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Hey team.

Another reminder about something new we'll be trying over the next few months. It's a subreddit where you can share your idea for a new bill, build support from other users, and get help to pass it in Parliament. With enough people taking part, we hope to build a platform that can create real, positive change. Click here to join, and we'll start when we hit 1,000 subscribers. Any questions, just reply to this email.

It's the last week before recess, but things are far from sleepy.

MPs will debate two government bills that introduce major reforms to immigration and building safety policy. Details of both below.

And as the country unlocks, COVID restrictions will be relaxed in the Commons.

Some social distancing measures will be removed, like barriers closing off benches. Mask wearing will no longer be compulsory, though it will be "encouraged".

MPs will still be able to take part in debates virtually, though. The call list system remains in place, so MPs will know in advance if they will have a chance to speak, and in what order. The proxy voting system also continues.

Have a good summer. In the meantime, feel free to tweet me, or just reply to this email.

Sebastian (@sebastiansalek)

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MONDAY 19 JULY

Nationality and Borders Bill - 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
A wide-ranging bill reforming UK immigration laws after Brexit. Among other things: overhauls the system for asylum seekers, creating a new Temporary Protection Status for people who enter the UK illegally. (This will restrict family reunion rights and holders would have no recourse to public funds unless destitute.) Allows asylum seekers to be removed to a safe third country before their application for asylum is considered. Lowers the threshold for deportation for committing a criminal offence.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

TUESDAY 20 JULY

Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Bill
Requires dog owners to pay full compensation to farmers if livestock are killed in dog attacks. Currently a convicted dog owner can only be fined £1,000. Also requires police to record dog attacks on livestock, and allows them to obtain DNA from suspect dogs. Ten minute rule motion presented by Virginia Crosbie.

Nationality and Borders Bill - 2nd reading
As above.

WEDNESDAY 21 JULY

United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Pension Transfers (Parliamentary And Health Service Ombudsman Investigation) Bill
Enables the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (a body which investigates complaints about government departments) to investigate advice and information given by the government about transfers of pensions from the UK Atomic Energy Authority schemes to the AEA Technology pension scheme. AEA Technology was formed in 1996 when an offshoot of the Atomic Energy Authority was privatised. Employees were given a choice of two new pension schemes, which they were told would be at least as good as the old one, but some have said the difference in risk was not made clear. More information here. Ten minute rule motion presented by David Johnston.

Building Safety Bill - 2nd reading
Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland (part), Northern Ireland (part)
Implements recommendations from the Hackitt Review into building regulations and fire safety, commissioned after the Grenfell Tower fire. Among other things: creates the Building Safety Regulator, a body responsible for overseeing the safety and performance of all buildings. Introduces a "gateway" system, whereby building safety risks are considered at each stage of a building’s planning and design, construction, and pre-occupation.
Draft bill (PDF) / Commons Library briefing

THURSDAY 22 JULY

No votes scheduled

FRIDAY 22 JULY

No votes scheduled

Want more?
Check your MP's voting record and read the day's debates at TheyWorkForYou.

LAST WEEK'S VOTES

Passed

• Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill - goes to committee stage
• Electric Vehicle Charging Points (New Buildings) Bill - goes to 2nd reading
• Armed Forces Bill - goes to Lords
• Planning and Local Representation Bill - goes to 2nd reading
• Health and Care Bill - goes to committee stage
• Tibet and Xinjiang (Reciprocal Access) Bill - goes to 2nd reading

Click here to read details of the bills in last week's newsletter.

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