Ben Everitt
MP for Milton Keynes North
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Last week, we launched a new approach to combating knife crime in Milton Keynes, which means increased use of stop and search, tougher charging and custody, tougher sentencing, faster youth diversion and more work with parents and communities. Does the Prime Minister agree that if someone carries a knife in Milton Keynes, they should expect to end up behind bars?
Context
The question arises from the launch of a new approach to combatting knife crime in Milton Keynes.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend for what he is doing to campaign for tougher sentences and against knife crime in Milton Keynes. As a result of what the Conservatives have done, adults who are convicted of certain offences involving a knife, including threatening with a knife or a second offence of possession, face a minimum sentence of six months' imprisonment—and guess who voted against tougher sentences for knife crime?
Session: PMQs
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Within the past hour or so, it has been reported that some 287 Members of this House have been sanctioned by the Russian state. I am sure nobody here is rushing to change their summer holiday plans, but perhaps the Prime Minister will assure us that he will continue his excellent relationship with President Zelensky and continue to provide the Ukrainian people and military with the support they need.
Context
287 Members of the House have been sanctioned by the Russian state.
Boris Johnson
All those 287 should regard it as a badge of honour. We will keep up our robust and principled support for the Ukrainian people, and defend themselves.
Session: PMQs
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Jay Fathers died in hospital having been stabbed in the early hours of new year's day. Last week, the killers of Dom Ansah and Ben Gillham-Rice were sentenced to life imprisonment. Knife crime is destroying lives in Milton Keynes, across the Thames valley and across the UK, even during a pandemic. Can my right hon. Friend outline what support the Government are giving to provide police forces with the tools they need to make our streets safer?
Context
Knife crime remains a significant issue in Milton Keynes, the Thames Valley area and across the UK. Jay Fathers was recently killed by stabbing, and killers of Dom Ansah and Ben Gillham-Rice were sentenced.
Boris Johnson
First, we are introducing knife crime prevention orders, which are placing curbs and limits to deter young people from going equipped and getting involved in knife crime. We have made sure that we deliver on the serious violence strategy, engaging with young people and steering them away from knife crime, but what it takes is continuous and serious law enforcement, making sure that people who carry a knife do get the sentences they deserve. That is why we are also putting more police out on the streets of our country and have recruited almost 6,000 of the additional 20,000 that we committed to at the last election.
Session: PMQs
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With the global AI summit coming up next week, what steps is the Department taking towards regulating autonomous pavement delivery robots?
Context
The global AI summit in Milton Keynes is upcoming, focusing on the regulation of new technology.
Jesse Norman
I have visited the technology my hon. Friend describes, seen it in action, and am pleased to confirm that the Department will fund research on its impacts. The results of this research will be published once concluded.
Session: Topical Questions
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The best way to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness is to increase the supply of houses for people to live in. A joint report has been released today by the all-party parliamentary group for housing market and housing delivery, which I chair, and the all-party parliamentary group for ending homelessness, which is chaired by my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) and the hon. Member for Vauxhall (Florence Eshalomi). The report found that we could bring 20,000 houses on to the market through conversions. Will the Minister meet me and a local charity that is very keen to do that, to discuss how we can take that forward?
Context
A joint report by two all-party parliamentary groups has found that converting buildings could bring 20,000 houses onto the market. The question asks for a meeting with a local charity and discusses the report's findings.
Felicity Buchan
I would be delighted to come to Milton Keynes to meet my hon. Friend and his local charity. I want to reassure him that this Government are committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing and to ensuring that all houses are safe and of a decent standard. I look forward to reading in detail the APPGs' recommendations.
Session: Rough Sleeping
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House prices are all over the headlines yet again, but affordability is the key issue. Does my hon. Friend the Housing Minister agree that when we do get new houses built, often taking years and years to go through planning, they all look like identikit estates, just like the estates we have already? We need affordable homes that local people can aspire to and retirement homes for later living. Does she agree that we need to build the right houses in the right places?
Context
Concerns about house affordability and the quality of new housing developments in constituencies like Redditch.
Rachel Maclean
I thank my hon. Friend very much. He represents a new town, as I do—I am very proud to represent the new town of Redditch. We are absolutely committed to building the right houses in the right places, and that includes enabling local communities to have more say over the design and type of housing. We are doing that through the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill: through design codes, street votes and reforming the planning system. I am pleased to report to my hon. Friend that I have also launched a taskforce for older people's housing to address the housing needs of older people.
Session: Topical Questions
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The skilled worker visa system simply is not working for many businesses in Milton Keynes North. Despite having a licence, small businesses find that it takes ages to get a decision, and then either the visa is denied, or they pay extortionate fees for a service that does not materialise. Can we get on this immediately, because our businesses are crying out for skills? Will my right hon. Friend commit to resolving these issues?
Context
Small businesses are facing issues with the skilled worker visa system.
Robert Jenrick
I would be happy to look into any specific cases, but overall, the skilled worker system is operating well. We have more than 48,000 registered sponsors, mostly small and medium-sized businesses. In the year to September last year, almost a quarter of a million work-related visas were granted, and the standard processing time is three weeks for those applications.
Session: Topical Questions
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Cuts to local bus services have left some of the most deprived communities in my constituency, including the Beechwood and Noctorum estates, effectively cut off from the wider Wirral at evenings and weekends. Many constituents now find it almost impossible to reach Arrowe Park Hospital by public transport. Will the Minister commit to increasing funding for local transport authorities so they can guarantee that no one is left behind by cuts to local services? Will he commit to a review of the Bus Service Act 2017, to allow the creation of municipal bus services that serve the needs of local communities?
Context
Cuts to local bus services in Beechwood, Noctorum estates of my constituency have left deprived communities cut off from the wider Wirral at evenings and weekends.
Richard Holden
My understanding is that talks are already under way about a franchising service in the hon. Gentleman's constituency.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the package announced on Thursday provide a period of certainty that allows businesses to plan and invest?
Context
The MP is addressing the need for long-term economic certainty to support business investment and growth.
Jeremy Hunt
My hon. Friend is right; having run a business myself, I know that certainty and stability give confidence to invest. The package on Thursday will include our plan for growth over the next five years as well as our plan for stability. We want to reassure him that wealth is created by businesses.
Session: Economic Stability
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Alongside Operation Deter, we need strong legislation and policing strategies, as well as working closely with local communities. Will my right hon. Friend support the visit of the Knife Angel to Milton Keynes?
Context
Operation Deter in Milton Keynes aims at imprisoning individuals found with knives. A Knife Angel is visiting the area to raise awareness.
Chris Philp
I agree that initiatives like the Knife Angel are vital and funded through specific streams, and I commend their work.
Session: Knife Crime and Serious Violence
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Will the Minister meet me to discuss the idea of MKU: a brand-new university in Milton Keynes?
Context
The MP seeks to establish a new university, MKU, in Milton Keynes to support future skills and employment. The area has already received £23 million through the towns fund.
Chris Philp
I thank my hon. Friend, who is a tireless champion for the great city of Milton Keynes. I would be delighted to meet him to discuss the idea along with colleagues from, perhaps, the Department for Education. I note that Milton Keynes has already received £23 million through the towns fund, but I am happy to meet him to discuss the idea.
Session: Investment in Infrastructure
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With the school holidays approaching, the hon. Member asked whether helping parents with the cost of childcare is a key priority for his Department. He also inquired about the impact of paying up to 85% of the cost of childcare for those on universal credit compared to the previous 70% regime.
Context
The government announced a package to help parents with childcare costs during the school holidays.
Nadhim Zahawi
The purpose of the important package announced today is to ensure that parents on universal credit, or the tax-free childcare element, claim what is rightfully theirs. We are spending between £4 billion and £5 billion on helping parents with childcare.
Session: Topical Questions
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Breaking down barriers to trade and providing businesses with the right tools and support to reach global markets is exactly what we should be doing. The Department's regional trade advisers play a key role, and I welcome this. To further support business opportunities post-Brexit, will my hon. Friend work with me to bring together local businesses in Milton Keynes, the Department, and those regional trade advisers?
Context
The supplementary question builds on the initial query, focusing on regional trade advisers and their role in supporting businesses like Carlton Packaging in Milton Keynes.
Ranil Jayawardena
I am very pleased to know that businesses in my hon. Friend's constituency, including Carlton Packaging, are receiving support from this Department. Milton Keynes has exports worth over £3.4 billion and a champion of our trade deals in him. I shall be delighted to work with him to help businesses use those deals to create jobs and boost wages while lowering prices for consumers.
Session: Reducing Barriers to Global Trade
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What steps her Department has taken to reduce barriers to global trade for British businesses. The questioner highlights the importance of easing access to international markets and the positive impact on exporting goods and services.
Context
The question addresses the government's efforts to reduce trade barriers, specifically mentioning actions taken by the Department for International Trade.
Ranil Jayawardena
Bulldozing trade barriers enables countless British businesses to export goods and services around the world with greater ease and at lower cost. We resolved more than 200 barriers in the year ending April 2021—a 20% increase on the previous year. This includes securing access to Japan's poultry market worth up to £13 million per year, lifting a decades-long ban on British lamb exports to the US worth £37 million over five years, and cutting costs in services trade valued at £304 billion in 2021 by up to 7% annually.
Session: Reducing Barriers to Global Trade
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I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in welcoming that downselection. There is still a process to go, but if it has finally got over the line, as I hope, that will be great news for Babcock, great news for Scotland and great news for British shipbuilding.
Context
Poland's recent decision to award Babcock the contract for Arrowhead frigates.
Jeremy Quin
I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in welcoming that downselection. There is still a process to go, but if it has finally got over the line, as I hope, that will be great news for Babcock, great news for Scotland and great news for British shipbuilding.
Session: Topical Questions
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Scotland is home to the Royal Navy Submarine Service, including our essential independent nuclear deterrent, which protects the whole of the UK. As President Putin continues to escalate his military posture and the aggression on the Ukrainian border—let us be clear that it is President Putin escalating this and not the Russian people—does my right hon. Friend agree that our commitment to defence investment in Scotland, including in Trident, is important, indeed vital, to Scotland's security as part of the UK and as part of NATO?
Context
The MP highlights the significance of Scotland's role in housing the Royal Navy Submarine Service, including the UK's independent nuclear deterrent, under increasing global security threats.
Alister Jack
Mr Speaker, you will not be surprised to hear that I completely agree with my hon. Friend. The UK's independent nuclear deterrent, which is Trident, based at the HM Naval Base Clyde, exists to deter the most extreme threats not only to the United Kingdom but to our NATO allies. Our nuclear deterrent is the ultimate assurance against current and future threats and remains essential for as long as the global security situation demands.
Session: Defence Investment in Scotland
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What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on defence investment in Scotland?
Context
The MP is concerned about defence investment discussions within the Cabinet regarding Scotland.
Alister Jack
My office and I have regular discussions with the Ministry of Defence on all matters relating to defence in Scotland, including defence investment with industry and commerce in Scotland, which totalled almost £2 billion in 2020-21.
Session: Defence Investment in Scotland
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What more can we do to encourage people who need to take the booster to protect themselves and protect the NHS over the winter? What support is given to CCGs so that they can get the message out?
Context
Vaccine uptake is slightly below the national average in Milton Keynes, and there's a need for more encouragement.
Sajid Javid
The Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes clinical commissioning group is in regular dialogue with Healthwatch and the local authority to see what more it can do. The national “Boost your immunity” campaign is helping to encourage people not just for their booster jab but also for their vital flu jab.
Session: Covid-19 Booster Vaccinations
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Can my hon. Friend confirm that the scheme's organisers will continue to seek global opportunities for our students? Will he also join me in welcoming 28 successful applicants for Scottish projects, receiving £7.9 million this year?
Context
The MP is interested in ensuring global opportunities are available to students under the Turing scheme, with specific mention of Alan Turing's legacy and current projects.
Iain Stewart
Absolutely agree with my hon. Friend; it is a matter of pride that the scheme is named after Alan Turing, fitting for its success beyond Erasmus. Confirming funds will be provided to deliver the scheme for another three years as announced by the Chancellor in his Budget last week.
Session: Turing Scheme Young People in Scotland
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What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Turing scheme for young people in Scotland?
Context
The Turing scheme provides funding for young people to study and work abroad. The question arises from an assessment of its effectiveness in Scotland.
Iain Stewart
The Turing scheme has provided funding for more than 40,000 participants from schools, colleges and universities across the UK to study and work around the globe during this academic year. Education providers in Scotland have received more than £8.2 million in funding under the scheme.
Session: Turing Scheme Young People in Scotland
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I am sure that my right hon. Friend shares my admiration for our wonderful, world-leading universities sector, and that he is aware of my campaign for a new university in Milton Keynes. Does he agree that the best way to underline the reputation for the quality and integrity of our world-leading institutions is to ban so-called essay mills?
Context
Ben Everitt is campaigning for a new university in Milton Keynes. He emphasizes the importance of upholding the quality and reputation of UK universities.
Nadhim Zahawi
Yes.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps his Department is taking to reduce reoffending. I thank the Minister for that answer. It is jobs that I am interested in. We know that having a job can reduce a person's chance of reoffending by up to 50%, so what steps is his Department taking to support young offenders to get on the job ladder? I will give a local example here. We have an excellent “Ban the Box” campaign, which Milton Keynes College supports, to end that cycle of reoffending and offer a chance to young people to turn their lives around.
Context
The MP is interested in measures that can reduce the likelihood of individuals reoffending, focusing on job creation as a key factor.
Kit Malthouse
My hon. Friend has identified, with his usual wisdom, one of the three pillars of success post incarceration: a house, a friend and a job. He is quite right and I congratulate Milton Keynes College on its participation in the “Ban the Box” campaign. The Ministry of Justice has also been pleased to support business in the community at the event marking the remarkable milestone, it tells me, of 1 million roles covered by “Ban the Box” in March this year. We adopted “Ban the Box” in the civil service in 2016 and about 350,000 of those 1 million jobs are now in the civil service. More widely, as part of our approach to revising offender management, we are working very closely with colleagues at the Department for Work and Pensions to make sure that those who leave the secure estate have a fair shake in the job market, which, as he rightly said, will go a long way to cutting reoffending.
Session: Reduction of Reoffending
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What steps his Department is taking to reduce reoffending. I thank the Minister for that answer. It is jobs that I am interested in. We know that having a job can reduce a person's chance of reoffending by up to 50%, so what steps is his Department taking to support young offenders to get on the job ladder? I will give a local example here. We have an excellent “Ban the Box” campaign, which Milton Keynes College supports, to end that cycle of reoffending and offer a chance to young people to turn their lives around.
Context
The MP is interested in measures that can reduce the likelihood of individuals reoffending, focusing on job creation as a key factor.
Kit Malthouse
My hon. Friend has identified, with his usual wisdom, one of the three pillars of success post incarceration: a house, a friend and a job. He is quite right and I congratulate Milton Keynes College on its participation in the “Ban the Box” campaign. The Ministry of Justice has also been pleased to support business in the community at the event marking the remarkable milestone, it tells me, of 1 million roles covered by “Ban the Box” in March this year. We adopted “Ban the Box” in the civil service in 2016 and about 350,000 of those 1 million jobs are now in the civil service. More widely, as part of our approach to revising offender management, we are working very closely with colleagues at the Department for Work and Pensions to make sure that those who leave the secure estate have a fair shake in the job market, which, as he rightly said, will go a long way to cutting reoffending.
Session: Reduction of Reoffending
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Will the Government commit to including those children and addressing the barriers to their learning in a specific target as part of the ambition to ensure 12 years of quality education for every girl?
Context
One in four school-age children globally, over 500 million, lived in countries affected by conflicts or climate-related emergencies before the pandemic. Violence against children is increasing, and many are at risk of recruitment, sexual violence, and attacks on their schools.
Dominic Raab
The support to fragile and conflict-affected states accounts for over 50% of UK aid to education. In 2020, £10 million in new funding was provided to support refugee and displaced children's education.
Session: Fragile and Conflict-affected Countries Education
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What steps are being taken to help ensure that children in fragile and conflict-affected countries can access education and learning?
Context
The global crisis of access to education has been exacerbated by the pandemic, particularly affecting children in regions affected by conflicts or climate-related emergencies.
Dominic Raab
Covid-19 has deepened the crisis in access to education for children, especially girls. Britain is championing two global targets: 40 million more girls back into school and 20 million more reading over the next five years.
Session: Fragile and Conflict-affected Countries Education
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My hon. Friend will have noticed that last week, in voting against the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, the Labour party also voted against giving the police the powers they need to act quickly and effectively against illegal Traveller encampments. Does my hon. Friend agree it is wrong to prioritise the rights of criminals?
Context
The MP highlights the Labour party's vote against the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and questions their prioritisation of rights over law enforcement.
Kit Malthouse
We balance the rights of Travellers to lead a nomadic life legally with property owners' and communities' right to live without distress. We introduce measures ensuring police have necessary powers to tackle illegal encampments, not tolerating law breaking.
Session: Unauthorised Encampments
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Does my hon. Friend agree that COP26 is the ideal opportunity for the UK and Scottish Governments to work together to showcase our green credentials?
Context
The MP referenced the Budget showing how the Government will build back greener from the pandemic, including millions to transform Scotland into a green energy hub.
David Duguid
Of course I agree with my hon. Friend. COP26 will secure a path to global net zero emissions by 2050, defining the next decade of tackling climate change. We are working with the Scottish Government and other devolved Administrations to ensure an inclusive and ambitious summit.
Session: COP26
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What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential opportunities for Scotland arising from COP26?
Context
The MP inquired about discussions on the opportunities arising for Scotland post-COP26. No specific incidents or statistics were mentioned.
David Duguid
The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the opportunities COP26 offers Scotland, including through the COP26 Devolved Administrations Ministerial Group. The group brings together the COP President, territorial Secretaries of State and Ministers from the devolved Administrations to support the delivery of an inclusive and welcoming COP26 summit in Glasgow.
Session: COP26
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Treasury Ministers are no doubt aware of my support for a brand-new university for Milton Keynes, focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics and digital skills, so vital for our future economy. I wonder, though, whether they are aware that we are already home to the Open University, which is a pioneer of modular learning and is upskilling and reskilling—important for our future economy. The Budget last week announced support for further education and skills. Will that apply to institutions like the Open University?
Context
The Budget announced support for further education and skills, but it is unclear if this applies to institutions like the Open University.
Kemi Badenoch
We are committed to improving skills in the economy and levelling up productivity across England. That will be achieved through our lifetime skills guarantee and further reforms, which will create jobs and opportunity across the country, supporting us to build back better from the coronavirus pandemic. We will provide further detail and a full conclusion to the review of post-18 education and funding at the next comprehensive spending review. I thank my hon. Friend and the Open University for their engagement on this so far.
Session: Topical Questions
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Charities are working harder than ever, both at home and abroad, including, of course, the wonderful World Vision, based in Milton Keynes. Can my hon. Friend the Minister update the House on what support the UK Government are giving to charities that are providing aid to some of the most vulnerable people in the poorest countries in the world? Will my hon. Friend undertake to meet World Vision to discuss their work?
Context
Charities working hard both domestically and internationally, especially World Vision based in Milton Keynes.
Wendy Morton
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for this question, and for highlighting the work that so many civil society organisations do. They are key partners for the FCDO in delivering the response to the covid-19 pandemic. They work as critical delivery partners with other donors and with international organisations, such as the UN, that are active in responding to the crisis. We have allocated almost £67 million directly to international and UK-based charities, so that they can play their critical role in supporting vulnerable communities with the humanitarian impact of this virus. I thank World Vision for the work they do, and if they contact me, I will happily arrange a meeting.
Session: Topical Questions
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What plans does the Department have to grow Milton Keynes' digital and tech sector internationally?
Context
Milton Keynes received a grant for a 5G pilot scheme, supporting digital and technical innovation.
Greg Hands
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. We are aware of the important role Milton Keynes plays in innovation, particularly in electric vehicles and other technologies. The UK is seeking to minimise barriers to digital trade, especially through the UK-Japan deal.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Secretary of State tell us what the plan is for accepting these kind offers of help and support with the vaccination programme?
Matthew Hancock
We have been working since the summer to ensure that some sites are ready to be vaccination centres. We are open to further offers but it is important for infection control reasons to keep testing and vaccine sites separate. The specific offer should be raised with the Minister responsible for vaccine deployment.
Session: Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-out
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I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Perhaps he will agree that there can be no better example of the strength of our Union and of all four nations—the awesome foursome—working together than the successful funding, deployment, roll-out and creation of covid-19 vaccines, keeping communities safe across all four nations.
Context
Everitt highlighted the successful funding, deployment, roll-out, and creation of covid-19 vaccines as a strong example of the UK's union.
Michael Gove
My hon. Friend makes a vital point. Across all four nations of the United Kingdom people are being vaccinated thanks to the energetic efforts of the vaccine taskforce, my right hon. Friend the Secretary State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and, of course, our superb NHS. It is a source of particular pleasure to me that Scotland is enjoying that vaccine thanks to the efforts of the UK Government: proof that our NHS means that we are stronger together.
Session: Strengthening the Union
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I open by thanking the many neighbourhood police officers who did so much work last month visiting schools in support of the vital message of Anti-Bullying Week. I am sure all Members of the House would agree with that message and with teaching the importance of upholding those values, yet we have a Home Secretary in office who has been found to have broken the ministerial code by bullying. What signal does the Home Secretary think that sends to victims of bullying all around the country as to whether they should come forward?
Context
The MP references a Home Secretary who was found to have breached the ministerial code for bullying and questions what signal this sends.
Priti Patel
First, as the House will know, I have already made an apology to those I have inadvertently upset, and I have also made it clear that I am now getting on with delivering on the people's priorities.
Session: Topical Questions
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At this time of year, there is only one person we want sneaking into our houses, and he wears a red suit, so perhaps the Home Secretary will join me in congratulating Thames Valley police on their recent week-long anti-burglary operation, which resulted in 88 arrests. What signal does the compensation scheme send to victims of Windrush?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of Windrush on individuals and their families, referencing a recent announcement.
Priti Patel
I thank my hon. Friend for that. He will know the strength of support I have for Thames Valley police force in particular and the exceptional work they have done and do. I commend them for their work, particularly on burglary. I want to wish everybody a happy Christmas, and a safe and secure Christmas to all members of the public.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can my hon. and learned Friend confirm what types of offender will be prioritised for these new prison places?
Context
Concerns about the prioritisation of offenders for the new prison places.
Lucy Frazer
The additional places will deliver a mix based on population type and category, enabling us to ensure prisoners are kept in the right security category according to their risk assessment. Serious sexual and violent offenders and those who are dangerous will be prioritised for longer prison sentences.
Session: Prison Capacity
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What steps his Department is taking to increase prison capacity?
Context
The Department is being asked about measures to increase prison capacity.
Lucy Frazer
We have committed more than £4 billion to deliver 18,000 additional prison places across the prison estate by the mid-2020s. These include 10,000 places through four new prisons and expansions of other prisons.
Session: Prison Capacity
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What steps is the Department taking to ensure that the UK can properly defend itself from cyber-attacks?
Context
The threat of cyber-attacks is increasing, and it's crucial that the UK has proper measures in place to defend itself.
James Heappey
In line with the national cyber strategy, the Ministry of Defence works closely with the National Cyber Security Centre in support of national objectives to protect and defend critical infrastructure. The MOD has funded programmes to mitigate cyber-risks against our platforms, weapons systems and core digital infrastructure, and we are developing a cyber-aware workforce to embed cyber-security into our business and operations.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does he agree that this review into quality transport links will go a long way to levelling up economic opportunity wherever we are in the UK?
Context
The Prime Minister's review into boosting transport links across the country.
Alister Jack (Secretary of State for Scotland)
The Scottish Government's failure to engage in Sir Peter Hendy's review is letting down people who would benefit from improved transport links, highlighting the importance of improving transport links across the United Kingdom.
Session: Strengthening the Union
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is not just free movement of goods but also people, culture, ideas and values between our four nations that makes our Union so strong?
Context
Discussion on UK internal market Bill and its impact.
Simon Hart (Secretary of State for Wales)
Agrees; Union is important not just economically but also culturally and socially. Legislation will enhance these aspects over coming years.
Session: UK Internal Market
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Violent crime is the scourge of too many communities. Perhaps the Home Secretary will join me in paying tribute to the Thames Valley police and crime commissioner, who has put together a violence reduction unit, which works with the police and other partners to pilot early interventions into these offenders.
Priti Patel (Home Secretary)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I pay tribute to the police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley and the emphasis that he has put, along with the police force, on violence reduction units and that multi-agency way of working, so that young people and people across all communities can be supported to ensure that crime prevention, and steering people away from crime and criminality, is the focus.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Home Secretary join me in praising Thames Valley police for keeping rural and city centre communities safe, especially for their efforts in recruiting officers?
Context
The hon. Member was going to praise Thames Valley police for its positive recruitment campaign, but now feels that the achievement is not newsworthy as other forces are also meeting targets.
The Home Secretary Priti Patel
Yes, the Home Secretary commends Thames Valley police for their work and shares a personal connection due to visiting after a tragic event. She praises the chief constable and officers for policing a significant geography.
Session: Police Officer Numbers
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Our farmers are famously hardy folk, but like everybody else they are not immune to the effects of coronavirus. What further support will be available to farmers?
Context
The Chancellor had announced measures to support businesses, including some farms.
George Eustice (Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Earlier this week the Chancellor unveiled a package of measures to support all businesses, and some farmers would qualify for that. I am having regular meetings with the National Farmers Union to address any concerns they might have. The NFU's principal concern, in common with many other industries in the food supply chain, is the potential pressures on staff.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Autonomous Last-mile Delivery
23 May 2023
Responding: Jesse Norman
Main Concerns
['Mr Ben Everitt is concerned about the lack of legislative frameworks to support the growth and adoption of autonomous last-mile delivery systems in the UK. He highlights the importance of social acceptance, particularly in integrating such technology into complex urban environments like Milton Keynes. He notes that Starship robots have become a significant part of local life, with hundreds of entries for Christmas designs competition showing community enthusiasm. Mr Everitt emphasizes the benefits of these robots, including reduced traffic and congestion, economic impacts such as cost reduction for businesses and customers, and environmental goals like reducing carbon emissions. The technology is 32 times more energy efficient than normal delivery trucks, aligning well with net zero strategies.']
Specific Asks
['Mr Everitt urges the government to update outdated legislation that acts as a barrier to new tech innovation and investment. He calls for clarity, consistency, and certainty in policies to foster technological advancements, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of such innovations.']
Driverless Cars
26 May 2021
Responding: Rachel Maclean
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about ensuring that driverless cars are safe and secure for the public. Over 85% of road traffic accidents are due to driver error, resulting in 47,000 serious accidents annually, potentially saving 3,900 lives over a decade if these vehicles reduce such errors. There is also an issue with public perception, cyber-security, and the legal and regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles.']
Specific Asks
["I ask the government to ensure that safety is prioritized in deploying driverless cars on our roads. I am interested to hear more about the Government's plans to build on British car manufacturing and how this technology can create new jobs and boost productivity."]
Dog Abduction Bill - Clause 6 (Commencement)
19 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Building Societies Act 1986 (Amendment) Bill - Clause 1 - The funding limit: funds to be disregarded
19 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
This amendment changes the procedure that applies to an SI containing regulations under new subsection (9B) of section 7 of the Building Societies Act 1986 so that it is subject to the affirmative pro...
Zoological Society of London (Leases) Bill
19 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill - Second Reading (general debate on the bill)
05 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government introduces the Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill to the House. He highlights that self-driving vehicles will improve lives by fr...
Farming
04 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government understands that farming drives rural Britain, generating jobs and growth. The debate aims to support British farming by investing in farmers through a £2.4 billion annual budget, shift...
NHS Dentistry: Recovery and Reform
07 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Milton Keynes Women’s and Children’s Hospital: New Hospital Programme
25 January 2024
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The MP acknowledged the growing population of Milton Keynes, noting that it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK and has high demand for healthcare infrastructure. He highlighted significant...
Artificial Intelligence Safety Summit
09 November 2023
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...
New Housing Supply
05 June 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Davis highlights the critical issue of housing, noting that seven out of ten voters perceive a national crisis. He emphasises the importance of home ownership for social stability and security, contra...
3
PMQs Asked
40
Ministerial Questions Asked
91
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
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
+198% above average
This MP:
40
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1772% above average
This MP:
91
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 Ben Everitt's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.