Andrew Jones
MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Does the Prime Minister agree that measures taken during COVID and Putin's war were right for then but not a blueprint for future economies? It is about innovation, skills, and investment like Harrogate College rebuild or 12,000 local apprenticeships since 2010. Not Labour's fantasy borrowing.
Context
Measures taken to cope with economic shocks caused by the pandemic and Russian invasion need reevaluation.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is right. Since 2010, we have created 5.5 million apprenticeships. Labour wants to halve apprenticeships if in office while we want an apprentice Education Secretary. Their plans to borrow £28 billion a year would push up inflation and taxes.
Session: PMQs
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When NHS dental practices close unexpectedly, as in Harrogate recently, what measures will the Prime Minister take to ensure continued patient access?
Context
Sudden closure of NHS dental practices can strain local resources, leaving patients without access to care.
Rishi Sunak
The Government invests £3 billion annually in dentistry, there are no geographical restrictions on dental practice choice, and ICBs should work with NHS England to reallocate funding.
Assessment
Specific measures for immediate patient access during sudden closures
General Statement About Investment
Session: PMQs
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Nationally, 52% of disabled people are in work compared with 81% of non-disabled people. Disability Action Yorkshire has highlighted the success of the Access to Work scheme and its impact on individuals previously told they would never work, such as a young person who is now a trainee brewer at Rooster's brewery. Will my right hon. Friend consider how we can boost awareness of the Access to Work scheme among employers and also simplify the application process so that more disabled people do not get deterred?
Context
Disability Action Yorkshire highlighted a significant gap between employment rates for disabled and non-disabled people. The charity noted the success of the Access to Work scheme in helping a young person with disabilities secure employment as a trainee brewer.
Dominic Raab
I thank my hon. Friend for raising the work of Disability Action Yorkshire, which is doing terrific work in his constituency. I can reassure him that the Department for Work and Pensions is committed to improving awareness through campaigns and partnerships with employers, but also disability organisations. It is working specifically on a digital service that will make the scheme more accessible and visible.
Assessment
The answer did not specify any timeline or concrete measures for boosting awareness among employers or simplifying the application process beyond stating general commitments to these goals.
Session: PMQs
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For years in Harrogate and Knaresborough, we had the Labour no-growth Northern rail franchise. We now have new rolling stock, and more and better services. We have, though, seen some lost as the industry has had to suspend some services while it catches up on driver training lost during the pandemic. Strikes just take us back to the 1970s, so will the Prime Minister's focus on the future ensure that we have apprenticeship schemes focusing on engineering and driver training to ensure that we recover the services lost, and that we have an industry that is focused on efficiency and embraces technology for the future?
Context
In Harrogate and Knaresborough, there has been progress in rail services with new rolling stock and more frequent services. However, some services have been lost due to the pandemic, leading to a focus on driver training.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend knows exactly of what he speaks, and we are doing just that. We are reforming train driver training to make entry into the sector simpler, while continuing, of course, to make sure that we meet vital safety requirements.
Session: PMQs
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Can I follow up my right hon. Friend's statement on removing the covid restrictions? Will he ensure that the NHS reviews the system for identifying the most vulnerable, including those with blood cancers, and will he then ensure that the relevant testing and antiviral drugs will be readily available, alongside boosters, for the immunosuppressed but also for their carers?
Context
The NHS needs to review the system for identifying immunosuppressed individuals, such as those with blood cancers, and ensure testing, antiviral drugs, and boosters are readily available.
Boris Johnson
The current system identifies around 1.3 million immunosuppressed individuals. Yes, they will have access not only to testing but also to vaccines, boosters, and priority access for new therapeutics and antivirals.
Session: PMQs
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Now that we are building more homes than ever, can the Government build on the success of COP26? What progress is being made on the standards for new-build homes to ensure they are fit for the future?
Context
Domestic heating accounts for 30% of UK carbon emissions. The Government's incentive scheme aims to replace old gas boilers with environmentally friendly alternatives.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend, who is totally right to focus on the issue of future-proofing homes and making them low carbon. By 2025, our future homes standard will ensure that new homes produce at least 75% fewer CO2 emissions.
Session: PMQs
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Wembley is scheduled to host the finals of the FA Vase and FA Trophy on 3 May, but no fans can go. Will the Prime Minister encourage those scheduling matches to move the date so that fans can attend?
Context
The FA Vase and FA Trophy finals are scheduled for May but no fans can attend.
Boris Johnson
I hope very much that the Football Association will listen carefully and do what they can. I look forward to 17 May when spectators may return according to the road map.
Assessment
Specific encouragement for moving Wembley dates
Session: PMQs
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I want to see the fundamental right to protest protected, so that events such as the powerful vigil last Saturday on Clapham Common can proceed safely, including covid safely, but I also want to see measures so that people can go about their lives, get to work and get to hospital without being hindered. Can the Prime Minister reassure me that the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which we have been discussing today and which was before the House yesterday, strikes that balance while also taking action against the perpetrators of some of the worst crimes?
Context
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill seeks to balance protest rights with public safety. The questioner supports the need for a balanced approach.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend perfectly sums up the balance that we are trying to strike between allowing people, in a reasonable way, to go about their daily lives and bringing in tougher sentences for child murderers, tougher punishments for sex offenders, and stopping the continuing practice of allowing people out early. I think that is what the people of this country want to see. That is what they voted for in 2019, and I hope the Opposition can bring themselves, one day, to support it.
Assessment
Did not provide clear assurance on balancing protest rights with public safety.
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend consider starting construction from the north? This would be good for jobs in the north and connectivity with the east midlands, all driving the levelling-up agenda.
Context
The Oakervee report recommended a full y-shaped HS2 network serving both sides of the Pennines. Plans for phase 2b are being developed.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is a big expert on this field and a great campaigner for transport. He is right about the impact these programmes can have on jobs.
Assessment
Starting HS2 construction from the north
General Principles Stated Without Concrete Details
Session: PMQs
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The city-wide testing trial starting in Liverpool on Friday will cut the time to get results, cut the spread of the virus by identifying people who are infected but not showing symptoms, and vastly reduce both the number of people and the time involved in isolating. When does the Prime Minister think the results from this trial will be available and its benefits extended across the UK?
Context
A city-wide testing trial using lateral flow tests is beginning in Liverpool to reduce virus spread by identifying asymptomatic cases.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend. He is absolutely right. I can tell him that the pilot is planned to last for approximately two weeks and we will keep the House updated on the results as they are evaluated.
Session: PMQs
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Could he tell the House when that package will be coming forward, and will it include the conference and exhibition industry?
Context
The Prime Minister announced a support package for sports clubs that rely on paying spectators, but the questioner wants to know if this includes the conference and exhibition industry.
Boris Johnson
I totally agree with my hon. Friend about the importance of the conference and exhibition industry. It is worth about £90 billion to this country. Of course, they have had a lot of support—the £190 billion package is there to help businesses of all kinds—but the best way forward is to get the kind of testing systems that will enable not just conferences and businesses of that kind but all types even theatres to reopen and get back to normality.
Assessment
Specific timeline for releasing support package was avoided
Of Course, They Have Had A Lot Of Support—The £190 Billion Package Is There To Help Businesses Of All Kinds—But The Best Way Forward Is To Get The Kind Of Testing Systems That Will Enable Not Just Conferences And Businesses Of That Kind
Session: PMQs
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What actions are being taken to ensure privacy and dignity in toilet facilities?
Context
An issue has been raised about privacy and dignity in public toilets for women.
Kemi Badenoch
Building regulations are being updated so that toilets in non-domestic buildings offer safety, privacy and dignity for all people. The distinction is drawn between gender-neutral toilets and unisex toilets.
Session: Topical Questions
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In addition to preventing online bullying and abuse, how is the Government ensuring that tech companies help protect women and children from fraud through the online fraud charter?
Context
Tech companies are working under the online fraud charter to reduce fraud on their platforms, with a focus on protecting vulnerable groups like children from exploitation.
Robert Courts
The Government's online fraud charter, a world first, involves twelve of the biggest tech companies working together to reduce fraud. They are agreeing to undertake measures within six months such as blocking, reporting, and take-downs to protect children from exploitation.
Session: Women and Children's Safety Online
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What recent steps the Crown Prosecution Service has taken to help keep women and children safe online. The CPS has delivered the first conviction for cyber-flashing within weeks of the new offence becoming law, an important milestone in protecting women and girls.
Context
The Crown Prosecution Service is addressing new offences related to cyber-flashing, a form of online sexual harassment.
Robert Courts
The CPS takes the issue seriously. The first conviction for cyber-flashing has been delivered within weeks of the new offence becoming law, demonstrating how the Government are working to put perpetrators behind bars.
Session: Women and Children's Safety Online
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What action are the Government taking to strengthen critical supply chains?
Context
The Government launched a critical imports and supply chain strategy this year.
Alan Mak
We launched our critical imports and supply chain strategy earlier this year. I chaired the Critical Imports Council last month, bringing together 23 organisations to make sure our supply chains are robust.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will she give a bit more information about what support is available specifically to SMEs to help them grow and export more of their products and services?
Context
Requests more information about specific support available to SMEs.
Kemi Badenoch
The Department has declared this year the year of the SME. Support includes 160 international trade advisers helping about 6,000 SMEs annually and a Help to Grow management course with 5,290 participants completed by November.
Session: Export Target
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What progress has been made to support businesses reaching £1 trillion in annual exports?
Context
None provided, question focuses on progress towards £1 trillion in annual exports.
Kemi Badenoch
UK exports were £862 billion in the 12 months to February. UK services exports reached a record £472 billion, an increase of 10%. The Department's wealth of export support includes the UK Export Academy with over 18,000 registrations and 160 international trade advisers who help about 6,000 SMEs annually.
Session: Export Target
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Residents in Harrogate and Knaresborough often face train cancellations, sometimes at very short notice, causing much frustration and inconvenience. A shortage of drivers and train crew is often the cause of the cancellations, and I have raised that with the train companies involved. What steps is my hon. Friend taking to ensure that vacancies are filled and operational training is prioritised?
Context
Residents in Harrogate and Knaresborough face train cancellations often caused by a shortage of drivers and train crew.
Huw Merriman
That is a challenge. The shortage of crew is largely down to sickness, the level of which is about 8.5%, which is too high. We are working with the operator to ensure that it is working on that, and with the northern rail partnership, to ensure there is more resilience on that line. The training backlog needs to be cleared, working in co-operation with the unions rather than them going on strike. We should be able to ease that backlog and get a better service for my hon. Friend and his constituents.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can my hon. Friend update the House on the responses to the consultation on the 27 bids for bathing water status—one of which, of course, is for the River Nidd and the lido in Knaresborough?
Context
The MP inquires about responses to a recent consultation regarding 27 bids for new or improved bathing water statuses, including one bid from the River Nidd and the lido in Knaresborough.
Robbie Moore
My officials have been inundated with a huge number of responses to the consultations on the 27 bathing water sites. My hon. Friend is a doughty campaigner for the River Nidd; I cannot say anything at the moment, but he will not have to wait too long before hearing the outcome.
Session: Topical Questions
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What progress is my hon. and learned Friend making alongside the CPS to ensure that the victims of these crimes—indeed, the victims of any hate crime—receive full support, and that the perpetrators are prosecuted?
Context
The tension resulting from the conflict in Israel and Gaza is causing an escalation in hate crimes.
Robert Courts
My hon. Friend raises the absolutely key point, which is the support given to victims. The programmes that the CPS is rolling out include a programme for closer working between the police and the CPS, to support victims. He will be pleased to know that in the rolling year to September 2023, the CPS prosecuted 12,508 hate crime offences, with a charge rate of 86% and a conviction rate of 84%, and in 78% of those cases, the judge increased the offender's sentence because they agreed that it was a hate crime.
Session: Victims of Crime
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What steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to improve the experience of victims of crime?
Context
The Crown Prosecution Service is under scrutiny for the treatment of victims of crime.
Robert Courts
The Crown Prosecution Service is transforming the way that it supports victims. The victim transformation programme will roll out this spring; under it, for example, every rape victim will receive an invitation to meet their prosecution team before their case goes to trial.
Session: Victims of Crime
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Could my right hon. Friend detail how the Government will ensure that new apprenticeship routes are available in fast developing sectors of the economy such as digitisation and artificial intelligence, or the sectors that will deliver our decarbonisation pledge, such as those new zero-emission buses in Harrogate and Knaresborough?
Context
The MP is interested in ensuring that new apprenticeship routes are available for fast-developing sectors like digitisation, artificial intelligence, and decarbonization technologies such as zero-emission buses.
Gillian Keegan
Our apprenticeship programme includes a new battery manufacturing technician apprenticeship, charging point installation, and electric vehicle maintenance. There are more training opportunities in industries of the future than ever before, covering everything from AI to net zero.
Session: Apprenticeships Occupation Range
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Does my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State agree that boosting capacity is critical to catching up from the pandemic, and that centres of dental excellence are a very good way to achieve it? The MP was talking with his local integrated care board about establishing a centre of dental excellence in North Yorkshire.
Context
The MP was discussing with his local integrated care board about establishing the first centre of dental excellence in North Yorkshire.
Andrea Leadsom
I completely agree with my hon. Friend that we need more capacity in our dental workforce, and I know he will be a big advocate for his constituency. We set out in the first ever NHS long-term workforce plan to increase dentistry training places by 40% by 2031-32.
Session: Topical Questions
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Earlier this month, the all-party parliamentary group on infrastructure, which I chair, launched a joint report with the Institution of Civil Engineers on the public behavioural changes needed to achieve our net zero target. I have sent my right hon. Friend a copy of the report. As part of its production, we carried out market research, which highlighted public uncertainty on where to go for accurate information to help people make the choices required to decarbonise their lives. What is the Department doing to help fill that information gap?
Context
A recent joint report highlighted public uncertainty over accurate information sources for making lifestyle changes to achieve the UK's net zero target.
Graham Stuart
Of course, my hon. Friend has a highly distinguished history in the marketing industry. We agree that it is important that the public get the information they need to save money on their bills, as we set out in the net zero growth plan. That is why last autumn we relaunched the “It All Adds Up” campaign, which helped British households save an estimated £120 million last winter. Whether it is elf on the shelf or other such routes, we will find ways to better communicate with the public, precisely to allow them to be well informed in doing their bit for net zero.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Harmony Energy based in Knaresborough opened Europe's largest battery farm in Yorkshire in 2022. It has raised the issue of connectivity challenges being a blockage to investment, so I welcome the connections action plan, which aims to cut connection times by up to 90%. Battery farms are critical for energy retention and storage, and are particularly helpful for renewables, so may I ask my right hon. Friend for an update on how the plan is being implemented?
Context
Harmony Energy in Knaresborough has opened Europe's largest battery farm, but faces connectivity challenges.
Claire Coutinho
We have set out radical reforms to the grid and are working with Ofgem and network companies to accelerate important network connections. Network companies offer earlier connection dates for battery storage and generation projects; 10 GW of battery storage projects already have four-year earlier transmission network connection dates than originally agreed.
Session: Green Technologies Private Investment
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Mike Reader, Labour's candidate for Northampton South, shared with me the horrific experience of Stanley, who had severe abdominal pain and called an ambulance, only to be told it would take hours and to go to A&E. There, he was told to wait for assessment on a patio chair outside. It was 3°. Who is to blame?
Context
A constituent named Stanley experienced severe abdominal pain, called an ambulance that would take hours to arrive, and was then told to wait on a patio chair outside in 3° weather at the A&E.
Helen Whately
I am very sorry to hear of the experience of that specific constituent. Because of challenges that the NHS faces, particularly our urgent and emergency care services, almost a year ago we set out our urgent and emergency care recovery plan, to speed up care for people in A&E and reduce waits. That plan is working.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister look at how applicants and councils can be compelled to provide and process information in a more timely manner, so that such applications do not blight the lives of local people for so long?
Context
There is a powerful community campaign to stop an asphalt plant being built in countryside in my constituency. The application has dragged on for years.
Lee Rowley
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that we need decisions at the earliest possible opportunity. Sometimes that is not possible, but it is important that things are done as quickly as possible. That is one reason that we announced a few weeks ago that we were monitoring local authorities' planning application performance, so that can see where they are, and are not, doing the right thing.
Session: Topical Questions
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We have had fantastic success with women's football, particularly the Lionesses, including Harrogate's Rachel Daly, who has been a great inspiration locally. What steps is my right hon. and learned Friend taking to ensure that sports with a smaller following can sustain a competitive grassroots environment for girls?
Context
The success of women's football, including Harrogate's Rachel Daly, has prompted a question about supporting other sports with smaller followings.
Lucy Frazer
We support sport at every level. Sport England's This Girl Can campaign, funded by the Government, inspires millions of women and girls to get involved in all sports. The School Games programme, also funded by the Government, encourages children to take up sport and get active.
Session: Access to Sport Women and Girls
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What progress has been made on increasing women and girls' access to sport? I am concerned about ensuring that they have exactly the same opportunities as boys and men. The government supported Karen Carney's excellent recommendations, but I want to know more about the £600 million investment for equal access and the £30 million Lionesses Futures Fund announced recently.
Context
The question arises from the need for equal access to sports for women and girls as highlighted in Karen Carney's report.
Lucy Frazer
Women and girls should have exactly the same access to sport as boys and men. We are investing £600 million to boost equal access to sport, and recently announced £30 million for the Lionesses Futures Fund to deliver 30 pitches across the country with priority access for women and girls, with further opportunities for 8,000 women and girls.
Session: Access to Sport Women and Girls
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Can my right hon. Friend outline how his Department is working to ensure that funding reaches those in most urgent need?
Context
The UK has increased its humanitarian aid by £60 million since the conflict began.
Andrew Mitchell
My hon. Friend, 82 tonnes of humanitarian supplies are ready in Cyprus and 5 tonnes of medical equipment are also ready. As soon as there is a possibility of more aid getting into Gaza, these supplies will be used.
Session: Gaza Civilian Deaths and Humanitarian Situation
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Will the Minister do everything possible across Government to ensure that ex-offenders leave custody with the best possible chance of getting a job?
Context
Ex-offenders face high risk of homelessness, being in work significantly reduces this risk.
Edward Argar
Securing employment and preventing homelessness are essential to tackling reoffending. Those in work are nearly 10% less likely to reoffend. Prisoners can meet a DWP prison work coach from 12 weeks before release for advice on benefits and employment.
Session: Ex-offenders Employment
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What progress has been made on improving employment opportunities for ex-offenders?
Context
N/A
Edward Argar
The proportion of prison leavers in employment six months after their release has more than doubled in the two years to March 2023. Significant reforms include prison employment leads and business-led employment advisory boards.
Session: Ex-offenders Employment
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that we are more secure as a country when the world is a safer and more peaceful place, and that a successful two-state solution for the Israel and Palestine question is therefore a part of our own national security too?
Context
There is ongoing international pressure to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Grant Shapps
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about that. The way that we can start along that path is that Hamas could release the 242 innocent civilians that they are holding hostage, which includes some Brits.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does he agree that the apprenticeship scheme is not only bringing in future talent, but ensuring that those individuals have the skills for the remainder of their lives?
Context
MOD is the biggest single employer of apprentices, with over 15,000 soldiers currently on the programme.
Andrew Murrison
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I enjoyed my relatively recent visit to Harrogate. More than 95% of all non-commissioned recruits across the armed forces are offered apprenticeships mapped to their training.
Session: Armed Forces Skills for the Future
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I have been contacted by constituents who have been victims of financial scams carried out by large organised criminal gangs, which often target the more vulnerable in our communities. What steps is the Solicitor General taking to end the scourge of these frauds and scams, and will it be a priority for the new director of the SFO?
Context
The question stems from constituents contacting the MP about being victims of financial scams orchestrated by large organised criminal gangs, affecting vulnerable community members.
Michael Tomlinson
I can tell my hon. Friend that the SFO announced a criminal investigation just last week into a suspected fraud at Safe Hands Plans, a funeral plan provider with 46,000 plan holders before its collapse last year. My hon. Friend has raised this very point during an earlier debate, and I am grateful to him for that.
Session: Serious Fraud Office Director
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What assessment has been made of the implications for her policies of the appointment of the new director of the Serious Fraud Office?
Context
The question arises from the need to assess the implications of the new director's appointment on existing policies.
Michael Tomlinson
The Attorney General and I met the new director, Nick Ephgrave, yesterday and discussed the SFO's priorities, including continuing to deliver its day-to-day mission and driving forward lasting improvements to its operations.
Session: Serious Fraud Office Director
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What steps is she taking to ensure that proposed sites for housing that are completely unsuitable for reasons of biodiversity or lack of access or proximity to a site of special scientific interest are not taken forward and built upon? Specifically regarding a contentious application on Water Lane in Knaresborough.
Context
Concern about inappropriate housing developments proposed on sites unsuitable due to biodiversity or proximity to special scientific interest areas.
Rachel Maclean
My hon. Friend will, I hope, understand that I cannot comment on that specific case or situation, but it is really important that local authorities make decisions according to their local plans. In England, from January 2024 biodiversity net gain will apply to mitigate the impact of major development, requiring developers to deliver 10% biodiversity net gain.
Session: Green Spaces Protection
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I have been running a “fair deal for new estates” campaign in my constituency to ensure that new estates are completed in a timely manner. I am talking about not just the housing, but the play areas, the planting, the drainage and the pavements. Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss this campaign, which is important locally and is achieving progress for residents in Harrogate and Knaresborough?
Context
The MP is running a 'fair deal for new estates' campaign to ensure that new developments are completed on time, including housing and public amenities.
Rachel Maclean
My hon. Friend is doing an excellent job in raising the concerns of his constituents on the Floor of the House. I know that those concerns are also raised with many other colleagues. That is why, in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill, we are strengthening planning enforcement powers, including powers to tackle uncompleted developments. I hope his constituents will welcome that, and I would be pleased to meet him and discuss it in more detail.
Session: Topical Questions
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I ran export programmes in my career before coming to this place, talking to companies about exporting and what more can be done.
Context
The question follows the initial query about business exports, with focus on export programs.
Nusrat Ghani
My hon. Friend has a huge amount of experience in this area; I am very grateful for all the advice he provides. Our campaign, “Made in the UK, Sold to the World”, uses localised marketing for small businesses across the country.
Session: Business Exports
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What steps her Department is taking to support business exports. The UK aims for £1 trillion in annual exports by 2030 and has become the fifth largest exporter of goods and services globally, with a recent delegation led by the Minister connecting businesses to over 1500 representatives.
Context
The question follows an initial query about the government's strategy to support business exports.
Nusrat Ghani
Businesses are at the heart of the Government's export strategy, “Made in the UK, Sold to the World”, and of our shared ambition to reach £1 trillion in annual exports by 2030. In the past year, the UK has become the fifth largest exporter of goods and services globally. Just last week, I personally led a delegation of 20 businesses to the Three Seas summit in Romania, connecting with over 1500 representatives to help secure contracts, work and export opportunities in the region's 13 member states.
Session: Business Exports
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Can she detail what professional support is available for teachers in their continuing professional development?
Context
The National STEM Learning Centre in York provides professional development opportunities for teachers.
Nick Gibb
We have engaged in an extensive reform of teacher training, introducing higher level requirements in initial teacher training and a two-year early career framework for new teachers.
Session: Topical Questions
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Unlocking access to the grid will unlock significant private sector capital ready to come in for microgeneration of battery storage projects. Can my hon. Friend give me an update on the timing for the Winser review and the Government's response to it?
Context
The MP is concerned about unlocking private sector capital for battery storage projects through grid access.
Andrew Bowie
The Government have received Nick Winser's review and it will be published imminently.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Prime Minister outline what steps have been taken to build the path towards Ukrainian NATO membership?
Context
The MP inquired about steps taken to facilitate Ukraine's path toward becoming a full member of NATO.
James Cleverly
The commitment made at Bucharest still stands. The training provided by the UK and other allies has increased Ukraine's acceptance of NATO standards, potentially shortening its path to full membership, though an exact timeline cannot be given.
Session: NATO Unity
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What recent diplomatic steps has he taken to help strengthen NATO unity?
Context
The MP asked about recent diplomatic actions taken by the government to enhance NATO solidarity.
James Cleverly
I regularly engage with our NATO allies. I did so most recently at the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting from 7 May to 1 June in Oslo, where we discussed preparations for the upcoming Vilnius summit and demonstrated continued solidarity with Ukraine.
Session: NATO Unity
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My hon. Friend knows my enthusiasm for open access services which bring competition and innovation, benefiting customers by raising standards. Does he share this enthusiasm? How will he be promoting these services?
Context
The MP inquires about the Department's stance and plans to promote open access rail services.
Huw Merriman
The Secretary of State and I share the hon. Friend's enthusiasm for open access services, which were authorised at the end of last year with Grand Union Trains running between London and Carmarthen. The Department is committed to getting more operators into this market.
Session: Rail Usage
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What contractual incentives has the Department agreed with train operating companies to encourage more people to use rail services?
Context
The MP asks about contractual incentives to increase rail usage.
Huw Merriman
Under current contracts, operators earn a fee linked to performance on punctuality, reliability, service quality, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth. The Department is looking to introduce stronger incentives for growing rail patronage under the new passenger service contract development.
Session: Rail Usage
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Last year, women established more than 150,000 new companies in the UK, which is twice as many as four years ago and the highest ever, yet the number of women founding businesses remains well below that of men. What steps are being taken to further support female entrepreneurs?
Context
Women established more than 150,000 new companies in the UK last year, doubling from four years ago and representing a record high. However, women's founding of businesses remains significantly below that of men.
Maria Caulfield
We are committed to supporting female entrepreneurs, particularly in the high-growth sector. That is why we have launched the women-led high-growth enterprise taskforce, which has found that venture capital is a serious barrier. Currently, for every £1 of venture capital, 89p goes to companies led by men and only a penny to women. That is why getting access to venture capital and funding opportunities is a priority for female entrepreneurs.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister explain how, on his watch, things have got to such a wretched state with grid development? The grid apparently cannot now connect renewable energy plants to the system until after 2035, the date by which the Government say in the energy security strategy we will have decarbonised our electricity system. Presumably they envisage that system will be connected to the grid by that point. Has he been unaware that there is a serious problem, or was he aware, but did nothing about it?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the grid's inability to connect renewable energy plants until after 2035.
Andrew Bowie
My watch began only in February. However, I believe the United Kingdom is a victim of its own success, as this is what happens when new renewable electricity production is developed at such scale and pace. We understand the challenges facing the country and the grid. That is why we are meeting with Ofgem and have commissioned the Winser review, which we will publish in the summer. We are determined that we will meet that 2035 target.
Session: Grid Capacity
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I welcome the measures in the Budget to encourage over-50s back into work, harnessing their experience and skills. I also notice that the Department has signed the Age-friendly Employer pledge—I have signed my office up too. What is being done to promote the scheme more widely among employers to encourage them to do the same?
Context
The Department has signed the Age-friendly Employer pledge. There is a need to promote this among employers.
Guy Opperman
We are doing huge amounts of work to encourage over-50s employment. My hon Friend refers to the pledge, and we encourage all employers up and down the country to sign up, to participate in the mid-life MOT, to embrace older workers' fairs and generally to accept that older workers have a great deal to offer.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank my right hon Friend for that answer. I have been meeting representatives of bus companies that run apprenticeship schemes. They tell me that the rules governing the number of hours per month in the classroom can be problematic for smaller companies when it comes to rostering, and if there was some flexibility—a change not in the total number of hours, but in the delivery pattern—they would be able to take on more apprenticeships, which they want to do. Will he consider that idea?
Context
Representatives of bus companies running apprenticeship schemes have raised concerns about the current rules governing classroom hours, which are problematic for smaller companies.
Jesse Norman (Minister)
The Department for Education published fresh guidance last year on how apprenticeship training can be delivered flexibly to fit business needs. My hon Friend, the Roads Minister, has been talking to him and visiting the classroom in Harrogate, so we are very much seized of the issue of flexibility.
Session: Apprenticeships Transport Sector
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What assessment has been made of the availability of apprenticeships in the transport sector? I have been meeting representatives of bus companies that run apprenticeship schemes. They tell me that the rules governing the number of hours per month in the classroom can be problematic for smaller companies when it comes to rostering, and if there was some flexibility—a change not in the total number of hours, but in the delivery pattern—they would be able to take on more apprenticeships, which they want to do.
Context
There are concerns about the availability and quality of apprenticeships within the transport industry, impacting skill development and workforce needs.
Jesse Norman (Minister)
The Department is committed to working with the transport industry to create high-quality apprenticeships. The Department for Education published fresh guidance last year on how apprenticeship training can be delivered flexibly to fit business needs. My hon Friend, the Roads Minister, has been talking to him and visiting the classroom in Harrogate, so we are very much seized of the issue of flexibility.
Session: Apprenticeships Transport Sector
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
National Security
14 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Disability Reform
29 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
New Build Homes Standards: North Yorkshire
18 April 2024
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Mr Jones thanked the Deputy Speaker for allowing him to raise issues related to new housing developments in his constituency. He highlighted problems with both individual properties and estate-wide is...
Ways and Means
12 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focused on improving productivity, a theme close to the heart of Laura Trott. She highlighted that under the current government, private sector productivity increased by an average of 0.7% ...
Defence Acquisition Reform
28 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Antisemitism in the UK
19 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NHS Dentistry: Recovery and Reform
07 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
The Joint Enterprise (Significant Contribution) Bill - Second Reading of the entire Bill
02 February 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Kim Johnson moved that the Joint Enterprise (Significant Contribution) Bill be read a Second time. She emphasised that the bill seeks to correct an injustice in which individuals are sentenced for joi...
Long-term Plan for Housing
19 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Tackling Spiking
18 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
11
PMQs Asked
136
Ministerial Questions Asked
94
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+199% above average
This MP:
11
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+896% above average
This MP:
136
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1842% above average
This MP:
94
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
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 Jones's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.