Barry Sheerman
MP for Huddersfield
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Does the Prime Minister remember seven years ago, when he was a passionate supporter of leaving the European Union, along with his then best friend, Boris Johnson? Is he aware that Sir John Major now says, in every speech he makes, that that decision was catastrophic for the people of this country and living standards, as well as deeply damaging to our role, status and influence in the world?
Context
MP recalled Prime Minister's support for leaving EU seven years ago and referenced criticism from Sir John Major about the decision.
Rishi Sunak
I would say gently to the hon. Gentleman that he made the central point at the beginning of his question: it was seven years ago, and we need to move forward.
Assessment
Specific ask about criticism not directly addressed
Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister realise that most people in my constituency think it is his role to keep our country safe? Is he aware that in all the years I have been in Parliament, I have never heard of a situation where our Army and armed forces are so run down that the Chairman of the Defence Committee and the Secretary of State for Defence both say that our armed forces have been hollowed out and are unfit to put a division into active service? What is he going to do about that?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the state of the UK's armed forces, citing statements from the Chairman of the Defence Committee and the Secretary of State for Defence.
Rishi Sunak
The hon. Gentleman seems to forget the fact that we have invested an extra £24 billion in our armed services. That is a record uplift in defence spending and ensures that we are one of the leading spenders on defence in NATO. We will continue to ensure we have one of the best-equipped fighting forces anywhere in the world. As we can see from the recent announcement on tanks, we continue to lead the world when it comes to standing up for not just our safety, but the safety of our allies around the world.
Assessment
The questioner's specific ask about actions in response was not directly answered with concrete steps.
Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister remember back in February, when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, that I informed him that, due to his incompetence in that job, the children in my constituency were going to bed that night with no food in their tummies and no heat in their homes. What will he now do as Prime Minister to make sure that, in every community in our country, children are not in that situation in this hard winter ahead?
Context
In February, the MP informed the Chancellor of Exchequer that due to his incompetence in the job, children in the constituency were going to bed with no food or heat.
Rishi Sunak
The absolute best way to ensure that children do not grow up in poverty, which is something that none of us wants to see, is to ensure that they do not grow up in a workless household. The record under these Governments is that 700,000 fewer children are growing up in workless households. That is because Conservative Governments create jobs for people, and that is the best anti-poverty strategy that we have.[Official Report, 14 November 2022, Vol. 722, c. 4MC.]
Assessment
Specific action to ensure children do not go without food or warmth during the winter was not addressed
Session: PMQs
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I have known the right hon. Gentleman for some time and always got on quite well with him. He represents one of the wealthiest constituencies in the country. Will he assure me that he still believes in the redistribution of income in our country? Does he really believe in levelling up? If he does, will he ensure that Channel 4 stays in Leeds and stays in the public sector? It is essential to the growth of our tech economy in the north of England.
Context
Mr. Sheerman questions the commitment to income redistribution and 'levelling up' despite representing a wealthy constituency.
Dominic Raab
We put the UK Infrastructure Bank in Leeds because we love Leeds. The hon. Member asks about inequality and levelling up. The levelling-up agenda will of course help those in the midlands and in the north, but it will also help those in London and the south-east by easing the pressure on the economy, easing the pressure on tax revenues and easing the pressure on planning.
Assessment
Specific commitment to Channel 4 remaining publicly funded in Leeds
We Love Leeds
Levelling-Up Agenda Helps Midlands And North
Session: PMQs
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Is there any special money for communities that have a rich tradition of music and the arts? Could we have special money for towns such as mine, which would give a boost to the whole country for the arts?
Context
Huddersfield has a rich tradition of music and the arts, including the Huddersfield Choral Society, brass bands, and an international festival.
Lucy Frazer
We have special money for areas across the country, because every year the Arts Council has £444 million to spend.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can we do more to show incoming Members of Parliament how powerful a body the Public Accounts Committee is? Could there be a programme or note on the desk to teach new MPs about this national treasure?
Context
The questioner is nearing retirement after nearly 45 years in Parliament and highlights the significance of the Public Accounts Committee for parliamentary inquiries, funding scrutiny, and wise government spending.
Richard Bacon
Having spent 16 years on the Public Accounts Committee, I completely agree with what the hon. Gentleman says. It is, in my view, one of the best places to spend one's time as a parliamentarian, checking that our constituents' money as taxpayers is safeguarded and well looked after by whichever Government of the day happens temporarily to be in office. I commend what he has said to everyone.
Session: NHS Procurement
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I was thinking of an even better question—how many artillery shells has the UK supplied to Ukraine since confirming 300,000 earlier?
Context
The MP seeks clarification on the supply of shells for Ukrainian military operations.
James Cartlidge
The hon. Gentleman asks about the supply of shells. I am delighted to tell to him that we previously confirmed the provision of 300,000 artillery shells to Ukraine. The latest figure is that this country has procured 400,000 artillery shells directly into Ukraine.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that there are real concerns in light of recent reports about the increasing recklessness with which Russian operatives may interfere in our economy, directly and indirectly, and every other aspect of British lives? Are we prepared for that kind of mischievousness?
Context
Concerns about increasing Russian interference in the economy and other aspects of British life.
Leo Docherty
Yes, we are.
Session: Biosecurity Threats
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Does he agree that we must sort out the problems that seem to have occurred in the manufacture of Boeing's 737 MAX? Does he agree that the faster our regulators work with American regulators to sort this out, the better for British jobs and British innovation?
Context
The MP is chair of a manufacturing group for Members of Parliament and raises concerns about the need for regulatory cooperation to resolve issues with Boeing's 737 MAX. He emphasizes that addressing these problems quickly benefits British jobs and innovation.
Anthony Browne
I absolutely agree that they are amazing companies with huge operations in the UK and enviable safety records. Not one of the 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9s operating globally operates in the UK or from the UK, so there was no need to ground them. The Department for Transport liaises closely with American authorities. The CAA follows very closely the work of the US Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that safety standards remain as high as possible.
Session: Air Safety
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If he will have discussions with (a) Airbus and (b) Boeing on air safety. The Minister might know that I am the chair of a manufacturing group for Members of Parliament. Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Boeing are amazing manufacturers at the heart of our manufacturing economy, but does he agree that we must sort out the problems that seem to have occurred in the manufacture of Boeing's 737 MAX? Does he agree that the faster our regulators work with American regulators to sort this out, the better for British jobs and British innovation?
Context
The MP is concerned about air safety and the need for dialogue between the government and major aerospace companies to address potential issues in manufacturing.
Anthony Browne
Both I and departmental officials engage proactively with industry, including Boeing, Airbus and other manufacturers, on aviation safety. The Civil Aviation Authority also engages regularly across the industry. We have some of the safest skies in the world with a fatal accident rate of UK airlines among the lowest in Europe and the world. There has been no single fatal accident involving commercial passenger airplanes for over 29 years. I agree that they are amazing companies with huge operations in the UK and enviable safety records. Not one of the 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9s operating globally operates in the UK or from the UK, so there was no need to ground them. The Department for Transport liaises closely with American authorities. The CAA follows very closely the work of the US Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that safety standards remain as high as possible.
Session: Air Safety
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The Minister is right that the Buckland inquiry and report are a breath of fresh air. I contributed to that inquiry as chair of the Westminster Commission on Autism. However, is it not a fact that too often people on the autism spectrum—or any spectrum—are undervalued in terms of their huge potential to do great things in our economy in many jobs? Will she look at early diagnosis, which is so important?
Context
The MP acknowledges the Buckland inquiry's positive impact but raises concerns about undervaluing autistic people's economic potential.
Mims Davies
The hon. Gentleman and the Minister for Employment are linking together on this. We have specialist SWAPs for people on the autism spectrum so that we can see their talent and ability. Autistica estimates that one in 70 people is autistic, around 1 million across the UK—but sadly just three in 10 of working-age autistic disabled people are in employment, and the Government are determined to tackle that with the review.
Session: People with Autism Employment
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Will the Minister acknowledge that the real scandal is the UK Government denigrating a good Welsh Government which excels in biodiversity? Given their threefold advantage over England, shouldn't we adopt Welsh approaches?
Context
The MP criticises the UK Government for denigrating the Welsh Government's efforts on biodiversity, highlighting that Wales performs better than England. He asks if Welsh ideas should be adopted.
Fay Jones
The Minister disagrees with the assertion, highlighting that the UK Government mandated water companies to invest £56 million in storm overflow networks for improved water quality. In contrast, Wales sees an average of 38 sewage spills per outflow compared to England's 23.
Session: Biodiversity Rivers and Streams
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What discussions has he had with the Welsh Government on the biodiversity of Welsh rivers and streams?
Context
The MP is concerned about the biodiversity of Welsh rivers and streams, questioning the role of the UK Government in discussions with the Welsh Government.
Fay Jones
Water is a devolved matter in Wales, making rivers and streams under the responsibility of the Welsh Government. The UK Government recognise the importance of rivers in our natural environment and are working on the UK national biodiversity strategy and action plan.
Session: Biodiversity Rivers and Streams
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Is it not true that Scottish waters are purer because Scotland rejected water privatisation? He notes a recent report indicating untreated sewage has been released into Scottish waters 58,000 times over five years. Only 4% of sewage overflows in Scotland are monitored compared to nearly 100% in England and Wales.
Context
The context is the perceived superior quality of Scottish waters due to the rejection of water privatisation, as opposed to areas under English and Welsh governance.
John Lamont
The hon. Member is absolutely wrong. According to a recent report, untreated sewage has been released into Scottish waters and seas more than 58,000 times over the past five years, but only 4% of sewage overflows in Scotland are required to be monitored, unlike in England and Wales, where nearly 100% are monitored, thanks to the efforts of this Government. Unlike this Government, the Scottish Government and Scottish Water are failing to take tough action to monitor sewage overflows and protect our very important waterways.
Session: Rivers and Streams Biodiversity
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What discussions has he had with the Scottish Government on the biodiversity of Scotland's rivers and streams?
Context
The discussion revolves around the responsibility for biodiversity in Scottish water bodies, which falls under devolved governance.
John Lamont
Water quality policy is devolved in Scotland. The Scottish Government are responsible for biodiversity in rivers and streams in Scotland, not the United Kingdom Government. It is for the Scottish Government to take action in this vital area.
Session: Rivers and Streams Biodiversity
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This is my first chance to offer my condolences to you, Mr Speaker, on the death of your dad. He was a great man and helped induct me into this place when I first came here in 1979. If we are to have a proper domestic solar roll-out across, we desperately need more trained people in the green sector. What will the Minister do about that?
Context
The question is a supplementary one regarding the need for more trained individuals in the green sector to support domestic solar roll-out.
Andrew Bowie
Absolutely. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State regularly meets companies such as Octopus. Through our green jobs delivery plan we are enticing more people into the jobs of the future to help deliver our ambitious targets.
Session: Rooftop Solar Panel
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The Secretary of State will know that Huddersfield is a centre for defence industries; we have David Brown Gears and Reliance Precision, for example. I talk to them regularly. They say to me that one of the things that they miss is trained personnel. The Army, Navy and Air Force used to be the biggest trainer of personnel in the country. The diminished level of training in the armed services is reflected in the sector, which cannot get enough highly trained people to employ.
Context
The MP is concerned about the training of personnel for defence-related industries in his constituency.
James Cartlidge
I am aware of those companies, which do an excellent job supporting the supply chain, particularly for our primes and for key programmes, especially naval programmes. I do not recognise the hon. Gentleman's description of training. As he will be aware, defence is the biggest employer of apprentices in the country. We are doing everything we can to support that. The key is to have a close relationship with industry, and to bring it into our requirements early on, so that it can plan and deliver the supply signal, particularly for skills, to match our demand signal.
Session: Defence Jobs
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Is the Secretary of State aware that the UK was once among the safest countries regarding road accidents? Drivers are now causing more harm to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. Shouldn't this Government take road safety for these groups seriously?
Context
The MP notes that the UK used to be one of the safest countries in terms of road accidents but highlights an increase in fatalities involving vulnerable road users.
Mark Harper
We announced £35 million for our safer roads fund. The UK is fifth best in 38 comparable countries on road safety and focuses on protecting all road users.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister act?
Context
There is a shortage of skilled labour and an army of pensioners who could be retained if given the right incentives.
Paul Maynard
We put a lot of effort, not just through the mid-life MOT but through the older worker support in our jobcentres, to make sure that we match jobseekers to the right job for them.
Session: Support for Pensioners
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Visiting Church Farm in Weston Turville, the family highlighted the importance of diversifying income to ensure food security. Current planning rules restrict such activities. Will my right hon. Friend update on discussions with Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to ease these restrictions?
Context
Farmers are limited by current planning rules in diversifying their income through activities like opening a farm shop.
Steve Barclay
My focus is ensuring food production viability, but I am in advanced discussions with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on extending permitted development rights.
Session: Support for Farmers
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Does the Minister agree that some of the most tragic cases are those in which a family member is murdered? In that context, could coroners courts and the coroner system be modernised?
Context
Some of the most tragic cases involve a family member being murdered, and the time some constituents have to wait due to coroners court delays is unacceptable.
Robert Courts
The hon. Member raises a key point. There is nothing more tragic than the circumstances he outlines. I am happy to meet him to talk about any specific case concerns he has, but more broadly, I am acutely aware of the pressures, and I will look at whether there is anything I can do to ensure that the pressures and stresses on his constituents are alleviated.
Session: Victims of Crime
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The Secretary of State loves plans. What is her plan to reinvigorate and change the course of Ofsted?
Context
Reports suggest some teachers and headteachers feel they are not being listened to or treated respectfully by Ofsted.
Gillian Keegan
I was delighted to attend the Association of School and College Leaders conference alongside Sir Martyn Oliver, who announced the Big Listen, which is part of making sure that we get the cultural reforms required. I am concerned by reports that some teachers and headteachers feel that they are not listened to or treated in a dismissive or rude manner.
Session: Topical Questions
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Would my right hon. Friend agree that good and enthusiastic teachers are vital to ensuring that we have good, successful schools and pupils? What more can be done to assist schools with discipline and truancy issues, because it would obviously help teachers' morale if they could have some more support?
Context
Good teachers are vital for school success, but there is a need to assist schools with issues such as discipline and truancy.
Damian Hinds
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right about the importance of brilliant teachers—I think he might have some personal experience of that. He is also right about the central importance of behaviour. In relation to retention, we hear back in surveys that we need to improve further on this. This is one of the reasons that we have the network of behaviour hubs, so that schools can learn one from another about what works best.
Session: Teachers and School Support Staff Morale
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Whether she is taking steps to help improve the morale of teachers and school support staff. Is the truth not that retention is down, recruitment is down and early retirements are up? What is the Minister going to do to boost the morale of teachers?
Context
Morale among teachers and school support staff is reportedly declining, impacting the education sector negatively.
Damian Hinds
Supporting teacher wellbeing is crucial to our commitment to a supportive culture in schools, and for encouraging teacher retention. That is why we co-created the education staff wellbeing charter with the education sector, and we have invested over £1 million in school leader mental health and wellbeing support. On recruitment and retention, I join him in stressing the importance of retention, which we are absolutely focused on, including through our workload programme.
Session: Teachers and School Support Staff Morale
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When will the Secretary of State wake up to the huge potential of universities to tackle all the problems in society, including climate change? Will she come to Huddersfield, which has one of the best universities in the country? It is working with local businesses to make the future safe for our country.
Context
The MP noted the significant role universities can play in tackling societal issues, including climate change. He highlighted the University of Huddersfield's engagement with local businesses to address these challenges.
Kemi Badenoch (Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
If the hon. Gentleman sent a proposal to my office about what we could do on a visit to the University of Huddersfield, I would be very keen to take a look. We support our universities. If he has a specific business and trade angle in mind, we will see what we can do, if diaries allow.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister ask the Small Business Council to wake up to the opportunities in the hydrogen sector, not only in terms of engineering but also infrastructure?
Context
The question explores the potential of the hydrogen sector for small businesses and asks if the Small Business Council is considering this opportunity.
Kevin Hollinrake
We already have woken up to that opportunity. We support hydrogen initiatives such as the Humber hydrogen cluster and encourage support from Members of Parliament.
Session: Small Business Council
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Why does so much investment go to Tory marginal seats and is this fair?
Context
The questioner questions the fairness of distribution of town deals, noting that much goes to Tory marginal seats.
Michael Gove
Ipswich deserves investment due to being overlooked under previous Labour Governments. Announced additional investment in a mass transit system for Huddersfield.
Session: Town Deals
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Can we be very careful about the proliferation of those screens? Most of us have seen flashing coloured screens proliferate in our towns and cities, and much more densely in other countries, such as France and Germany. Not only do these screens use a lot of energy and electricity, but they are very invasive of people's dwellings.
Context
The Adfree Cities campaign raises concerns about the increase in high-energy consuming digital advertising screens and their invasion into personal living spaces.
Graham Stuart
As I said, the ASA would be the key people to go to. Companies in the sector are, and should be, mindful of their net zero obligations. They are looking into making commitments to source all their electricity from renewable sources, which is a solid thing to do, as well as using digital technologies to minimise energy usage.
Session: High-carbon Advertising
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If she will meet representatives of Adfree Cities to discuss high-carbon advertising. The Adfree Cities campaign is very significant. Most of us have seen flashing coloured screens proliferate in our towns and cities, and much more densely in other countries, such as France and Germany. Not only do these screens use a lot of energy and electricity, but they are very invasive of people's dwellings.
Context
Adfree Cities campaign highlights proliferation of flashing coloured screens in towns and cities, raising concerns about energy consumption and privacy invasion.
Graham Stuart
The Advertising Standards Authority is responsible for regulating advertising in the UK across traditional forms of media, and it takes environmental issues seriously. I encourage the hon. Gentleman to approach the ASA directly with that request, as it operates independently of Government.
Session: High-carbon Advertising
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On 1 January, the UK became an associate member of the Horizon Europe programme and Copernicus. Given our delayed start, could she say what steps are being taken to encourage participation by UK entities?
Context
The MP is questioning the Secretary of State about steps taken to encourage UK universities and businesses to participate in these international programmes following a delayed start.
Michelle Donelan
My right hon. Friend raises a valid point. Commissioner Ivanova's news last week indicated excellent uptake early on, with some programmes projecting an over 50% increase. We are not complacent, launching international marketing campaigns, introducing pump-priming schemes, and initiating roadshows.
Session: Innovation Co-operation Between Universities and Businesses
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Whether she has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on encouraging co-operation between universities and businesses to promote innovation. My Department has several programmes aimed at breaking down barriers between these two sectors, contributing to nearly 90,000 interactions reported in the previous year.
Context
The MP is inquiring about the government's efforts to encourage collaboration between educational institutions and private enterprises for innovation purposes.
Michelle Donelan
I speak to colleagues regularly on this topic. Our science and technology framework translates university rankings into tangible benefits for the UK, contributing to nearly 90,000 interactions reported in 2021-22. University of Huddersfield received £1.63 million through the higher education innovation fund.
Session: Innovation Co-operation Between Universities and Businesses
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What can I do to change the Secretary of State's view on joint enterprise? Has he read Lord Finkelstein's recent and very good article in The Times? Please can the Minister have an open mind and look at it again? There are more than 1,000 young men in prison on long sentences.
Context
More than 1,000 young men are serving long sentences under the joint enterprise law. Lord Finkelstein recently wrote an article in The Times about this.
Alex Chalk
Joint enterprise is there to ensure that those who act as the burglary lookout, those who provide the weapon in a murder and those who drive the getaway vehicle do not escape the consequences of their crimes, which shatter lives. It is already the case, as in the case of Jogee, that the person must have helped or encouraged the commission of the offence and intended to do so. If the Labour party's position is that such people should escape culpability, it should say so. Our advice on this side of the House is clear: do not commit crime.
Session: Topical Questions
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Is the Secretary of State aware of a new crime spreading through the north of England involving cavity wall insulation? Will he agree to look into this matter?
Context
A new crime is spreading in the north of England, preying on people with cavity wall insulation and leading to significant legal expenses.
Alex Chalk
It is not for the Secretary of State to order investigations, but the matters raised are serious. I invite police and prosecutors to take appropriate steps if required.
Session: Victims of Crime Support
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Does the Secretary of State remember that the British Army used to be the biggest trainer of young men and women in the country and that we produced so many skilled people? When can he take us back to those balmy days?
Context
There is a historical context where the British Army was a significant trainer of young men and women in the country.
Grant Shapps
Since 2014, we have been training 60,000 Ukrainian troops, proving that we know how to get troops trained. We still train extraordinary numbers.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why would people join the British Army when this Government have run us down to 72,000 serving personnel?
Context
The question criticizes the reduction in serving personnel since 2010, citing it as a barrier to recruitment.
Andrew Murrison
I suggest the hon. Gentleman has a word with the shadow Ministers on his Front Bench, particularly the shadow Chancellor who, to date, has failed to commit to the level of spending on the defence of this country to which the Government are completely committed.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment
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Has the ministerial team seen the report on the growing number of accidents involving e-scooters? Not only are e-scooters dangerous, there is a lack of police follow-up when accidents happen.
Context
The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety reported an increase in accidents involving e-scooters, highlighting the danger to constituents and a lack of police follow-up.
Anthony Browne
The use of private e-scooters on public land—on roads and pavements—is illegal in the UK, and it is up to the police to enforce that law. We have 23 different legal trials of rental e-scooters around the country. We recently announced the extension of those trials, and we are using that data to learn more about the dangers or otherwise of e-scooters, which will inform the policy for the future regulation of e-scooters.
Session: Topical Questions
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Are the Minister and his team aware that our country, once known to be one of the best places in the world for road safety, is now, after 14 years of neglect, no targets—in fact, there is a hatred of targets—and little enforcement, a very dangerous place to be a vulnerable road user? When will this Government wake up and start doing something about that?
Context
The MP criticises the government for neglecting road safety targets and enforcement, leading to increased danger for vulnerable users.
Guy Opperman
With no disrespect to the hon. Gentleman, who I like as a person, he is simply wrong. In the last year, ending June 2023, there was a decline of 9% in fatalities compared to the year ending June 2022. Look at the specific measures taken: we have toughened up the driving test, made the highway code more robust and introduced tougher criminal sentences. Those are the actions of a Government who are listening and taking action.
Session: Road Safety
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What steps he is taking to help ensure the safety of vulnerable road users. I am concerned about the increasing danger faced by people walking, cycling, and riding due to a lack of specific targets for improvement in recent years.
Context
The MP is concerned about the increasing danger faced by vulnerable road users and the lack of specific targets to improve their safety.
Guy Opperman
In January 2022, the Government updated the highway code to improve road safety for people walking, cycling and riding. The changes aimed to make a positive shift in road-user behaviour, by making road users aware of their responsibility to use roads safely and to reduce the dangers they may pose to others. The Government's flagship multimillion-pound road safety campaign, THINK!, also plays a crucial part in reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.
Session: Road Safety
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It is an absolute scandal that in all these years of so-called popular Conservative Government we have seen such a bad deal for early years, carers and talented women. Legions of them want to use their talent at work but are stopped by the highest childcare costs in the world.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the government's poor deal for early years, carers, and talented women with high childcare costs.
Maria Caulfield
God gave us two ears and a mouth for a reason, encouraging listening to hear about the track record of this Government. We have improved payments for carers, introduced flexible working from day one, legislated for parental leave including shared parental leave and paternity leave, and launched the kinship care strategy in December.
Session: Caring Responsibilities and Work
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What steps are the Government taking to help support women with caring responsibilities to continue working given that there is a bad deal for early years, carers and talented women?
Context
The question arises from the high childcare costs and lack of support for early years, carers, and talented women.
Maria Caulfield
The Carer's Leave Regulations 2024 will come into force on 6 April, allowing carers to take a week of unpaid leave from the workplace knowing that their jobs are protected. The Government has also improved payments for carers and introduced legislation for flexible working.
Session: Caring Responsibilities and Work
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Will the Chancellor provide a stimulus to make people invest and create jobs?
Context
The MP expresses concerns about the current state of businesses in Huddersfield, particularly regarding investment and job creation.
Jeremy Hunt
We announced a £4.5 billion manufacturing strategy in the autumn statement to further support our manufacturers, making them the best in the world.
Session: Business Investment Fiscal Measures
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When will the Minister wake up to the fact that working as an apprentice in engineering is a fabulous career choice, and well paid? Will she come up to Huddersfield to look at Cummins, whose apprentice system is first rate?
Context
The MP highlighted the success of Cummins' apprentice system in Huddersfield, which is well-regarded and demonstrates the value of engineering apprenticeships.
Jo Churchill
I would be delighted to do so on my tour of England. I could not agree more with the hon. Gentleman. My father is an engineer. It is a fantastic profession, and the more we can encourage apprenticeships right across the board, the better.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I push the Minister on what progress has been made by the Buckland review? Will he also remind jobcentres up and down the country that people on the autism spectrum have great talents and often need only slight workplace modifications of simple things such as lighting or noise levels?
Context
The progress on the Buckland review and specific measures to support autistic individuals in jobcentres are being questioned, highlighting the need for simple adjustments such as lighting or noise levels.
Mel Stride
The hon. Gentleman is entirely right that small changes can often make a big difference for autistic people, benefiting both them and the businesses they work in. He will have to be patient for the Buckland review report but it is coming soon. I also point him to Access to Work and Disability Confident approaches which align with his suggestions.
Session: Autism Workplace Accessibility
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What steps he is taking to help ensure workplaces are accessible for autistic people. Autistic people have a huge amount to offer in the workforce, which is why there's a focus on breaking down barriers and ensuring inclusivity.
Context
The question arises from the need to improve employment opportunities for autistic individuals, highlighting the importance of their contributions and the existing barriers they face.
Mel Stride
The government set up the Buckland review in April 2023, led by Sir Robert Buckland, to investigate barriers to employment for autistic people and ensure a more inclusive workforce. The hon. Gentleman is entirely right that small changes can make big differences for these individuals.
Session: Autism Workplace Accessibility
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
E-scooters: Deaths and Serious Injuries
22 May 2024
Responding: Anthony Browne
Main Concerns
['Barry Sheerman expressed concern about the growing number of e-scooter-related deaths and serious injuries since 2019, with around 37 fatalities. He highlighted that there are an estimated 750,000 to 1 million e-scooters being ridden illegally on UK roads. Sheerman also mentioned incidents where people were killed or seriously injured due to lack of regulation on protective gear and insurance, as well as the ease with which speeds can be increased beyond legal limits.']
Specific Asks
['Sheerman urged for an appropriate legislative framework to regulate e-scooters, increasing awareness about current regulations, ensuring that the police have adequate capacity to enforce them, and addressing issues related to insurance and penalties for illegal riders. He emphasized the need to act quickly before the issue becomes a national epidemic.']
MOTs: Increased Particulate Matter Testing
24 January 2023
Responding: Richard Holden
Main Concerns
["Air pollution is one of the greatest public health challenges, with up to 36,000 people dying prematurely each year in the UK due to its effects. A faulty diesel particulate filter can cause as much pollution as a three-lane traffic jam spanning from Huddersfield to Land's End, highlighting the need for increased testing during MOTs to identify and remove dangerous filters. The total cost of air pollution to the NHS and social care is estimated at £1.5 billion by 2025 and £5.1 billion by 2035."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should adopt particulate number testing during MOTs, which would help mitigate harmful effects on public health. Additionally, I ask the Minister to share any data prepared on the cost of introducing such testing and consider support or grants for testing centres and garages.']
Army Size
05 July 2022
Responding: Leo Docherty
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the current size of the British Army and its preparedness for potential conflicts. Over the past decade, I have warned against cuts to the size of the Army, which has gone from around 140,000 armed personnel in 2013 to 72,000 by 2025. The current numbers are nowhere near good enough for a key player in NATO. We face gaps that will not be filled for years due to new procurement taking decades to come to fruition, leaving us vulnerable to future escalations with Russia, China or other parts of the world.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Government to reconsider its approach to defence spending and personnel numbers, ensuring we maintain the equipment necessary for our own defence and that of our allies. I also ask what plans are in place to fill the gaps created by cuts to Challenger battle tanks, Warrior infantry vehicles, and troop reductions.']
COP26 and Air Pollution
02 November 2021
Responding: Jo Churchill
Main Concerns
['Air pollution kills 64,000 people in the UK annually. The government provides annual fossil fuel subsidies of £10.5 billion. Drax power station received a subsidy of £900 million last year for energy production from wood pellets. Seven million people globally and 36,000 in the UK die prematurely due to air pollution-related conditions, costing an estimated £12 billion.']
Specific Asks
['Introduce charges on producers of greenhouse gas emissions. End annual fossil fuel subsidies. Introduce taxes to raise funds for tackling global warming and improving community-level initiatives. Implement sustainable development goals at a local level and engage communities in the process.']
Criminal Cases Review Commission
13 April 2021
Responding: Alex Chalk
Main Concerns
["MP Barry Sheerman highlighted the need for reform in the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), citing a lack of resources and delays in the justice system. He noted that individuals wrongly imprisoned can serve up to 18 years without compensation upon release, while convicted criminals receive rehabilitation support. The real possibility test is seen as too deferential towards the Court of Appeal, limiting the CCRC's freedom of decision. Staff remuneration has declined, and full-time staff recruitment has been challenging due to low pay and conditions."]
Specific Asks
["Sheerman urged the government to take seriously the recommendations in the report 'In the Interests of Justice', including reforms to investigative powers and better communication with applicants and their families during case reviews. He stressed that these modifications would improve the effectiveness of the CCRC."]
Budget Resolutions
04 November 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The first Labour Budget in 14 years shows the government's commitment to stabilising public finances, supporting people’s livelihoods, improving public services and investing in future infrastructure....
Sanctions
24 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The UK has transformed its use of sanctions, including in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The new statutory instrument strengthens sanctions regimes by adding director disqualification sanct...
Valedictory Debate
24 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
In her concluding remarks, Harriet Harman reflected on her 42-year tenure in the House of Commons, thanking her constituents for their support and expressing pride in being a Labour MP. She emphasised...
Coroners
24 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
This instrument is an important part of the Government’s ongoing support for coroner services in their continuing recovery from the covid-19 pandemic. It extends for a further two years the disapplica...
Disabled People on Benefits: EHRC Investigation
23 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Russia
08 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
End of Custody Supervised Licence: Extension
08 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rail Manufacturing: Job Losses
16 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Asylum and Immigration (EU Withdrawal) Bill - Amendments 3B, 3C, 6B, 7B, 9, 10B
15 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Hong Kong Security Legislation
20 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
4
PMQs Asked
230
Ministerial Questions Asked
180
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+1616% above average
This MP:
230
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3604% above average
This MP:
180
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 Barry Sheerman's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.