Nigel Huddleston, MP for Droitwich and Evesham, writes for the Standard.
THE NEW year in Parliament has started with a full agenda, from votes on tax policy to debates about digital regulation, culture and national security.
The Conservatives voted to scrap the so-called ‘Family Farm Tax’ again. Farming is the backbone of rural communities like ours and this policy unfairly penalises those trying to pass on family businesses. The Government has now done a partial U-turn, but it is not enough.
I was honoured to sign the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. This year’s theme, Bridging Generations, is a powerful reminder of our duty to preserve the memory of the 6million Jews murdered during the Holocaust and to confront antisemitism wherever it appears. With survivors becoming fewer, it is more important than ever we remember their stories and stand against hatred.
I used Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Oral Questions to raise two important issues. First, I called on the Government to act on a loophole in the consumer rights legislation that risks harming cultural and heritage organisations. The current 14-day refund rule could be exploited, allowing people to sign up for memberships, visit venues for free, and then cancel and get a refund.
Second, I asked what conversations took place between DCMS, the Home Office and others before the controversial decision to ban Israeli fans from the Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv football match. Very little was done to stop the ban and more answers are needed.
I welcome the Government’s decision to row back on its Digital ID cards plan. While technology has an important role to play in improving access to services, any system involving personal data must be approached with care.
The response to a poll on my website was clear with an overwhelming majority against introducing Digital ID. People are rightly concerned about privacy, data security and how such systems could be used. I’m pleased the Government took these views into account.
On the proposal to ban social media access for under-16s – which has also sparked important debate – I generally favour personal responsibility,
I’ve seen growing evidence of the harm some social media platforms can cause, especially to children. I have launched a short survey on my website to gather views and welcome your thoughts.
Over the festive period, as Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport I announced the opposition’s proposals for restoring the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme in full.
The scheme helps reduce the costs of repairs and renovations for places of worship with listed status but the Government has cut this budget by almost half and imposed a cap on individual claims.
Many places of worship, including in the constituency, have benefited from this scheme. I will continue to hold the Government to account on this policy, both as local MP and as Shadow Secretary of State.
