Allan Dorans
MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I have raised this matter before, but despite meeting with a previous Prime Minister in 2020 the matter has not progressed. In 1984, I was a serving police officer in the Metropolitan Police when, on 17 April, WPC Yvonne Fletcher was shot in the back and killed while policing a political demonstration outside the Libyan Embassy. No one has ever been charged in connection with her murder. In November last year, delivering his judgment in a civil case, a senior High Court justice, Mr Justice Spencer, said: “I am satisfied that on the balance of probabilities the defendant”—Saleh Mabrouk—“is jointly liable for the shooting of WPC Yvonne Fletcher on the doctrine of common design.” Will the Prime Minister meet with me to see how this case may be taken forward, to finally bring those responsible for the murder of Yvonne to justice in a criminal court?
Context
The MP is seeking a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss how the case of PC Yvonne Fletcher's murder can be taken forward.
Rishi Sunak
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his continued work on this case. As he said, it is something that he has raised before. He will appreciate that, while I cannot speak in detail on any particular case, there are differences in the standard of proof required for civil and criminal proceedings. That said, the Crown Prosecution Service will consider any new information that is referred to it by the police in relation to this case. Of course, I would be very happy to meet with him.
Assessment
Did not commit to a specific meeting
I Cannot Speak In Detail On Any Particular Case
Session: PMQs
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With the SNP winning eight elections and having more representatives in Scotland, how can the UK government deny the right to an independence referendum when it goes against the democratic will of the Scottish people?
Context
The SNP has won eight elections since 2014, securing more councillors and MPs than any other Scottish party. Each was elected on a mandate for Scottish independence.
Rishi Sunak
We respect the Court's decision on the referendum. We aim to work constructively with the Scottish Government, focusing on positive projects like the Ayrshire growth deal investing over £100 million in renewable energy.
Assessment
Did not acknowledge or reject Scottish independence referendum rights
We Respect The Court'S Decision But Will Focus On Positive Projects
Session: PMQs
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Subject to certain conditions being met, the Northern Ireland Act 1998 allows for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to call a referendum on Irish reunification. Those conditions for a referendum have all been more than met in Scotland since the independence referendum in 2014. Why will the Prime Minister not agree to a section 30 order, enabling the democratic will of the people of Scotland to be measured?
Context
Conditions for a referendum on Irish reunification have been met in Scotland since the 2014 independence referendum.
Boris Johnson
The hon. Member's party said that it was a “once in a generation” event in 2014, and this point of view is shared across the House. The other reason is that we are trying to build back better and get out of a pandemic.
Assessment
Specific commitment to support Scottish independence referendum based on Northern Ireland Act conditions
We Are Committed To Building Back Better
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister has been asked this question before by my SNP colleagues and others but they have never received a direct response. I therefore ask the Prime Minister again: will he confirm that the temporary £20 universal credit uplift will be made permanent after April next year and that those who are currently excluded from the uplift will be included?
Context
The Prime Minister has been asked previously about making the temporary £20 universal credit uplift permanent after April next year and including those currently excluded.
Boris Johnson
I know that I have given that answer many times, and that is because the answer remains the same, which is that the uplift will remain in place through to April next year. As I said, when we combine the JSS with UC people get 93% of their income.
Assessment
Making the £20 universal credit uplift permanent and inclusive post-April 2022
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister condemn or condone the reckless behaviour of the Secretary of State for Scotland in making a round trip of almost 700 miles to be physically in the Chamber today, in clear breach of the guidance from the Scottish Government to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives, when he could easily have taken part in the proceedings virtually from the safety of his home? Condemn or condone, Prime Minister?
Context
A senior Government figure travelled a round trip of almost 700 miles to be physically present in the Chamber during the pandemic, breaching Scottish guidance on staying at home.
Boris Johnson
All I can say is, no, I will not, and I think that the Secretary of State for Scotland does an admirable job.
Assessment
Did not address the question whether to condemn or condone the travel
Admirable Job
Session: PMQs
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He wants confirmation that when a covid-19 vaccine is available, the UK will collaborate with other nations to distribute it fairly based on need rather than wealth.
Context
The SNP MP asks about the UK's commitment to taking a leading role in ensuring fair vaccine distribution according to needs across the world.
Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)
The hon. Member is correct; as the Health Secretary announced, trials are ongoing and we are taking research leadership. Additionally, contributions to Gavi and CEPI are being made to ramp up international efforts for vaccine development and distribution globally.
Session: PMQs
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In one site in northern Scotland, the cost of public EV chargers increased from £315 to £809 per day. What will the Minister do to regulate the cost of electric vehicle charging nationally?
Context
New evidence shows that Ofgem's targeted charging review has led to significant increases in public EV charger standing charge rates, affecting consumers negatively.
Anthony Browne
I met with Ofgem's chief executive earlier this week to discuss standing charges for charge point operators, which is one of the things that Ofgem is looking at.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is she taking to ensure that Britain is not complicit in the destruction of a nation and its people regarding arms sales to Israel?
Context
The Attorney General is refusing to give out legal advice based on a long-standing convention, while the situation in Gaza becomes increasingly dire.
Robert Courts
The Attorney General keeps all these matters under close review, and will ensure that any legal advice is properly obtained and acted upon.
Session: Crown Prosecution Service and Police Services Joint Working
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Given IMF projections and current policies, does the Chancellor anticipate any near-term relief for first-time homebuyers?
Context
The Building Societies Association described the housing market as broken, with first-time buyers facing unprecedented challenges.
Laura Trott
The hon. Gentleman will know that the Bank of England is independent. The good news is that the OBR expects inflation rates to fall to near target in the very near future.
Session: Cost of Living
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What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that the high tariff on Scotch whisky exported to India is reduced in any future trade deal?
Context
India imposes a 150% import tariff on Scotch whisky.
Greg Hands
We are engaged in live negotiation with India and cannot comment. However, Scotch whisky tariffs are a key objective.
Session: Topical Questions
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AI firms are committing large-scale abuse by using copyrighted images and media to train their tools without consent or compensation. This could harm the 10% of UK GDP from the creative sector compared to less than a quarter of a per cent for AI. How does it make sense to sacrifice creators in favour of less impactful sectors?
Context
The MP raises concerns about AI companies using copyrighted material without consent, affecting the creative sector's economic value.
Lucy Frazer
I recognise the importance of protecting creative rights. We are hearing from the sector and working on greater transparency in our White Paper.
Session: AI Creative Industries
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Following the Law Society's Green Paper on legal aid reforms, can you confirm what discussions have been had with the Treasury regarding budget increases and that Scotland will receive its share through Barnett consequentials?
Context
The Law Society has proposed reforms to legal aid, including early advice for more people. The MP seeks confirmation of discussions with the Treasury about potential increases in the legal aid budget.
Mike Freer
Following the Bellamy report, we have invested over £141 million in the legal aid system. I am in constant dialogue with the Law Society on improving legal advice for citizens. However, specific details about discussions with the Treasury and Scotland's share are not provided.
Session: Access to Legal Advice
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Thanks to the Scottish Government's help with the cost of living crisis and their promotion of sustainable public transport, about 23 million free bus journeys have been made by people aged under 22 across Scotland. That has undoubtedly benefited not only those young people and their pockets, but the environment. What plans does the Minister have to replicate this successful Scottish Government policy in England?
Context
The Scottish Government has provided about 23 million free bus journeys to under-22s, benefiting the economy and environment.
Richard Holden
All the bus service investment plans across the country contain individual plans tailored for the regions, and that includes the provision of youth services. The British Government are doing it on a tailored basis in accordance with local need. That is where I think those decisions should be taken.
Session: Topical Questions
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Polling commissioned by the Dogs Trust found that almost a quarter of dog owners are worried about rising costs of dog food causing deep concern and issues of abandonment. My hon. Friend raised at the previous DEFRA questions the campaign to remove VAT from pet food. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Treasury, and will the coming Budget introduce measures to reduce or remove VAT from dog food?
Context
A Dogs Trust survey indicates rising concerns among dog owners about the cost of pet food, leading to potential abandonment issues. The previous question raised by David Linden focused on removing VAT from pet food.
Therese Coffey
Pets are, of course, very precious to people and, after children, are often their No. 1 priority. It is important to try to make sure that people are generous. I make a plea to dog and cat food manufacturers to help their customers at this challenging time. The Budget will take place soon, but I want to manage expectations. I do not expect changes to VAT rates for specific products, but let us do what we can to make sure that our pets get fed.
Session: Topical Questions
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Following the recent Supreme Court judgment, the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland have been asked on numerous occasions what is the democratic route available to Scotland to leave the Union. Neither has been able to provide an answer. If the people of England wanted to leave this alleged voluntary Union of equals, what democratic process would be available to them?
Context
The Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Scotland have been asked multiple times about the democratic route available to Scotland to leave the Union but have not provided an answer.
Victoria Prentis
I believe that I have answered this question already, and I have heard the Prime Minister answer it several times in the course of Prime Minister's questions. The Supreme Court rejected the Lord Advocate's submission that an advisory referendum would have only an indirect and consequential effect on the reserved matter. This matter is reserved.
Session: Supreme Court Judgment Scottish Independence Referendum
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Whether she has made an assessment of the implications for her policies of the findings of the Supreme Court on the reference by the Lord Advocate of devolution issues under paragraph 34 of schedule 6 to the Scotland Act 1998.
Context
The Supreme Court recently ruled that a Bill legislating for a Scottish independence referendum is not within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.
Victoria Prentis
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Opposition Front Bench and the Chairman of the Justice Committee for their extremely kind comments. I welcome the ruling of the Supreme Court. The Court was very clear—it was a unanimous decision—that a Bill legislating for a referendum on Scottish independence is not within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.
Session: Supreme Court Judgment Scottish Independence Referendum
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Will he assure me—and more importantly the public—that a full and thorough investigation will take place into these matters and that, following that investigation, the report will be made public?
Context
The MP questioned the need for a full investigation into PPE procurement, especially regarding Baroness Mone's connection with Government Ministers.
Steve Barclay
We have commissioned a full investigation and inquiry into the Government's handling of covid and, as part of that, I am sure that the inquiry will look at PPE. But it is important to put it into context. We secured 23.2 billion items of PPE.
Session: Covid-19 PPE Procurement
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What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of the steps taken by his Department to secure value for money in procuring personal protective equipment during the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
The MP questioned the adequacy of steps taken by his Department to secure value for money in procuring PPE during the pandemic.
Steve Barclay
We procured personal protective equipment at pace so that we could protect the frontline and save lives. In a highly distorted market, we worked around the clock to secure the life-saving PPE that we needed.
Session: Covid-19 PPE Procurement
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Allowing former PMs to fill the Lords with friends, funneling funds to cronies during a pandemic, crashing the economy—does this contribute to low trust levels in Scotland?
Context
The question is prompted by criticism of recent actions taken by the UK Government such as appointing former Prime Ministers to the Lords and their perceived impact on public trust.
John Lamont
I struggled to hear parts of that, but people can always trust this United Kingdom Government to be upfront and honest unlike SNP who refuse to come clean about referendum economic impact.
Session: Trust in the UK Government
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I am concerned about trends in the level of trust in the UK Government in Scotland. If he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of these trends.
Context
The question is prompted by concerns about the declining trust levels of the Scottish population towards the UK Government compared to the SNP.
John Lamont
There are no current plans to do so. However, I hope that Members opposite share my concerns at the use of inaccurate or misleading statistics covering energy and health by the SNP Government in Edinburgh.
Session: Trust in the UK Government
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The vast majority of people in Scotland support the continued existence of the Scottish Government, yet some senior Conservatives are increasingly vocal about reclaiming powers. Will he commit that under no circumstances will powers devolved to the Scottish Government be revoked?
Context
Concern over senior Conservatives calling for the UK Government to claw back powers from the Scottish Parliament despite popular support in Scotland for more autonomy.
Alister Jack
Absolutely, since leaving the European Union, we have given more powers to the Scottish Parliament. We continue this practice and there has never been a power taken away from Scotland that SNP members can point out.
Session: Devolution Settlement
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The Scottish Government announced they will double the December bridging payment to £260, and the Child Poverty Action Group noted this would help households. What plans do the UK Government have to follow suit?
Context
The Scottish Government doubled the December bridging payment to £260 for low-income families. The Child Poverty Action Group said this would make a difference to those struggling with the cost of living.
Kwasi Kwarteng
The government has a £37 billion intervention targeting vulnerable individuals, including an energy price guarantee. They are committed to helping everyone through challenging times.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the representative of the Speaker's Committee agree that the new Prime Minister should commit to protecting the independence of the Electoral Commission and should remove the specific aspects of Government overreach in the Elections Act?
Context
The previous Prime Minister and Government raised concerns about the Electoral Commission's impartiality, leading to calls for its protection.
Chris Matheson
As I said in my previous answer, the Speaker's Committee has made no assessment on this particular matter. Any changes to the Elections Act will be a matter for the House.
Session: Elections Act 2022 Electoral Commission
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Has the Secretary of State reviewed these plans with a view to incorporating them into any future Bill of Rights?
Context
The Scottish Government plans to introduce a new Human Rights Bill by 2025.
Dominic Raab
Although I disagree with the hon. Gentleman, I pay respect to the way he has introduced this question. There is a school of thought—I have been up to Edinburgh and discussed this with the Scottish Government—that we should expand a wider range of policy issues, social and economic, and environmental goals, and turn them into judicially enforceable rights.
Session: Bill of Rights and Human Rights Act 1998
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Will the UK Government consider implementing a similar policy where car ads must promote alternatives like walking, cycling, and public transport?
Context
The French Government have decided that car advertisements must now encourage consumers to use more environmentally friendly modes of transport.
Trudy Harrison
Our decarbonisation plan aims to encourage short journeys in towns and cities by 2030 through walking or cycling. We have set up Active Travel England, led by Chris Boardman.
Session: Topical Questions
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The hon. Member is concerned that constituents in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock feel angry over reports that the UK may drop a planned ban on foie gras and fur imports, practices that involve animal cruelty. He asks how the Government can claim to be a world leader on animal welfare.
Context
The Government's decision on dropping the proposed ban on foie gras and fur imports has angered constituents who believe there are cruelty-free alternatives.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Our trade deals with Australia and New Zealand include groundbreaking animal welfare provisions, showing our commitment to high standards. For specific issues raised, DEFRA conducted a call for evidence on the fur market from 31 May to 28 June last year; a summary of responses will be published soon.
Session: Trade Negotiations Foie Gras and Fur Import Regulation
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What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Environment Minister regarding the potential impact of the Government's proposed ban on foie gras and fur imports on ongoing trade talks?
Context
The Government's plans for regulating foie gras and fur imports are under scrutiny, particularly in relation to their impact on trade negotiations.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
The Government are committed to upholding high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards as outlined in our manifesto. Regular discussions occur with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, but specific updates on future legislation will be provided to the House at a later date.
Session: Trade Negotiations Foie Gras and Fur Import Regulation
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The Scottish Government have invested hundreds of millions in accelerating superfast broadband roll-out in Scotland. As broadband is reserved, will you insist Cabinet colleagues deliver the funding necessary to roll out superfast broadband as that is the UK Government's responsibility?
Context
Concerns about UK Government's responsibility for broadband roll-out in Scotland, despite it being a reserved matter.
Julia Lopez
This is a Union issue and ensuring connectivity across the Union is part of our levelling up plans. I recently had a productive meeting with Kate Forbes, an excellent Minister, and am happy to continue working on such issues.
Session: Gigabit Broadband
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On Friday 28 January, Ministers of the three devolved Administrations were called to a meeting with the Attorney General at very short notice—the next day in fact—to discuss the so-called Brexit freedom Bill, which will have significant impact on hundreds of areas controlled by the devolved Governments. The meeting has been described as 'a rushed exercise…with nothing more than a vague verbal briefing', with no effort by the UK government to properly consult devolved governments on the details of the plans nor seek their views on their impacts on devolved areas of policy and law. Will the Attorney General make an unequivocal commitment today that the devolved Administrations will be consulted extensively before any further decisions are taken that would affect their existing policies, and specifically in relation to retained EU law?
Context
The devolved Administrations were called to a meeting with the Attorney General at very short notice on Friday 28 January regarding the so-called Brexit freedoms Bill. The meeting was described as rushed and lacking proper consultation.
Suella Braverman
Of course there will be continued and meaningful engagement with all the devolved Administrations in this process. It is an important opportunity and an important moment for our whole United Kingdom, and I very much look forward to the input of all the DAs.
Session: Retained EU Law Devolved Administrations
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What recent discussions has she had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) the devolved Administrations on proposed legislation to make it easier to amend or remove retained EU law?
Context
Discussions are ongoing regarding the proposed Brexit freedoms Bill which aims to amend or remove retained EU law. The devolved Administrations have been involved in these discussions but specific details and timelines remain unclear.
Suella Braverman
The Brexit freedoms Bill will once and for all take back control of the UK legal system, ending the special status of retained EU law and making it easier for the democratically elected UK Government to amend or remove it. The devolved Administrations have been kept informed of the progress of the reviews into retained EU law that will inform the Bill.
Session: Retained EU Law Devolved Administrations
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The recent devolution of the Crown Estate seabed is predicted to enable Scotland's offshore wind farms to reliably power around 30 million homes across the United Kingdom. Has the Secretary of State assessed how many millions of homes could be powered by Welsh offshore generation?
Context
Asked about potential Welsh offshore wind generation capacity.
Simon Hart
I think I caught the majority of the hon. Gentleman's question. Yes, we have undertaken significant analysis of the potential, but the potential is massively enhanced by this being a UK-wide—an international—approach. It is not enhanced—indeed, it is jeopardised—by constant reference to devolution of the Crown Estate, which seems to be almost off-putting to future investors in this particular sector.
Session: Crown Estate Devolution
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Does he agree that glacial progress on reconnecting communities in England to the national rail network is hindering growth?
Context
The MP celebrates the reopening of a rail line in Scotland and questions why similar progress has not been made in England, suggesting that glacial progress is hindering growth.
Grant Shapps
No, I do not agree. It has taken 50 years for a UK Government to come along and reopen the lines that were closed under Beeching and successive Governments. We are the ones reversing that and paying to reverse it, and Britain is proud of that.
Session: Closed Rail Lines Restoration
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Select Committee system is the jewel in the crown of Parliament and well capable of providing the right scrutiny. With that in mind, in the upcoming Online Safety Bill will the Secretary of State proceed with utmost caution over the proposed permanent standing Joint Committee, which would curtail her own powers and those of Ministers across Government?
Context
The Select Committee system is seen as crucial for effective scrutiny. The question queries whether the Secretary of State will proceed cautiously with proposals that could curtail ministerial powers in the Online Safety Bill.
Nadine Dorries
The Select Committee on Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is indeed the jewel in the crown. However, the Online Safety Bill is groundbreaking and novel legislation that will enforce new rules in areas not previously legislated upon. The debate about additional layers of scrutiny should occur when the Bill comes before the House.
Session: Online Safety Bill
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What recent discussions she has held with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) civil society groups on the proposed Online Safety Bill? There has been widespread support throughout this House for the Online Safety Bill, and yet it has been subject to contradictory messaging and delays. Will the Secretary of State finally provide a clear timetable so that the vital work of scrutiny and improvement can begin?
Context
The Online Safety Bill has faced delays and contradictory messaging despite widespread support in the House. The question seeks clarity on the timetable for the Bill's implementation to allow for scrutiny.
Nadine Dorries
I have met a range of stakeholders, including civil society groups, to discuss the Online Safety Bill. I have also had regular meetings with my ministerial colleagues and have heard a wide range of opinions on the Bill. The Joint Committee reported on 10 December and the Bill will come to the House very shortly.
Session: Online Safety Bill
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The Secretary of State will no doubt agree that for any Government committed to the rule of law, respect for international law is as important as respect for domestic law. Will he therefore join me in condemning suggestions by the Home Secretary that she is prepared to break international refugee conventions and turn away boats in the channel? Will he meet her to stress how damaging that action would be to the United Kingdom's international reputation and credibility?
Context
MP criticises suggestions to break international refugee conventions.
Robert Buckland
I assure the hon. Gentleman that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has taken the fullest and most comprehensive advice on these matters. There is an immediate challenge: we face the appalling exploitation of people by gangmasters and traffickers across the English channel every day.
Session: The Rule of Law
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Will the Minister confirm that he will be releasing the information as per the tribunal's order, and provide details of how much it cost?
Context
A first-tier tribunal ruling has ordered the Cabinet Office to release information on public opinion polling related to the Union in Scotland.
Michael Gove
We are reviewing how we can comply with the first-tier tribunal's judgment.
Session: Union in Scotland Public Opinion Polling
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Does the Minister recognize that removing the £20 uplift will push more families into hardship?
Context
The question is about the impact of removing the £20 uplift to Universal Credit and its potential exacerbation of poverty, with reference to the Trussell Trust's findings.
Will Quince
Food bank reliance is not desired by anyone. We invest over £100 billion annually on benefits for working-age people and an additional £7.4 billion during the pandemic. The focus now is shifting to supporting people back into work, which is the best route out of poverty.
Session: Universal Credit Uplift
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What recent assessment has been made of the potential effect on recipients of universal credit after removal of the £20 uplift?
Context
The question arises from concerns over the impact of removing a temporary £20 per week increase in Universal Credit for recipients. The Government previously extended this measure to March 2023.
Will Quince
Since the start of the pandemic, the Government's priority has been to protect lives and people's livelihoods. In March, we extended the temporary £20-a-week increase in universal credit for six months. Now it is right that the focus shifts to supporting people back into work via a comprehensive plan for jobs.
Session: Universal Credit Uplift
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As a former Metropolitan police officer, may I pay tribute to the memory of PC Keith Palmer? The largest review ever undertaken of 349 research studies from across the globe, carried out by the Centre for Criminology at the University of South Wales in 2017, found that safe or supervised injection rooms significantly reduced drug-related harms and dramatically cut mortality rates. Will the Minister pay heed to this overwhelming evidence and support at least one pilot facility—preferably more—for safe drug consumption rooms in Scotland?
Context
The question arises from a concern regarding the high drug death rate in Scotland. A research study by the Centre for Criminology at the University of South Wales found that safe or supervised injection rooms significantly reduce drug-related harms and mortality rates.
Kit Malthouse
I can understand the hon. Gentleman's concern, given that Scotland currently has a drug death rate three and a half times that of the whole of the UK, and it is a matter that should be of concern to all of us. I have had extensive discussions with my Scottish colleagues, not least the new Scottish Minister for Drugs Policy, about how we could work together to try to tackle this problem. Although at the moment we do not envisage changing the rules to look at safe consumption rooms, there is a huge amount we can do together. I urge the hon. Gentleman and his colleagues north of the border to look at our groundbreaking ADDER— Addiction, Diversion, Disruption, Enforcement and Recovery—projects, which are bringing together the police and the most critical partner for drug recovery, the health service, in five areas across England and Wales to focus on this problem and try to shift the numbers.
Session: Misuse of Drugs Act
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Does the Minister agree that as the Bill moves through Parliament it should be guided by the principle of the right to peaceful assembly and protest?
Context
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill has faced criticism from campaigners like Liberty for potentially undermining protest rights.
Chris Philp
I agree that fundamental human rights must be protected, including the right to peaceful protest. The Bill respects other people's rights and need of emergency vehicles to secure safe passage, contrary to claims by Liberty and others.
Session: Human Rights
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Any major conflict will require UK forces to be able to work collaboratively and fully with EU forces in the future. What steps has the Secretary of State taken to ensure that that is possible through access to the European Defence Standardisation Committee, which replaces the former Materiel Standardisation Group?
Context
The MP questioned the necessity of access to the European Defence Standardisation Committee for future conflict collaboration with EU forces, referencing its role in replacing the former Materiel Standardisation Group.
Ben Wallace
The leader in the field of standardisation has always been NATO, with the setting of NATO standards, which have let us interoperate with our allies the United States and all the other nations of Europe. It would be wrong to abandon that to adopt another approach.
Session: Military and Security Co-operation European Union
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What plans does the Secretary of State have for future military and security co-operation with EU (a) institutions and (b) member states. Although we are leaving the EU defence structures, what specific plans exist to maintain collaboration on shared threats and challenges?
Context
The MP inquired about the UK's future military and security cooperation with EU institutions and member states, considering the country's departure from EU defence structures.
Ben Wallace
Although we are leaving the EU defence structures, we remain committed to the security of Europe and will continue to co-operate with the EU and European nations on a bilateral or multinational basis on shared threats and challenges. We do not need an institutionalised relation with the EU to do so. The defence settlement reaffirms our position as Europe's leading power, with the second highest defence budget in NATO, providing leadership and the ability for investment to help drive forward NATO's adaptation.
Session: Military and Security Co-operation European Union
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For the last eight months, around 2 million disabled people and others on legacy benefits have been discriminated against through being excluded from the £20 uplift granted to those receiving universal credit. The Chancellor's failure to extend the £20 uplift to them is another humiliating insult to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in our society, and only granting them an additional 37p a week from next April is nothing short of abhorrent. Does the Secretary of State think it is acceptable that people on legacy benefits are now facing a second year without sufficient financial support from this Government?
Context
The MP is concerned about the exclusion of around 2 million disabled people and others on legacy benefits from the £20 uplift to universal credit.
Therese Coffey
Last year we actually increased benefits by inflation, and we have made sure that that has happened again so that there are no cuts in that regard. I am keen to continue to do what we can to encourage people to move across to universal credit. There is only one group of claimants who are effectively barred from doing that, and that will change in January next year. I genuinely want to put across how important it is; by using things such as Help to Claim and getting support directly, people can often see that they will be considerably better off under universal credit.
Session: Spending Review 2020
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What assessment has she made of the implications for her Department's policies of the spending review 2020?
Context
The MP is inquiring about the impact of the spending review on departmental policies.
Therese Coffey
The further funding for our plan for jobs—particularly the £2.9 billion for the restart programme that is focusing on those at risk of long-term unemployment—as well as ongoing support for our other schemes and work coaches shows our focus on helping people to get back into work. Through Barnett consequentials, £36 million of funding will be available for equivalent measures in Scotland next year. Other elements, such as the record increase in defence spending and the 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution, will help to create new jobs that will positively impact Scotland and the wider UK.
Session: Spending Review 2020
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Will the Minister confirm or deny that taxpayers' money is being used to employ consultants with the sole purpose of producing and promoting negative propaganda to encounter the increasingly successful campaign for Scottish independence? Is that not to the detriment of co-operation between the nations?
Context
Concerns about taxpayers' money being used for anti-independence activities.
Iain Stewart
Forgive me, Mr Speaker, but I am not quite sure what that has got to do with the response to coronavirus.
Session: Co-ordinated Response to Covid-19 Devolved Administrations
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Can the Secretary of State tell us his plans to ensure that our armed forces can cope with multiple tasks, including combating people and drug trafficking, and foreign incursion into our territorial waters and airspace? Will they specifically live up to the Government's promise to establish a frigate factory on the Clyde?
Context
The MP is concerned about the readiness of UK armed forces to handle various threats, including people and drug trafficking and foreign incursions into territorial waters.
Ben Wallace
Firstly, we cope with securing our borders through burden sharing and working across agencies including Scottish Government for fisheries protection. On a frigate factory, the last two major shipbuilding contracts for defence have been placed in Scotland: Type 26 on the Clyde and Type 31 at Rosyth.
Session: UK Territorial Waters
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General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate concerns the treatment of beneficiaries in defined benefit pension schemes, particularly highlighting cases involving BP, Shell, Hewlett-Packard, and ExxonMobil. The speaker emphasises issu...
Israel and Gaza
26 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Networks National Policy Statement
26 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister proposes the revision of the National Networks national policy statement to provide a planning framework for determining applications for nationally significant road, rail and strategic f...
Women’s State Pension Age
25 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
27 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Horizon Scandal
22 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
6
PMQs Asked
43
Ministerial Questions Asked
47
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
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
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+221% above average
This MP:
43
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+867% above average
This MP:
47
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 Allan Dorans's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.