Clear the Lobby: What laws are MPs voting on this week (w/c 18th January)

Welcome to our weekly feature courtesy of Sebastian Salek, the brains behind Clear the Lobby, working to bring you all the laws MPs are voting on this week, and explained in plain English!

Hey team.

Virus risks mean a reduced schedule in Parliament.

MPs have voted to suspend Westminster Hall debates and private members’ bill Fridays.

A China theme runs through two of this week’s government bills.

First, Tuesday’s Trade Bill. Opposition parties and some backbench Tories back an amendment that forces the government to withdraw from free trade agreements with countries that the High Court has ruled are committing genocide.

Then the National Security and Investment Bill on Wednesday. Foreign affairs select committee chair Tom Tugendhat brings an amendment about the definition of the “national interest” when talking about blocking takeovers by foreign companies.

And on Monday, Labour plans to hit the government where it hurts.

It’s tabled two Opposition Day debates: one on Universal Credit, where the Tories are under pressure to extend the £20 boost that’s set to be scrapped in April, and another on free school meals and access to remote education.

Until next week. In the meantime, feel free to tweet me, or just reply to this email.

Sebastian (@sebastiansalek)

MONDAY 18 JANUARY

No votes scheduled

TUESDAY 19 JANUARY

Freedom of Speech (Universities) Bill
Requires universities to promote free speech, or be fined if they don’t comply. Ten minute rule motion presented by David Davis.

Trade Bill – consideration of Lords amendments
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Creates the framework for post-Brexit trade policy. Allows the UK to be part of the WTO’s Agreement on Government Procurement in its own right, rather than as a member of the EU. (This means Britishbusinesses are still able to bid for overseas government procurement opportunities covered by the GPA after the end of the transition period.) Establishes a new body, the Trade Remedies Authority, to combat unfair trading practices. Implements the trade deals with countries like South Korea that the UK had as a member of the EU but wants to keep.
Draft bill / Commons Library briefing

High Speed Rail (West Midlands – Crewe) Bill – consideration of Lords amendments
Applies to: England
Authorises the next stage of the HS2 high-speed rail network. This bit will run between the West Midlands and Crewe, and allows trains to transfer onto the West Coast Main Line.
Draft bill / Commons library briefing

WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY

Internet Access Bill
Extends the universal service obligation (the legal right to request a decent, affordable broadband connection) to include mobile internet access. Introduces a new social tariff for broadband, which households with children eligible for free school meals would be eligible to access. Ten minute rule motion presented by Darren Jones.

National Security and Investment Bill – report stage and 3rd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
Allows the government to review and block foreign takeovers of British companies on national security grounds. Requires foreign investors to alert a newly-created Investment Security Unit. Those who don’t comply could face jail time and fines of up to 5% of annual turnover, or a single fine of £10 million.
Draft bill (PDF)

THURSDAY 21 JANUARY

No votes scheduled

FRIDAY 22 JANUARY

No votes scheduled

Want more?
Check your MP’s voting record and read the day’s debates at TheyWorkForYou.

LAST WEEK’S VOTES

Passed

• Abolition of Business Rates Bill – goes to 2nd reading
• Covid-19 Financial Assistance (Gaps in Support) Bill – goes to 2nd reading
• Financial Services Bill – goes to House of Lords