Ben Lake
MP for Ceredigion Preseli
PC
8 Jun 2017 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My constituent Mr Brian Buckle is a victim of miscarriage of justice. He was wrongly imprisoned for over five years before being exonerated at retrial. Despite finding him not guilty, his application for compensation was denied because he cannot prove his innocence under the 2014 change to the law. Will the Prime Minister consider meeting Mr Buckle to discuss his case and lend support to APPEAL’s campaign for fair compensation?
Context
Mr Brian Buckle, a constituent in Ceredigion, was wrongfully imprisoned for over five years and has been denied compensation due to legal changes that require proof of innocence beyond all reasonable doubt.
The Prime Minister
I am grateful for raising this matter. Meeting Mr Buckle will be considered, and I appreciate his campaign for fair compensation.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to meeting with Mr Buckle or providing direct support for the campaign without further consideration.
Consideration Pending
Session: PMQs
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I join the Deputy Prime Minister in thanking members of the armed forces community for their service. I have had the privilege in recent months of meeting many veterans in my constituency, some of whom still carry the trauma of war. Some, including amputees, have told me how repeat disability assessments are too often required of them in order to access financial support. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that veterans with life-changing service-related injuries should be exempted from repeat disability assessments?
Context
The MP has met many veterans in his constituency who have experienced trauma and life-changing injuries from their service. Some have reported being required to undergo repeated disability assessments to access financial support.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
Part of our reforms are to ensure that those who can never work are properly supported and not put through endless assessment, and I thank the hon. Member for raising this case. We are committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who have served, and a range of support is in place for veterans, including dedicated medical and physical healthcare pathways in the NHS, employment, and housing. The new support system, VALOUR, backed by £50 million of funding, will provide a network of support centres to connect veterans with local and national services.
Session: PMQs
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In 2022, the Prime Minister supported fair and fast compensation for 1950s women impacted by pension changes. Yet, yesterday, his Government rejected those calls out of hand. Is that what he meant when he promised a government of change?
Context
The Prime Minister supported fair and fast compensation in 2022 but rejected similar calls recently. The issue involves a delay in letters to affected women from 2005-2007, followed by accelerated changes in 2011.
Keir Starmer
This is a serious issue involving delays in letters from 2005-2007 and accelerated changes in 2011. Research shows that 90% of impacted women were aware of the changes, but taxpayers cannot afford tens of billions for compensation.
Assessment
The exact meaning of 'government of change' was not addressed directly
The Taxpayer Simply Cannot Afford
Session: PMQs
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Rising fuel costs are causing serious problems for workers in car-dependent rural areas such as Ceredigion, and for carers and district nurses the situation has reached a crisis point. One carer from Ceredigion often has to travel 29 miles just to reach her first service user of the day and travels about 1,700 miles each month. Will the Prime Minister therefore consider extending the rural fuel duty relief scheme to areas such as Ceredigion to help my constituent and many like her to continue their invaluable work?
Context
Fuel costs are causing problems for workers in car-dependent rural areas, such as nurses and care providers. The situation is particularly severe due to long travel distances.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Member for his excellent question. Rural fuel duty relief is there to compensate motorists by helping retailers in some more remote rural areas where pump prices can be significantly higher. It currently operates on a geographical basis, but I am happy to ensure that he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister as fast as possible.
Session: PMQs
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With the emergence of the omicron variant and the rising number of covid infections, more and more people are being asked to self-isolate or stay at home to look after isolating children. I have been contacted by people in Ceredigion who have been excluded from isolation support payments as they are not in receipt of benefits or are above the weekly earnings threshold. Will the Prime Minister act urgently to increase statutory sick pay, which currently stands at a mere £96.35 a week, so that people in this position do not have to choose between following public health regulations and putting food on the table?
Context
The MP discusses the rising number of people needing to self-isolate due to covid and highlights individuals excluded from isolation support payments.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Gentleman very much. I understand the difficulty that some families will find themselves in. We want to look after everybody throughout the pandemic. That is why we have done things like lifting the living wage in the way we have and increasing the funds available for childcare, but also making sure that councils have an extra hardship fund of half a billion pounds to help families of the kind that he describes through this winter.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to increasing statutory sick pay but highlighted other support measures.
Highlighted Alternative Support
Session: PMQs
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At a time of widespread concern over HGV drivers, I have been contacted by many who believe increasing their hours won't solve the problem. Long-term solutions need improved working conditions, action on parking spaces, and measures to reduce waiting times at distribution centres. Will you consider these proposals?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the HGV driver shortage and its impact on transportation, with specific proposals to improve working conditions and reduce waiting times.
Boris Johnson
We are funding apprenticeships, ramping up vocational test capacity to get more people into HGV driving. Career structure affecting EU countries; suggest hon. Gentleman take proposals directly to Secretary of State for Transport.
Assessment
Did not address whether the Government will consider proposed long-term solutions
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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NHS and social care staff in Wales are due to receive a £500 bonus in recognition of their hard work during the pandemic, but staff on universal credit stand to lose out due to the way in which the award is recognised in the regulations as earned income, so instead of receiving a thank you bonus at the end of the month, many NHS and social care staff will be punished with a deduction of up to 63% from their universal credit. Will the Prime Minister look to amend regulation 55 of the Universal Credit Regulations 2013 to create an exemption to ensure that all NHS and social care staff in Wales benefit fully from this well-deserved bonus?
Context
Staff on universal credit stand to lose part of their £500 bonus due to the way in which the award is recognised as earned income, resulting in a deduction from universal credit.
Boris Johnson
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising that point. Of course, I want to repeat my gratitude to the nurses of this country and the NHS and social care staff who have done incredible work throughout this pandemic. He makes a particular point about the tapering in universal credit, and I will make sure that he has a meeting with the relevant Minister, who will set out the detail on the issue he has raised.
Assessment
The PM did not commit to amending regulation 55 but offered a meeting.
Offered Meeting
Session: PMQs
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We have seen the largest increase in Welsh unemployment for nearly 30 years. The Prime Minister will know that the hospitality and events sectors have been heavily impacted by covid-19, but we cannot forget about the businesses in their supply chains. Many are not eligible for grant support and need help to cover running costs through winter months. Will he raise this matter with the Chancellor?
Context
Unemployment in Wales has seen a significant increase recently, affecting the hospitality and events sectors.
Boris Johnson
The hon. Gentleman raises an excellent point. We are looking at ways, together with local authorities and Welsh tourist authorities, to keep a tourist season going throughout winter months.
Assessment
Did not provide details on a specific package or support measures for businesses in supply chains.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister extend zero rating to items so that members of the public, especially those on low incomes, are not financially penalised for following rules?
Context
Face coverings are mandatory on public transport in Wales from next Monday, but VAT is not applied to non-medical face coverings.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Removed VAT from all PPE, including face masks that protect from infection. Covering home-made face masks meeting Public Health England guidance.
Session: PMQs
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Dr Amanda Gibson and her team of scientists at Aberystwyth University are leading research into how the BCG vaccine might be used to help control tuberculosis in cattle. I know the Minister will agree that this is essential work, but can she help ensure that their research is also considered as part of the UK's negotiations with the EU, so that we do not have to make a choice between animal health and exports?
Context
The question stems from the research by Dr Amanda Gibson and her team at Aberystwyth University, which could impact the UK's SPS negotiations with the EU.
Anna McMorrin
I was at Aberystwyth University just a few weeks ago. Scientists there are doing some excellent work, and it is fantastic that they are leading the way on a vaccine for TB in cattle. I know how devastating the impact of TB can be on farms and cattle. We have begun negotiations with the EU on an SPS agreement. The hon. Gentleman would not expect me to comment on those negotiations, but I will raise his question and these issues with the relevant colleagues.
Session: UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement
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What discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of a UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement on Welsh farmers?
Context
The question arises from the need to understand the potential effects of the UK-EU SPS agreement on Welsh agriculture.
Anna McMorrin
The Secretary of State and I are working closely with Cabinet Office colleagues to ensure that Welsh farmers benefit from reduced costs and bureaucracy when exporting their produce to the EU.
Session: UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement
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The Minister will be aware that Ofcom is consulting on a draft code of practice on the prominence of public service broadcasters on digital platforms. Does she agree that it is essential that S4C is included in any measures that come out of that consultation, so that it is given greater prominence on smart TVs and other digital platforms?
Context
Ofcom is consulting on a draft code of practice to ensure prominence for public service broadcasters like S4C on digital platforms.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Anna McMorrin)
The hon. Member raises a very important point—one that I regularly discuss with S4C and my colleagues in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It is fantastic news that last week, the BBC and S4C announced plans for a major new streaming partnership, giving greater prominence to S4C on iPlayer, but I know that there is more to do on this issue, and I will continue to work with my colleagues and broadcasters on this matter.
Session: Minority Language Broadcasting
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Scotland is the only part of the United Kingdom where child poverty is falling, and it is also the only part of Great Britain with a non-Labour Government. I am sure the Minister agrees that the rest of the UK deserves better, so will she be calling on the Chancellor to scrap the two-child cap in the upcoming Budget?
Context
In the context of efforts to reduce living costs in Scotland, Ben Lake raised concerns about specific policies affecting child poverty. He noted that Scotland is unique within the UK for its current government type and child poverty rate.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)
A child poverty strategy is on the way and will be released in due course. I can underscore our commitment to fighting child poverty with every breath we have. That is what Labour Governments have always done, and it is what this Labour Government will do, too.
Session: Cost of Living
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Could the Secretary of State clarify whether she was referring to the transport for city regions funding, which was announced on 4 June?
Context
The MP asked for clarification regarding a specific amount of funding (£200 million) mentioned by the Secretary of State during evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
My understanding is that the just over £200 million figure that I referred to in my evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee relates to the combined mayoral authority announcements that were made prior to the spending review.
Session: Spending Review 2025
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What steps is the Government taking to address the issue of overseas companies evading VAT and online sales taxes through fraudulent UK registration?
Context
Overseas companies are evading VAT and online sales taxes by falsely registering UK addresses, raising concerns about the tax gap.
James Murray (Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury)
At the spring statement, my hon. Friend will have seen the Government set out progress on measures in the autumn Budget to tackle a range of sources of tax avoidance and the tax gap. This includes prosecuting more fraudsters, introducing a new HMRC reward scheme for informants, tackling phoenixism, and addressing the offshore non-compliance tax gap.
Session: Tax Evasion
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Any proposal that would oversee the forcible transfer of the entire population of Gaza would clearly constitute an egregious breach of international humanitarian law, but it would also amount to ethnic cleansing. The Government have previously emphasised the importance of a rules-based international order underpinned by adherence to international humanitarian law, but how do they hope to defend and strengthen that order when yet another permanent member of the United Nations Security Council seems intent on dismantling it?
Context
MP discussed the importance of upholding international law, rules-based order, and addressing breaches by permanent members of the UN Security Council.
The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his words, and for making it clear that the UK Government do indeed support a rules-based international order. That is critical to international law, including international humanitarian law, as we have been discussing. We will continue to hold to this position, including within the UN and with all of our partners.
Session: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
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The Budget commitment of £80 million for the Tata transition board was indeed welcome, but Thrive, the domestic abuse organisation in Neath and Port Talbot, is concerned that since the Tata announcement there has been a rise both in reported incidents of domestic violence and in demand for prevention services for perpetrators. Can the Secretary of State provide assurances that the transition board will look at this as a priority funded project?
Context
The Budget included £80 million for the Tata transition board, but Thrive reported a rise in incidents of domestic violence since the announcement.
Jo Stevens
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for all her work to tackle domestic abuse. She is such an effective advocate for the people she campaigns for. I also want to thank Thrive for all the work that it does in Neath and Port Talbot. I want to assure my hon. Friend that one of the transition board's aims is to support the wellbeing of workers and their families in our steel communities, and we are studying the data closely to target future releases of funding in the most effective way possible.
Session: Budget 2024
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I associate myself with the words of the Secretary of State about all those impacted by Storm Darragh and all those working hard to restore power. The Welsh Government's draft Budget yesterday noted that the UK Government will be providing additional support to mitigate the cost to public organisations of the additional employers' national insurance contributions. However, the details remain to be published. Given that many of these organisations will soon be setting their own budgets, could the Secretary of State urge the Treasury to bring forward clarity urgently so that local authorities and public organisations in Wales can have the clarity they need to set their budgets?
Context
Storm Darragh caused significant damage in Wales, and the Welsh Government's draft budget highlighted the need for clarity on additional support from the UK government.
Jo Stevens
The Welsh Government will receive additional funds to help with the cost of national insurance contributions, on top of that record Budget settlement of £21 billion—the biggest since the dawn of devolution. However, that critical funding and all the investment announced in the Budget yesterday by the Welsh Government will only get to where it is needed if the hon. Gentleman's party colleagues in the Senedd vote for the Budget.
Session: Budget 2024
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There have been great improvements in connectivity across Ceredigion Preseli, but there remain total mobile notspots such as Porthgain, and a growing body of evidence collected locally that the connectivity reported by Ofcom does not quite stack up against the lived experience of those on the ground. Will the Minister meet me so that I can present some of the evidence collected by local authorities in Ceredigion Preseli and he can address the problem?
Context
Despite improvements, there remain total mobile notspots such as Porthgain and evidence that the connectivity reported by Ofcom does not match the lived experience of people.
Chris Bryant
The hon. Gentleman has just said what I said a few minutes ago. It is great that Plaid Cymru is signing up to the Labour party's agenda these days, but it is upsetting that he forgot to mention the seven high-quality masts extending better coverage of 4G in Wales that have been installed in the last couple of months alone.
Session: 5G Roll-out
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Will the Secretary of State intervene in support of an impact assessment for workers with seasonal incomes?
Context
Refers to constituents adversely affected by the transition from working tax credit to universal credit due to seasonal income issues.
David Davies
The hon. Gentleman is a champion of constituents in rural areas such as his, and I am happy to look at any information that he wants to give, but I hope that he will recognise that the increase in the living wage will have helped his constituents, even those who work seasonally.
Session: Cost of Living
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The Minister will be aware that a big concern for rural constituencies is the cost of fuel. The RAC found that the margin enjoyed by the big supermarkets on fuel sales in October was double the figure for the year to date at 14p per litre. That reflects concerns raised by the Competition and Markets Authority that although wholesale fuel prices fell in September and October, retail prices did not. What is the Treasury's assessment of the impact that these higher margins will have on households in the coming winter?
Context
Concerns have been raised about the rising cost of fuel in rural areas, with supermarkets reportedly enjoying higher margins during October. This has prompted worries that households may be disproportionately affected.
Gareth Davies
Fuel duty is a major cost for households and businesses. We recognise that. That is why in the spring Budget 2023, the Chancellor extended the 5p temporary duty cut. That was a £5 billion saving for motorists, worth £100 for the average motorist, but we always keep these things under review.
Session: Household Finances
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What assessment has been made of the financial position of households during winter 2023-24?
Context
The financial stability of UK households is under scrutiny, with concerns about the impact of various economic factors on household finances in the winter months.
Gareth Davies
The Government continue to stand by households with one of Europe's largest support packages, amounting to some £3,300 a household on average across 18 months.
Session: Household Finances
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Will the Treasury undertake an assessment of the economic benefits of reducing VAT to bring it into line with European equivalents? Will it consider that as part of a package, alongside increasing the threshold for VAT registration from £85,000 to £100,000 to support smaller businesses?
Context
The MP is aware of calls from the sector to reduce VAT rates in line with European standards and proposes a review of the economic benefits.
Victoria Atkins
The hon. Gentleman poses many questions for me, some of which are very complicated. VAT relief for the hospitality sector was important in the aftermath of the pandemic, but it cost us a great deal of money and we have had to raise it back up to 20%. We keep the other VAT matters under review, and I would be delighted to meet him to discuss the complexities behind them.
Session: Hospitality Businesses
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What fiscal steps he is taking to support hospitality businesses?
Context
The MP is concerned about the financial challenges faced by local hospitality businesses due to economic pressures and seeks specific fiscal measures.
Victoria Atkins
Hospitality businesses play an important role in local communities and the UK economy. They will benefit from business rates support worth £13.6 billion over the next five years, which includes increased generosity from the retail, hospitality and leisure relief scheme from 50% to 75% in 2023-24. There is also our Brexit pub guarantee, which means that the duty on a draught pint in a pub will always be lower than its equivalent in the supermarket.
Session: Hospitality Businesses
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Will the Minister make representations to colleagues in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to ensure that areas lacking decent broadband and mobile signals are prioritised in the next iteration of Project Gigabit?
Context
Ofcom reported that some 30,000 premises across the UK have no access to decent broadband or 4G signal.
James Davies
The hon. Member is right to raise that issue. We have Project Gigabit, an ambitious £5 billion project to reach hardest-to-reach areas outside commercial scope, and Alpha trials using satellites, two in Snowdonia National Park. Opportunities through the Mid Wales growth deal are also available.
Session: Digital Connectivity Rural Wales
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What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on improving digital connectivity in rural Wales?
Context
The MP raised the issue of digital connectivity, referencing Project Gigabit and recent pilots.
James Davies
The Government are committed to improving digital connectivity as demonstrated by our commitment to Project Gigabit, the shared rural network and, most recently, the new very hard-to-reach pilots, two of which are located in Wales.
Session: Digital Connectivity Rural Wales
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Will the Secretary of State push colleagues for a second round of alternative funding to provide support for off-grid premises ahead of next winter?
Context
Government has extended support for mains gas grid but seems uncertain about providing a second round of alternative funding for off-grid premises.
David Davies
The hon. Gentleman is correct that full details of payment have not yet been made clear, but my colleagues in BEIS will come forward with more information about the payment soon.
Session: Cost of Living Crisis
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What discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues regarding the impact of rising costs on (a) businesses and (b) households in Wales?
Context
The cost of living crisis is affecting both businesses and households, prompting concerns about the economic impact.
David Davies
I understand that people across the UK are worried about the cost of living, which is why we have taken decisive action to support households and businesses across the UK. That support includes a £26 billion package for the next financial year, targeted at protecting the most vulnerable.
Session: Cost of Living Crisis
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Of the highest tax burden in 70 years, the biggest forecasted drop in living standards since records began and the longest pay squeeze for more than 150 years, which does he think is doing the most damage to households in Wales?
Context
The government has faced criticism for various tax increases and their impact on households in Wales.
David Davies
The government supports tax rises for the living wage, pension increases, and benefits in line with inflation. The hon. Lady has not provided a plan on where to find extra money for increased spending.
Session: Cost of Living Support for Households
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What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support households in Wales with the cost of living. The government's programme fails to recognize the impact on organizations across Ceredigion facing rapid increases in heating costs, particularly off-grid properties where 74% are not connected to the mains gas grid.
Context
The cost of living has risen, prompting concerns about support for households in Wales.
David Davies
The government has increased the support available from £100 to £200, addressing calls from Members including the questioner. The exact timing of this payment will be communicated in detail.
Session: Cost of Living Support for Households
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The Chancellor will be aware of concerns about the adequacy of the £100 payment that the Government have proposed to support off-grid households with the cost of their heating. It is equally concerning that we still await details of when and how it will be paid, as well as the support that will be made available to off-grid businesses. When will the Government publish that information?
Context
Concerns have been raised about the adequacy of the £100 payment proposed by the Government to support off-grid households with heating costs. Details on timing and delivery are still awaited.
James Cartlidge
Like the hon. Gentleman, I represent a rural constituency, where probably the majority of households use heating oil. As he knows, the alternative fuel payment will ensure that all households that do not benefit from the energy price guarantee receive support for the cost of the fuel they use. We are currently consulting the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on the timing and delivery mechanism for the alternative fuel payment. We are committed to delivering it this winter.
Session: Topical Questions
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They are concerned that those costs are being disproportionately felt in rural areas. Does the Treasury share that assessment? Will it consider bringing forward bespoke measures to support the rural economy?
Context
Small businesses in Ceredigion have told me how increasing electricity and fuel costs are impacting their operating costs.
Helen Whately
The hon. Member and I met recently to speak about the cost of fuel in rural areas. As I also represent a rural constituency, I appreciate his point. The cut that we made to fuel duty is benefiting people in rural areas as well as those across the whole country. That combined with the duty freeze is £5 billion worth of help for people.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Minister will be aware that some 19% of properties in Ceredigion currently receive broadband speeds of under 10 megabits per second. Although there are plans to improve connectivity in a number of these areas, there are other communities in villages such as Plwmp, Brynhoffnant, Blaenporth, Penrhiwllan, Ffostrasol and Rhydlewis that are not currently subject to any plans. How will the Government ensure that such communities will benefit from improved connectivity even when commercial companies have not thus far brought forward any plans?
Context
The questioner points out that some 19% of properties in Ceredigion receive broadband speeds under 10 megabits per second, despite plans to improve connectivity for other areas. He asks how the Government will ensure these specific communities benefit from improved connectivity when commercial companies have not brought forward any plans.
Neil O'Brien
That is a very important observation. I mentioned some of the huge investments that we are making and the pace that things are moving, but we want them to happen even more quickly. If the hon. Member would like to discuss further how we can make the new roll-out go even faster, I would love to do that.
Session: Digital Connectivity Hardest-to-reach Premises
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What recent discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues on improving the digital connectivity of the hardest-to-reach premises as referenced in the levelling-up White Paper?
Context
The levelling-up White Paper references the need to improve digital connectivity in rural areas. The questioner seeks details on recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues about this issue.
Neil O'Brien
I am in regular contact with other Ministers on this subject, which is very important for rural areas. Through Project Gigabit we are investing £5 billion in better broadband. At the start of 2019, just 7% of Welsh households could get gigabit internet; now 51% can. We are investing a further £1 billion in the shared rural network, which will increase 4G coverage in mid and west Wales from 86% to 97%.
Session: Digital Connectivity Hardest-to-reach Premises
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With fertiliser prices spiking due to gas costs, what steps can the Government take to address this crisis and ensure food security is not undermined?
Context
Fertiliser prices have risen significantly, impacting farmers' expenses and potentially food security.
George Eustice
Fertiliser prices are dependent on gas costs; we have been working closely with a UK producer to maintain production, but a special group is being set up with industry to address long-term solutions relying less on gas prices.
Session: Food Prices
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The airline Wizz Air has offered to fly Ukrainian refugees from Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, and there are indications that Cardiff airport could be a destination for some of these flights. I understand that there have been initial discussions with the Welsh Government, but would the Secretary of State lend his support to co-ordinating a post-flight visa processing facility at Cardiff airport, so that Ukrainians fleeing the warzone can be brought to Wales quickly and safely?
Context
Wizz Air is offering to fly Ukrainian refugees from Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania.
Michael Gove
I will look closely, with my colleague the Home Secretary, at that proposition. It is important that we have appropriate biometric checks, but I appreciate the generosity of the offer and indeed we have been talking to the Welsh Government about how we can co-ordinate our efforts.
Session: Topical Questions
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Diolch, Mr Speaker. The fund's 5% target for content in the indigenous languages has been invaluable to producers of Welsh language children's programmes such as an upcoming drama series about children's mental health and, of course, the production of new episodes of “Sali Mali”. Mike Young, the producer of “Sam Tan” and the creator of “SuperTed”, has previously stated that those much-loved favourites would not have been made without state support. Will the Minister agree to meet me to discuss the impact of the fund's closure and ways we can secure the future of original children's content in the Welsh language?
Context
The closure of the young audiences content fund is concerning for Welsh language broadcasting as it has supported valuable children's programming. Mike Young, a prominent producer, stated that beloved shows would not exist without state support.
David Davies
I would be delighted to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss that issue. I would approach it with an open mind. I will perhaps remind the hon. Gentleman that it was a Conservative Government who established S4C and introduced the Welsh Language Act 1993, allowing Welsh to be spoken in Select Committee hearings.
Session: Young Audiences Content Fund
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of closing the young audiences content fund on Welsh language broadcasting? The fund's 5% target for content in indigenous languages has supported programmes such as an upcoming mental health drama series and new episodes of “Sali Mali”. Mike Young, a prominent producer, stated that without state support, beloved children's shows like “Sam Tan” would not have been made. Will the Minister meet to discuss this issue?
Context
The Welsh language broadcasting community is concerned about the potential impact of closing the young audiences content fund on programming for children in Welsh.
David Davies
There will be a full evaluation of the fund's impact on public service broadcasting for young people, including Welsh language content. S4C will receive £88.8 million a year for the first two years of the licence fee settlement, rising in line with inflation thereafter. The Minister would be delighted to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss the issue.
Session: Young Audiences Content Fund
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The 2019 Conservative manifesto promised that Wales will not lose any powers or funding as a result of our exit from the EU. If Wales is to receive £167 million from the levelling-up fund, as opposed to the £375 million a year it received from EU structural funds, from which funding pot can the people of Wales expect to receive the shortfall?
Context
Wales received funding from EU structural funds but the current levelling-up fund allocation is lower.
Michael Gove
I would challenge the hon. Gentleman's arithmetic, but I know time is short.
Session: Topical Questions
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What economic impact assessment has the Chancellor made regarding ending the £20 uplift to universal credit in communities across Wales?
Context
The MP highlighted that the end of the £20 weekly increase will cost families in Wales £286 million, with 275,000 at risk of poverty. He cited figures from Bevan Foundation suggesting a loss of £5.7 million for Ceredigion.
Rishi Sunak
Statistics show 200,000 fewer people in absolute poverty since this Government's term began. We see a strong labour market with businesses needing to find workers; we provide skills and opportunities for jobs through our plan for jobs.
Session: End of Universal Credit Uplift
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Non-emergency patient transport services provide vital support to those who have no other way of reaching hospital and medical appointments. An inconsistency in the VAT treatment of providers currently means that some can claim VAT relief while others cannot, despite providing the same services in the same type of vehicles. Would the Minister consider meeting representatives of the sector to better understand the impact and, hopefully, find a way forward?
Context
An inconsistency exists where some providers can claim VAT relief while others cannot, despite providing the same services.
Nadhim Zahawi
I am very happy for myself and the Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Bury St Edmunds (Jo Churchill), to meet with others about that. Of course, I cannot comment on specific cases, and I would recommend that the services in question take up their concerns with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs as well.
Session: Patient Transport VAT
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What recent discussions has he had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the effect on patients of the VAT treatment of patient transport service providers?
Context
Discussions on the VAT impact on patient transport service providers.
Nadhim Zahawi
While the Department of Health and Social Care takes a keen interest in any tax situation that may affect patients, any discussions surrounding the VAT treatment of patient transport services would need to be conducted with relevant officials in Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. Services for the transportation of the sick and injured are exempt from VAT.
Session: Patient Transport VAT
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What explanation has the Minister been given by his Cabinet colleagues for that discrepancy?
Context
The MP is concerned about the disparity in UK Government's covid emergency support between London and Wales.
David Davies
The fact of the matter is that the money has gone to those in need in all parts of the United Kingdom. I have already mentioned the £8.75 billion extra that went to the Welsh Government, the £2.7 billion for Welsh businesses and the 466,000 Welsh workers who were supported through the furlough scheme.
Session: Covid-19 Financial Support
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Lamb exporters in west Wales have raised concerns about the delays they are facing at EU ports, reporting that some shipments have been held by customs officials for two to three days because of to the supposed issues with animal export health certificates. Can the Secretary of State enlighten us as to whether he expects an urgent resolution to this problem?
Context
Lamb exporters in west Wales have raised concerns about delays of two to three days due to supposed issues with animal export health certificates.
Simon Hart
I do not know how “urgent” would be defined in the EU at the moment, but certainly there is an urgency to resolve some of these problems. As I have mentioned, there are some teething issues that can be resolved quite quickly. If there are longer-term structural issues, they need to be looked at in more detail.
Session: Welsh Lamb Exports
View All Questions -->
Given the impact of reserved matters on devolved competences like agriculture, what concrete steps are the Government taking to develop the capacity of the Joint Ministerial Committee so that it fosters greater trust and transparency among the four nations?
Context
The conduct of reserved matters such as trade can have significant implications for devolved competences, including agriculture.
David Davies
I support devolution and will respect the choice made in referendums. I welcome closer co-operation between the UK and Welsh Governments over important issues such as agriculture, suggesting a commitment to fostering better relations but without specific concrete steps mentioned.
Session: EU Trade Negotiations
View All Questions -->
She may be aware of concerns that the impact of the covid pandemic on the student experience will see higher non-completion rates. If non-completion rates were to increase, would the Government consider allocating additional financial support to universities?
Context
Concerns are raised about potential higher non-completion rates among students due to the pandemic, affecting university financial stability.
Michelle Donelan
We have a taskforce that meets weekly and non-completion is something we discuss. We are determined to stand by students and ensure they complete their courses, unlocking future potential and opportunities.
Session: University Education Covid-19
View All Questions -->
What estimate has been made of the resources required by universities to support teaching and learning for students during the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the financial and resource implications of supporting university teaching and learning under pandemic conditions.
Michelle Donelan
We are working across Government and closely with the higher education sector to provide both practical and financial support through the covid-19 outbreak. This includes publishing reopening guidance to universities informed by SAGE advice, lifting caps on domestic medicine and dentistry courses for 2020-21, and providing both additional capital and teaching grant funding.
Session: University Education Covid-19
View All Questions -->
Considering the severity of economic damage caused by covid-19, should the Minister consider proposals for significant relaxation or removal of annual drawdown limits and borrowing caps?
Context
Ben Lake requests relaxation of annual drawdown limit from the Welsh reserve and borrowing cap to support swift response to economic damage.
David Davies (Minister of State for Wales)
Government has provided extra £800 million and more good news may be on the horizon; acknowledges severity but highlights ongoing support.
Session: Covid-19 Economic Recovery
View All Questions -->
What plans does the government have to issue a green bond? Green bonds can raise capital investment and operational expenditure for the green transition, as evidenced by Quebec's recent issuance. Will the Government also consider enabling the Welsh Government to issue such a bond?
Context
The UK Government is considering the potential issuance of a sovereign green bond.
John Glen (Minister of State for Wales and Financial Secretary to the Treasury)
Debt handling is currently a significant challenge. The core gilt programme remains the most stable and cost-effective way to manage financing needs. We will continue to look constructively at all options, including green bonds, in light of the changing environment caused by this crisis.
Session: Green Bond
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Miscarriage of Justice Compensation
19 March 2025
Responding: Alex Davies-Jones
Main Concerns
['In England and Wales, compensation for the wrongly convicted is the exception rather than the rule. Many citizens expect victims of miscarriages of justice to receive fair and swift compensation, but this is not always the case. The current system forces innocent individuals to fight for years at great cost to clear their names, as seen in the example of Mr Brian Buckle who was wrongfully imprisoned and has suffered significant financial and personal losses.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the government to ensure fair compensation for victims of miscarriages of justice, highlighting the need for a system that supports exonerated individuals rather than prolonging their suffering.']
Energy Company Obligation Schemes — [Ian Paisleyin the Chair]
27 June 2023
Responding: Amanda Solloway
Main Concerns
['Households across Wales and the UK are facing significant financial burdens due to high energy bills, with statistics showing that as of April 2022, 45% of Welsh households were in fuel poverty. The situation is expected to persist into next year. In Wales, particularly in constituencies like Ceredigion and Gwynedd, many homes are old and inefficient, making them less capable of adapting to rising energy costs. Retrofitting these properties could significantly reduce energy bills and improve health outcomes, but the current ECO4 scheme has not been rolling out effectively, with only around 10% of targeted households receiving support so far.']
Specific Asks
["The lead MP asks for a revision of ECO4's cost assumptions to reflect current market conditions, an increase in funding and flexibility in eligibility criteria. He also suggests expanding the range of technologies considered under future iterations of the scheme and improving oversight and accountability measures."]
UK Emissions Trading Scheme: Wales
13 July 2021
Responding: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Main Concerns
['The scheme has brought coherence to one element of our combined efforts to achieve net zero, but there is room for improvement. The Green Finance Observatory highlighted that offsets are fundamentally not about mitigating climate change or even removing past emissions, but enabling future emissions and protecting economic growth and corporate profits. Large companies are purchasing vast tracts of agricultural land in the upper Teifi and Tywi valleys for forestry and carbon offsetting, internalising financial gain while externalising social, economic, and cultural costs to Welsh farmers and rural communities.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Government to reflect on these remarks when concluding this debate. The Minister should address concerns that the ETS is not moving fast enough nor fundamentally reducing emissions. She should also support local groups and farmers in playing an important part in the carbon offset market, leading the transition to net zero.']
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Carmichael highlighted the concern regarding the management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, specifically noting proposed changes to payments for coastguard rescue officers that could impact ...
Foreign Interference in UK Politics
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Grooming Gangs: Independent Inquiry
18 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
18 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That this House has considered the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. The debate highlights the need for just compensation and recognition of those affected by contaminated blood produ...
Social Media Ban for Under-16s
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
09 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
14 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
13 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Foreign Financial Influence and Interference: UK Politics
25 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
74.5%
73 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
57
58.2% of votes
No Votes
16
16.3% of votes
Abstentions
25
25.5% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
9
PMQs Asked
43
Ministerial Questions Asked
151
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+146% above average
This MP:
9
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+221% above average
This MP:
43
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3007% above average
This MP:
151
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 (%)
+8% above average
This MP:
74.5
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 Lake's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.