Anna Firth
MP for Southend West
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating local fisherman Mr Paul Gilson on his proactive work? Will he come to Leigh-on-Sea to meet my local fishermen?
Context
New, large shellfish beds have been discovered in the Thames estuary.
Rishi Sunak
I join my hon. Friend in welcoming this fantastic discovery. We have been capitalising on the benefits of Brexit since we left the European Union and we are making sure that we can transform opportunity in the UK, particularly in fishing communities.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to visiting Leigh-on-Sea or discussing specific plans with Essex fishermen.
I Join My Hon. Friend
Session: PMQs
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This morning, on International Women's Day, I joined some of the amazing young women at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Leigh-on-Sea to take part in the Football Association's Let Girls Play football campaign. Does my right hon. Friend agree that sport, and football in particular, is a brilliant way to empower young women? Will he visit Southend and celebrate some of our aspiring Lionesses?
Context
On International Women's Day, Anna Firth joined a campaign at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Leigh-on-Sea to promote the Football Association's Let Girls Play initiative.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point, and I wholeheartedly agree with her. She is right about the power of sport to both engage young women and inspire others. The Government are pleased to announce today more funding and support for sport in schools.
Assessment
The specific invitation to visit Southend was not addressed.
Session: PMQs
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that apprenticeships such as those offered by the excellent South Essex College are a great pathway into work?
Context
National Apprenticeship Week highlights local colleges like South Essex College for offering apprenticeships as a path to work.
Rishi Sunak
I completely agree, paying tribute to her local college, particularly in National Apprenticeship Week. We have an Education Secretary who was an apprentice herself, showing our pride in apprenticeships.
Session: PMQs
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Hamas are rightly an internationally proscribed organisation, yet the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which funds and supports Hamas, is not. Should it not be?
Context
Hamas is an internationally proscribed organisation, but the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which funds and supports Hamas, is not.
David Rutley
The list of proscribed organisations is kept under review, but we do not comment on whether any particular organisation is being considered for proscription. However, the Government have taken measures to counter the threat from Iran, including sanctioning the IRGC in its entirety.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Secretary of State very much for the Government's commitment to delivering the £110 million in capital funding for south Essex hospitals and for her recent visit to Southend hospital. However, our aged buildings do also need urgent maintenance, so what can she also do to deliver the £38 million in maintenance funding also needed for Southend hospital?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the need for maintenance funding in addition to capital investment for South Essex hospitals, highlighting a recent visit by the Secretary of State and the impact of £8 million investment.
Victoria Atkins
I thank my hon. Friend, and I was delighted to visit the hospital at her invitation earlier this month. This is part of our plan through the urgent and emergency care plan and through our recovery plan for electives and the new hospital programme to rebuild hospitals.
Session: Hospital Repairs
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I thank the Secretary of State very much for the Government's commitment to delivering the £110 million in capital funding for south Essex hospitals and for her recent visit to Southend hospital. However, our aged buildings do also need urgent maintenance, so what can she also do to deliver the £38 million in maintenance funding also needed for Southend hospital?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the need for maintenance funding in addition to capital investment for South Essex hospitals, highlighting a recent visit by the Secretary of State and the impact of £8 million investment.
Victoria Atkins
I very much hope that the hon. Friend has already spoken to her integrated care board, because she will know that responsibility for local investment decisions rightly rests at local level. I can say that as a Government, we have invested £4.2 billion for integrated care boards this financial year and an additional £1.7 billion for over 70 hospital upgrades across England.
Session: Hospital Repairs
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Never mess with busy mums and dads, not least because I am one and I know that the Minister is as well. Parents in Arlingham, Frampton, Elmore and Longney are really struggling with rural school bus transport. This is not all about money; it is about reliability, safety and fairness. Indeed, they feel that their children are discriminated against versus what children in towns and cities receive. Gloucestershire County Council is doing a lot. It is stretching itself, but we are really struggling to find solutions. Will the Minister meet me and Councillor Stephen Davies to see whether we can find solutions for our parents in the communities?
Context
Parents in Gloucestershire are struggling with rural school bus transport, raising concerns about reliability, safety, and fairness compared to urban areas.
Guy Opperman
I would be delighted to do so. I welcome the fact that my hon. Friend is standing up for her local community in this way. Clearly, it is a question of integrating the particular services, whether they are local or school provision, but it is definitely something that we can sort.
Session: Bus Services England
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The Rail Minister is well aware that Network Rail continues to let down disabled residents and visitors and families at Chalkwell station by repeatedly failing to install the much-needed disabled lift. This is the seventh time I have raised this issue in this place. Two years ago, I was promised that the lift would be installed this year. I have now been told it will not even be started until next year. This is a disgrace. What can the Minister do to accelerate this project and address this poor performance?
Context
The MP has repeatedly raised concerns about the delayed installation of a disabled lift at Chalkwell station.
Huw Merriman
There was a retendering at Chalkwell, and Network Rail found that the existing structures would not be suitable to deliver the project as it stood. The design work is going on right now and building will happen next year. My hon. Friend is right that the delay is not acceptable. I will meet her at Chalkwell station and bring the Network Rail team along so that we can talk her through the project and its challenges and, if we can, show how we will speed it up.
Session: Topical Questions
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I would like to thank the Minister for the opportunity to meet UK Finance yesterday, which told me and other MPs that the industry plans to roll out 225 banking hubs in the next 18 months. Given that my constituency has lost every single bank branch over the last few years, will the Minister help me to make sure that Leigh-on-Sea, which has 250 retailers, will get one of those 225 banking hubs?
Context
The banking industry announced plans to roll out 225 new banking hubs over the next 18 months, but Anna Firth's constituency has lost all its bank branches in recent years.
Bim Afolami
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. First, it is important to note her consistent championing of this issue for her constituents, for which she deserves huge commendation. To her precise question, it is important that industry, not the Government, makes decisions about bank branches or banking hubs, but she has made her case very ably. I urge her to work with Cash Access UK and LINK to ensure that she has the best chance of securing one of those new 225 banking hubs, as outlined by the industry, in her constituency.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Secretary of State please commit to coming to the House to make a statement so that these issues can be fully aired?
Context
10,000 WASPI women across Southend have issues due to the ombudsman's final report.
Paul Maynard
I am not able to comment until the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's report is published.
Session: Support for Pensioners
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Ministers are already aware of the success of my quarterly water summits, which have caused Anglian Water to beat the Government target for reducing storm overflows by five years and to pilot all-year-round testing of our bathing waters. However, one agency consistency failed to attend: the Environment Agency. Will the Minister come to the next summit and bring the Environment Agency with him?
Context
The MP notes the success of her quarterly water summits which have pushed Anglian Water to beat government targets for reducing storm overflows, but expresses concern that the Environment Agency has consistently failed to attend these events.
Robbie Moore
There is no doughtier champion than my hon. Friend, who has been lobbying me on this issue. I am happy to commit to the Environment Agency attending her next summit, and I will also attend in person.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am currently working with a brilliant local pharmacist, Fizz, to open a new NHS dental practice in Belfairs in my constituency. Premises and dentists have been lined up, but we need the ICB to commission the service. Will the Minister meet me, my local ICB and Fizz to unlock that vital service as soon as possible?
Context
Premises and dentists have been lined up for a new NHS dental practice, but the ICB needs to commission the service.
Andrea Leadsom
I am delighted to hear about that really good news for my hon. Friend's constituents—I know she works tirelessly for them. Of course, I will be very happy to meet her.
Session: Topical Questions
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Southend has an abundance of accommodation that is deemed inexpensive by local authorities, and our city is picking up the tab. Under section 208 of the Housing Act 1996, all local authorities should give prior notice when placing people for homelessness within 14 days. Will my hon. Friend assist me in dealing with this issue?
Context
The MP highlighted an issue with Southend-on-Sea City Council receiving placement notifications from other local authorities.
Felicity Buchan
My hon. Friend is absolutely correct: if a local authority places people into temporary accommodation outside the borough, it should notify the relevant local authority.
Session: Rough Sleeping and Homelessness
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Can my right hon. Friend clarify whether the term 'birthing people' is required language under the Equality Act 2010? If not, does she agree it should not be used?
Context
A letter from the local NHS trust regarding children's services at Southend Hospital used terms like 'birthing people' that are perceived as dehumanizing, confusing and potentially against equality laws.
Maria Caulfield
This Conservative Government has been clear that biological sex matters, and language is important too. We have issued guidance to trusts because there is evidence that clinical damage can come with the removal of the use of the term 'woman' from literature. I would be happy to write to my hon. Friend's local trust to point that out.
Session: Topical Questions
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Very welcome remediation work on reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete—RAAC—is now under way at Kingsdown School in Leigh-on-Sea, meaning that parts of the school will be open from half term. However, the school has still not had confirmation, given the extent of the RAAC, on whether there will be a rebuild of the school. This uncertainty is affecting remediation, expansion and recruitment plans. Please could we have that confirmation for the school as soon as possible?
Context
Kingsdown School in Leigh-on-Sea has ongoing RAAC remediation but lacks confirmation on a rebuild.
Gillian Keegan
I know that my hon. Friend has campaigned tirelessly for Kingsdown School. Our questionnaire programme is 100% complete, all schools have been told if it is suspected that they might have RAAC and 100% of those have been surveyed. I can confirm we will be removing RAAC from our schools for good, either through the school rebuilding programme or through grant funding, and we will inform schools shortly, once our assessments have concluded. I know that my hon. Friend has met Baroness Barran to discuss Kingsdown School and is meeting again this week.
Session: Topical Questions
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Innocent Ukrainians have just seen in a second new year under some of the heaviest aerial bombardments since Russia's illegal war began. Will my right hon. Friend please update the House on what steps he is taking to ensure Ukraine has modern aerial defence systems to protect innocent Ukrainians from these murderous, appalling airstrikes?
Context
Innocent Ukrainians have just seen in a second new year under some of the heaviest aerial bombardments since Russia's illegal war began.
Grant Shapps
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about this ongoing illegal war run by Putin. We immediately responded to the attacks over the new year by bringing forward the gifting of 200 further air defence missiles. I have mentioned already the international fund for Ukraine, which is helping to provide, among other things, air defence.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last year, I asked the Government to show me the money with respect to £118 million of long-awaited capital funding for south Essex hospitals. With £8 million now delivered and the other £110 million now confirmed to be on its way, will the Secretary of State please come with me to Southend Hospital and see how that vital money will transform care in Southend and Leigh-on-Sea?
Context
The Government announced £118 million of long-awaited capital funding for south Essex hospitals, with £8 million already delivered and the remaining £110 million confirmed to be on its way.
Victoria Atkins
I will be delighted to visit that hospital with my hon. Friend—I suspect that I will be visiting a lot of hospitals.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the fact that the UK is doing more offshore wind than any other country in Europe, but fishermen in Leigh-on-Sea are deeply concerned about the effect of expanding offshore on fish stocks. Can the Minister assure me that renewable power production on the south Essex coast will also focus on tidal, and will he join my vision to make Southend pier a shining beacon of renewables, completely powered by tidal energy?
Context
Fishermen are concerned about the effect of expanding offshore on fish stocks. The constituency wants to focus on tidal energy.
Graham Stuart
I share my hon. Friend's enthusiasm for tidal. We have had a specific pot in previous rounds of the CfD precisely to develop that. We are the world leader in deployment and will continue to be, and I hope that her vision for her local area will be fulfilled.
Session: Topical Questions
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Chalkwell station in beautiful Leigh-on-Sea has 40 steep steps to get up from and down to the platform; it is 100% inaccessible. I was told last year by the Treasury that work on it is part of the £350 million Department for Transport Access for All programme. Work was supposed to start a year ago, but nothing has happened. The timetable has slipped; it is not due to be completed until March 2026. To ensure that there is no further slippage on this timetable, will the Minister meet with me?
Context
Chalkwell station in Leigh-on-Sea is entirely inaccessible due to steep steps. Work was supposed to start a year ago but has not.
Huw Merriman
I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend. Chalkwell, Ockendon and Southend East remain within the Access for All programme. We have delivered 230 stations and we will deliver those three as well. We had an issue with the contractor putting in a cost estimate that was about double what I would expect; that is why we have had to look anew, but I will very happily meet my hon. Friend to discuss this further, and she has that commitment.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for that reply, and for his recent visit to Southend West. He is very aware that last year, elderly residents were left stranded, literally overnight, when First Bus withdrew the No. 21 service, cutting them off from Southend Hospital, from Leigh Broadway and from many community groups. Despite successfully working with First Bus to reroute the No. 3 bus, this is not good enough; it only runs once every two hours. Will he meet me and First Bus to make sure that Southend City gets the best bus services possible?
Context
Last year, elderly residents in Southend West were left stranded when First Bus withdrew the No. 21 service, cutting them off from essential facilities such as hospitals and community groups.
Richard Holden
I would be very happy to meet her and representatives from First Bus. An additional piece of bus funding of almost £1 million from central Government to Southend is going through, but I will happily meet her to see how we can best ensure that it is spent in a way that protects her residents.
Session: Bus Services
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Thanked the Home Secretary for her visit to Southend where she met the PCC and chief constable. Mentioned how Operation Union has helped reduce antisocial behaviour, but now concerned about drug-related issues in and around pubs. Asked if there are specific plans to help local police deal with this.
Context
Southend's Operation Union reduced antisocial behaviour by over 50%. Concerns raised about drug-related incidents around local pubs.
Suella Braverman
I was very pleased to join my hon. Friend in Southend, and to meet her chief constable and the office of the PCC. She is right that the success of Operation Union has helped to drive down ASB, but there is more to do to tackle the ASB that blights communities. That is why I am pleased that her force, Essex, has the most police officers ever and is doing very well with its progress on the hotspot policing pilot. My hon. Friend talks about drugs. Part of our plan on ASB is to expand drug testing on arrest, so that police can now test for more substances, class B and C, when they arrest someone on suspicion of drug possession.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
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Will the Minister for Veterans' Affairs update the House on the Northern Ireland legacy legislation?
Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill has been debated. Victims and veterans have long felt let down by the government.
Johnny Mercer
Yesterday the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill passed this House. Legacy is an incredibly difficult issue. Victims have been let down for many years. Veterans have been let down. This Government made a commitment that we would see through our promises to both those groups, and that is what we did yesterday.
Session: Topical Questions
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Please will my right hon. Friend agree to meet the Shrimpers Trust, my hon. Friend the Member for Rochford and Southend East (Sir James Duddridge) and me, urgently, to see what more can be done to save this vital community asset?
Context
Staff have gone unpaid for months, and the club's future is uncertain.
Stuart Andrew
Can I praise my hon. Friend for the tremendous amount of work she has been doing on behalf of her constituents and the fans at Southend? I know how hard she is working. Of course, I would be more than happy to meet the fans group, as I have with those of other clubs, but I think this highlights the need for the independent football regulator.
Session: Topical Questions
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I have been campaigning for £118 million of capital funding, the majority of it for Southend University Hospital, ever since I was elected. I am grateful that he has recently confirmed that the funding is secure. A new business plan is being submitted, including £9 million of enabling funding. Will he look upon that favourably and swiftly?
Context
The MP has been campaigning for £118 million of capital funding, primarily for Southend University Hospital.
Steve Barclay
As my hon. Friend knows, I have already met her to discuss this scheme, and the impediment was the business plan that came forward from the local trust—further work was being done on that. She is right to highlight our capital investment more widely. This Government have committed to investing in the biggest ever hospital building programme, with more than £20 billion.
Session: Topical Questions
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Due to this Government's actions, Anglian Water was supposed to have its plan for mitigating storm overflow usage on the Secretary of State's desk last Friday. Was it there and when can my constituents see it?
Context
Anglian Water was required to submit a plan for mitigating storm overflows to the Secretary of State by last Friday, concerning Southend-on-Sea residents.
Rebecca Pow
All water companies have submitted their storm overflow mitigation plans, which are currently being analysed.
Session: Topical Questions
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What are the Government doing to encourage heat suppliers to apply for the energy bill discount scheme ahead of the deadline at the end of this month, which will benefit my constituents who have no control over their energy bills?
Context
Residents in Southend West, particularly those living in Trafford House in Leigh-on-Sea, are experiencing higher energy costs on communal heat networks and have no control over their heating. The MP seeks information on government measures to encourage heat suppliers to apply for the energy bill discount scheme.
Amanda Solloway
The Government are committed to supporting domestic heat network customers with their bills and introduced the energy bills discount scheme heat network support to ensure that these customers do not face higher bills compared to others in similar circumstances.
Session: Prepayment Meters
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What energy cost support has his Department provided to customers on traditional prepayment meters?
Context
The MP inquired about the support provided to customers using traditional prepayment meters, a concern raised due to rising energy costs affecting constituents.
Amanda Solloway
The Government have provided support through the energy bills support scheme and energy price guarantee for customers on traditional prepayment meters.
Session: Prepayment Meters
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People in Southend West want to see a tough, but just policy on illegal immigration that stops people unfairly jumping the queue, that stops evil people smugglers and above all stops vulnerable people drowning in the channel. Will my right hon. Friend therefore agree that we must continue to send a strong signal that it is this Government —not unelected lawyers or criminal gangs—who will decide who comes to this country?
Context
People in Southend West are concerned about a tough but just policy on illegal immigration that stops people unfairly jumping the queue, stops human smugglers and protects vulnerable individuals.
Robert Jenrick
At the core of this question is: who decides who comes to this country? Is it for the Government and Parliament, or is it for people smugglers and human traffickers? Those of us on the Government Benches know exactly which side of the debate we are on; we want to stop the boats, and we want to secure our borders.
Session: Topical Questions
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According to the Government's own statistics, 18% of knife possession offences involve juveniles, which is of great concern to my constituents in Southend West. What consideration is being given to increasing the sentence for those supplying a knife to an under-18, which is currently only six months? Should that not be the same as possession of a knife, which is currently four years?
Context
The MP notes that 18% of knife possession offences involve juveniles, which is a matter of great concern. She asks if there should be consideration given to increasing the sentence for those who supply knives to under-18s.
Alex Chalk
We keep all these matters under review and my hon. Friend will know well that the role of a knife in the commission of criminal offences is already reflected in the criminal justice sentencing rules. For example, the starting point for a murder that is committed with a knife that is brought to a scene is considerably higher than it is in other circumstances. We also wish to ensure that knives do not get into prisons, which is why, as part of our £100 million security investment programme, we have funded enhanced gate security in 42 high-risk prison sites. On the issue of sentencing, we keep all matters under review, and I would be happy to discuss that with my hon. Friend.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituent Godfrey Hunt was a civilian scientist in the UK's nuclear testing programme in the 1950s. He has long campaigned for a medal for nuclear veterans, and he was delighted to hear the Government's commitment, three months ago, that we would finally issue these medals. I heard the Minister's comments earlier, but will he take this opportunity, once again, to confirm the timetable for getting that medal on to the chest of Godfrey Hunt and all other nuclear veterans?
Context
Godfrey Hunt, a constituent and civilian scientist in the UK's nuclear testing programme in the 1950s, has campaigned for a medal for nuclear veterans. The Government made a commitment three months ago to issue these medals.
Johnny Mercer
I pay tribute to Godfrey and all those who served in that programme. I recognise the frustration with this process. It has taken 60 years to get to this point. I want to see those medals on chests on Remembrance Day, and getting these things through Government and so on is not easy. I have made it very clear to officials, and I make it very clear to them again today, that I expect those medals to be on veterans' chests on Remembrance Sunday this year. I will strain every sinew in Government to make sure that happens.
Session: Veterans’ Affairs Best Practice
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What steps he is taking to share best practice on veterans' affairs with his international counterparts.
Context
The question arises from the need for sharing best practices in veterans' affairs on an international scale.
Johnny Mercer
In recent months, I have met international counterparts, including from Canada and Korea, to share best practice, and I went to the veteran games in Israel. We collaborate with our Five Eyes partners, and this afternoon I am meeting the Ukrainian Minister to understand how we can help Ukraine to shape veterans and recovery processes.
Session: Veterans’ Affairs Best Practice
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With the loss of all but one bank branch, will the Minister support efforts to establish a community banking hub in Leigh-on-Sea?
Context
Loss of bank branches necessitates community-based post office banking hubs.
Andrew Griffith
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and confirm our commitment to protecting free access to cash facilities through legislation. I would be happy to meet her to discuss this.
Session: Topical Questions
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With more teachers in classrooms, concerns remain about retention. Will the Secretary of State meet me and local heads to discuss their ideas?
Context
Secondary school heads are concerned about teacher retention and have innovative ideas to address it.
Nick Gibb
If she cannot visit, I certainly will. We are addressing teacher retention through resources for workload issues, prioritising staff wellbeing and flexible working.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Minister confirm that parents must be kept informed of such an important change in behaviour concerning their child?
Context
Concern over schools' reliability in informing parents when their children express a wish to change gender.
Nick Gibb
Parental involvement is paramount. We are thinking about and discussing with experts as we draft guidance to ensure proper consultation.
Session: Trans and Non-binary Children
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Can my hon. Friend confirm again what steps he is taking to make sure that my constituents get the NHS dental treatment they deserve?
Context
No dentists in Southend are accepting new NHS patients, causing concern for constituents.
Neil O'Brien
Dental activity increased by about a fifth. Further reforms are being made shortly.
Session: Topical Questions
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Children across the country are returning to school today after the Easter break, but sadly, reports in Southend suggest that a fifth of school pupils are missing 10% of their lessons over the course of a year. Last December, a shocking 11.5% recorded unauthorised absences. I know that this is something that the Secretary of State takes really seriously, and given the life-transforming potential of education, could she update the House on her action plan to tackle unauthorised absences?
Context
Reports of a fifth of school pupils missing 10% of lessons due to unauthorised absences.
Nick Gibb
I thank my hon. Friend for her question; this is something that I take seriously, too. The Government remain committed to legislating to introduce statutory “children not in school” registers. On attendance, our priority is to reduce absence and to ensure consistent support for families, and we have published updated guidance setting out how we expect schools and local authorities to work together to improve attendance.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I add to the Secretary of State's congratulations to Humza Yousaf? May I ask the Secretary of State some questions on intergovernmental relations? A third tranche of levelling-up funding is yet to be distributed, £90 million of which should go to Scotland. Rather than the botched and broken system seen in the last month or so of funding distribution from this place, is it not time to devolve the funding to devolved Administrations to enable its fair and efficient use?
Context
A third tranche of levelling-up funding is yet to be distributed, £90 million of which should go to Scotland.
Michael Gove
We will work with the Scottish Government to ensure that funding is spent as effectively as possible, but it is UK Government money that supplements the block grant over which the Scottish Government have total control.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given that the Chancellor's Budget includes a £25 billion business tax cut, will this benefit national and international companies such as Olympus KeyMed and ESSLAB in Southend, thereby incentivising investment, boosting growth and creating more jobs across the UK?
Context
The MP questioned the impact of a £25 billion tax cut for businesses on investment and job creation in Southend.
Kevin Hollinrake
The Chancellor has set a permanent annual investment allowance of £1 million for SMEs, and introduced full expensing across the board, costing around £9 billion annually. This is unique globally, and will significantly boost UK business investment.
Session: Business Insolvencies
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Given the severe effects of such abuse, will my right hon. Friend consider taking tougher action to restrict the sale, possession and abuse of nitrous oxide in the UK?
Context
Teenagers abusing nitrous oxide along Southend seafront and behind the wheel. Firefighters report cutting people out of vehicles due to nitrous oxide abuse.
Suella Braverman
I know that my hon. Friend has been a powerful advocate on this subject, as well as on the issue of dangerous weapons, and I pay tribute to her for her brilliant work. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 provides police with the powers to clamp down on the supply of nitrous oxide for non-legitimate use, but she is right, and I am clear, that the use and proliferation of nitrous oxide is unacceptable, and we will announce new measures soon.
Session: Topical Questions
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Like the public, I want common-sense policing focused on keeping people safe and driving down crime. The disproportionate recording of non-crime hate incidents must not be used to inhibit free speech. We must be very careful about what is kept on an individual's record. That balance has not always been struck.
Context
Concerns about the disproportionate recording of non-crime hate incidents and their impact on free speech.
Suella Braverman
Like the public, I want common-sense policing focused on keeping people safe and driving down crime. The disproportionate recording of non-crime hate incidents must not be used to inhibit free speech. We must be very careful about what is kept on an individual's record. That balance has not always been struck, so I introduced a new code of practice on non-crime hate incidents and the recording and retention of personal data. It introduces new safeguards so that personal data may be included in an NCHI record only if the event is clearly motivated by an intentional hostility and where there is a real risk of significant harm to a group or an individual.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that we need to close the loophole regarding the definition of zombie knives?
Context
A minor was able to buy a dangerous machete online and have it delivered.
Chris Philp
Yes, I entirely agree. We are looking to consult in the very near future to make sure that the law prohibits dangerous weapons where necessary.
Session: Topical Questions
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A recent news report detailing 14,500 urgent maintenance appointments in armed forces homes being missed is very concerning. Will my right hon. Friend reassure my constituents and me that he is taking every step to ensure that all our soldiers can live in good-quality homes?
Context
There are 14,500 urgent maintenance appointments in armed forces homes that have been missed.
Andrew Murrison
Absolutely. It is the top priority for me, the Secretary of State and Minister for Defence Procurement. We must bear in mind that 97% of those houses are above the Government housing standards—better than most councils and registered social landlords. But we must do better, and we are bending ourselves to that task.
Session: Topical Questions
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“The Future of Pharmacy” report was published yesterday and highlighted again the funding pressures on the sector, including for the brilliant Belfairs Pharmacy in Leigh-on-Sea, which asks whether the Minister will urgently consider writing off the £370 million of covid loans given to pharmacies during covid-19.
Context
The “Future of Pharmacy” report highlights funding pressures on the sector, including a £370 million loan burden from covid-19 loans.
Neil O'Brien
We are working to increase the amount of funding going into pharmacies so that they can do more clinical services. I will look closely at the issue that my hon. Friend raises.
Session: Topical Questions
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Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The right hon. Member proposed an amendment to increase the penalty that can be imposed on individuals convicted of livestock worrying offences. The proposal is designed to impose an unlimited fine, m...
Ofsted’s Work with Schools
25 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Football (Amendment) Bill - Clause 1
23 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Hospice Funding
22 April 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls on integrated care boards to urgently address the funding for hospice-provided palliative care. Emphasises the importance of end-of-life care as a legal right, highlights financial pressures fac...
Dog Abduction Bill - Clause 6 (Commencement)
19 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
3
PMQs Asked
60
Ministerial Questions Asked
110
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
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+348% above average
This MP:
60
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2163% above average
This MP:
110
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 Anna Firth's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.