Andrew Lewer
MP for Northampton South
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Residents of Northampton South are experiencing a severe shortage of NHS dental services, particularly in Duston where there is now no service available at all. With today's announcement of the dentistry recovery plan, can the Prime Minister guarantee that improvements will be seen within months rather than years?
Context
People in Northampton South face a severe shortage of NHS dental services, with Duston having none at all. The Prime Minister announced the dentistry recovery plan.
Rishi Sunak
We are publishing the dentistry recovery plan today and my right hon. Friend the Health Secretary will make a statement shortly. Over 1 million more people saw an NHS dentist last year than the previous year, but we know there is still work to be done. The recovery plan aims to ensure faster, simpler and fairer access to NHS dental care for patients and staff.
Session: PMQs
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For many years my right hon. Friend wrote humorous articles that nevertheless made serious points about individual freedom and the dangers of over-regulation. The Department of Health and Social Care is currently consulting on how to increase regulations on food advertising significantly. Can my right hon. Friend reassure me that any implementation of this consultation will be in line with his and my long-held principles?
Context
The Department of Health and Social Care is consulting on increasing food advertising regulations significantly.
Boris Johnson
I remain a champion of liberty but I am also the living embodiment of the risks of obesity. There is no question but that it is a comorbidity factor in the pandemic. I think that is something that the people of this country understand. They understand that it is all of our individual responsibility to do what we can to get healthy and to stay healthy, because that is one of the ways we can all help protect our NHS.
Assessment
The specific ask about food advertising regulations was not addressed directly.
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking them and recognising the importance to the town of the Clare Street barracks now and into the future?
Context
The MP acknowledged the inspirational work done by 103 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Northampton to support the NHS, councils, and volunteers during the lockdown.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend. I indeed recognise the importance of the Clare Street barracks. Indeed, I salute the work of the entire armed services in what they have done across the whole of our United Kingdom to help us fight coronavirus.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister believe it is sustainable that people are required to pay for the BBC when using Sky, Amazon Prime or ITV?
Context
Questioning the sustainability of being forced to pay for BBC services when accessing live TV on various platforms.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend makes a very interesting point, and I am sure that point of view is shared by many people in this country. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will be setting out a roadmap for reform of the BBC shortly and addressing the very issues he mentions.
Session: PMQs
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Paying tribute to his work, Andrew Lewer asks Boris Johnson to join him in pressing the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to complete its review of special rules for terminal illness announced last July and to scrap six months from the rule.
Context
The Motor Neurone Disease Association is campaigning to scrap the six-month rule that requires people with terminal illnesses like motor neurone disease to wait six months before claiming certain benefits.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Paying tribute to Andrew Miller's work, Boris Johnson acknowledges the importance of the welfare system for those suffering from motor neurone disease and confirms that the DWP is reviewing special rules for terminal illness. He invites Andrew Lewer to meet with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions at the earliest opportunity.
Session: PMQs
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What measures is the Department implementing to make apprenticeships more attractive for young individuals, particularly women?
Context
Apprenticeships in construction are struggling to attract young people, especially women and girls.
Luke Hall
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and work on encouraging women into the construction sector through initiatives like 'I am a Housebuilder'. The Department has established an apprenticeship diversity champions network, which supports gender representation among employers.
Session: Topical Questions
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Northampton has been the beneficiary of many welcome new or improved facilities in recent years, including a children's A&E, a main A&E and the announcement of a community diagnostic centre. However, the missing piece of the jigsaw is an urgent treatment centre, for which I have been campaigning for many years now. Will the Minister inform me on the progress on that centre?
Context
The MP is campaigning for an urgent treatment centre to be built in Northampton.
Helen Whately
I congratulate my hon. Friend on his successful campaigning for healthcare in Northampton, which is, as he says, benefiting from upgrades to the children's A&E and the main emergency department and will soon have one of our 160 new clinical diagnostic centres. He will know that his local NHS integrated care board will decide whether to fund a new urgent treatment centre, and I have every confidence in his ability to persuade it of doing so.
Session: Urgent and Emergency Care
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What steps her Department is taking to improve urgent and emergency care?
Context
The MP is concerned about improvements needed for urgent and emergency care.
Helen Whately
A year ago we set out a plan to improve urgent and emergency care, and the plan is working. Performance this winter has been better, with ambulance waits down by nearly a third, and we are learning the lessons from this year to make further improvements in the year ahead.
Session: Urgent and Emergency Care
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Does the Secretary of State recognise that cost is a barrier for people wishing to protect their skin from the sun, and will she commit to having conversations with Cabinet colleagues to remove VAT on sun protection products, which will help protect NHS budgets and ultimately save lives?
Context
Cancer Research UK has found that too much UV radiation is the third biggest cause of cancer across these isles. Cost can be a barrier for people wishing to protect their skin from the sun.
Victoria Atkins
We see that as part of a much wider campaign to ensure that we treat the sun safely, by reducing the amount of time we spend in the sun, particularly during peak hours of the day in summertime. I keep all these discussions in play with my Treasury colleagues.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is the Department taking to overhaul that process, which has caused special educational needs and disabilities parents in Northampton South unnecessary distress?
Context
Local authorities have spent nearly a quarter of a billion pounds fighting parents at SEND tribunals since 2014, yet they have a failure rate of over 90%. This has caused distress for parents in Northampton South.
David Johnston
My hon. Friend is right to say that tribunals are costly and stressful, but it is important to say that most education, health and care needs assessments and plans are concluded without a tribunal hearing. We will be introducing new national standards, strengthened mediation and greater system-wide accountability to give families the support they need earlier and reduce the number of tribunals.
Session: SEND Provision
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When the Department tried to change the nutrient neutrality rules, the Labour party fell at the first hurdle, showing that it had changed since its claims to be the party of house building. It blocked that, so will Ministers commit themselves to pushing through these essential changes afresh? The MP wants a commitment from ministers to push through essential changes.
Context
The MP is questioning the Labour party's actions in blocking changes to nutrient neutrality rules, which are essential for house building. The MP seeks a commitment from Ministers to push through these changes.
Michael Gove
Absolutely. We have just heard from the hon. Member for Luton North (Sarah Owen) a crude nimbyist appeal to the voters of Mid Bedfordshire, a week after the leader of the Labour party said he was in favour of “the builders, not the blockers”—but who could be surprised, given that, as my hon. Friend has rightly pointed out, when we put forward legislation for 100,000 new homes, Labour blocked it?
Session: New Homes
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What steps he is taking to help increase the number of new homes. The MP wants details on specific actions to boost housing supply, particularly regarding investment in affordable homes programmes.
Context
The MP is concerned about the number of new homes being built and seeks information on steps taken to increase this.
Michael Gove
We have announced £10 billion of investment in housing supply since the start of this Parliament, and we are also investing £11.5 billion in the latest affordable homes programme to provide thousands of new homes across the country for people to rent or buy. In July we set out our long-term plan for housing, with regeneration programmes in Cambridge, London and Leeds.
Session: New Homes
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Continuity of education allowance is an important recruitment and retention facility for the armed forces, but it has not kept up with inflation in recent years. Can the Minister commit to ensuring that CEA levels are not eroded in the future?
Context
CEA is an important recruitment and retention facility for the armed forces, but it has not kept up with inflation.
Andrew Murrison
CEA is an important way of making sure that the education of service children is not disrupted. To that end, I have asked for a review of CEA to make sure it is fit for purpose, and I will have the results of that review later this year.
Session: Topical Questions
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How many discussions has the Secretary of State had with Department for Education colleagues about forthcoming guidance on trans-identifying children?
Context
There is ongoing work to create guidance for schools regarding students questioning their gender identity.
Kemi Badenoch
I have been working closely with the Education Secretary, because it is important that we get the guidance for schools right. It must show schools how to be compassionate to pupils questioning their gender in a way that is compliant with the Equality Act 2010, including ensuring that single-sex spaces are maintained and the safety and wellbeing of all pupils is not compromised.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is the Department taking to prevent chronic kidney disease?
Context
A report predicts a significant rise in cases of kidney failure within 10 years.
Helen Whately
In the last three years, NIFHC has invested over £30 million in kidney disease research. NHS England follows a national approach to reduce healthcare inequalities.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assessment has the Department made of the use of cash retentions in the construction industry and of possible measures that could prevent the practice?
Context
The Department needs to assess cash retention practices and possible measures to prevent them, which cause issues for subcontractors.
Rachel Maclean
My hon. Friend will know that that policy area is led by the Department for Business and Trade. Nevertheless, it is important that we work closely with a wide range of stakeholders and businesses to achieve a consensus. It can sometimes be challenging, but we are clear that any solution must be a sustainable one that works for the industry and its clients, addressing the need for surety and fair payment.
Session: Topical Questions
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Is the ASA's focus on social issues rather than factual accuracy a cause for concern?
Context
The Advertising Standards Authority has considerable powers but there are concerns about its use for social engineering.
Julia Lopez
The ASA is at its best when it focuses on ensuring legal, decent, honest and truthful adverts, rather than making value judgments on social issues.
Session: Topical Questions
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A key component of delivering better urgent care services will be expanding the network of urgent treatment centres across the country. Can my right hon. Friend assure me that a UTC in the major population centre of Northampton will be a high priority for the Department?
Context
The questioner highlights the importance of UTCs in delivering better urgent care services and asks for a high priority for a UTC in Northampton.
Steve Barclay
My hon. Friend is right to highlight the importance of UTCs. Nationally, they are above the national standard: 95.5% of patients are seen within four hours. He is a highly effective campaigner on health issues—he helped to secure the £2.8 million of investment for a new paediatric emergency department in his local area—and I know that he will be making a similar case to his local commissioners.
Session: Urgent and Emergency Care
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What guidance is the Department planning to issue on policing the provisions of the Public Order Bill, especially relating to preventing people from being arrested in a public place for what they are thinking about or for silent prayer?
Context
The question arises from concerns about arrest and freedom of speech under new legislation.
Suella Braverman
My hon. Friend knows my position on that issue. He also knows about the guidance we have issued on the policing of non-crime hate incidents. We are encouraging the police to strike a better balance, so that freedom of speech is more protected in their efforts to keep the public safe. The College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs' Council will be working on new guidance to reflect the new offences in the Public Order Bill.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that it is important to have a consistent approach to the recognition of overseas countries' GRC schemes and that, because of the complex interaction with the Equality Act 2010, it is right to recognise the schemes of only those countries that have equivalent approaches?
Context
There is a need for consistency in the recognition of gender recognition certificates issued by other countries, particularly considering the interaction with the Equality Act 2010.
Stuart Andrew
A consistent approach to GRCs is fundamental to the effective functioning of legislation in this area. The GB-wide Equality Act was carefully drafted in the light of, and to reflect, the specific limits of the UK-wide Gender Recognition Act 2004.
Session: Gender Recognition Certificate Application Process
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What progress her Department has made on amending the application process for a gender recognition certificate. The Government have taken steps to modernise the application process for obtaining a gender recognition certificate and to make applications more affordable.
Context
The current application process for obtaining a gender recognition certificate has been the subject of criticism and calls for reform.
Stuart Andrew
The Government have taken steps to modernise the application process for obtaining a gender recognition certificate and to make applications more affordable. GRC applicants are now required to pay £5 and the newly developed digital application process for GRCs launched on 29 June.
Session: Gender Recognition Certificate Application Process
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I welcome the fact that the Government are issuing new guidance on the accommodation of such prisoners, but does my right hon. Friend agree that having no biological male imprisoned in a woman's prison should be a strong principle henceforth?
Context
The MP welcomes the new guidance issued by the Government regarding the accommodation of transgender prisoners but asks for clarification on a principle that no biological male should be imprisoned in women's prisons.
Damian Hinds
Safety must come first. Following the policy updates, transgender women with male genitalia will not be held in the general women's estate except in truly exceptional circumstances. Exemptions require sign-off by a Minister to ensure they are considered only in the most truly exceptional cases.
Session: Transgender Prisoners
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What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Department's policy on the allocation of transgender prisoners in England and Wales?
Context
The MP is questioning the effectiveness of the Department's policy on allocating transgender prisoners in England and Wales, referencing a recent strengthening of policies.
Damian Hinds
Since the 2019 strengthening of our policy, there have been no assaults or sexual assaults committed by transgender women in women's prisons. Last year, the policy was further strengthened.
Session: Transgender Prisoners
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What steps are being taken by the Attorney General to increase prosecution rates for those behind exploitative people-trafficking from high-volume but safe countries? Protecting capacity for genuine asylum seekers requires increased action against traffickers.
Context
There is concern about the capacity to handle genuine asylum seekers and the need to increase prosecutions for those involved in exploitative people trafficking.
Victoria Prentis
The rate of prosecutions for people trafficking has increased by 48% in 2021-22 due to intensive collaboration between the police and prosecutors.
Session: People Traffickers Prosecution Rates
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Will the Minister commit to increasing specialised training for conditions such as MND in the social care workforce to protect carers' health and wellbeing?
Context
A recent report from the Motor Neurone Disease Association found that most unpaid MND carers provide more than 75 hours of care a week, but many are unable to access respite services due to lack of skilled workers.
Helen Whately
At present, £11 million annually is provided through the workforce development fund which social care employers can access. We are working on reforms that include training and skills improvement; I will look into including specialist MND training as part of this.
Session: Social Care Workforce
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What steps his Department is taking to increase the size of the social care workforce.
Context
N/A
Helen Whately
We are supporting care homes and agencies in their efforts to recruit staff, including with a substantial national recruitment campaign. We have also added social care workers to the shortage occupation list to benefit from international recruitment to increase the workforce in the short term.
Session: Social Care Workforce
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How my right hon. Friend and his team address the concerns of many that mandating university students and staff to complete training in contested theory such as unconscious bias, like the Radcliffe Department of Medicine's implicit bias course or the University of Kent's Expect Respect course, is worrisome, especially given recent data from the King's College “The state of free speech” report on the increasing reluctance of students to engage in challenging debate.
Context
The question refers to recent data from the King's College report indicating increasing reluctance of students to engage in challenging debate. It highlights specific courses on unconscious bias and similar topics.
Kit Malthouse
I know my hon. Friend recognises that universities and colleges are independent organisations. None the less, I share his concerns that where opinions, beliefs or theories that are contested are presented, they should not be presented to young minds alone. The context in which they are created, and indeed the arguments for and against, should be presented to young people. Indeed, it is the duty of those who are tasked with the education of young minds to give the widest possible sense of perspective on all these issues.
Session: Freedom of Speech in Universities
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What steps his Department is taking to protect freedom of speech in universities.
Context
No specific event or statistic mentioned. The question seeks information on the government's steps to protect freedom of speech.
Kit Malthouse
This Government are committed to the protection of freedom of speech and academic freedom in universities. The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill will strengthen existing freedom of speech duties and introduce clear consequences for breaches as well as a duty on universities and colleges to promote the importance of freedom of speech and academic freedom.
Session: Freedom of Speech in Universities
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It takes private landlords an average of nine months to repossess a property through the courts, and the end of section 21 repossessions will lead to more cases. The rental reform White Paper committed to improving the courts system. Will the Minister commit to those reforms being in place before the Government make changes to the way that private rented tenancies operate?
Context
MP concerned about the impact of changes to section 21 repossessions on private landlords and the need for reforms in housing courts.
James Cartlidge
My hon. Friend asks an important question. I can confirm that on 16 June, the Government published their response to the “Considering the case for a Housing Court” call for evidence. Moreover, we are injecting more than £10 million a year into housing legal aid through our reforms to the housing possession court duty scheme. By 2023, we will modernise how the courts deal with possession claims as part of the Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service reform programme that I referred to.
Session: Courts System
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What steps are being taken to ensure sufficient funding streams for areas of specialist legal advice and support, particularly in debt and employment law?
Context
The MP noted upcoming visit to Northampton Community Law Service, focusing on debt and employment law amid the cost of living crisis.
James Cartlidge
We propose spending £5 million to pilot early legal advice on social welfare matters including debt this summer. In 2020, we provided £5.4 million of grant funding to not-for-profit providers supporting over 70 organizations; Northampton Community Law Service received more than £130,000.
Session: Access to Legal Aid
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What progress has the Department made on improving access to legal aid?
Context
The MP inquired about progress made on improving legal aid accessibility.
James Cartlidge
Last year, we spent £1.7 billion on legal aid. We are consulting on changes that will result in an additional 2 million people in England and Wales having access to civil legal aid, with 3.5 million more at magistrates court. Additional funding includes up to £135 million for criminal legal aid, £7 million for housing, and £8 million for immigration.
Session: Access to Legal Aid
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Can he assure me that the central role of local government in integrating health and social care services will continue? Will adult social care be taken over by the NHS?
Context
The importance of local government in ensuring efficient use of resources through the joint delivery of services.
Sajid Javid
I am pleased to give that assurance. The White Paper signals our intention to go further and faster on health and care integration, ensuring overall responsibility is shared between local authorities and the NHS.
Session: Health and Care Integration
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What steps are being taken to ensure that health and care services are well integrated?
Context
The integration of NHS and local government care services is under discussion.
Sajid Javid
We have published an integration White Paper drawing on pandemic experience, created integrated care partnerships like those in mid-Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire, showing how we can bring together health and local social care services.
Session: Health and Care Integration
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How will Ministers try to make the new carbon reduction plan requirements more proportionate for SMEs?
Context
Policy procurement note 06/21 introduces carbon reduction requirements for Government procurement over £5 million, which may be onerous for small businesses.
Steve Barclay
The £5 million figure applies per annum, with advice available from private sector organisations. The Minister will look at this point to reassure the House that it is proportionate.
Session: Small Business Bids for Government Contracts
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Given a constituent's father, an Afghan army officer in hiding, will the Minister discuss eligibility under ARAP?
Context
ARAP scheme for Afghan army officers.
James Heappey
Happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this particular case. ARAP was not a mechanism for rank and file members of the Afghan National Army.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister meet me to discuss alternative solutions for Camrose early years centre, which faces an emergency cut ending its 8 am to 6 pm nursery service?
Context
Camrose early years centre in Northampton South is facing an emergency cut that will end its nursery service by April.
Will Quince
Like other maintained nursery schools, Camrose supports some of our most disadvantaged children. We have confirmed the continuation of its supplementary funding throughout the spending review period and will increase the supplementary hourly funding rate by 3.5%. I would of course be happy to meet my hon. Friend.
Session: Early Years Healthy Development Review Report
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What steps are being taken to implement the recommendations of the Government's Early Years Healthy Development Review Report?
Context
The Government published the Early Years Healthy Development Review Report in March 2021, making several recommendations.
Will Quince
The Government are investing £300,000 million to transform “start for life” and family help services in half the council areas across England. That money will fund a network of family hubs, parent-infant mental health support, breastfeeding services and parenting programmes, and will allow local areas to publish their “start for life” offer.
Session: Early Years Healthy Development Review Report
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Will the Minister describe how he will encourage all parts of the NHS across Northern Ireland to celebrate the platinum jubilee as one great, unifying feature of the Union towards another?
Context
The MP asked about ensuring all parts of the NHS celebrate the jubilee.
Conor Burns
Everyone in every part of our United Kingdom is proud of the NHS. The immense contribution of frontline NHS staff will be recognised during this jubilee year, but no specific measures were outlined.
Session: Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
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In the spirit of advancing the cause of cars as a means of enterprise and personal freedom, what support will the Department provide to advance construction of the much needed north-west and northern parts of the Northampton ring road?
Context
The car is an important symbol of enterprise and freedom, and the questioner seeks to advance its cause in his constituency.
Rachel Maclean
I commend my hon. Friend for his sterling efforts over a long period to support investment in a key part of the local road network in his area, which, as he says, is vital for jobs and the local economy. I understand that West Northamptonshire Council is exploring options to secure funding, and discussions will take place in the spending review.
Session: Motorists Journey times
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What steps he is taking to support motorists to reduce their journey time.
Context
N/A
Rachel Maclean
The Government are investing in major enhancements across the strategic and local road networks to increase capacity and reduce delays.
Session: Motorists Journey times
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What steps are being taken to ensure that eligible personnel know about the Continuity of Education Allowance, which supports young people from military families? The vast majority of these young people are a great asset to schools they attend.
Context
There is a need to ensure that all eligible personnel are aware of the Continuity of Education Allowance available to both officers and non-commissioned officers.
Ben Wallace
The Continuity of Education Allowance is available to all ranks, and we encourage as many people as possible to take it up. Service personnel may qualify based on eligibility criteria, and they are encouraged to seek advice from their chain of command if they wish to utilise the allowance.
Session: Forces Families
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Many SMEs have EU clients that are themselves SMEs, which understandably do not wish to be importers and thus take on extra regulatory burdens. Due to the insistence on DDP terms, UK exporters have to try to reclaim EU VAT. I hear what the Minister says about different responsibilities and so on, but in his co-ordinating and supportive role, will he agree to meet me and representatives of the British Promotional Merchandise Association, to hear at first hand the difficulties that its members are having and to explore solutions, even if they are cross-departmental?
Context
SMEs, especially those dealing with other SME clients in the EU, are facing difficulties due to the insistence on delivered duty paid (DDP) terms. This leads to issues like reclaiming VAT and regulatory burdens.
Graham Stuart
In a belated attempt to score some points with Mr Speaker, I will simply say that I would be delighted to do so.
Session: EU VAT Regulations under DDP Terms
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What steps her Department is taking to assist British small and medium-sized enterprise exporters with EU VAT regulations under delivered duty paid terms?
Context
SMEs in the UK are facing pressure from clients to supply on a delivered duty paid (DDP) basis, which can be challenging for them. This issue is particularly acute when dealing with EU-based SME clients who do not wish to take on import duties and regulatory burdens.
Graham Stuart
While VAT in the UK is a matter for the Treasury and in the EU it is the responsibility of member states, my Department provides support through our international trade adviser network. Last week, we held a webinar as part of the UK Export Academy dealing with Incoterms including DDP.
Session: EU VAT Regulations under DDP Terms
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I recently had a Zoom call with Deborah Annetts, the CEO of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, and Jordan and Steve from a local Northampton band called The Keepers. They highlighted the problems that self-employed musicians currently face. Will my right hon. Friend support struggling musicians such as The Keepers by considering either a freelance support scheme or a box office top-up to help to make socially distanced gigs feasible?
Context
A local band highlighted issues faced by self-employed musicians, raising the need for either a freelance support scheme or a box office top-up.
Jesse Norman
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. With a name like Jesse Norman—my hon. Friend will know that there was an American opera singer, now alas dead, of the same name—and as someone who has been involved in arts organisations and, indeed, as a pretty incompetent musician myself, I am extremely aware of the concern that he raises, and rightly so. He will know that the Government have announced a £1.57 billion culture recovery fund, of which some £330 million has been awarded to date to nearly 2,000 cultural organisations. That funding is designed to help performances to restart, to protect jobs and to create opportunities for freelancers across the country.
Session: Self-employed People Covid-19
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What steps has his Department taken to increase prison sentences for terror offences? Does my hon. Friend agree that limited use of terrorism prevention and investigation measures, as amended by the upcoming Bill, will help keep constituents safe from terror attacks?
Context
The Government passed the Terrorist Offenders Act in February to change early release rules for terrorist offenders. The Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Bill is set for Report and Third Reading next week.
Chris Philp (Minister for Policing and the Fire Service)
In Committee, we heard compelling evidence from Assistant Chief Constable Tim Jacques that changes to TPIMs will make constituents safer. I hope Members will consider this evidence when they review the Bill next week.
Session: Terror Offences Prison Sentences
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Independent School Fees: VAT
21 February 2024
Main Concerns
["Andrew Lewer is concerned about the impact of Labour's proposed policy to introduce a 20% VAT fee on independent school fees. He notes that over 600,000 children are educated in the independent sector, saving UK taxpayers more than £4 billion annually and supporting 328,000 jobs and £5.1 billion in tax revenue. Lewer argues against the policy's portrayal of independent schools as elitist and highlights the diverse contributions these institutions make to society through partnerships with state schools and provision for special educational needs."]
Specific Asks
["Lewer urges the Government to maintain its stance against imposing VAT on school fees, given Labour's current lead in polls. He calls for a robust defence of parental choice and the principle that education should not be taxed, emphasizing the potential harm to smaller independent schools and families struggling to afford increased fees."]
COP10: WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
18 January 2024
Responding: Andrea Leadsom
Main Concerns
["The UK delegation's lack of ministerial representation at COP10 in Panama, despite the importance of the conference for health policy. The lead MP is worried about the WHO's closed-door meetings and sceptical stance on tobacco harm reduction products like vapes and heated tobacco. He cites the potential impact of regulatory equivalence between combustible tobacco and reduced-risk products, which could discourage smokers from switching to safer alternatives. Virendra Sharma is concerned about the lack of funding for targeted social support services in local authorities, which has resulted in lower motivation to quit smoking and higher relapse rates. He highlights that deprived areas are being left behind due to insufficient resources. Additionally, he notes the challenges posed by illegal tobacco sales, under-age smoking, and the appeal of vaping products to children. Sharma also points out that the UK will miss its Smokefree 2030 targets unless further action is taken."]
Specific Asks
["The Minister should confirm that the UK delegation will block any measures to restrict communication about health benefits and oppose moves towards regulatory equivalence on taxation and price points. The lead MP also requests that the Minister asks the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero to attend COP10, and seeks clarity on who will be in the UK's delegation. Sharma urges the Government to improve funding for specialist services, address the harm caused by tobacco companies, tackle the illegal tobacco trade, and support a harm reduction approach at COP10. He calls on the Minister for Primary Care and Public Health to join the UK delegation in Panama and advocate for evidence-based policy."]
Small and Medium-sized House Builders — [Mr Lawrence Robertson in the Chair]
10 May 2023
Responding: Rachel Maclean
Main Concerns
['Mr Andrew Lewer is concerned about the declining home ownership among younger people, citing a Lloyds Bank study that shows only 28% of 25 to 34-year-olds owned a house in 2019 compared to 51% in 1989. He also notes the impact of immigration on population growth and the need for new home construction every five minutes to keep up with demand. Lewer identifies three significant issues facing SME house builders: material costs, finance, and access to labour. He highlights specific challenges such as Land Registry delays impacting access to finance and a severe skills shortage in the industry.']
Specific Asks
['Lewer asks for government support to address the cost of materials by encouraging innovative solutions like the escrow agreement launched by Travis Perkins. He also urges the Government to expedite land registry processes and collaborate with DLUHC on addressing sector skills gaps. Additionally, he calls for reforms in planning regulations that could ease burdens on SME developers.']
Covid-19: Music Education
08 December 2020
Responding: Michelle Donelan
Main Concerns
['Mr. Andrew Lewer is concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on music education, highlighting that over ten per cent of primary and secondary schools do not teach class music despite it being a requirement in the curriculum. He mentions that due to lack of access to technology and resources needed for adaptation during school closures, many children were denied music lessons. Additionally, he notes that extracurricular activities are no longer taking place in 72% of primary schools and 66% of secondary schools this year, which is partly due to guidance delays from the Government on singing and playing woodwind and brass instruments.']
Specific Asks
["Mr. Lewer asks the government to consider an uplift in funding for music education back to parity with at least 2011 levels, given the additional costs incurred due to current restrictions. He also requests clarity on national music grant funding from March 2021 and a reminder of schools' obligations under the Education Act 2002 and Academies Act 2010 to provide a broad and balanced curriculum including music."]
Crime and Policing Bill 2025-06-18
18 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves that the clause be read a Second time. The new clauses aim to criminalise commercial sexual exploitation, including enabling or profiting from prostitution and paying for sex acts either directl...
NHS Dentistry: Recovery and Reform
07 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
New Housing Supply
05 June 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Davis highlights the critical issue of housing, noting that seven out of ten voters perceive a national crisis. He emphasises the importance of home ownership for social stability and security, contra...
Health and Care Bill - Clause 20 - Serious disruption prevention order made otherwise than on conviction
07 March 2023
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
Andrew Lewer proposed an amendment to Lords amendment 5, arguing that the measure does not apply to people engaged in prayer. He emphasised that arresting individuals for silently praying is inappropr...
The Economic Crime Bill - Clause 2
13 December 2022
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to strengthen our measures against economic crime by introducing robust checks and balances on financial transactions to preve...
Motor Neurone Disease
20 October 2022
General Debate
Led by this MP
The debate focuses on the need to invest further in research and care for people suffering from motor neurone disease (MND), acknowledging the rapid progression of this neurological disease. The speak...
Tributes to Her Late Majesty The Queen
09 September 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
In the hours since last night’s shocking news, we have witnessed the most heartfelt outpouring of grief at the loss of Her late Majesty the Queen. Crowds have gathered. Flags have been lowered to half...
Prime Minister
19 January 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Vaccination Strategy
12 January 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Social Care Reform
23 June 2021
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
5
PMQs Asked
43
Ministerial Questions Asked
19
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+221% above average
This MP:
43
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+291% above average
This MP:
19
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 Lewer's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.