Westminster Report - 4th July 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 includes major developments from Westminster and across Government. From new steps to simplify British citizenship for Irish people to support for parents, with a review of Parental Leave.
In Parliament, I continued my work on the Public Accounts Committee, contributed to highlighting Scottish issues in the chamber, and joined cross-party efforts to improve cancer outcomes through research and collaboration.
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
My response to the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill:
Changing the welfare system is never simple, but I believe it’s necessary. Right now, the system isn’t working as it should. It’s often unfair, it’s costing more than we can afford in the long run, and it too often traps people in a place where they can’t move forward, when it should be helping them reach their potential.
At the moment, people sometimes feel they have to prove they can’t work just to get the support they need. Then, once they’re out of work, there’s little help to get them back in. That’s not right - for individuals, families, or our communities.
This Bill, debated in the House of Commons, takes some important steps to change that, especially after improvements made thanks to backbench MPs. The Bill as passed this week:
creates a new “Right to Try” so that disabled people who want to try working can do so without risking their benefits.
ends repeat assessments for people with lifelong or terminal conditions, helping to reduce stress and paperwork for those who need support the most.
adjusts part of Universal Credit for new claims, while protecting people already receiving it, so the system remains fair and focused.
increases the main part of Universal Credit above inflation — the first real rise like this in decades.
When the Bill was first published, I had concerns, especially about the proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Many others felt the same. I raised those concerns, and I’m glad the Government listened. Ministers have now confirmed that no changes to PIP will happen until a full review has reported back in 2026.
You will also be aware that while Universal Credit is a UK-wide scheme, responsibility for a number of benefits, including for disabilities and carers, is devolved here in Scotland. As such, on disability welfare, the vast majority of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in Scotland have been, or are in the process of being, replaced by Adult Disability Payments (ADP).
I also want to be honest and say that the way the Government handled the process around this Bill wasn’t good enough. It felt rushed, and some key details came out late, which made it harder for MPs and the public to understand and respond properly. That’s not how things should be done. But I welcome that ministers did listen, made some important changes, and paused parts of the Bill to allow more time for review.
We need a welfare system that protects people when they need help and gives real support to those who can and want to work. We need a system that’s fair for everyone and sustainable for the future.
With the changes that have been made, I believe this Bill helps us move in that direction. There will be the opportunity for further consideration of the bill when it returns to the Commons on Wednesday, 9 July. You can be assured that I will be highlighting the many points raised with me by constituents to both Ministers and colleagues directly involved in the Committee scrutiny of the legislation.
This week in Government:
On Monday, the Government released a trial version of its new App. This will kickstart a whole new way for people to interact with government services, which will make it easier to manage childcare payments and get travel guidance from your pocket. In the future, notifications will help remind people to book their MOT, update their passports and more.
On Tuesday, the Government launched a landmark review of parental leave. The current system is complicated and doesn’t always give families the support they need. One in three dads don’t take paternity leave because they can’t afford to. The review will look at the whole system – from maternity and paternity leave to shared parental leave – to see how it can work better for parents and employers.
On Wednesday, seven tech businesses pitched ideas to the Prisons and Probation’s Minister, James Timpson, that will deliver safer streets, contributing to the Government’s Plan for Change. The new technology could enhance how the justice system monitors offenders and cuts reoffending.
On Thursday, the Migration and Citizenship Minister, Seema Malhotra, announced a new, easier British citizenship route for Irish citizens. The new route, part of the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024, will mean there are fewer tests and a more streamlined application, and the cost will be 50% cheaper than before.
Today, the Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray, urged the Scottish Government to drop their ideological opposition to nuclear power, whilst visiting Torness Nuclear Power Station. Nuclear energy could create thousands of new, highly-skilled jobs in Scotland, while delivering clean, secure and more affordable energy for working people, if the Scottish Government would allow it.
This week in Parliament:
On Monday, I attended the Public Accounts Committee on improving local areas through developer funding. We questioned senior civil servants from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government about how they are supporting local planning authorities to ensure they can efficiently and effectively collect and spend contributions from housing developers. I asked what conversations they are having with devolved counterparts to share best practices. Click here to watch my contribution.
On Tuesday, I raised concerns about the SNP Scottish Government’s failure to set out a clear plan for how they’ll use the record investment from the UK Government to support our NHS, schools, and local services. In England, NHS waiting lists have fallen, but in Scotland, 1 in 6 people are still stuck on a waiting list. The UK Government has delivered the largest funding settlement in the history of devolution. So why aren’t we seeing the same progress? Click here to watch the full question.
On Wednesday, I served on the Bill Committee for my Scottish Labour colleague Dr Scott Arthur MP’s Private Member’s Bill on Rare Cancers. The Bill aims to improve research, data sharing, and access to clinical trials for patients with cancer affecting less than 1 in 2000 people. The Committee Stage allows MPs to go through a Bill clause by clause, making sure the wording is right and the intentions are clear. I was pleased we achieved a cross-party agreement on how to move forward, and the Bill now returns to the House of Commons for a further vote shortly and, hopefully, will become law soon thereafter.
On Thursday, I visited the Royal Navy Operations Centre in Northwood as a part of the Armed Forces Parliamentry scheme. I got an insight into commander operations and their role in overseeing all national maritime operations.
Today is the anniversary of becoming your Member of Parliament for Stirling and Strathallan. It remains one of the greatest honours of my life to represent our communities. Over the last 12 months, I’ve worked to stand up for you, both in Westminster and across the constituency, and I have shared some highlights of the year on my website. Click here to read the full blog post.
Next Week in Westminster:
Each sitting day begins with MPs questioning a government department. Next week at the despatch box are Ministers from the Home Office (Mon 7), the Ministry of Justice (Tue 8), the Scotland Office (Wed 9), and the Cabinet Office (Thu 10).
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 Pension Schemes Bill will go through its second reading. The Bill is designed to support working people's plans for their retirement by making pensions simpler to understand, easier to manage, and deliver better value over the long term. One of its biggest benefits is the merging of small pension pots. Many people build up several small pensions as they move between jobs, and these can be hard to keep track of. The new rules will bring these pots together.
On Tuesday, the Football Governance Bill will go through its remaining stages in the Chamber. The Football Governance Bill will establish a new independent regulator for English football. The Independent Football Regulator’s core purpose will be to improve the financial sustainability of clubs, ensure financial resilience across the leagues, and safeguard the heritage of the game. The Scottish Government has yet to commit to establishing an independent football regulator for the Scottish game, but has confirmed it is a possibility.
On Wednesday, the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill will go through its Committee of the Whole House and Remaining Stages. This is where the bill will be scrutinised line by line throughout the House, with amendments voted on. The final bill with amendments will be voted on again.
On Thursday, there is Backbench business scheduled, such as a general debate on the attainment and engagement of boys in education and a general debate on children's health.
On Friday, there will be several Private Members’ Bills going through various stages in the House. Click here to see the full list.
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.
Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s update. I’ll continue to keep you informed on the work I’m doing in Westminster and across Stirling and Strathallan. If you have any questions, concerns, or issues you’d like to raise, 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