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This is the weekly Parliamentary Bulletin produced by the Trade Union Group of Labour MPs and sponsored by Thompsons Solicitors.The Trade Union Group of Labour MPs (TUG) has been established for many years. Based in Westminster, it aims to act as a bridge between unions and MPs.The bulletin keeps trade unionists and others aware of issues which are taking place in Westminster that are of importance to the trade union movement.
House of CommonsLegislationThe Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Billwas given Royal Assent this week, so a referendum on alternative vote (AV) will take place on 5 May this year. See all debates and related papers here…Public Services (Social Enterprise and Social Value) Bill:the opposition is supporting this Private Member’s Bill which will encourage Local Authorities to promote social enterprises. See the money motion here… See a copy of the Bill here…See the full list of Bills here…Ministerial StatementsJustice: Health Care Workers, Social Workers and Social Care Workers:the Minister announced publication of "Enabling Excellence-Autonomy and Accountability for Healthcare Workers, Social Workers and Social Care Workers" which sets out the Government's proposals for how the system for regulating health care workers across the United Kingdom and social workers in England should be reformed. See more here…Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Forestry (England):following the recent public outcry and pressure from MPs, the Minister announced the end of the consultation and also that the Forestry clauses will be removed from the Public Bodies Bill. Read the statement here…Work and Pensions: Extension to Welfare to Work Contracts.See more… DebatesYouth Unemployment:Liam Byrne MP believes the Government was wrong to cancel the Future Jobs Fund. Read the opposition debate here…Economic Regeneration in Glasgow:Margaret Curran MP puts the case for deepening the processes of regeneration. Read more… MotionsSocial Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2011:this order is proposing to up-rate benefits in line with Consumer Prices Index (CPI) instead of Retail Prices Index (RPI), which means claimants will receive an increase that is one-third less than would be the case if RPI was still used. Read more…QuestionsWork and Pensions:see all questions including questions on State Pension Age (Women), Apprentices and Disability Living Allowance. See all here…Business, Innovation and Skills:including questions on apprenticeships and Local Enterprise Partnerships. See all here…CommitteesBusiness, Innovation and Skills: the report on the Government Strategy to Support Industry concludes it does not add up to a comprehensive growth strategy. Read more…Communities and Local Government: MPs examined the impact of the Health and Social Care Bill on the localism agenda. Watch the evidence session here…Health: MPs ask questions about the NHS complaints and litigation. Watch the evidence session including Ann Abraham the Health Ombudsman’s contribution here…Work and Pensions: the Minister replied to concerns about the introduction of the Work Programme. See Dame Anne Begg MP’s letter and the reply here… See all Committees listed here… Early Day Motions (EDMs)EDMs provide an opportunity for MPs to put on record their opinion on issues of concern. They give an important indication of the views of MPs and are watched carefully by the Government.
TUC’s March for the Alternative (No. 1436). Read more…
Music Education (No. 1455) both the NUT and MU unions registering concern that music education has already been hit by cuts. Read more…
Remploy Job Losses (No. 1462). Read more…
See the full list of EDMs here…Parliament Live TVWatch committees and parliamentary debates online: www.parliamentlive.tv
House of LordsLegislationPensions Bill: Second reading. See the debate here… See the Bill and all related pages here… The Committee next stage will start on 1 March 2011.Postal Services Bill: see the Second reading debate here… See the Bill and all related pages here…
Next week in WestministerHouse of Commons. Read more…House of Lords. Read more… The TUC’s ‘March for the Alternative’ will be on Saturday 26th March: for more information and to register as a steward see here…
Scottish ParliamentScottish Parliamentary Business. Read more...
