Brendan Clarke-Smith
MP for Bassetlaw
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My constituents in Retford feel neglected by the Labour district council, which is yet to apply for any funds for the town. Can the Prime Minister confirm that there is no reason whatsoever why Retford cannot benefit from that latest investment?
Context
Retford constituents feel neglected by the Labour district council while Bassetlaw has benefited from levelling-up funds.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my hon. Friend for his kind invitation to visit and I shall certainly ask my office to keep it in mind. As he says, levelling-up partnerships are a commitment to work hand in hand with 20 different places in England most in need of levelling up, to make sure that they can realise their potential and ambitions. They are backed by £400 million-worth of investment so that they can be supported to thrive.
Assessment
No commitment was made about Retford's eligibility for the funds
Session: PMQs
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He invites the Prime Minister and Secretary of State to visit the hospital when work is completed, expressing delight over their previous visits.
Context
Clarke-Smith asks for an update on the £14.9 million investment to upgrade the A&E department at Bassetlaw Hospital.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Johnson congratulates Clarke-Smith for his work at Bassetlaw Hospital, confirming £15 million already allocated to expand emergency care capacity. He expresses eagerness to see progress and support the hospital's ambitions.
Session: PMQs
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Does the Minister agree that although all information cannot always be public due to confidentiality, the probation service should seek maximum transparency in giving communities as much information as possible?
Context
A man who murdered Pauline Quinn was released after serving time for a double murder, and the probation service admitted to making mistakes.
Edward Argar
I am grateful for raising this issue. It is important that there is maximum transparency, though all information cannot always be made public due to confidentiality constraints. If it would be helpful, I am happy to meet to discuss the matter further.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for his answer. He mentioned Worksop College, an independent school in my constituency, which offers chemistry roadshows for local state primary schools, hosts a weekly parkrun for local junior school pupils and does a lot of other community work. Does he agree that such independent/state school partnerships can be a key part of educational recovery? Does he welcome the forthcoming “Celebrating Partnerships” report from the Independent Schools Council, and will he therefore encourage all schools to get involved in cross-sector partnerships?
Context
The supplementary question follows up on the initial inquiry, emphasizing specific initiatives by Worksop College in Bassetlaw. The MP notes the college's chemistry roadshows for local primary schools, hosting of parkrun events for junior school pupils, and its community work.
Robin Walker
The short answer is that I will, and I welcome another question from another former teacher on the Conservative Benches. Such partnerships can form a key part of economic recovery, and I welcome the forthcoming “Celebrating Partnerships” report. I am very pleased to note that my noble Friend Baroness Barran has written the foreword for that important publication.
Session: Independent and State School Partnerships
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What plans he has to help encourage partnerships between independent and state schools in (a) Bassetlaw and (b) England.
Context
The question aims to inquire about the government's plans to encourage partnerships specifically in Bassetlaw and across England. It seeks details on how these partnerships can contribute to educational recovery.
Robin Walker
The Government are committed to cross-sector partnerships across England. We continue to work constructively with them to encourage more schools to engage with such partnership working.
Session: Independent and State School Partnerships
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I thank the Minister for her response and also for meeting me and the Environment Agency in January to discuss various issues surrounding flooding in Bassetlaw. Can the Minister update us on the progress of the proposed £6.5 million scheme in West Stockwith with local stakeholders?
Context
The MP met with the Minister and Environment Agency in January to discuss flooding issues in Bassetlaw. He seeks an update on a proposed £6.5 million flood protection scheme.
Rebecca Pow
I was very pleased to meet my hon. Friend and the EA to discuss this issue. He is a great campaigner for his local community. The West Stockwith pumping station evacuates flood water into the Trent at times of flood; elements of the station are at the end of their design life, and the Environment Agency is working with its partners to consider competing water demands in the area to develop an outline business case to replace these. There is a £5.5 million grant-in-aid indicative allocation in the capital programme for 2020-21 to 2023-24 for this work, and, crucially, the work will protect around 68 homes.
Session: Flood Resilience
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What steps he is taking to support flood resilience. This question aims to understand the measures being implemented by the government to enhance flood protection in various areas across the country.
Context
The MP is concerned about flood risks and seeks information on government support for resilience.
Rebecca Pow
In July 2020 we published a long-term statement setting out our ambition to create a nation more resilient to future flood and coastal erosion risk, and it contained five key policies and over 40 actions to better protect and prepare the country. We are investing £5.2 billion to build 2,000 new flood defences over the next six years; this is a serious commitment and it will better protect 336,000 properties.
Session: Flood Resilience
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What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that inward investment supports the levelling up of areas such as Bassetlaw?
Context
The question is prompted by the need to ensure that inward investment supports economic growth and job retention in specific regions like Bassetlaw, an area focused on levelling-up efforts.
Graham Stuart
My Department operates a key account management programme to support existing investors in priority levelling-up areas. D2N2 LEP is receiving funding under this programme to identify foreign owned companies across the area, including Bassetlaw, which can be assisted with growth plans. Seven new officers have been placed overseas since March specifically tasked with promoting investment opportunities in the Midlands, including Bassetlaw.
Session: Inward Investment
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What comparative assessment she has made of the level of inward investment into (a) the UK and (b) other European countries?
Context
The question is prompted by the need to assess the level of inward investment in comparison between the UK and other European countries. This is significant for economic competitiveness and policy direction.
Graham Stuart
According to the latest Office for National Statistics figures, the UK's inward foreign direct investment stock stood at £1.6 trillion at the end of 2019, maintaining its No. 1 status in Europe according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
Session: Inward Investment
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Does Clarke-Smith seek assurance that Morton will work with international partners to stop violence against journalists, protesters, and opposition candidates? Does he share concern over forced deportations?
Context
Clarke-Smith inquired about Morton's commitment to continue pressuring the Belarusian regime.
Wendy Morton
Morton supports an independent OSCE investigation into the fraudulent election and human rights abuses. She has engaged with Germany, US, France, Baltic states, Finland, Sweden, and Poland on these issues.
Session: Belarus
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What recent assessment has been made regarding the effect of the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus on its political and security situation?
Context
Clarke-Smith inquired about the impact of the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus on the country's political stability.
Wendy Morton
The Government do not accept the fraudulent presidential elections' results in Belarus. They condemn violence by authorities towards peaceful protestors and journalists, including BBC representatives. Morton raised concerns with the Foreign Minister of Belarus and at international forums like OSCE and UN Security Council. She called for an independent investigation through OSCE and supported sanctions, emphasizing dialogue between Belarusians and their government.
Session: Belarus
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Will he join me in recognising the valuable contribution of such groups in supporting local authorities in the fight against covid-19?
Context
The constituency benefits from the work of voluntary sector and groups such as Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service and Bassetlaw Action Centre.
Robert Jenrick
The Secretary of State joins him in thanking those organisations and acknowledges that millions of other people, such as the elderly and vulnerable, are benefiting from the work of charities, faith groups and local councils.
Session: Covid-19 Support for Extremely Vulnerable People
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Iran
07 June 2023
Responding: Andrew Mitchell
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the failure of the international community to address Iran's threats and violations, including its nuclear programme, ballistic missiles, terrorism support, and human rights abuses. Iran has been breaching the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action since May 2019 and is now a threshold nuclear state capable of producing at least two nuclear bombs within months. It also continues to develop advanced missiles despite UN resolutions, threatening regional stability and potentially providing weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine. Additionally, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) engages in human rights abuses and supports terrorist activities globally."]
Specific Asks
["I call on the Government to take decisive action by initiating a snapback of sanctions under United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 and not delisting entities associated with Iran's ballistic missile programme. Furthermore, I urge the proscription of the IRGC in its entirety to address its support for terrorism and other malign activities."]
Large Solar Farms — [Sir Charles Walker in the Chair]
09 March 2022
Responding: George Freeman
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the impact of large solar farms on agricultural land and rural environments. In my constituency, proposals for a 600-acre solar farm by West Burton Solar Project Ltd could damage wildlife-rich landscapes near special conservation villages like Clayworth and Gringley on the Hill. The site is not low-grade agricultural land or a brownfield site as required by planning guidance. It is also near protected areas such as the Idle Valley nature reserve, posing flood risks and potentially undermining local food security amidst global wheat supply issues.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Government to ensure that solar farms are only developed on poor-quality farmland or non-agricultural land that does not have high environmental value. I also ask for a review of soil quality assessments before approving such large-scale projects in environmentally sensitive areas.']
Football (Amendment) Bill - Clause 1
23 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Smoking Reduction and Tobacco Control Bill - Clause 1
16 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the Bill, stating its purpose is to prevent future generations from starting smoking. Argues that the only product that kills two thirds of its long-term users if consumed as intended is tobacco...
Post Office Governance and Horizon Compensation Schemes
19 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Gender Recognition
06 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Legal Migration
04 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Illegal Immigration
15 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Not specified in the given text - Clause 4
25 October 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. The speaker has not yet provided detailed arguments or statistics regarding this amendment in the given text.
Storm Babet: Flooding
23 October 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Horizon IT Scandal: Compensation
18 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Higher Education Reform
17 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
2
PMQs Asked
10
Ministerial Questions Asked
91
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
1
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
-25% below average
This MP:
10
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1772% above average
This MP:
91
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-89% below average
This MP:
1
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 Brendan Clarke-Smith's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.