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1719044

registered interest
date	17/05/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Palestinians: Recognition of States
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts on the potential recognition of a Palestinian state.
tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
uin	26901
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2024 answer text <p>The UK supports a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. The Foreign Secretary has spoken with the new Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority Mohammad Mustafa and offered the UK's support as his government implements much-needed reforms. An effective PA is vital for lasting peace and progress towards a two-state solution.</p><p>Our long-standing position has been that we will recognise a Palestinian State at a time that is most conducive to the peace process.</p><p>We engage with European partners on all aspects of the current conflict and on building momentum towards a lasting peace.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell grouped question UIN 26902 question first answered 22/05/2024 16:37:13 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook

1719046

registered interest
date	17/05/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Palestinians: Recognition of States
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs has had recent discussions with his counterparts in (a) Ireland, (b) Spain, (c) Norway, (d) Malta, and (e) Slovenia on joint recognition of the state of Palestine.
tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
uin	26902
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/05/2024 answer text <p>The UK supports a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. The Foreign Secretary has spoken with the new Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority Mohammad Mustafa and offered the UK's support as his government implements much-needed reforms. An effective PA is vital for lasting peace and progress towards a two-state solution.</p><p>Our long-standing position has been that we will recognise a Palestinian State at a time that is most conducive to the peace process.</p><p>We engage with European partners on all aspects of the current conflict and on building momentum towards a lasting peace.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell grouped question UIN 26901 question first answered 22/05/2024 16:37:13 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook

1717468

registered interest
date	13/05/2024
answering body	Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
answering dept id	211
answering dept short name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
answering dept sort name	Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
hansard heading	Holiday Accommodation: Planning Permission
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what his planned timetable is for responding to his Department's consultation on the introduction of a use class for short term lets and associated permitted development rights.
tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
uin	25888
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/05/2024 answer text <p>I refer the Hon Member to the answer to Question UIN <a href="https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-04-12/21419" target="_blank">21419</a> on 22 April 2024.</p> answering member constituency North East Derbyshire answering member printed Lee Rowley question first answered 16/05/2024 14:34:14 answering member 4652 label Biography information for Lee Rowley
tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook

1716391

registered interest
date	08/05/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Gaza: Humanitarian Aid
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Israeli Defence Forces taking control of the Rafah border crossing on the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
uin	25301
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/05/2024 answer text <p>We have been clear that entry points for humanitarian aid, including Rafah and Kerem Shalom, must be reopened quickly to allow aid in. Israel must facilitate immediate uninterrupted humanitarian access in the south, including the entry of fuel, and ensure protection of civilians and safe passage for those who wish to leave Rafah.</p><p>We are clear that we would not support a major operation in Rafah unless there is a very clear plan for how to protect people and save lives. We have not seen that plan so, in these circumstances, we would not support a major operation in Rafah.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 21/05/2024 08:32:03 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook

1716166

registered interest
date	07/05/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Gaza: Ceasefires
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent steps his Department has taken to help ensure all parties comply with resolution 2728 (2024) adopted by the UN Security Council on 25 March 2024.
tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
uin	24978
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/05/2024 answer text <p>The passing of UN Security Council Resolution 2728 reflected international consensus behind the UK's position that we need an immediate pause in the fighting to get aid into Gaza, to secure the release of hostages and make progress towards a permanent, sustainable ceasefire. The Prime Minister made this point during his call with Prime Minister Netanyahu on 30 April. The Foreign Secretary raised this with counterparts and partners during his visit to Israel and the OPTs in April.</p><p>We continue to use public and private diplomatic channels as well as multilateral fora to underline this.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 13/05/2024 15:44:04 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
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

1687404

registered interest
date	05/02/2024
answering body	Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
answering dept id	215
answering dept short name	Energy Security and Net Zero
answering dept sort name	Energy Security and Net Zero
hansard heading	District Heating
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when she plans to bring Part 8, Chapter 1 of the Energy Act 2023 into force.
tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
uin	13038
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/02/2024 answer text <p>The Department consulted on heat network consumer protection requirements in 2023 and will respond to the consultation shortly. Heat network regulation will be introduced in three phases:</p><p> </p><ul><li>In 2024 Ofgem will engage the market and develop their digital systems.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>In Spring 2025 the initial tranche of consumer protection requirements enter into force covering standards of conduct for heat network operators</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>In 2026 all other protections enter into force including price benchmarking regulation.</li></ul> answering member constituency Derby North answering member printed Amanda Solloway question first answered 08/02/2024 12:38:42 answering member 4372 label Biography information for Amanda Solloway
tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook

1684775

registered interest
date	24/01/2024
answering body	Department for Transport
answering dept id	27
answering dept short name	Transport
answering dept sort name	Transport
hansard heading	Driving: Eyesight
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, under what circumstances DVLA drivers’ medical visual (a) field and (b) acuity testing will be administered free of charge.
tabling member constituency	Greenwich and Woolwich
tabling member printed	Matthew Pennycook
uin	11380
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/01/2024 answer text <p>When the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) is investigating whether a licence holder or applicant with a visual disorder is fit to drive, all costs of any tests commissioned by the DVLA as part of that investigation are paid for by the DVLA and not the applicant.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Hexham answering member printed Guy Opperman question first answered 29/01/2024 12:23:47 answering member 4142 label Biography information for Guy Opperman
tabling member	4520 label Biography information for Matthew Pennycook