Alex Cunningham
MP for Stockton North
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Why is the percentage of children in my constituency living in poverty so high?
Context
34% of children in the constituency are living in poverty, a statistic that highlights significant socio-economic challenges.
Rishi Sunak
Across our country, 1.7 million fewer people are now living in poverty as a result of our actions.
Assessment
Specific measures to address child poverty in the constituency were not provided
General Statement About National Reduction
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister launch an inquiry into these crony contracts? Will his Environment Secretary get serious about the Teesside estuary environmental disaster?
Context
Taxpayers are losing tens of millions to valuable public assets transferred without full recruitment process; a relative benefits from scrap worth millions. An environmental disaster is linked to the site.
Rishi Sunak
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs carried out a comprehensive evidence-led investigation concluding natural causes were most likely responsible. An independent panel will be set up to report quickly on this issue.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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Cunningham raised concerns about nursery workers not being able to access furlough scheme. He asked for reassurance that nurseries would still exist post-crisis and what further actions will be taken.
Context
Shortage of nursery places existed before the Childcare Act, now set to worsen due to coronavirus.
Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)
Raab acknowledged challenges faced by nurseries due to crisis. He highlighted Chancellor's range of available support, noting willingness to reassess further actions if needed.
Assessment
Specific measures to protect early years workers during the crisis and ensure nursery existence post-crisis were not detailed.
Session: PMQs
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Last week, the Prime Minister did not know anything about a plan to dump radioactive waste in my Stockton North constituency, but I hope that he remembers what I told him a few weeks ago in my request for a new hospital—that men in his constituency live 14 years longer than those in mine. Just when is he going to end the scandal that means that Teesside men have the same life expectancy as those in Ethiopia, and to tackle the health inequalities in our area?
Context
A member from Stockton North highlights significant life expectancy discrepancies and asks the Prime Minister to address health inequalities.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
The hon. Gentleman's point is absolutely valid. The discrepancy in life expectancy in this country is a disgrace. None the less, it is coming down, and it will come down. Life expectancy overall is at an all-time high. On his specific issue of the disposal of nuclear waste, I understand that my hon. Friend the Environment Minister has written to him on the matter.
Session: PMQs
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Given that hundreds of thousands of people across various courts are affected by a significant employment tribunal backlog, is there any new plan to address this issue?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the employment tribunal backlog standing at over 460,000 cases by end of 2023, affecting workers who have been bullied or unfairly dismissed.
Gareth Bacon
The impact of the pandemic on the employment tribunal system and criminal justice system is acknowledged. Resources have been increased, and work is ongoing to address backlogs, but it will take time.
Session: Employment Tribunal Panels
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Despite the response given to my hon. Friend the Member for Gower (Tonia Antoniazzi), the Government are still far from solving the crisis in family courts with waits exceeding statutory targets and new cases increasing faster than disposals. Do the Government have any concern or compassion for some of the most vulnerable children who are being let down?
Context
Children removed from their parents face an average wait of 46 weeks for a final decision. In 13 out of 42 designated family judge areas, the wait exceeds twice the statutory target of 26 weeks.
Mike Freer
This Government are spending more money to attract more judges and recorders, maximise sitting days, invest in public law outline and private family law as well as mediation. An additional £55 million was announced in the Budget to address productivity and backlogs.
Session: Children in Care Family Courts
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What recent discussions has the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities had with the Minister regarding the work of the anti-Muslim hatred working group?
Context
Discussions on tackling anti-Muslim hatred.
Felicity Buchan
We will not tolerate anti-Muslim hatred in any form, and we will seek to stamp it out wherever it occurs. We are appointing an independent adviser to tackle the scourge of anti-Muslim hatred, to join our independent adviser on antisemitism. We have a programme for tackling anti-Muslim hatred, which includes the consideration of definitions. It also includes £117 million of funding to protect Muslim places of worship and faith schools until 2028.
Session: Islamophobia Definition
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Does the Minister agree that while efforts to introduce a home education register to keep track of children who are outside a school setting are welcome, more legislation is needed to close the loopholes exploited by proprietors of illegal schools and ensure that children are kept safe and educated appropriately?
Context
An estimated 6,000 children in England are attending illegal or unregistered schools that provide limited or no appropriate education.
Damian Hinds
The hon. Gentleman will, of course, know of our plans and our support for the private Member's Bill on that subject. From the schools White Paper, he will also know of the other things we have committed to do when legislative time allows.
Session: Topical Questions
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We are disappointed that the Government abandoned Teesside steel years ago and may now rely on recycled material utilising electric arc furnaces, with Teesside pencilled in for one such furnace. Will the Minister investigate improper local attempts to secure planning consent? More importantly, will she confirm a final agreement ensuring an electric arc furnace is definitely built on Teesside?
Context
The MP is concerned about the Government's previous abandonment of Teesside steel and their current approach to supporting primary steelmaking in the UK through recycled materials using electric arc furnaces. There are local concerns about proper procedures being circumvented for securing planning consent.
Nusrat Ghani
Issues raised are fundamentally local, closely working with Mayor Ben Houchen on his region. Reality is steel sector faced uncertainty; support provided to Tata Steel at Port Talbot and largest grant ever made available to steel industry, now in conversation with British Steel for long-term UK steel strategy.
Session: Steel Industry
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What steps she is taking to help support the steel industry. The Government have abandoned Teesside steel several years ago and may now be ready to give up on primary steelmaking in the UK, relying instead on recycled materials through electric arc furnaces. Despite local attempts to secure planning consent improperly, will the Minister investigate this? Will she confirm a final agreement that an electric arc furnace will definitely be built on Teesside?
Context
The MP is concerned about ongoing support for the UK's steel industry, which has faced significant challenges and restructuring.
Nusrat Ghani
Our commitment to UK steel is clear with up to £500 million joint investment with Tata Steel. More than £730 million has been delivered since 2013 for energy cost relief, and procurement policies are updated to ensure more domestic procuring. We are in talks with British Steel following generous offers of support.
Session: Steel Industry
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Families in my homeland are reeling from the cost of living crisis, as both the Tory UK Government and the SNP Scottish Government have jointly loaded them with the highest tax burden in 70 years. Does the Minister agree that it is time both Governments stopped going round in circles, left the dance and cleared the floor for Labour Governments to sort out their sorry mess?
Context
Criticism of joint tax burden by UK Government and Scottish Government.
John Lamont
I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman's conclusions. Thanks to this Government, 2.4 million workers in Scotland benefited from £340 back in their pockets thanks to the national insurance cuts in January. However, I do agree with him in not agreeing with the SNP Government's approach to tax.
Session: Cost of Living
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Children as young as 12 are being recruited by local drug dealers in the central wards of Stockton, and are provided with pocket money—huge sums for them—to carry and deliver class A and class B drugs. Many of them are in thrall to their balaclava-wearing controllers, who largely act with impunity. Although the police and other agencies work hard to combat such organised crime, Cleveland has the highest crime rate in the country, and police and councils do not have the fair funding needed to deal with criminals or provide good diversionary activities for those vulnerable young people. What will the Minister do to sort that out?
Context
The MP raised concerns about organized drug trafficking involving young individuals and a lack of funding for local authorities to address the issue.
Laura Farris
I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that, under our tackling organised exploitation programme, we are keenly aware of the difference between victims and criminals, and that children are being drawn into criminal enterprises and gangs at ever-younger ages. I want to provide reassurance that where we have evidence of that happening, the child should be referred through the national referral mechanism—the framework for identifying victims of exploitation by county lines groups and equivalents. That can be done with or without the child's consent, and it provides the police with a vital tool not just to protect the child but to disrupt the criminal activity in which they are being enlisted.
Session: Violent Crime Young People
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Rape and serious sexual assault cases have increased to 10.3% of all Crown court cases and there are nearly 10,000 of them. The average wait time for a trial has risen to 18 months. There is also a tenfold increase in adjourned cases due to the fall in the number of RASSO prosecution or defence barristers. How will this staffing crisis across the criminal justice system be fixed?
Context
The MP noted that rape and serious sexual assault cases now make up one in seven of the backlog, with an average wait time for trial after charge at 18 months.
Mike Freer
The figure for the average time for a RASSO case is not true. The Government have continued to invest in ensuring that RASSO cases are brought forward. Listing is a matter for the judiciary, who ensure vulnerable victims are dealt with expeditiously. We continue to invest in the legal aid system, recently increasing fees and engaging with the criminal legal aid review.
Session: Crown Court Backlog
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I do not think that thousands of jobs will be saved at all. The people of Teesside, who saw the Tory Government abandon them and end virgin steelmaking at Redcar, leading to the loss of 3,000 jobs, will sympathise with those in Wales. The failure of the same Government will see virgin steelmaking also ended in Wales, with the loss of another 3,000 jobs, and leave the UK even more reliant on imports, as they are surrendering the market to other countries. Why would the Government want to do that when steel is a foundation industry and, with the introduction of new technologies, could have a bright future?
Context
The MP questioned the government's actions regarding job losses at Teesside due to previous decisions, and expressed concerns about similar fate for Wales. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a domestic steel industry.
David Davies
I hope that the hon. Gentleman will be aware that 100% of the materials—the iron ore and coke—used to produce steel in Port Talbot are imported from abroad. At the same time, we are exporting 8 million tonnes of scrap steel, so building an arc furnace to make use of that scrap steel will make us less dependent on other countries for our steel.
Session: Steelmaking
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What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the future of the steelmaking industry in Wales. The question stems from concerns about the sustainability and job security of the steel industry in Port Talbot, a critical economic sector in Wales.
Context
The MP asked about recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues regarding the future of steelmaking in Wales, specifically addressing concerns over job security and community impact.
David Davies
The Government are investing £500 million to secure the future of steelmaking in Port Talbot for generations to come. It is one of the largest UK Government support packages for steelmaking in history, and it will protect 5,000 jobs directly with Tata and many thousands more in the supply chain.
Session: Steelmaking
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Does the Minister recognise that we must do everything to protect against others joining the conflict, and that activities such as those against the Houthis must also be proportionate and accompanied by more diplomatic work across the region?
Context
Concerns over Israel's actions in Gaza and the need for proportionate responses, along with diplomatic work across the region.
Andrew Mitchell
The hon. Gentleman is right to make clear that all of us seek that there should not be an escalation of this conflict in the Middle East. That is why right at the start Britain moved military assets to the eastern end of the Mediterranean. More recently, as he alluded to, we are expressing strong support for freedom of navigation on the high seas, stopping attacks by the Houthis. We are degrading their capacity to carry out their attacks, and have made clear that we will not accept that challenge to international freedom of the sea.
Session: Middle East Conflict Prevention
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What recent steps has the government taken to help prevent an escalation of conflict in the middle east?
Context
The issue of preventing an escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, particularly involving Israel and Gaza.
Andrew Mitchell
The Government are engaging extensively to prevent an escalation of conflict in the Middle East. The Prime Minister spoke to President Biden last week about that specific issue.
Session: Middle East Conflict Prevention
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My hon. Friend was absolutely right: we have seen managed decline under this Government, with no coherent industrial strategy, total failure to get the grid connected where we need it, and different Departments giving mixed messages and providing complicated processes to access any support. High energy costs mean that it is cheaper to import many of the goods that until now we have made at home.
Context
The MP criticises the government's approach to industry, citing lack of coherent strategy and high energy costs.
Amanda Solloway
This Government invest throughout the country with our levelling-up agenda, but we have of course been investing in the steel industry, and we are mindful to ensure that we have the skills that will take us forward for those future requirements.
Session: Energy-intensive Industries Decarbonisation
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What steps her Department is taking to help energy-intensive industries to decarbonise. I welcome the investment in carbon capture—we just need to get on and make something happen there. Teesside is home to some of the most energy-intensive industries in the country, but instead of attracting more of those industries, including primary steel making, we are seeing plants closed down and jobs lost because investors do not see any industrial strategy from the Government.
Context
The Member questions the effectiveness of government efforts to support decarbonisation in heavy industry.
Amanda Solloway
As chair of the all-party group on carbon capture, utilisation and storage, the hon. Member will know that the Government have committed £20 billion to support the early development of carbon capture, usage and storage, and up to £500 million for the industrial energy transformation fund to help industry to decarbonise, with phase 3 opening shortly. This Government invest throughout the country with our levelling-up agenda, but we have of course been investing in the steel industry, and we are mindful to ensure that we have the skills that will take us forward for those future requirements.
Session: Energy-intensive Industries Decarbonisation
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The latest criminal court statistics show a Crown court backlog of 66,547 cases, once again breaking records. With the next quarter having just ended, does the Minister expect these figures to break records again?
Context
The latest criminal court statistics show a Crown court backlog of 66,547 cases, breaking records. The MP asks about expectations for future figures.
Mike Freer
Additional measures include unlimited sitting days, recruitment of judges, investment in courts for resilience, and extending Nightingale courts. We are building 58 new court rooms to ensure capacity. I have not seen the figures on the backlog but our courts and judiciary work flat out with disposals up.
Session: Crown Court Case Backlog
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When I asked the Prime Minister why 34% of children in Stockton North live in poverty and he claimed that child poverty was down, even if we rely on his and his Government's unique measuring tool, child poverty is still up considerably across every part of the north-east under his watch. According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 1 million British children have suffered destitution in the past year. When will the Prime Minister and his Ministers stop pretending that they care and make way for a Labour Government who will sort out the mess that shames the Tories?
Context
The Prime Minister previously claimed that child poverty was down, but recent statistics show a considerable rise across every part of the north-east. According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 1 million British children have suffered destitution in the past year.
Mims Davies
The Government are determined to ensure that all children, wherever they come from, have the best start in life. We are committed to supporting families and helping them into work. The full uprating, this year and last, is the signal.
Session: UNICEF Report on Child Poverty
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Whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of UNICEF's report entitled “Child Poverty in the Midst of Wealth”.
Context
UNICEF released a report titled “Child Poverty in the Midst of Wealth”, prompting an assessment on its potential implications for current policies.
Mims Davies
The overall number of children in absolute poverty after housing costs remained stable between 2020-21 and 2021-22. The latest statistics show that in 2021-22 there were 400,000 fewer children in absolute poverty, after housing costs, than in 2009-10. The Government continue to provide comprehensive support to help people find, progress in and thrive in work, recognising that this has to be sustainable in tackling poverty.
Session: UNICEF Report on Child Poverty
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The same question could be asked again: it is unlawful, but what are the Government going to do about it? Does the Minister think that one day we might actually see some prosecutions in relation to those violations of international law?
Context
Calls persist for the Government to take action against settlement building in the West Bank.
Andrew Mitchell
On settler violence, if arrests are made, they need to be both prosecuted and imprisoned.
Session: Violence in the West Bank
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The Government's fraud strategy in May was billed as a comprehensive plan to tackle fraud against the public and business, so can the Attorney General explain why it contains no details of the number of offences suffered by business, no estimates of the losses that result, no targets in relation to business, no measures specific to business and not a single mention of the two biggest types of business fraud: procurement and payroll?
Context
The question is based on criticisms of the Government's May 2021 fraud strategy, which lacks specific data and targets for business-related fraud.
Michael Tomlinson
I am pleased that the hon. Gentleman has seen the full strategy—that is good news. I repeat my point about Jonathan Fisher KC, who has some important work to do. The hon. Gentleman will understand the volumes of crime and the volumes of digital material in the Serious Fraud Office. Jonathan Fisher is looking at that and at disclosure, and that will help businesses, help individuals, help the country and help the SFO to get on with its job.
Session: Fraud and Economic Crime Prosecutions
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What steps she is taking to help ensure effective prosecution of perpetrators of fraud and economic crime?
Context
The question stems from concerns about the effectiveness of prosecuting fraud and economic crimes in the UK.
Michael Tomlinson
The Crown Prosecution Service and the Serious Fraud Office play a critical role in bringing economic criminals to justice. Just yesterday, the SFO announced a new investigation into fraud at AOG Technics Ltd, an aircraft parts supplier. That is the third new investigation launched since Nick Ephgrave became director of the SFO.
Session: Fraud and Economic Crime Prosecutions
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The Minister may not be aware of the very successful Warm Wales programme in the noughties, which saw tens of thousands of homes have their cavities and lofts insulated, saving residents in Neath, Port Talbot and Wrexham hundreds of pounds every year. Do the Government recognise that concentrated schemes of that nature have a major impact on fuel poverty, and will Ministers steal our plans, which would see hundreds of thousands more households benefit?
Context
The question stems from the historical success of the Warm Wales programme, which saw significant improvements in insulation for homes across several regions in Wales.
David Davies
I am well aware that there are a number of renewable energy schemes that could have a positive benefit on householders in Wales, which is why the UK Government have been so supportive of the potential for floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea, and why, in the last round, we arranged higher strike prices for tidal energy. We are looking at a wide range of renewable energy systems that can bring benefits to people in Wales. At the same time, in recognising the cost of living pressures, the UK Government ensured that we were paying around half the average fuel bills for homeowners during the last winter period.
Session: Energy Bills
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What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the cost of energy bills in Wales?
Context
The question arises from discussions about cost-of-living pressures, particularly the high costs associated with energy bills in Wales.
David Davies
I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a variety of issues, including the cost of energy bills. The Government recognise the challenges posed by cost of living pressures, which is why we are providing on average £3,700 per household from 2022-23 to 2024-25 to support households and individuals with the cost of living.
Session: Energy Bills
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In January, the Secretary of State told The Sunday Times: “I don't believe leasehold is fair in any way. It is an outdated feudal system that needs to go. And we need to move to a better system and to liberate people from it.” But the Government's Bill does not sort it, nor does it free my constituents from their feudal masters. Why?
Context
The MP is questioning the effectiveness of the Government's Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill in freeing constituents from leasehold systems.
Lee Rowley
As the hon. Gentleman will know if he has read the Bill that was introduced last week, a substantial amount of progress is proposed under it: a substantial number of leaseholders will be much better off and experience a substantial improvement to their lives as a result of the changes that this Government are proposing.
Session: Leasehold Reform
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The Tees Valley hosts a huge number of energy-intensive industries but has seen recent closures due to higher than competitive European and American energy costs. What are Ministers doing to prevent further closures as a result of policy failures?
Context
There are ongoing closures of energy-intensive companies in Tees Valley, citing high energy costs compared to competitors abroad. The region lost steelmaking and ammonia manufacturing plants recently.
Andrew Bowie
We are engaging with the steel industry on its sustainable future, including Tata Steel's investment in a new electric arc furnace worth £1.25 billion, supported by a UK Government grant of up to £500 million.
Session: Energy-intensive Industries
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Given that a post on the Prime Minister's No. 10 Instagram account this week celebrated Northern Ireland's businesses with the Irish tricolour, does the Minister think that parents would get a better child deal with the Republic?
Context
The question addresses the use of Northern Ireland's flag on a post about childcare, implying a comparison with policies in the Republic.
Steven Baker
I am confident that somewhere there is a junior communications professional lamenting the fact that they accepted the automatically generated flag on that Instagram post, and I do not wish to deepen their embarrassment by going further. The hon. Gentleman will have noticed that I was proud to put out on my own Instagram the lapel pin that I am currently wearing.
Session: Cost of Childcare
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Come on now—we know that the statistics tell a very different story. The Crown courts remain in crisis, and what about the civil courts? The quarterly civil justice statistics from April to June 2023 show that the average time taken for small claims and multi-fast-tracked claims to go to trial was 52 weeks and 78 weeks respectively. Is it the same excuse for the crisis in the civil courts?
Context
The civil courts face significant backlogs as shown by recent statistics.
Mike Freer
We have recruited judges across the jurisdiction to help in civil courts, increased the number of days fee-paid judges can do from 30 days to 80 days a year, introduced regional virtual pilots, and invested in mediation. All this is ensuring people have access to justice.
Session: Topical Questions
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Contrary to the claims of Ministers at every Question Time that they are getting the courts backlog sorted out, they are not, and the pain just drags on for victims. The Crown court backlog reached a record 65,000 cases at the end of June. Nearly 5,000 of them have been waiting for two years and 36,000 cases have defendants on bail. Why are things still getting worse?
Context
The Crown court backlog reached a record high, causing concern among victims.
Mike Freer
We recruited 1,000 judges across all jurisdictions last year and plan to do the same this year. We have also invested in the court estate for resilience and extended Nightingale courts to ensure capacity.
Session: Topical Questions
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Was the former Chief Secretary sacked for highlighting the Government's tax burden, which is the highest for 70 years?
Context
The former Chief Secretary to the Treasury was fired shortly after expressing alarm over high tax burdens, the highest in 70 years.
Jeremy Hunt
My right hon. Friend did an excellent job and we all salute his work. We have the lowest tax burden of any European country in the G7.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the fact that hundreds of millions were spent on remediation at Teesworks, but I am concerned about assets and scrap being transferred to private companies for profit. Is this good value for money?
Context
The taxpayer has spent significant funds on remediation at the Teesworks site. Concerns have been raised about private companies profiting from this.
Laura Trott
The Mayor has addressed these claims, and I will not comment further on them.
Session: Public Sector Productivity and Public Spending
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What steps he is taking to help ensure value for money in public spending. I am concerned about making sure every single pound of taxpayers' money is spent wisely.
Context
The question arises from concerns over the efficiency of government spending and ensuring that taxpayer funds are used effectively.
Laura Trott
The Government shares the goal of spending taxpayer money wisely. The previous Chief Secretary to the Treasury launched a public sector productivity programme, and an update will be provided at the autumn statement.
Session: Public Sector Productivity and Public Spending
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Does the Attorney General agree it is time we treat stalking with seriousness, including giving victims of online stalking the right to know their stalker's identity?
Context
Cunningham references a Labour conference statement noting that women are 200 times more likely to be stalked than for the stalker to face jail time.
Victoria Prentis
The Government are committed to helping stalking victims bring cases to prosecution. The Lord Chancellor has made tackling stalking a mission; working in the CPS on new ways of ensuring that the relationship between rape, domestic abuse and stalking is properly considered across the system.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Prosecution Rates
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No one should underestimate the critical role of recycling, but, as I am told by the Green Alliance, it is critical that it is economically viable for the industry, which is worried about the increased costs of waste separation in the Government's proposals. I accept what the Minister said, but will she confirm whether her Department's upcoming simpler recycling proposals will retain commitments for recycling to be separated at home?
Context
The question is prompted by industry concerns about the economic viability of waste prevention measures proposed in government plans.
Rebecca Pow
Details of the simpler recycling system will be announced shortly, but I can tell the House that it will mean all local authorities will collect the same materials. Of course, as we have always said, food waste will have to be collected separately. It will also be flexible and has been discussed with local authorities.
Session: Resources and Waste Strategy Extended Producer Responsibility
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Whether she plans to publish a new timeline for key milestones on (a) extended producer responsibility for packaging and (b) other measures in the 2018 resources and waste strategy for England.
Context
The question is prompted by a delay in the implementation of the extended producer responsibility scheme, which was deferred to October 2025 at industry's request.
Rebecca Pow
In July, we announced the deferral of the producer payments under the extended producer responsibility scheme, moving them to October 2025. I must say that was at the request of industry, which asked for more time so it could prepare. We remain fully committed to delivering the programme to the timeline.
Session: Resources and Waste Strategy Extended Producer Responsibility
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Now, 500 security guards have voted for strike action after a pay offer worth just 38p an hour above the minimum wage. Will the Minister intervene to stop further chaos in our courts?
Context
The MP asked about security guards voting for strike action over pay offer.
Mike Freer
Our courts are not in chaos, all elements of the criminal justice system continue to work smoothly despite challenging circumstances. The pay award is a matter for the private sector employer; I will not intervene.
Session: Criminal Courts Backlog
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Following up the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central (Chi Onwurah), a Billingham constituent is regularly in touch with me. Her Ugandan girlfriend lives in fear of her life every day, as new laws have seen more and more LGBT+ people persecuted. What more can the Government do with our allies to help people such as my constituent's girlfriend and protect LGBT+ activists and human rights defenders in Uganda?
Context
A constituent's Ugandan girlfriend faces persecution under new laws, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention.
Andrew Mitchell
We are making representations as often as we can. There are limits to what we can do, but we are seeking to stretch those limits as far as possible. I spoke to the Ugandan Foreign Minister on 4 May to underline our opposition to the Anti-Homosexuality Act and highlight its impact on the safety of LGBT+ people in Uganda. Both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have spoken to the Ugandan Foreign Minister and the Ugandan high commissioner in London.
Session: Topical Questions
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That is helpful, but Labour proposed a new clause to the Health and Care Bill that would have given the Government the primary powers needed to stop the use of sweet names such as gummy bears and Skittles, bright colours and cartoon characters on packaging and labelling of e-cigarettes. The Minister will agree that such promotion aimed directly at young people is highly unacceptable and takes us back to the worst days of cigarette advertising. If the Government are so committed to acting in this space, why did they vote down that new clause?
Context
Labour's proposal to restrict the promotion of e-cigarettes aimed at young people was rejected by the Government.
Steve Barclay
As I say, we have already taken action. We took measures in April, and the Prime Minister announced further measures in May. We are keen to follow the evidence. That is why we have had a call for evidence. The ministerial team are looking extremely closely at this, and we will take further action to clamp down on something that we all recognise is a risk to children, which is why we are acting on it.
Session: Vaping Young People
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What steps he is taking to tackle vaping by young people?
Context
The concern over the rise of vaping among young individuals and its potential risks.
Steve Barclay
The hon. Gentleman raises a point of concern across the House that we recognise. That is why we have already taken action, through £3 million to crack down on those selling vapes illegally to children, closing the loophole that allowed free samples to be offered to children, and our call for evidence, so that we can examine what further measures we can take, particularly on the concerns about disposable vapes, which are prevalent among children.
Session: Vaping Young People
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Can the Minister provide an update on the Teesside CCUS project? Why isn't BP being asked to build the CO2 collection pipework as originally planned?
Context
There is a significant CCUS development planned for Teesside. The questioner seeks confirmation of the project's finalization and concerns about BP's role in building CO2 collection pipework.
Graham Stuart
We are progressing CCUS at top speed. The opportunity is enormous in areas such as the Tees, Humber, and north-west.
Session: Topical Questions
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Has the Minister considered the Magistrates Association report on court accessibility failings? What has happened to all that cash the Government claim to be investing if it is not addressing basic needs?
Context
The MP refers to a report indicating serious accessibility issues in magistrates courts.
Mike Freer
The Government are committed to improving the whole court estate, investing £1 million in diversity, and supporting magistrates with specific needs. Investment will continue to address all issues.
Session: Criminal Court Case Backlog
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
27 February 2024
Responding: Andrew Stephenson
Main Concerns
["The lead MP is concerned about the governance of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, highlighting a formal inquiry questioning the board's integrity two years ago. He notes that the full report remains secret despite promises to release it and believes local officials pressured the joint chair to expedite the appointment of a joint chief executive without proper process or consultation. Non-executive directors felt steamrolled and resigned due to lack of transparency, leading to accusations that NHS North East and Yorkshire's actions were unjustified."]
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the Minister to order Richard Barker to publish the full report immediately, arguing it is in the interests of natural justice and will allow those affected to move on with their lives. He also requests an investigation into why this situation was allowed to occur.']
Dead Crustaceans (North-East Coast)
28 June 2022
Responding: Victoria Prentis
Main Concerns
["Cunningham is concerned about the mass die-offs of sea creatures along the north-east coast, starting from October last year. He mentions ongoing issues with higher than average dead crustacean catches and negligible inshore water catches reported by local fishermen. He highlights that DEFRA's hypothesis of a rare algal bloom as the cause has not been definitively proven and there are concerns about the dredging of sediment in the Tees, potentially stirring up historical pollutants."]
Specific Asks
['Cunningham asks for the investigation to be reopened and seeks clarification on why decontamination and repurposing of sediment is not being considered. He requests that the Government provides evidence proving dredging is not the issue or offers compensation to fisherpeople affected by the die-offs. Additionally, he calls for a full investigation into the effects of this prolonged mass mortality on marine wildlife and asks for a support package for the decimated fishing industry.']
Levelling-up Agenda: Tees Valley
25 November 2020
Responding: Luke Hall
Main Concerns
['After nearly a decade of underfunding in the Tees Valley, unemployment remains high and health inequalities have widened. The area faces significant challenges due to Brexit, the pandemic, and Tory incompetence. Since March, there have been 12,565 extra jobs lost across the Tees Valley, and recent statistics show that the north-east has seen the biggest rise in child poverty in the UK. In Stockton North alone, 3,109 families with children received universal credit in May 2020, highlighting severe economic hardships faced by local communities.']
Specific Asks
["The Government needs to invest seriously in job creation and address health inequalities in the Tees Valley. I ask for a comprehensive support package for constituents and transparency regarding public money spent through various organisations linked to the Mayor's administration."]
Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage
07 October 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Debate on the Address
17 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, that an humble Address be presented to His Majesty. The motion acknowledges the Gracious Speech and welcomes a legislative programme based on security, fairness and opportunity for all,...
Smoking Reduction and Tobacco Control Bill - Clause 1
16 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the Bill, stating its purpose is to prevent future generations from starting smoking. Argues that the only product that kills two thirds of its long-term users if consumed as intended is tobacco...
Rail Manufacturing: Job Losses
16 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ways and Means
07 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Chancellor's Budget proposal is criticised for rising taxes, falling living standards, stalled growth, unfunded tax cuts, and overall economic mismanagement. Rachel Reeves highlights the increased...
Knife and Sword Ban
06 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Miscellaneous
06 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Teesworks Joint Venture
29 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Protecting Steel in the UK
23 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Labour party recognises the need to decarbonise steel production but is concerned about the Government's plans which will result in significant job losses and risk leaving the UK without primary s...
Funded Childcare
22 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
4
PMQs Asked
142
Ministerial Questions Asked
111
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
2
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+959% above average
This MP:
142
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2184% above average
This MP:
111
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-79% below average
This MP:
2
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 Alex Cunningham's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.