Thursday in parliament. Our look at the best of the day in the commons and lords. On this programme, the government says is unacceptable that standards in a third of Nursing Homes in england have fallen below safe levels. In some areas it is completely unacceptable that standards in some cities are below those likely expected by early users and their families. Claims that the news media are being too hostile to brexit. I cannot recall a single instance in recent times when i have seen good Economic News the bbc didnt describe as despite brexit. And those maiden speeches by new mps, they keep on coming. It is essential that we give people the tools they need to live their lives to the fool. To live their lives to the full. Lincoln and its citizens have the hassle of defying the odds. We have a saying. But first, the quality of care in Nursing Homes for elderly and Vulnerable People is once again in the spotlight. After inspecting 2a,000 Care Services in england, the Care Quality Commission watchdog said it found completely unacceptable failings. Nursing homes have the worst problems according to the cqc with a third falling short of safety provision. The report found examples of elderly people being shouted at humiliated, living in dirty conditions, not receiving adequate washes. In the commons, the Care Minister said he was heartened that the majority of care was good, but the failures could not be ignored. We have seen the numbers of over 655 increase by nearly 1. 2 million, 40 over the last five years, and todays report shows that in some areas it is completely unacceptable that standards in some cities are below those likely expected by keir users cities are below those likely expected by care users and their families. This government sees social care as a priority which is why the Spring Budget this year than announced additional money to councils over the next three years to spend on adult social Care Services. On this side we have repeatedly raised the damaging aspects of budget cuts, the £5 billion cut since 2010. Does he now see that this has caused the crisis in Peer Staffing which is at the heart of the poor care being reported. Poor staff training is a key factor. With social caring crisis that is not the time to be threatening to stop working with local councils, so will he reverse the threat and match the Labour Pledge of an extra £8 million including an extra £1 billion this year. Nobody is making any threats. The government has very supportive of the best Performing Systems of local government and the nhs working together to tackle the challenge of delayed transfers of care. We said we would consider a review of the allocations of Social Care Funding for the area is properly performing. This funding wall remain with local government to be used for social care. We obviously recognise there are real pressures in the system which is why we responded as we did and i think that party were pleased with that at the time. If i could just point out that the same report gives 92 good than 3 outstanding on caring and it comes down to the commitment of staff who sadly have not been given a breaking of the 1 cap. Obviously what has been raised as the safety issue with one in four failing to provide safe care and it comes down to workforce and funding. Brexit threatens workforce because as the honourable member said there is a one in four turnover. Funding has reduced 9 and it is something that has to be tackled. Of the care homes requiring improvement on the inspection 5 have deteriorated so what action is the minister taking beyond just inspection to improve standards . It is an absolutely fair question which is why i said in my statement that through the dashboard we have picked 12 most challenged local areas for review. The reviews will cover providers and commissioners to look at the interface between social care and general primary care and include an assessment of the governments in place and management resources. I am sorry to read that it but i wanted it absolutely clear on the record. I welcome the cqc inspections because it is driving up standards and highlighting problems but many older residents tell me what they want to do is stay in their own homes for longer. What is the Minister Doing to help that to happen tee i thank my right honourable friend for that and it is exactly why i said this has to be a one system solution and we need the nhs to work on delayed transfers of care but we need local authorities to work with us as well. I hope the minister would agree that these widespread feel years i hope the minister would agree that these widespread failures of care are intolerable in a civilised society, and does he share my view that they will have to confront the need to increase taxes to ensure we have an efficient system and witty embrace a cross Party Approach to come up with a long term approach . Does the minister agree it is deeply cynical to pretend there is some financial issue to this that doesnt involve difficult decisions both within and across generations. Yes, i do. There were many disappointing things about the recent general election but i can say that one of the more disappointing things, being serious, one of the more disappointing things was that the debate on the future of Adult Social Care was reduced to using the words dementia tax which i think it did our public life and this parliament an enormous disservice and i do think we need to have a grown up debate in this country around this issue and that is why we are going to bring out proposals for consultation. I say gently to the minister the only reason the labour party was able to mention dementia tax was because the Conservative Party had put something stupid in their manifesto. And really, this is far too important a matter for party politics. The latest debate over care. The former Conservative Leader and Foreign Secretary lord haig has told a group of peers that brexit will undoubtedly damage the uks influence in europe. He said leaving the European Union would also mean the uk having less influence in the rest of the world. He was appearing at a Lords Committee alongside former nato Secretary General and a former eu Foreign Policy chief. Lord haig said being part of the eu had been very important to the uk. Brexit will be damaging to our ability to work with other eu countries, obviously on Foreign Affairs and influence they overall. Their outlook the uks participation in the euForeign Affairs helps to keep the whole Western Alliance together, and we have at a time of the danger of fragmentation of the western world. We can see that for many reasons and in many ways. As the forthcoming summit in germany is demonstrating. And so uk participation in influencing the Foreign Affairs of the other eu nations is a crucial aspect of averting such a fragmentation. How then will brexit affect our relationship with the remaining eu countries with regard to the formulation and exercising Foreign Policy . The most fundamental issue is that in the process of working up the way in which policy is developed and determining what europes policy will be, we want to be in the room to either influence it in one way or another, and thatll be a loss to the European Union and potentially a loss to our capacity to develop policy. Brexit changes the political relationship with the eu, it doesnt change their geography or the nature of the common threats that we face. And in many ways, it doesnt affect the corporation that is essential on handling the future of Security Threats as well. But he said the attitude of the United States to nato and the Western Alliance was changing. With american Foreign Policy veering slightly away from the old relationship, europe is going to have to do more in terms of capability in terms of exercise and in terms of political priority, and therefore we need to be part of that, and the reality is today and for the future, European Defence actually as britain and france. Thats what it is. These are the only two countries with the capability and the headquarters and the ability to do things. So how we move forward on that is going to be complex and difficult. Speaking as someone not in favour of leaving the eu but in effects we are doing, it is true that they will want our participation, our support. We do have the biggest Military Budget in the eu and the Biggest Development budget by some distance, and one of the equal biggest Diplomatic Network and a seat on the un security council, and so there are many things that cant effectively be done by europe without some degree of participation and support from the united kingdom. And therefore the degree to which it is damaging depends on what we put in place to enable the maximum cooperation, and i think that will require a lot of political commitment by ministers but also a specific framework designed for this purpose. Can you Say Something about the influence on the rest of the world . Are you saying that our influence will be diminished notjust in europe but when we go and talk to the United States, if we are not a member of the European Union or our influence at the un will be diminished. I think it necessarily follows that if you are less influential in grafting the overall approach of the eu you end up influence on the rest of the world and i think there will be less solidarity with britain invoked that the united nations. We cannot simply depend on institutional relationships, because if you are not in the room then you are not part of the framework at the beginning, the concept of operations, if its military operations, and the exit strategy, and that is where we are bound to lose traction. And lord hague said some sort of post Brexit Agreement was essential. An enhanced framework Participation Agreement between the uk and the eu on Foreign Affairs. Something of that kind would mitigate the damage that will undoubtedly because. Will undoubtedly be caused. The Lords Committee discussing brexit, but ourjournalists the Lords Committee discussing brexit, but are journalists being too gloomy over brexit . Commons leader Andrea Leadsom said recently on bbcs new site that she wished broadcasters could be a bit more patriotic. Now her cabinet colleague liam fox has accused Media Organisations of not wanting to see brexit succeed. His remarks in the commons followed a question from a fellow conservative. I think the potential for trade with commonwealth countries is very exciting but every time i open a newspaper or listen to the radio mr speaker, it does appear that some elements of our media would rather see britain fail than see brexit succeed. I cannot recall a single time in recent times when i have seen good Economic News that the bbc didnt describe as despite brexit. This Front Bench Team must know that a silly attack on the bbc cannot be used as an excuse for policy. This is a Secretary Of State who has refused to meet the all Party Manufacturing group. Can i tell him from the manufacturers i know that they have no confidence in the Secretary Of State, hes living in cloud cuckoo land, they think he is not confident and want his resignation. I will take note of his comments. The members on the conservative backbencher are desperate for the Secretary Of State to give us more confidence that they will massively increased trade and the common law, but he is wise not to do so in that australia and canada collectively account for less than 5 of their exports. With Research Showing the most enduring statistic is that trade halves every time the distance between nations doubles, isnt it foolhardy for us to be turning away from our closest trading partners and the lying on increasing trade with countries so very far away . I am sorry to hear that the lack of understanding of how the modern economy works, because particularly countries which have large proportion of their trade in services, Services Trade does not depend upon distance, and in fact, what we need to have is an increasingly close cooperation with countries that are similar to ours in terms of their economic status, not necessarily geographically proximate. Youre watching our round up of the day in the commons and the lords. Still to come, anger at the Closure Ofjob centres north of the border. The minister for equalities has told mps there will be no backsliding on rights for lesbian, gay and transgender people by this government. During commons questions, mps expressed concern that equalities policies could come under pressure following the conservatives confidence and supply deal struck with Northern Irelands democratic unionist party, or dup. Dup representatives have described homosexuality as repulsive, wrong, vile, immoral, offensive and obnoxious. Does the minister agree that it is these hateful remarks themselves that are repulsive, wrong, vile, immoral, offensive and obnoxious . And they should have no place in our politics let alone in government. The dup once ran a campaign called save also from sodomy. Isnt it time to save ulster from bigotry . Save ulster from sodomy. The views that she set out are absolutely not ones that i agree with or indeed i think our shared by this house. As i said to her, i think it is important that the way in which we have this debate and progress continued improvements in lgbt rights, womens rights, in the rights of disabled people. All sorts of people who face discrimination in our country is in ameasured fashion. Where we can find some consensus, we will steadily win the battle in that fashion. Equality and tolerance are important british values. We should be proud of them. Will the Minister Work to overturn the ongoing ban on equal marriage in Northern Ireland, or does she believe that £1 billion is a fair price to pay for selling of these fundamental values . I think we have to fundimentally win the argument on lgbt rights. This is something that needs to take place across our country, including in Northern Ireland. There is a democratic Northern Ireland assembly and i think it is a debate that we all need to engage in, but i think it is one that we see progress made in over many, many years. I think we can be proud of that. She sets out that there is a lot of progress to be made. I have spoken to my party leader, who is a woman and my closest colleague in mla, whojust happens to be a woman. And my most Senior Member of staff, my close adviser and shockingly is also a woman. Equality and rights in their party, they seem to be satisfied. Subsequently, i would ask the ministers question. I wonder what discussions have been held with labours sister party the sdlp, who hold many of the same moral issue stances that we hold, which is what i believe this question is ready seeking to highlight. I think he sets out that there is a discussion and debate to be had across Political Parties both here in this parliament, but also in Northern Ireland. That is a debate and discussion that i welcome. Can ijoin everybody in this house in wishing all those Celebrating London Pride this weekend a happy pride. Now, despite a number of promises during the Election Campaign on the need to strengthen and protect equality legislation, there is no commitment in this years queens speech. People across the country have deep concerns that the Tory Backbench deal with the dup could undermine, halt or damage equality here in the uk. What assurances will the minister provide that progress on a quality will not be sidelined for political expediency . I think i have given those assurances on a number of occasions. I will be very happy to come to this dispatch box and continue to give them because i think they are important. Justine greening. Later, the work and pensions secretary david gauke was called to the commons to explain the governments decision to close ten job centres across scotland, including six in glasgow. Ministers say online applications meant that its buildings were used less often. More than 70 job centres are being closed across the united kingdom, affecting up to 750 jobs. Compassionate conservativism lasted fully two days. There should have been a statement at a vote in this house on this issue. Does the Secretary Of State accept that there is a direct link with the index of multiple deprivation and those job centres earmarked for closure . Will he publish an impact on the quality assessment, particularly on those with disabilities and those caring for people with disabilities . It will be the case after these reforms have been completed that there will be a reduction in the number Ofjob Centres in glasgow, that glasgow will still have more job centres per head of population than any other city in the united kingdom. It is also the case that a number of the glasgowjob centres were particularly underutilised. It is therefore sensible that we rationalise this estate and can deliver modern services. In some cases, what we need is much improved job centres with improved facilities, greater capability of doing more things. That is exactly what this strategy involves. Having conducted a survey outside batleyjobcentre, i know that the majority of users actually walk there often everyday to use the computers to look forjobs. Batley job centre. With batleys closing they will have to work to dewsbury. A journey of 20 minutes if you are able bodied. So can the Secretary Of State confirm whether new Sanctioning Guidance will be provided for those who are late or miss appointments . We dont expect people to miss appointments. It is the case that as i say, people who are looking forjobs are expected to spend 35 hours a week looking for jobs. That should enable them to travel from batley to dewsbury in the time available. As i say, we would expect people to make appointments, but we would look at the individual circumstances if somebody has missed an appointment to see if we can take into account whether there has been any mitigating factors. The more serious issue ahead is making sure we have got the right resources in the Job Centre Plus for the expanded role of universal credit that is starting next year. I think my honourable friend hits the nail on the head, that is exactly right. It is very important that we have got job centres that are able to deal with the new and Important Role in terms of providing the support that claimants need, having worked coaches in place, having those facilities and sometimes that requires new estate, new improve estates. We shouldnt be stuck on where the footprint that we happen to have a few years ago. David gauke. The class of 2017 continues to make itself known. Brand new mps have been making their maiden speeches in the commons. Here are a few of the latest. Im also thankful for my honourable friends for gathering around me like a protective huddle of penguins, i very much appreciate it. We must be realistic, pragmatic and determined about how we best shape this country as we leave the European Union. But too often debate on how we do this is infected by Corrosive Pessimism that betrays a lack of confidence in our nation and what we can offer the world. As a local councillor, i have also witnessed the impact of cuts to local Council Budgets and how austerity for some has caused untold misery for the many and not a few. At the beginning of the general Election Campaign, it was unclear whether i would be standing here today making a speech, but lincoln and its citizens have a history of defying the odds. From the development in the first tank in world war i, by a determined group of engineers, to the recent runaway success of lincoln citys football club, the imps, who took the fight in the fa cup to the Emirates Stadium last season, lincoln has a proud history of going the extra mile. I want to quote in gaelic to amuse your good selves, mr speaker, and indeed test hansard. We have a saying. It is this. He speaks gaelic the mighty cairn is built of little stones. I do hope mr speaker that this particular stone, myself, may play a suitable part in the mighty cairn that is democracy in this special place. It is essential that we give people the tools that they need to live their lives to the full. When i have worked with people in various jobs who are receiving benefits or support from charity, that is what they want. They want support to do things for themselves. Not a hand out, as some members of this house and the media, might have you believe. Some of the new members of the commons. The issue of male mps wearing ties in the commons has been raised again. Last week, the speaker, john barker, said he was prepared to relax the rule on the compulsory wearing of ties in the chamber. At the start of the week, the transport Ministerjohn Hayes declared that he wouldnt take interventions from sartorially challenged mps who were not wearing ties. That prompted this response from the lib dem mp, who first asked the speaker if the tie rule could be dropped. You were not in the chair on monday and may not have heard the Minister Of State for transport, who said that he would not take interventions from anybody who was not wearing a tie. Given. Jeering given your pronouncements on this matter, mr speaker, do you think there is a risk of a Slippery Slope which might lead that member to refuse to take interventions from members who are sartorially challenged in other ways, such as wearing a gaudy tie, or a garish waistcoat . Id welcome your advice on this matter, mr speaker. I rather thought that what he had to say on this matter was proffered in his characteristically jocular fashion. However, insofar as i could be staged to have received an application from the right honourable gentleman by virtue of his pronouncements for the role of style policeman, i can tell the right honourable gentleman and all members of the house that i have filed the application for the right right honourable memberforthat post in the appropriate place. The speaker clarifying the position, i think. That is it for this programme. Do join me for the week in parliament when we not only look back at the last few days in the commons and the lords, but also discussed what the agreement between the dup and the conservative government means for the future of Northern Ireland. For now, for me keith mcdougall, goodbye. It was a very warm day on thursday across england and wales, in particular southern and south eastern areas, with a top temperature in london of 32 celsius. In fact, a number of stations in the Greater London area saw 32 degrees and it was pretty hot as well further north, but the heat across Northern England broke down in spectacular style with some severe thunderstorms, we had reports of Flash Flooding and also some Lightning Damage across yorkshire and into lincolnshire. Now, those thunderstorms will continue to rattle away off into the north sea, and then for most places it should be a dry end to the night. Thicker cloud and outbreaks of rain, though, pushing into Northern Ireland and western scotland, its going to be a very warm and muggy start to the day once again across the south, particularly the south east. Only a little bit of cloud around for the south west of england, into western wales, but a good deal sunshine for the Midlands Eastwards and look at those temperatures to start the day, around 20 degrees. Further north and there will be thicker cloud. For north west england into scotland and Northern Ireland, like i mentioned, there will be some light and patchy rain around so a dismal morning with temperatures here at 8am around the mid teens celsius. Through the day it looks like that cloud across Western Areas will tend to move in eastwards and any clear skies tending to infill from cloud, so a cloudier afternoon that what we saw on thursday, so that means not quite as hot. Still very warm, though, In The South East with 27 or 28 degrees. A rather low 20 further north and high teens celsius in scotland and Northern Ireland. It means for the tennis at wimbledon on friday that it will be a bit more comfortable for the spectators and for the players with highs around 26 or 27 celsius and Sunshine Coming and going. A fine end to the day on friday, but we look to the west to this area of rain, which will push in towards wales, light and patchy and will affect mainly Western Areas. This Weather Front is responsible for it. As we head on in towards saturday it will bring a cloudy, damp day to central areas, Northern Ireland, through Northern Wales and into Northern England, the rain not amounting to that much. To the north of it, largely dry with sunshine and there will be sunshine across southern areas, but generally speaking a cloudy day and a cooler one across the board. Top temperatures 2a degrees. Looks like temperatures rise a bit again as we head on towards sunday and thats because we pick up some thundery air again off the near continent, this area of low pressure could introduce some heavy showers to southern parts of the country, maybe the odd thunderstorm, and this Weather Front brings outbreaks of rain to scotland and Northern Ireland. But in between a slice of drier and brighter weather and again quite warm In The South East