Commons Steers Middle East Response, Champions Care

High-Level Summary

The House of Commons sat for Cabinet Office oral questions, two ministerial statements on consular assistance amid the Middle East crisis and on energy markets, routine business and legislation, and two substantial Backbench debates on Commonwealth troops in the First World War and on palliative care. Ministers outlined a pragmatic approach to EU relations, steps to address civil service pension payment delays, and a public consultation on digital ID. The House noted Royal Assent to three Acts, agreed motions on Commonwealth war service and on strengthening palliative care, and completed key supply legislation. An Adjournment debate pressed the women’s health strategy to address endometriosis and fibroids; Ministers set out actions on training, research and the NHS Online programme.

Detailed Summary

Oral Answers to Questions: Cabinet Office

Members questioned Ministers on official histories, civil service pensions, relations with the EU, standards in public life, devolved relations, co‑operatives, visa sponsorship, shared services, digital ID, PPE standards, cyber security, emissions trading, and disinformation. On the Official History Programme, Ministers said the Government would consider resumption and update Parliament: “the Government are to consider the resumption of the Official History Programme”; “I certainly will update the House on the commissioning of new works.”.

On civil service pensions, delays were described as “completely unacceptable”. Hardship loans and a statutory complaints route are available. Ministers stressed the Capita contract pre‑dated the current Government and said monies had been withheld for missed milestones: “the contract was awarded under the previous Government in 2023”; “the Cabinet Office has already withheld moneys from Capita”. On EU engagement, Ministers highlighted a pragmatic approach and sectoral deals: “Our new strategic partnership with the EU is good for bills, good for jobs and good for borders.”. They said roaming charges would be considered and clarified dispute mechanisms: the ECJ role is “restricted to the interpretation of EU law but not binding on the overall decision”. Linking UK and EU emissions trading systems is being negotiated to “lower costs for businesses… and… add £9 billion a year to our economy.”

On standards, Ministers cited the new Ethics and Integrity Commission and procurement safeguards: “this Government have established the Ethics and Integrity Commission”; “political donations have no bearing on the award of Government contracts”. On Lords discipline, a Government Bill will be brought forward “to deal with these cases in the round”. Other points included strengthened ties with devolved administrations; a digital ID consultation “next week” and assurance it “will not be compulsory, and there is no central pot of data”; and action against hostile cyber activity and disinformation, including sanctions. On inclusive PPE, Ministers welcomed the new standard and said “we will monitor how that proceeds”.

Speaker’s Statement: Clerk of the House

Mr Speaker read a letter from the Clerk of the House, Tom Goldsmith, confirming he will leave in the autumn after 30 years’ service: “I told you last year of my intention to leave the House service this Autumn.”. A recruitment process will begin, aiming to identify a successor “before the House rises for the summer recess.”. Members recorded thanks and best wishes.

Business of the House

The Leader of the House announced forthcoming business: “Monday 9 March—Consideration of Lords amendments to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Tuesday 10 March—Second Reading of the Courts and Tribunals Bill. Wednesday 11 March—Remaining stages of the Finance (No. 2) Bill. Thursday 12 March—General debate to mark International Women’s Day.”. Provisional business for the following week was also set out. The Government confirmed further updates on the Middle East situation: “There will be a further statement today”. Issues raised ranged from youth unemployment and NHS performance to Royal Mail service levels and local infrastructure; no decisions were taken.

Royal Assent

The House was notified that Royal Assent was granted to three Acts: “Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026… Rare Cancers Act 2026… Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act 2026.”.

Statement: Consular Assistance (Middle East)

The Minister condemned Iranian missile strikes and outlined large‑scale consular operations to support British nationals. He described the effort as “a consular challenge on a scale not seen since covid.”. About 300,000 Britons are in the region; nearly 140,000 have registered their presence across named countries. Some commercial flights had resumed, with “More than 2,000 people” arriving in the UK on eight flights from the UAE, and “a further 10 flights” expected that day. UK‑supported charters are operating from Muscat, after a technical delay to the first flight was resolved. Rapid deployment teams are in place.

On defence posture, the UK is conducting defensive air missions: “Typhoons defending Qatar in particular and F‑35s defending our other regional partners.”. RAF Akrotiri is not being used by US bombers, though the Prime Minister agreed US aircraft may use UK bases “for the specific and limited purposes linked to defending against Iran’s reckless attacks”. The Minister cautioned the crisis could last “weeks and possibly months.”. He advised that the UK is “not encouraging British nationals resident in the United Arab Emirates to travel to Oman by land” and that vulnerable cases would be prioritised.

Statement: Energy Markets

The Energy Secretary updated the House on oil and gas market disruption following Iranian actions, noting “traffic in the strait of Hormuz… has declined very significantly” and that LNG production in Qatar had halted. He said the UK has diverse supplies and system operators are “confident about our security of supply”. The Ofgem price cap protects households until July, with a 7% (£117) fall for April–June already fixed: “The price cap for that period is fixed and will not change.”. He said the Government are monitoring developments with allies “to minimise the impact of disruption”.

He argued for accelerating clean, home‑grown power and not to “gamble with the British people’s money at the fossil fuel casino”, reiterating that more UK production would not cut global prices: “More UK production wouldn’t reduce the global price of gas”. Members pressed for business support, protection for heating‑oil users, and faster rollout of renewables and nuclear; no decisions were announced.

Point of Order: Asylum SI announcement

A point of order raised concern about a statutory instrument on asylum support being announced to the press. The Chair reaffirmed that “Major policy announcements should be made to the House first” and noted a written ministerial statement had been issued.

Legislation: Ministerial Salaries (Amendment) Bill

A Bill was presented “to make provision about the maximum number of salaries that may be paid under the Ministerial and other Salaries Act 1975 in respect of certain ministerial offices.” First Reading was ordered, with Second Reading set for Monday 9 March.

Supply and Appropriation (Anticipation and Adjustments) (No. 2) Bill

The Supply and Appropriation Bill was read a Second time and then a Third time and passed: “Question agreed to… Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed.”.

Backbench Business: Commonwealth Troops in the First World War

The House debated and agreed a motion noting the contributions of Commonwealth troops. Opening, Jas Athwal moved, “That this House has considered the contributions of Commonwealth troops in the First World War.”. Examples cited included Khudadad Khan, “the first Indian soldier, a Muslim, to receive the Victoria Cross”. Members referenced the role of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the experiences of troops from India, Africa, the Caribbean, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and called for inclusive commemoration and education. The motion was agreed on the nod: “Question put and agreed to… Resolved,”.

Backbench Business: Palliative Care

The House debated and agreed a motion calling for implementation of the Independent Palliative Care Commission’s recommendations, including equitable access, proper funding, workforce planning and bereavement services. The motion text “calls on the Government to implement its recommendations in full”. The debate highlighted variable access, pressure on hospices, and the case for shifting care into the community. It was argued that “Funding for hospice provision—essential healthcare—can no longer depend on bake sales and parachute jumps.”. Ministers pointed to capital support for hospices, a children’s hospice grant and a forthcoming modern service framework for palliative and end‑of‑life care, while acknowledging challenges. The House agreed the motion without a division: “Question put and agreed to… Resolved,” with the full resolution recorded.

Adjournment: Women’s Health Strategy – Endometriosis and Fibroids

The debate pressed for the women’s health strategy to prioritise endometriosis, fibroids and related conditions, improve diagnosis and training, and tackle stigma. It was noted that “One in 10 women suffer from endometriosis” and that “The average wait for diagnosis is nine years and four months”. The Government highlighted actions on education, clinical training, guidance and the NHS Online programme, under which “menstrual problems… will be among the first nine conditions available for referral from 2027”. The Minister said women “should not have to put up with it any more”, detailed changes to the medical licensing assessment to include endometriosis and fibroids, and NIHR funding for seven active research awards (£7.8 million), including a new £2.3 million study on pain management. No decision was required.