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Cratus 23

This week in Westminster is likely to be dominated by defence. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to reassure the British public about the escalating war in the Middle East after overnight market turmoil saw stock markets fall and oil prices surge above $100 a barrel.

That leaves Starmer facing difficult questions about how the UK should respond, a task that may be even harder after remarks from President Donald Trump, who said “we don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won”. The Government will face growing pressure to clarify Britain’s position as the conflict intensifies.

The situation has also thrown the UK’s defence capabilities back into the spotlight. HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer and currently the only ship in the Royal Navy capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, is due to depart for the Eastern Mediterranean in the coming days. The delay has raised eyebrows in Westminster, not least after France managed to send the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the region within days of the war beginning.

We can expect more questions for the Government about the Ministry of Defence’s £60 billion budget and whether Britain is properly prepared for modern threats. Secretary of State for Defence John Healey is expected to give a statement later today, which should offer some indication of how the Government intends to respond.

While the Middle East crisis continues to dominate the agenda, there are also domestic rows brewing. Discussions are reportedly taking place over whether King Charles should still proceed with his state visit to the United States next month, given the current tensions.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State for the Home Department Shabana Mahmood is under fresh pressure after being asked to reconsider the decision to block the return of a severely disabled British mother currently detained in the Al Roj camp in Syria with her young son. The case adds to a difficult period for Mahmood, who has already faced criticism from within her own party following leaked WhatsApp messages showing Labour MPs arguing over her immigration reforms last week.

On the campaign trail, Nigel Farage will be on the Isle of Wight this evening for a rally alongside Reform UK’s new Education, Skills and Equalities Spokesperson Suella Braverman. The Reform Leader is stepping up his schedule ahead of the local elections, with aides saying he plans to hold around five events a week between now and 7th May.

All of this comes as recent polling suggests voters who support Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party are far more open to tactical voting than those backing Reform UK or the Conservatives. Reports this morning also suggest Farage has taken a stake in a bitcoin company run by former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, who served under Liz Truss.

All in all, it looks set to be another week in which the UK tries to steady its footing on the global stage while political pressure builds at home.

Headlines

What’s on in Parliament

Monday 9th March 
House of Commons 

  • Oral questions: Department for Work and Pensions

House of Lords 

  • Oral questions: Progress made by the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care
  • Oral questions: Criteria used by the British Business Bank when investing in UK businesses
  • Legislation: Tobacco and Vapes Bill - third reading 

Tuesday 10th March 
House of Commons 

  • Oral questions: HM Treasury
  • Westminster Hall Debate: Import and sale of fur and fur related products
  • Westminster Hall Debate: National service specification for adult cerebral palsy in the NHS

House of Lords 

  • Oral questions: Incentivising foreign direct investment into the United Kingdom
  • Oral questions: Reforming the student loan system
  • Legislation: Victims and Courts Bill - report stage

Wednesday 11th March 
House of Commons 

  • Oral Questions: Women and Equalities
  • Prime Minister’s Question Time
  • Westminster Hall Debate: Rough sleeping among families with children
  • Westminster Hall Debate: Government support for UK-based tech companies

House of Lords 

  • Oral questions: Supporting the UK space economy
  • Oral questions: Definition of a small farm in the context of the reformed Sustainable Farming Incentive
  • Legislation: Crime and Policing Bill - report stage (day 5) 

Thursday 12th March 
House of Commons 

  • Oral questions: Department for Business and Trade
  • General Debate: General Debate to mark International Women’s Day
  • Westminster Hall Debate: Government support for carnivals

House of Lords 

  • Oral questions: Benefits of peatland restoration for flood resilience and nature recovery
  • Oral questions: Whether NHS services for heart valve disease support healthy ageing and ensure older adults receive equitable access to timely treatment
  • Legislation: Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill - second reading and all remaining stages

 
Friday 13th March 
House of Lords 

  • Legislation: Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - committee stage (day 11)

Consultations

Statistics