Alan Brown
MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Mr Speaker, imagine seeing the car in front of you swerving erratically or braking suddenly for no reason, risking your car slamming into the back and endangering those daft enough not to wear seatbelts. These are not actions of a drunk or reckless driver but my constituent's experience using Tesla in autopilot mode—software that is still in beta phase but deemed suitable for public roads. Will the Prime Minister meet me to discuss issues with Tesla's autopilot, and will he instigate an urgent critical safety review?
Context
A constituent reported erratic and sudden behavior from their Tesla in autopilot mode, which is still in beta. The constituent requests a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss urgent critical safety reviews.
Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)
I am sorry to hear about what happened to my hon. Friend's constituent. I will ensure that he gets a meeting with the Transport Secretary to discuss the safe regulation of autonomous and self-driving vehicles.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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The Treasury receives an additional £65 billion in revenue from Scotland's oil and gas, but it has allocated only £20 billion to carbon capture and there is nothing for Scotland. It has cut the renewable energy budget by a third. It has allocated only £10 million to Scotland's world-leading tidal stream, and has failed to back pumped storage hydro, yet it wants us to contribute our share towards the £35 billion Sizewell C nuclear power station. Is it not the case that within the Union, Scotland is the energy but Westminster takes the powers?
Context
The Treasury has received £65 billion in revenue from Scotland's oil and gas industry but allocated only £20 billion to carbon capture, cut the renewable energy budget by a third, and provided minimal funding for tidal stream projects despite interest in Sizewell C nuclear power station.
Rishi Sunak
We are not only supporting Scotland's North sea oil and gas industry but providing £20 billion of funding for further carbon capture and storage. We want to work with and provide clarity for Acorn on its future path. The hon. Gentleman raised tidal power; I am pleased to tell him that it is now included in the contracts for difference allocations. There has been 40 MW of new tidal stream power from four projects across Scotland and Wales in the last year. That is this Government delivering energy security across the United Kingdom.
Assessment
The Prime Minister acknowledged some support but did not address the specific funding cuts or the £35 billion Sizewell C nuclear power station contribution request.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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Tory ideology has blocked onshore wind development in Scotland for years. The Peterhead carbon capture cluster has lost out on funding twice and is still only classed as a reserve. Pump storage hydro schemes have been blocked because the UK Government will not discuss a pricing mechanism. If the Prime Minister actually cares about net zero and Scottish jobs, will he at least take action to advance Peterhead carbon capture and storage and pump storage hydro in Scotland?
Context
Tory ideology has blocked onshore wind development in Scotland for years, with the Peterhead carbon capture cluster losing out on funding twice and pump storage hydro schemes being blocked due to lack of pricing mechanism discussion.
Rishi Sunak
Not only are we supporting in this country carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and offshore wind—all new technologies that will help us to get to net zero and will create jobs in Scotland—but we are supporting our transition. That is good for the Scottish economy and good for Scottish jobs, and something the SNP would do well to support.
Assessment
The answer did not address the specific ask about advancing Peterhead carbon capture and storage or pump storage hydro projects but instead discussed general support for new technologies and transition.
Discussed General Support
Did Not Address Specific Projects
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister's Government have found billions for nuclear but nothing for the Scottish carbon capture cluster and nothing for pumped-storage hydro. Now the Government are at risk of failing tidal stream generation, a technology in which Scotland is a world leader. The ask is for a £71 million ringfenced marine port in next month's energy auction. The Prime Minister has a choice: provide this money and allow continued scaling up and commercial success, based on a UK supply chain, or see the manufacturing jobs move abroad. What is it going to be?
Context
The UK is at risk of losing manufacturing jobs in tidal stream generation to foreign markets.
Boris Johnson
I am glad the hon Gentleman asks that question, because I can tell him and the right hon Member for Ross, Skye and Lochaber (Ian Blackford) that we will be including support for tidal stream to the value of £20 million in the upcoming contract for difference auction.
Assessment
£71 million ringfenced marine port
Including £20 Million Support
Session: PMQs
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Opinion polls show a majority in favour of Scottish independence. Does the PM agree this is due to being 'lumbered with' a Prime Minister who values £1 spent elsewhere more than in Scotland?
Context
Concern over opinion polls showing majority support for Scottish independence.
Boris Johnson
Claims SNP is failing on education, crime, and taxation; supports an Administration who spends money better.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister ensure that HMRC clarifies the matter and considers an extension to the furlough deadline? If Shorterm is found to be bluffing, what will he do to stop companies treating workers like numbers on a spreadsheet?
Context
Brown mentioned that an agency in BA's supply chain, Shorterm, did not pay staff during the crisis claiming they were awaiting clarification from HMRC about furlough. Workers have been made redundant after 10 weeks with no income.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
I am concerned about the behaviour of some companies, and many colleagues in the House will have received similar representations from their constituents. I do not want to single anyone out, but it is important that companies recognise that the Government —the taxpayer—have gone to huge lengths to help and to put our arms around UK business. They should do what they can as well to look after their workers in very difficult times, because those workers will stand them in good stead when the economy turns up again.
Session: PMQs
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When will the Government get the mechanism in place, and will they meet their unambitious target of five SAF plants by 2025?
Context
Other countries are getting ahead in SAF production, while the UK is consulting on a revenue certainty mechanism.
Anthony Browne
The SAF mandate was published on 25 April, requiring 10% SAF across aviation by 2030. An eight-week consultation on the revenue certainty mechanism has been announced.
Session: Topical Questions
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Operators and local authorities are preparing to procure Chinese-built buses due to cost pressures, despite UK manufacturers being ready for a green revolution. What will be done to back British bus manufacturers and secure their role in decarbonisation?
Context
The MP is concerned about the reliance on Chinese imports and lack of industrial strategy for UK bus manufacturers.
Mark Harper
The Trade Remedies Authority investigates unfair competition with subsidised imports. UK Export Finance supports Wrightbus with £76 million for exports. The Government supports businesses through the Advanced Propulsion Centre and UK Export Finance.
Session: Bus Manufacturing
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What steps are being taken to support the bus manufacturing industry in the UK? The UK Government could do more, as Mick Whelan of ASLEF noted that other countries prioritize their own industries in transport contracts. Why does the UK continue to rely on Chinese imports and not implement similar procurement policies?
Context
The MP is concerned about the support for UK bus manufacturers.
Mark Harper
UK bus manufacturers have benefited from Government funding for decarbonisation. Over 5,200 buses have been funded since February 2020 with £460 million in ZEBRA funding. UK manufacturers are competitive and the Trade Remedies Authority investigates unfair competition.
Session: Bus Manufacturing
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Will she step up to the plate and meet Parkinson's UK to hear directly its concerns about the changes to welfare reform for those suffering from Parkinson's?
Context
Parkinson's UK has raised concerns about changes to the work capability assessment. The Minister agreed to meet the organisation in November but there has been no follow-up.
Mims Davies
I recently met people who were diagnosed with Parkinson's early and am happy to meet more broadly with Parkinson's UK. I engage with advocates for disabled people at events in the House, and will pick up the meeting soon if not already scheduled.
Session: Welfare Reform Disabled People
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What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the Government's proposed welfare reforms on disabled people?
Context
Discussions on the potential impact of proposed welfare reforms on disabled individuals are ongoing.
Mims Davies
The Department engages regularly with the Cabinet Office on different options for reshaping the current welfare system set out in the health and disability Green Paper, including on the potential impact on claimants with different health conditions.
Session: Welfare Reform Disabled People
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Considering that tribunal fees previously led to a significant drop in cases and were deemed unlawful, why is the Government considering reintroducing these fees when many organisations including the TUC, Citizens Advice, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and Liberty are calling for reconsideration?
Context
The MP questions the government's intention to reintroduce employment tribunal fees despite concerns raised by numerous organisations.
Gareth Bacon
The courts Minister has written to the Senior President of Tribunals conveying concerns raised during parliamentary scrutiny of the statutory instrument, and a meeting with the Senior President is scheduled to discuss these proposals.
Session: Employment Tribunal Panels
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What recent assessment has the Minister made of the effectiveness of proposed reforms to employment tribunal panels, given that the introduction of tribunal fees led to a 54% drop in case numbers and was deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court?
Context
The MP asks about an assessment of proposed reforms to employment tribunal panels following a previous drop in cases due to fees.
Gareth Bacon
The Senior President of Tribunals intends to publish responses to the consultation on proposed reforms shortly. The Lord Chancellor and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice will meet the Senior President tomorrow as part of their duty to consult before making these arrangements.
Session: Employment Tribunal Panels
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The Minister does not understand what 'real terms' means. The analysis shows that real-terms cut to the block grant for capital by £1.6 billion over two years further deprives our economy of a wider £3 billion. Why are these cuts being made?
Context
Analysis by the Institution of Civil Engineers shows a multiplier effect from construction spending, suggesting significant economic impact from reduced infrastructure spend in Scotland.
Laura Trott
The Scottish Government are well funded to deliver their devolved responsibilities, receiving 25% more funding on average per person than the equivalent UK Government spending in other parts. This translates to £8.5 billion more a year on average.
Session: Block Grant Funding
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the Spring Budget 2024 on levels of block grant funding for Scotland? Concerns have been raised about public services and economic impacts.
Context
Assessment requested of Spring Budget's effect on levels of block grant funding for Scotland, following concerns raised about public services and economic impacts.
Laura Trott
As a result of decisions at the spring Budget, the Scottish Government are receiving around £295 million in additional funding in 2024-25 through the Barnett formula.
Session: Block Grant Funding
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The Minister said that Israel has a duty to protect civilians, but in the west bank there have been 400 deaths. There are now testimonies from Palestinian civilians, including women and children, who have been subject to kidnap, torture and abuse at the hands of Israeli settlers, yet the UK Government have sanctioned only four illegal settlers. What further action are the UK Government going to take against settlers?
Context
400 deaths and testimonies from Palestinian civilians who have faced kidnap, torture, and abuse at the hands of Israeli settlers.
Andrew Mitchell
I really do not think that that would be a very sensible thing to do. We do not comment across the Floor of the House on who is about to be sanctioned or where the sanctions regime is going, but the hon. Member may rest assured that we keep these matters under very careful review.
Session: Israeli Occupation of the West Bank
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What recent assessment has been made of the implications for UK policies of the Israeli occupation of the west bank? There have been 400 deaths and testimonies from Palestinian civilians who have faced kidnap, torture, and abuse at the hands of Israeli settlers. The UK Government have sanctioned only four illegal settlers. What further action are the UK Government going to take against settlers?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the implications of Israeli policies in the West Bank, citing specific human rights violations and deaths.
Andrew Mitchell
Israel must not undermine prospects for peace and security in the west bank. As the occupying power, Israel must protect the civilian population.
Session: Israeli Occupation of the West Bank
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Medicine shortages have doubled in two years. How is the Government addressing this, particularly regarding post-Brexit regulations?
Context
The MP mentions medicine shortages doubling in the last two years due to post-Brexit regulatory changes and currency issues.
Andrew Stephenson
The Department has no evidence linking EU exit to sustained medicine shortages. Shortages occur for various reasons and affect many countries.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why do this Government think it is right that Church of England bishops in the House of Lords can have greater say on legislation affecting Scotland than the Scottish Parliament, and when will there ever be meaningful reform to the bloated House of Lords?
Context
The MP is concerned about the influence of Church of England bishops in legislation affecting Scotland within the House of Lords.
Alex Burghart
As the hon. Gentleman will have heard me say in a Westminster Hall debate not so long ago, it remains a great pity that the SNP refuses to play in the House of Lords. The fact is that the people of Scotland rejected the idea of an independent Scotland some time ago, and it would have been to the benefit of his constituents and others around Scotland if his party had had the good sense to ask for people to be put in the upper House.
Session: Topical Questions
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The last published Government estimate for Sizewell C is £20 billion, but Hinkley Point C, the supposed prototype for Sizewell C, is now estimated to cost £48 billion. When will the Government admit that the actual cost of Sizewell C will be a colossal £50 billion noose around bill payers' necks?
Context
The last published cost estimate for Sizewell C is £20 billion, but Hinkley Point C has now reached an estimated £48 billion. The SNP argues this suggests a potential overestimation for Sizewell C.
Andrew Bowie
The SNP, blinded by a misplaced belief in its own exceptionalism, seems almost alone in the world in not recognising the benefits of new nuclear when it comes to meeting our net zero objectives, delivering our energy security and improving our baseload. At last year's COP, 30 countries around the world came together to commit to increasing nuclear-generated capacity by 30%. It would be brilliant if Scotland could be part of that change, but the SNP and its luddite partners in the Green party are holding Scotland back.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Minister talks of fairness, but the fact is that during the cost of living crisis nearly a million more struggling pensioners will start paying income tax, because of the freeze in personal allowance rates, while the Government protect some of the richest members of society through non-domicile status. Scrapping that status could bring the Treasury an extra £3 billion a year. Why do the Government not do the right thing and bring in that extra money to protect pensioners and the lowest paid?
Context
During a cost of living crisis, the question addresses the disparity between struggling pensioners facing increased taxes and non-domiciles with protected tax statuses. The question highlights potential revenue gains from scrapping non-dom status.
Nigel Huddleston
Non-doms contributed about £8.5 billion in taxes in 2022, and have contributed to investment to the tune of £7 billion since 2012. The hon. Gentleman will be well aware that scrapping their status would not be risk-free in a world in which people can be quite mobile, and could damage the UK's competitiveness. As for the need for other support, that is exactly why we have been reducing national insurance rates, for example.
Session: Non-dom Status Abolition
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Whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of abolishing non-domiciled tax status.
Context
The question arises from a debate on the merits of abolishing non-domiciled tax status, which is under scrutiny for its impact on UK's fiscal policy and social equity.
Nigel Huddleston
The Government want the UK to have a fair but internationally competitive tax system, designed to bring in talented individuals and investment that contributes to the growth of the economy. Non-doms play an important role in funding our public services through their tax contributions. They pay tax on their UK source income and gains in the same way as everyone else.
Session: Non-dom Status Abolition
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What assessment have the Government made on the number of additional Palestinians now at risk due to pulling UNRWA funding?
Context
The UK Government's decision to pull funding from UNRWA, the day after the International Court of Justice called for increased aid to Gaza, has been criticized by 21 aid agencies.
Andrew Mitchell
The UK cannot overlook reported events but is seeking proper investigation. Britain has no additional funding plans for this year, but existing support will continue despite information brought to attention.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that it is a disgrace that the emergency services network upgrade programme is seven years late and now has a budget of more than £11 billion?
Context
The MP criticized the delay and increased costs of the emergency services network upgrade programme.
Julia Lopez
The hon. Gentleman is right to highlight the vital importance of ensuring that the emergency services network is up and running and that it is robust, particularly in rural areas. I am not aware of the specific issues in his constituency—I am happy to look into them—but as far as I am aware, the programme is on track.
Session: Rural Connectivity
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In energy-rich Scotland, roughly one in three households in my constituency is living in fuel poverty. A properly designed social tariff would at least alleviate some of that poverty. Why have the Government broken their promise of a year ago to consult on a social tariff?
Context
In Scotland, one in three households is living in fuel poverty, raising the need for a social tariff to alleviate this condition.
Amanda Solloway
As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State indicated earlier, a social tariff can mean different things to different people. We are consulting suppliers and many stakeholders to ensure that what we are doing is the right thing. We are also looking at flexibility around the warm home discount.
Session: Topical Questions
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The proposed changes to the work capability assessment could actually see half a million people forced to look for work they are not cut out for and then at risk of sanctions. The proposed changes on continence, mobility and social engagement are putting thousands of Parkinson's sufferers at risk of being denied the benefits they need, causing needless stress and financial pressures. Will the Secretary of State meet me and Parkinson's UK to discuss the impacts on those suffering from Parkinson's? Hopefully the Government will then change their mind on these cruel proposals.
Context
Proposed changes to the work capability assessment may force half a million people into unsuitable work, risking sanctions. Changes in continence, mobility, and social engagement are putting Parkinson's sufferers at risk of denied benefits.
Tom Pursglove
What I can say to the hon. Gentleman is that no decisions have been made. It is right and proper that the consultation responses are properly considered in the normal way. I would be happy to meet with Parkinson's UK again; I met it previously, and it is an important stakeholder for the Department. We do think it is right that we look at the work capability assessment and review it periodically, not least because of the changes we have seen in homeworking and flexible working in recent years.
Session: Work Capability Assessments People with Parkinson’s Disease
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Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of proposed reforms to work capability assessments on the (a) financial and (b) mental wellbeing of people with Parkinson's disease.
Context
Proposed reforms to work capability assessments may affect individuals with Parkinson's disease, raising concerns about financial and mental wellbeing.
Tom Pursglove
The Department has developed estimates of the number of claimants impacted by options considered in the work capability assessment consultation. Estimates are not based on specific conditions, because the work capability assessment is based on how a person's condition affects them, not the condition itself.
Session: Work Capability Assessments People with Parkinson’s Disease
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The Secretary of State said that my colleagues had made thoughtful points about human rights concerns, control of personal data and public trust, but we need actual action and commitment from the Government. In contrast, the EU is moving to become the first regulator in the world to legislate for a specific AI Act, to ensure that AI works for people as well as business and Government. Will she finally commit to the UK following suit and legislating for AI, to ensure that the UK does not become a haven for the worst possible applications of what should be beneficial technology?
Context
EU is moving towards legislating an AI Act to ensure beneficial use of AI technology. The questioner requests commitment from the Government.
Chloe Smith
The hon. Gentleman is telling the wrong story. The UK Government are acting comprehensively. The framework we set out in our White Paper applies across the UK. The work we are setting out with our global summit leads the way internationally. That approach is proportionate and flexible, and has been welcomed by business across the UK. In addition, the principles I have already named and the work of my colleagues across Government on human rights and other aspects ensure that our citizens can enjoy the safe and responsible use of this technology. I look forward to working with anyone in this House who has a thoughtful approach to take to that.
Session: Artificial Intelligence
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Will the Minister confirm that there is not an approved SMR design in the UK yet, so talking of installing SMRs at Wylfa and elsewhere is just fantasy?
Context
The questioner questions if there is any approved small modular reactor (SMR) design in the UK and whether plans to install SMRs are feasible.
James Davies
Great British Nuclear (GBN) is looking into the importance of small modular reactors to our future net zero contributions, and I hope that there will be sites across the United Kingdom for them.
Session: New Nuclear Power Sites
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The Secretary of State has proved he still does not get it—he is not having proper discussions with SSE. If we move to carbon capture and storage, the Climate Change Committee's progress report identified “risks” and “significant risks” associated with industrial clusters and carbon dioxide storage, which proves it is nonsensical to have Acorn as a reserve. When will the Government announce the track 2 clusters and provide parity for Acorn? When does he envisage Acorn starting construction?
Context
The questioner questions the Secretary's understanding and seeks an announcement on track 2 clusters for Acorn, a carbon capture and storage project.
Grant Shapps
As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have already pumped £40 million into Acorn. It is on the reserve list. He asks when; the answer is this year for track 2 and track 1 expansion.
Session: Energy Transition Projects Scotland
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On pumped storage hydro, it is as though the Secretary of State just does not get it. It increases energy resilience and would reduce the £4.2 billion balancing costs that are getting paid out at the moment. The 1.5 GW Coire Glas scheme can be delivered in seven years, and it would power 3 million homes for a 24-hour period. The Government have found £700 million for Sizewell C and they have implemented cap and floor mechanisms for interconnectors, so why is he not having proper discussions with SSE about a cap and floor mechanism?
Context
The questioner expresses frustration over lack of proper discussions about cap and floor mechanisms related to pumped storage hydro projects.
Grant Shapps
The Secretary of State does in fact get it, because we support the idea of having things such as hydro power. Again, I have to say that there is a choice where taxpayers' money is spent. It has to be done competitively in the round.
Session: Energy Transition Projects Scotland
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My constituent Sarah has been waiting more than six months for a biometric resident's permit, during which time she cannot work, access free healthcare or leave the country. Will someone do something to get her the status she deserves, so that she can go on with her life?
Context
A constituent named Sarah has been waiting for over six months for a biometric resident's permit, preventing her from working and accessing free healthcare.
Robert Jenrick
I would be happy to look into the case for the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Topical Questions
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Going back to Brexit, can the Secretary of State name one Scottish sheep farmer who is happy with the Brexit deal, or any seafood producers and exporters that she spoke to who are happy with Brexit? Can she name any Scottish farming sectors that are happy with Brexit?
Context
The question stems from the ongoing debate over Brexit's effects on various sectors in Scotland, particularly agriculture and seafood. There are concerns that many businesses have not seen positive outcomes.
Kemi Badenoch
It is not my job to memorise names of Scottish businesses, and just as I said in response to a previous question, SNP Members are not serious. Perhaps if they stood up and actually represented their businesses in trying to make use of all the opportunities we have, they would be in a better place.
Session: Topical Questions
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How will the Government ensure that goods and services from these illegal settlements—in effect, stolen land—are excluded from the benefits of a free trade agreement?
Context
The Minister has confirmed that the UK views settlements as illegal under international law. The question seeks clarification on how goods and services from these illegal settlements will be excluded from any benefits of a free trade agreement.
Nigel Huddleston
Under our existing agreement, Israeli goods from the state of Israel receive tariff preferences under the UK-Israel partnership agreement. Palestinian goods, from the Occupied Palestinian Territories, benefit from trade preferences in the interim UK-Palestinian Authority bilateral agreement. To be clear, only goods originating from the state of Israel are covered by our current FTA, and that will not change in the upgraded FTA.
Session: Israel Free Trade Agreement 2023-06-29 (2)
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£4.2 billion was added to energy bills last year due to balancing costs. What are the Government doing about pumped-storage hydro schemes?
Context
Balancing costs of £4.2 billion were added to energy bills last year, affecting householders.
John Lamont
The UK Government have introduced an Energy Price Guarantee saving households £160 from July, bringing total support to £1,500 since October 2022. The premium paid by prepayment meter users is ending.
Session: Cost of Living
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What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the impact of cost of living increases on households in Scotland?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of rising costs of living in Scotland.
John Lamont
The United Kingdom Government recognise the challenges facing households due to elevated costs of living and have taken action with a support package worth £94 billion UK-wide, or £3,300 per household on average.
Session: Cost of Living
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Many people in the highlands and islands have had their taxes used for gas grid construction they do not benefit from, yet pay a surcharge on electricity. When will these inequities be addressed?
Context
Residents in the highlands and islands of Scotland face higher electricity costs without access to natural gas, despite contributing significantly to UK's energy supply.
Gareth Davies
Across the UK, extensive support has been provided to households, and I am happy to write to the hon. Member with specific details about his point.
Session: Cost of Living Energy Prices
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In the past five years, unincorporated associations have donated more than £14 million to political parties without declaring where the funding comes from. Given that the Tories have not exactly been shy about taking money from Russia-linked businesspeople, does the Commission share the concerns of the chair of the independent Committee on Standards in Public Life that robust transparency rules are required to prevent foreign donations being made that way?
Context
Unincorporated associations have donated more than £14 million to political parties in the past five years without declaring their funding sources. There is concern that robust transparency rules are required to prevent foreign donations being made through these organisations.
Cat Smith
The Commission has highlighted weaknesses in the transparency requirements for political donations by unincorporated associations, as the hon. Gentleman mentioned, which could allow donations from otherwise unlawful sources. The Commission is not required to ensure that those who donate are permissible donors. There are no transparency requirements in law for unincorporated associations that donate to candidates rather than to political parties or campaigners. The Commission will continue to recommend to Government that changes be made to ensure that voters can have greater confidence in political finance in the UK.
Session: Election Finance from Overseas Transparency
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What recent discussions has the Committee had with the Electoral Commission on the transparency of election finance from overseas?
Context
The Electoral Commission has highlighted vulnerabilities in the political finance system that could allow unlawful foreign money to enter UK politics. It is unclear if the Committee has recently discussed these issues with the Commission.
Cat Smith
The Committee has not had recent discussions with the Commission on the matters raised. The Commission has highlighted vulnerabilities in the political finance system that could allow unlawful foreign money to enter UK politics. It is recommended that parties should be required to conduct risk assessments of donations and “know your donor” checks. Parties should not be permitted to accept donations from companies that exceed their profits made in the UK.
Session: Election Finance from Overseas Transparency
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In terms of risk, I am sure that the Minister will be concerned that Snapchat's My AI chatbot recently encouraged a journalist who was posing as a 13-year-old girl to meet up with a 35-year-old man. What specifically are the Government doing to beef up online safety regulation to protect children from the emerging risk of AI?
Context
Concerns raised over Snapchat's My AI chatbot encouraging a journalist posing as a 13-year-old girl to meet up with an adult.
Chloe Smith
I am concerned to hear the examples that the hon. Member gives. That is exactly why this House and the other place have spent considerable time going over the provisions in the Online Safety Bill, which goes to the heart of the issues that he raises and includes AI in its scope.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Regulation
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Whether she plans to introduce legislative proposals on regulating artificial intelligence. The White Paper outlines a flexible framework underpinned by five important principles but does not specify if it will include statutory duty on regulators or how risk monitoring functions will be implemented.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the regulation and oversight of AI technologies.
Chloe Smith
Our White Paper was clear that we will regulate AI through a flexible framework underpinned by five important principles. That proportionate and adaptable approach has been welcomed by British business and will include new risk monitoring functions to ensure that the UK leads the world in AI safety, as well as anticipating the introduction of a statutory duty on regulators in time.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Regulation
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The Government acknowledges that Israeli settlements on Palestinian land are illegal. Instead of allowing settlers to benefit from selling goods and products from non-owned land, should we make trade with settlers illegal?
Context
Israeli settlements are recognised as illegal, but trade with settlers is not restricted.
James Cleverly
The UK's position on settlements is long-standing. We call on both sides to work towards a two-state solution and continue to prioritise this in our foreign policy.
Session: Topical Questions
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The devolution of the Crown Estate in Scotland has enabled better coherence in renewable energy supply chain development and 75% of Welsh people support such devolution to benefit from their natural resources. Will Westminster listen to this demand, or is it another case of 'Westminster knows best'?
Context
The devolution of the Crown Estate in Scotland has allowed for a more coherent supply chain development for renewable energy. In Wales, 75% of the public want similar benefits from natural resources.
David Davies
Devolving the Crown Estate would be very risky for Wales, given that at present the revenue spent by the UK Treasury is invested across the whole United Kingdom, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that this UK Government will be committed to seeing renewable energy spread across the UK, alongside our other priorities of halving inflation, cutting debt, ending small boat crossings and reducing NHS waiting lists in the areas where we are responsible for doing so.
Session: Renewable Energy Support
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What discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on support for renewable energy in Wales. He highlighted the innovative tidal stream technologies at Morlais and the potential of floating offshore wind industry through the £160 million manufacturing investment scheme funding.
Context
The question is prompted by the need for increased support for renewable energy projects in Wales, particularly focusing on tidal stream technologies and floating offshore wind industries.
David Davies
The UK Government are committed to supporting renewable energy generation in Wales—including the innovative tidal stream technologies at Morlais, through our flagship contracts for difference scheme—and supporting the huge potential of our floating offshore wind industry through the £160 million in floating offshore wind manufacturing investment scheme funding for port infrastructure.
Session: Renewable Energy Support
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It would be good if the Minister gave us certainty instead of just blustering. Energy UK has confirmed that the Brexit trading arrangements are adding more than £1 billion a year to our energy bills and, last year, nearly £5 billion was paid in constraint payments.
Context
There is concern about the financial impact of Brexit on energy bills, including additional costs that could have been used for grid upgrades and other projects.
Andrew Bowie
When it comes to bluster, SNP Members are certainly subject matter experts. On support for Scottish billpayers, as I said, over the past winter this Government were paying half of everybody's energy bills in this United Kingdom.
Session: Energy Transition Projects Scotland
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It is nearly 10 years since a £1 billion carrot was dangled for Peterhead carbon capture and storage, which was then withdrawn post-referendum. We are now getting told that the UK Government have £20 billion to spend on carbon capture and storage, but the reality is that not one penny of that is ringfenced for Scotland.
Context
There is concern about the lack of dedicated funds for carbon capture and storage projects in Scotland, despite overall UK Government commitments.
Andrew Bowie
I thank the hon. Member for that question, but frankly I am fed up with the SNP talking Scotland down, and indeed talking the Acorn project down.
Session: Energy Transition Projects Scotland
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Sodium Valproate Compensation And Redress Scheme
03 February 2022
Main Concerns
["Mr Brown is concerned about the impact of sodium valproate on individuals who suffered from taking it while pregnant. He mentions a constituent, Claire McKerrow, whose mother was prescribed sodium valproate leading to foetal anticonvulsant syndrome and lifelong disability for Claire. The McKerrows have campaigned for justice and were disappointed by the UK Government's rejection of recommendation 1 in the Cumberlege review, which calls for an ethical responsibility to provide ex gratia payments. He also highlights the psychological damage caused to mothers who took sodium valproate."]
Specific Asks
["Mr Brown asks the government to reconsider establishing a redress scheme as recommended by Baroness Cumberlege's report and not just issue an apology that lacks substance without addressing compensation for those affected."]
Backbench Business
16 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate urges the UK Government to deliver prompt compensation to women born in the 1950s who had their state pension age raised. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report highlights th...
UK Trade Performance
01 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
17 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Iran-Israel Update
15 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
19 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ways and Means
12 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focused on improving productivity, a theme close to the heart of Laura Trott. She highlighted that under the current government, private sector productivity increased by an average of 0.7% ...
Israel and Gaza
27 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
22 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Damian Collins moved that the House has considered the civil nuclear roadmap. He emphasised the importance of achieving an additional 24 GW of nuclear energy by 2050, noting significant changes in tec...
Ceasefire in Gaza
21 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Infrastructure Procurement
19 February 2024
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The MP highlighted the significant overspends in UK Government infrastructure projects such as HS2, Hinkley Point C, Crossrail, and others. He detailed how these failures have cost taxpayers billions ...
6
PMQs Asked
135
Ministerial Questions Asked
191
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+907% above average
This MP:
135
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3830% above average
This MP:
191
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
Average:
69.2
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 Alan Brown's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.