MPs debate two new government bills this week.
The first is a wide-ranging bill reforming the Armed Forces, which creates a body responsible for driving through the government’s multi-billion pound military homes upgrades.
The second is a simpler bill to prioritise UK medical graduates for the next stages of doctor training.
The Chagos Bill won’t be heard in the Lords this week.
The government has pulled it for now. There are some concerns it could contravene a 1966 treaty with the US.
And Wednesday is an Opposition Day.
The Tories will set the agenda, with a topic to be confirmed.
Until next week. In the meantime, feel free to tweet me, or just reply to this email.
Sebastian (@sebastiansalek)
MONDAY 26 JANUARY
Armed Forces Bill – 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Renews the Armed Forces Act 2006, which provides the legal basis for the existence of the Armed Forces and expires every five years. Creates the Defence Housing Service, a new government agency that will oversee a large-scale programme to build and refurbish military accommodation. Gives the military legal powers to detect and stop hostile drones, among other things.
TUESDAY 27 JANUARY
Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Bill
Bans the sale of illegal e-bikes and kits that turn normal bikes into illegal e-bikes. Ten minute rule motion presented by Julie Minns.
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill – all stages
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Requires the NHS to prioritise UK medical graduates (and others with strong links to the health service) for the next stage of training, if places are oversubscribed.
WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY
Flooding Bill
A wide-ranging bill that creates new duties for various government bodies and companies to prevent inland flooding. Requires the government to report to Parliament on how local flood authorities and Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) are funded. Gives IDBs critical national infrastructure status. Requires the government to publish a report on the potential merits of compensating people whose homes have become unsellable because of flooding. Requires housing developers to make sure new schemes don’t trigger flooding, among other things.
Ten minute rule motion presented by George Freeman.
THURSDAY 29 JANUARY
No votes scheduled
FRIDAY 30 JANUARY
No votes scheduled
LAST WEEK’S VOTES
Passed
- Glaucoma Care (England) Bill – goes to second reading
- Sentencing Bill – became law
- Holocaust Memorial Bill – became law
- Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill – delayed amid legal concerns
- Rail Passengers’ Charter Bill – goes to second reading
- National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill – goes to Lords