Motion to consider. Agreed to on question.

Motion to consider. Agreed to on question.

This paper outlines the current regulation of doorstep selling (or cold calling) under the provisions of the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. It also provides information on how 'No Cold Calling Zones' work in practice.

This paper outlines the current regulation of doorstep selling (or cold calling) under the provisions of the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. It also provides information on how 'No Cold Calling Zones' work in practice.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of of 7 May 2025 to question 48538, what the timetable is for the Crown Estate negotiating a Partnership Agreement with GB Energy.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of of 7 May 2025 to question 48538, what the timetable is for the Crown Estate negotiating a Partnership Agreement with GB Energy.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an estimate of the potential annual income from introducing employers’ National Insurance contributions for General Practice partners.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an estimate of the potential annual income from introducing employers’ National Insurance contributions for General Practice partners.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the number of General Practice partners who do not pay employers’ National Insurance contributions due to the partnership funding model.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the number of General Practice partners who do not pay employers’ National Insurance contributions due to the partnership funding model.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of introducing employers’ National Insurance contributions for General Practice partners on retention.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of introducing employers’ National Insurance contributions for General Practice partners on retention.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Octopus Energy partnership with Ming Yang on national security.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Octopus Energy partnership with Ming Yang on national security.

Motions to consider. Agreed to on question.

Motions to consider. Agreed to on question.

The UK Government is reforming Companies House and the company registration regime in the UK. This briefing looks at the company regime and the ongoing reforms.

The UK Government is reforming Companies House and the company registration regime in the UK. This briefing looks at the company regime and the ongoing reforms.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of continuing to pursue partnerships with Chinese Defence Universities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of continuing to pursue partnerships with Chinese Defence Universities.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress has been made on negotiating a partnership agreement between the Crown Estate and Great British Energy.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress has been made on negotiating a partnership agreement between the Crown Estate and Great British Energy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many partnerships with Great British Energy are currently in place; and what the total value is of those partnerships.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many partnerships with Great British Energy are currently in place; and what the total value is of those partnerships.

A Westminster Hall debate on SME participation in defence procurement is scheduled for Tuesday 28 January 2025, from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. The debate will be led by Alan Strickland MP.

A Westminster Hall debate on SME participation in defence procurement is scheduled for Tuesday 28 January 2025, from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. The debate will be led by Alan Strickland MP.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy during the Twelfth sitting of the Public Bill Committee on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill on Tuesday 15 November 2022,...

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy during the Twelfth sitting of the Public Bill Committee on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill on Tuesday 15 November 2022,...

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy during the Twelfth sitting of the Public Bill Committee on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill on Tuesday 15 November 2022,...

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy during the Twelfth sitting of the Public Bill Committee on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill on Tuesday 15 November 2022,...

Motions to consider. Agreed to on question.

Motions to consider. Agreed to on question.

Consideration of Lords message. After Clause 180, Amendment 151A discussed with Lords amendments 151E, 151F and amendment (a). Amendment (a) negatived on division (208 to 274). Motion to disagree to Lords amendments 151E and 151F. Agreed to on division (280 to 207). Motion to insist on Government amendment 161A in lieu of Lords amendment 161D in lieu. Agreed to on division (280 to 207).

Consideration of Lords message. After Clause 180, Amendment 151A discussed with Lords amendments 151E, 151F and amendment (a). Amendment (a) negatived on division (208 to 274). Motion to disagree to Lords amendments 151E and 151F. Agreed to on division (280 to 207). Motion to insist on Government amendment 161A in...

I beg to move,

That this House insists on its amendment 151A and disagrees with the Lords in their amendments 151E and 151F.

I beg to move,

That this House insists on its amendment 151A and disagrees with the Lords in their amendments 151E and 151F.

I am pleased to bring this important Bill back to the House this afternoon, for what I sincerely hope is the last time, given that this will be the third time we have debated and voted on similar issues. I urge Opposition Front-Bench Members and those in the other place...

I am pleased to bring this important Bill back to the House this afternoon, for what I sincerely hope is the last time, given that this will be the third time we have debated and voted on similar issues. I urge Opposition Front-Bench Members and those in the other place...

The Minister said clearly that there has been consultation with Scotland and Northern Ireland. Will he indicate who those discussions have taken place with? Was it banks, or the Departments looking after matters in the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Assembly? I am keen to know who does the...

The Minister said clearly that there has been consultation with Scotland and Northern Ireland. Will he indicate who those discussions have taken place with? Was it banks, or the Departments looking after matters in the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Assembly? I am keen to know who does the...

That is a good point. There are clearly different legal jurisdictions in Northern Ireland and Scotland, with of course the Court of Session in Scotland. From a legal perspective, the counsel in those jurisdictions are the people who discuss this. In wider issues such as failure to prevent, banks and...

That is a good point. There are clearly different legal jurisdictions in Northern Ireland and Scotland, with of course the Court of Session in Scotland. From a legal perspective, the counsel in those jurisdictions are the people who discuss this. In wider issues such as failure to prevent, banks and...

The reason I asked the question is quite specific, although it might not necessarily relate to the issue directly. The Minister refers to banks. A number of local organisations and community groups back home, which are registered and constituted as community institutions, have had their bank accounts closed. Banks have...

The reason I asked the question is quite specific, although it might not necessarily relate to the issue directly. The Minister refers to banks. A number of local organisations and community groups back home, which are registered and constituted as community institutions, have had their bank accounts closed. Banks have...

The hon. Gentleman raises a very important issue relating to the concerns about de-banking that we have across the economy. The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, my hon. Friend the Member for Arundel and South Downs (Andrew Griffith) is looking at it, as is the Treasury. In future, it is...

The hon. Gentleman raises a very important issue relating to the concerns about de-banking that we have across the economy. The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, my hon. Friend the Member for Arundel and South Downs (Andrew Griffith) is looking at it, as is the Treasury. In future, it is...

It is an honour to speak on the Bill again. I was hoping that we could conclude the proceedings on the Bill as soon as possible and it is disappointing that the Government are yet to make further compromises. The Bill is welcome in principle, but it should not have...

It is an honour to speak on the Bill again. I was hoping that we could conclude the proceedings on the Bill as soon as possible and it is disappointing that the Government are yet to make further compromises. The Bill is welcome in principle, but it should not have...

rose—

rose—

If the Minister is brief, rather than talking the Bill out like he did last time, I will give way.

If the Minister is brief, rather than talking the Bill out like he did last time, I will give way.

I will be very brief. On the question of compromise, the hon. Lady will have noticed that there was no “failure to prevent” offence when the legislation was first tabled, nor was there an identification doctrine. There has been significant compromise on the Government side. Our preference, clearly, is to...

I will be very brief. On the question of compromise, the hon. Lady will have noticed that there was no “failure to prevent” offence when the legislation was first tabled, nor was there an identification doctrine. There has been significant compromise on the Government side. Our preference, clearly, is to...

When the Minister was a Back Bencher, he was a powerful advocate on the very issues we are discussing today. It is a shame he has been muzzled, but I appreciate that he is in a difficult position. I hope we can have some comprise, but clearly he has not...

When the Minister was a Back Bencher, he was a powerful advocate on the very issues we are discussing today. It is a shame he has been muzzled, but I appreciate that he is in a difficult position. I hope we can have some comprise, but clearly he has not...

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I just want to be clear about this. I assume that we can speak until 1.51 pm, and vote after that. Is that correct?

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I just want to be clear about this. I assume that we can speak until 1.51 pm, and vote after that. Is that correct?

There has been a great deal of improvement in the Bill, and much of its content is welcome. I recognise that,

and I also recognise what the Minister has said, but I am sorry to say that the dead hand of the Treasury has yet again got in the way...

There has been a great deal of improvement in the Bill, and much of its content is welcome. I recognise that,

and I also recognise what the Minister has said, but I am sorry to say that the dead hand of the Treasury has yet again got in the way...

It was a point underlined when we heard public evidence on the Bill. People explained to us how a number of different smaller companies might well be set up to become conduits for fraud.

It was a point underlined when we heard public evidence on the Bill. People explained to us how a number of different smaller companies might well be set up to become conduits for fraud.

That is a compelling point, and it accords with the evidence that the Justice Committee was given in relation to our inquiry into fraud in the justice system. The irony is that the Government’s current stance may well create a perverse incentive. That is certainly not what the Minister wants,...

That is a compelling point, and it accords with the evidence that the Justice Committee was given in relation to our inquiry into fraud in the justice system. The irony is that the Government’s current stance may well create a perverse incentive. That is certainly not what the Minister wants,...

I knew that when you referred to us all as distinguished and experienced Members you did not mean me, Madam Deputy Speaker.

This is the third time we have been back here, and I think it incumbent on the Government to listen to the Lords. They have made it clear that...

I knew that when you referred to us all as distinguished and experienced Members you did not mean me, Madam Deputy Speaker.

This is the third time we have been back here, and I think it incumbent on the Government to listen to the Lords. They have made it clear that...

I will certainly remember your exhortation to brevity, Madam Deputy Speaker. As you know, that is something of a challenge for me at the best of times.

I will certainly remember your exhortation to brevity, Madam Deputy Speaker. As you know, that is something of a challenge for me at the best of times.

No, no.

No, no.

I think my right hon. Friend may suffer from the same affliction, dare I say; but I will draw a veil of charity over that.

My hon. Friend—and my friend—the Minister has campaigned assiduously with us in the trenches on this issue for many years. I yield to none in my...

I think my right hon. Friend may suffer from the same affliction, dare I say; but I will draw a veil of charity over that.

My hon. Friend—and my friend—the Minister has campaigned assiduously with us in the trenches on this issue for many years. I yield to none in my...

This is another leg in a long journey. I want to focus on the amendment that stands in my name, which is supported by the right hon. and learned Member for South Swindon (Sir Robert Buckland) and the hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Sir Robert Neill).

May I place on...

This is another leg in a long journey. I want to focus on the amendment that stands in my name, which is supported by the right hon. and learned Member for South Swindon (Sir Robert Buckland) and the hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Sir Robert Neill).

May I place on...

The right hon. Lady is making very important points. However, the “failure to prevent” offence, as drafted, would not cover that situation, because it covers only situations where the benefit is to the corporation concerned or an officer within it. A situation in which a third party hijacked systems would...

The right hon. Lady is making very important points. However, the “failure to prevent” offence, as drafted, would not cover that situation, because it covers only situations where the benefit is to the corporation concerned or an officer within it. A situation in which a third party hijacked systems would...

That is an interesting point. The simple response is that, obviously, the drafting of the “failure to prevent” offence needs further improvement to ensure that it covers that sort of instance.

There were similar arguments about the burden on SMEs when we introduced the Bribery Act 2010. In 2015, a survey...

That is an interesting point. The simple response is that, obviously, the drafting of the “failure to prevent” offence needs further improvement to ensure that it covers that sort of instance.

There were similar arguments about the burden on SMEs when we introduced the Bribery Act 2010. In 2015, a survey...

I rise to speak in favour of the amendment tabled by my right hon. Friend the Member for Barking (Dame Margaret Hodge), which gives me an opportunity to thank her for her extraordinary leadership on this agenda. Our country is safer and stronger for the work that she has helped...

I rise to speak in favour of the amendment tabled by my right hon. Friend the Member for Barking (Dame Margaret Hodge), which gives me an opportunity to thank her for her extraordinary leadership on this agenda. Our country is safer and stronger for the work that she has helped...

Does my right hon. Friend not agree that if we are to have a successful financial services sector, we will never get it on the back of dirty money? Therefore, it is ever more important that, in relation to both fraud and money laundering, we have a “failure to prevent”...

Does my right hon. Friend not agree that if we are to have a successful financial services sector, we will never get it on the back of dirty money? Therefore, it is ever more important that, in relation to both fraud and money laundering, we have a “failure to prevent”...

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. This is a point of cross-party consensus. I know it is a point of cross-party consensus because it was the Minister who used to use precisely the same argument to argue for some of the changes that we see in the Bill.

We all...

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. This is a point of cross-party consensus. I know it is a point of cross-party consensus because it was the Minister who used to use precisely the same argument to argue for some of the changes that we see in the Bill.

We all...

With the leave of the House, I wish to thank Members who have contributed to the debate. We have much in common, despite the fact that some small differences still remain. As I said earlier, the Government have come a long way since the original tabling of the legislation. The...

With the leave of the House, I wish to thank Members who have contributed to the debate. We have much in common, despite the fact that some small differences still remain. As I said earlier, the Government have come a long way since the original tabling of the legislation. The...

Perhaps the Minister can tell me what he means when he says that he will keep this matter under review. What precisely does that mean?

Perhaps the Minister can tell me what he means when he says that he will keep this matter under review. What precisely does that mean?

The way that we have legislated here, and the reason for doing so in that way, have always been informed by information that has come from third parties—from Spotlight on Corruption, Transparency International and others—that have been interested in the Bill. The right hon. Lady and I have worked together...

The way that we have legislated here, and the reason for doing so in that way, have always been informed by information that has come from third parties—from Spotlight on Corruption, Transparency International and others—that have been interested in the Bill. The right hon. Lady and I have worked together...

Shame! Name them!

Shame! Name them!

On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. As you know, the House will later vote on the issue of the hon. Member for Wellingborough (Mr Bone) and the Independent Expert Panel’s report. Of course, we do not have a chance to debate the issue, the content, or the pros...

On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. As you know, the House will later vote on the issue of the hon. Member for Wellingborough (Mr Bone) and the Independent Expert Panel’s report. Of course, we do not have a chance to debate the issue, the content, or the pros...

Lords report stage first day. Amendments 1 to 15 agreed to. Amendment 16 agreed to on division (218 to 175). Amendments 18, 20 to 32, 34 to 48, 50 to 56, 58 to 62, 64 to 68, 71 agreed to. Amendment 72 agreed to on division (172 to 153). Amendment 73A agreed to on division (171 to 151). Amendments 74 to 88 agreed to.

Lords report stage first day. Amendments 1 to 15 agreed to. Amendment 16 agreed to on division (218 to 175). Amendments 18, 20 to 32, 34 to 48, 50 to 56, 58 to 62, 64 to 68, 71 agreed to. Amendment 72 agreed to on division (172 to 153). Amendment...

Moved by

Lord Johnson of Lainston

1: Clause 1, page 2, line 8, leave out from “to” to “a” on line 9 and insert “ensure that records kept by the registrar do not create”

Member’s explanatory statement

This brings the wording of objective 3 into line with objectives 1 and 2.

Moved by

Lord Johnson of Lainston

1: Clause 1, page 2, line 8, leave out from “to” to “a” on line 9 and insert “ensure that records kept by the registrar do not create”

Member’s explanatory statement

This brings the wording of objective 3 into line with objectives 1 and 2.

My Lords, before we begin proceedings, I draw your Lordships’ attention to my interests as set out in the register of interests, including as a director and person with significant control of AMP Ventures Ltd, a person with significant control of Cigarkeep and as a shareholder of several other companies,...

My Lords, before we begin proceedings, I draw your Lordships’ attention to my interests as set out in the register of interests, including as a director and person with significant control of AMP Ventures Ltd, a person with significant control of Cigarkeep and as a shareholder of several other companies,...

My Lords, there seems to be a gap, so I will happily fill it. I remind the House of my declaration of interests in the register, which discloses that I am a director of a number of private and public companies, and I am a person with significant control of...

My Lords, there seems to be a gap, so I will happily fill it. I remind the House of my declaration of interests in the register, which discloses that I am a director of a number of private and public companies, and I am a person with significant control of...

My Lords, I thank my noble friend the Minister for all the engagement and patience he has shown over the last few weeks and months, not just with me but with a wide congregation. We now have something that is much better than when it began its journey through the...

My Lords, I thank my noble friend the Minister for all the engagement and patience he has shown over the last few weeks and months, not just with me but with a wide congregation. We now have something that is much better than when it began its journey through the...

My Lords, I apologise for my croakiness; the hay fever is definitely winning. I join others in welcoming, in these government amendments, that we have seen significant change since Committee. It is worth highlighting a couple of comments from the Minister’s introduction. He said that the aim of the Bill...

My Lords, I apologise for my croakiness; the hay fever is definitely winning. I join others in welcoming, in these government amendments, that we have seen significant change since Committee. It is worth highlighting a couple of comments from the Minister’s introduction. He said that the aim of the Bill...

My Lords, there are political Bills, where the House divides on political issues and argues among itself, and there are Bills of practical importance, when the House can come together and pull in the same direction. We will not all agree about everything, but the motives behind what we are...

My Lords, there are political Bills, where the House divides on political issues and argues among itself, and there are Bills of practical importance, when the House can come together and pull in the same direction. We will not all agree about everything, but the motives behind what we are...

My Lords, I add my thanks to the Ministers for their regular updates, and the access we have had to their officials. The ability to meet the team from Companies House was particularly helpful and instructive. I too believe that we have a better Bill before us.

Having said that, we...

My Lords, I add my thanks to the Ministers for their regular updates, and the access we have had to their officials. The ability to meet the team from Companies House was particularly helpful and instructive. I too believe that we have a better Bill before us.

Having said that, we...