Channel 4 has been hugely successful over the years in delivering the aims set out at its creation in 1982, including supporting the independent production sector in the UK, delivering diverse and risk-taking content, and contributing to the wider public goals of public service broadcasting. However, since 1982, the TV landscape has changed beyond recognition.

Channel 4 is entirely commercially funded, but it has been publicly owned since it began broadcasting. The main reason it was set up as a publicly owned, commercially run station was to provide greater choice. Today though, audiences can now watch what they want, whenever they want, how they want, across a range of internet-enabled personal devices. The independent production sector has also grown enormously so that it now supplies content to a wide range of broadcasters and streaming services.

That is why I believe it is crucial that a future ownership model (whereby Channel 4 keeps its public service remit) is considered to ensure more content, more jobs, and a more sustainable future for the broadcaster. To achieve this, it will require access to capital, and a strengthened ability to invest in its services, which is not available under public ownership.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has recently held a public consultation on the future ownership of Channel 4 as part of the Government’s review of public service broadcasting. The consultation considered both the ownership and remit of Channel 4, ensuring its future success and sustainability. I understand that the Department is currently analysing the feedback it has received and will respond in due course. For further information on the consultation, please search: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-a-change-of-ownership-of-channel-4-television-corporation

The review will come ahead of the broadcasting white paper, due to be published in due course. The white paper will consider the future of the country’s broadcasting landscape with the aim of making sure it serves listeners and viewers on all platforms and across the entire UK.

DS.

Both I and my Parliamentary colleagues are aware of cases where cannabis-based medicine is successfully treating constituents with very specific conditions and in very exceptional circumstances. I understand that, particularly for parents whose children are suffering or in pain, there is continued frustration that it is not easily accessible.  Although the scheduling of cannabis-based products changed in 2018, this has not translated into significant clinical use.  

Each case is judged individually, and the decision should remain solely with the clinician. However, many doctors remain cautious in prescribing these treatments, and guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence demonstrate a need for more evidence to justify routine prescribing of unlicensed cannabis-based products. With that in mind, it is encouraging to hear of 13 ongoing trials in the UK, and six other trials already completed. Additionally, two new clinical trials into treating refractory epilepsy are being developed by the National Institute for Health Research and NHS England. I look forward to the results of these trials in due course.   

The number of patients with NHS prescriptions for medicinal cannabis products is low. Often families have sought private treatment, which is clearly a serious financial burden. While the Government cannot stipulate what companies charge for the products, and these companies may face export or import fees for controlled drugs, I am aware of Ministers’ work within these constraints to reduce costs. Many believe medical cannabis, where clinically appropriate, is critical for patients and families in need, and I am assured that the Government is considering every possibility to ensure greater access. 

Of course, there is a substantial body of scientific and medical evidence to show that cannabis itself, can harm mental and physical health and damage communities.

DS.

Let me start by assuring you that I am enthusiastic about promoting recreation in the countryside and I understand the benefits outdoor activities can produce both physically and mentally. Our countryside is of great importance and it cannot be understated just how much the scenery means to people. 

Ministers are continuing to support and enhance access to the countryside. This includes completing the England Coast Path, supporting the network of National Trails, ensuring that rights of way are recorded and protected, as well as developing ways to support access through financial provisions in the Agriculture Act for environmental land management. The new schemes will make a significant contribution to the goals of the 25 Year Environment Plan, including beauty, heritage and engagement with the environment. I believe that public access is a key way for people to engage with the environment and so supporting greater access is an important aspect of achieving this goal.

Further, ministers are looking at ways in which the UK’s new agri-environment schemes could fund the creation of new paths, such as footpaths and bridleways, providing greater and safe access for cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians. I know that they are working in close collaboration with interested parties to explore the best ways of making further enhancements to our wonderful access network.

Finally, ministers have now published the England Trees Action Plan, which sets the UK on the path to at least 12 per cent woodland cover by the middle of the century. Over £500 million of the £640 million Nature for Climate Fund is dedicated to trees and ministers aim to treble woodland creation rates and plant 30,000 hectares of trees per year by the end of this Parliament.

DS.

Hedgerows and field boundaries are the very essence of our British countryside, providing vital resources for mammals, birds and inspect species. They improve air quality, store carbon and benefit the rural economy. An important habitat in their own right, they act as wildlife corridors and enhance our cultural and national heritage.

Now we have left the EU and the Transition Period is over, the Government is able to reward farmers for the work they do to sustainably manage every metre of hedgerow on their land in a way that is right for their area. Part of the sustainable farming incentive is the hedgerow standard, under which ministers will pay farmers to plant more hedgerows, leave them uncut or raise the cutting height. To provide habitat for wildlife, farmers and land managers will be incentivised to maintain and plant more hedgerow trees. I know that simple actions like planting trees within the footprint of existing hedges can make a big difference. 

Hedgerows are legally protected by the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 which prohibit their removal without first seeking approval from the local planning authority. The authority is required to decide whether a hedgerow is ‘important’ according to the Regulations and should not be removed. Research has indicated that over 70 per cent of hedgerows in England and Wales are ‘important’. The Regulations therefore play a valuable role in providing statutory protection for a large proportion of hedgerows in the countryside. When granting planning permission, a local authority has the power to impose enforceable conditions on a developer in order to protect hedges or trees assessed as being worthy of retention, which might otherwise be harmed by construction or the new land use.

DS.

The Down Syndrome Bill will require the Secretary of State to publish guidance to public bodies to ensure they are clear on how they should meet the needs of people with Down’s syndrome. It will set out best practice across health, education social care and housing, giving practical advice on how the appropriate steps can be taken to meet the needs of those with Down’s syndrome when planning, designing and delivering services.

The guidance is part of wider work that is ongoing to improve outcomes for all people with a learning disability. For example, the Government is trialling the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training programme to improve awareness and understanding of learning disabilities, including Down’s syndrome, for all health and social care staff. I look forward to seeing the results of this trial. Additionally, the cross-government SEND Review, launched in September 2019, is considering ways improve outcomes for children and young people by making sure children and families with the most complex needs are supported throughout school and into adulthood. As I understand it, the Government plans to publish proposals for public consultation shortly.

DS.

I appreciate the concerns you have regarding the Government of Israel’s recent decision to proscribe six civil society organisations as terrorist groups.

The Government has a close relationship with the Government of Israel, the strength of which allows sensitive issues such as this to be raised. Minister Cleverly assured the House on 26 October that he and his colleagues at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will be speaking to their Israeli counterparts to understand why they felt they needed to take this action. 

Human rights and civil society organisations have a vital role to play in the development of thriving, open societies. Israel’s longstanding commitment to democratic values is one of its great strengths as a fellow democracy, and ministers continue to make clear that a strong, vibrant civil society is in Israel’s own interest.

The UK is a proud champion of human rights and a strong supporter of those around the world who dedicate their lives to defending them. Support is provided to human rights defenders through bilateral contributions around the world, and through core contributions to multilateral organisations. The FCDO also monitors treatment of human rights defenders in its annual Human Rights and Democracy Reports, the most recent of which was published on 8 July. That report paid tribute to the courageous work of HRDs and listed support for them as a UK foreign policy priority.  

DS.

As part of the NHS Long Term Plan, there was a commitment to support the transformation of stroke services into specialist centres, and the roll out of treatment like mechanical thrombectomy. 

Good progress has been made towards this objective, with more to follow. The NHS is currently looking to increase the number of operators that can deliver thrombectomy, beyond the 22 centres and two non-neuroscience centres where the treatment is currently available.

In November, in response to a written parliamentary question on the issue of capital investment into medical thrombectomy, my colleague Ed Argar MP (Minister for Health and Care) said: “The Department and NHS England are conducting a detailed planning exercise following the Spending Review, including funding allocations to specific services, which will be made available in due course.”

Species-rich grasslands are vital for biodiversity, and it is disappointing that so much of our country’s meadows and grasslands have been lost. I am reassured, therefore, that my ministerial colleagues are committed to protecting 30 per cent of our land for biodiversity.

I welcome the early roll-out of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) from spring 2022. The scheme, which will eventually be open to every farmer in England, will support approaches to farming that deliver for the environment, such as actions to improve soil health, hedgerows and integrated pest management. I understand that the SFI will begin by offering two soils standards – an arable and horticultural soils standard and an improved grassland soils standard. Through signing up to these standards, farmers will be rewarded for management practices that improve soil health by improving soil structure, soil organic matter, and soil biology.

Further, I am encouraged that the Government’s landmark plans for a renewed agriculture sector will transform the way farmers are supported. The new system will be centred around incentivising sustainable farming practices alongside profitable food production. I welcome that at COP26, countries committed to transform agriculture and food systems. In addition, the UK led 45 governments in new pledges to protect nature and shift to more sustainable ways of farming. I am glad that the UK launched a £65m fund to help developing countries move towards more sustainable methods of agriculture and food production.

Finally, I welcome that the Government’s new Environment Act includes measures to protect biodiversity, with a new, historic legally binding target to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030.

DS.