Angela Richardson
MP for Guildford
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The people of the eastern villages of Guildford—the Clandons, the Horsleys, Effingham, Ripley, Send and Ockham—have had enough. Unwanted development and villages taken out of the green belt without promised infrastructure is why I have been calling for an immediate review of the local plan for the last three years. Does my right hon. Friend agree that Labour's promise of concreting over the green belt, even against the wishes of local MPs, would simply add insult to injury?
Context
Local residents are concerned about unwanted development in eastern villages of Guildford, calling for a review of the local plan.
Rishi Sunak
Unlike both the Liberal Democrats and the Labour party, who believe in top-down targets that decimate the green belt, we believe in local people having a say over their local communities. That is why we are committed to protecting and enhancing the green belt. The national planning policy includes strong protections to safeguard this important land. I note that my hon. Friend's local plan is currently under review by the council, which has indicated that it will be updating it, and I hope my hon. Friend and her constituents engage with that process to help shape Guildford for future generations.
Assessment
The MP asked for agreement on Labour's promise of concreting over the green belt but instead provided general support for protecting the green belt.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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I pay tribute to the volunteers who work every weekend under all weather conditions. However, it is a disgrace that the Liberal Democrat-run council closed town centre toilets, putting young women at risk when seeking secluded areas for safety reasons due to lack of single-sex spaces. Will my right hon. Friend join me in calling for immediate reopening of these facilities?
Context
The Liberal Democrat-run council has shut down public loos, leaving young women without safe spaces and at risk of sexual assault.
Oliver Dowden
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue and join her in thanking volunteers, but I am afraid that such actions from a Liberal Democrat-run council are expected. We support her efforts to make these views known to the Guildford Borough Council.
Assessment
Did not address call for immediate reopening of public toilets
Criticising Opposition Party
Session: PMQs
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Saturday marks Surrey Day, celebrating the county's high streets with events like those in Guildford. However, concerns about empty shops arise from high rents and business rates making it tough for independent retailers to compete. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this Government must do everything possible to support our high streets as part of economic growth?
Context
Surrey Day celebrates local high streets, but independent shops face difficulties due to high rents and business rates. The Government's role in supporting these businesses is questioned.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is correct about the importance of high streets in local communities, not just in Surrey but across the country. We are abolishing business rates for eligible businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, investing billions through the high streets fund and towns fund to support local areas.
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend join me in welcoming that investment? When his diary allows, will he visit Guildford to celebrate successful local innovation and job creation?
Context
Surrey Research Park in Guildford has been home to pioneering space companies and recently received £300,000 for training and recruitment of space engineers.
Rishi Sunak
We are continuing to invest in the UK's thriving space sector, including £6.5 million for high-impact projects and recognition of Space South Central as a leading regional cluster.
Session: PMQs
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On Monday evening, Zero Carbon Guildford received national recognition here in Parliament. It has taken an overwhelming subject and turned it into tangible solutions to local issues, giving people agency. Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating all the volunteers on their award? Does he agree that grassroots organisations such as Zero Carbon Guildford are key stakeholders in our journey to achieving net zero?
Context
Zero Carbon Guildford won the Climate Coalition's Innovative UK Community Project award for their tangible solutions to local issues.
Rishi Sunak
I join my hon. Friend in congratulating Zero Carbon Guildford on receiving their award. Community empowerment, engagement, and action can play a role in supporting the UK's transition to net zero.
Assessment
No specific recognition or support commitments were made beyond acknowledgment of community efforts.
Session: PMQs
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As the A3 narrows through Guildford, it is sadly the most polluted road in the strategic road network. Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is time to think big and tunnel the A3 under Guildford?
Context
The A3 connects London to Portsmouth through Guildford, a highly polluted strategic road.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my hon. Friend for the question. I know this is an issue that she has long championed. National Highways is developing different possibilities and solutions for the A3 through Guildford, which will be considered by the Department for Transport as it plans its future infrastructure investments.
Assessment
No commitment on tunneling was given
Acknowledges Issue But Does Not Commit
Session: PMQs
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I have been successful in getting lights turned back on, including on Yorkie's bridge to improve student safety. Does my right hon Friend agree that tackling violence against women and girls should not be compromised even during difficult times?
Context
The people of Guildford demand safety for women and girls. Concerned students at the University of Surrey requested additional lighting on Yorkie's bridge.
Rishi Sunak
We are committed to making our streets safer and have created initiatives like the safer streets fund, StreetSafe tool for pinpointing unsafe locations.
Assessment
Did not directly affirm commitment to tackling violence against women and girls
Like My Hon Friend, We Are Committed
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister confirm that no MP voted to discharge sewage into our waterways, and it is beneath opposition parties to repeat this lie?
Context
The Environment Agency will increase fines on water companies to up to £250 million per breach.
Elizabeth Truss
The right hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne has asked from a sedentary position what we are doing about it. The Environment Secretary increased fines on water companies 100 times should they discharge sewage illegally.
Assessment
Question about MP vote was not directly confirmed; instead focus shifted to new measures by the Environment Secretary
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend agree to meet me and other concerned colleagues to discuss how we can constructively support those young people who are experiencing gender distress?
Context
Dr Hilary Cass highlighted the need for more research into why so many young girls are presenting with gender distress.
Boris Johnson
I would be very happy to meet my hon. Friend. We must recognise that when people want to make a transition in their lives, they should be treated with the maximum possible generosity and respect.
Assessment
Specific ask about meeting was not directly addressed
Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister agree that workers' skills are vital for UK's green recovery? Will he work with colleagues to ensure success of UK bus manufacturing?
Context
Redundancies at Alexander Dennis, a long-standing bus manufacturer in Guildford.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend for her apposite intervention on behalf of Alexander Dennis. I was a keen customer of Alexander Dennis's fantastic machines. I cannot guarantee this, but I hope that our green recovery and our massive investment in green buses will be of benefit to the workforce of Alexander Dennis.
Session: PMQs
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I read with great interest that the hon. Member for Houghton and Sunderland South (Bridget Phillipson) recently said in an interview in that “the government could reduce the monthly repayments for every single new graduate without adding a penny to government borrowing or general taxation—Labour will not be increasing government spending on this.” That sounds too good to be true. As we on the Government Benches know, those on the Opposition Benches excel themselves on the subject of fairy-tale economics, so can I ask the Secretary of State
Gillian Keegan
I thank my hon. Friend for her very insightful question. The Labour party's proposals would, unfortunately, mean that graduates would live unhappily ever after. Either Labour would have graduates pay back their loans at a lower income threshold, impacting people just as they are taking their first steps on the career ladder, or it intends to make graduates pay back their loans well into retirement. That would, essentially, create a graduate tax.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assessment has the Minister made of the importance of protecting single-sex spaces?
Context
There is concern about maintaining the legal protection for single-sex spaces under current laws and guidance.
Stuart Andrew
We are committed to maintaining the safeguard that allows organisations to provide single-sex spaces. It is important to uphold the principle of being able to operate spaces reserved for women and girls. The Government are committed to tackling harassment and abusive behaviour by all individuals and to ensuring that single-sex spaces are safe.
Session: Equality Act 2010 Protected Characteristics
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What assessment has the Minister made of the adequacy of the definitions of protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010?
Context
The Equality Act 2010 outlines protections against discrimination based on several characteristics, but there are ongoing discussions about its adequacy.
Stuart Andrew
The Equality Act 2010 covers a number of protected characteristics, including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Women and Equalities has written to the Equality and Human Rights Commission to understand whether the Act is sufficiently clear in the balance that it strikes between the interests of people with those different characteristics.
Session: Equality Act 2010 Protected Characteristics
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I thank the Secretary of State, who I know cannot be here today, for his visit to a mid-life MOT session for the over-50s at the brilliant jobcentre in Guildford. I was incredibly impressed with everyone I saw participating in that session. Will the Minister join me in welcoming this Government's belief that no one is ever too old to retrain and start a new career?
Context
The MP acknowledges the Secretary of State's visit to a mid-life MOT session for over-50s at Guildford jobcentre.
Guy Opperman
The Government supports all older workers, including those at Guildford jobs fair for older workers in May.
Session: Support into Work People over 50
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To truly level up accessibility to the arts for constituents, what can the Department do to encourage local authorities to recognise and support arts organisations that sit outside the NPO framework?
Context
The Yvonne Arnaud theatre in Guildford does outreach work in deprived wards but receives little local authority support outside the national portfolio organisation framework.
Stuart Andrew
My hon. Friend is right to be proud of her theatre's work despite being outside the portfolio. Our Department is committed to ensuring all people have access to arts and culture regardless of location, encouraging local authorities to invest in innovative models.
Session: Accessibility of Cultural Attractions
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What steps her Department is taking to increase the accessibility of cultural attractions. The Department aims to broaden access to arts and culture, particularly for those with disabilities.
Context
The MP is concerned about ensuring cultural heritage sites are accessible to all.
Stuart Andrew
My Department is committed to broadening the accessibility of our cultural heritage sites across the country. Arts Council England recently announced the 2023-26 national portfolio, which will significantly improve access to arts and culture. DCMS also works closely with David Stanley, the disability and access ambassador for arts and culture, to improve accessibility to the sector for those with disabilities.
Session: Accessibility of Cultural Attractions
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What is the Secretary of State's response to the allegations made yesterday, following her appointment, by Ben Cohen of Pink News?
Context
The question is prompted by allegations made on Twitter by Ben Cohen of Pink News after the Secretary of State's appointment.
Kemi Badenoch
I know everyone wants to start Prime Minister's questions quickly, but please forgive me, Mr Speaker, if my answer to this question is a tad longer than it ordinarily would be. I am afraid that this particular individual is one who uses Twitter as a tool for defamation. He has even been sued by people in this House, such as the hon. and learned Member for Edinburgh South West (Joanna Cherry). As we begin a new era of equalities, I would like to say that the Equality Act is a shield, not a sword. It is there to protect people of all characteristics, whether they are young or old, male or female, black or white, gay or straight. We are running a compassionate equality strategy and we should not be distracted by people who use Twitter as a way to insult or accuse Members of Parliament.
Session: Topical Questions
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I was very sad to see that Professor Kathleen Stock decided to step down from Sussex University following a sustained campaign of bullying and harassment. Will my right hon. Friend outline how the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill will uphold freedom of speech in our higher education institutions?
Context
Professor Kathleen Stock stepped down from Sussex University following a sustained campaign of bullying and harassment, highlighting the need for legislation to protect academic freedom.
Michelle Donelan
I, too, was horrified by what has happened in regard to Professor Stock, who has had to resign due to sustained harassment and bullying. This cannot be tolerated on our campuses, which is why the Government are delivering a freedom of speech and academic freedom Bill that will ensure that universities not only protect, but promote free speech.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the launch of the national infrastructure bank. Road infrastructure projects are needed in my constituency to meet the additional 14,000 homes to be delivered in our local plan, which is why I am calling for the A3 to be tunnelled under Guildford to ease congestion. As we move towards our target of net zero and transition our vehicles to being electric and hydrogen-run, there will be a decrease in revenue raised by fuel duty. Will my right hon. Friend outline what steps he is taking to replace that revenue and to help fund road infrastructure projects such as my tunnel?
Context
The launch of the national infrastructure bank is welcomed, with concerns about road infrastructure funding for projects like Guildford's A3 tunnel.
Kemi Badenoch
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to say that the Government will need to ensure that revenue from motoring taxes keeps pace with the change away from petrol and diesel vehicles so that we can continue to fund infrastructure such as the A3, which she mentions. I am sure that colleagues in the Department for Transport can speak about her petition specifically, but I would like to reassure her and her constituents that this Government will continue to focus on record, unprecedented investment in the strategic roads network over this Parliament, through the £27.5 billion road investment strategy, which will deliver about 70 major upgrades.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my right hon. Friend outline what more the UK can do to help support the resumption of direct peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians?
Context
The growing ties between Israel and her Arab neighbours are positive developments.
Dominic Raab
I thank my hon. Friend. We have supported the normalisation of relations, which is a good step around the region. Of course, this also led to the suspension of the threat of annexation on the west bank, which was very important.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituents in Guildford take a keen interest in environmental concerns and, along with me, are delighted that Glasgow is hosting COP26 this year. Does my hon. Friend agree that we are better placed to tackle climate change as a strong Union of nations?
Context
The question follows a discussion on the opportunities arising from COP26 for Scotland, focusing on the Union's role in tackling climate change.
Iain Stewart
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I should also point out that it is disgraceful that, while we will be showcasing our global leadership on climate change and the world's gaze will be on Glasgow, the SNP would rather be pitting community against community in another divisive referendum.
Session: COP26
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What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the opportunities for Scotland arising from COP26?
Context
The question arises from discussions on the opportunities and benefits of COP26 to Scotland and the UK.
Iain Stewart
The Government are committed to delivering an all-UK COP26 event in Glasgow. This will bring significant economic benefits to the community in Glasgow and those across Britain.
Session: COP26
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is only because of this Government supporting business and the private sector that the Government have been able to secure the personal protective equipment, medical supplies and treatments that are needed for us as a country to beat this virus and return to the way of life that we are all looking forward to?
Context
The Government's role in securing PPE, medical supplies and treatments to combat the virus.
Michael Gove
My hon. Friend makes an important point. Listening to some of the questions from the other side of the House, you would think that the only way in which we could ever procure vaccines, testing or personal protective equipment was by having some sort of Gosplan Stalinist approach in which no private sector individual or organisation could ever be involved.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that these clever robots, operated by talented surgeons, help to reduce the size of the incision site and therefore trauma, meaning a swift discharge and recovery for cancer patients, and that they are crucial to ongoing success in hospitals such as the Royal Surrey, which is a world leader in cancer treatments?
Context
The Royal Surrey County Hospital is using advanced technology for treating diseases such as cancer.
Matthew Hancock
I know the Royal Surrey and I enjoyed visiting it, albeit in the rain, in December last year with my hon. Friend. The Royal Surrey is carrying out some of the most cutting-edge treatments for cancer. We have put extra funding in—a more than £200 million fund—for the use of advanced technology for treating diseases such as cancer.
Session: Cancer Outcomes
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May I warmly welcome my hon. Friend to her new role on the Front Bench? This Government's commitment to end rough sleeping is clear in extensive funding given to councils over the past year. Will my hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to the commitment of those on the ground in Guildford, who are working tirelessly with central Government to end rough sleeping?
Context
The MP highlighted the successful work of a local official in finding accommodation for a victim of domestic violence, despite challenges.
Kelly Tolhurst
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the tremendous work of those in her constituency. I join with her in paying tribute to those, not only in her constituency but across the country, who worked so hard with the Government on ending rough sleeping and delivering a significant programme accommodating nearly 15,000 people during covid-19.
Session: Rough Sleepers Covid-19
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What steps he is taking to support rough sleepers during the covid-19 outbreak. Nearly 15,000 vulnerable individuals have been housed in emergency accommodation thanks to local councils and charities, saving lives. The next step is through the Next Steps Accommodation programme with £90 million announced for local authorities.
Context
The MP raised concerns about vulnerable people who are homeless and at risk due to the pandemic.
Kelly Tolhurst
Since the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic, nearly 15,000 vulnerable people have been housed in emergency accommodation thanks to local councils and charities. We are now moving on to the next steps through our Next Steps Accommodation programme with over £90 million for local authorities.
Session: Rough Sleepers Covid-19
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I am delighted to hear that we are successfully recruiting into the nursing profession. Does my hon Friend agree that it is not just school leavers, but dedicated and caring people of all ages and diverse working backgrounds who have the transferable skills needed to start nursing qualifications? Will she outline what steps her Department is taking to engage with these individuals and encourage them to consider nursing as a vocation?
Context
The NHS is facing a shortage of nurses and the Department for Health and Social Care has taken steps to address this issue.
Helen Whately (Con) Minister for Care
I completely agree that nursing should be open to all men and women from diverse backgrounds. Our £5,000 grant to all nursing degree students, starting this autumn, will help students with the cost of that degree course. In addition to the apprenticeships route that I just mentioned, in January we are launching an online blended nursing degree to give another route into nursing.
Session: Nurse Recruitment
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The work on the review has been paused during this pandemic. Will my right hon Friend assure me that when it resumes, he will continue to ensure that we frame our thinking around threat at every stage of the review?
Context
The review was paused during the pandemic. The MP is concerned about its resumption and ensuring threat-driven thinking.
The Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace
My hon Friend is right—but the review was slowed down, not entirely paused, during the covid pandemic. We did continue to work on it in the Ministry of Defence. Last week I gathered the chiefs of all the services and the head of defence intelligence together to hear about the threat and the doctrine of our adversaries, and about how the chiefs are going to deliver a solution to that threat.
Session: Defence Capabilities
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Cass Review
15 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
The Private Rented Sector Bill - General discussion on the Second Reading of the Bill
23 October 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove moved that the Private Rented Sector Bill be read a second time. He thanked his colleague Eddie Hughes for laying groundwork t...
Privilege: Conduct of Right Hon. Boris Johnson
19 June 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Leader of the House moved to approve the Fifth Report from the Committee of Privileges, emphasising that parliamentary privilege is crucial for protecting Parliament's ability to function effectiv...
Water Quality: Sewage Discharge
25 April 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion would allow for parliamentary time on Tuesday 2 May to progress Labour’s Bill, the Water Quality (Sewage Discharge) Bill. The country is being treated with contempt due to raw human sewage ...
Cost of Living Increases
25 April 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms. Siddiq condemns successive Conservative Governments for their mismanagement of the UK economy over 13 years, citing that it has resulted in Britain being the only G7 economy smaller than before th...
Animal Welfare (Zoos) Bill - Third Reading of the entire bill
17 March 2023
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
Ms Angela Richardson moves that the Animal Welfare (Zoos) Bill be now read the Third time. She highlights the UK's high animal welfare standards and recent legislation such as the Animal Welfare (Sent...
Lasting Powers of Attorney (Modernisation) Bill
17 March 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The MP proposes the passage of his bill, which aims to make it easier for people to create a lasting power of attorney with better protections. He highlights that the Bill passed Committee stage uname...
Labour Market Activity
28 February 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls for the government to address rising unemployment and economic inactivity, particularly among older individuals and those with health issues. It emphasises that recent employment supp...
Social Security Benefits Bill - Second Reading
21 February 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride, opens the debate by highlighting the Government's approach to supporting vulnerable citizens through inflationary pressures. He details a seri...
The Pregnancy and Maternity (Redundancy Protection) Bill
03 February 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I am proud to bring this Bill to the House today, which aims to make a real difference to more than 50,000 pregnant women and new parents each year by ensuring job security during parental leave. The ...
10
PMQs Asked
18
Ministerial Questions Asked
78
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+173% above average
This MP:
10
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+34% above average
This MP:
18
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1505% above average
This MP:
78
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 Angela Richardson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.