Geraint Davies
MP for Swansea West
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
I am trade rapporteur to the Council of Europe. My report, agreed upon by 46 member states, urges due diligence at borders to safeguard supply chains from human rights abuse and deforestation, alongside strengthening environmental protections against energy companies' interests, particularly in dispute mechanisms. Will you meet me to advance these proposals so that our trade agreements support a green planet rather than tarnish it?
Context
The MP is a trade rapporteur to the Council of Europe and authored a report endorsed by 46 member states. The report calls for due diligence measures to prevent human rights abuses and deforestation in supply chains, emphasizing environmental protection over energy company interests.
Nusrat Ghani
I have read the hon. Member's report, which I enjoyed reading despite losing many hours of my life. There are good points raised, especially regarding China's emissions being greater than those of USA and EU combined. The UK promotes our values globally through multilateral systems such as UN, WTO, OSCE, and Council of Europe. I am willing to sit down with the hon. Member and discuss his report.
Session: Safeguarding Democracy, Rights and the Environment 2023-05-18
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The chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, has just issued a report with 15 recommendations giving a route map on how to achieve these targets earlier. Will the Minister respond to that now, write in greater detail to me as the chair of the all-party group on air pollution, and come to a meeting to explain what progress the Government can make on these 15 objectives so that we can make faster progress and save more lives sooner?
Context
The question addresses the chief medical officer's recent report that outlines recommendations for achieving better air quality targets, including indoor air pollution and wood burners.
Rebecca Pow
I thank the hon. Member for that. I have met him many times on these issues, and I commend him for this work, but I have also met Professor Chris Whitty on this very subject. The hon. Member just needs to look at the forthcoming update of our clean air strategy. We are already working on many of the things that Chris Whitty has raised, and we have to get the Department of Health and Social Care to play its part as well.
Session: Air Quality 2023-03-30
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Will the Minister give an undertaking that Wales should get its fair 5% share of HS2— £5 billion—in the same way that Scotland will get its 8%, or £8 billion? Will he raise that with his colleagues in the Cabinet?
Context
The question is a follow-up, comparing rail enhancement investments to Wales (1.5% of UK) for its 5% population share compared to Scotland's 8% for an equal percentage.
John Lamont
The Welsh Government have actually received a significant uplift in their Barnett-based funding due to UK Government spending on HS2. I also point out that the UK Government have committed £2 billion for the period 2019 to 2024—more than double the £900 million invested between 2014 and 2019.
Session: Rail Funding HS2 Barnett Consequential 2023-03-29
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Whether he has made a comparative assessment of the level of additional rail funding provided to Scotland and Wales as a Barnett consequential of HS2. In other words, Wales has only had 1.5% of rail enhancement investment for the UK for 5% of the population, while Scotland gets 8% for its 8% of the population.
Context
The question stems from a comparison of rail enhancement investment between Wales and Scotland, noting that Wales receives only 1.5% for its 5% population share while Scotland gets 8%.
John Lamont
The Welsh Government have actually received a significant uplift in their Barnett-based funding due to UK Government spending on HS2. I also point out that the UK Government have committed £2 billion for the period 2019 to 2024—more than double the £900 million invested between 2014 and 2019.
Session: Rail Funding HS2 Barnett Consequential 2023-03-29
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I am concerned about rapes following needle or drink spiking. Is the government working with clubs on surveillance, scanning and testing? Has he written to the police so people do not say 'You're drunk, love'? How many convictions have followed cases of women being raped after being spiked, including by needles?
Context
Only one in 50 rape cases gets to court, and the Secretary of State has already confirmed that it can take over two years to get a prosecution.
Dominic Raab
The forensic capabilities are there, and it is illegal. It is just a question of gathering evidence to bring cases to court. Police referrals, CPS charges and Crown court receipts in adult rape cases have all increased by around 100%.
Session: Topical Questions 2023-03-28
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In light of the Windsor framework, which will provide more favourable economic conditions for trading in Northern Ireland, will the Secretary of State consider providing more transport infrastructure in Wales to mitigate that and to help Wales take advantage of more trade into Northern Ireland and into the single market via Ireland or Northern Ireland?
Context
The MP inquired about the provision of more transport infrastructure in Wales due to the Windsor framework.
Richard Holden
Welcomes Windsor framework; working closely with Welsh Government on rail network enhancements; will make announcements in due course.
Session: Topical Questions 2023-03-02
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Will he commit his officials to working with Transport for Wales to look at joint working and joint funding to move ahead together, so that we can deliver higher productivity, move towards net zero and strengthen the Union? Can we meet in due course to discuss progress?
Context
The question stems from the under-investment case for Wales regarding HS2 and a need to address higher productivity, net zero targets, and Union strength.
Huw Merriman
I very much enjoyed the meeting I had with the hon. Member and Professor Mark Barry in January. In regard to the point he makes about HS2, the UK Department for Transport is funded to spend money on heavy rail infrastructure in Wales, rather than the Welsh Government receiving Barnett-based funding. Conversely, the Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive receive Barnett-based funding, but rail in Scotland and Northern Ireland does not benefit from any UK Department for Transport spending. When it comes to the enhancement portfolio, which we are looking to publish shortly, we very much expect to be working with our partners across Wales, and I continue to make myself available to meet the hon. Member to hear his ideas.
Session: Railways Funding and HS2 2023-03-02
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How much funding his Department plans to provide for railways in (a) Wales and (b) England during the remaining HS2 construction period?
Context
The question arises from the concern over railway funding for Wales and England during the HS2 construction period.
Huw Merriman
Good morning, Mr Speaker. The HS2 construction period extends beyond the horizon of the five-year funding cycles for Network Rail. When it comes to the existing railway, £44 billion has been committed from 2024 to 2029—a 4% real terms increase on maintenance and renewals to keep the railway running safely and reliably.
Session: Railways Funding and HS2 2023-03-02
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The Secretary of State will be aware that higher levels of poverty give rise to higher healthcare costs and higher absolute numbers of people needing healthcare, so how can he justify the fact that Wales does not get its 5% share of High Speed 2—£5 billion—and is losing enormous amounts of money from EU funding, which he promised would be provided, and thousands of jobs in Welsh universities? We need that productivity to alleviate poverty and to put less pressure on the NHS. It is his fault that those waiting lists are growing.
Context
There are concerns about higher levels of poverty leading to increased healthcare demands and reduced EU funding affecting Wales.
David Davies
I certainly do not recognise the figures that the hon. Gentleman has come up with on HS2. The fact is that the UK Government have replaced EU funding in full through the shared prosperity fund, the community ownership fund, the community renewal fund, levelling-up funds and much else besides. The UK Government have also made certain that £1.20 is delivered per head of population for NHS care in Wales, as opposed to £1 in England. It is very hard for him to explain why Wales receives more money to deliver healthcare and yet delivers lower standards.
Session: Healthcare Provision 2023-03-01
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On food security and fish stocks, Newcastle University believes the mass killing of crabs, lobsters and other crustaceans off the north-east coast is due to dredging ahead of a freeport. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has dismissed it as a natural event due to algae bloom and has set up an inquiry. Will she commit to an independent evaluation of the evidence, to protect all coasts from massive destruction?
Context
Newcastle University believes the mass killing of crabs, lobsters and other crustaceans off the north-east coast is due to dredging ahead of a freeport. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has dismissed this as a natural event due to algae bloom and has set up an inquiry.
Therese Coffey
The impact on crabs is under investigation. The adequacy of UK's food security is unaffected by this event, which is the topic of this question.
Session: Food Security 2023-01-12
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Earlier, the Secretary of State mentioned the lack of long-range missiles in Ukraine. What drone capability has Ukraine got to take out missile sites from Belarus that illegally target civilians in Ukraine?
Context
Earlier, the Secretary of State mentioned lack of long-range missiles in Ukraine.
Ben Wallace
Ukraine has shown itself to be a master of innovation; developed several long-range drones having an effect. The real question here is scale and numbers, compared with the numbers that Russia is buying from Iran.
Session: Topical Questions 2022-12-12
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Vladimir Putin clearly plans to starve and freeze Ukraine this winter. What is being done to increase the number of armaments—not just from the UK but across Europe—so that Ukraine can gain ground now, not later?
Context
The question pertains to the UK's actions in increasing armament supplies for Ukraine as it prepares for a potential spring offensive, following Vladimir Putin's threat to starve and freeze Ukraine.
Ben Wallace
We have set up a fund which has accrued €600 million including donations from Norway and the Netherlands. We are training Ukrainian forces in the UK to use weapons systems effectively. Continued work with international partners will ensure delivery of necessary armaments throughout next year.
Session: Defence Relationships with European Allies 2022-12-12
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What steps she is taking to increase the proportion of cases relating to violence against women and girls that are prosecuted.
Context
The MP is concerned about the prosecution rates of cases related to violence against women and girls.
Michael Tomlinson
The Government have enacted new offences targeting predatory behaviour, including stalking, coercive and controlling behaviour, and upskirting. In the year ending June 2022, prosecutions for rape offences were 49% higher compared with pre-covid levels.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Prosecution Rates 2022-12-07
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How will the Minister look at improving rail journey times to Swansea given that travel times are not reducing as much for Wales compared to other regions? Will he meet me to discuss a fair share of £5 billion in funding?
Context
The MP is concerned about the disparity in rail investment between Scotland, which gets Barnett consequentials from HS2, and Wales.
Huw Merriman
The hon. Member is right that there are no direct Barnett consequentials from HS2 to Wales, but there are indirect benefits I can explain when we meet. Government funding for the operational railway was £1.27 per passenger kilometre in England and £2.39 in Wales and Scotland.
Session: Rail Funding in Wales 2022-11-24
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Whether he has plans to increase rail funding in Wales. The Minister will know that HS2 will reduce travel times from London to Manchester but the travel time to Swansea remains at about three hours. How is it that Scotland gets additional £8 billion in Barnett consequentials but Wales does not get its fair share of £5 billion for levelling up?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of rail investment in Wales compared to other regions.
Huw Merriman
This Government are investing through Network Rail up to £2 billion in the rail network in Wales over the current five-year control period. There are no direct Barnett consequentials from HS2 to Wales, but there are indirect benefits I can explain when we meet. The Office of Rail and Road reports that Government funding for the operational railway was £1.27 per passenger kilometre in England and £2.39 in Wales and Scotland.
Session: Rail Funding in Wales 2022-11-24
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What meetings has the Secretary of State had with the WTO about how freeports might undermine internationally agreed labour standards and carbon-intensive production?
Context
The MP raises concerns about freeports potentially undermining international labour standards and carbon-intensive production.
Robert Buckland
I assure him that in the prospectus he will see a specific reference to the Senedd's Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. Along with giving assurances as to our UK Government's standards, I can assure him that his concerns are unfounded.
Session: Freeports 2022-10-19
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Northern Ireland is poorer, it is less well, it is more dependent on public sector pay and it is going to be hit much harder by the cost of living crisis, so why do the UK Government not spend the £400 million that has been allocated but is not being spent because Stormont is not sitting directly on the people who need it most, rather than being preoccupied with cutting Northern Ireland off from the single market, which will make things even worse?
Context
There is allocated funding of £400 million for Northern Ireland which has not been spent because Stormont is not sitting. The question addresses why the UK Government does not spend this money directly.
Conor Burns
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to highlight the scale of the challenge. My right hon. Friend the Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Nadhim Zahawi), when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, came to Northern Ireland to meet the Communities Minister and the Economy Minister to seek ways that the UK Government could get help directly to people who need it so desperately in Northern Ireland.
Session: Cost of Living Increases 2022-09-07
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What steps the Government are taking to help tackle increases in the cost of living in Northern Ireland?
Context
The cost of living crisis is affecting Northern Ireland and other regions. The question seeks specific actions the government is taking to address this issue.
Conor Burns
The Government have taken decisive action to help tackle increases in the cost of living across the entirety of the United Kingdom, including support for the most vulnerable households in Northern Ireland, who will receive up to £1,000, including a one-off £650 cost of living payment. Yesterday, our new Prime Minister, whom we warmly welcome to office, made it clear that the Government will announce further action later this week.
Session: Cost of Living Increases 2022-09-07
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Will the Secretary of State give an undertaking that the level of defence support to Ukraine in the next six months will be as much as it was in the previous six months?
Context
The level of defence support to Ukraine needs to be maintained in terms of value and volume.
Ben Wallace
With all due respect to the hon. Gentleman, I will not categorise it in six-month blocks. As long as I am Defence Secretary, we will continue with the investment and the support to Ukraine, be it in hardware or software.
Session: Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Aggression 2022-07-18
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On average, two children in every class have a developmental language disorder. As chair of the all-party group on speech and language difficulties, I arranged a meeting with a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education. It was then cancelled because he was made Education Secretary. What process is in place to ensure that MPs' meetings with Ministers are sustained?
Context
The cancellation of a meeting between an MP and a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education due to the latter becoming the Education Secretary.
Kit Malthouse
As new Ministers take their positions over the summer, their diaries will naturally be reviewed. If the hon. Gentleman experiences significant delays in achieving the promised meeting, he should write to me.
Session: Topical Questions 2022-07-14
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Does the Minister's botched Brexit deal mean that further cuts in civil servants will lead to more service delays? The MP questioned the efficiency of such cuts and suggested a change in leadership for better governance.
Context
The MP criticized the government's approach to managing post-Brexit civil service roles and delays in public services.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
The result of Brexit is that we are free to make our own rules and diverge from the EU. The focus should be on efficiency, spending taxpayers' money wisely, and addressing socialist confusion regarding public service management.
Session: Public Services Civil Servants 2022-07-14
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I am glad that it took only four years. May I turn the Secretary of State's attention to EU carbon border taxes? Does she agree they will help boost UK exports to countries exporting steel products to the EU? Will she pursue a UK carbon border tax so Chinese dirty steel, twice the carbon footprint of British steel, does not undercut our steel, and work in harmony with the EU protecting jobs and exports, indeed the planet?
Context
Concern over EU carbon border taxes and their potential impact on UK steel exports, especially regarding Chinese dirty steel with a higher carbon footprint.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
The Treasury is looking closely at all those questions. Indeed, they are also the subject of discussions that I have had in some detail with my counterparts in the US and other nations. Thanks to the leadership that the UK offered at COP26, the question of how we manage these global questions is now right at the centre of all discussions. The EU is putting forward proposals, and I will continue to work with the Treasury as we think about how the UK wants to fit with that.
Session: UK Steel Exports 2022-04-21
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What steps she is taking to help increase exports of UK steel since US imposed tariffs? Last month I was pleased to reach a resolution with the US Government, and the tariff-free volumes that we have secured on steel and aluminium will mean that UK steel and aluminium exports to the US can return to levels not seen since before section 232 tariffs were imposed.
Context
Since 2018, US tariffs up to 25% have impacted UK steel exports. The question arises in the context of recent negotiations and a resolution reached with the US Government.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Last month I was pleased to reach a resolution with the US Government, and the tariff-free volumes that we have secured on steel and aluminium will mean that UK steel and aluminium exports to the US can return to levels not seen since before section 232 tariffs were imposed. The deal will deliver for our steel and aluminium industries across the country, and for the 80,000 UK jobs supported by the sector.
Session: UK Steel Exports 2022-04-21
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Vortex manufactures digital air quality monitors that are helping deliver local air quality schemes supported by the public. Given half a million children in schools suffer from toxic levels of air pollution, will the Minister provide such monitors across the country to drive public opinion and better air quality as per WHO standards?
Context
A company named Vortex manufactures high-quality, low-cost digital air quality monitors used to deliver local schemes with public support. Half a million children suffer from toxic levels of air pollution.
Jo Churchill
The hon. Gentleman is a very assiduous campaigner on this issue. Local authorities can choose to monitor outside schools but it may be better to target resources at improving air quality generally. The government gave £11.6 million yesterday, with more than £1 million for education following the coroner's report on Ella Kissi-Debrah. The Minister would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss further.
Session: Air Pollution 2022-03-10
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Whether his Department plans to monitor levels of toxic air pollution around schools. Air pollution has reached record lows but there remains a critical need to protect vulnerable groups, especially children. Last year, over £1 million was awarded to local authorities under the Department's air quality grant for projects targeting children. The questioner seeks clarity on future monitoring efforts and actions planned by the government.
Context
There is a need to address the impact of toxic air pollution on vulnerable groups, particularly children in and around schools.
Jo Churchill
Air pollution is at a record low, but more needs to be done to protect vulnerable groups. Last year, over £1 million was awarded to local authorities for projects specifically aimed at children's air quality improvement. Yesterday, the government announced grants worth more than £11 million across 40 local authorities with several focused on schools and their monitoring.
Session: Air Pollution 2022-03-10
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It takes three hours to get from London to Swansea; it takes three hours to get from London to Edinburgh. The reason is that only 1.5% of UK rail enhancement funding goes to Wales, even though it has 5% of the population and 11% of the railway lines. Will the Minister—with the support of the Secretary of State—urge the Treasury to provide funding as a share of HS2 to Wales on the same basis as it provides it to Scotland, given that HS2 is north-south, which would give us an extra £4.6 billion to level up and connect the Union?
Context
The MP notes that only 1.5% of UK rail enhancement funding goes to Wales, despite it having 5% of the population and 11% of railway lines. He asks for additional HS2 funding based on a proportional share.
Neil O'Brien
The 1% figure that the hon. Gentleman quotes is from a Welsh Government report, which looks only at a very small part of rail investment and does not give a correct picture of the wider investment in Wales that I described. HS2 will of course provide huge benefits to the people of north Wales, who will be connected much more rapidly to the rest of the country.
Session: Levelling Up Rail Investment in Wales 2022-03-07
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What assessment has been made of the potential effect on levelling up in Wales of rail enhancement investments?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of rail enhancement investments on levelling up in Wales.
Neil O'Brien
Investment in rail is a very important part of the levelling-up agenda. As well as the £2 billion for Network Rail in Wales over this control period, more than £340 million has been provided for enhancements in Welsh rail from 2019 to 2024. What is more, the UK Government are investing £30 million in the Global Centre of Rail Excellence, supporting about 120 jobs in Wales.
Session: Levelling Up Rail Investment in Wales 2022-03-07
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The Trussell Trust finds that three out of four referrals are disabled people, and the Office for National Statistics finds that people who work online at home are more likely to work longer and not retire early, particularly if they are disabled. So will the Chancellor, the Treasury and the Minister look at the idea of promoting working from home after the pandemic, to help enable people with disabilities and other people to be more productive, and at the same time target more support for those in greatest need, as we have found from the Trussell Trust?
Context
The Trussell Trust finds that three out of four referrals are disabled people, indicating the need for more targeted support.
Simon Clarke
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, and for the spirit in which he asks it. Over the course of the spending review we are investing £1 billion in disability-related programmes, and that is an aspect that I am happy to look at further. More broadly, the Government as a whole spend £58 billion a year on wider disability support, so we certainly take that area very seriously.
Session: Support for Lowest-income Households 2022-02-01
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Given that there are 6.6 million people in food insecurity with insufficient daily food, will my right hon Friend agree that this number could reach 10 million without intervention? Will he meet me and the co-operative movement to discuss solutions?
Context
The MP is concerned about food insecurity affecting millions of people due to rising prices, national insurance hikes, reduced universal credit, and a Select Committee report.
George Eustice (Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
We have the lowest spending on food as a percentage of household income in Europe. However, there are challenges for certain individuals, which is why we offer holiday funding.
Session: Topical Questions 2022-01-27
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A year after Phil Grant's death due to coronavirus at the DVLA, with 1,700 cumulative cases now, will you intervene to enable a scheme agreed by both unions and management to protect workers' safety?
Context
A year ago, Phil Grant of the DVLA tragically died from coronavirus. There have been over 700 reported cases since then. Unions and management agreed on new safety measures but they were not implemented.
Steve Barclay
I recognise the seriousness of the case. I express our sympathy for the family concerned. Under plan B, employees are encouraged to work from home where possible. The Secretary of State for Transport will pick up the case and I will raise it with him.
Session: Omicron Variant Support for Key Services 2022-01-13
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Specialist Workforce
22 March 2023
Responding: Claire Coutinho
Main Concerns
['The debate focuses on the urgent need for early intervention in speech and language difficulties, which can improve school performance and reduce social costs. There are significant challenges including long waiting lists, unclear thresholds for support, misdiagnosis of girls and young women as having mental health problems, and a lack of resources leading to suboptimal plans. Parents often feel neglected and unsupported, with many resorting to private services at great cost.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP calls on the government to commit to meeting with all-party groups to discuss special educational needs, engage the SEND in The Specialists coalition in planning, provide a plan for improving access to specialist support immediately, define the SEND specialist workforce holistically, address recruitment and retention issues, and elaborate on funding commitments to ensure timely speech and language therapy.']
Metropolitan Police: Casey Review
21 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ways and Means
20 March 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered a Budget that addresses the Prime Minister's five priorities: halving inflation, growing the economy, reducing debt, cutting waiting lists and stopping illega...
Welsh Affairs
02 March 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Honouring Saint David’s Day, Carolyn Harris emphasised the importance of focusing on what is best for Welsh communities amidst global turmoil. She paid tribute to influential Labour MPs from Wales and...
Labour Market Activity
28 February 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls for the government to address rising unemployment and economic inactivity, particularly among older individuals and those with health issues. It emphasises that recent employment supp...
Northern Ireland Protocol
27 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Voter Identification
21 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water Company Performance
21 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Environmental Improvement Plan 2023
01 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Clean Air
31 January 2023
General Debate
Led by this MP
Moves a Bill to establish the right to breathe clean air, reduce indoor and outdoor pollution including greenhouse gases, mandate monitoring of air quality, enforce legislation through the Office for ...
Not specified in the provided text - Clause being debated not specified, but related to 'Assimilated law': consequential amendments
18 January 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. The specific content and purpose of the amendment or clause are not detailed in this snippet.
0
PMQs Asked
30
Ministerial Questions Asked
37
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
1
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1366 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.5
Ministerial Questions
+77% above average
This MP:
30
Average:
16.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-55% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.2
Commons Chamber Debates
+893% above average
This MP:
37
Average:
3.7
Statements / Bills Proposed
-89% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
8.8
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
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 Geraint Davies's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.