12 July 2021

Below is an RSN review of last week's rural related politics as well as a look forward to the week ahead:

Last week in politics (19 July - 25 July)

On 20th July 2021, a debate was held on Rural Banking Services led primarily by Fay Jones MP (Con) where she advocated for the availability of cash and the importance of banking infrastructure in rural areas, highlighting the effect that digitalised banking services has had on older and vulnerable people as well as lower income households and those without internet access throughout the pandemic. Jim Shannon MP (DUP) raised the important parallel between banking and broadband services and that the sectors must collaborate to provide better services for these disadvantaged people. Robin Millar MP (Con) added that public transport exuberates the issue as commuting to available counter services has become increasingly difficult for those living in rural areas. Alex Davies-Jones MP (Lab) also mentioned the hypocrisy of the banking industry whereby local communities helped keep them running during their own crisis a few years back. This debate was concluded by a response from John Glen MP (The Economic Secretary to the Treasury).

On 22nd July 2021, George Eustice MP (The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was questioned by the house on the National Food Strategy’s effects on small-scale family farms. During a debate on the Business of the House, on 22nd July, David Johnston MP (Con) highlighted The Telegraph’s “Keep Cash” campaign and asked for a statement from the Government to make “clear that people who want to be able to access and use cash will always be able to do so”. In response, the Leader of the House, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP (Con), replied that the Government recognises that access to cash remains important to millions across the UK and it is committed to legislating to protect access to cash and ensuring that the UK’s cash infrastructure is sustainable in the longer term.

This week in politics (26 July - 1 August)

Parliament concluded its last sitting for this session on Thursday 22nd July 2021 and will now be on recess, returning Monday 6th September 2021.