Although it has definitely got colder this past week in Westminster, feverish debate has kept the House free of frost. As I’m sure everyone is aware, the Government was severely tested over the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill on Tuesday, although that shouldn’t be a distraction from all the other important business that goes on.
On Monday, the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill reached the Second Reading stage, giving MPs their first opportunity to debate the main ideas within the proposed legislation. The Bill itself is aimed at a large-scale overhaul of current property law, alongside the Renters (Reform) Bill. The key provisions end the requirement for ground rents in some new leasehold properties as well as making it easier for leaseholders to maintain their properties and manage their lease.
On Tuesday I spoke at the Treasury Committee on cash access, a critical issue for us all as banks close their branches and we fight for banking hubs and cash machines to replace them. I asked Ashley Alder, Chair of the Financial Conduct Authority, about the FCA’s proposed changes to the cash access rules on which they are currently consulting. In particular, I am concerned that the current restriction on the size and nature of new hubs makes them very difficult to establish. The property has to be leased and of a maximum size. Many of the properties available are freehold. Ashley agreed the outcome is what matters and if the banks (who fund the hubs and set the criteria) have to change this requirement to enable hubs to be established, then change they must.
The main legislative event for the week was of course the vote on the Second Reading of the Safety of Rwanda Bill. This Bill is designed to declare Rwanda a safe country in law, in response to the concerns voiced by the Supreme Court and with a view to sending asylum seekers there to process their claim. There was doubt from both wings of the party (albeit for differing reasons) that the Bill was not yet ready to become law, which is a sentiment I share. However, in contrast to some of my parliamentary colleagues, I recognised the need for robust action on this issue and so I voted with the Government to allow the Bill to continue for further scrutiny. I am looking forward to more debate on this legislation which, with some amendments, will reduce the illegal trafficking across the Channel.
On Wednesday it was a pleasure to attend the annual Baker Dearing Educational Trust Christmas party and award ceremony. Lord Baker remains the driving force behind the creation of University Technical Colleges, and he played a pivotal role in establishing our South Devon University Technical College. These colleges are proving their worth many times over, delivering some of the best educational outcomes of any schools. There are of course ongoing challenges as we introduce T levels. These are a great qualification, but some of the predecessor qualifications have in the process been scrapped. Working with the trust I’m sure we can find a way forward!
Finally, and certainly one of my favourite parts of the week, was overseeing the process of judging the winners of my annual Christmas card competition. It is always a delight to look at the artwork sent in by the children, and more than a small challenge in picking the best pieces! The overall winner this year came from a Year 6 student at Kingsteignton School. We also had prizes for Year 5 & 6 Boys and Girls categories, with winners coming from Wolborough Primary School & Hazeldown school. The winning entries will be displayed on
my Christmas card that I send out to the community. Many congratulations to all who received prizes and a big thank you to all students who submitted such wonderful work!
As always, if you would like to book a surgery appointment (in-person or virtual) or raise a specific issue, please call my office on 01626 368277 or email annemarie.morris.mp@parliament.uk to arrange an appointment.