Richard Baker
MP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Does the Prime Minister agree with Audit Scotland that there is no clear NHS strategy in Scotland? Will SNP Ministers improve services given more funds?
Context
Audit Scotland found no clear plan for the NHS in Scotland. Long waiting times persist despite additional funding.
Keir Starmer
I am grateful to my hon Friend. Waiting lists are appalling and the Scottish Government have no excuses now they have funding.
Session: PMQs 2024-12-04
View Full Session -->
What assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing a cap on the resale of concert tickets. This summer, thousands of music fans in Scotland were dismayed at having to pay hugely inflated prices to see their favourite bands, including Oasis, so my right hon. Friend’s announcement on capping the resale price of tickets will be welcome news for all those fans. Will she consider what further measures can be taken to ensure a fair deal on ticket prices for concert-goers across the UK?
Context
Fans have been paying inflated prices for concert tickets, leading to concerns about exploitation by touts in the live events industry.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
For too long, fans have been exploited by touts seeking to profiteer from the UK’s booming live events industry. Last week, we announced that time is up for ticket touts and that change is coming, by introducing a cap on the price that tickets can be resold for. We estimate that this will save fans over £100 million a year. Among the measures that we have introduced recently are resale volume limits to prevent people from reselling more tickets than they were entitled to buy in the primary sale. The Competition and Markets Authority will be able to fine non-compliant platforms up to 10% of their annual turnover, which could mean multimillion-pound fines for rogue firms if they target UK consumers.
Session: Resale of Concert Tickets 2025-11-27
View All Questions -->
The recruitment of 14 new apprentices at the Methil yard in my constituency, which was saved from bankruptcy by this Labour Government protecting 200 skilled apprenticeships, is in stark contrast to the failure of the SNP on apprenticeships in the defence sector. That means that many companies struggle to recruit skilled workers locally. Will my right hon. Friend work with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence to promote Methil as a prime location for future defence contracts so that Navantia UK can create more new apprenticeships at the yard and work successfully with a Scottish Labour Government at Holyrood?
Context
The MP highlights the recruitment of 14 new apprentices at Methil yard, which was saved from bankruptcy by the Labour Government. He contrasts this with the SNP's failure to support apprenticeships in the defence sector.
The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Douglas Alexander)
I met with Navantia management in Fife on Monday, and I met with the Minister responsible for defence procurement yesterday. There are huge opportunities thanks to my hon. Friend’s powerful advocacy of the workforce in Methil and the work that we can do together.
Session: Defence Sector Skills and Training 2025-11-26
View All Questions -->
With increasing incidents of antisocial behaviour and falling police numbers in Scotland, will the Minister assure me that she will share learning from the safer streets initiative with SNP Ministers, as it is rolled out, to encourage them to raise their game on this issue? Will she also join me and Police Scotland in Fife in praising Kingdom Off Road motorcycle club in my constituency, which is such a success in running activities that divert young people from antisocial behaviour?
Context
The MP noted increasing incidents of antisocial behaviour in Scotland and falling police numbers, highlighting the need for effective measures to address this issue. He mentioned the success of Kingdom Off Road motorcycle club in his constituency.
The Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)
We will learn lessons over the summer from our initiative and our blitz on town centres, and I am willing to share that with SNP Ministers. I commend the work with young people that is going on in his constituency.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour 2025-07-07
View All Questions -->
When my right hon. Friend discusses with SNP Ministers, through announcements made this week, the huge employment opportunities that this Government have created for young people in Scotland, will he impress on them the urgent need to finally tackle the persistent—and in some areas widening—attainment gap faced by pupils from poorer backgrounds? These concerns are often raised by residents of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.
Context
The SNP Scottish Government's failure to address the persistent attainment gap faced by pupils from poorer backgrounds.
The Secretary of State for Scotland (Ian Murray)
Last year, 1,351 pupils left high school in Scotland without a single qualification. One in six Scots is not in education, employment or training. The SNP Scottish Government's legacy includes opposing the defence industry and trade deals with the EU, India and the US.
Session: School Standards 2025-06-04
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister agree that shipyards—such as Methil in my constituency, which has been saved by this Government—have fantastic opportunities to benefit from increased defence spending in the UK, and from initiatives such as Programme Euston? Will she continue to do all she can to identify opportunities for Scottish yards, including Methil?
Context
Shipyards like Methil in the constituency have benefited from Government support, with Programme Euston aiming to deliver engineering capability.
The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle)
Programme Euston is a £2 billion investment aiming to deliver resilient out-of-water engineering capability at HMNB Clyde by the early 2030s. Market engagement is under way, but it is too early to let my hon. Friend know of any kind of outcome. However, I recognise the skills and experience at Methil, and I welcome the certainty that Navantia UK’s purchase of Harland and Wolff has brought to that facility.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-05-19
View All Questions -->
Does my right hon. Friend agree that there is huge potential for carbon capture and storage to play a key role in our green energy ambitions for Scotland? As we look towards the spending review, does he agree that the Acorn project presents an excellent and efficient opportunity to invest in CCUS, and to reduce the carbon impact of industries across Scotland, because it will repurpose existing pipelines?
Context
The MP seeks to understand the government's stance on supporting the Acorn project in Scotland.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
I congratulate my hon. Friend. He is a fantastic advocate for the Acorn project, of which we are hugely supportive. Track 1 projects were agreed in last year’s Budget—a fiscal event, a fiscal moment—and the Government are considering those projects ahead of the next phase of the spending review, which will come in June; but I do not think that anyone doubts the potential value of the Acorn project, not just to Scotland but to the whole United Kingdom.
Session: Carbon Capture and Storage 2025-03-18
View All Questions -->
What steps her Department is taking to help support victims of knife crime through the criminal justice system? Does she agree that this support will continue to be essential, and that it is crucial to work alongside devolved Administrations to raise awareness of the tragic impact of knife crime on communities across the UK?
Context
The question follows a series of deeply concerning knife offences involving young people in Glenrothes and Mid Fife, highlighting the community's strong feelings about knife crime and online sales of knives.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
I thank my hon. Friend for that really important question. As a Member of Parliament representing a devolved nation, I wholly agree. It is important that we work across the board to tackle this issue, which is not solely about England; all of us must do better. The Government are taking firm action and putting in place stronger consequences for carrying a knife. They are also cracking down on the sale of dangerous knives, and have announced Ronan’s law, a range of measures that will include stricter rules for online retailers selling knives.
Session: Knife Crime Victims 2025-03-11
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to strengthen the Union. Does the Minister agree that close collaboration by the UK and Welsh Governments to deliver the industrial strategy is essential for economic growth in Wales? Will she explain how joint working will help Welsh industry?
Context
The MP seeks to discuss steps being taken by the government to strengthen the Union, focusing on collaboration between UK and Welsh Governments.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Dame Nia Griffith)
Through our new Council of Nations and Regions and regular engagement between the Secretary of State and the First Minister, our two Governments are collaborating more closely than ever before. This means that we can deliver for Wales in new ways—on the NHS and on rail—as well as creating new job opportunities by delivering freeports, establishing investment zones and developing our industrial strategy to attract investment in critical areas such as offshore wind. The Secretary of State has established an innovative economic advisory group to enable the UK and Welsh Governments, business leaders, trade unions and experts to work together to pursue opportunities for growth and jobs, and to attract investment.
Session: Strengthening the Union 2025-01-29
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister agree that the arts, musicians and the wider creative sector play a vital role in our economy, which is why working to negotiate a deal with touring artists is so important? Will the Minister confirm that this is still a priority for him?
Context
The MP notes that UK's arts sector is vital to the economy.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
My hon. Friend makes a good point, and I can confirm that our priority remains ensuring that UK artists can continue to perform and promote themselves around the world. That is why the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working collaboratively with the creative sector and across Government to address key issues for our brilliant artists and their support staff touring the EU.
Session: Relations with the EU 2025-01-23
View All Questions -->
Does my right hon. Friend agree that ending the injustice of the mineworkers’ pension scheme is great news not only for the 849 former mineworkers in my constituency who will benefit, but for the economies of the local communities where they live, which were left behind by the previous Government? Will he and his colleagues in government continue to engage with the trustees of the British Coal staff superannuation scheme to ensure that, in the same way, the funds built up in that scheme are used for the benefit of its members?
Context
The MP highlights the importance of the mineworkers' pension scheme for former miners in his constituency, referencing specific local impacts.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and his work on behalf of his constituents. He may know that, in the previous Parliament, I and colleagues worked on the mineworkers’ pension scheme through the Business and Trade Committee to lay the ground for the initiatives that this Government were quickly able to implement on coming into government. Unfortunately, that work had not yet been done for the British Coal staff superannuation scheme, which is why Ministers are meeting the scheme’s trustees to consider the options.
Session: Former Mineworkers’ Pensions 2025-01-21
View All Questions -->
The urgent need for independent scrutiny of the Church’s safeguarding procedures was highlighted both by the Makin report and by the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse. What are the current arrangements for independent scrutiny of safeguarding following the dismissal of the Church’s independent safeguarding board? What is the timescale for having a permanent system for independent scrutiny in place?
Context
Both the Makin report and the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse highlighted the need for independent oversight of the Church’s safeguarding measures.
Marsha De Cordova
Independent scrutiny of the Church’s safeguarding work is extremely important. The Church commissioned a series of audits on dioceses and cathedrals by independent safeguarding experts, and several have been completed and published. The independently chaired national safeguarding panel, which includes victims and survivors among its members, currently scrutinises safeguarding.
Session: Makin Review 2025-01-16
View All Questions -->
How is my right hon. Friend ensuring collaboration across Government and with the Scottish Government to deliver the mission for growth through investment in renewables?
Context
The question concerns the collaboration between UK and Scottish governments for renewable energy projects, specifically mentioning GB Energy headquartered in Scotland.
Pat McFadden
Good progress includes setting up Great British Energy, headquartered in Aberdeen. Co-operation between UK and Scottish Governments has been good to support clean power economic opportunities.
Session: Government’s Five Missions 2024-12-05
View All Questions -->
For regional and island airports, accessibility equipment can carry significant cost in proportion to the number of passengers using the facility. However, it remains vital that disabled passengers' access is supported. What action is the Secretary of State taking to support smaller airports in this regard?
Context
The question addresses the need to support smaller airports in providing necessary accessibility equipment despite potential high costs.
Louise Haigh
Airports are represented in the accessibility task and finish group through their trade association, AirportsUK, and both large and smaller airports are represented individually as well. We will work closely with the industry to look at what voluntary measures can be adopted as we also consider enforcement powers for the Civil Aviation Authority.
Session: Aviation Accessibility for Disabled People 2024-11-21
View All Questions -->
I associate myself with the tributes to Lord Prescott. As a sponsor of the Aviation (Accessibility) Bill, introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Bexleyheath and Crayford (Daniel Francis), I welcome the Secretary of State's announcement of the new expert group to break down the barriers to air travel that are still experienced by far too many disabled people. Does she agree that ensuring all disabled people have the ability to travel on flights safely and with dignity must now be a priority for the whole aviation industry?
Context
The question follows a tribute to Lord Prescott, focusing on the need for improved accessibility in aviation for disabled individuals.
Louise Haigh
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend and pay tribute to him and my hon. Friend the Member for Bexleyheath and Crayford (Daniel Francis) for their ten-minute rule Bill on this important issue. The human impact for too many people with accessibility issues when flying is severe and that is why it is this Government's priority to set up the accessibility task and finish group. We are requiring the industry to match our ambition.
Session: Aviation Accessibility for Disabled People 2024-11-21
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister agree that it is unacceptable that more than 40,000 people in Fife are not registered with an NHS dentist? Will he share any learning from this Government's action to increase access to dentistry with his colleagues in the Scottish Government, and urge them to fulfil their responsibilities so that people in my constituency can get the dental treatment that they need?
Context
The MP noted that over 40,000 people in Fife are not registered with an NHS dentist. He suggested sharing learning from the Government's action to increase access to dentistry with his colleagues in the Scottish Government.
Stephen Kinnock
Responsibility for dental services in Scotland is of course a matter for the Scottish Government, but Governments across the UK work together to spread best practice and deliver on our common goals. The Scottish National party Government have an extra £1.5 billion this year, and £3.4 billion next year, through the Barnett formula. I hope that they will prioritise health, including dentistry, and undo some of the damage that they themselves have done to dentistry in Scotland.
Session: NHS Dentists Access 2024-11-19
View All Questions -->
Does he agree that 200 skilled workers at Methil and those at Arnish have a vital contribution to make to our ambitions to grow our renewable sector, and also that all stakeholders have a vital role in securing the long-term future of these yards?
Context
The MP has been working closely with unions at the Methil yard during restructuring.
Ian Murray
I acknowledge his efforts and those of many hon. Friends in advocating for the Methil fabrication yard, which has a world-class workforce. We will do everything we can to make sure that they have a bright future.
Session: Energy Industry 2024-09-04
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to support the energy industry in Scotland. The creation of Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean energy company capitalised with £8.3 billion, will be headquartered in Scotland and help create thousands of jobs while delivering energy security and lower prices permanently for consumers. Just this week, over 130 renewable projects were awarded contracts under the sixth allocation for the contracts for difference scheme.
Context
The MP notes the importance of supporting the Scottish energy sector.
Ian Murray
Scotland is at the forefront of this Government's mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030. Great British Energy, capitalised with £8.3 billion, will be headquartered in Scotland and help create thousands of jobs while delivering energy security and lower prices permanently for consumers. The sixth allocation for the contracts for difference scheme has awarded over 130 renewable projects.
Session: Energy Industry 2024-09-04
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Shipyards: Economic Growth
18 March 2025
Responding: Sarah Jones
Main Concerns
["Shipyards are iconic symbols of the UK's industrial heritage, and their closure can cause significant economic and social impact. The Methil yard faced real threats of closure shortly after the current government took office, affecting not only its workers but also those in other Harland and Wolff yards like Belfast, Appledore, and Arnish. Despite efforts to secure a deal for Navantia UK to take on all four yards, there is disappointment over yesterday’s announcement that a £175 million contract for seven loch-class vessels did not go to Scottish shipyards."]
Specific Asks
["Richard Baker asks the government to show more ambition for Scotland's shipyards and ensure future investments and contracts are directed towards them. He emphasizes the strategic role of shipyards in promoting economic growth, highlighting that their economic output was £2.7 billion in 2024 with a 72% increase between 2019 and 2024."]
China and Japan 2026-02-02
02 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister outlined the importance of engaging with both China and Japan to safeguard national interests. He discussed his recent visit, highlighting the strengthening of UK-US relations, rese...
New Towns 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The New Towns Act of 1946 aimed to address severe housing shortages, overcrowding, and poor living conditions post-war by planning whole communities with homes alongside jobs, schools, services, and g...
Safeguarding 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
The lead MP questioned what steps the Church of England is taking to establish an independent safeguarding system. He emphasised the need for no further delay in adopting a fully independent model for...
Ukraine 2026-01-14
14 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office commends the support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and outlines the UK's commitment to peace negotiations. He highlights th...
Business of the House 2026-01-08
08 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The MP expressed dissatisfaction with the Government’s practice of making significant policy announcements when Parliament is not sitting. He cited several examples of U-turns on policies related to i...
UK-EU Common Understanding Negotiations 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government were elected with a manifesto commitment to reset relations with European partners; to fix the bad deal passed on by the previous government; and to support jobs here in the UK. A new s...
INEOS Chemicals Grangemouth 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
St Andrew’s Day and Scottish Affairs 2025-12-11
11 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The hon. Member for Dunfermline and Dollar began by noting the importance of St Andrew’s Day, celebrating Scotland's connection to its patron saint and the qualities that define Scottish society: a ge...
Budget Resolutions 2025-11-27
27 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Chancellor is destroying the economy by putting up taxes, which has led to increased unemployment, diminished living standards, higher inflation and lost fiscal headroom. Labour's economic policy,...
Ukraine Forcible Removal of Children 2025-11-20
20 November 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the UK is resolute in supporting Ukraine and its defence, particularly regarding reports of territorial concessions being considered? What are the government's views on ...
Attendance
40.9%
9 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
3
13.6% of votes
No Votes
6
27.3% of votes
Abstentions
13
59.1% of votes
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 63 Stand part
Ayes: 348
Noes: 167
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 25
Ayes: 187
Noes: 351
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 24
Ayes: 184
Noes: 331
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
1
PMQs Asked
17
Ministerial Questions Asked
32
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
22
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 649 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-48% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+114% above average
This MP:
17
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1253% above average
This MP:
32
Average:
2.4
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
5.1
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.2
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-46% below average
This MP:
40.9
Average:
75.6
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Richard Baker's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.