Beth Winter
MP for Cynon Valley
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
There are 2,500 disused coal tips in Wales, and Rhondda Cynon Taf has the most high-risk coal tips of any local authority. Does the Prime Minister think it is right that the UK took economic benefit from Welsh coal but will not fund its safety?
Context
The question deals with the Welsh Government's request for £600 million to make high-risk coal tips safe. The MP seeks assurance from the UK Government.
Rishi Sunak
The UK Government are investing in Wales with record investments, including the north Wales line and Tata Steel job safeguarding. The Welsh Government have access to large Barnett consequentials over recent years.
Session: PMQs
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My constituency Rhondda Cynon Taf has the third highest covid death rate due to inequality, poverty, and chronic underfunding. This Government have an appalling record on providing Wales with a fair share of UK spending. What will it take for him to stop ignoring the south Wales valleys?
Context
Rhondda Cynon Taf has the third highest COVID death rate in the UK. The region struggles with inequality, poverty, and underfunding, exacerbated by 11 years of Tory austerity cuts.
Boris Johnson
I am afraid I disagree profoundly with the implication of what the hon. Lady is saying—and indeed with what her constituent Lyndon is, by implication, asking—because this Government continue to give massive support through the Barnett formula and elsewhere. It is £2.4 billion alone through Barnett, and there is now more coming through the levelling-up fund and other means.
Assessment
Did not provide specific actions or commitments regarding stopping ignoring south Wales valleys
Session: PMQs
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Would the Minister welcome a new inspection by the chief inspector given recent deaths and recorded violence at HMP Parc? Has he considered the Prison Service managing it due to its £400 million cost contract?
Context
The latest HM Inspectorate of Prisons report on HMP Parc in 2022 noted that almost half of prisoners had easy access to drugs, while evidence suggests the prison is understaffed with inexperienced staff.
Edward Argar
Inspection matters are for the chief inspector, although recent challenges were addressed in an urgent question. Despite issues, Parc's contract is performing well with one measure of “good” and three of “reasonably good”. The Prison Service will continue to work with the prison.
Session: Prisons Illegal Drugs
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What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of trends in the number of drugs found in prisons over the last five years?
Context
The number of drugs found in UK prisons over the last five years has been a concern, prompting an assessment of its implications on current policies.
Edward Argar
The Government take a zero-tolerance approach to drugs in prison, with £100 million invested into tackling contraband smuggling. In March 2023, there were 19.7% fewer incidents of drug discoveries compared to the year ending March 2019.
Session: Prisons Illegal Drugs
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Do the UK Government believe that the Israeli Government are responsible for the conduct of their forces, which appears to be torture and breaches international law? What will the UK Government do about this?
Context
Reports of Palestinian medical staff and patients being detained and tortured by Israeli troops.
Andrew Mitchell
The hon. Lady is right to say that Israel must comply with the Geneva convention. We have seen these reports. A full explanation and investigation is required, and that is what the British Government are pressing for.
Session: Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
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When will the Minister meet the Counsel General for Wales to discuss the devolution of justice?
Context
Following the publication of a final report by an independent commission on the constitutional future of Wales, the First Minister confirmed that the Welsh Government supports the devolution of the justice system. He stated they need to explore governance and financial arrangements.
Mike Freer
If the representatives for the Welsh Government wish to meet me, I am more than happy to explain why Wales being part of the English and Welsh legal system remains the preferred option for this Government. Why would Wales want to leave the most successful legal services system in the world?
Session: Justice Devolution of Responsibility
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If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of devolving responsibility for justice to the Welsh Government.
Context
The question arises from discussions about devolving responsibility for justice to the Welsh Government.
Mike Freer
The Government are clear that it is in the best interests of the people of Wales for justice to remain a reserved matter. The current arrangement works well and allows Wales to benefit from being part of a larger, world-renowned justice system. Devolving justice to Wales would mean losing those benefits and would be extremely expensive and complex, requiring the duplication of functions.
Session: Justice Devolution of Responsibility
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Why are the Government pursuing the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill, which will not bring down bills according to the Minister herself, when economic forecasters warn that delays in decarbonising will lead to higher consumer prices?
Context
The MP mentions increasing numbers of constituents with significant energy debt and cites warnings from economic forecasters about the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill delaying decarbonisation efforts.
Amanda Solloway
We are committed not only to helping vulnerable people but also to providing energy security. All introduced policies support these goals.
Session: Fuel Poverty
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Given Israel's targeting of aid convoys, does the Ministry of Defence maintain a tracker database to document such breaches and violations as it has for Yemen?
Context
A UN relief convoy was hit by Israeli gunfire despite its identifiable markings, raising questions about the tracking of alleged breaches or violations in Gaza.
James Heappey
I will write to the hon. Lady about whether there is a tracker database for documenting such breaches and violations in Gaza.
Session: Gaza UK Aid
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I welcome her role and condolences for Baroness Kinnock's passing. The Prime Minister promised to electrify the north Wales main line at a cost of £1 billion. Construction costs increased by 7% annually due to government mismanagement, with no new cost assessment since 2015 making the scheme now worth between £1.5 and £1.8 billion.
Context
Glenys Kinnock passed away, and the Prime Minister promised to electrify north Wales main line. However, inflation and construction cost increases have raised concerns about the funding.
Fay Jones
I join her comments about Kinnock family. This Government are the first to commit, unlike Labour who dismissed this priority.
Session: Inflation and Public Spending
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I am concerned about Tory inflation and austerity reducing the Welsh budget by £900 million compared to when set, despite the autumn statement's additional funding. The Institute of Welsh Affairs calls this 'a return to austerity' with tax cuts costing public service delivery in Wales. Will the Secretary of State urge the Chancellor to tax wealthy Londoners to better protect Welsh public services?
Context
Inflation has outperformed expectations, and the Prime Minister promised to halve it. The Welsh Government will receive £305 million additional funding as announced by the Chancellor at the autumn statement.
Fay Jones
The House will not be surprised to learn that I completely disagree with her assessment. It is not the amount but how Welsh Government mismanages services, and the 2021 spending review delivered a record settlement of £18 billion annually.
Session: Inflation and Public Spending
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Is the Secretary of State aware that more than a quarter of DWP staff are paid so little that the national living wage floor increase this April will lift their salaries? Is he aware that thousands of civil servants forced to take strike action are going without food and having to use foodbanks? Will he commit to constructive talks with the PCS union to resolve the dispute, to put a real pay rise on the table and to make ending the scourge of low pay in his Department a priority?
Context
More than a quarter of DWP staff are paid at the minimum threshold to be impacted by the national living wage increase. Thousands of civil servants involved in strikes are facing financial hardship, relying on foodbanks.
Mel Stride
The hon. Lady raises an important point. We will continue to have constructive and positive discussions with the PCS and other unions. She raised the national living wage; she will know that it is to rise by 9.7% this April, to its highest level on record.
Session: Industrial Relations Department for Work and Pensions
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Will he now join me in urging the UK Government to restore the £1.1 billion missing in Wales, and allow the Welsh Government to administer those funds?
Context
The MP congratulates Mountain Ash on a competition shortlist and urges the UK Government to restore £1.1 billion missing from Wales.
David Davies
First, Mr Speaker, I would like to say llongfyfarchiadau mawr to the constituents of the hon. Lady. I do not recognise the figure that she has just quoted: the UK Government have made sure that record funding has flowed through to the Welsh Government, and in replacing the funds that we used to receive from the European Union we have made sure that Wales has not lost out by one penny.
Session: Levelling-Up Fund Welsh Communities
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With civil legal aid providers falling and areas becoming deserts, what assurances can you give that no further closures will occur before the review concludes?
Context
Civil legal aid providers have decreased from over 2,100 to fewer than 1,400 in the last decade. Areas like the south Wales valleys are experiencing shortages of legal aid services.
Mike Freer
Since October's new standard contract was introduced, there has been an increase in duty solicitors and firms taking on legal aid. The Legal Aid Agency closely monitors deserts to ensure no part of the country is left uncovered.
Session: Legal Aid
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What steps have been taken to increase availability of legal aid? With legal aid providers decreasing and some regions becoming deserts, what assurances can you give that no further closures will occur before the civil legal aid review concludes?
Context
There is concern over the reduction in civil legal aid providers from more than 2,100 to fewer than 1,400 in the past decade. Some areas are facing shortages of legal aid services, known as deserts.
Mike Freer
Since the new standard contract was introduced in October, there has been an increase in duty solicitors and firms taking on legal aid. The Legal Aid Agency closely monitors deserts to ensure no part of the country is left uncovered.
Session: Legal Aid
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Does the Secretary of State agree that the Government cannot address the crisis until they give teachers and support staff the fully funded, inflation-plus pay rise they deserve?
Context
The National Foundation for Educational Research suggests a strategy for improving recruitment and retention should involve pay uplifts higher than the wider labour market.
Gillian Keegan
In 2019, we launched our first ever integrated strategy to recruit and retain more teachers. We have an independent pay review body and this year we accepted all its recommendations in full.
Session: Teacher Recruitment and Retention
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What steps her Department is taking to improve the recruitment and retention of teachers. Recruitment and retention has been a key challenge.
Context
There is a challenge in recruiting and retaining teachers, affecting education quality.
Gillian Keegan
We have increased teacher numbers by 24,000 since 2010 through highest pay award for 30 years and generous bursaries worth up to £27,000. Levelling-up premium is worth up to £3,000 each year for five years for maths, physics, chemistry and computing teachers.
Session: Teacher Recruitment and Retention
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When will this Government listen to the Welsh Government and the Welsh trade unions and provide the proper funded pay award that NHS staff deserve?
Context
Wales is facing issues with pay awards and fair funding, which the trade unions believe need to be addressed.
Steve Barclay
I simply direct the hon. Member to the Barnett consequentials.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Conservatives' low-pay agenda means that public sector pay awards are insufficient, and are pushing millions of people into poverty. Health and local authority workers in Northern Ireland are balloting over poor pay awards, as is happening in Wales. Will this new Conservative Government end their predecessors' low-pay agenda and provide the two nations with the required funding to provide an inflation-proof pay rise, which people need and deserve?
Context
Public sector workers, including those in health and local authorities in Northern Ireland, are balloting over poor pay awards due to inflation. The question addresses the need for a government response.
Conor Burns
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her question, and I preface my answer by saying that I welcome the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, my friend, to his position. I know that he will engage constructively with everyone and with all political parties in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has received the largest block grant since devolution in 1998, and as my right hon. Friend the new Prime Minister has made clear, we stand ready to make further announcements later this week.
Session: Cost of Living Increases
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Today, the Office for National Statistics reports that real pay is dropping at the fastest rate since records began in 2001. However, it is reported that the Government are going to punish our hard-working NHS staff even further by forcing through a real pay cut of between 5% and 6%. Will the Minister please dispel that by confirming that NHS staff will be awarded an inflation-proof pay rise?
Context
Reports suggest that NHS workers may face a real pay cut of between 5% and 6%. This comes amidst dropping real wages.
Steve Barclay
The Government have committed to giving NHS workers a pay rise this year, on top of last year's 3% rise when pay was frozen in the wider public sector. The independent pay review bodies base their recommendations on a number of factors, which include but are not limited to the cost of living and inflation, as well as the economic context and issues such as recruitment and retention. The Government are considering carefully the content of the pay review body's report and will respond shortly.
Session: Topical Questions
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On Monday, this Conservative Government imposed a real-terms cut to social security benefits and pensions of approximately 4%. This is on top of the hike in national insurance contributions, the rise in the energy price cap and cuts to universal credit and working tax credit. The Bevan Foundation in Wales has estimated that these measures will take approximately £286 million out of the Welsh economy. People are genuinely fearful about their living standards being further eroded. How can you justify voting for such measures?
Context
This question stems from the recent decision to cut social security benefits and pensions by approximately 4%, which has significant economic implications for Wales, especially given the existing financial hardships.
Simon Hart
The hon. Lady has constituents concerned about the cost of living challenges, but I hope to reassure her with measures such as substantial additional money via the Barnett formula for Wales, the universal credit taper worth £1,000 per household, an increase in the living wage by £1,000 a year for those receiving it and warm home discounts.
Session: Inflation Households and Businesses
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In Wales, there is an accelerated rate of delivery for new social housing, with significant increases over recent years. However, England faces a decrease in affordable house delivery. Will the Minister say what conversations he has had with the Welsh Government and what lessons can be learned on delivering more affordable and low carbon social housing?
Context
In Wales, the number of new affordable homes being built has increased by 18% in the last year. The question asks about conversations with Welsh Government on learning lessons for delivering more social rented houses.
Eddie Hughes
It is a fine invite for more conversation, but I do not think we need to learn any lessons from other devolved Assemblies. We are doing a fine job in England—not just building more houses for social rent but also investing £11.5 billion into affordable homes and making significant progress towards decarbonising new homes.
Session: New Homes for Social Rent
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What assessment does the Minister have of trends in the level of new homes provided for social rent since 2010?
Context
Since 2010, there has been a trend of decreasing provision for social rent homes in England. The question seeks an assessment of this trend.
Eddie Hughes
Since affordable housing delivery is a devolved matter, I can speak only to the figures in England. The Government are determined to deliver social housing to help vulnerable families and tackle homelessness. Since 2010, we have delivered over 154,600 homes for social rent across England.
Session: New Homes for Social Rent
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What discussion has the Secretary of State had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer ahead of the forthcoming spending review to ensure that sustainable funding is provided to deal with the legacy of the coal tips?
Context
Landslips last year caused concerns about coal tip safety, and there are currently 2,000 coal tips with 300 classified at high risk.
Simon Hart
I think I caught most of that question, but the hon. Lady will no doubt recall that the UK Government put over £30 million into coal tip renewal and coal tip safety issues. It was the UK Government who joined forces with the Welsh Government to make sure that that approach was collegiate and addressed all the concerns that were raised, including those that fall into the devolved space just as much as the reserved space. If she wants an example of the UK Government and the Welsh Government working together and the Treasury picking up the tab, that issue is a perfect example.
Session: Devolution Settlement
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What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with the First Minister of Wales on the adequacy of the operation of the devolution settlement?
Context
Discussions about how UK and Welsh governments use their powers to deliver for Wales.
Simon Hart
My discussions with the First Minister and his ministerial team are focused on how our respective Governments can use the powers at our disposal to deliver jobs and economic growth for Wales.
Session: Devolution Settlement
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Last week, former Work and Pensions Minister Lord Freud described the benefit cap as “ghastly”. Efforts to protect incomes during covid have been undermined as increased universal credit and housing allowance rates led to more families being capped. Will the Minister explain how families have been supposed to do that in the past 12 months?
Context
MP questions how families have been supposed to reduce housing costs or find work during the pandemic, given that neither option was effectively possible.
Mims Davies
I remind hon. Members that the benefit cap is set at the equivalent annual salary of £24,000, or £28,000 in London, which importantly provides fairness between taxpayers in employment and those with working-age support. Claimants can approach their local authority for discretionary housing payments if they need additional support to meet rental costs, or indeed for hardship grants.
Session: Benefit Cap
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Today is a day of action for the “Right to Food” campaign. I can offer the Minister one possible policy to alleviate food poverty: drop the benefit cap. The Child Poverty Action Group found that lifting the cap could take 150,000 children out of poverty. Will the Minister explain her reasoning for not lifting it?
Context
The MP raises concerns over households affected by the benefit cap, especially during a 'Right to Food' campaign day highlighting food poverty and its relation to capped benefits.
Mims Davies
The hon. Lady will be keen to know that, even in these current times, people moving out of the benefit cap and into work is going in the right direction. The benefits system provides a crucial safety net for people at their time of need and the benefit cap also provides a strong incentive for claimants to get into work and increase their hours so that the benefit cap does not apply.
Session: Benefit Cap
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I am proud to say that the Welsh Government's “Programme for Government” published this week included a commitment to introduce a clean air Act for Wales consistent with World Health Organisation guidance and to extend the provision of air quality monitoring. Will the Minister commit to following the Welsh Government's lead at a UK level?
Context
Today is Clean Air Day aiming to raise awareness of air pollution damage. The Welsh Government has committed to introduce a clean air act in line with WHO guidance.
George Eustice
This issue is very much the subject of debate in the Environment Bill, which is currently going through both Houses of Parliament. We will be setting targets for clean air, and we will also be looking at a population exposure target.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given the ongoing violations of international law by the Israeli Government, the attacks on the human rights of the Palestinian people and their suffering, and Israel's recent bombardment of Gaza in May, does the Minister agree that it is now essential that there is an investigation into whether UK-made arms or components have been used in the violence and destruction in Gaza? In the meantime, will the Government immediately cease the export of arms to Israel?
Context
Ongoing violations by the Israeli government, leading to attacks on Palestinian human rights and displacement of thousands.
Ranil Jayawardena
Every Israeli and Palestinian has the right to live in peace and security. We understand the deep frustration on all sides at the lack of progress in the middle east peace process. The ongoing violence just underlines that a lasting resolution that ends these problems is long overdue. In respect of our arms exports, we have a robust arms export control process in the United Kingdom that is governed by the consolidated criteria, and no exports occur where the consolidated criteria are not met.
Session: Trade Deals Human Rights
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Waste incinerators emit toxins and pollutants that are harmful to human health and exacerbate climate change. I am pleased to say that local residents in my constituency of Cynon Valley have recently successfully campaigned against a waste incinerator through the Valleys For Tourism Not Trash campaign, and the Welsh Government have recently announced a moratorium on any future large-scale incinerators. Will the Minister commit to reconsidering the Government's decision to exclude waste incinerators from their post-Brexit carbon emissions trading scheme?
Context
Local residents have successfully campaigned against a waste incinerator, and the Welsh Government announced a moratorium on future large-scale incinerators.
George Eustice
This is obviously a contentious area. However, energy from waste can be a way of extracting some use from it.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given that the Welsh Government have worked with Welsh local authorities and other stakeholders to produce a framework for regional investment, can the Minister tell the House why Ministers at England's Housing Department, with no history of delivering within Wales and no record of working with communities in Wales or understanding their priorities, are the right people to be administering this so-called levelling-up fund in Wales? Is this the result of this Government's fixation with undermining democratic devolution?
Context
Concerns about the lack of local authority involvement and understanding of Welsh priorities.
David Davies
That was a rather disappointing question from the hon. Lady. The Chancellor has made £800 million available for the devolved Administrations across the United Kingdom and wants the UK Government to be able to work directly with local authorities and to hear about what their priorities are. I think it is absolutely fantastic that the Chancellor, as well as being able to deliver that £800 million, has found £740 million for the Welsh Government and has continued the support for businesses and individuals in Wales affected by the covid crisis.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
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What recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the levelling up fund?
Context
The levelling up fund has been announced, prompting questions about its implementation and impact.
David Davies
The levelling-up fund is unquestionably good news for Wales. It will ensure that millions of pounds is invested in Welsh local authorities, providing much-needed local infrastructure and driving up regeneration in left-behind places.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
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This month's figures show that the UK authorised arms sales worth almost £1.4 billion to Saudi Arabia. In the same month, the UN warned that the conflict in Yemen had taken a sharp escalatory turn. As several other Members have asked, will the Minister please explain why he has not followed the lead of his counterparts in the US and Italy and halted arms sales to Saudi Arabia? Does he agree that this behaviour has actively undermined efforts on peace talks?
Context
This month's figures show that the UK authorised arms sales worth almost £1.4 billion to Saudi Arabia, in the same month when the UN warned about a sharp escalatory turn in the Yemen conflict.
Ranil Jayawardena
As I have said, we do have a robust arms export control policy in Britain, and it is absolutely right that we maintain our own independent policy. The policies of the United States are a matter for the United States.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given that the pandemic has exposed weaknesses in our welfare system, will the Minister express his support for a UBI pilot and call on the UK Government to fund it?
Context
The MP highlights inadequacies in welfare support during the pandemic and asks about funding for a UBI pilot.
David Davies
The UK Government have already provided £5 million of extra funding to the Welsh Government to ensure that they have adequate funds to support businesses and individuals who have been affected by the covid pandemic, and of course the Welsh Government also have tax-raising powers. The reality is that this Government have spent hundreds of billions of pounds supporting businesses and individuals throughout this country, such is our commitment to ensuring that no one is left out as a result of the impact of this terrible pandemic.
Session: Covid-19 Employment Support
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What recent discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Minister on support for people in Wales whose employment has been adversely affected by the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
The MP notes that discussions are needed regarding support for individuals and organisations negatively impacted by the pandemic.
David Davies
I have regular discussions with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on our support for people affected by covid-19. The UK Government have funded the furlough of 8,900 employees and provided over £17 million to the self-employed in the hon. Lady's own constituency.
Session: Covid-19 Employment Support
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Please explain when we will learn about the mechanism for involving the Welsh Government, who will be the final arbiter, how much money will be available, and when the process will begin?
Context
The MP is requesting specifics on the mechanism for involving the Welsh Government and deciding funding allocations.
David Davies
We have already said that discussions are ongoing, that the money will be matched, and that the shared prosperity fund will deliver our levelling-up agenda across Wales. The Labour party spent a long time saying there would not be any money and that there would not be any interest in Wales, but the reality is that we have shown that the money will be there and we want to make sure it is used properly.
Session: Shared Prosperity Fund 2020-12-16 (2)
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Given that the UK is a signatory to this treaty, does the Minister agree that the logical next step would be for the UK now to become a signatory to the UN treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons, taking the lead from the First Minister of Wales, who has welcomed this treaty? In that way, we in the UK can take a lead internationally to create a future throughout the world without nuclear weapons.
Context
The UK is a signatory to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, and there are questions about its commitment to furthering disarmament through additional treaties.
James Cleverly
The UK has reduced by half its nuclear arsenal since the end of the cold war, but we will not sign or ratify the prohibition of nuclear weapons. We do not believe that this treaty brings us any closer to a world without nuclear weapons, and it will not improve the security environment.
Session: Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference
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What are the Government's priorities for the nuclear non-proliferation treaty review conference in 2021?
Context
The UK is a signatory to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, and there is a need for the country to outline its priorities for the upcoming review conference.
James Cleverly
The United Kingdom's priority is to reinforce the non-proliferation treaty as a vital part of the international security architecture and to highlight the UK's strong track record across all three pillars of the treaty. Building on the successful 2020 UK-led P5 process, we will work to promote transparency between nuclear and non-nuclear states and submit a national report to highlight our achievement in support of the NPT. The UK will also emphasise the important role of peaceful uses of nuclear energy in achieving the sustainable development goals.
Session: Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference
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The UK has supported EU sanctions on Russia regarding the illegal annexation of Crimea, which the government reiterated in written statements this year. Does the Secretary of State see a need to apply similar principles when dealing with trade involving illegal Israeli settlements?
Context
UK has been supporting EU sanctions on Russia over Crimea annexation.
Greg Hands
Sanctions are managed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The UK has been robust in opposing the illegal annexation of Ukraine by Russia at all forums.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Secretary of State confirm that UK Government funding for flooding in Wales will come from the UK reserve and not be subject to the Barnett formula? Will he also clarify the amount that will be provided?
Context
Recent flooding disproportionately affected Welsh communities, including those in Cynon Valley. The UK Government has acknowledged the issue but indicated that funding would come through the Barnett formula.
Simon Hart (Secretary of State for Wales)
Discussions are ongoing on this subject and the hon. Lady will be hearing more from the relevant bodies in the near future.
Session: Flooding
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What assessment has been made of the adequacy of funding for further education? It has been estimated that there is a pay gap of more £7,000 between teachers in schools and teachers in FE colleges. Does the Secretary of State agree that the current Office for National Statistics classification of FE colleges as non-profit institutions serving households (NPISH status) is hindering the ability to address this growing pay gap?
Context
Further education funding is a contentious issue with concerns over adequacy and pay gaps.
The Prime Minister
Further education is a crucial sector that needs more investment to deliver its full potential. The Government have committed an extra £400 million into 16-to-19 education in 2020-21. Colleges are independent and able to set their own staff terms and conditions.
Session: Further Education
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
No Recourse to Public Funds
15 May 2024
Responding: Tom Pursglove
Main Concerns
['The policy of no recourse to public funds is inhumane and cruel, causing poverty and hardship for vulnerable individuals. An estimated 2.6 million people are subject to these conditions, increasing their risk of living in destitution and putting significant pressure on local authority services. The cost of providing accommodation and financial support has risen by 22% from £64 million to £78 million at the end of 2021-22.']
Specific Asks
['The UK Government should facilitate access to devolved schemes of assistance, extend legal aid scope, reduce immigration application fees, shorten long settlement routes to a maximum of five years, exempt key benefits from public funds, and enable councils to provide discretionary cost of living support. The policy of no recourse to public funds is part of a discriminatory migration policy that punishes vulnerable people.']
Public Sector Pay Review Bodies Independence And Transparency
17 January 2024
Main Concerns
['Beth Winter is concerned about the lack of independence in the public sector pay review bodies and the significant fall in real-terms value of public sector pay over the past two years. She mentions that real wages have fallen for 18 consecutive months before rising again, highlighting a need for transparency and representation in these processes. Unions are condemning the timing of remit letters and questioning the effectiveness of current review bodies.']
Specific Asks
['Winter requests answers on why remit letters were delayed by over a month and why there is a report deadline set for May rather than April. She also asks if the Government will meet with trade unions early in the process and commit to PRB reform concerning appointments, terms of reference, and multi-year deals.']
Public Sector Pay 2024-25
17 January 2024
Responding: Bim Afolami
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the lack of independence in pay review bodies, which were instructed to consider the Government's affordability position rather than rises in the cost of living. Public sector workers have faced significant falls in real-term wages over the past two years and a sustained decline since 2010. The average public sector worker is earning £177 less per month in real terms compared with 2010, while teachers are losing £12,000, social workers £15,000, and paramedics £16,000 in real terms since then."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to commit to above-inflation pay rises for public sector workers. Will they also provide long-term pay restoration?']
Food Price Inflation and Food Banks
17 May 2023
Responding: Mark Spencer
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the increasing number of people relying on food banks due to food price inflation, with a record 2,800 emergency food parcels provided in Cynon Valley last year, including more than 1,000 for children. The Trussell Trust reported almost 3 million emergency food parcels given out in 2022-23, up from 1.3 million in 2017-18. She highlights that rising food prices and a lack of financial support are pushing people into poverty despite being employed. Additionally, the MP points to profiteering by major supermarkets and food manufacturers as exacerbating the situation.']
Specific Asks
["The MP calls for an inflation-proofing of incomes, adoption of an essentials guarantee, implementation of a windfall tax on supermarket profits, controls on food speculation, and exploration of price ceilings on essential goods. She also urges the Government to learn from international examples like France's anti-inflation measures and Switzerland's regulated food pricing."]
Civil Service Pay — [Mark Pritchard in the Chair]
07 March 2023
Responding: Alex Burghart
Main Concerns
['The civil service pay remit has led to a crisis in civil service pay, with salaries falling by between 12% and 23% in real terms since 2010. Civil servants are missing out on at least £2,800 this year due to the current pay remit. Over a quarter of DWP staff earn so little that they will benefit from the national living wage floor increase this April. The fragmentation of the pay system has led to significant inequalities and pay differentials across Departments, impacting gender, ethnicity, and regional disparities.']
Specific Asks
["The Government should audit pay differentials impacting gender and ethnicity, harmonise pay arrangements within agencies around their main Government Departments, and move towards national pay rates. The Minister needs to commit to constructive talks with PCS to resolve the current dispute. Next week's Budget announcement must reflect a revision of the 2022-23 civil service pay remit that includes a 10% rise and a living wage of at least £15 an hour, without reducing service provision."]
Public Sector Pay: Proposed Strike Action — [Sir Edward Leigh in the Chair]
01 November 2022
Responding: Victoria Atkins
Main Concerns
['Ms Winter is concerned about the erosion of public sector pay due to austerity measures and inflation. She highlights that over a million trade unionists are being balloted for industrial action, with many in education, health, and fire service sectors facing significant pay reductions. The current cost-of-living crisis exacerbates this issue, pushing workers into poverty. Workers have been forced to take drastic measures such as turning off utilities to cope. Ms Winter also notes the human cost behind these figures, including stories of public sector staff struggling financially.']
Specific Asks
['Ms Winter urges the Government to explore alternative funding methods through wealth taxation and progressive tax policies to fund a fair, inflation-proofed pay rise for public sector workers. She calls for an end to austerity measures that have harmed living standards over the past decade.']
Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
21 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
War in Gaza
07 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Iran-Israel Update
15 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Asylum and Immigration (EU Withdrawal) Bill - Amendments 3B, 3C, 6B, 7B, 9, 10B
15 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
26 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Women’s State Pension Age
25 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
19 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ways and Means
12 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focused on improving productivity, a theme close to the heart of Laura Trott. She highlighted that under the current government, private sector productivity increased by an average of 0.7% ...
Security of Elected Representatives
29 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Welsh Affairs
29 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Crabb opened the debate by expressing disappointment about the scheduling of the annual St David’s day debate, and emphasised its importance for Welsh Members to raise matters of significance. He h...
2
PMQs Asked
39
Ministerial Questions Asked
85
House of Commons Debates Involved
6
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
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+191% above average
This MP:
39
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+139% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1649% above average
This MP:
85
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 Beth Winter's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.