This week in parliament, several bills and debates will take place, covering a range of topics from immigration to public order and infrastructure investment. Here is a summary of what we can expect to see:
On Monday, a ten-minute rule motion will be presented by Rob Roberts on the Immigration and Nationality Fees (Exemption for NHS Clinical Staff) Bill.
This bill seeks to exempt NHS clinical staff from paying fees related to immigration, such as applying for indefinite leave to remain. This could have a significant impact on the financial burden that many NHS workers currently face.
On Tuesday, a ten-minute rule motion will be presented by Ben Bradshaw on the Same Sex Marriage (Church of England) Bill. The bill proposes to allow Church of England ministers to conduct same-sex marriages on Church of England premises in certain circumstances. This has been a controversial issue, with some arguing that it could cause division within the Church.
Also on Tuesday, a debate on the Employment Equality (Insurance etc) Bill will take place, following a ten-minute rule motion presented by Natalie Elphicke.
This bill aims to prevent employers from taking away vital workplace benefits, such as healthcare insurance and death in service benefits, from workers who continue to work past retirement age. This is an important issue as the population ages and many people continue to work beyond traditional retirement ages.
On Wednesday, a debate on the Public Order Bill will take place, focusing on the consideration of Lords amendments. The bill seeks to create a range of new criminal offences to crack down on groups such as Extinction Rebellion and Insulate Britain. These offences include "locking on" (causing disruption by chaining or gluing oneself to something), which would be punishable by up to six months in prison. The bill also extends police stop and search powers and introduces a court order to ban repeat offenders from certain places, people, or activities.
Wednesday will also see a debate on the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill, which will focus on the consideration of Lords amendments. This bill writes post-Brexit trade deals with Australia and New Zealand into law, which is a significant step in securing the UK's economic future post-Brexit.
Later that same day, there will be a debate on the UK Infrastructure Bank Bill, which will also focus on the consideration of Lords amendments. This bill completes the setup of the UK Infrastructure Bank, a state-owned but operationally independent bank that invests in projects to tackle climate change and support regional economic growth. The bill gives the bank the power to lend directly to local authorities and the Northern Ireland Executive, which could have a significant impact on regional development.
No bills are debated on Thursday, while Friday will see a raft of private members bills put forward by MPs. These are designed to provoke discussion but have very little chance of becoming law.
If you want this information sent to your inbox every Sunday, Clear the Lobby provide a concise summary of all the week's business.
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