Westminster Report - 9th 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 week’s newsletter covers a broad range of developments from both Government and Parliament. From a major new support network for veterans to stronger UK-EU cooperation, there has been significant activity on the national and international stage. I also share my work locally and in Westminster, including discussions on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, a key Public Accounts Committee session on Skilled Worker visas, and recognising outstanding community work in Stirling. Read on for a full update and what to expect in Parliament next week.
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, ahead of VE Day, the Government announced VALOUR, a new UK-wide support network for veterans. £50m of funding will establish a new network of VALOUR-recognised support centres across the UK and deploy Regional Field Officers to connect local, regional and national services, while harnessing the power of data to shape better services. This will provide veterans with easier access to care and support.
On Tuesday, the Scotland Office hosted a roundtable for all female entrepreneurs as part of the Brand Scotland project. Scottish female entrepreneurs are getting direct access to the UK Government’s global trade expertise as Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill urged women business leaders to join her on the first all-female Brand Scotland trade mission. The roundtable discussion addressed three key challenges: how businesses can access finance and investment, overcoming export barriers, and tackling market access issues that disproportionately affect women-led businesses.
On Wednesday, the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, attended the EU Foreign Ministers meeting to highlight the need for a new, ambitious security relationship. At the discussion, he underlined how closer cooperation on security and defence is in the interests of both the UK and the EU and discussed uniting across the continent to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
On Thursday, the UK Government marked the 80th Anniversary of VE Day in Scotland. The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, met veterans at the Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh (including two who served in WW2), and Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill attended a Service of Thanksgiving at Glasgow Cathedral.
During a visit to Jaguar Land Rover, the Prime Minister announced that the UK had agreed the basis of a historic Economic Prosperity Deal with the US, remarking, “This is a deal that will protect British businesses and save thousands of jobs in Britain; really important, skilled, well-paid jobs.“
Today, the Prime Minister announced largest ever sanctions package. Russia’s shadow fleet will be hit with the largest ever sanctions package, ramping up pressure on Putin and protecting the UK and European critical national infrastructure. This will turn up the pressure on Russia’s economy, which is reeling thanks to lower oil prices and the high costs of the war.
This week in Parliament:
On Tuesday I held roundtable meetings with constituents who had been in touch with me about the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, where I heard a variety of views and personal stories on the issue. Thank you again to all who attended the event. I will be releasing a blog post on my thoughts about the Bill in the coming weeks, including what I have done to consider the Bill, constituents’ thoughts and personal experiences.
On Thursday, I attended the Public Accounts Committee oral evidence session on Skilled Workers visas. We heard from senior Home Office officials, including the new Permanent Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo. At the session, I had the opportunity to bring up local issues, such as the University of Stirling professors struggling to attract PhD candidates and researchers due to the Skilled Workers visas system. You can see my contribution here.
This week, I also tabled an Early Day Motion congratulating the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Community Link Worker team on winning the prestigious Community Link Worker Team of the Year award at the Voluntary Health Scotland annual conference. The community link workers do great work in the community, supporting those with mild to moderate mental health challenges. You can read the full motion below:
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 for Work and Pensions (Mon 12), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Tue 13), the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (Wed 14), and the Department for Transport (Thu 15).
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 Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will go through its remaining stages. The Bill creates a framework of new, enhanced powers and offences to improve UK border security and to strengthen the asylum and immigration system. It also included strengthening the UK’s wider immigration and asylum system, and protecting it from abuse.
On Tuesday, there will be an Opposition Day Debate, the subject of which, at the time of writing, has yet to be announced. This gives the official opposition a time to debate topics important to them.
On Wednesday, the House will consider the Lords Message on the Great British Energy Bill. The Bill helps to establish Great British Energy as a publicly-owned and operationally independent energy company, setting out its primary objectives of securing our energy supply, improving energy efficiency, and producing, distributing, storing, and supplying clean energy.
On Thursday, there will be Business Questions to the Leader of the House, as well as backbench business, such as a general debate on long-term funding of youth services.
On Friday, a number of Private Members’ Bills will be given time in the House. Most critically, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will go through its third reading. I will update you more thoroughly on my thoughts about this bill in the coming weeks. However, I want to assure you that I have spent a lot of time considering this Bill, and thank you to all who have been in contact with me, your thoughts help to inform my work.
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 launching major support for veterans and progressing vital trade and security partnerships, to listening to constituents on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill and recognising award-winning local initiatives, it’s been a week balancing national decisions with local voices.
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