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Oliver Dowden
Current MP
Oliver Dowden
· 2015–present
1,283 speeches on record Last active 2 Mar 2026
CON · Conservative
Middle East2 Mar 2026
OD
Oliver Dowden
Given that the Prime Minister has outlined that the Iranians attacked a United Kingdom sovereign base at Akrotiri, why does that not form the basis not just for hosting US forces on our bases, but for legal military action, taken directly at source against the Iranians for the launch of such missiles, as we did…
Hansard · 2 Mar 2026 · parliament.uk
Diego Garcia and British Indian Ocean Territory25 Feb 2026
OD
Oliver Dowden
I genuinely have respect for the Minister, as he knows, but I am very confused as to the Government’s position. He will know from his time in the Foreign Office that one of the principal issues to which he refers is the fact that the previous US Administration was not comfortable with the disputed status…
Hansard · 25 Feb 2026 · parliament.uk
Schools White Paper: Every Child Achieving and Thriving23 Feb 2026
OD
Oliver Dowden
For parents of children with special educational needs in Hertsmere and across the country, one of the greatest frustrations they feel is understanding what is going on in relation to their children. What reassurance can the Secretary of State give parents that councils will be required to keep them up to date about what is…
Hansard · 23 Feb 2026 · parliament.uk
Lord Mandelson4 Feb 2026
OD
Oliver Dowden
At the heart of what we are talking about is this. Do we accept the amendment from the Government about “national security or international relations”? My hon. Friend and I have both served in the Cabinet Office and I am sure that he shares my sympathy with the need to protect national security. However, there…
Hansard · 4 Feb 2026 · parliament.uk
Iran3 Feb 2026
OD
Oliver Dowden
Within hours of the Hamas massacres, protesters and marchers were organising against Israel. Yet here we are, weeks later, when the Iranian regime is murdering and torturing its citizens by the tens of thousands—still no marches, still no protests. What does the Minister think that says about the prejudices of such activists?
Hansard · 3 Feb 2026 · parliament.uk
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill3 Feb 2026
OD
Oliver Dowden
The right hon. Gentleman has provoked me into responding. I served in the previous Conservative Government, and I was involved in all those decisions. There was a clear principle behind them: will people take responsibility for their own actions? There are thousands—millions—of people who choose not to have more children because they want to take…
Hansard · 3 Feb 2026 · parliament.uk
Clause 1 - Commencement of Treaty and main provisions of this Act20 Jan 2026
OD
Oliver Dowden
The Minister makes an important point. The key thing about the negotiations is that they were predicated on the United States’ concern about the continuing operation of the base in the context of concerns around international law. The position set out by the President of the United States last night is that he is not…
Hansard · 20 Jan 2026 · parliament.uk
West Midlands Police14 Jan 2026
OD
Oliver Dowden
The Jewish community in this country, including many in my constituency, feel under siege right now. Sadly, this is not an isolated example; it is just another example of where elements of the British state appear to err on the side of the aggressor in the name of community cohesion. We have another example before…
Hansard · 14 Jan 2026 · parliament.uk
Iran13 Jan 2026
OD
Oliver Dowden
We can all see the brutality of the Iranian regime, but does the Foreign Secretary agree that it is not just who we are against but who we are for? If we look at the signatories to the Abraham accords—Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in particular—we see that they point to an alternative…
Hansard · 13 Jan 2026 · parliament.uk
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill6 Jan 2026
OD
Oliver Dowden
I welcome the Minister’s comments about the obligation on the public sector. However, I caution him that, in my experience, cyber-security is one of those things that Ministers talk about, but then other priorities overtake it. The advantage of legislative requirements is that they force Ministers to think about it. I urge the Minister to…
Hansard · 6 Jan 2026 · parliament.uk
Planning Reform16 Dec 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
Within a mile of the well-connected stations of Radlett, Cuffley, Borehamwood, Potters Bar and Bushey there is pristine countryside that is treasured by local communities and prevents urban sprawl. The opening up of this green belt to a development free-for-all runs totally contrary to the promises made by the Labour party at the last election.…
Hansard · 16 Dec 2025 · parliament.uk
Finance (No. 2) Bill16 Dec 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
I thank my neighbour. The Minister did not answer this point made by the hon. Member for Angus and Perthshire Glens (Dave Doogan) about the effect of the jobs tax on unemployment. In my constituency, I have met countless businesses that have laid off staff, or have shifted staff to being self-employed. Does he accept,…
Hansard · 16 Dec 2025 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions2 Dec 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
Today is UAE National Day, marking 54 years since its full independence. In that time, it has become one of our nation’s staunchest allies and a key investor, benefiting constituencies up and down the country. Will the Minister join me, as chairman of the all-party parliamentary group, in congratulating the UAE and recommitting to this…
Hansard · 2 Dec 2025 · parliament.uk
Income Tax (Charge)26 Nov 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
I thank my right hon. Friend for giving way. As we are going down memory lane, I cannot resist reminding him that when we came to power in 2010, we had a youth unemployment crisis. Youth unemployment plunged when we were in office; now, with Labour back in office, the Government have imposed a national…
Hansard · 26 Nov 2025 · parliament.uk
Independent Football Regulator12 Nov 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
I like and respect the right hon. Lady and I do not doubt her sincerity, but I do wonder whether she would have been quite so forgiving had I chosen to appoint a Tory donor to lead this regulatory body. Moreover, although I supported the establishment of the regulator and, indeed, initiated it at the…
Hansard · 12 Nov 2025 · parliament.uk
BBC Leadership11 Nov 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
I join the Culture Secretary in paying tribute to the director general of the BBC—I found him helpful on issues such as antisemitism—but the problem with the BBC goes much deeper than the current leadership. Does she agree, first of all, that it goes to the cultural disposition of the BBC? People who work for…
Hansard · 11 Nov 2025 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions27 Oct 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
When my constituents move into new social housing, they find it stripped of perfectly good white goods, curtains, carpets and so on. What can the Government do to address this? It is driving my constituents further into poverty and benefit dependency. It is also environmentally destructive. Surely there is a way through this issue, so…
Hansard · 27 Oct 2025 · parliament.uk
Children with SEND: Mainstream Schools20 Oct 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
Elstree village school in my constituency is an excellent example of a small and nurturing school that specialises in supporting children with special educational needs. Sadly, we have recently been informed that Hertfordshire county council is considering closing the school. Will the Minister join me in sending a clear message to Herts county council that…
Hansard · 20 Oct 2025 · parliament.uk
Middle East14 Oct 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
After the horrors of Manchester, there is a sense of joy and relief in synagogues in my constituency at the final release of the hostages, many of whom were sponsored by synagogues, but there is also a sense of trepidation when they see Hamas terrorists patrolling the streets of Gaza and carrying out summary executions,…
Hansard · 14 Oct 2025 · parliament.uk
Russian Drones: Violation of Polish Airspace10 Sep 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
In the Minister’s excellent response, he talked about the geopolitical situation. During my time in office, I saw more and more co-operation between Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. He talked about the emboldening of Putin. Does he share my concern that the recent show of unity at the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation summit in China…
Hansard · 10 Sep 2025 · parliament.uk
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill9 Sep 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on his appointment. I had not intended to intervene so early, but I will, given that the record of the previous Government has come up. Can he confirm whether it is the case, as was the position under the previous Government, that we will retain sovereignty after 99 years on…
Hansard · 9 Sep 2025 · parliament.uk
Clause 1 - Exclusion of remaining hereditary peers4 Sep 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
I thank the Minister for his generosity. He frequently cites the Labour party manifesto, which did include this provision in relation to the abolition of hereditary peers. However, it also included a provision in relation to a mandatory retirement age. Why has he chosen to bring forward the abolition of hereditary peers but not wait…
Hansard · 4 Sep 2025 · parliament.uk
Property Taxes3 Sep 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
Will my right hon. Friend give way?
Hansard · 3 Sep 2025 · parliament.uk
Middle East1 Sep 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
I despair at many aspects of the conduct of the Netanyahu Government and the suffering of Gazan civilians. However, I have grave reservations about the timing of this unilateral recognition of the state of Palestine, because I fear it will allow Hamas to claim that the vile massacres of 7 October have somehow succeeded. This…
Hansard · 1 Sep 2025 · parliament.uk
Health Inequalities22 Jul 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
For residents of New Court Place care home in Borehamwood, wheelchairs are their lifeline. However, they are being badly let down by AJM Healthcare, their NHS wheelchair provider, with multiple unresolved assessments, bad communications and waiting times for repairs and replacements unbelievably extending to four years. Residents with physical and intellectual disabilities feel let down,…
Hansard · 22 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Housing Delivery14 Jul 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
The Government promised to increase housing delivery through grey-belt, not green-belt, development. Grey belt was described as “poor quality land, car parks and wasteland.” However, since the new guidance was published, Hertsmere has been inundated with applications that simply seek to rebrand green belt as grey belt. The lack of clarity and the inconsistent application…
Hansard · 14 Jul 2025 · parliament.uk
Engagements25 Jun 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
It is a pleasure to be asking the right hon. Lady another question at Prime Minister’s questions, although just the one this time. There has been a proliferation of houses in multiple occupation in my constituency, in places such as Potters Bar and Borehamwood. Quiet residential streets such as Tiverton Road and Organ Hall Road…
Hansard · 25 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
Iran-Israel Conflict16 Jun 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
I have been contacted by a significant number of constituents who are currently stranded in Israel, unable to leave because of the lack of flights to the United Kingdom. This includes a constituent with significant medical needs. I urge the Foreign Secretary to further strengthen the Foreign Office’s offer. I do welcome the advice it…
Hansard · 16 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
Business of the House5 Jun 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
Many constituents in Potters Bar have contacted me with concerns about increases in applications for houses of multiple occupation. Streets such as Strafford Gate are quiet residential roads with semi-detached bungalows. They are really not suitable for being converted into units with five or six bedrooms. Will the Leader of the House find time for…
Hansard · 5 Jun 2025 · parliament.uk
School Teachers’ Review Body: Recommendations22 May 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
I do have some sympathy for the Minister, for whom I have a great deal of respect, but surely she must feel embarrassed to come before this House knowing all the answers to these questions and not giving them, simply because No. 10 will not let her. In my constituency, schools are already facing a…
Hansard · 22 May 2025 · parliament.uk
Business of the House22 May 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
I have been working with residents of Meadowcroft retirement home in Bushey who have suffered repeated failures by Anchor homes, which culminated this week in residents being unable to get an ambulance to the facility because of a faulty key box. Will the Leader of the House find time for a debate on the exploitation…
Hansard · 22 May 2025 · parliament.uk
Business and the Economy21 May 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
Does my hon. Friend agree that another factor that will undermine job creation and employment under this Government is their approach to international wealth coming into this country? When other countries, such as the US, are granting golden visas, we are closing the door with these ideologically-driven non-dom reforms, which will not even raise any…
Hansard · 21 May 2025 · parliament.uk
National Security Act 2023: Charges19 May 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
The Home Secretary rightly says that the threats from hostile states are complex and intertwined, so will she update the House on what further steps the Government have taken to protect critical national infrastructure, in particular from cyber-attacks? Our security services commit vast expertise in our protection. Their successes must be hidden, but their failures…
Hansard · 19 May 2025 · parliament.uk
Gaza: UK Assessment14 May 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
The situation in Gaza is clearly intolerable, and Israel has to find a way of getting aid in safely and without diversion. But does the Minister agree that we need to be very careful about the use of the word “genocide” and that we do not devalue the word? It is used to describe the…
Hansard · 14 May 2025 · parliament.uk
United States Film Tariff7 May 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
I may be able to help the Minister: Paddington Bear actually lives in Borehamwood, because the movie “Paddington” was produced in my constituency at Elstree Studios, which sits alongside Sky Studios Elstree as a jewel in the crown of the British industry. It is no surprise that Donald Trump is jealous because, by many accounts,…
Hansard · 7 May 2025 · parliament.uk
UK Airstrike: Houthi Military Facility30 Apr 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
I welcome this action and join the Defence Secretary in paying tribute to our exemplary armed forces. It is essential that we tackle the tentacles of Iran through all its proxies—whether it is the Houthis, Hamas or Hezbollah—which do so much damage to Israel and the wider middle east, and not least to the people…
Hansard · 30 Apr 2025 · parliament.uk
Football Governance Bill [Lords]28 Apr 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
I refer to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Wherever I have been in the world, whether it is in Hertsmere or at the United Nations, I am always asked two questions: “When did you meet the late Queen?” and “Which football team do you support?” Such is the strength and reach…
Hansard · 28 Apr 2025 · parliament.uk
Shoplifting31 Mar 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
Many of my constituents are exasperated by the fact that the police are unable to turn up when there is shoplifting or a burglary, yet they were able to send six officers to get themselves involved in a dispute with a local school and to warn off local elected representatives from getting involved. Sadly, that…
Hansard · 31 Mar 2025 · parliament.uk
Community Hospitals25 Mar 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
Following the Government’s regrettable decision not to fund Watford general hospital’s refurbishment in this Parliament, providing community care facilities in a town such as Borehamwood in my constituency—a significant town without its own dedicated facilities—is more important than ever. Will the Secretary of State undertake to use his offices to urge the ICB and others…
Hansard · 25 Mar 2025 · parliament.uk
Winter Fuel Payment19 Mar 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
Will my right hon. Friend give way?
Hansard · 19 Mar 2025 · parliament.uk
Clean Power by 203018 Mar 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
Does the Secretary of State share my concern about reports of persistent misconduct by Drax, regarding cutting down old-growth forest and burning it at its power station? To be clear, this is a company that chops down pristine forest, ships it halfway across the world to burn it in the United Kingdom and claims that…
Hansard · 18 Mar 2025 · parliament.uk
Engagements5 Mar 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
St Hilda’s girls school looks set to join Immanuel Jewish prep as the second school in Bushey alone forced to close because of Labour’s VAT hike. That is a double hit to aspirations—first, to those of the parents, many of whom are not wealthy and who have described the significant sacrifices they have made to…
Hansard · 5 Mar 2025 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions4 Mar 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
Attracting high net worth individuals to spend more time in the United Kingdom drives jobs, growth and, crucially, tax revenues, but unfortunately the opposite is happening in the UK right now. Will the Chancellor use the spring statement to look at the statutory residence test and, in particular, the ties rules to see whether we…
Hansard · 4 Mar 2025 · parliament.uk
British Indian Ocean Territory26 Feb 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
My right hon. Friend makes an excellent point. The attitude of the Government of the United States is absolutely central. There has been a profound change in the stance taken by the Government of the United States, with the election of the new President. Instead of embracing that and seeing it as an opportunity, the…
Hansard · 26 Feb 2025 · parliament.uk
Improving Access to Public Services12 Feb 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
I am sure that the Secretary of State will agree that people want their public services delivered efficiently and effectively. To that end, what discussions have he and his Department had with the Department of Government Efficiency and Elon Musk in the United States about how we can harness the power of artificial intelligence to…
Hansard · 12 Feb 2025 · parliament.uk
Police Grant Report5 Feb 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
Will the Minister give way on that point?
Hansard · 5 Feb 2025 · parliament.uk
Growing the UK Economy29 Jan 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
I welcome the Government’s conversion on a third runway at Heathrow. The sort of connectivity that that enables, particularly with fast-growing economies in Asia and the Gulf, is essential to growth. However, what assurance can the Chief Secretary to the Treasury give the House that this project will not subsequently be stymied by an absolutist…
Hansard · 29 Jan 2025 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions21 Jan 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
Does the Chancellor of the Exchequer propose funding the reported £9 billion bill to the Mauritians for the continued use of Diego Garcia through higher taxes, more borrowing or spending cuts?
Hansard · 21 Jan 2025 · parliament.uk
Middle East16 Jan 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
Every Friday since 7 October , many people have gathered in Borehamwood, in the heart of my constituency, with a simple message: “Bring them home.” May I urge the Foreign Secretary to use all the diplomatic efforts of His Majesty’s Government to bring that vision to bear? The first thing to do is to secure…
Hansard · 16 Jan 2025 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions14 Jan 2025
OD
Oliver Dowden
The Minister keeps telling the House that negotiations with Mauritius have been going on for two years. Will he explain to the House why he is so reluctant to extend those negotiations by just one week until the Trump Administration take office? They may take a very different view of the negotiations from that of…
Hansard · 14 Jan 2025 · parliament.uk
High Streets: Government Support12 Dec 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
What steps he is taking to support high street businesses.
Hansard · 12 Dec 2024 · parliament.uk
Building Homes12 Dec 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
I know that the Minister is a man of considerable integrity, so can he be honest with my constituents about the fact that the combination of mandatory targets, a massive increase in those mandatory targets and the fig leaf of the grey belt policy means that in a constituency like mine, which is almost entirely…
Hansard · 12 Dec 2024 · parliament.uk
Clause 47 - Removal of exemption for private school fees11 Dec 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
If the intention of the Government is that the moves should happen at natural transition points, why did they decide to impose the change from January? Whatever one’s views on the merits of the policy, that is not really fair on the parents affected. Indeed, one could say it is cruel.
Hansard · 11 Dec 2024 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions9 Dec 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
Over the weekend, Immanuel prep in my constituency announced it was closing, citing VAT on school fees and other damaging Labour policies. Does the Secretary of State share my concern about the damage that will do to Jewish children growing up in my constituency and the surrounding area, who will be deprived of access to…
Hansard · 9 Dec 2024 · parliament.uk
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill29 Nov 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
I thank the hon. Lady for giving way. I have a great deal of sympathy for the arguments she is making. However, we have seen, time and again, excessive judicial activism taking the words in this House and expanding their meaning into places we had not foreseen. What reassurances can she give that the words…
Hansard · 29 Nov 2024 · parliament.uk
Public Confidence in Policing25 Nov 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
Local volunteers in Potters Bar were left struggling on Remembrance Sunday to stop the traffic to allow the march to take place. They were told by the police that they lacked the resources and the power to stop the traffic, yet on the same day in neighbouring Essex the police managed to visit a journalist…
Hansard · 25 Nov 2024 · parliament.uk
Israel-Gaza Conflict: Arrest Warrants25 Nov 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
Whatever reservations one may have about the conduct of the conflict in Gaza, there are two fundamental principles: first, Netanyahu is a democratically elected leader of a sovereign state; and secondly, that state is conducting a legitimate war of self-defence. The Minister acknowledges those facts, but does he not appreciate how this ruling is seen…
Hansard · 25 Nov 2024 · parliament.uk
Business of the House14 Nov 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
The green belt was designed precisely to stop soulless urban sprawl overtaking villages and towns such as Borehamwood, Potters Bar, Cuffley, Bushey and other places in my constituency, yet the targets imposed on those areas by the Labour Government render its protections meaningless. Will the Leader of the House find time for us to discuss…
Hansard · 14 Nov 2024 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions24 Oct 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
Can the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster provide an update on the current situation for British nationals in Lebanon, including the measures being taken to ensure their safety? Are there any plans for further evacuations, given the ongoing instability in that region?
Hansard · 24 Oct 2024 · parliament.uk
Engagements23 Oct 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
I join the Deputy Prime Minister in paying tribute to the bravery of Sir Chris Hoy—he truly is an inspiration to us all. I also echo her comments about the train crash in Powys. What is the Deputy Prime Minister’s definition of working people?
Hansard · 23 Oct 2024 · parliament.uk
House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill15 Oct 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
I beg to move an amendment, to leave out from “That” to the end of the Question and add: “this House declines to give a Second Reading to the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill because it is not an acceptable or effective method of enacting major constitutional change, because it proposes a significant alteration…
Hansard · 15 Oct 2024 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions25 Jul 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
I begin by welcoming the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to his position. I know that he will be supported by a brilliant team of civil servants who are truly dedicated to public service. As we saw in module 1 of the covid inquiry report last week, biological threats pose potentially catastrophic risks to…
Hansard · 25 Jul 2024 · parliament.uk
CrowdStrike: IT Outage22 Jul 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
May I begin by welcoming the hon. Lady to her role and thanking her for advance sight of the statement? In that role I know she will be supported by a dedicated team of civil servants, who represent the very best of public service. I have no doubt that they will serve her as well…
Hansard · 22 Jul 2024 · parliament.uk
Cyber Threats to Public Institutions and Services25 Apr 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
The cyber threat facing the United Kingdom is intensifying. State and non-state actors have targeted our critical national infrastructure, our businesses and even our democratic institutions. The Government have introduced a new national cyber strategy, which takes a whole-of-society approach. We have set out high standards of cyber-protection for our critical industries and, with the…
Hansard · 25 Apr 2024 · parliament.uk
National Security25 Apr 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
Protecting national security is the Government’s first duty. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister announced a fully funded plan to increase our defence spending by £75 billion over the next six years. As part of this uplift, we will bring forward a national defence and resilience plan, building on the resilience framework and integrated review to…
Hansard · 25 Apr 2024 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions25 Apr 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
The Cabinet Office continues to play a central co-ordinating role in protecting our national and economic security. Last week, we published the response to the call for evidence on the National Security and Investment Act 2021, and I set out the steps we will take to fine-tune that system, including honing our approach to export…
Hansard · 25 Apr 2024 · parliament.uk
Engagements24 Apr 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
Mr Speaker, I have been asked to reply. I know that Members across the House will wish to join me in offering condolences to the family and friends of Lord Frank Field. He was an outstanding parliamentarian who worked tirelessly to make society a better place. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is in…
Hansard · 24 Apr 2024 · parliament.uk
Cyber-security and UK Democracy25 Mar 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
With permission, I will make a statement about malicious cyber-activity targeting the United Kingdom by actors that we assess are affiliated to the Chinese state. I want to update the House on our assessment of this activity and to reassure it on the steps that the Government have taken to shore up our resilience and…
Hansard · 25 Mar 2024 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions29 Feb 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
Later today, I will set out how we are putting more artificial intelligence experts at the heart of Government to drive the adoption of AI right across the public sector. We will not only revolutionise services but increase productivity, cut inefficiencies and save taxpayers millions of pounds. Earlier this month, I launched the Pall Mall…
Hansard · 29 Feb 2024 · parliament.uk
Cyber-security18 Jan 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
I know that my right hon. Friend is particularly interested in this issue following cyber-attacks in her constituency in 2019. I can assure her that we are improving cyber-security defences across critical national infrastructure and Government organisations. Initiatives such as GovAssure, which I launched last year, are setting higher standards for resilience, and the Government’s…
Hansard · 18 Jan 2024 · parliament.uk
Cyber-security18 Jan 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
We are protecting our public services from cyber-threats through our world-leading Government cyber-security strategy. We are also tackling the threat at source. Last year alone, we sanctioned 18 criminals responsible for spreading a prolific ransomware strain, and we exposed the Russian intelligence services for their attempts to target high-profile individuals and entities through cyber-operations.
Hansard · 18 Jan 2024 · parliament.uk
Artificial Intelligence: Public Services18 Jan 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
I discuss this area regularly with Cabinet colleagues. The Incubator for Artificial Intelligence, which I announced last year, will recruit experts from the private sector, academia and beyond, who will work with Departments to rapidly and responsibly develop new applications for artificial intelligence across Government, as part of radical plans to harness the potential of…
Hansard · 18 Jan 2024 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions18 Jan 2024
OD
Oliver Dowden
This week, I signed an agreement on biological security between the United Kingdom and the United States. This strategic dialogue will mean sharing more data, collaborating on research and co-ordinating action, preparing for a whole spectrum of biological threats. I also signed a memorandum of co-operation on cyber partnership with Japan, helping to fulfil a…
Hansard · 18 Jan 2024 · parliament.uk
Risk and Resilience: Annual Statement4 Dec 2023
OD
Oliver Dowden
We live in a dangerous and volatile world. The risks are more numerous, more complex, and evolving more rapidly than ever before. The aftermath of the global pandemic, Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine, extreme weather events, cyber-attacks, malign AI use cases—all those and more threaten the security, safety and stability of our nation. Protecting people…
Hansard · 4 Dec 2023 · parliament.uk
Covid-19: Departmental Effectiveness23 Nov 2023
OD
Oliver Dowden
The Cabinet Office played a crucial role in co-ordinating the cross-Government response to the pandemic, and we continue to learn lessons from it. Last year, the Cabinet Office published the resilience framework, an ambitious, wide-reaching and long-term plan that is already working to strengthen our national resilience.
Hansard · 23 Nov 2023 · parliament.uk
Ministers: Declarations of Interest23 Nov 2023
OD
Oliver Dowden
There is an established regime under which Ministers’ interests are declared and managed. Ministers seek the advice of their permanent secretaries and the independent adviser on Ministers’ interests, who reports twice yearly. This is but one element of a network of ethics systems, including the ministerial code and the business appointment rules, which uphold the…
Hansard · 23 Nov 2023 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions23 Nov 2023
OD
Oliver Dowden
The accession of His Majesty the King marked a new chapter in our nation’s history. This month, the Cabinet Office launched a scheme to make new portraits of His Majesty available to all public institutions. After the splendour of the coronation, this is a fitting addition to the fabric of our public life. The Cabinet…
Hansard · 23 Nov 2023 · parliament.uk
Security Update11 Sep 2023
OD
Oliver Dowden
With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a statement on claims relating to an ongoing counter-terrorism police investigation that were reported in The Sunday Times yesterday, Sunday 10 September . The story alleged that two individuals, including a parliamentary researcher, had been arrested on charges of conducting espionage on behalf of China. These…
Hansard · 11 Sep 2023 · parliament.uk
Propriety in Public Life7 Sep 2023
OD
Oliver Dowden
As the Prime Minister set out when he first entered Downing Street, this Government will uphold the highest standards of integrity and propriety. In July we announced a wide- ranging programme of reform, acting on recommendations from Nigel Boardman, the Committee on Standards in Public Life and the Public Administration Committee.
Hansard · 7 Sep 2023 · parliament.uk
Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests: Remit7 Sep 2023
OD
Oliver Dowden
The Prime Minister’s independent adviser on Ministers’ interests, Sir Laurie Magnus, works within established and robust terms of reference, to provide impartial advice on matters relating to the ministerial code. The powers and status of the role were strengthened in 2022 and Sir Laurie has said he is very comfortable working within his terms of…
Hansard · 7 Sep 2023 · parliament.uk
Cyber-security7 Sep 2023
OD
Oliver Dowden
The Government’s cyber-security strategy sets out our plans to strengthen the resilience of the Government’s critical functions against cyber- attacks. A key milestone in our plan came earlier this year when I launched GovAssure. This is a new approach to cyber-resilience in which Departments review their cyber-security and take the necessary steps to meet the…
Hansard · 7 Sep 2023 · parliament.uk
National Resilience7 Sep 2023
OD
Oliver Dowden
Strengthening our national resilience is a key priority for me and for the whole Government. Last month, we updated the national risk register. This is the most transparent approach ever taken by any Government, designed to help the whole of society make the most resilient plans possible. We have also published guidance clarifying lead Government…
Hansard · 7 Sep 2023 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions7 Sep 2023
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Oliver Dowden
Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, and it is of course right that as a country we honour Her late Majesty’s legacy. As a first step towards that, the Government, jointly with the royal household, have established a new Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee. That committee will develop proposals for…
Hansard · 7 Sep 2023 · parliament.uk
Oil Production and Domestic Energy Prices12 Jul 2023
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Oliver Dowden
I have been asked to reply. Global oil prices have remained largely stable this year. This has not changed following the announcement of additional production cuts by Saudi Arabia and Russia. We expect that the impact of the cuts will be mitigated by the increase in supply from other producers and a decrease in global…
Hansard · 12 Jul 2023 · parliament.uk
Engagements12 Jul 2023
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Oliver Dowden
My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is in Vilnius, attending the NATO summit. It is an opportunity to build on the work we have done over the past year, strengthening NATO and supporting Ukraine. In addition to my meetings in this House, I shall have further such meetings later today.
Hansard · 12 Jul 2023 · parliament.uk
Engagements5 Jul 2023
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Oliver Dowden
I have been asked to reply on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, who is attending a service right now in Westminster Abbey to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS. Mr Speaker, may I associate myself with your comments? The NHS continues to be a treasured national institution, and I am…
Hansard · 5 Jul 2023 · parliament.uk
Industrial Action: Maintaining Public Services22 Jun 2023
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Oliver Dowden
The Cabinet Office’s Cobra unit continues to support Departments to develop their contingency plans. At the same time, we are co-ordinating preparedness across Government to minimise the impact on public services wherever possible. However, the only way to truly avoid disruption is by union leaders returning to the negotiating table and working constructively to reach…
Hansard · 22 Jun 2023 · parliament.uk
Extreme Heat Preparedness22 Jun 2023
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Oliver Dowden
Keeping the British people safe is the Government’s first duty and that includes from risks such as extreme heat. Central and local government have continency plans that are ready to be implemented when we receive UK Health Security Agency heat health alerts or Met Office severe weather warnings. The Cabinet Office plays a critical role…
Hansard · 22 Jun 2023 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions22 Jun 2023
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Oliver Dowden
We continue to strengthen the country’s overall resilience, which is why last week we published a new biological security strategy that will help to protect us from a whole host of threats, from diseases to bio-weapons and antimicrobial resistance. The strategy includes a new bio-threats radar to monitor hazards as and when they emerge. This…
Hansard · 22 Jun 2023 · parliament.uk
Parliamentary Debate7 Jun 2023
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Oliver Dowden
On the specifics of the right hon. Lady’s question, that is not the case: we continue to keep the policy under review. I am very proud of this Government’s record on funding and support for schools: £4 billion more this year, £4 billion next year, and the result of all that investment is that we…
Hansard · 7 Jun 2023 · parliament.uk
Engagements7 Jun 2023
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Oliver Dowden
I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is in Washington at the invitation of President Biden. They will be discussing co-operation on a range of issues, including artificial intelligence and global trade, and of course continuing our leadership in galvanising international support for the people of Ukraine. This week…
Hansard · 7 Jun 2023 · parliament.uk
Engagements17 May 2023
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Oliver Dowden
I have been asked to reply on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. He is currently travelling to Japan to attend the G7 summit. I am sure that colleagues from across the House will join me in congratulating Liverpool on its wonderful staging of the Eurovision song contest on behalf of Ukraine.…
Hansard · 17 May 2023 · parliament.uk
National Resilience11 May 2023
OD
Oliver Dowden
One of my priorities at the Cabinet Office is strengthening our national resilience across Government. Last month we tested successfully the emergency alert system, a vital new tool to help us to communicate quickly with the public during life-threatening situations, and we will soon publish an updated national risk register to support partners with their…
Hansard · 11 May 2023 · parliament.uk
National Emergency Test11 May 2023
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Oliver Dowden
Last month’s UK-wide emergency alert was the largest simultaneous public message in British history. We reached 93% of eligible phones in the country within three minutes of the test alert being sent from Cobra. The system is now fully operable in the event of a real emergency and is a vital tool in our toolkit…
Hansard · 11 May 2023 · parliament.uk
UK Genomics Databases11 May 2023
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Oliver Dowden
The UK’s genomics databases are not designated as critical national infrastructure. However, through our recently published resilience frame- work, we have set out how we will work in partnership across all sectors to ensure that they are individually resilient while also fully contributing to national resilience.
Hansard · 11 May 2023 · parliament.uk
Industrial Action: Support for Public Services11 May 2023
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Oliver Dowden
The Cabinet Office’s Cobra unit has supported Departments with developing their contingency plans. We have co-ordinated preparedness activity across Government to minimise the impacts of industrial action on public services, but the only way we can truly avoid disruption is for union leaders to return to the negotiating table and work constructively in order to…
Hansard · 11 May 2023 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions11 May 2023
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Oliver Dowden
I want to begin by congratulating Their Majesties the King and Queen on a wonderful coronation weekend. The Government worked hand in hand with the royal household in planning for this historic event, conducting over 20 multi-agency exercises in preparation and hosting the unprecedentedly high number of 95 heads of state over the weekend. It…
Hansard · 11 May 2023 · parliament.uk
Government Transparency and Co-ordination16 Mar 2023
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Oliver Dowden
The Cabinet Office plays a unique role in government, bringing together different Departments across Whitehall to deal with the most complex challenges facing our country. As a founding and current member of the Open Government Partnership, the UK remains committed to improving government transparency. The fifth national action plan for open government sets out the…
Hansard · 16 Mar 2023 · parliament.uk
Machinery of Government Changes: Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill16 Mar 2023
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Oliver Dowden
The responsible Department for the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill is the Department for Business and Trade.
Hansard · 16 Mar 2023 · parliament.uk
National Resilience16 Mar 2023
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Oliver Dowden
Strengthening our national resilience is one of my personal priorities, and my Department continues to lead on this crucial work across Government. We identified seven immediate priorities through the resilience framework; of those, we have already published four. We will soon publish an updated national risk register. Since I last addressed the House, I have…
Hansard · 16 Mar 2023 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions16 Mar 2023
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Oliver Dowden
Our economic security is more important than ever, which is why it was at the heart of this week’s integrated review refresh. As part of that refresh, we announced an ambitious programme to bolster our economic defences, which I am leading from the Cabinet Office. That includes a new body in MI5, the National Protective…
Hansard · 16 Mar 2023 · parliament.uk
Security of Government Devices16 Mar 2023
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Oliver Dowden
As this week’s integrated review refresh demonstrated, the Government are strongly committed to bolstering our national security to meet the challenges of both today and tomorrow. We take the security of Government devices very seriously, and we are constantly working to ensure that those devices remain as safe and secure as possible. As part of…
Hansard · 16 Mar 2023 · parliament.uk
Ministerial Code2 Feb 2023
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Oliver Dowden
The Prime Minister expects all Ministers to act in accordance with the code and demonstrate integrity, professionalism and accountability. He has appointed Sir Laurie Magnus as the independent adviser on Ministers’ interests to advise on matters relating to the code.
Hansard · 2 Feb 2023 · parliament.uk
Industrial Action: Public Services2 Feb 2023
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Oliver Dowden
All Departments are responsible for their own business continuity plans and have well-established contingency arrangements. The Cabinet Office’s Cobra unit has supported Departments to develop those arrangements to minimise the impact on public services. Yesterday, for example, more than 600 military personnel undertook action to support a smooth flow at the border. I pay tribute…
Hansard · 2 Feb 2023 · parliament.uk
National Resilience2 Feb 2023
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Oliver Dowden
Resilience is a key priority across Government. My Department has already published the resilience framework, refreshed the national security risk assessment and established a risk sub-committee of the National Security Council, which I chair. We will soon publish a new national risk register, and this afternoon I will chair the UK resilience forum, which strengthens…
Hansard · 2 Feb 2023 · parliament.uk
Prospective Cabinet Members: Financial Affairs2 Feb 2023
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Oliver Dowden
Successive Governments have preserved the ability for officials to provide advice to Ministers in confidence. It would therefore not be appropriate for me to comment specifically on any advice in the ministerial appointments process. Ministers are required to declare all relevant interests and matters of concern.
Hansard · 2 Feb 2023 · parliament.uk
Topical Questions2 Feb 2023
OD
Oliver Dowden
The Cabinet Office is co-ordinating action to strengthen our nation’s resilience, including our energy security, cyber defences and industrial action contingencies. His Majesty the King’s coronation in May will be another significant milestone in the history of our nation. A coronation claims office has been created within the Cabinet Office to consider claims to perform…
Hansard · 2 Feb 2023 · parliament.uk
Oliver Dowden — Hansard Social