Contents
Chamber business
The House met at 11.30 am.
Prayers
1Independent Inquiry into the issues raised by the David Fuller case – Phase 2 Report
Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, That he will be graciously pleased to give directions that there be laid before this House a Return of a Report, dated 15 July 2025, entitled Independent Inquiry into the issues raised by the David Fuller case – Phase 2 Report.—(Anna Turley.)
2Questions to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
3Statement: Afghanistan (Secretary John Healey)
4Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: Presentation (Standing Order No. 57)
Secretary David Lammy, supported by the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Pat McFadden, Secretary John Healey, Stephen Doughty and Luke Pollard, presented a Bill to give effect to, and make provision in connection with, an agreement between the governments of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago.
Bill read the first time; to be read a second time tomorrow, and to be printed (Bill 285) with Explanatory Notes (Bill 285–EN).
5Human fertilisation and embryology (regulation): Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order No. 23)
Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about the regulation of online providers of fertility and certain ancillary services by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority; and for connected purposes;
That Dame Caroline Dinenage, Katie Lam, Liz Jarvis, Aphra Brandreth, Sir Ashley Fox, Joe Robertson, Christine Jardine, Jim Shannon, Sarah Champion, Florence Eshalomi, Samantha Niblett and Wendy Morton present the Bill.
Dame Caroline Dinenage accordingly presented the Bill.
Bill read the first time; to be read a second time on Friday 12 September, and to be printed (Bill 284).
6Business of the House (Today)
Ordered, That, at today’s sitting, business in the name of the Leader of the Opposition shall be treated as being taken on an allotted day provided under paragraph (2) of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business); such business may be entered upon at any hour and may be proceeded with, though opposed, for up to six hours after the start of proceedings on the Motion for this Order; proceedings shall then lapse if not previously disposed of; and Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred divisions) shall not apply.—(Lucy Powell.)
7Opposition Day: Leader of the Opposition (9th allotted day (Standing Order No. 14))
(1) Welfare
Motion made and Question proposed, That this House believes the two-child benefit cap should remain in place and that households with a third or subsequent child born from 6 April 2017 claiming Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit should not receive additional funding, because those who receive benefits should make the same decisions about having children as those who do not; further believes that lifting the cap would exacerbate a benefits culture which is unfair on the taxpayers who pay for it and unfair on those who become trapped on benefits, because those who can work, should work; and generally supports further changes to reduce welfare spending and ensure that benefits are there only for those who need them.—(Helen Whately.)
The Deputy Speaker announced a time limit on backbench speeches (Standing Order No. 47(1)).
Question put.
The House divided.
Division No. 268
Ayes: 106 (Tellers: Sir Ashley Fox, Nick Timothy)
Noes: 440 (Tellers: Anna McMorrin, Kate Dearden)
Question negatived.
(2) Taxes
Motion made and Question proposed, That this House notes that the Government was elected on the basis of a manifesto commitment not to increase taxes on working people and not to increase National Insurance or the basic, higher, or additional rates of Income Tax, or VAT; accordingly regrets the decision to raise employers’ National Insurance contributions in the Autumn Budget 2024; further regrets the proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief and the burden on taxpayers from increases in Council Tax, which is forecast to increase at its highest rate in 20 years; calls on the Government to reaffirm the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Autumn Budget 2024 that, from 2028–29, personal tax thresholds will be uprated in line with inflation once again; regrets that the Government plans to bring those whose only income is the State Pension into paying Income Tax this Parliament; and urges the Government not to introduce new taxes on the value of assets owned such as savings, homes and pensions, which would drive wealth creators away from the UK.—(Sir Mel Stride.)
The Deputy Speaker announced a time limit on backbench speeches (Standing Order No. 47(1)).
Question put.
The House divided.
Division No. 269
Ayes: 165 (Tellers: Nick Timothy, Sir Ashley Fox)
Noes: 342 (Tellers: Kate Dearden, Anna McMorrin)
Question negatived.
8Statutory Instruments: Motions for Approval
(1) Motion made and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 118(6)), That the draft Electricity Capacity (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025, which were laid before this House on 3 June, be approved.—(Taiwo Owatemi.)
Question agreed to.
(2) Motion made and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 118(6)), That the draft Transport Act 2000 (Air Traffic Services) (Prescribed Terms) Regulations 2025, which were laid before this House on 3 June, be approved.—(Taiwo Owatemi.)
Question agreed to.
(3) Motion made and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 118(6)), That the draft Buckinghamshire Council, Surrey County Council and Warwickshire County Council (Housing and Regeneration Functions) Regulations 2025, which were laid before this House on 9 June, be approved.—(Taiwo Owatemi.)
Question agreed to.
(4) Motion made and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 118(6)), That the draft Warm Home Discount (Amendment) Regulations 2025, which were laid before this House on 19 June, be approved.—(Taiwo Owatemi.)
Question agreed to.
(5) Motion made and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 118(6)), That the draft Enterprise Act 2002 (Definition of Newspaper) Order 2025, which was laid before this House on 26 June, be approved.—(Taiwo Owatemi.)
The Deputy Speaker’s opinion as to the decision on the Question was challenged.
Division deferred until Wednesday 16 July (Standing Order No. 41A).
(6) Motion made and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 118(6)), That the Enterprise Act 2002 (Amendment of Section 58 Considerations) Order 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 737), dated 26 June 2025, a copy of which was laid before this House on 26 June, be approved.—(Taiwo Owatemi.)
The Deputy Speaker’s opinion as to the decision on the Question was challenged.
Division deferred until Wednesday 16 July (Standing Order No. 41A).
(7) Motion made and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 118(6)), That the draft Sentencing Act 2020 (Amendment of Schedule 21) Regulations 2025, which were laid before this House on 26 June, be approved.—(Taiwo Owatemi.)
Question agreed to.
9Financial Assistance to Industry
Motion made and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 118(6) and Order, 7 July), That this House authorises the Secretary of State to undertake, during the period beginning with the date of approval of this motion and ending on 31 July 2030, to pay, by way of financial assistance under section 8 of the Industrial Development Act 1982, grants to businesses as part of His Majesty’s Government’s project to support zero-emission vehicle manufacturing in the UK and the UK’s automotive supply chain, including to support the creation of jobs, private investment into the UK, the development of the automotive industry and emission reductions, up to an overall limit of £1 billion, and to pay during or after that period the grants that are undertaken to be paid.—(Taiwo Owatemi.)
Question agreed to.
(1) A public petition from residents of the constituency of Tunbridge Wells relating to accessibility at High Brooms Station was presented and read by Mike Martin.
(2) A public petition from residents of the constituency of Glastonbury and Somerton relating to rural post offices was presented and read by Sarah Dyke.
Subject: Local justice area reform (Liz Saville Roberts)
Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Taiwo Owatemi.)
Adjourned at 8.02 pm until tomorrow.
Other Proceedings
General Committees: Reports
12Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill Committee
Mark Pritchard (Chair) reported:
(1) That the Committee had come to the following Resolution, That, subject to the discretion of the Chair, any written evidence received by the Committee shall be reported to the House for publication; and
(2) written evidence.
Written evidence to be published.
General Committees: Appointments
The Speaker appoints the Chair of General Committees and members of Programming Sub-Committees, and allocates Statutory Instruments to Delegated Legislation Committees.
The Committee of Selection nominates Members to serve on General Committees (and certain Members to serve on Grand Committees).
13Pension Schemes Bill Committee
Members: John Glen discharged and Mr Peter Bedford nominated in substitution.
Select Committees: Reports
Record of the Committee’s discussions at its meeting on Tuesday 15 July, to be published (Nick Smith).
15Backbench Business Committee
Transcript of representations made on Tuesday 15 July, to be published (Bob Blackman).
16Business and Trade Committee
(1) The role of regulators: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 1219);
(2) Correspondence from the Criminal Cases Review Commission relating to Post Office Capture cases: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Correspondence from the Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) Correspondence from the Office for Responsible Business Conduct relating to the Department's work: Written evidence, to be published;
(5) Export-led growth: Written evidence, to be published (HC 649);
(6) Industrial Strategy: Written evidence, to be published (HC 727);
(7) Make Work Pay: Employment Rights Bill: Written evidence, to be published (HC 370);
(8) Pricing, competition and consumer protection: Written evidence, to be published (HC 1073);
(9) Post Office Horizon scandal: fast and fair redress: Written evidence, to be published (HC 341);
(10) UK Trade with the US, India and EU: Written evidence, to be published (HC 996);
(11) The Work of the Department for Business and Trade: Written evidence, to be published (HC 450)
(Liam Byrne).
17Culture, Media and Sport Committee
(1) Protecting built heritage: Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 594);
(2) Correspondence with the Charity Commission for England and Wales: Written evidence, to be published
(Dame Caroline Dinenage).
Correspondence from the Permanent Secretary following up on previous oral evidence: Written evidence, to be published (Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi).
Correspondence with the Minister for Children and Families relating to new children’s homes: Written evidence, to be published (Helen Hayes).
20Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
(1) Reforming the water sector: Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 588);
(2) Preventing waste and enabling a circular economy: Written evidence, to be published (HC 929)
(Mr Alistair Carmichael).
(1) The UK at the United Nations Security Council: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 930);
(2) The Chagos Agreement: Written evidence, to be published (HC 1097);
(3) The UK’s sanctions strategy: Written evidence, to be published (HC 699)
(Emily Thornberry).
(1) Combatting new forms of extremism: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 903);
(2) Correspondence from the Permanent Secretary relating to the 2025–26 Main
Estimates: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Correspondence from the Permanent Secretary relating to the Spending Review 2025: Written evidence, to be published
(4) Correspondence relating to the College of Policing Annual Report and Accounts 2023–24: Written evidence, to be published;
(Dame Karen Bradley).
23Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
(1) Delivering 1.5 million new homes: land value capture: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 672);
(2) Correspondence from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution relating to support for councils: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Correspondence from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Building Safety, Fire and Local Growth relating to Private Parking Code of Practice: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) Housing for older people: Written evidence, to be published (HC 982);
(5) Property management companies: Written evidence, to be published (HC 980)
(Florence Eshalomi).
24International Development Committee
(1) Global Health Challenges and the UK: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 1185);
(2) Correspondence with the Foreign Secretary relating to the GAVI replenishment: Written evidence, to be published
(Sarah Champion).
(1) Work of the County Court: Fourth Report, to be printed, with the formal minutes relating to the Report (HC 677);
(2) Correspondence from HM Chief Inspector of Prisons relating to the publication of HM Chief Inspector of Prisons’ Annual Report 2024–25: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Correspondence from the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer for the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom relating to the Supreme Court and Judicial Committee of the Privy Council Annual Report and Accounts 2024–25: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) Correspondence from the Interim Chair of the Legal Services Board relating to the recruitment of the Chair of the Office for Legal Complaints: Written evidence, to be published;
(5) Correspondence from the Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending relating to the publication of HMIP Annual Report 2024–25: Written evidence, to be published;
(6) Correspondence with the Lord Chancellor: Written evidence, to be published;
(7) Rehabilitation and resettlement: ending the cycle of reoffending: Written evidence, to be published (HC 469);
(8) Work of the Parole Board: Written evidence, to be published (HC 1074)
(Andy Slaughter).
(1) Record of the Committee’s decisions relating to e-petitions, to be published;
(2) List of closed e-petitions presented to the House, to be published
(Jamie Stone).
27Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
(1) Review of the 2024 general election: Second Report, to be printed, with the formal minutes relating to the Report (HC 487);
(2) Correspondence from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster relating to the recruitment campaign for a new Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists: Written evidence, to be published;
(3) Correspondence from the Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission relating to May 2025 polls and annual canvass: Written evidence, to be published;
(4) Ministerial Statements and the Ministerial Code:
(i) Correspondence with Sir Laurie Magnus CBE, Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards, relating to request for written evidence to the Ministerial Statements and to the Ministerial Code inquiry: Written evidence, to be published (HC 1036);
(ii) Written evidence, to be published (HC 1036);
(5) Work of the UK Statistics Authority: Written evidence, to be published (HC 847)
(Simon Hoare).
* This item has been corrected since publication. See the Votes and Proceedings relating to Wednesday 16 July 2025
(1) Outside employment and interests: Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 620);
(2) Correspondence relating to IPSA-funded newsletters: Written evidence, to be published
(Alberto Costa).
(1) Correspondence to the Secretary of State for Transport relating to Department for Transport fees, fines and charges: Written evidence, to be published;
(2) Rail investment pipelines: Ending boom and bust: Written evidence, to be published (HC 575)
(Ruth Cadbury).
(1) Reappointment of Richard Hughes as Chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility:
(i) Tenth Report, to be printed, with the formal minutes relating to the Report (HC 1214);
(ii) Oral and written evidence, to be published (HC 1214);
(2) Office for Budget Responsibility Fiscal Risks and Sustainability Report: Oral evidence, to be published (HC 1213);
(3) Bank of England Monetary Policy Reports: Written evidence, to be published (HC 419)
(Dame Meg Hillier).
Sir Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker
Westminster Hall
The sitting began at 9.30 am.
Business appointed by the Chairman of Ways and Means (Standing Order No. 10(6))
1SEND provision in the South East
Motion made and Question proposed, That this House has considered SEND provision in the South East.—(Mike Martin.)
The Chair announced a time limit on backbench speeches (under the authority of the Chairman of Ways and Means and Standing Order No. 47(1)).
Resolved, That this House has considered SEND provision in the South East.
2Mental health support for women and girls with autism
Resolved, That this House has considered mental health support for women and girls with autism.—(Jessica Toale.)
The sitting was suspended between 11.21 am and 2.30 pm (Standing Order No. 10(1)(b)).
3Future of the West Coast Mainline
Resolved, That this House has considered the future of the West Coast Mainline.—(Connor Naismith.)
The sitting was suspended between 3.41 pm and 4 pm.
4Implementation of the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024
The sitting was suspended between 4.10 pm and 4.24 pm for a division in the House (Standing Order No. 10(3)).
Resolved, That this House has considered the implementation of the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024.—(Mr Gregory Campbell.)
Resolved, That this House has considered beer duty.—(Mr Will Forster.)
Sitting adjourned without Question put (Standing Order No. 10(14)).
Adjourned at 5.38 pm until tomorrow.
Ms Nusrat Ghani
Chairman of Ways and Means
Papers Laid
Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution
Draft Compensation for Miscarriages of Justice (Alteration of Overall Compensation Limits) Order 2025 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Shabana Mahmood)
Draft Financial Services (Overseas Recognition Regime Designations) Regulations 2025 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Emma Reynolds)
Papers subject to Negative Resolution
Childcare Payments (Eligibility) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 857), dated 14 July 2025 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Darren Jones)
4Financial Services and Markets
(1) Bank Recovery and Resolution (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 862), dated 14 July 2025 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Emma Reynolds)
(2) Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Markets in Financial Instruments) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 860), dated 14 July 2025 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Emma Reynolds)
Disability Premium Compensation Scheme (Income Tax Exemption) Regulations 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 861), dated 14 July 2025 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (James Murray)
Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 866), dated 10 July 2025 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Shabana Mahmood)
Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery (No. 2) (Variation) Order 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 855), dated 14 July 2025 (by Act), with an Explanatory Memorandum (by Command) (Secretary Steve Reed)
Other papers
Banking Act 2009: Special Resolution Regime Code of Practice (by Act) (Emma Reynolds)
Report and Accounts of the British Library for 2024–25, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Act), to be printed (HC 1089) (Secretary Lisa Nandy)
Report and Accounts of the Children’s Commissioner for England for 2024–25, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Act), to be printed (HC 1250) (Janet Daby)
Report and Accounts of BBC Group, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Command) (Secretary Lisa Nandy)
12Exchequer and Audit Departments
Television Licence Fee Trust Statement of the British Broadcasting Corporation for 2024–25, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Act), to be printed (HC 1182) (Secretary Lisa Nandy)
13Foreign, Commonwealth and Development
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minute, dated 15 July 2025, concerning the notification of a contingent liability relating to the loan guarantee for World Bank lending to Egypt (by Command) (Mr Hamish Falconer)
14Government Resources and Accounts
(1) Report and Accounts of the Office of Rail and Road for 2024–25, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Act), to be printed (HC 1042) (James Murray)
(2) Report and Accounts of the UK Space Agency for 2024–25, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Act), to be printed (HC 1008) (Chris Bryant)
(3) Report and Accounts of the United Kingdom Debt Management Office and the Debt Management Account for 2024–25, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Act), to be printed (HC 1163) (Clerk of the House)
Return to an Address to His Majesty for a Return of the Report, dated 15 July 2025, of the Independent Inquiry into the issues raised by the David Fuller case: Phase 2 Report (by pursuant to Resolution today), to be printed (HC 1092) (Secretary Wes Streeting)
16Higher Education and Research
(1) Report and Accounts of the Research Councils’ Pension Schemes for 2024–25, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Act), to be printed (HC 1077) (Feryal Clark)
(2) Report and Accounts of UK Research and Innovation for 2024–25, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Act), to be printed (HC 1076) (Feryal Clark)
Report and Accounts of Homes England for 2024–25, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Act), to be printed (HC 1063) (Secretary Angela Rayner)
Government Response to the Review of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 and Public Consultation (by Act) (Secretary Jonathan Reynolds)
19Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction
Report and Accounts of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England for 2024–25, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Act), to be printed (HC 1195) (The Speaker)
Explanatory memorandum to the Transfer of Functions (Digital Government) Order 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 557) (by Command) (Pat McFadden)
Report and Accounts of the Churches Conservation Trust for 2024–25 (by Measure) (Chris Bryant)
(1) Report and Accounts of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust for 2024–25 (by Act) (Secretary Wes Streeting)
(2) Report and Accounts of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for 2024–25 (by Act) (Secretary Wes Streeting)
(3) Report and Accounts of Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust for 2024–25 (by Act) (Secretary Wes Streeting)
(4) Report and Accounts of Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust for 2024–25 (by Act) (Secretary Wes Streeting)
(5) Report and Accounts of Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust for 2024–25 (by Act) (Secretary Wes Streeting)
(6) Report and Accounts of The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for 2024–25 (by Act) (Secretary Wes Streeting)
23Public Libraries and Museums
Report under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 for 2024–25 (by Act) (Chris Bryant)
Report and Accounts of Transport Focus for 2024–25, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Act), to be printed (HC 1117) (Secretary Heidi Alexander)
25Railways and Transport Safety
Report and Accounts of the British Transport Police Fund for 2024–25, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (by Act), to be printed (HC 970) (Secretary Heidi Alexander)
26Science, Innovation and Technology
Patent Office: Consultation on Standard Essential Patents (by Command) (CP 1357) (Feryal Clark)
Direction under section 64(3) of the Subsidy Control Act 2022 (by Act) (Secretary Jonathan Reynolds)
Report for 2023 of the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation on the Operation of the Terrorism Acts 2000 and 2006 and the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Act 2011 (by Act) (Secretary Yvette Cooper)
Withdrawn papers
Explanatory memorandum to the Transfer of Functions (Digital Government) Order 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 557) (laid 13 May)
SPEAKER’S CERTIFICATE
VOTING BY PROXY (STANDING ORDER NO. 39A)
(Variations to existing arrangements appear in bold.)
|
Member |
From |
To |
Proxy |
|
Sir Mark Hendrick |
7 May |
15 July |
Chris Elmore |