of charge.  

You can see details on this on the link below: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/report-on-review-of-cash-allowance-paid-to-asylum-seekers 

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.  

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk 

 

Newspaper column 1 April 2021 - the road to recovery

This week has seen further restrictions ease as we continue on our roadmap to recovery. From Monday the ‘stay at home’ rule has ended but many restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes.

Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools, are also now able to reopen, and people will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports.

Finally, and a step that will be welcomed by many ahead of the Easter weekend, outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households are also now allowed, making it easier for us to meet with our friends and families outside.

These easings are only possible because of the continued success of the vaccine programme and it is crucially important that we continue to stick to the rules and do all we can to prevent another wave of the virus.

In more good news, and following what I wrote in my column last week about my work with the Ocean Conservation All Party Parliamentary Group on Monday I was pleased to see the Government confirm that measures to reduce sewage discharges from storm overflows will be put into law.

This follows our backing of Philip Dunne’s Sewage Private Members Bill in 2020 and DEFRA agreeing to working with him on shared ambitions to tackle high levels of sewage in our rivers.

This is fantastic news and now a number of key policies will be made law. This will create three key duties to oversee some of the changes needed to improve our water environment:

· a duty on government to publish a plan by September 2022 to reduce sewage discharges from storm overflows;

· a duty on government to report to Parliament on progress on implementing the plan; and

· a duty on water companies to publish data on storm overflow operation on an annual basis.

Along with work started last year by the Storm Overflows Taskforce, to bring together government, the water industry, regulators and environmental NGOs to accelerate progress in this area, these are all really positive steps to reduce sewage getting into our waterways. There will still be more to do but these are all really positive steps and ones I am happy to have been involved with bringing into being.

As ever, if you need my assistance with anything then my team and I are here to help. Please get in touch with me by email at Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk , or by telephone on 01872 229698.