Alun Cairns
MP for Vale of Glamorgan
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
For 27 years, constituents in Wales have waited longer than those in England for doctors, ambulances, A&E care, and operations. Does my right hon. Friend agree that Labour cannot be trusted with the NHS?
Context
Constituents across the Vale of Glamorgan and Wales have faced longer wait times for medical services compared to England. The number of patients waiting over two years for an operation is significantly higher in Wales.
Rishi Sunak
My right hon. Friend is correct. In England, we are eliminating longest waiting times and improving education rates, while in Wales these issues are worsening under Labour.
Assessment
The specific ask about the unacceptable situation was not addressed, instead comparing policies.
Labour'S Failure
Education Rates
Session: PMQs
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Earlier, the Leader of the Opposition sought to draw attention to council tax rates and increases, offering some crocodile tears in the process. I draw to the Prime Minister's attention that, whereas we have seen a 43% increase in council tax rates since 2010 in England, the increase in Wales has been a staggering 67%. Therefore, is it not the case that we should be looking at what Labour does rather than what Labour says?
Context
The PM was asked about the increase in council tax rates, with Wales seeing a staggering 67% rise since 2010.
Rishi Sunak
My right hon. Friend has made an excellent point. The Leader of the Opposition is very fond of telling us that Labour in Wales is the blueprint for how he would like to run the country, but, as we have seen, all that it means is higher bills for hard-working British families.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister take all possible action to negotiate and facilitate access to the grain stores?
Context
The world faces a global food crisis, with significant grain reserves stranded in Ukraine.
Boris Johnson
We are helping to lift that blockade not just by negotiation but by supplying de-mining equipment, insurance for commercial ships and £10 million to improve railway infrastructure.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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The horrifying effects of events in Ukraine must be central to our focus, and we should do all possible to stand together in support. A war in Europe also has challenging domestic outcomes, with higher energy costs, rising food prices and effects on supplies and inflation and across the economy in general. Does the Prime Minister agree that this is a time when we need to come together as a nation common and that anyone seeking to weaponise Putin's deliberate and calculated consequences of the war will only undermine the unity of our nation at a time when Europe is in crisis?
Context
Events in Ukraine have led to higher energy costs, rising food prices and inflationary pressures.
Boris Johnson
I thank my right hon. Friend very much for what he has said. One of the most important things that has confounded Vladimir Putin has not only been the heroic resistance of the Ukrainians but the unity of the rest of the world and, I must say, so far, the relative unity—the important unity—of this House.
Session: PMQs
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My consituent Tom Channon was just 18 years old when he tragically died at the Eden Roc complex in Majorca. This incident was totally preventable and avoidable. Nothing had been done to make the site safe. Will my right hon. Friend use all his influence to press the Spanish authorities to pursue a criminal prosecution?
Context
Cairns raised the case of Tom Channon, who died at the Eden Roc complex in July 2018 due to preventable circumstances.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
I thank my right hon. Friend very much for raising this appalling case and expressing our deepest sympathies to Tom's family and friends. To seek justice for Tom, I am happy to ask the Foreign Office to begin talks first with my right hon. Friend and then their Spanish counterparts.
Session: PMQs
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Does my right hon. Friend share concern that the funding for 75% business rate relief scheme in England is not used to the same degree in Wales?
Context
Small businesses in retail and hospitality are affected by cost of living pressures, with different levels of business rate relief between England and Wales.
David Davies
My right hon. Friend is correct; UK Government ensured money was passed for discount but Welsh Labour decided to spend it elsewhere, resulting in pubs paying thousands more in Wales than across border in England.
Session: Cost of Living
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My right hon. Friend is well aware that the Chancellor has extended business rate relief here in England, but of course the Welsh Government are refusing to pass this on to small businesses. Does he not think it completely unfair?
Context
English businesses receive business rate relief at a higher percentage than Welsh businesses.
David Davies
My right hon. Friend is absolutely correct. It is extraordinary that the Welsh Labour Government, receiving funding to support small businesses in Wales, are failing to pass it on. As a result, the average pub in Wales will pay more than £2,000 more in business rates than a pub in England.
Session: Budget 2024 Businesses in Wales
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Is the Minister aware that Offshore Energies UK published a workforce insight last year highlighting that the number of people working in the sector could increase by 50%? For this to become reality, what commitment can my right hon. Friend offer to stability and competitiveness?
Context
The question references a report by Offshore Energies UK which highlights the potential for workforce expansion in the sector.
Graham Stuart
My right hon. Friend is correct, this is a declining basin and it's crucial to support skills and jobs in the current reliance on oil and gas. The Government will continue using oil and gas for decades while supporting the industry through transition to decarbonisation.
Session: Oil and Gas Sector
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What steps she is taking to support the oil and gas sector. The North sea is a mature basin, and production will naturally decline in coming years. The MP questions what actions are being taken by the Government to use UK's gas and oil reserves for smoother transition to renewables while ensuring employment and wealth prospects.
Context
The question addresses the need for government support for the oil and gas industry during its transition to renewable energy sources.
Graham Stuart
The North sea is a declining basin, but it's important not to lose skills and jobs provided by oil and gas industry. The Government will continue using oil and gas for decades, supporting the industry during transition to decarbonisation.
Session: Oil and Gas Sector
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I draw the attention of the House to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests in that my wife is an education lawyer. Parents appealing decisions in relation to education, health and care plans (EHCP) and health needs are forced to wait between nine months and 13 months from appeal registration to hearing. That is far too long in terms of a child's development. Does my hon. Friend agree with that? Does he also share my concern that some schools are delaying providing EHCPs in the knowledge that it will take a year or more to have an appeal?
Context
Parents are waiting between nine months and 13 months for decisions regarding education, health and care plans (EHCP) appeals, which is seen as too long given the impact on children's development.
Mike Freer
My right hon. Friend is right. Despite special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) appeals and disposals being up by 24% and 29% respectively, I do share his concerns, and systematic reform is required. That is why through the SEND and alternative provision improvement plan, the Department for Education and ourselves will be working hard to ensure that it is improved. I am more than happy to meet my right hon. Friend to go through the details.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome my right hon. Friend back to his post. I pay tribute to him and to the Secretary of State for the international trade deals that they have struck during their period in office. What progress is being made on a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council?
Context
The MP inquires about progress on a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council and potential bilateral deals.
Greg Hands
I am excited by the prospect of the deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council, with which the Secretary of State is very much engaged, and I am looking forward to being re-engaged with it. It is a huge opportunity for us, as the latest figures show that total trade between the UK and the Gulf is worth more than £60 billion.
Session: Exports Small and Medium-sized Businesses
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The Government are taking steps to support industrial clusters. What engagement is my hon. Friend undertaking to discuss investment plans with businesses to meet the target and use latest technologies?
Context
There are significant steps to support industrial clusters around the UK, each at different stages of development with close 2030 targets and billions in investment.
Andrew Bowie
We are engaging with companies daily, inspecting their investment plans to ensure they fit this country's future needs and will deliver ambitious world-leading targets for decarbonisation and jobs.
Session: Energy-intensive Industries
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Barry is Wales's largest town, but it has been ignored by the Welsh Government for decades. It has significant regeneration challenges, like many places. I congratulate my right hon. Friend on awarding Barry towns regeneration status, but can he reassure me that that does not preclude Barry from benefiting from levelling up funding?
Context
The MP congratulated the Secretary of State on awarding Barry towns regeneration status and inquired about its eligibility for levelling up funding.
David Davies
Obviously, I welcome the announcement, but my right hon. Friend is far too modest, since he has been knocking on the door of the Wales Office and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for a very long time to demand extra funding for Barry.
Session: Strength of the Union
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The new Levelling Up Minister has got off to a flying start by awarding £20 million to Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan. What reassurance can my hon. Friend give me that local priorities will determine how that money should be spent?
Context
Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan received £20 million from levelling-up funds, which is seen as a positive step.
Jacob Young
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend, who is a persistent champion of Barry in his constituency. I look forward to working with him to see Barry's potential realised.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will he encourage the devolved Administrations to work with the UK Government to ensure that we exploit those benefits and this Brexit opportunity for people in Scotland, Wales and elsewhere?
Context
The MP builds upon the previous question by asking for encouragement from the Secretary of State to work with devolved administrations to exploit opportunities within CPTPP.
Alister Jack
Absolutely. We are working with the devolved Administrations, and we have put in a huge network of support centres across the UK, not least in Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh.
Session: Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
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What assessment has been made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of the UK's accession to the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership on the Scottish economy?
Context
The MP seeks an assessment from the government regarding the potential economic impact of the UK joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) specifically in Scotland.
Alister Jack
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is projected to make up a majority of global growth in the future. Joining the CPTPP provides Scottish businesses with opportunities for new jobs, growth, and innovation due to the UK's position outside the EU.
Session: Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that an open, pragmatic approach needs to be shown to harness the benefits of AI for the economy and society?
Context
The question is about taking an open and pragmatic approach in international AI diplomacy.
Chloe Smith
My right hon. Friend is correct. We intend to lead overseas and domestically, leading the charge in public services and ensuring our pro-innovation approach enables capturing benefits sooner across the economy.
Session: Artificial Intelligence
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Does he see the damage that imposing immunity for terrorists could do to the Union? The Government need to demonstrate that Northern Ireland remains a strong part of the UK to restore power sharing.
Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill is under scrutiny. It plans to impose immunity for terrorists against the wishes of local parties and victim groups.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The Bill is being scrutinised in the House of Lords. The DUP opposes amnesty, but has a principled position since the Belfast/Good Friday agreement. The Bill will be article 2 compliant and provide information for families.
Session: Power Sharing
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Clear policy direction and a strong regulatory framework have led to the UK being the world's leading centre in financial technology. Does my hon. Friend agree that the crypto industry offers the same opportunity for the UK to exploit?
Context
The UK is recognised as a world leader in financial technology.
Andrew Griffith
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. I was pleased to join him in a Westminster Hall debate about the regulation of the cryptoassets sector. I commend the work done in this House by the crypto and digital assets all-party parliamentary group. He might join me in welcoming the decision by Andreessen Horowitz, one of the world's largest technology companies, to locate its only international office outside of San Francisco here in the UK and to run its 2024 cryptoassets school here.
Session: Topical Questions
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My right hon. Friend, the Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, has been supportive of apprenticeships. Will he engage with the hospitality sector to bring people into apprenticeships and improve standards?
Context
The hospitality sector seeks more flexibility and evolution of apprenticeship policies to better serve their needs.
Robert Halfon
We have introduced flexibilities in the apprenticeship levy. I visited Greene King, which uses the levy effectively. We will continue to work with the hospitality industry to support its growth.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned about the apprenticeship levy's relevance to small employers who find the process unwieldy. Will you engage with other Departments to make it more relevant?
Context
The apprenticeship levy is aimed at improving economic activity rates but faces issues with accessibility for smaller businesses.
Guy Opperman
I am happy to meet my right hon. Friend and Ministers in the Departments that control the policy to discuss any improvements.
Session: Topical Questions
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Is he aware that the Scottish Government's planned deposit return scheme will increase costs for breweries, pubs and distilleries? Does he support calls for a rethink of implementation?
Context
Concerns about the deposit return scheme's impact on costs for brewers, pubs and distilleries and its potential to drive up consumer prices.
John Lamont
The Scottish deposit return scheme does not work. Tesco's chief executive said it risks driving up prices and suggested a UK-wide scheme would be better.
Session: Cost of Living
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A competitive and viable banking sector is essential to offer competitive mortgages to constituents right across the country. What assessment has my hon. Friend made of the treatment of additional tier 1 bonds in relation to the Credit Suisse takeover, which could well undermine the sector elsewhere, and what assessment has he made of the value of those bonds here in the UK?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of the Credit Suisse takeover on the value of additional tier 1 bonds and the stability of the UK banking sector.
Andrew Griffith
I thank my right hon. Friend for his comments. The Government join the Bank of England in welcoming the comprehensive set of actions taken yesterday by the Swiss authorities to ensure financial stability. It would not be for me to talk from the Dispatch Box about the treatment of creditors, but the UK's bank resolution framework has a clear statutory order in which shareholders and creditors would bear losses in a resolution or insolvency scenario.
Session: Mortgage Rates
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What hope, prospect and opportunity can I offer people in Barry for the next round of levelling-up funding?
Context
The MP inquires about opportunities for the next round of levelling-up funding after a bid by Barry Making Waves was ignored.
David Davies
I fully understand my right hon. Friend's disappointment that the bid was not successful on this occasion, and I pay tribute to him for being such a champion for that particular bid and for his constituency. I suggest to him that there is going to be a third round of levelling-up funding, and I hope that local authorities that have not thus far been successful will apply.
Session: Levelling-Up Fund Welsh Communities
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What assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the impact of the levelling-up fund on Welsh communities?
Context
The MP asks about an impact assessment made with Cabinet colleagues regarding the £330 million allocated to Wales through the levelling-up fund.
David Davies
I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues about how the £330 million allocated to Wales so far through the levelling-up fund is supporting communities, creating jobs, driving up economic growth and keeping the Government's commitment to ensure that Wales does not lose a penny as a result of coming out of the European Union.
Session: Levelling-Up Fund Welsh Communities
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What practical support can the Department provide to Vale of Glamorgan farmers to exploit this opportunity and ensure the best Welsh lamb reaches the US market?
Context
Vale of Glamorgan farmers rear some of the best lamb globally, with new market opportunities now available in the United States.
Greg Hands
Welsh lamb is going to the US for the first time in over 20 years, now that the small ruminant rule has been removed. The market is estimated at £37 million in the first five years. We continue engaging with the US Administration to ensure good access to markets.
Session: Free Trade Agreements Farmers
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Does he agree that the Welsh Government need to focus on the right priorities: investing in public services and getting value for money?
Context
The MP is concerned about the priorities of the Welsh Government, given significant funding increases but poor performance in health and education.
David Davies
My right hon. Friend was responsible for ensuring that the Welsh Government got a more generous package than they had previously—£1.20 for every £1 spent in England. It is therefore very hard to understand why, under a Welsh Labour Government, health service waiting lists and ambulance response times have got longer. People have lower standards of healthcare in Wales than they do under a Conservative-run NHS in England, and Welsh Labour needs to take responsibility for that.
Session: Cost of Living Crisis Devolved Budget, Households and Businesses
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The Welsh Government wasted close to £5 billion of the former European aid in west Wales and the valleys. What reassurance can my right hon. Friend give me that the UK shared prosperity fund will reflect UK priorities, working with local authorities in Wales—in all of Wales—to ensure that places such as the Vale of Glamorgan benefit, having been excluded by the former European scheme?
Context
Concern over the previous European aid scheme and a desire to ensure that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund benefits places like Vale of Glamorgan, which were excluded from the former European scheme.
Simon Hart
My right hon. Friend puts his finger on exactly why the levelling-up fund and the UK shared prosperity fund are so vital. What they do is go straight to local communities. This allows them to make bids and decisions on behalf of their constituents, residents and ratepayers in a way no other scheme has previously enabled them to do. That is why this is innovative and will lead to sustainable jobs.
Session: UK Shared Prosperity Fund
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Will the Minister agree to meet me again so that we can consider how we can best take this project forward?
Context
The MP seeks a meeting to consider the establishment of a new railway station in St Athan, previously excluded from the Welsh Government's programme.
Wendy Morton
I am happy to meet my right hon. Friend.
Session: Reopening Railway Lines and Stations
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Fonmon castle park and gardens, in my constituency, provides a first-class day out for visitors, but will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating those who run it on the partnership that they have established with HM Prison Parc? This offers new opportunities for offenders, while also resolving some of the labour shortages in the area.
Context
Recognition of the partnership between Fonmon castle park and gardens, in the questioner's constituency, and HM Prison Parc.
Kit Malthouse
I am, of course, happy to celebrate the success of Fonmon castle and its partnership with Parc prison. As my right hon. Friend knows, we believe that employment for offenders is critical to moving them into a better life. Building partnerships of that kind between businesses and prisons is key for the future, and I am pleased to tell my right hon. Friend that Parc prison is in line, in the next year, to have one of our new employment advisory boards.
Session: Offenders Giving Back to Communities
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What plans does he have to help ensure that offenders give back to their communities?
Context
Discussion about the need for offenders to give back to their communities after serving sentences.
Kit Malthouse
When people have broken the law, and when it is safe and proportionate for them to do so, they should serve their sentences in the community. We are investing £93 million in community payback staff over the next three years so that we can increase the number of hours worked to a record-breaking 8 million a year.
Session: Offenders Giving Back to Communities
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The zero-emission vehicle mandate requires a smooth glide path in its transition towards the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel vehicles. Will my hon. Friend consider the impact that the smooth glide path has on smaller automotive manufacturers? Their commitment to achieve the 2030 ban is absolutely agreed, but the capacity to achieve the smooth glide path for those smaller manufacturers, such as Aston Martin, is much more difficult.
Context
The zero-emission vehicle mandate requires a smooth glide path in its transition towards the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel vehicles.
Trudy Harrison
We continue to work with all manufacturers, including the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and I have been delighted with the enthusiasm and the determination to transition from a fossil-fuelled car manufacturing economy to zero-emission vehicles. I will continue to work with all manufacturers, and in particular Aston Martin.
Session: Topical Questions
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Energy performance improvements to domestic dwellings are an important part of the Government's agenda in respect of climate change obligations, as well as in respect of the cost of living. May I draw the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to private-rented off-grid properties, for which it is much more difficult and expensive to achieve energy performance improvements than for normal domestic dwellings?
Context
The issue revolves around the challenges faced by private-rented off-grid properties in achieving energy performance improvements.
Eddie Hughes
It will indeed be much more challenging, which is why I am working closely with the Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Lord Callanan, to see how we can address the problem. I look forward to discussing the issue further with my right hon. Friend to see how we can find an appropriate solution.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I congratulate my right hon. Friend on securing 11 successful levelling up fund applications? Does he agree that the levelling-up agenda, together with the levelling-up fund, the shared prosperity fund and some of the other funds that he mentioned, is an excellent example of how the might of the UK economy can be shared throughout every nation of the UK?
Context
The question follows up on previous success in securing levelling-up fund applications and seeks to reinforce the positive impact of these funds on Northern Ireland.
Conor Burns
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend. The levelling-up fund and our commitment to Northern Ireland are unshakeable. The levelling-up fund is yet another demonstration of why Northern Ireland's place is integrally as part of the United Kingdom.
Session: Levelling Up White Paper
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What assessment has been made of the impact of the “Levelling Up the United Kingdom” White Paper on communities in Northern Ireland?
Context
The Levelling Up the United Kingdom White Paper aims to spread prosperity and opportunity across all parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland. The question addresses the specific impact on communities in Northern Ireland.
Conor Burns
The “Levelling Up” White Paper sets out clearly and compellingly the Government's mission to spread prosperity and opportunity to every part of our United Kingdom. Alongside the £617 million in city and growth deal funding, the levelling up, community renewal and community ownership funds have invested £62 million to date in the people and places most in need in Northern Ireland as a demonstration of our commitment to the people of Northern Ireland.
Session: Levelling Up White Paper
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Most of the focus on the freeport opportunity has understandably been on maritime ports. Can I draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the merits of Barry port? In addition, can I ask him to pay particular attention to Cardiff airport, which is closely associated with Barry port, and assure me that it will be central to his thinking?
Context
There is a focus on maritime ports for freeports, but inland areas like Barry port also present opportunities. The Welsh Government seeks assurance that Cardiff airport will be central to thinking.
Simon Hart (Minister for Wales)
Freeports are not necessarily confined to coastal areas; some of the best examples in the UK are inland freeports. We are trying to be as flexible as possible and look at all issues with an open mind, including Cardiff airport.
Session: Freeports
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With the end of European aid and new eligibility under the levelling-up fund, will the Minister ensure attention is given to previously ineligible areas like Barry when the next funding round opens?
Context
The MP is interested in the opportunities presented by the levelling-up fund to regenerate communities that were not eligible for EU aid, particularly focusing on Barry.
Neil O'Brien
My right hon. Friend correctly notes that the next round of levelling-up funding will open soon, offering flexibility and opportunities for places that did not previously qualify for EU aid.
Session: Levelling-up Agenda Opportunities for Northern Ireland
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Vale of Glamorgan, like many rural areas, experiences horrendous animal welfare incidents from illegal dog breeding and hare coursing to fly-grazing and horse neglect. Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating Chief Inspector Rees and her team on how they have used the additional resources that have been made available to combat some of the worst crimes we could possibly imagine?
Context
The question is related to the significant animal welfare incidents experienced in rural areas, including illegal dog breeding, hare coursing, fly-grazing, and horse neglect.
Kit Malthouse
I am more than happy to join my right hon. Friend in congratulating his local police force on their work in this area, and I am pleased to hear that his non-human constituents are as important to him as the human ones. He will be aware that some of these truly appalling crimes need to be addressed much more assertively, and I hope he has noticed that, in the Police, Crime, Courts and Sentencing Bill, we are tabling amendments specifically on hare coursing, which will help to fight that awful crime.
Session: Police Funding
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What assessment he has made of the impact of the future soldier programme of reform on the army estate in Wales. I associate myself with the comments made about our friend and colleague Jack Dromey. The Welsh Government's refusal to extend the lease of the land at MOD St Athan effectively blocked a new major military unit coming to St Athan.
Context
The MP is concerned about the future soldier reform programme and its effects on military personnel and bases in Wales.
Jeremy Quin
Future soldier is good news for Wales, bringing additional investment into the Army estate of around £320 million. Brecon barracks will be retained and a new reserve unit of the Royal Welsh will be established in Wrexham.
Session: Future Soldier Programme Army Estate in Wales
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What assessment he has made of the impact of the future soldier programme of reform on the army estate in Wales. I associate myself with the comments made about our friend and colleague Jack Dromey. The Welsh Government's refusal to extend the lease of the land at MOD St Athan effectively blocked a new major military unit coming to St Athan.
Context
The MP is concerned about the future soldier reform programme and its effects on military personnel and bases in Wales.
Jeremy Quin
The Ministry of Defence holds the freehold for the west camp land, which was not covered by the historic agreement made with the Welsh Government. West camp is MOD freehold and we will retain our forces there.
Session: Future Soldier Programme Army Estate in Wales
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Will the Minister join me in paying tribute to John and Ceri Channon from my constituency who, following the tragic death of their son, Tom, in Majorca in the summer of 2018, have worked tirelessly with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Minister for Europe, and the embassy in Spain to enhance the various authorities' response to tragic accidents overseas, resulting in Tom's Check, which was reported in the news today?
Context
Recognition and praise for efforts to enhance response to tragic accidents involving British nationals abroad.
Amanda Milling
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question. I know that he has met my ministerial colleague, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills (Wendy Morton), and also the family.
Session: Topical Questions
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Domestic violence has become more prevalent due to pandemic-related restrictions. Can I draw attention to Atal y Fro, which encourages GPs to follow the IRIS programme for better identification and support of victims?
Context
The question stems from the concern that some measures introduced during the pandemic inadvertently led to an increase in domestic violence. The focus is on highlighting a programme that helps GPs identify such issues.
Rachel Maclean
Thanking Alun Cairns for highlighting the excellent work of Atal y Fro, which highlights the role of frontline GPs in identifying and supporting victims. The Minister also congratulates him on running the London marathon to raise funds for charity.
Session: Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls
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There is the potential to cut or at least freeze the licence fee. It raises over £3.5 billion a year, much of which is used to create quality broadcasts. However, significant sums are used to squeeze out competition from the independent sector. This is the most regressive form of taxation, akin to the poll tax, so does she agree that a freeze or a cut would be not only a welcome boost to hard-pressed families, but a way of facilitating innovation within the BBC and encouraging competition from outside, creating a much more dynamic broadcast provision?
Context
The MP noted the potential to cut or freeze the licence fee and its impact on competition from the independent sector.
Nadine Dorries
My priority is to secure a settlement that delivers value for money for those hard-pressed constituents and for the licence fee payer, while making sure that the BBC can continue to provide high-quality services. I have been having constructive discussions with the BBC and believe we are close to reaching an agreement.
Session: BBC Licence Fee
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What plans she has for the future of the BBC licence fee. The Government have committed to maintaining the licence fee funding model for the duration of the charter period. Ahead of the next charter review process, we will undertake a detailed look at the TV licence model to ensure that it is fit for the future.
Context
The question follows discussions about maintaining the current funding model for the BBC.
Nadine Dorries
The Government have committed to maintaining the licence fee funding model for the duration of the charter period. Ahead of the next charter review process, we will undertake a detailed look at the TV licence model to ensure that it is fit for the future.
Session: BBC Licence Fee
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Is the Minister aware that Barry in my constituency did not qualify for European funds? Does he accept that the levelling-up fund is a potential game changer for the Vale of Glamorgan? May I draw his attention to the excellent proposal for a marina for Barry, which would recover land for development? May I ask him to pay particular attention when this application comes in?
Context
The absence of European funds in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, and a proposed marina project that could be funded by the levelling-up fund.
David Davies
My right hon. Friend has long been a doughty champion of this scheme, as he has of many other schemes, including the seven UK community renewal fund projects that are going to be delivered in the Vale of Glamorgan and are worth more than £1 million. We would encourage as many good-quality bids as possible from the Vale of Glamorgan.
Session: Levelling-up Fund Project Delivery
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Future of UK Capital Markets
30 January 2024
Responding: Gareth Davies
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the de-equitisation and slowdown in initial public offerings, as well as the increasing prominence of US markets over London. Companies like Arm have chosen to list in New York instead of London, highlighting a shift that needs attention. The number of companies listed on the UK stock exchange has dropped by a third over 15 years, with only around 10% of assets held in equities compared to more than 30% in the US. I also highlighted challenges such as the decrease in asset managers' investment in equities from 30% in 792017 to approximately 20% currently."]
Specific Asks
['I urge the Government and regulators to consider what can be done to ensure London maintains its prominence in world financial markets. I look for details on further progress towards the 5% target of private equities investment by defined contribution fund managers by 2030, as well as updates on defined benefits reforms. Additionally, guidance is needed to secure a role for smaller private equity funds and feedback on the timing of regulatory approval for new trading venues.']
Levelling Up Barry, Vale of Glamorgan
26 October 2022
Responding: Dehenna Davison
Main Concerns
['Barry has been overlooked by the Welsh Government for decades despite its rich history and economic potential. The town is one of the most deprived in Wales, with low productivity levels at £14,706 compared to the UK average. Five areas in Barry were among the 10% most deprived wards in Wales in 2011, highlighting persistent deprivation over decades. Additionally, due to quirks of EU regulations and devolution, Barry did not qualify as a priority area for significant infrastructure development.']
Specific Asks
["The levelling-up fund should support the Barry Making Waves project, which aims to revitalise the town's waterfront with a marina, hot-desk workspace, parkland, and watersports facility. The scheme seeks £19.9 million in levelling-up funds for a £32 million project, aiming to boost local employment and tourism."]
FIFA World Cup 2022
20 October 2022
Responding: Jesse Norman
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the challenges faced by fans attending the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, including issues related to accommodation costs, alcohol consumption regulations, and policing practices. The cost of alcohol and accommodation is a significant concern for many attendees, and there are sensitivities around public displays of affection and LGBTQ+ rights due to cultural differences. Additionally, I have raised questions about mental health support for fans during the tournament.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to provide further information on cost details for accommodation and alcohol consumption at the World Cup in Qatar. It is also crucial that there is clear communication regarding policing strategies to ensure a safe environment for all attendees, particularly for those with specific cultural or health considerations.']
5G Network
24 November 2020
Responding: Matt Warman
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the challenge of finding and developing alternative providers to Huawei after its exclusion from the UK's 5G network. The tension between security concerns and rapid technological rollout has led to a difficult decision for the Government, but it presents an opportunity for the UK to step up in specific areas of technology."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the government to play an active part in setting the direction and creating parameters for private investment in fields where we are already leading, such as compound semiconductors, radio frequency and satellite communications, cyber-resilience, backhaul technologies, test and validation, and others.']
Digital Markets Bill - After Clause 308 - Secondary ticketing facilities
21 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment proposed by the Lords, which seeks to introduce additional regulatory requirements on resale sites, should be reconsidered as it may not be necessary or enforceable. Instead of adding mo...
Protecting Steel in the UK
23 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Labour party recognises the need to decarbonise steel production but is concerned about the Government's plans which will result in significant job losses and risk leaving the UK without primary s...
Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill
17 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr. Jenrick moved an amendment to ensure that the relevant provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998 are fully disapplied for both this Bill and the Illegal Migration Act 2023 in relation to removals to...
Defending the UK and Allies
15 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NHS Winter Update
08 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
BBC Funding
07 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Finance Bill (No. 2) - Clause 1: Reduction in National Insurance Contributions
30 November 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. This is a landmark moment as we focus on growing our economy and cutting taxes after supporting people through the pandemic with significant spe...
Ukraine
28 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Autumn Statement
22 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
War in Ukraine
24 October 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
5
PMQs Asked
60
Ministerial Questions Asked
92
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+348% above average
This MP:
60
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1793% above average
This MP:
92
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 Alun Cairns's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.