Westminster Report - 2nd May 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 newsletter shows the latest from the Government, such as the new crypto regulations and defence investment to discussions on Scotland’s agri-food supply chains. To my work in Parliament, including marking Parkinson’s Awareness Month in the Chamber and continued work on local priorities. Read on for this week’s updates and what’s coming up next in Parliament.

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

🚨Upcoming Coffee Morning Event☕

I hold regular coffee morning events across the constituency. Have a local issue? Come along and let me know what matters to you.

Upcoming Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, 10 May 2025

🕙 Time: 10:00 AM

📍 Location: Dunblane

The deadline for registering is soon. Click here to register now!

This week in Government:

On Monday, the UK Government hosted Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in London, marking the first official PA Prime Ministerial visit since 2021. Prime Minister Mustafa and Foreign Secretary David Lammy signed a Memorandum of Understanding reiterating support for a two-state solution to help secure long-term peace and security in the Middle East. Alongside this, the Government announced a package of support for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, expected to include £101 million directed at humanitarian relief, support for Palestinian economic development, and strengthening Palestinian Authority governance and reform.

The Chancellor announced on Tuesday that firms offering services for cryptoassets like Bitcoin and Ethereum will be subject to new, clear rules, boosting investor confidence and driving growth through the Plan for Change. Crypto firms with UK customers will now have to meet clear standards on transparency, consumer protection, and operational resilience, just like firms in traditional finance.

Leading members of Scotland’s agriculture sector joined the UK and Scottish Governments in Edinburgh on Wednesday to investigate key issues facing the agri-food supply chain - and help identify potential solutions. A roundtable hosted by Scottish Office Minister Kirsty McNeill discussed the barriers to the agricultural sector when it comes to the supply chain. This was a topic discussed when I met with the regional director for NFU Scotland, Mark Donald, last week. Click here to watch my video with Mark.

Hundreds of highly skilled jobs are being supported by the RAF’s new cutting-edge UK-made drones, known as ‘StormShroud’, which come into operation today (Friday, 2 May), as the Prime Minister further bolsters UK national security. Getting from the factory to the frontline at an unprecedented pace, the drones will fly alongside crewed aircraft as part of crucial RAF frontline missions to knock out enemy air defences. This new tech supports hundreds of jobs, drives economic growth, and makes communities better off, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change.

This week in Parliament:

On Monday, the Public Accounts Committee received oral evidence from members of the Ministry of Defence. It was an opportunity to scrutinise the future of the defence budget, procurement and military support for Ukraine. With the Government announcing it is planning to increase defence spending to 2.5% from April 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next Parliament, ensuring that the budget is held to account is vital. Find out more about the evidence session here.

On Tuesday, I attended a reception hosted by Compassion in World Farming (CIFW). They set out their new report, explaining why the UK must apply its animal protection standards to imports. I spoke with members from CIFW, Animal Policy International and the RSPCA and discussed the key findings of the report and its recommendations. To find out more about CIFW, visit their website.

On Wednesday, I went on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Parliamentary Archives which gave me insight into how their team keep track of information. Archives are vital to connecting us to our past and shaping our future and during Business Questions to the Leader of the House on Thursday, I spoke about this and requested a debate on the importance of Archives. Watch here:

During a backbench business debate on Parkinson’s Awareness Month, I spoke on the importance of community work to help fundraise, raise awareness and support those with Parkinson’s. I mentioned various projects and those exceptional people in Stirling and Strathallan who do this vital community work. Watch the full speech here.

Next Week in Westminster

Question Time

Each sitting day begins with MPs questioning a government department. Next week at the despatch box are Ministers from the Department of Health and Social Care (Tue 6), the Women and Equalities' Minister (Wed 7), and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Thu 8).

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

Monday is a non-sitting day, due to the May Bank Holiday weekend, however, my office will still be open.

On Tuesday, there will be a general debate on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan. With VE Day being on Thursday, 8th, this will be an important time to speak about the occasion and what this Government is doing to help our current and ex-military personnel.

On Wednesday, the Data (Use and Access) Bill will go through its remaining stages. This Bill focuses on how we handle and protect personal data in the digital age. It covers everything from privacy rules for online services, smart meters, and health records to how businesses share information. It also aims to improve public safety by regulating how sensitive data, like biometric information, is used. You can watch me speak about the Bill, when it went through its second reading back in February, click here to watch.

On Thursday, there will be questions to the Attorney General, and business questions to the Leader of the House, as well as backbench business, such as a debate on a motion on the research and treatment of brain tumours.

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 examining defence spending and engaging with animal welfare charities to recognising the inspiring community efforts around Parkinson’s Awareness Month, it’s been a week focused on both national priorities and local impact.

Thank you for reading, and 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