Andrew Western

Andrew Western

Labour — Stretford and Urmston

Speaking in the House of Commons on 5 November 2025

Debate

Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill

Contribution

I appreciate the point my right hon. Friend is making. As I have just said, the question of whether actions taken as part of the eligibility verification measure are necessary and proportionate is baked into the Bill, and I believe that would cover the points he is making. I strongly encourage my right hon. Friend to attend the meeting with the independent reviewer that I referred to earlier to stress that point. I will certainly go along, and I will undertake to press on that, too. I understand where we are on Lords amendment 43, but with the additional safeguards that will be baked in through the amendments in lieu, I believe we have reached a point where the Bill will achieve what it needs to while being fair and protecting vulnerable people. I urge all colleagues to support the Government proposals today. Lords amendment 1 disagreed to. Government amendments (a) and (b) made in lieu of Lords amendment 1. Government amendment (a) made to Lords amendment 75. Lords amendment 75, as amended, agreed to. Lords amendments 30 and 31 disagreed to. Government amendments (a) to (c) made in lieu of Lords amendments 30 and 31. Clause 75 Eligibility verification: independent review Motion made, and Question put, That this House disagrees with Lords amendment 43.—(Andrew Western.)

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