Westminster Report - 27th June 2025
A summary of key debates, questions, and decisions shaping the week ahead in Westminster, along with a look back at the previous week's business and my contributions in Parliament.
This week’s update covers a series of significant announcements from across Government, with progress made on clean energy, national biosecurity, and trade. From plans to boost British industry and create thousands of jobs, to record recruitment in mental health services, there has been clear momentum behind policies designed to deliver long-term growth and resilience.
In Parliament, I took part in discussions on regional development and infrastructure governance, while continuing to scrutinise Government spending with the Public Accounts Committee.
I write two regular newsletters: one focused on what’s happening in Parliament and the other covering updates from the constituency, so you can stay informed on the issues that matter both nationally and locally. I hope you find this informative.
Chris Kane, MP for Stirling and Strathallan
This week in Government:
On Monday, the Government published its Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan to ensure the clean energy revolution is built in Britain. This landmark plan, developed with industry, trade unions, and workers across all regions of the country, sets the UK on a path to unleash the tidal wave of jobs and investment that clean energy can bring.
The country’s ability to prevent a future pandemic has been significantly enhanced this week as the Government announced £1 billion of investment in a new National Biosecurity Centre on Tuesday. This funding will deliver the next phase of a new National Biosecurity Centre - a cutting-edge scientific campus in Surrey that will serve as the UK’s foremost animal biosecurity facility.
On Wednesday, the Government announced a new trade strategy to protect and boost British business. The Strategy will make the UK the most connected nation in the world and secure billions worth of opportunities for businesses, helping deliver the economic growth needed to put money in people’s pockets, strengthen local economies, create jobs, and raise living standards.
Thousands of people are set to benefit from on-the-job training and career opportunities in the construction sector, the Government announced on Thursday. Roles ranging from project managers to bricklayers will be made available to job seekers thanks to the agreement, which will mean Jobcentres working more closely with the construction industry to offer work experience and tailored placements to meet the needs of employers and people looking to start a fulfilling career.
Today, the Government confirmed more than 6,700 extra mental health workers have been recruited in England since July, towards the government’s 8,500 target. On the contrary, in Scotland, Holyrood’s public accounts committee released a report in February stating there is a 'workforce crisis' facing NHS psychiatrists as well as a 'costly' over-reliance on locums.
This week in Parliament:
On Wednesday, I attended an MP engagement session on the Tay Cities and the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deals at Dover House, the home of the Scotland Office in London. Kirsty McNeil, the Minister for Scotland, took us through a presentation, which gave me insight as to what the UK government is doing to support the deal and economic growth in our constituency.
On Thursday, I attended the Public Accounts Committee oral evidence session on Governance and decision-making on major projects. We heard from senior officials at HM Treasury and the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, as well as from David Goldstone, the independent Chair of the recently established Office for Value for Money. The session explored why so many problems are regularly seen with governance, oversight and decision-making on the biggest projects, as well as whether HM Treasury should take more ownership and accountability for major projects as their ultimate funder. Click here to watch my contribution to the session.
On Monday, Tuesday and Friday, I was in the constituency for a variety of visits and meetings. Read my June edition of my monthly constituency report, out this coming Monday, to read about what I have been doing in Stirling and Strathallan.
Next Week in Westminster:
Each sitting day begins with MPs questioning a government department. Next week at the despatch box are Ministers from the Ministry of Defence (Mon 30), the Treasury (Tue 1), the Northern Ireland Office (Wed 2), and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Thu 3).
Questions to the Prime Minister (PMQs) are on Wednesday at noon.
Constituents are welcome to visit Parliament whenever in London. I am able to apply for a very limited number of tickets each month to watch PMQs from the Public Gallery above the Commons. Visit this page on my website to find out more.
Debates
On Monday, the Deprivation of Citizenship Orders (Effect During Appeal) Bill will go through its second reading. The bill will prevent a person who has been deprived of British citizenship from regaining that status automatically when their appeal is successful, until further appeals have been determined. It is focusing solely on closing a loophole in the existing deprivation of citizenship process.
On Tuesday, the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill will go through its second reading in the House of Commons. As you may have seen in the news, the Government is proposing changes to this Bill. As the official amendments are not available yet, I will update you in full about this Bill next week.
On Wednesday, the chamber will consider the Lord’s message on the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill. The Bill will create the first ever independent champion for serving personnel and their families. The Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for serving personnel and their families to raise issues which impact service life, from equipment to housing and unacceptable behaviours.
On Thursday, there is Backbench business scheduled, such as a General Debate on Mobile Phone Thefts.
On Friday, there will be several Private Members’ Bills going through various stages in the House. Including Tracy Gildbert’s, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill, which will go through its remaining stages.
Ten Minute Rule Bills, Adjournment Debates & Westminster Hall
Backbench MPs can introduce a Bill under the Ten Minute Rule, delivering a short speech to the House. Bills are rarely opposed and are added to the list of Private Members' Bills, but are unlikely to progress further due to time constraints. Adjournment debates take place at the end of each sitting day, allowing MPs to raise issues. An MP applies for a debate, and the Speaker selects one topic. A Minister responds, but no votes are taken. These debates enable MPs to highlight concerns and press for action. Longer adjournment debates also occur in Westminster Hall during the week. Click here to find out what is scheduled for the coming week.
That’s all for this week. From laying the foundations for a clean energy future and strengthening the UK’s biosecurity, to boosting trade, construction careers, and mental health services, it’s been a week of action for the Government, focused on jobs, growth, and national resilience. You can stay up to date with my work in Parliament and across Stirling and Strathallan by following me on social media.
Thank you for reading. As always, if there’s anything I can help with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who might find it useful.
Until next time,
Chris Kane,
MP for Stirling and Strathallan