Andrew Bridgen
MP for North West Leicestershire
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
More than two decades ago, the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, misled this House by promoting and endorsing the Post Office Horizon IT system as perfect, protecting the large corporation that created it and causing untold harm, damage and misery to innocent people. Can the current Prime Minister think of anything he has promoted, in partnership with huge businesses, as safe and effective that has ultimately harmed the British people? Will he use this opportunity to correct that safe and effective statement, or will he choose the same line as Tony Blair and sit back, do nothing and let the misery continue to pile up?
Context
The MP references the Tony Blair government's involvement in promoting the flawed Post Office IT system, which caused harm to innocent individuals.
Rishi Sunak
We have been clear that the Horizon scandal is a terrible miscarriage of justice, and we are doing everything we can to make it right. To what the hon. Member was more broadly insinuating, let me be unequivocal from this Dispatch Box that covid vaccines are safe.
Assessment
The questioner asked about recent examples of harm caused by government-business partnerships, but the answer shifted to defending the safety of COVID vaccines instead.
Covid Vaccines
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Last week, the Prime Minister stated that he was “proud” of his furlough scheme. I wonder if he is equally proud of the £400 billion he put on the national debt and the inflation it has caused. Is he proud of the jobs lost, businesses closed and lives crushed due to the lockdowns? Is he proud of the increased NHS waiting lists, premature deaths and the 1 million young people now needing mental health support? Finally, is he proud of the excess deaths affecting every one of our constituencies that nobody wants to talk about, and will he give an undertaking to the British public—a solemn under-taking—that they will never be inflicted upon them again?
Context
Bridgen raises concerns about the economic and social impacts of lockdown measures and the furlough scheme.
Rishi Sunak
As the hon. Gentleman knows, there is a formal inquiry regarding covid, which will examine all the decisions that were made, including lockdown, and the impacts of them. But with regard to the furlough scheme, I am proud that, at a time of extreme anxiety in the country, facing an unprecedented situation, this Government put their arms around the British public to ensure that we protected 10 million jobs. As the report from the Office for National Statistics showed last week, those actions, combined with all the other things we did to support the economy, ensured that we had the fastest recovery through the pandemic of any European nation.
Assessment
The specific ask about providing a formal commitment was not addressed.
Changing Subject To Broader Context
Pointing To Ongoing Inquiries
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Does the Prime Minister agree that it is inappropriate for schools to encourage social transitioning without parental consent or knowledge? Will he instruct the Department for Education to order schools to stop?
Context
Concern over schools encouraging young people under the age of 18 to socially transition without parental consent.
Rishi Sunak
I have been very clear that when it comes to matters of sex and education, and of personal, social, health and economic education, it is absolutely right that schools are sensitive in how they teach those matters and that they should be done in an age-appropriate fashion. The Department for Education is currently reviewing the statutory guidance and curriculum.
Assessment
Did not commit to instructing schools to stop encouraging social transitioning without parental consent.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
There have been more reported deaths and adverse reactions following mRNA vaccinations in 18 months than there have been following every conventional vaccine administered worldwide in the last 50 years. Given that mRNA vaccines are not recommended for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding, would my right hon. Friend overturn the big pharma-funded Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's recent recommendation that those experimental vaccines be administered to children as young as six months of age?
Context
Concern about reported deaths and adverse reactions following mRNA vaccinations compared to conventional vaccines. Not recommended for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding.
Rishi Sunak
First, I believe that covid vaccines are safe and effective. No vaccine—covid or otherwise—will be approved unless it meets the UK regulator's standards of safety, quality and effectiveness. An independent body, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, determines in which age groups the vaccine is recommended for use as part of the vaccination programme. Of course, the ultimate decision lies with parents.
Assessment
Did not explicitly state whether he would overturn the MHRA's recommendation
Referred To Independent Bodies And Parent Decisions
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
On Monday, it was a pleasure to meet the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer in Leicester as they discussed a zero-carbon future with British Gas. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the development in neighbouring Derby of the modular nuclear reactors can play a major part in this zero-carbon future? What steps are the Government taking to facilitate the roll-out of this technology?
Context
Rolls-Royce is developing small modular reactors (SMRs) which could play a significant role in achieving zero-carbon emissions.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend. We are already working with Rolls-Royce. We gave £20 million seed money to the Rolls-Royce-led consortium when this Government first came in to help them to develop their small modular reactor design.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The Prime Minister enjoys visiting Andrew Bridgen's constituency. He notes that Leicestershire County Council is the most productive county council in the country, but it also receives the least funding. Can my right hon Friend assure all residents of Leicestershire that their Conservative-controlled county council will benefit from fairer funding and the Government's levelling-up agenda to continue delivering public services?
Context
Leicestershire County Council has been the most productive county authority despite being the lowest funded for three years.
Boris Johnson
The Prime Minister thanks Leicestershire County Council for delivering value for money. He agrees that these Conservatives deliver better value, better services and lower taxes compared to others.
Assessment
Fairer funding and levelling-up agenda benefits specific to Leicestershire
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
A representative of the World Economic Forum told the audience at Davos that “we own the science”. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that scientific research in the UK is impartial, objective and ethical, regardless of who is funding it?
Context
A World Economic Forum representative stated that 'we own the science'. This raises concerns about impartiality, objectivity and ethics in UK scientific research.
Andrew Griffith
That is absolutely right. It is intrinsic to the scientific method that research is impartial, and that it is challenged, public, transparent and open. That is always our commitment, but it is also to fully fund research and to turn this country into the science and technology superpower that it deserves to be.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I refer Members to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. The benefits of renewables cannot come at any cost. In that spirit, I welcome the commitment of the Secretary of State and in particular the Minister to protect food security through the additional protections of versatile and productive agricultural land. Will the Minister also affirm the Government's determination to protect areas that are particularly affected by energy infrastructure—pylons, wind and solar—such as the Lincolnshire fens, the Somerset levels and Romney Marsh?
Context
Question concerning the protection of food security areas from wind, solar and other renewable installations.
Justin Tomlinson
We are proud to have taken renewables from just 7% under the last Labour Government to 47% today, but my right hon. Friend makes a powerful point about the need to tackle clustering. The Secretary of State reiterated clear guidelines and advice for local authorities and planning committees up and down the country to make sure that we safeguard, wherever possible, our key agricultural lands as part of our commitment on food security.
Session: Net Zero Cost-Benefit Analysis
View All Questions -->
Whether she has made a cost-benefit analysis of her net zero policies. The cost of net zero is being borne by our hard-pressed constituents, at the same time as China increases its carbon dioxide emissions by more than the UK's total emissions every year. Wholesale electricity prices are currently £65 per megawatt, but we are paying £102 per megawatt for fixed offshore wind, offering £246 for floating offshore wind, and £89 for solar.
Context
Question regarding the cost of implementing net zero policies and their impact on constituents.
Justin Tomlinson
The hon. Member and I agree that we must champion the importance of delivering cheaper bills for consumers. This does not have to be a binary choice between tackling climate change and delivering cheaper consumer bills. By investing in a cleaner, more efficient energy system, we can do both.
Session: Net Zero Cost-Benefit Analysis
View All Questions -->
While supporting Israel's defence against third country missile attacks, how will HM Government's policy address its intervention and aggression in Gaza?
Context
The question addresses the UK's support for Israel while highlighting concerns over military operations in Gaza, which is seen as a different issue from defending against missile attacks.
Leo Docherty
Nothing is unconditional. The point I have made this morning is that we are supporting our ally overcome a devastating terrorist attack. We do that because it is the honourable thing to do. Simultaneously, we make the point to our ally that the protection of civilian lives must be at the top of the operational agenda. Furthermore, we use our military capability to ensure that humanitarian aid can flow into Gaza as quickly as possible.
Session: Israel UK Military Support
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of the UK's military support for Israel?
Context
The question arises from the ongoing defence relationship between the UK and Israel, particularly concerning recent missile attacks on Israeli territory.
Leo Docherty
The UK and Israel have a long-standing defence relationship, as we have discussed already this morning. Israel is a partner in the region, and a UK-Israel defence co-operation agreement was signed in December 2020.
Session: Israel UK Military Support
View All Questions -->
As the House will know, the word democracy comes from the Greek “demos”, meaning the people, and “kratos”, meaning power—power to the people. Well, the 1,200 people in North West Leicestershire who signed a petition for the reinstatement of the numbers 16, 29 and 29A bus services on their original routes are not feeling very empowered. Despite a very well run campaign, there is no movement from Arriva or Leicestershire County Council. What can the Minister do to help my constituents?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of action following a petition signed by 1,200 constituents demanding the reinstatement of three bus routes. Despite a well-run campaign, no movement from Arriva or the local council.
Guy Opperman
Where commercial operators want to change a service, as I understand happened in this community, they have to work with the local authority to replace services where possible and limit disruption. I would point out to the hon. Gentleman that Leicestershire County Council has also received over £1 million from the rural mobility fund to trial demand-responsive services, and I encourage him to meet it.
Session: Local Bus Services
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to support local bus services. The Government have provided over £4.5 billion to support and improve bus services since March 2020. Leicestershire County Council received over £3.5 million in emergency recovery funding to help maintain services during and after covid, and has recently been awarded up to £7.6 million to deliver its bus service improvement plan.
Context
The MP is concerned about the steps being taken to support local bus services, highlighting the financial challenges faced by councils and operators.
Guy Opperman
The Government have provided over £4.5 billion to support and improve bus services since March 2020. Leicestershire County Council received over £3.5 million in emergency recovery funding to help maintain services during and after covid, and has recently been awarded up to £7.6 million to deliver its bus service improvement plan.
Session: Local Bus Services
View All Questions -->
North West Leicestershire has benefited from being at the heart of the national forest with millions of trees planted on degraded land. Must tree planting be balanced against food security? Does the Minister agree good agricultural land must be protected for food production?
Context
The MP highlighted North West Leicestershire's role in the national forest, with millions of trees planted over 40 years. The need to balance this against food production was raised.
Rebecca Pow
I commend the national forest achievements. The Forestry Commission's map shows best places for tree planting are not on what we call best available land, prioritised for food production.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Mainly because of this House's worship of the false idol of net zero, electricity costs to businesses in the UK are four and a half times higher than those in China and three times higher than those in India. Can the Minister explain how manufacturing businesses in the UK can compete with that on world markets?
Context
The question was prompted by the concern over high electricity costs for businesses in the UK, which are significantly higher than those in China and India.
Alan Mak
I hope that the hon. Gentleman will join me in welcoming the introduction of the British industry supercharger, which reduces electricity costs for major energy-intensive industries. I hope that it will benefit businesses in his constituency and across the country.
Session: Manufacturing Sector
View All Questions -->
Given that the Prime Minister has been forced to abandon his plans for an election on 2 May and could soon be facing a leadership challenge, does the Chancellor of the Exchequer believe that his Budget landed well with the public or even his colleagues on the Government Benches?
Context
The Prime Minister had to abandon his plans for an election on May 2nd and could soon face a leadership challenge, leading to questions about the public's reception of the recent Budget.
Jeremy Hunt
I say very simply to the hon. Gentleman, who used to be an hon. Friend, that the Budget will mean that the UK economy will grow faster than that of France, Germany, Italy or Japan in the next five years. That is doing the right thing for the country.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The number of the long-term sick has risen from 2.1 million pre-pandemic to 2.8 million today. This huge increase started in spring 2021, at the same time as the roll-out of the experimental, emergency-use vaccines—or does the Secretary of State have an alternative explanation for the unprecedented rise in long-term sickness in the UK since spring 2021?
Context
The number of long-term sick has risen from 2.1 million pre-pandemic to 2.8 million today, starting in spring 2021 around the same time as vaccine rollouts began.
Mel Stride
Among the major drivers of the increase to which the hon. Gentleman refers are mental health issues and musculoskeletal issues. I am not entirely sure that he is accurate when he says that the upward trajectory in the number occurred just as vaccination occurred—I think it predated that moment—and I certainly do not subscribe to the view that vaccination is in any way unsafe.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Can the Minister explain how his Department's policy of taking good agricultural land out of food production is compatible with improving UK food security? I draw the House's attention to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests.
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of policies taking good agricultural land out of production on UK food security.
Mark Spencer
The sustainable farming incentive encourages soil quality improvement and pollinator protection, which are beneficial for both the environment and crop production. The aim is to encourage farmers to look after the environment so they can continue producing high-quality food on productive land.
Session: UK Food Security
View All Questions -->
Nuclear power plants come with a huge up-front capital cost. Even small modular reactors have a considerable price tag, so it is important that the Government get their procurement right for once. Does the Minister agree that SMRs offer possibilities for economies of scale? A large number could be commissioned at once, giving potential savings to the taxpayer while delivering reliable baseload supply to the national grid.
Context
The MP is concerned about the procurement process for small modular reactors (SMRs).
Andrew Bowie
Yes, of course I agree. That is one of the huge benefits, along with many others, of small modular reactors, which is why we are running our down selection programme, and supporting exports from this country to across the world so that other countries can join us on our nuclear journey.
Session: New Nuclear
View All Questions -->
Yew Lodge hotel continues to accommodate 230 male illegal migrants. How much longer will this blight be inflicted on constituents?
Context
Yew Lodge hotel in Kegworth accommodates illegal migrants.
Tom Pursglove
One of the hotels in his constituency is being closed, and a credible plan exists to reduce cross-channel inflow by illegal means.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister update the House on the number of illegal migrants who have crossed the channel and are currently being accommodated in hotels at the expense of the public purse? How does that compare with the number of UK nationals who are currently homeless or sleeping rough?
Context
The MP is concerned about the number of illegal migrants accommodated in hotels at public expense and wants to compare this with the number of homeless or rough-sleeping UK nationals.
Michael Tomlinson
I can confirm that the Government have beaten our target of closing 50 hotels by the end of January, which I am sure the hon. Gentleman will want to welcome.
Session: Illegal Migration Co-operation with France
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister think that the rise of 'woke' makes it easier or more difficult to recruit the right sort of people?
Context
The rise of so-called “woke” culture is seen as a barrier to recruiting the right sort of people into the military.
Andrew Murrison
I completely reject the premise of the hon. Gentleman's question. If he is talking about increasing the number of women in our armed forces, Lord Etherton's review into LGBT personnel in our armed forces historically, or our ambition to make our armed forces more reflective of society, then I am guilty as charged.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment
View All Questions -->
In 2012, the Cabinet Office rejected my request that it fund the forensic investigation into the Horizon IT system by Second Sight. Indeed, the Cabinet Office insisted that the Post Office pay for its own investigation, which ultimately allowed the Post Office to try to control and coerce the lead investigator Ron Warmington, thus delaying justice for the sub-postmasters. Will the Minister look into the reasoning behind this historic decision and write to me about it, please?
Context
In 2012, the Cabinet Office rejected a request by Andrew Bridgen to fund the forensic investigation into the Horizon IT system by Second Sight. This decision allowed the Post Office to control and coerce the lead investigator Ron Warmington, delaying justice for sub-postmasters.
Alex Burghart
I am happy to do that.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Putting a freeport in North West Leicestershire, which already enjoys some of the highest economic growth in the country, has low unemployment, and is capable of filling its industrial sites without incentives, makes little sense. Will the Chancellor agree to meet me to discuss better alternatives for the east midlands than the Diseworth freeport site?
Context
The MP questions the appropriateness of placing a freeport in North West Leicestershire, given its already high economic growth and low unemployment rates.
Jeremy Hunt
I would be happy to ask one of my colleagues to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss why freeports are not appropriate in his part of Leicestershire.
Session: Anglesey Freeport North Wales Economy
View All Questions -->
Now that the blight of HS2 has been lifted from North West Leicestershire, can the Minister update the House on when work will commence on reopening the Ivanhoe line, which will offer rail access for the first time in many decades not only to my constituents, but to our neighbours in South Derbyshire?
Context
The Ivanhoe line's reopening was announced as part of the Prime Minister's Network North initiative, providing rail access to North West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire.
Huw Merriman
The Prime Minister's Network North announcement gave that commitment on the Ivanhoe line down to Leicester. We are fully committed to that.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
When will those RSHE recommendations be made public? If they are not to be made public, why not?
Context
The independent review of relationships, sex and health education submitted its recommendations to the Secretary of State in September.
Damian Hinds
We are conducting a review of RSHE guidance as these topics are important and sensitive. The results will be made public soon.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I disagree. The Competition and Markets Authority is not only the dog that does not bark, but the dog that does not bite. We see multinational corporations and investment funds of such a size that they have more power than a sovereign Government. When will the Government give the CMA the powers and authority needed to tackle the corporate monopolies and cartels that have so much sway over our lives?
Context
The MP criticises the CMA for not actively enforcing competition rules against multinational corporations and investment funds that have more power than sovereign governments. He believes the Government should give the CMA stronger powers to tackle monopolies.
Kevin Hollinrake
The hon. Member raises an important matter. That is why the Government are legislating in this space, through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill, which gives the CMA huge new powers, particularly over some of our largest online platforms—platforms that have what we describe as strategic market status. This is world-leading legislation that will tackle many of the examples of detriment that he will be aware of and that he raises in his question today.
Session: Regulators Statutory Duties
View All Questions -->
What does the Secretary of State think about allegations made by Andrew Bruce, former head of land acquisitions for HS2, regarding property valuation in the acquisition process?
Context
Former head of land acquisitions for HS2 alleged that people were short-changed and not given full value for their properties along the route.
Huw Merriman
The Minister expects that those who sold their property will be offered it back at current market value. He states he will discuss the hon. Member's allegations further so as to understand the case thoroughly.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Does the Secretary of State have any words of comfort for constituents facing very low per-pupil funding despite high economic growth?
Context
Despite delivering the highest economic growth in the country, North West Leicestershire has consistently low per-pupil funding.
Gillian Keegan
The introduction of the NFF will direct resources according to need. Funding has been redistributed to catch up with these changes, targeting those with the highest number of pupils with additional needs via the NFF.
Session: School Funding
View All Questions -->
What is the Secretary of State's view on increased cardiac-related deaths in the UK and around the world since 2021, which correlates closely with the roll-out of the experimental mRNA vaccines?
Context
The question is prompted by a concern over the increase in cardiac-related deaths since the roll-out of experimental mRNA vaccines.
Steve Barclay
It is always important to follow the science. At the G20, Health Ministers agreed to look at the various research being done in multiple countries, particularly on long covid but also on the lessons from that period.
Session: Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
View All Questions -->
Given the unreliable and intermittent nature of both solar and wind-generated energy, we already have more of these projects than the grid can efficiently manage. Does the Secretary of State agree that what we really need is more reliable baseload capacity and that that can only be delivered via fossil fuels or nuclear?
Context
There is a debate about baseload capacity to manage renewable energy projects on the grid.
Claire Coutinho
We have a strong focus on energy security, and that means having a just transition to clean energy but also investing in nuclear. The hon. Gentleman may have seen that we have started the capital raise for Sizewell C, and we support the oil and gas industry as a just transition fuel.
Session: Contracts for Difference Scheme
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister update on progress being made to settle the claims of thousands of veterans and their families for what is commonly called Gulf war syndrome?
Context
There are delays in settling claims related to Gulf war syndrome.
Andrew Murrison
The armed forces compensation scheme is up and running, but there have been delays in some applications. The best available science as assessed by the independent medical expert group informs policy compliance.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Given HS2's undeliverability, will he urge colleagues to cancel the eastern leg and allocate funds to reopen the Ivanhoe line?
Context
Concerns over the deliverability of HS2 in North West Leicestershire, questioning its continuation and proposing alternative uses for the budget.
John Glen
Recognising strong views on this, and personal impact of it, the project will continue. Tight budget management involves several issues being closely worked through with the Department for Transport.
Session: HS2 Cost
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister inform the House whether the Government will be supporting or opposing Ursula von der Leyen's bid to become the next Secretary-General of NATO? Given her lamentable performance as Germany's Defence Minister, I would urge the latter, but it is clear that she has preferment, and despite all her failures she has always failed upwards.
Context
Andrew Bridgen questioned the Government's stance on supporting or opposing Ursula von der Leyen's bid to become the next Secretary-General of NATO, citing her past failures as Germany's Defence Minister.
Leo Docherty
No.
Session: Strengthening NATO Unity
View All Questions -->
Does the Secretary of State think that something might be going seriously wrong when children in our junior schools are being indoctrinated by gender ideology at the same time as senior Members of this House appear unable to define what a woman is?
Context
Concern about gender ideology indoctrination in junior schools.
Gillian Keegan
I can assure my hon. Friend that I am more than capable of defining what a woman is. It is true that some schools are asking for guidance in this area, so we intend to bring forward guidance.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister have an estimate for the cost of decarbonising our transport system, especially when we factor in the improvements to the national grid for the extra electricity supply? Will he also look again at reversing the deeply unpopular policy of banning internal combustion engine vehicles from being sold after 2030?
Context
MP is concerned about the cost implications of decarbonising the transport system and reversing the ban on selling internal combustion engine vehicles.
Jesse Norman
The hon. Gentleman will be aware that a very wide range of information about potential costs and budgets is already in the public domain from the Department across a very wide range of modes. On electric vehicles, we have just consulted on regulations on the zero-emission vehicle mandate, and £6 billion of new private investment is being scheduled on the basis of those projections. That will transform our charging infrastructure, and we should all welcome it.
Session: Transport Infrastructure Decarbonisation
View All Questions -->
Will the House of Commons get a vote on any amendments to the International Health Regulations, or will this not happen?
Context
There is uncertainty about whether the UK Parliament will get a vote on potential IHR amendments that might require changes in domestic law.
Will Quince
Should the UK Government wish to accept an IHR amendment, changes to domestic law may be required. The Government would prepare draft legislation and bring it before Parliament in the usual way. Sovereignty of the UK Parliament remains unchanged.
Session: International Health Regulations
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister agree with Sir Richard's assessment that membership of European Union defence structures is not an à la carte menu where the UK can choose what it wants and reject what it does not?
Context
Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, questioned the rationale behind the UK joining EU military cooperation projects and criticised the non-selective nature of these structures. The questioner seeks clarity on whether the Minister agrees with this assessment.
James Heappey
Conspiracy is not as rife as thought; we can indeed choose which parts of the permanent structured co-operation to join, particularly mobility projects that coordinate infrastructure for NATO weapons and platform movements across Europe.
Session: EU Permanent Structured Cooperation
View All Questions -->
What recent progress has been made on UK participation in the EU permanent structured co-operation project? We have reached agreement on the majority of the text for an administrative arrangement but some technical terms are still being negotiated.
Context
The UK applied to join the PESCO military mobility project, aiming to shape EU military transport procedures and infrastructure. The application is under negotiation.
James Heappey
The UK applied to join the permanent structured co-operation military mobility project, negotiating an administrative arrangement and reaching agreement on most terms. The aim is to help shape EU military transport procedures and infrastructure, addressing impediments to moving military personnel and assets across Europe at pace.
Session: EU Permanent Structured Cooperation
View All Questions -->
I thank the hon. and learned Gentleman for his answer. Will he agree to meet me and a number of whistleblowers at his earliest convenience? We will provide him with evidence of corruption and fraud in financial institutions, financial regulators and the judiciary.
Context
None provided, asks for a meeting to provide evidence.
Michael Tomlinson
The Financial Conduct Authority rightly published guidelines in July 2017 referring back to the money laundering regulations of that year. The hon. Gentleman might want to direct his inquiries towards the Economic Secretary to the Treasury. In relation to his substantive question about prosecutions, it is of course right that both the SFO and the CPS operate independently. The Attorney General is responsible for safeguarding that independence, and she takes that role incredibly seriously.
Session: Financial Services Sector Corruption
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to ensure the effective prosecution of corruption in the financial services sector.
Context
None provided, directly asks about steps to ensure prosecution.
Michael Tomlinson
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill will extend the Serious Fraud Office's pre-investigative powers, allowing it to compel people to furnish the SFO with information earlier in cases of domestic corruption and fraud.
Session: Financial Services Sector Corruption
View All Questions -->
Will my hon. Friend outline how the energy efficiency taskforce will help support energy efficiency across the UK?
Context
Asked for details about the energy efficiency taskforce and its role.
Andrew Bowie
The energy efficiency taskforce is committed to driving forward energy efficiency measures throughout the United Kingdom and, on that measure, I would be delighted to meet with him if he has any further ideas on how we can go even further and faster to drive forward energy efficiency measures across the country.
Session: Energy Efficiency Measures Installation
View All Questions -->
Insect protein is increasingly being pushed on social media as an alternative food, despite concerns about contamination. Will you outline how the Government intends to label this type of protein so that consumers can make informed decisions?
Context
There are concerns about contamination in insect-based food products.
Mark Spencer
Food is assessed before it is allowed to be placed on the UK market, and that assessment includes whether it is safe. As with any other food, any producer has to be registered with its local food authority to meet strict food safety requirements. Food derived from or including insect protein must be properly labelled.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Could the Minister give her advice on how we can continue to expand the National Forest Company to include villages just outside the forest?
Context
The expansion of the National Forest has provided numerous benefits to communities in North West Leicestershire, including job creation and improved infrastructure.
Trudy Harrison
I will certainly look into how we can continue to expand the National Forest Company, as requested by my hon. Friend.
Session: Rural Communities
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to support rural communities. Rural businesses in communities are facing significant challenges and require financial assistance, such as Project Gigabit funding and shared rural network funding, to ensure they can thrive.
Context
The question is prompted by the need to provide support to rural areas which face unique challenges.
Trudy Harrison
We are supporting rural businesses with £5 billion of Project Gigabit funding and £1 billion of shared rural network funding. We aim to improve their connectivity so that rural areas can thrive.
Session: Rural Communities
View All Questions -->
My hon. Friend will be aware of the saying that justice delayed is justice denied. What steps are being taken to ensure courts sit for as long as possible to try to get the backlog down?
Context
The delay in justice delivery has raised concerns about the effectiveness of measures taken to clear backlogs.
Mike Freer
We have removed the limit on sitting days in the Crown court, courts will continue to work at full capacity. We are continuing with the use of 24 Nightingale courtrooms into the 7th financial year and recruiting 1,000 new members of the judiciary.
Session: Court Cases Backlog
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Excess Death Trends
16 January 2024
Responding: Maria Caulfield
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the significant rise in deaths from 2019 onwards, with a peak of 65,000 excess deaths in 2020 and a continued high of 44,000 excess deaths in 2021. He notes that after such a rise, there should be a deficit, but instead, the number of deaths has remained high. The MP points to data showing a 6% increase above recent averages in both 2022 and 2023, with particularly high numbers among younger age groups. He cites Professor Carl Heneghan's research indicating that excess deaths are predominantly related to cardiovascular disease, which cannot be explained by COVID-19, population growth or an ageing population."]
Specific Asks
['The MP calls for transparency and the release of record-level data on dosage, dates, and deaths from the UK Health Security Agency. He urges urgent investigation into the safety and efficacy of vaccines during the pandemic period, highlighting that the public inquiry has postponed its module on vaccine safety indefinitely. The MP also asks for an end to harassment of those raising concerns about the issue.']
Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
21 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ukraine
20 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr. Andrew Mitchell opens the debate by condemning Putin's invasion and supporting Britain’s actions to back Ukraine, including a pledge of £3 billion in military aid per year until 2030. He details t...
Relationships, Sex and Health Education: Statutory Guidance
16 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
International Health Regulations
14 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Health and Disability Reform
29 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK Armed Forces in Middle East
29 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Covid-19: Response and Excess Deaths
18 April 2024
General Debate
Led by this MP
The motion calls for the covid-19 inquiry to investigate vaccines and therapeutics, citing concerns over untested medical treatments, hidden data, and excess deaths. Andrew Bridgen argues that these v...
Israel and Gaza
19 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Farming
04 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government understands that farming drives rural Britain, generating jobs and growth. The debate aims to support British farming by investing in farmers through a £2.4 billion annual budget, shift...
Post Office Horizon: Compensation and Legislation
26 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
6
PMQs Asked
98
Ministerial Questions Asked
85
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+631% above average
This MP:
98
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1649% above average
This MP:
85
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 Andrew Bridgen's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.