Alexander Stafford
MP for Rother Valley
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The notorious crossroads between Ulley Lane and Treeton Lane, just outside Aughton in my constituency, is just one of several major road safety and highway issues that have been ignored for decades by Labour-controlled Rotherham Council. I will be presenting a petition to this place telling the council to end this chaotic mismanagement, but may I also ask for the Prime Minister's support in urging both the Labour council and the Labour Mayor to listen to residents and get the junction sorted?
Context
The notorious crossroads between Ulley Lane and Treeton Lane in the constituency is a major road safety issue that has been ignored for decades by Labour-controlled Rotherham Council.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend raises an important point, and he is right to champion his constituents in this way.
Assessment
Did not provide support for urging the Labour council and Mayor to address road safety issues
Discussed Financial Support Provided Without Addressing Specific Road Management
Session: PMQs
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After years of campaigning, it is great news that there will be a direct bus link between two of my biggest towns in Rother Valley, Dinnington and Maltby. However, there is still a lack of bus transport to our local hospitals. Does the Prime Minister agree that the South Yorkshire Mayor should use some of his resources to back my plan for transport for the Rother Valley, to ensure that every single village and town has a direct bus link to our local hospitals?
Context
There will be a direct bus link between Dinnington and Maltby in Rother Valley. However, there is still a lack of bus transport to local hospitals.
Rishi Sunak
We know how vital bus services are to communities right across the country—indeed, buses are our most popular form of public transportation—which is why we have used some of the savings from HS2 to invest in bus services. We have capped bus fares at £2 right across the country, and we have provided my hon. Friend's local authority with millions of pounds of more funding specifically to support local bus services. I join him in calling on the Mayor to ensure that there are direct bus routes to hospitals in my hon. Friend's constituency, and to make sure that people can see their loved ones at a distressing time.
Session: PMQs
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Maltby Town Council and Maltby Main FC face difficulties ensuring that the Maltby Miners recreation ground remains financially sustainable and open, as the organisation managing it does not permit opening a full bar despite its potential benefits. This is crucial for preserving mining heritage sites. Can my right hon. Friend assist in securing this necessary capital investment?
Context
Residents of Maltby are concerned about the financial viability of their local recreation ground, which is currently facing challenges due to restrictions on opening a full bar. The Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation manages this facility but has limitations in allowing such developments.
Oliver Dowden
I support my hon. Friend's efforts but question the extent of my powers in intervening on this specific issue, although I will investigate further.
Assessment
The answer did not commit to any action or timeline regarding the bar opening and financial sustainability.
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend pledge his support for high wage, high skilled jobs in Rother Valley? Will he visit Rother Valley to see levelling up in action?
Context
Thanks to £11 million investment from the Government levelling-up fund, Rother Valley will benefit from a cutting-edge skills and employment village and an incubator space.
Boris Johnson
The agenda of levelling up across the whole country will get young people into good jobs, but no specific pledge or date for a visit to Rother Valley.
Session: PMQs
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Both I and many residents across Rother Valley are very concerned about crime, drug abuse, including from nitrous oxide capsules, and antisocial behaviour. Will the Prime Minister back my campaign and call on the Labour police and crime commissioner of South Yorkshire to restore a police presence and even reopen a police station on Dinnington High Street?
Context
The question addresses concerns about crime, drug abuse, and antisocial behaviour in the constituency of Rother Valley.
Boris Johnson
There could be no more fervent and effective advocate for the people of Rother Valley than my hon. Friend, and I am sure that he has much support for his campaign for a police station. I hope that a solution can be found. In the meantime, I can reassure him that we are making sure that there will be the police officers—the policemen and women—to put in that police station, because, as he will know, we are delivering on our commitment to have 20,000 more police over the lifetime of this Parliament.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not directly address backing the campaign for restoring a police presence and reopening a station but reassured about future commitments.
Future Commitment
Session: PMQs
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Christmas is a time for joy and celebration. With numerous events planned across Rother Valley, will the Prime Minister assure me that families can celebrate this important occasion?
Context
The Christmas season brings various festive events and activities in Rother Valley, but current pandemic-related restrictions may prevent families from celebrating as usual.
Boris Johnson
I say that if we all follow rules and guidance intensively from now until 2 December, there is a bigger chance of having as normal a Christmas as possible.
Assessment
Did not provide clear assurance about guaranteeing a normal Christmas.
Session: PMQs
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Stafford asks for assurance that the Prime Minister maintains regular contact with supermarkets to ensure goods reach shelves. He also calls for an end to stockpiling and black market profiteering.
Context
There is concern over adequate food supplies and the issue of profiteers exploiting shortages.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Johnson agrees, stating the importance of reasonable shopping behaviour. He mentions legislative action against profiteering as well as confirmation that supply chains are adequate.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister confirm that the Government fully back buses as an essential way not only to connect our villages, town and cities across the north, but to unlock the potential of Rother Valley and South Yorkshire?
Context
First Bus often lets down residents of South Yorkshire.
Boris Johnson (Prime Minister)
The Government are passionate about buses. I assure my hon. Friend that we will massively improve our bus network, in the Rother Valley above all, and I thank him for his lobbying.
Session: PMQs
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Hydrogen is the only viable alternative to natural gas for a balanced, reactive and carbon-zero electricity grid. The UK has 32 gas power plants, all of which could be cheaply and easily retrofitted to burn hydrogen as a natural gas. What is the Department doing to encourage this sort of retrofitting, so that we can allow technologies to decarbonise electricity generation and take advantage of the many benefits of hydrogen?
Context
The question discusses the potential of retrofitting gas power plants to burn hydrogen as an alternative fuel.
Andrew Bowie
I thank my hon. Friend for that rather surprising question on hydrogen. The Government recognise the value of hydrogen in supporting a decarbonised and secure power system. We intend to publish soon our response to the December 2023 hydrogen-to-power market intervention consultation, and we will soon legislate for decarbonisation readiness requirements, so that new-build or substantially refurbished combustion power plants are built net zero ready.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Minister tell me what training advisers have had, not only on how to help our armed forces, but on ensuring that everything is completely anonymised, so that people can go forward with their life and get the support and help that they need?
Context
The question pertains to ensuring that staff supporting the armed forces through a new anti-bullying hotline are properly trained and can provide anonymous support.
Andrew Murrison
I can give my hon. Friend the assurance he seeks. The most important thing is to ensure that people have confidence that if they come forward with complaints, they will be listened to and taken seriously.
Session: Armed Forces Harassment and Bullying
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Older people should be able to retire in comfort and dignity, which is why this Government created the triple lock and increased the state pension by 8.5% this year and 10.1% last year. However, many of my constituents are concerned about being taxed on those pensions, as the personal allowance has, in effect, been frozen for nearly five years. Will the Minister encourage the Chancellor to look again at the personal allowance and allow more pensioners to keep more of their well-deserved money?
Context
The MP is concerned about the taxation of pensions, particularly as the personal allowance has been effectively frozen for nearly five years.
Paul Maynard
As I am sure my hon. Friend is aware, it is this Government who have doubled the personal allowance since 2010. It is absolutely clear that those who rely solely on the state pension are not liable for income tax.
Session: Support for Pensioners
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What steps his Department is taking to support pensioners. The state pension provides the foundation of support for older people. In the next year, we will fund more than £167 billion of benefits for pensioners—some 6% of GDP.
Context
The MP is concerned about providing adequate support for older people in the UK.
Paul Maynard
The state pension provides the foundation of support for older people. In the next year, we will fund more than £167 billion of benefits for pensioners—some 0.5% of GDP.
Session: Support for Pensioners
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Over the past two years, Rotherham Council has spent £240,000 promoting co-operatives and employee ownership. Does the Minister agree that this huge amount of money would be better spent on fixing potholes and opening youth clubs, rather than on an ideological viewpoint, with no measurable outcome for the people of Rotherham?
Context
The question challenges the allocation of funds towards promoting co-operatives against immediate needs such as infrastructure and youth services.
Bim Afolami
I do not wish to comment specifically on Rotherham, but the best way of promoting co-operatives in general is to allow them to thrive as best they can, and to support their members in doing what they do best, which is to help their local economies—not necessarily through huge amounts of public subsidy, but through doing what the co-operative movement was founded to do, which is, as I have said, to support local economies and local people.
Session: Co-operative Sector
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My hon. Friend will be aware of my campaign to improve literacy across the country by improving children's access to libraries in their schools and communities. Much can also be done by parents, grandparents and carers in the years before children start school. What is the Department doing to improve access to books and audiobooks in particular, as well as other literary materials, for pre-school children?
Context
There is a campaign to improve children's access to books and literary materials in their schools and communities before they start school.
David Johnston
My hon. Friend raises an excellent point. Reading is one of the most important things children can be doing at a young age. Our Little Moments Together campaign provides free resources for parents to encourage a positive culture of reading at home, and we also fund the National Literacy Trust, which does great work to promote reading.
Session: Topical Questions
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The commitment shown in pushing for the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive is clear with £3.3 billion for transforming public services. What help are the home civil service providing to their colleagues in Northern Ireland to make sure that people there have modern and efficient public services?
Context
This question addresses the support provided by the UK's Home Civil Service to Northern Ireland for modern public services, and how this benefits all four nations.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The UK Government collaborate with and support the Northern Ireland Executive in transforming public services, aiming for quick delivery on transformation board setup commitments. The Minister of State has noted success from a Northern Ireland investment summit last September, welcoming 180 business investors.
Session: Devolved Institutions Northern Ireland
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Given that there is no more important technology than hydrogen in green industries, I was pleased to note the Department's advocacy of hydrogen blending. What support is given to home appliance providers creating hydrogen-ready technology?
Context
The Department has shown support for hydrogen blending in gas pipes, but the questioner wants to know about support for home appliance providers who want to create hydrogen-ready technology.
Andrew Bowie
My hon. Friend champions the hydrogen industry, and I am happy to meet him to discuss how we can progress further and speed up investment in hydrogen, which is key to securing ambitious projects.
Session: Green Technologies Investment
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Whiston has been flooded repeatedly over the past decade. Despite this ongoing issue, 450 new homes are being built there. The Parish Council pointed out flaws in the plans showing water running uphill and draining into a non-existent stream. This suggests Rotherham council does not understand flooding issues.
Context
Whiston Parish Council called a special public meeting regarding the construction of new homes on flood-prone land in Whiston, questioning Rotherham council's understanding of flooding issues.
Simon Hoare
My hon. Friend has raised an important issue. The local planning authority and the Environment Agency should find the most appropriate sites for development, considering hydrology and water management.
Session: Flood Recovery Framework
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One of the most commonly reported crimes in Rother Valley is burglary, either to rob homes or to break into homes and steal car keys. Does the Minister agree that every area, especially South Yorkshire, should have a dedicated burglary police team to deal with those particular issues and ensure we clamp down on those awful crimes?
Context
Burglary is a commonly reported crime in Rother Valley, prompting the suggestion of dedicated burglary police teams to address these issues.
Chris Philp
The previous Home Secretary, my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Fareham (Suella Braverman) was successful in securing a commitment from police to ensure that every residential burglary has a visit from the police, but my hon. Friend's idea for a dedicated burglary taskforce is excellent, and I commend it to all police and crime commissioners.
Session: Neighbourhood Policing
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What is her Department doing to make sure that those who go through these programmes stay in work permanently and contribute to the local economy? The hon. Friend highlights the value of local DWP programs like Reed in Partnership, which has supported constituents with long-term issues of sickness and illness in Rotherham.
Context
The questioner highlights the work being done by Reed in Partnership, a DWP funded program in Rotherham, and asks about measures ensuring those who go through such programmes remain employed long-term.
Mims Davies
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the value of our local DWP programmes. In Rother Valley, the Reed in Partnership approach has given vital support to his constituents, helping them into work. It is vital to keep supporting them to remain there, and that is where that particular programme helps. Access to Work and our Disability Confident scheme are just some of the initiatives to support disabled people and those with health conditions while in employment.
Session: Long-term Sickness Employment
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What steps his Department is taking to help people with long-term sickness into work. The Government have a range of initiatives, but there are concerns over whether these measures effectively support individuals in finding and retaining employment.
Context
The questioner is concerned about the steps being taken by the Department to help individuals suffering from long-term illnesses or disabilities enter and maintain employment.
Mims Davies
This Government have a range of initiatives to support disabled people and people with long-term sickness to start, stay and succeed in work. At the autumn statement, we built on that by expanding universal support, launching WorkWell pilots and establishing work on the reform of the fit note.
Session: Long-term Sickness Employment
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My hon. Friend knows that Scotland has the potential to be one of the world's most advanced producers of hydrogen, and oil and gas companies are playing an important role in that transition. What is the Department doing to support oil and gas companies, which employ a huge number of people in Scotland and in my seat of Rother Valley, in building their hydrogen production, transmission and use capabilities, to ramp up the production of hydrogen so that we can get more of the low-carbon energy that we so need?
Context
Scottish companies are playing a role in the transition to hydrogen, with potential for substantial job creation and investment.
John Lamont
We anticipate that by 2030 the UK's growing hydrogen sector could support more than 12,000 jobs and unlock £11 billion worth of private investment. Our hydrogen production delivery road map sets out proposals for annual hydrogen allocation rounds from 2025 to 2030, helping to provide certainty for the industry. In December, we announced the results of hydrogen allocation round 1, with Scotland fielding two successful projects.
Session: Oil and Gas Industry
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What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for the oil and gas industry in Scotland?
Context
The question arises from discussions about supporting the oil and gas sector, including its transformation at Grangemouth and the introduction of the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill.
John Lamont
Oil and gas is, and will remain, a vital sector for the UK. The UK Government are committed to supporting the industry. That is why last week I attended the Grangemouth future industries board with other UK and Scottish Government Ministers on the transformation of the Grangemouth oil refinery. The introduction of the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill demonstrates our ongoing investment in the industry.
Session: Oil and Gas Industry
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What can he do to ensure that such greenfield sites are not wantonly given over to developers? None of the councillors voting in favour of this development have declared any donations from the developer. What is being done about this?
Context
Labour-run Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has given the go-ahead for developers to build hundreds of new homes at Highfield Park in Maltby on land that has always been greenfield. The developer has given thousands of pounds to the local Labour party, which none of the councillors voting on the issue declared.
Lee Rowley
I am sorry to hear about the challenges that my hon. Friend has seen in Rother Valley. It is one reason that more Conservative councillors need to be elected on to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council for the future. We are absolutely aware that there are challenges. We need to build more houses and in the right place, and the best way to do that is by getting a local plan in place, and by the councils that are responsible for that engaging properly with their communities about it.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will forthcoming immigration legislation ensure that hotels are not used for asylum seekers?
Context
There is concern that the situation with hotels housing illegal immigrants could happen again.
Tom Pursglove
The Bill aims to help control borders, reduce in-flows into the system via illegal crossings, and stop the need for hotel responses.
Session: Asylum Seekers Hotels
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What recent progress has been made on ending the use of hotels for asylum seekers?
Context
Hotels are being used as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers, a controversial issue.
Tom Pursglove
We are making significant progress on closing hotels, with 50 due to be closed by the end of January and more in the coming months. We are also working to move asylum seekers into alternative, cheaper accommodation and have successfully cleared the legacy backlog by deciding more than 112,000 cases.
Session: Asylum Seekers Hotels
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Farmers in the country of Wales to those in the village of Wales in Rother Valley face increasing pressures. What is my hon. Friend doing to support farmers in the country of Wales, farmers in the village of Wales in Rother Valley and farmers across the whole of the UK?
Context
The question follows discussions about government support and the upcoming farmers' forum. There are concerns over pressures faced by farmers across the UK.
Fay Jones
I congratulate my hon. Friend on his work to ensure that the voice of farming is heard by the Minister. Farmers across this country are the beating heart of the rural economy, driving growth in rural constituencies such as mine. The Labour party in Wales has already cut £37 million from the Welsh agriculture budget and we wait with trepidation to see what damage they will do next week.
Session: Farming
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What steps he is taking to support farming in Wales. Farmers across the UK—from those in the country of Wales to those in the village of Wales in Rother Valley—face increasing pressures. I am holding my next farmers' forum with the Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries early next year in Rother Valley.
Context
The question follows a series of meetings with farmers and discussions about government support for the agricultural sector.
Fay Jones
Last week I talked to farmers at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society winter fair, and livestock markets in Sennybridge and Talybont. The UK Government are committed to backing Welsh farming by allocating more than £900 million to the Welsh Government which delivers on our manifesto commitment to maintain funding for farmers and land managers at 2019 levels.
Session: Farming
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In February, the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero assured me from the Dispatch Box that a decision on hydrogen blending was coming soon. Seven months later, in September, the Department's consultation again promised that a decision would come soon. How can our constituents trust that this Government know what they are doing when they keep dithering over proven technology that would cut our carbon emissions, our constituents' energy bills and our dependence on foreign gas imports?
Context
The Minister has repeatedly promised a decision on hydrogen blending but no action has been taken.
Andrew Bowie
The Government aim to reach a strategic policy decision before the end of the year on whether to support blending of up to 20% hydrogen by volume into the GB gas distribution networks. We are building the evidence to determine whether blending offers strategic and economic value and meets the required safety standards.
Session: Topical Questions
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ESG is so vital when it comes to investing in all our services, including defence. We were promised that the “Greening Finance” road map would come out at the end of 2022. Then we were told that the consultation would come out by autumn this year. It is still just about autumn, and it is yet to come out. Why are the Government kicking ESG down the road? Why have they stopped caring about ESG, and when will we have the consultation to get a UK green taxonomy sorted?
Context
The Government promised a “Greening Finance” roadmap by the end of 2022, but no updates have been given since. The questioner is concerned about delays in consulting on a green taxonomy.
Bim Afolami
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. The Government are committed to delivering on a UK green taxonomy to provide investors with clarity on which economic activity should be labelled as green. We expect to consult this autumn. The green taxonomy will provide an important tool for enabling the supply of relevant and reliable sustainability information for the market, and information will come in due course.
Session: Defence Sector Investment
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What steps his Department is taking to help mitigate the potential impact of environmental, social and governance practices of financial institutions on levels of investment in the defence sector?
Context
Concerns have been raised about the impact of environmental, social and governance practices by financial institutions on levels of investment in the defence sector.
Bim Afolami
The Secretary of State for Defence and my predecessor recently set out that the values within ESG practices of financial institutions should never undermine capabilities developed to help us preserve peace and security. The Treasury consulted on a potential regulatory framework for ESG ratings providers, which aims to improve transparency and promote good conduct.
Session: Defence Sector Investment
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Will the Secretary of State join me in welcoming the recent decision on the national disability strategy, which allows us to get on and improve the lives of so many disabled people?
Context
The Court of Appeal recently ruled on the national disability strategy, allowing its implementation.
Mel Stride
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. I very much welcome the Court of Appeal's decision in July, meaning that the national disability strategy is lawful. The Government are now able to continue with the important work of implementing that long-term strategy, and I can confirm that my hon. Friend the Minister for Disabled People will shortly come forward with further details of some of the individual commitments we will be making around that strategy.
Session: Topical Questions
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Some of those who groomed and raped children in Rotherham during the child sexual exploitation scandal and were put away are now starting to be released, some having served less than half their sentence. That is causing immense psychological damage to the victims, who live knowing that their rapists walk free. What can we do to protect those vulnerable people and make sure that child rapists serve their proper sentence behind bars?
Context
Concern about early release of convicted child sexual exploitation offenders causing psychological damage to victims.
Victoria Prentis
Public protection is our top priority. We want serious offenders to serve the time in prison that reflects the seriousness of their crimes. Last year, we abolished automatic halfway release for serious sexual and violent offenders who are serving more than four years.
Session: Rape and Serious Sexual Offences
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What steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to increase support for victims of rape and serious sexual offences?
Context
The Crown Prosecution Service is being questioned about its efforts to support victims.
Victoria Prentis
We know that increased support for victims means that they are more likely to stick with the case until trial. We are working together across the criminal justice system to achieve that. Independent sexual violence advisers are really effective. The new intervention is the revised victims code, which will put a duty on the CPS team to meet the victim.
Session: Rape and Serious Sexual Offences
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Has the Minister looked at any new Welsh nuclear power plants producing so-called pink hydrogen at times when electricity demands are low?
Context
The questioner raises the issue of energy storage and proposes using nuclear power to produce pink hydrogen during periods of low electricity demand.
James Davies
We recognise the important role of both nuclear energy and hydrogen in reaching our net zero goals. We are committed to a nuclear future for Wales, and I have visited the Wylfa site and Bangor University's Nuclear Futures Institute this year. My hon. Friend is right about storing energy effectively; our 2021 hydrogen strategy explores using electricity from nuclear power stations to produce pink hydrogen.
Session: New Nuclear Power Sites
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What recent discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on new nuclear power sites in Wales?
Context
There are discussions within the Cabinet regarding potential new nuclear power sites, including sites in Wales.
James Davies
There are regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential for new nuclear in Wales. Great British Nuclear (GBN) is actively working with the Government to support our ambition to ramp up nuclear capacity in the UK to up to 24 GW by 2050.
Session: New Nuclear Power Sites
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Some energy firms give discounts to those who live near onshore wind farms when the wind blows. Unfortunately, though, that is not the case everywhere. Will the Minister look again at this policy nationally so that my constituents, such as those who live in Ulley near Penny Hill wind farm, and even myself—I live in Harthill near Loscar wind farm—will see the benefits of clean, green wind power reflected in their energy bills?
Context
Energy firms in some areas provide discounts to those living near onshore wind farms, but not universally.
Andrew Bowie
The consultation on onshore wind partnerships proposed that the Government work with RenewableUK to update the industry-wide community benefits protocol for onshore wind in England. An updated protocol would seek to encourage more innovative approaches, for example through developers supporting local energy bill discounts. The consultation closes on 7 July.
Session: Onshore Wind Proposals Community Engagement
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What steps has the Department taken to ensure local community engagement in onshore wind proposals?
Context
None provided.
Andrew Bowie
The Government want communities to participate in and benefit from onshore wind proposed in their local area. On 11 May, the Government issued a consultation for onshore wind partnerships in England, proposing improvements to the current system of community engagement and benefits.
Session: Onshore Wind Proposals Community Engagement
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It is great to hear a cheer for the Secretary of State as he stood up. I am sure he agrees that hydrogen production will be vital to meeting both the UK's energy needs and our net zero targets. Will he set out what the UK Government are doing to promote the development and production of hydrogen in Scotland?
Context
The MP follows up by focusing on the role of hydrogen in meeting UK energy needs and net zero targets, seeking clarity on specific government actions to promote its development in Scotland.
Alister Jack
Low-carbon hydrogen is critical to delivering energy security. It presents a significant growth opportunity and will help the UK to reach net zero. We have doubled our ambition to 10 GW of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030, and at least half of it will come from electrolytic hydrogen, drawing on the scale up of UK offshore wind, other renewables and, of course, new nuclear.
Session: Support for the Energy Industry
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What recent discussions has the government had with Cabinet colleagues on support for the energy industry in Scotland?
Context
The MP asks about recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues regarding support for the Scottish energy sector, prompted by the need to encourage investment and address local industry concerns.
Alister Jack
Scotland's energy industry is vital to supporting the UK's energy security. This Government have listened to Scotland's energy industry, and we understand the need to encourage industry investment. That is why we recently announced the energy security investment mechanism, which will remove the energy profits levy if oil and gas prices fall to normal levels for a sustained period prior to March 2028.
Session: Support for the Energy Industry
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What help can the Department give me and my constituents to help burgeoning businesses such as Ultimate Battery, to make Rother Valley and other places across the north technology hubs?
Context
Ultimate Battery is developing groundbreaking battery technologies in Thurcroft, Rother Valley, and is on track to create 500 jobs by 2025.
Jeremy Hunt
I thank my hon. Friend for his support for this really important sector in Rother Valley. We have a number of schemes, including £541 million of funding available in the Faraday battery challenge. We also have the £1 billion automotive transformation fund. As a result of the efforts that he and many others have made, we now get 40% of our electricity from renewable sources—the second highest in Europe—and much more progress is to come.
Session: Technology Sector
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Rother Valley is blessed with unemployment that is significantly lower than the national average, but its youth unemployment is slightly higher than the national average. It is still harder for young people to get into work. What are the Government doing to ensure that they have the jobs they need so much?
Context
Rother Valley has lower overall unemployment rates compared to the national average, but youth unemployment is higher. The MP seeks clarity on what steps are being taken to address this issue.
Mims Davies
I am determined to ensure that, regardless of their background or postcode, young people can succeed in Rother Valley and beyond, and that is why the DWP has introduced the youth offer. It includes youth employability coaches and youth hubs such as the one at the local football club, Rotherham United, which helps to build confidence and provides a range of mental health support as well as supporting neurodiverse local customers.
Session: Social Mobility Young People
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What steps his Department is taking to improve social mobility among young people.
Context
The Department for Work and Pensions is being asked about the measures they are implementing to enhance social mobility among younger individuals.
Mims Davies
The DWP celebrated National Social Mobility Awareness Day last Thursday, when we focused on the daily work done by our work coaches and youth clubs to help young people overcome barriers, build up their confidence, move into work, and ultimately achieve their aims.
Session: Social Mobility Young People
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The economy of Wales has always worked on an east-west basis; a journey from Bangor to Cardiff takes three times longer than it does to Manchester or Rother Valley. Can the Secretary of State offer an explanation for why the Welsh Government have banned all new road development and how that might possibly help the Welsh economy?
Context
The MP questions why the Welsh Government bans new road development, expressing concern over its impact on economic growth.
David Davies
My hon. Friend raises an excellent point; the opposition to road building by the Welsh Labour Government is extraordinary, potentially holding back the economy, urging them to reconsider their stance.
Session: Transport Links Wales and Rest of UK
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What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on improving transport links between Wales and the rest of the UK. The economy of Wales works on an east-west basis; a journey from Bangor to Cardiff takes three times longer than it does to Manchester or Rother Valley. Why has the Welsh Government banned all new road development, and how can this help the Welsh economy?
Context
The MP raises concerns about transport infrastructure in Wales that hinder economic development, citing opposition to the M4 relief road and a longer travel time from Bangor to Cardiff compared to Manchester.
David Davies
I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues about transport links. The opposition to road building by the Welsh Labour Government is holding back the economy, and I urge them to reconsider their stance.
Session: Transport Links Wales and Rest of UK
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that the best support in the cost of living crisis, beyond the £94 billion that the Government have already spent, is the cutting of inflation to ease pressures—especially on food, fuel and energy—for families in Rother Valley and up and down the country?
Context
The MP is discussing the ongoing cost of living crisis in Rother Valley, focusing on additional strategies beyond existing government measures.
John Glen
I absolutely agree. The Government are doing three things to reduce inflation: we are remaining steadfast in supporting the independent Monetary Policy Committee at the Bank of England as it continues to take action to return inflation to target; we are making responsible decisions on tax and spending, so that we are not adding fuel to the fire; and we are tackling high energy prices by holding down energy bills for households and businesses, alongside investing in long-term energy security.
Session: People on Lower Incomes Financial Support
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I thank the Minister for that answer. Obviously, jobs are one of the most important ways of getting people out of poverty and growing household incomes. That is why I held three job fairs last year and sent a leaflet round to every constituent telling them how to get job opportunities in Rother Valley. Another job fair is coming up next month, aimed at older people and young people coming into employment, and I would be grateful if the Minister could come along. Getting older people over the age of 50 and younger people who are just leaving school into jobs is incredibly important. What further steps are this Government taking to ensure that younger people and older people have great job opportunities?
Context
The MP has been actively promoting employment opportunities in Rother Valley through initiatives like job fairs.
Guy Opperman
I think my hon. Friend has the record for the most job fairs and doing the greatest amount of work I know with the local DWP. He is doing a fantastic job as a doughty champion for Rother Valley and I support the work he is doing. There is no doubt that, whether it is through the youth hubs making a massive difference to younger workers, the older persons' jobs fairs being held up and down the country or the hundreds of jobs fairs that have been held since the Budget last year, we are massively driving things forward to ensure that in Rother Valley and across the wider country we have much greater employment.
Session: Job Vacancies Rother Valley
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What steps he is taking to help fill job vacancies in Rother Valley constituency?
Context
The MP is concerned about filling job vacancies in the Rother Valley constituency.
Guy Opperman
The jobcentres across Rother Valley have been doing some amazing work to fill local vacancies and bring greater employment to the local area. Our Budget package of enhanced care support for working parents and investment in people with disabilities and long-term health conditions will make a massive difference, on top of the sector-based work academies and skills boot camps that are available for further training.
Session: Job Vacancies Rother Valley
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Given the proven correlation between children having access to a good school library and their academic achievement and literacy, what steps are the Government taking to ensure that every primary school in Rother Valley and across the UK has a dedicated library or reading space?
Context
Concern over children's academic achievement and literacy due to lack of school libraries in Rother Valley.
Nick Gibb
We have spent £15 billion on capital since 2015, and it is up to schools how they allocate that capital. I share my hon Friend's view that every school should have a school library, or at least a space in which children can sit and read.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Children's Access to Books — [Sir Christopher Chope in the Chair]
06 June 2023
Responding: Nick Gibb
Main Concerns
["Alexander Stafford is concerned about the impact of low book ownership on children's literacy rates, particularly in Yorkshire and Humber where nearly 10% of children do not own a single book. He cites statistics showing that children with books at home are twice as likely to enjoy reading and six times more likely to read above their age level compared to those without books. Stafford highlights the stark disparity in life expectancy depending on literacy rates, with low-literacy individuals earning 7% less annually and having up to a 20-year difference in life expectancy compared to higher-literacy peers."]
Specific Asks
['Stafford calls for measures that improve access to books both at home and through libraries. He also emphasizes the importance of embracing technology such as e-books and audiobooks to enhance reading engagement, particularly among disadvantaged children and those with learning difficulties like dyslexia.']
Child Literacy: Disadvantaged Areas
22 February 2023
Responding: Robert Halfon
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the three quarters of a million school-aged children in the UK who do not have access to a school library. This is alarming given that reading is fundamental for functioning in society and academic performance. Additionally, there is a 40% development gap between disadvantaged 16-year-olds and their peers by age five, with only £342 per pupil allocated to early years education compared to £1,385 for primary school children. In my constituency of Rother Valley, literacy scores are below the national average, and Yorkshire and the Humber has one of the lowest rates of children's book ownership at 9.2%. Two in every five children in England eligible for free school meals do not have a dedicated library in their school."]
Specific Asks
['I urge the Government to recognise the importance of early years funding, prioritise efficiently allocated funding towards primary schools and libraries, and support initiatives like the Primary School Library Alliance. The aim is to reach 1,000 schools by 2025, ensuring that every child in Rother Valley and across the UK has access to an adequately sized and well-resourced library.']
Public Transport Authority for South Yorkshire
27 April 2022
Responding: Andrew Stephenson
Main Concerns
['Mr Stafford is concerned about the current state of public transport in South Yorkshire, including fragmented services, unreliable and infrequent routes, high fares, and limited connectivity. He highlighted that these issues prevent residents from accessing employment opportunities, health care, education, and social gatherings. He also pointed out that rural communities are particularly affected by poor transportation infrastructure, leaving them isolated and unable to access essential services.']
Specific Asks
['Mr Stafford calls for the South Yorkshire Mayor to work with him to establish Transport for South Yorkshire based on the London and Manchester models. He urges the Minister to strongly encourage the combined authority to franchise transport and submit a fully ambitious funding proposal that addresses long-standing issues in local transport provision.']
Social Prescribing: England
01 February 2022
Responding: Maggie Throup
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the fragmented ecosystem of social prescribing support and significant inequality of access to green space. For example, one third of the population accounts for 80% of all visits taken, while 2.69 million people do not live within a 10-minute walk of a green space. People from low-income households are about 25% less likely to live within a five-minute walk of a green space and someone from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background is nearly four times as likely as a white person to have no access to outdoor space at home. Almost 40% of people from ethnic minority backgrounds live in areas most deprived of green space.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Department of Health and Social Care to focus on eight main policy asks: accelerate recruitment of social prescribing link workers, ensure integrated care boards produce specific plans for implementing social prescribing, build leadership skills and capacity in the voluntary sector, commit to social prescribing being at the heart of levelling-up and health inequality agendas, increase funding into social prescribing activities, invest in digital infrastructure, have dedicated teams of social prescribing link workers in every social care organisation and hospital, and integrate social prescribing into everyday processes.']
Decarbonising the UK: Role of Shipping Emissions
14 September 2021
Responding: Michael Tomlinson
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the need for significant progress towards net zero targets, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors like cement, glass, steel and petrochemicals. He mentions the importance of carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies (CCUS) to decarbonise these industries. The MP highlights the potential of existing North Sea infrastructure to support CCUS projects, citing specific examples such as the Acorn Project in Scotland and innovative power stations like Whitetail clean energy NET power station in Teesside.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks for policy support to develop shipping infrastructure capable of transporting CO2 emissions and hydrogen. He also suggests supporting multiple industrial clusters across the UK, beyond the current focus on four designated ones.']
UK Hydrogen Economy
17 December 2020
Responding: Kwasi Kwarteng
Main Concerns
['The UK is at risk of being overtaken by other countries that have more aggressive and developed approaches to hydrogen. For example, Germany has earmarked €9 billion for the expansion of hydrogen capacity, targeting 5 GW by 2030 and a further 5 GW by 2040, while Japan established its hydrogen strategy in 2017. The UK lacks a clear policy framework and Government investment is lower than in countries such as Germany.']
Specific Asks
['The prompt publication of the forthcoming hydrogen strategy to set ambitious targets for the mass commercialisation of hydrogen technology; stimulate supply and demand in parallel, focusing initially on regional clusters; and ensure relevant Government Departments work collaboratively. Additionally, reform the RTFO to allow renewable energy from all sources to be eligible.']
Telegraph Media Group Ltd: Acquisition
30 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Inquiry
23 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sudan: Government Response
22 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Afghan Refugees: Deportation from Pakistan
17 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
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...
Cass Review
15 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Cyber-security and UK Democracy
25 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Illegal Immigration (Offenders and Other Risks) Bill - After Clause 5
18 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
This amendment seeks to disagree with Lords Amendment 1, which implies that the legislation is not compliant with the rule of law. The Government believes that this Bill does comply with international...
Gas-fired Power Stations
13 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Insurance Contributions Bill - Clause 1 - Reduction in National Insurance Contributions
13 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to reduce national insurance contributions for employees and self-employed individuals. Argues that the current system is unfair as it imposes a double taxation on those who earn income through ...
8
PMQs Asked
134
Ministerial Questions Asked
143
House of Commons Debates Involved
6
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 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+119% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+900% above average
This MP:
134
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+139% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2842% above average
This MP:
143
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 Alexander Stafford's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.