The report finds that, despite the Home Office committing significant sums of money to the Rwanda partnership and its large accommodation sites, there is little to show for the money spent so far.
Questions also remain as to what will happen to the more than 50,000 people left in limbo by the system – people who are living in the UK, with no ability to claim asylum, who are officially “pending relocation”.
On asylum accommodation, the report welcomes Government’s progress in closing asylum hotels in communities.
However, the report finds the Home Office’s assessment of the requirements for setting up alternative accommodation in large sites fell woefully short of reality and risked wasting taxpayers’ money, while the new sites will not house anywhere near as many people as initially expected, exacerbating existing accommodation issues.
The report finds that it is clear the civil service has more to do to promote a culture supportive to whistleblowing, and calls for a cultural change to raise awareness and provide assurance on whistleblowing processes and create a ‘speak up’ environment.
Following the PAC’s findings in 2016 of disappointing progress from Government in improving whistleblowing arrangements, Saturday’s report finds that the Cabinet Office is still missing key metrics on whistleblowing concerns across the civil service, and lacks assurance over the completeness and consistency of data being reported by departments.
The committee has published its report “Screen time: impacts on education and wellbeing”.
There has been a 52% increase in children’s screen time between 2020 and 2022; nearly 25% of children and young people use their smartphones in a way that is consistent with a behavioural addiction.
Screen use has been found to start as early as six months of age. One in five children aged between three and four years old have their own mobile phone, increasing to one in four children by age eight and to almost all children by age 12. The amount of time those aged 5–15 years old spent online rose from an average of nine hours per week in 2009, to 15 hours per week in 2018.
As well as harms to mental and physical health, screen time can disrupt pupils’ learning both at home and in the classroom, as it can take up to 20 minutes for pupils to refocus on what they were learning after engaging in a non-academic activity such as browsing the internet or noticing a notification on their phone.
The report strongly supports the tougher guidance on keeping phones out of the classroom and breaktimes that the Department recently issued. However, the Committee heard mixed evidence on how well taken up this will be, we therefore recommend formal monitoring and evaluation of this approach by the next Government with the possibility of a statutory ban if needed.
The Committee also concludes that screen time should be minimal for younger children and better balanced with face-to-face socialisation and physical activity for older ones.
Parents need clear guidance from Government on managing children’s screen time, and in particular advice to parents of babies and young children should be revised to ensure it gives sufficient attention to face-to-face interaction and warns of the risks of screen time in reducing opportunities for this.
While the Online Safety Act 2023 will undoubtably play a role in keeping children safe from online harms, the Committee is concerned that children will not feel the full protections of the Act until implementation is completed in 2026.
79% of children have encountered violent pornography before the age of 18, with the average age that children first see pornography being 13 years old. Some 81% of girls aged 7-21 have experienced some form of threatening or upsetting behaviour, and online sexual crimes committed against children online has risen by 400% since 2013.
One in five children (19%) aged 10-15 experienced at least one type of bullying behaviour online, and out of them, around three-quarters (72%) said they experienced at least some of it at school or during school time.
It is clear that the entire system surrounding the digital age of consent and how it is verified is not fit for purpose. The Committee heard no evidence to suggest that 13 is an appropriate age for children to understand the implications of allowing platforms access to their personal data online.
Yet even with the digital age of consent currently formally set at the lowest possible level, it is widely ignored and not effectively enforced. This must change urgently. The next Government should consult on raising the age of digital consent and should recommend 16 as a more appropriate age.
The report also calls for the level of digital age of consent to be effectively enforced. The Online Safety Act 2023 allows for substantial fines or even imprisonment for executives of companies who breach its rules, and the Government should consider how this approach can be applied to social media companies who knowingly breach age verification requirements and expose children to addictive content which is not appropriate for them.
Within the first year of the new Parliament, the next Government should work alongside Ofcom to consult on additional measures regarding smartphones for children under 16 years old, including the possibility of a total ban of smartphones (internet-enabled phones) for children under 16 or parental controls installed as default on phones for under 16s.
The next Government should work with mobile phone companies and network operators to promote children’s phones, a class of phone which can be used for contact and GPS location but not access to the internet or downloading apps.
Chair of the Education Committee, Robin Walker MP, said: “Excessive screen and smartphone use has a clear negative impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of children and young people. Our inquiry heard shocking statistics on the extent of the damage being done to under-18s, particularly those who are already extremely vulnerable, such as those in care.
“Without urgent action, more children will be put in harm’s way. From exposure to pornography, to criminal gangs using online platforms to recruit children, the online world poses serious dangers.
“Parents and schools face an uphill struggle and Government must do more to help them meet this challenge. This might require radical steps, such as potentially a ban on smartphones for under-16s.
“Our report found that digital age of consent checks are not fit for purpose. We heard no evidence demonstrating that thirteen-year-olds understood the ramifications of sharing personal information online and today’s report urges the Government to increase this age to sixteen.
“It’s also clear that children require face-to-face and in-person social contact in order to thrive. Our report found that screen time is inversely associated with working memory, processing, attention levels, language skills and executive function.
“Whilst there can be some benefits from the online world and sharing information or interests with their peers, ready, unsupervised and unrestricted access to the internet leaves children vulnerable, exposing them to a world they are not equipped for. Their safeguarding and protection must be our priority.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called a surprise early general election. Mr Sunak made the announcement in a rain-soaked speech outside 10 Downing Street last night.
The announcement caught pundits unaware, with most expecting an autumn poll by which time Britain’s struggling economy may have shown stronger signs of recovery, giving the Tories a glimmer of hope of winning a fifth term in office.
The Tories trail Labour by between 16 – 20 points in most opinion polls and their situation appears hopeless.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said it is “time for change” – also Labour’s clarion call in Tony Blair’s landslide election in 1997. Just what that ‘change’ will be isn’t yet clear – Labour’s tactic of doing or promising nothing that will frighten Daily Mail readers has worked so far.
Vote for Us, we’re not the Tories. And that could be enough to get elected, as the years of chaos – the Covid contracts corruption, the Downing Street parties, the state of our public services, ever-increasing waiting lists, the Truss-Kwarteng catastrophe – have not been forgotten and will not be forgiven.
Disappointing as it may be for Labour activists, though, do not expect anything too radical in Labour’s manifesto, But do expect a ringing endorsement from Rupert Murdoch soon.
So a change of faces, certainly. It’s true: things CAN only get better. But the radical change needed to tackle poverty, inequality and revive Britain’s broken public services? We’ll see.
The Westminster Parliament will be suspended on Friday, before it is formally shut down on Thursday next week ahead of an official five-week election campaign.
This leaves only two days to pass any outstanding legislation, which will mean mean some of the current government’s plans will have to be ditched.
First Minister John Swinney says he’s looking forward to the campaign but also says it’s disrespectful for the election to be held during Scottish school holidays:
NEW: @JohnSwinney gives his reaction to the July 4th election
The First Minister says he’s looking forward to the campaign but also says it’s disrespectful for the election to be held during the Scottish school holidays pic.twitter.com/nhDzwsWDNM
Commenting on the announcement of the General Election by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Deidre Brock MP said: “The snap summer election is a desperate throw of the dice from a washed-out Prime Minister leading a government staggering on its last legs.
“Rishi Sunak could have limped on for a few more months but I’m glad he is putting this chaotic Tory administration out of its misery. The people of Scotland have different priorities and we are tired of picking up the bills for their mess.
“Now we have a chance to vote for a stronger Scotland and say what we think of Tory austerity politics, the Brexit chaos and the cost-of-living crisis they created. Bring it on!”
The Lib-Dems, too. are offering change:
‘It’s time. Time to elect fantastic Liberal Democrat MPs to champion their communities. Time to change the system and give people real hope. Time to smash the blue wall and kick out the Conservatives. Time to deliver the fair deal the British people deserve.’
Mike Andersen, the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, also welcomes the announcement of the upcoming general election scheduled for 4 July 2024.
He views this election as a crucial opportunity for transformative change in the UK. Mike believes that the current government has failed to address the pressing issues facing the country and that the Scottish Liberal Democrats are the only party capable of leading the way towards a brighter future.
“The country is crying out for change and for people’s voices to be heard. Finally, we can move forward and put an end to the dysfunction of Mr. Sunak’s Government. The Scottish Liberal Democrats are ready to champion the values of fairness, equality, and opportunity. We are committed to building a future where every individual can thrive, and this election provides us with the platform to fight for the change we need and deserve.”
“We aim to build a society where people no longer have to choose between food and heating, where we have faith in the economy, hope for environmental sustainability, and where the UK can proudly stand on the right side of history, including on its stance on Israel and Gaza.”
The Green Party welcomes the General Election as the chance for voters to choose hope and practical solutions to the crises facing the country.
Co-leader and parliamentary candidate for Bristol Central Carla Denyer said: “At last. This is the moment the country has been waiting for – the chance to vote for a different vision of what our country can be. We are urging voters to elect at least four Green MPs to Parliament.”
Co-leader and parliamentary candidate for Waveney Valley Adrian Ramsay said: “We are ready. Across the country people will have the chance to vote for a Green candidate offering voters hope and practical solutions to the cost-of-living crisis, supporting people into warm, affordable homes, protecting our NHS and cleaning up our toxic rivers.
Denyer added: “By reforming our tax system to make it fairer – including a tax on the super-rich billionaires and multi-millionaires – we would raise £50billion to invest in our NHS, warmer homes and cleaner rivers.”
Ramsay added: “We are offering the common sense, affordable policies that will dramatically improve our quality of life. More Green MPs in Parliament will hold whoever forms the next government to account, and make the other parties confront the challenges our country faces. Together, we can make the change.”
Commenting on the announcement of a General Election, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said:“Good. And not a moment too soon.”
Scotland Act Order approval will increases borrowing resource to fund vital public services including schools, hospitals and key infrastructure to boost growth
More money to fund vital public services will be at the disposal of the Scottish Government after a motion passed in the House of Commons yesterday that will see their borrowing powers increased in line with inflation.
Scotland Office Minister John Lamont secured the approval of a Scotland Act Order that increases the Scottish Government’s resource borrowing limit from £1.75 billion to £1.78 billion and the capital borrowing limit from £3 billion to £3.05 billion in 2024-25, enabling them to invest further in schools, hospitals, roads and other key infrastructure that will help to grow the economy and create better paid jobs and opportunity in Scotland.
The move upholds the UK Government’s commitment to the new Fiscal Framework agreed in August 2023 between the UK and Scottish governments which included annual uprating and gives the Scottish Government certainty over borrowing limits for the 2024/25 financial year.
UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said: “We have listened to calls from the Scottish Government for greater certainty and flexibility to help them manage their budget. This is a great example of devolution in action and how we can deliver for people of Scotland when our two governments work together.
“The wider Fiscal Framework deal – worth billions of pounds to Scotland over the coming years – builds upon work to support economic growth and provide more high-skill jobs, investment and future opportunities for local people, such as through Investment Zones and Freeports in Scotland.
“The UK Government has made great strides in growing the economy and by halving inflation sooner than forecast. With our direct investment in Scotland now standing at more than £3billion, we are creating opportunities right across the UK.”
In addition to the changes made to the cumulative borrowing limits through today’s Order, the Fiscal Framework agreement also saw the permanent doubling of the resource borrowing annual limit from £300 million to £600 million.
Limits on how much can be withdrawn from the Scotland Reserve to spend in future years was also removed. This boosts spending through borrowing by £90 million in 2024/25. All future limits will increase in line with inflation.
The new arrangements compare with the previous Fiscal Framework, where the Scottish Government’s capital borrowing limit was £450 million per year within a £3 billion cap, as well as receiving a Barnett-based share of UK Government borrowing. Going forward these amounts now rise with inflation instead, which supports additional investment across Scotland and lays the foundations for economic growth.
The funding arrangements for tax continue, with the Scottish Government continuing to keep every penny of devolved Scottish taxes while also receiving an additional contribution from the rest of the UK.
Background:
Scotland act orders in the UK Parliament fully support devolution by facilitating amendments to be made to UK legislation affecting Scotland, to enable Scottish legislation to have full effect, or additional powers to be transferred to Scottish Government ministers.
On average, seven Scotland Act Orders are made each year and more than 250 have been passed since the start of devolution.
The target date for the order to come into force is 17 June 2024, subject to the date of signing.
Cat Smith MP, Chair of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.
Create a visa scheme for Palestinians
The petition, which has more than 103,000 signatures, states:
“We want the government to take action and create a Visa scheme that allows Palestinian individuals affected by war, to be allowed into the UK. Just like we did for Ukraine.”
In its response to the petition, provided on 21 December 2023, the Government said: “There are no plans to introduce bespoke arrangements for people arriving from the region. Those wishing to come to the UK who currently have no visa can apply under one of the existing visa routes.”
What are petitions debates?
Petitions debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.
Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petition at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.
Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.
Westminster government to introduce new law to ‘halt the march of gender-neutral toilets’
New requirements will be brought forward for single sex toilet facilities in new non-domestic buildings to alleviate safety, privacy and dignity concerns.
The new legislation follows the results of a consultation on the proposals, where responses showed 81% agreed with the intention for separate single-sex toilet facilities and 82% agreed with the intention to provide universal toilets where space allows. A universal toilet is self-contained, and a fully enclosed toilet room with a wash hand basin for individual use.
Responses highlighted particular concerns from women, elderly and the disabled who felt unfairly disadvantaged as publicly accessible toilets are increasingly being converted into gender neutral facilities where users share cubicle and hand-washing facilities. This leads to increasing waiting in shared queues, decreased choice and less privacy and dignity.
The new requirements will mean everyone can access appropriate facilities either through a separate single-sex space or a self-contained, universal toilet.
Changes to building regulations will mean that new non-domestic buildings, including restaurants, shopping centres, offices and public toilets will be required to provide separate single-sex toilets for women and men. Self-contained, universal toilets may be provided in addition, where space allows, or instead of single-sex toilets where there isn’t enough space.
In addition to single-sex toilets becoming the default for new non-domestic buildings and places undertaking major refurbishment, the policy encourages provision of self-contained universal toilets, which are a fully enclosed toilet room with a washbasin and hand-drying facilities for individual use.
Minister for Women and Equalities Kemi Badenoch said: “These regulations will guide organisations to design unisex and single-sex toilets, ending the rise of so-called “gender-neutral” mixed sex toilet spaces, which deny privacy and dignity to both men and women.
“Today’s announcement will also create better provision for women so that our particular biological, health and sanitary needs are met.
“This is following our work last week limiting the use of mixed-sex wards in the NHS and demonstrates how this government is committed to ensuring single-sex spaces are protected for all.”
Housing Minister Lee Rowley said: “We know all members of society value safety, privacy and dignity, and this new legislation will help ensure the right facilities are in place for everyone.
“It is vital that new buildings, particularly in public spaces, are serving the community with right toilet provision.
“The Government is clear that single-sex spaces are essential for ensuring privacy and dignity for the elderly, women, and girls.”
The move comes following a set of announcements of firm action to protect spaces for women and girls, such as the Government’s introduction of a new NHS constitution which put patient safety and dignity at the heart of care, including reinforcing the NHS’s commitment to providing single-sex wards.
It also follows the Minister for Women and Equalities’ call for examples of organisations issuing incorrect guidance on single-sex spaces.
In addition, the Department for Education re-enforced that Schools in England are required to comply with minimum standards, including that separate toilets for boys and girls aged 8 years and over are to be provided.
While England’s colleges are not subject to the same legal requirements, they should take the same approach given the same safeguarding considerations apply.
Changes to building regulations will ensure that:
Separate single-sex toilets facilities are provided for men and women;
Self-contained, universal toilets may be provided in addition to single-sex toilets, where space allows;
Self-contained universal toilets may be provided instead of single-sex toilets only where lack of space reasonably precludes provision of single-sex toilet accommodation.
Millions of workers checking payslips tomorrow will see a tax cut
As the economy turns a corner, the government is rewarding hard work, with over £900 a year boost for typical worker
Marks another step in long-term ambition to end unfair double tax on work
There are 27 million employees in the UK, and today [Tuesday 30 April] millions of them on monthly salaries will wake up with a little more cash in their pockets, as the UK government’s Spring Budget cut to National Insurance appears in April’s pay-packets.
Since Autumn 2023, National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for workers have been slashed by a third – the largest cut to employee and self-employed NICs in history.
The main rate of employee National Insurance has been cut for 27 million workers from 12% to 8%, saving the average employee on £35,400 over £900 a year. An average full-time nurse will save £1053, a typical junior doctor £1508 and an average teacher £1270.
These cuts are possible because the economy is turning a corner, thanks to the government’s decisive action that has helped bring inflation down from 11.1% to 3.2% and ensure borrowing costs start to fall. Because of this progress, the government can now cut taxes to reward work and grow the economy.
This marks another step towards the longer-term ambition to end the unfair double tax on work and abolish employee and self-employed NICs altogether.
These tax cuts – worth over £20 billion a year – have been achievable while protecting spending including keeping the Triple Lock and the government has commitment to going further only when it’s possible to do so.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: ““At the start of last year I made to pledge to half inflation. And because of the difficult decisions we have taken, inflation has more than halved and we are now able to reward work, and cut taxes for millions of workers who are seeing the benefit in their pay checks today.
“We have now cut National Insurance by £900 because it’s unfair that workers pay double tax on their income. We need to make it much simpler and much fairer and we are going to continue cutting this tax until it’s gone – while continuing to protect pensioners with the triple lock and providing record levels of funding to the NHS.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “We’re on the right track – we’ve been able to slash National Insurance to return hundreds of pounds back into the pockets of hard-working Brits because of the decisions we’ve made to manage the economy responsibly.
“Over the years ahead we want to get rid of National Insurance completely for workers – it is an unfair double tax on work and we’ve shown we can protect spending on public services while eliminating it.”
The tax cuts to date mean that for single individuals on average salaries, personal taxes would be lower in the UK than every other G7 country, based on the most recent OECD data.
The smart nature of the tax cuts will also help grow the economy by bringing more people into the labour market. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) expects that, as a result of these combined cuts, total hours worked will increase by the equivalent of almost 200,000 full-time workers by 2028-29.
To mark the record cuts to NICs, HMRC launched an updated online tool earlier this month to help people understand how much they personally could save in National Insurance this year.
These cuts to reward work follow a raft of changes that came into force on 1 April and could save households up to £3,850 a year to help those struggling with cost-of-living while igniting the economy.
This includes a record increase in the National Living Wage from £10.42 an hour to £11.44, and a 12.3% drop in energy bills from the previous quarter.
In addition, households can benefit from a separate increase to the Local Housing Allowance that will mean some of the poorest families on either Universal Credit or Housing Benefit will gain £800 a year on average.
Who does this help?
The combined cuts to National Insurance mean:
A ‘hard-working’ family with two earners on the average salary of £35,400 each will be better off by £1,826.
An average full-time nurse on £38,900 will be better off by £1,053.
A senior nurse with five years experience on £42,618 will be better off by £1,202.
The average police officer on £44,300 will be better off by £1,270.
A cleaner working night shifts on £21,058 will be better off by £340.
A typical junior doctor on £65,000 will be better off by £1,508.
A typical self-employed plumber on £34,361 will be better off by £846.
The typical teacher on £44,300 will be better off by over £1,270.
Final phase of implementing the flagship policy WILL commence
UK government efforts to stop the boats and tackle illegal migration took a major step forward, after the Safety of Rwanda Bill completed its passage through Parliament overnight.
The Bill’s passing means the government can enter the final phase of operational planning to get flights off the ground to Rwanda, pioneering a new response to the global challenge of illegal migration.
Robust operational plans are in place to ensure a first flight to Rwanda can be delivered within 10-12 weeks, with multiple flights set to take off after this.
The landmark legislation means that going forward, Rwanda should be deemed a safe country for the purposes of relocating people, including in UK courts and tribunals.
It will prevent legal challenges from being used to delay or halt a person’s removal to Rwanda on the grounds that Rwanda is generally unsafe, or that an individual will be returned to an unsafe country after removal to Rwanda – an act known as refoulement.
The Bill makes it unambiguously clear that UK Parliament is sovereign, and the validity of any Act of Parliament is unaffected by international law. Ministers will be able to retain the decision on whether to comply with interim measures from the European Court of Human Rights, for example, a Rule 39 injunction.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said: ”This vital legislation means we can now proceed with our Rwanda plan and begin removing people with no right to be here.
“The only way to stop the boats is to eliminate the incentive to come – by making clear that if you are here illegally, you will not be allowed to stay.
“Our policy does exactly that and plans are well under way to begin flights within 10-12 weeks.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The passing of this landmark legislation it not just a step forward but a fundamental change in the global equation on migration.
“We introduced the Rwanda Bill to deter vulnerable migrants from making perilous crossings and break the business model of the criminal gangs who exploit them. The passing of this legislation will allow us to do that and make it very clear that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to stay.
“Our focus is to now get flights off the ground, and I am clear that nothing will stand in our way of doing that and saving lives.”
The Westminster government is ready to deliver a first relocation flight and teams are working at pace to prepare. This includes:
an airfield on standby and commercial charter planes booked for specific slots
detention spaces increased to 2,200
200 trained dedicated caseworkers are ready and waiting to quickly process claims
the judiciary have made available 25 courtrooms to deal with any legal cases quickly and decisively
to escort illegal migrants all the way to Rwanda, we have 500 highly trained individuals ready, with 300 more trained in the coming weeks.
Responding to the concerns raised by the Supreme Court, the Safety of Rwanda Bill was introduced in December last year and builds upon the UK-Rwanda Treaty.
Together, these measures and evidence of changes in Rwanda since summer 2022, will allow government to implement the policy, supporting the wider plan to stop the boats by removing the incentive to come here illegally.
The new law, which is one of the toughest pieces of legislation ever introduced, builds upon the Treaty, reflecting the strength of the Government of Rwanda’s protections and commitments relocated to Rwanda in accordance with the Treaty. It also:
confirms that, with the new Treaty, Rwanda is safe
prevents UK courts and tribunals from delaying or preventing a person’s removal to Rwanda on matters relating only to the general safety of Rwanda
allows for an exceptionally narrow route to individual challenge to ensure that the courts will interpret the relevant provisions in accordance with the will of Parliament
disapplies relevant sections of the Human Rights Act 1998
confirms that only a Minister of the Crown can decide whether to comply with an interim measure issued by the European Court of Human Rights.
In November 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the lawfulness of resettling illegal migrants for the purposes of determining their asylum claims, but required more assurance that they would not be refouled.
The internationally binding Treaty between Rwanda and the UK was announced by the Government in response to this finding and introduces measures to make clear Rwanda will not return anyone to an unsafe country.
Under the Treaty, Rwanda has also introduced a strengthened end-to-end asylum system, including a new, specialist asylum appeals tribunal to consider individual appeals against any refused claims. It will have two co-presidents, from Rwanda and from another Commonwealth country, and be made up of judges from a mix of nations.
The Treaty also enhances the role of the independent Monitoring Committee, which will ensure adherence to obligations under the Treaty and have the power to set its own priority areas for monitoring.
But this ‘significant step forward’ remains just one part of the government’s wider plan to stop the boats. Solid progress has been made, with the number of small boat arrivals falling by more than a third in 2023. UK Government work with international partners prevented more than 26,000 crossings last year, as well as helping to dismantle 82 organised crime groups since July 2020.
Westminster’s new agreement with Albania has cut Albanian small boat arrivals by more than 90 per cent; and we recently signed a ground-breaking deal with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, marking another crucial step in securing our borders.
The Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent in the coming days.
In a statement on X, Migrant Voice campaigners said: “You cannot legislate to say that some people deserve fewer human rights than others.
“We remain absolutely opposed to the #RwandaBill, and stand in solidarity and support with all those who have been left more fearful for the future this morning, having come here seeking safety.”
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn commented: “The Rwanda Bill is a disgusting piece of legislation designed to demonise the world’s most vulnerable people.
“This government has done everything it can to make the lives of refugees even harder. What a sorry and shameful legacy to leave behind.”
Commenting on the passing of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, Edinburgh North and Leith MP Deidre Brock said:“I’m saddened by the UK Government’s actions in forcing through the Rwanda Bill last night.
“This shameful bill doesn’t just defy international law, it flies in the face of basic human decency. The UK which once proudly helped pen the refugee convention is now choosing to ignore its obligations. It has descended into gutter politics.
“My thoughts are with all those fleeing war and persecution who seek refuge on our shores. They should be met with empathy and compassion, not hostility. I will continue to stand by them and do all I can to assist.
“We need to look at where the asylum system is failing and improve the safe legal routes into our country, to cut out the people smuggling gangs. Instead, the UK is stooping to their level with something akin to state sponsored people trafficking.
“As Burns put it, Man’s inhumanity to man, Makes countless thousands mourn.”
MPs to vote on legislation to create first smoke-free generation, protecting young people turning 15 this year or younger from harms of smoking
MPs will vote today (16th April 2024) on world-leading legislation to protect future generations across the UK from the harmful effects of smoking.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill would make it an offence to sell tobacco products to anyone born after 1 January 2009 – children aged 15 or younger today. Smoking itself would not be criminalised and anyone who can legally buy tobacco today will never be prevented from doing so in the future by the legislation.
If passed, the Bill will progress to the next stage, bringing the UK closer to creating the first smoke-free generation.
Responsible for around 80,000 deaths annually, smoking is the UK’s single biggest preventable killer and costs the NHS and economy an estimated £17 billion a year—far more than the £10 billion annual revenue from tobacco taxation.
It is also highly addictive – 4 in 5 smokers start before the age of 20 and remain addicted for the rest of their lives despite most smokers having tried to quit.
The legislation will cover all tobacco products, recognising that tobacco kills two-thirds of long-term users. In England alone, almost every minute someone with a smoking-related condition is admitted to hospital.
The Bill will help deliver the Prime Minister’s commitment of creating a smokefree generation which could prevent over 470,000 cases of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and other deadly diseases by the turn of the century.
Alongside action to prevent creating future smokers, the government has already announced significant additional funding for stop smoking services over the next five years, effectively doubling the money available for local initiatives that can help existing smokers to quit. The government is also rolling out an innovative financial incentives scheme to help all pregnant smokers to quit.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Victoria Atkins, said: “Too many people know someone whose life has been tragically cut short or irreversibly changed because of smoking, which despite significant progress remains the UK’s biggest preventable killer.
“The truth is that there is no safe level of tobacco consumption. It is uniquely harmful and that is why we are taking this important action today to protect the next generation.
“This Bill will save thousands of lives, ease the strain on our NHS, and improve the UK’s productivity.”
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill would also give the government new powers to tackle youth vaping by restricting flavours and regulating the way that vapes are sold and packaged to make them less appealing to children.
While vaping can play a useful role in helping adult smokers to quit, non-smokers and children should never vape. The long-term health impacts of vaping are unknown and the nicotine contained within them can be highly addictive.
To ensure compliance with the new rules, trading standards officers will be given new powers to issue on-the-spot fines (fixed penalty notices) to retailers unlawfully selling tobacco or vapes to children. All the money raised would be used to fund further enforcement action.
The Bill follows the government’s previously stated commitment to ban the sale and supply of disposable vapes under existing environmental legislation, which have been a key factor behind the rise in youth vaping. The ban is planned to take effect from April 2025.
Public Health Minister, Andrea Leadsom, said: “Smoking is the number one preventable cause of disability, ill health and death in this country. Once it becomes a habit, its addictive nature means that it is extremely difficult to stop.
“Because the case against these harmful products is so strong, it’s not surprising that the majority of the British public—including those who smoke and those who sell tobacco—support plans to protect the next generation from the misery of smoking.
“Our plan will save lives, ease the strain on our NHS, and ensure a brighter future for our children.”
Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England said: “Smoking kills and causes harm at all stages of life from stillbirths, asthma in children, stroke, cancer to heart attacks and dementia.
“This Bill, if passed, will have a substantial impact – preventing disease, disability and premature deaths long into the future.”
Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health, said: “The Tobacco and Vapes Bill being voted on today is radical but, hard as it is now to believe, so were the smokefree laws when they were put before parliament. Parliamentarians can be reassured that the public they represent back the Bill.
“New research just published by ASH shows that the majority of tobacco retailers and the public, including smokers, support the legislation and the smokefree generation ambition it is designed to deliver. This historic legislation will consign smoking to the “ash heap of history.”
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive at the British Heart Foundation said: “Smoking continues to devastate the nation’s health, taking 15,000 UK lives every single year due to cardiovascular disease alone.
“Raising the age of sale for tobacco each year will be a game changer, meaning that future generations are protected from serious disease and death caused by smoking.
“Decisive action is needed to end this ongoing public health tragedy – we urge every MP to vote for this landmark legislation at the Bill’s Second Reading.”
Professor Steve Turner, Royal College for Paediatrics and Child Health President, said: “Without a doubt the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will save lives.
“By stopping children and young people from becoming addicted to nicotine and tobacco we decrease their chances of developing preventable diseases later in life, and will protect children from the harms of nicotine addiction.
“As paediatricians, we strongly urge MPs to use the important responsibility they have and support this Bill to protect children’s and our nation’s current and future health.”
Dr Ian Walker, Executive Director of Policy at Cancer Research UK, said: “Today’s vote is a critical step towards the UK becoming a world leader in tobacco control. By voting in favour of the age of sale legislation, MPs will be putting us on the right side of history, and helping to create the first ever smokefree generation.
“Smoking is still the leading cause of cancer in the UK. Now is the time to take action, end cancers caused by smoking and save lives.”
