As evening falls today, I am delighted to wish Jewish readers a happy Rosh Hashanah! I hope you can enjoy some traditional apples and honey with your families to welcome what I hope will be a sweet and happy new year.
It has been a packed week in Parliament with most of the debate – and public attention – focused on the UK Internal Markets Bill. Debate will continue on the Bill next week, so I will likely speak more about it in my next update, but I thought I should speak briefly about it today after receiving a number of emails on the subject.
I know how many people – myself included – were concerned by the reports that the UK might break international law. While some wanted me to oppose the Bill outright on this basis, I supported it at second reading both because I anticipated that there would be amendments that softened the powers for ministers to unilaterally change policy in Northern Ireland in a way that might affect the Withdrawal Agreement and because, despite any misgivings, we must also stand up for the United Kingdom’s sovereignty and that is the role of our government too.
I am glad that the Government has listened to concerns from myself and other Conservative MPs and will now place an amendment stating that it may only infringe the Withdrawal Agreement under a strict set of circumstances and with Parliamentary approval. Ultimately, Parliament must be sovereign over both Government and International Law, so this seems a sensible position to have reached. The powers will remain available for Parliament to choose to use as a matter of last resort if it is necessary to protect our union with Northern Ireland.
None of this will be necessary if a future relationship deal is reached with the EU in the next month (likely before this Bill even becomes law!). I understand that the negotiators have made progress in their talks this week and I remain hopeful that a deal will be achieved.
Today and yesterday I have been visiting local schools to see how they are managing with the return of pupils. I travelled to Havant and South Downs College where I met the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, and we were delighted to be given a tour by the Principal, Mike Gaston. We discussed T-Levels: new, vocational post-GCSE courses that aim to boost students’ career prospects in important areas of our economy like engineering, construction and healthcare. We were even able to get hands-on with the robot babies used to train students in childcare! It was really good to see the enthusiasm of the staff and students for these exciting new courses!
I also went to Hart Plain Infant School, where I spoke to the Headteacher and Deputy-Head about how pupils are doing at the beginning of a new school year, and at the start of their journey in education. I really enjoyed discussion of how our youngest pupils learn at Hart Plain, with a blended approach where academic work is mixed with practical activities that also help children build relationships and learn the social skills as well. The school is set in a beautiful environment, and it is great to see the outside facilities it has for children to play and be active, as well as the garden which is a fantastic resource where the children grow fruit and vegetables.
I know that a lot of people will be worried this weekend about the rise in Coronavirus cases and the issues around testing – I fully understand just how frustrating and stressful this can be. More needs to be done and I know the Government is working flat out to increase testing capacity to meet the unprecedented demand.
No one in Government wants to impose new lockdown rules, but the only way we will beat this disease is by following them and maintaining social distancing. That way we can hopefully keep this second wave short and get back to business as usual as soon as possible. Keep safe, well and have a good weekend.
