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1581176

	registered interest
	date	26/01/2023
	answering body	Attorney General
	answering dept id	88
	answering dept short name	Attorney General
	answering dept sort name	Attorney General
	hansard heading	Intestacy
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Attorney General, pursuant to the Answer of 26 January 2023 to Question 129848 on bona vacantia residential properties, who is responsible for notifying the Bona Vacantia Division of the Government Legal Department that an empty property is suspected of being bona vacantia.
	tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
	tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
	uin	133684
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/01/2023 answer text <table><tbody><tr><td><p>It is open to anyone to notify the Bona Vacantia Division (BVD) of the Government Legal Department (GLD) of an empty property if it is an asset of a dissolved company or a deceased person’s estate (where it is believed they died intestate and without known entitled relatives). Information and guidance on how to notify of a dissolved company asset or refer a deceased person’s estate can be found on their website <a href="http://www.gov.uk/bonavacantia" target="_blank">www.gov.uk/bonavacantia</a></p></td></tr></tbody></table> answering member constituency Mid Dorset and North Poole answering member printed Michael Tomlinson question first answered 31/01/2023 09:11:14 answering member 4497 label Biography information for Michael Tomlinson
	tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook

1579530

	registered interest
	date	23/01/2023
	answering body	Attorney General
	answering dept id	88
	answering dept short name	Attorney General
	answering dept sort name	Attorney General
	hansard heading	Intestacy
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Attorney General, who is responsible for determining whether an empty residential property is bona vacantia.
	tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
	tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
	uin	129848
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/01/2023 answer text <table><tbody><tr><td><p>The Treasury Solicitor acts for the Crown to administer the estates of people who die intestate (without a Will) and without known kin (entitled blood relatives) and collect the assets of dissolved companies and other various ownerless goods in England and Wales. The Bona Vacantia Division (BVD) of the Government Legal Department (GLD) deals with these matters on behalf of the Treasury Solicitor. BVD is responsible for determining whether an empty property is bona vacantia where they have been notified of the asset in relation to a dissolved company or a deceased person’s estate.</p></td></tr></tbody></table> answering member constituency Mid Dorset and North Poole answering member printed Michael Tomlinson question first answered 26/01/2023 08:22:33 answering member 4497 label Biography information for Michael Tomlinson
	tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook

1166801

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2019
	answering body	Attorney General
	answering dept id	88
	answering dept short name	Attorney General
	answering dept sort name	Attorney General
	hansard heading	Attorney General: Living Wage
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Attorney General, how many staff of his Department are paid less than the London Living Wage; and what requirements his Department places on contractors to pay the London Living Wage to London-based staff.
	tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
	tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
	uin	6469
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/10/2019 answer text <p>This government is committed to paying people a decent living wage, which is being addressed through the statutory National Living Wage. In April 2019, the National Living Wage increased to £8.21 per hour, handing a full-time worker a further £690 annual pay rise. By 2024 the National Living Wage will rise to £10.50 per hour, reaching 66% of median UK earnings. The scope will be expanded to everyone aged 21 and over and is expected to benefit over 4 million low paid workers.</p><p> </p><p>The Government will always award contracts on the basis of the best value for money for the taxpayer.</p><p> </p><p>No staff directly employed by the Law Officers’ Departments (Attorney General’s Office, Government Legal Department, Crown Prosecution Service, Serious Fraud Office and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate) are paid less than the Real, or London Living Wage for London-based staff. Contractors must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage, or the National Living Wage for workers over 25, in line with statutory requirements, but the London Living Wage is not a requirement.</p> answering member constituency Northampton North answering member printed Michael Ellis question first answered 31/10/2019 15:17:19 answering member 4116 label Biography information for Sir Michael Ellis
	tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook

1354581

	registered interest
	date	10/09/2021
	answering body	COP26
	answering dept id	210
	answering dept short name	COP26
	answering dept sort name	COP26
	hansard heading	UN Climate Conference 2021: Ministers
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the President of COP26, which Cabinet members will be attending the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Glasgow.
	tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
	tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
	uin	47031
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/09/2021 answer text <p>We are currently finalising the UK Delegation for COP26. It is too early to confirm names at this stage, however we expect a number of Ministers from relevant government departments to be in attendance over the course of the event.</p> answering member constituency Reading West answering member printed Alok Sharma question first answered 20/09/2021 16:06:26 answering member 4014 label Biography information for Sir Alok Sharma
	tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook

1285107

	registered interest
	date	09/02/2021
	answering body	COP26
	answering dept id	210
	answering dept short name	COP26
	answering dept sort name	COP26
	hansard heading	Financial Services: Climate Change
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the President of COP26, what role (a) the Finance Adviser for COP26, Mark Carney, and (b) his Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets will play in ensuring that companies, asset managers and other financial institutions deliver emissions reductions in line with the Paris Agreement.
	tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
	tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
	uin	151780
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/02/2021 answer text <p>The Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets (TSVCM) is a private sector-led initiative and is independent of UK Government efforts as the hosts of COP26.</p><p>As set out in his Terms of Reference, Mark Carney is focussed on creating a more sustainable financial system to support the path to net zero and embedding climate into every financial decision. His objectives are set out in his published ‘Priorities for private finance for COP26’. The work of the TSVCM in supporting companies to contribute to reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement is set out in the Taskforce’s final report, available at iif.com/tsvcm.</p><p>Neither the Finance Advisor for COP26, Mark Carney, nor the Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets will play a role in the formation of Government policy in relation to COP26 negotiations on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.</p> answering member constituency Reading West answering member printed Alok Sharma grouped question UIN 150883 151781 question first answered 24/02/2021 15:31:52 answering member 4014 label Biography information for Sir Alok Sharma
	tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook

1285108

	registered interest
	date	09/02/2021
	answering body	COP26
	answering dept id	210
	answering dept short name	COP26
	answering dept sort name	COP26
	hansard heading	Climate Change Convention
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the President of COP26, what role (a) the Finance Adviser for COP26, Mark Carney, and (b) his Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets will play in the formation of the Government policy in relation to COP26 negotiations on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
	tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
	tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
	uin	151781
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/02/2021 answer text <p>The Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets (TSVCM) is a private sector-led initiative and is independent of UK Government efforts as the hosts of COP26.</p><p>As set out in his Terms of Reference, Mark Carney is focussed on creating a more sustainable financial system to support the path to net zero and embedding climate into every financial decision. His objectives are set out in his published ‘Priorities for private finance for COP26’. The work of the TSVCM in supporting companies to contribute to reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement is set out in the Taskforce’s final report, available at iif.com/tsvcm.</p><p>Neither the Finance Advisor for COP26, Mark Carney, nor the Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets will play a role in the formation of Government policy in relation to COP26 negotiations on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.</p> answering member constituency Reading West answering member printed Alok Sharma grouped question UIN 150883 151780 question first answered 24/02/2021 15:31:52 answering member 4014 label Biography information for Sir Alok Sharma
	tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook

1284743

	registered interest
	date	08/02/2021
	answering body	COP26
	answering dept id	210
	answering dept short name	COP26
	answering dept sort name	COP26
	hansard heading	Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the President of COP26, whether Mark Carney's Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets falls within his role as Finance Advisor for COP26.
	tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
	tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
	uin	150883
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/02/2021 answer text <p>The Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets (TSVCM) is a private sector-led initiative and is independent of UK Government efforts as the hosts of COP26.</p><p>As set out in his Terms of Reference, Mark Carney is focussed on creating a more sustainable financial system to support the path to net zero and embedding climate into every financial decision. His objectives are set out in his published ‘Priorities for private finance for COP26’. The work of the TSVCM in supporting companies to contribute to reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement is set out in the Taskforce’s final report, available at iif.com/tsvcm.</p><p>Neither the Finance Advisor for COP26, Mark Carney, nor the Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets will play a role in the formation of Government policy in relation to COP26 negotiations on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.</p> answering member constituency Reading West answering member printed Alok Sharma grouped question UIN 151780 151781 question first answered 24/02/2021 15:31:52 answering member 4014 label Biography information for Sir Alok Sharma
	tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook

1694677

	registered interest
	date	07/03/2024
	answering body	Cabinet Office
	answering dept id	53
	answering dept short name	Cabinet Office
	answering dept sort name	Cabinet Office
	hansard heading	Ministers: Defamation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the cost to the public purse is for settling claims for (a) defamation and (b) libel by Ministers since 19 December 2019.
	tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
	tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
	uin	17706
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/03/2024 answer text <p>In line with the established practice under multiple administrations of all political colours, Ministers are provided with legal support and representation where matters relate to their conduct and responsibilities as a Minister.</p><p> </p><p>Statistics relating to costs of settling claims, costs of legal support, and the number of times the provision of legal support has been authorised or declined are not maintained by the Cabinet Office. Funding for appropriate legal costs, including any out-of-court settlements, would be met by the relevant department's budget.</p><p> </p><p>As set out in Chapter 6 of the Cabinet Manual, Ministers are indemnified by the Crown for any actions taken against them for things done or decisions made in the course of their ministerial duties. The indemnity covers the cost of defending the proceedings, as well as any costs or damages awarded against the minister. Decisions about whether to provide legal support are made by the relevant department’s Accounting Officer.</p><p> </p><p>This reflects an important principle that Ministers should be able to carry out their official duties, supported by official advice, in a way which they see fit, without the risk of personal liability constraining their ability to take those official actions. Of course, Ministers remain accountable to Parliament and the wider public for their actions as a Minister.</p><p> </p><p>It would have a chilling effect on public life if Ministers faced the prospect of personal financial harm from those seeking to pressure the Government through vexatious or hostile litigation (or the threat thereof).</p><p> </p><p>More broadly, the principle of legal support from the public purse for official duties is not confined to government. I would observe that there is insurance available to MPs provided by the House at taxpayers’ expense, designed to protect hon. Members when carrying out parliamentary and constituency duties. This includes professional indemnity insurance that covers defamation. I also note that the House of Lords Commission is due this week to discuss the provision of professional indemnity insurance to peers.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Brentwood and Ongar answering member printed Alex Burghart grouped question UIN 17339 17407 17708 17709 question first answered 12/03/2024 11:53:51 answering member 4613 label Biography information for Alex Burghart
	tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook

1694679

	registered interest
	date	07/03/2024
	answering body	Cabinet Office
	answering dept id	53
	answering dept short name	Cabinet Office
	answering dept sort name	Cabinet Office
	hansard heading	Ministers: Defamation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the total cost to the public purse was of legal support provided to Ministers of the Crown in relation to claims for (a) defamation and (b) libel connected with their official duties since 19 December 2019.
	tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
	tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
	uin	17708
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/03/2024 answer text <p>In line with the established practice under multiple administrations of all political colours, Ministers are provided with legal support and representation where matters relate to their conduct and responsibilities as a Minister.</p><p> </p><p>Statistics relating to costs of settling claims, costs of legal support, and the number of times the provision of legal support has been authorised or declined are not maintained by the Cabinet Office. Funding for appropriate legal costs, including any out-of-court settlements, would be met by the relevant department's budget.</p><p> </p><p>As set out in Chapter 6 of the Cabinet Manual, Ministers are indemnified by the Crown for any actions taken against them for things done or decisions made in the course of their ministerial duties. The indemnity covers the cost of defending the proceedings, as well as any costs or damages awarded against the minister. Decisions about whether to provide legal support are made by the relevant department’s Accounting Officer.</p><p> </p><p>This reflects an important principle that Ministers should be able to carry out their official duties, supported by official advice, in a way which they see fit, without the risk of personal liability constraining their ability to take those official actions. Of course, Ministers remain accountable to Parliament and the wider public for their actions as a Minister.</p><p> </p><p>It would have a chilling effect on public life if Ministers faced the prospect of personal financial harm from those seeking to pressure the Government through vexatious or hostile litigation (or the threat thereof).</p><p> </p><p>More broadly, the principle of legal support from the public purse for official duties is not confined to government. I would observe that there is insurance available to MPs provided by the House at taxpayers’ expense, designed to protect hon. Members when carrying out parliamentary and constituency duties. This includes professional indemnity insurance that covers defamation. I also note that the House of Lords Commission is due this week to discuss the provision of professional indemnity insurance to peers.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Brentwood and Ongar answering member printed Alex Burghart grouped question UIN 17339 17407 17706 17709 question first answered 12/03/2024 11:53:51 answering member 4613 label Biography information for Alex Burghart
	tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook

1694680

	registered interest
	date	07/03/2024
	answering body	Cabinet Office
	answering dept id	53
	answering dept short name	Cabinet Office
	answering dept sort name	Cabinet Office
	hansard heading	Ministers: Defamation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on how many individual occasions the provision of legal support has been (a) authorised and (b) declined on claims for (i) defamation and (ii) libel connected with the official duties of Ministers of the Crown since 19 December 2019.
	tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
	tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
	uin	17709
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/03/2024 answer text <p>In line with the established practice under multiple administrations of all political colours, Ministers are provided with legal support and representation where matters relate to their conduct and responsibilities as a Minister.</p><p> </p><p>Statistics relating to costs of settling claims, costs of legal support, and the number of times the provision of legal support has been authorised or declined are not maintained by the Cabinet Office. Funding for appropriate legal costs, including any out-of-court settlements, would be met by the relevant department's budget.</p><p> </p><p>As set out in Chapter 6 of the Cabinet Manual, Ministers are indemnified by the Crown for any actions taken against them for things done or decisions made in the course of their ministerial duties. The indemnity covers the cost of defending the proceedings, as well as any costs or damages awarded against the minister. Decisions about whether to provide legal support are made by the relevant department’s Accounting Officer.</p><p> </p><p>This reflects an important principle that Ministers should be able to carry out their official duties, supported by official advice, in a way which they see fit, without the risk of personal liability constraining their ability to take those official actions. Of course, Ministers remain accountable to Parliament and the wider public for their actions as a Minister.</p><p> </p><p>It would have a chilling effect on public life if Ministers faced the prospect of personal financial harm from those seeking to pressure the Government through vexatious or hostile litigation (or the threat thereof).</p><p> </p><p>More broadly, the principle of legal support from the public purse for official duties is not confined to government. I would observe that there is insurance available to MPs provided by the House at taxpayers’ expense, designed to protect hon. Members when carrying out parliamentary and constituency duties. This includes professional indemnity insurance that covers defamation. I also note that the House of Lords Commission is due this week to discuss the provision of professional indemnity insurance to peers.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency Brentwood and Ongar answering member printed Alex Burghart grouped question UIN 17339 17407 17706 17708 question first answered 12/03/2024 11:53:51 answering member 4613 label Biography information for Alex Burghart
	tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook