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12 Mar
Generic Debate
Points of Order

The session titled 'Points of Order' in the House of Commons featured speakers raising procedural and record-correcting concerns. The debate's main features were the lack of notice provided to farmers regarding the closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme, a declaration of interests regarding the Employment Rights Bill, and discrepancies in nuclear test veterans’ records. Discussion focused on accountability and transparency from ministers.

1. Victoria Atkins highlighted issues concerning the SFI scheme. Atkins underscored the need for clear communication from the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, pointing to conflicting timelines given about when farmers were informed about the scheme's closure. She hinted at potential legal implications, urging for the record to be corrected given its business impact on farmers.

265 previously unseen documents

Related to nuclear test veterans' tests, suggesting oversight and potential governmental discrepancies.

2. Dr. Marie Tidball took a procedural stand to ensure transparency. Tidball clarified her oversight in declaring certain financial interests during a debate about the Employment Rights Bill and sought to make this part of the House's official record, reinforcing the importance of maintaining transparency in parliamentary proceedings.

3. Sir John Hayes addressed discrepancies in nuclear test veterans’ medical record releases. Hayes raised awareness about additional documents relating to nuclear test veterans being uncovered, suggesting possible ministerial miscommunications based on information from the Atomic Weapons Establishment. He called for the government to rectify this and ensure all relevant documents are released to support the affected veterans adequately.

370 documents concerning nuclear tests

Indicates a gap in previously disclosed records, impacting ongoing legal assessments and historical understanding.

Outcome

The meeting served mainly as a platform for Members to express procedural and ethical concerns. Even though there were no immediate resolutions, the issues were officially recorded, aiming to prompt governmental response.

Key Statistics with Context

  • 265 previously unseen documents: These pertain to nuclear test veterans, potentially altering historical understandings of veteran care and rights.
  • 370 documents referenced concerning nuclear tests: Suggesting a substantial difference in previously acknowledged documentation, which could have significant repercussions in related compensation court cases.

Outcome

No immediate outcomes were decided, but the recording and recognition of these points of order highlight potential areas of focus for both government transparency and future legislative adjustments.

Key Contributions

Victoria AtkinsConservative MP
Conservative

Raised a point of order regarding the insufficient notice given about the SFI scheme closure.

Madam Deputy SpeakerDeputy Speaker
None provided

Acknowledged Victoria Atkins’ point of order and noted that Ministers' statement accuracy is not her responsibility.

Dr Marie TidballLabour MP
Labour

Clarified oversight concerns by declaring interests related to the Employment Rights Bill.

Sir John HayesConservative MP
Conservative

Highlighted discrepancies regarding nuclear test veterans’ records distributions, advocating for more comprehensive disclosure.

Madam Deputy SpeakerDeputy Speaker
None provided

Recognized Hayes' concern and noted the Treasury Bench should take into account the recorded point of order.

Original Transcript
Victoria Atkins
Louth and Horncastle
Con

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, the hon. Member for Cambridge (Daniel Zeichner), has been asked repeatedly why no notice was given to farmers of the closure of the SFI scheme.

He has given a range of answers, including that “people have known for weeks and weeks—months”. He even stretched it to five years ago.

This is important, not least because business decisions are having to be made on the fly today, but also because there may be legal consequences to the answer that the Minister has given. How can we encourage the Minister to correct the record and state the fact that no notice was given to farmers?

Madam Deputy Speaker
Ms Nusrat Ghani

I am grateful to the right hon. Member for giving notice of her point of order. The Chair is not responsible for the accuracy of Ministers’ statements in the House, but she has put her point of order on the record.

The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs
Daniel Zeichner

indicated dissent.

Madam Deputy Speaker

Then I will end that there.

Madam Deputy Speaker

I thank the hon. Member for advance notice of her point of order. I know that she has been diligent in seeking advice on how and when to declare an interest. That is now on the record.

Sir John Hayes
South Holland and The Deepings
Con

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. On 21 May 2024, the former Defence Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Wiltshire (Dr Murrison), published records of blood and urine tests relating to nuclear test veterans. He said at that time that there were 150.

It has now become clear from the correspondence of a court case brought by the British nuclear test veterans that there are 370 documents mentioning blood and urine. That includes 265 that were previously unseen and unreleased.

That raises the possibility, as you will appreciate, Madam Deputy Speaker, that the Atomic Weapons Establishment misled Ministers about the number of records, and that, inadvertently and entirely innocently, the Minister brought the wrong information to this House.

I seek your guidance on how the Government can correct the record and publish those extra records. The nuclear test veterans deserve nothing less.

Madam Deputy Speaker
Ms Nusrat Ghani

I am grateful to the right hon. Member for giving notice of his point of order. The Chair is not responsible for the accuracy of ministerial statements in the House, but he has put his point on the record and no doubt those on the Treasury Bench are taking note and listening.

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All content derived from official parliamentary records