Carol Monaghan
MP for Glasgow North West
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Households are facing soaring energy bills amid a climate emergency. Norway can feed electricity into our grid at £1.36 per megawatt-hour, while France pays 17p. Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg pay nothing. Why does Scotland face charges of £7.36 per megawatt-hour?
Context
The MP raised concerns over high grid connection charges for Scotland's renewable energy sector, comparing costs with Norway and Germany.
Boris Johnson
Scotland leads in renewable energy, and I thank the Scottish Government for their support. However, I believe there is a role for hydrocarbons during our transition to green energy. Ensuring our grid can handle electricity from offshore resources will be addressed in the British energy security strategy.
Assessment
The PM did not address why Scotland faces higher grid connection charges compared to other countries.
Session: PMQs
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A constituent of mine is a popular parish priest in Glasgow. Originally from Nigeria, he became a British citizen last year and applied for his first British passport last summer. His naturalisation certificate, issued by the Home Secretary, includes his title, reverend father, under his name. This is causing the Passport Office unexplained difficulties and seven months on he is still waiting for his passport. Will the Deputy Prime Minister look at this case as a matter of urgency? His mother is extremely ill in Nigeria; he needs to get his passport to visit her.
Context
A parish priest in Glasgow is experiencing delays in receiving his British passport despite having the necessary documentation and a valid reason for urgency.
Dominic Raab
I thank the hon. Lady for raising that case. It sounds very sensitive and I will make sure a Home Office Minister looks at it as a matter of urgency.
Session: PMQs
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Will 80% furlough be available to specific regions beyond December 2nd, should they need to lock down because of increasing infections?
Context
Millions of people need clarification on the availability of furlough support to specific regions beyond December 2nd if they require lockdown measures due to rising infections.
Boris Johnson
The furlough scheme is a UK-wide programme that will continue to be available to all parts of the country.
Assessment
Providing clarification on the availability of 80% furlough support beyond December 2nd for specific regions needing lockdown measures
Redirect
Session: PMQs
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Parliament must stay open, but what plans does the Prime Minister have to utilise systems such as conference calls and electronic voting to ensure that we do not become part of the problem? Every week 650 MPs come here from every part of the UK, spend several days operating in close proximity and meeting people from all over the world.
Context
Monaghan expressed concern about MPs potentially becoming vectors for coronavirus spread while attending Parliament.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
We are still at the containment stage. The chief medical officer and the chief scientific adviser will say more in the next couple of days about what we are going to do to delay the advance of coronavirus—in Parliament and other large gatherings.
Session: PMQs
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Monday was Holocaust Memorial Day. When the Prime Minister's Government rejected Lord Dubs' amendment on unaccompanied child refugees, Britain's beacon dimmed. Will the Prime Minister now devolve powers over immigration to Holyrood to allow Scotland to be a beacon of hope?
Context
In response to Holocaust Memorial Day, concerns about Britain's reputation and its handling of unaccompanied child refugees.
Boris Johnson
The hon. Lady does a disservice to this country's reputation and record, because not only have we taken 41,000 unaccompanied children since 2010, but the whole country can be very proud of everything that we continue to do to commemorate the holocaust and what took place then.
Assessment
Devolution of immigration powers to Holyrood
Discrediting Questioner'S Claim
Session: PMQs
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What consideration has been given to repurposing the Rosalind Franklin Institute as a GMP facility for phage production rather than selling it off?
Context
A facility for the production of good manufacturing practice phages would be an asset to many companies in tackling antimicrobial resistance.
Andrew Griffith
The hon. Lady has made some important points. My officials and I have met representatives of the institute and have considered a number of options for it, of which they and, I believe, she will be aware.
Session: Life Sciences Manufacturing
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I thank the Secretary of State for mentioning exam season. I am sure she will include the Scottish young people sitting their exams, whose exams started last week—they are already in the throes of it. Deepfake images and nudification apps pose massive threats to the mental health of girls in particular, and therefore their educational outcomes. I am pleased that the Government have taken steps to criminalise the creation of such images, but how is the Secretary of State working with Cabinet colleagues to put pressure on internet companies to take the radical action necessary to remove such images, which can have such an impact on girls' education?
Context
The MP raised concerns about deepfake images and nudification apps posing threats to girls' mental health and educational outcomes, and asked how the Government is working with internet companies.
Damian Hinds
The hon. Member is of course right that the lead is taken by a different Department, but we are very conscious of the pressures, including from social media, in relation to pornography, deepfake and nudification, as she rightly identifies, and we are working right across Government to make sure those pressures can be eased.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps are being taken to support education on Israel and antisemitism? The failure to teach children about Israel's history leads to ignorance, as seen with Jewish occupation for over 3000 years and the Balfour declaration's impact.
Context
The Minister has acknowledged the rise in antisemitism. A £7 million investment is aimed at tackling this issue.
Damian Hinds
History is important; learning about Israel can be covered in history, specifically under the 'challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world since 1901' theme.
Session: Israel and Antisemitism Secondary School Education
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If the Tory party is happy to sell off its own members' personal data, how can the public possibly have confidence that their data is safe under the Government?
Context
A recent article in The Guardian reported that senior Tory officials planned to sell their members' data through the “True Blue” app.
Julia Lopez
The allegations were written in The Guardian and I have not seen them myself. There is no evidence suggesting we are trying to bring forward laws that would do such a thing.
Session: Personal Data
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Is the truth not that retention is down, recruitment is down and early retirements are up? What is the Minister going to do to boost the morale of teachers?
Context
There are concerns about declining teacher retention and recruitment rates.
Damian Hinds
I think the hon. Gentleman needs to do some research before he starts asking questions in Parliament. On recruitment and retention, I join him in stressing the importance of retention, which we are absolutely focused on, including through our workload programme. We have a good set of scholarships and bursaries for encouraging entry and a range of different routes into teaching to get the full range of talent that can benefit our children and young people.
Session: Teachers and School Support Staff Morale
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Can the Minister confirm whether any discussions have taken place with colleagues at the Home Office about providing emergency visas to female STEM academics who are collaborating with UK partners?
Context
A number of the MP's constituents working in STEM areas have expressed concerns about their research partners currently in Gaza.
Andrew Griffith
I am not aware of that, but I will happily ask the question of Home Office colleagues and write to the hon. Lady.
Session: Women in STEM Jobs
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What steps is the Minister taking to address off-rolling?
Context
Schools are removing GCSE students to protect their league table positions.
Damian Hinds
Let me be abundantly clear: off-rolling—removing a pupil from a school without using a permanent exclusion—is unacceptable and unlawful. That is in the Ofsted framework, and it is strengthened in the revised framework that came out in 2019 to look at that. It can be seen in Ofsted's report. It is also looked at by the Teacher Regulation Agency.
Session: School Attendance
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To be clear, the UK Government will not even extend free school meals to children in households receiving universal credit. Speaking in Parliament two weeks ago, the Children's Commissioner for England urged the UK Government to expand free school meals, saying that children with an empty belly cannot learn. When will this Government follow Scotland's lead in addressing child poverty by rolling out free school meals to all primary school children?
Context
The UK Government has not extended free school meals to children in households receiving universal credit. The Children's Commissioner for England recently urged the UK Government to expand free school meals.
Damian Hinds
We have extended eligibility for free school meals on three occasions, mainly with universal infant free school meals, the extension of further education students and, most recently, by extending the protections for people in transition on universal credit. I say gently to the hon. Lady that we think it is important to target free school meals, but that it is just as important for children in secondary school as in primary.
Session: Cost of Living Support Devolved Administrations
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According to the Government's own figures, new Brexit controls will cost the UK £330 million. Businesses in Glasgow are telling me they are already suffering from increased costs and red tape when importing parts and exporting goods. Can the Minister explain to businesses in my Glasgow North West constituency how Brexit is good for them?
Context
The question highlights the cost incurred by new Brexit controls, estimated at £330 million. Businesses in Glasgow face increased costs and red tape.
John Lamont
The hon. Lady and the SNP really do have a brass neck speaking about business costs, given their own policy of setting up a hard border at Berwick, next to my constituency. That would risk thousands of jobs and force thousands of companies out of business—it would be a most damaging and reckless economic step. We will work through any short-term issues, but the answer is not the long-term decline proposed by the SNP.
Session: Leaving the EU Import and Export Requirements
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Whether he has made a recent assessment of the impact of import and export requirements following the UK's exit from the EU on Scottish businesses. The latest official figures show sustained increases in both imports and exports between Scotland and the EU, with positive results for services too.
Context
The question addresses concerns about the economic impact of post-Brexit regulations on Scottish trade.
John Lamont
The latest official figures speak for themselves and show sustained increases in both the import and export of goods between Scotland and the EU, with healthy results for services too.
Session: Leaving the EU Import and Export Requirements
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How does the proposed sale of the Rosalind Franklin Institute align with the Government's plan for being a science superpower, and when will issues be addressed?
Context
The proposed sale of the Rosalind Franklin Institute is seen as a threat to biomedical science innovation. The Science Minister will meet with the MP later.
Saqib Bhatti
My colleague the Science Minister will address these concerns at the meeting scheduled later today, but no direct answer is given here.
Session: Innovation in Technology
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What representation is the Secretary of State making to Israeli counterparts to demand a far more robust response to this violence?
Context
Israeli Finance Minister's declaration of "2 million Nazis" in the West Bank.
Andrew Mitchell
The Prime Minister spoke with Netanyahu on 5 December, welcoming recent comments condemning settler violence and urging meaningful action to stop it.
Session: Violence in the West Bank
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Could you make a statement about representations made to Cabinet colleagues regarding introducing an emergency humanitarian visa for academics in Gaza?
Context
The input of Palestinian academics is crucial for a peaceful solution to the Israel-Gaza conflict, but many have already lost their lives.
David Johnston
I will write to the hon. Lady about that.
Session: Topical Questions
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The workload and stress levels of teachers rise exponentially during an inspection. In the light of the coroner's verdict that the “rude and intimidating” nature of the Ofsted inspection contributed to Ruth Perry's tragic suicide, how is the Minister ensuring the welfare of school leaders is prioritised during inspections?
Context
Workload and stress levels of teachers increase during Ofsted inspections, contributing to tragic incidents such as Ruth Perry's suicide.
Damian Hinds
I extend my condolences to Ruth Perry's friends and family. The inspection framework must be fully informative to parents and supportive to teachers and schools.
Session: Teacher Workload
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I welcome the new Front-Bench team to their positions. Since November 2020, £1.1 billion of taxpayers' money has been invested in the Rosalind Franklin Institute as a mega-lab to defend Britain against future pandemics. Can one of the new team explain why the mega-lab has been put up for sale?
Context
Since November 2020, £1.1 billion of taxpayers' money has been invested in the Rosalind Franklin Institute.
Andrew Griffith
The Government are investing record amounts in innovation and research in technology, including across the life sciences sector. I will happily meet the hon. Lady to discuss this matter in more detail.
Session: Topical Questions
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While costs of living have risen significantly, the value of student maintenance loans decreased by £1,500 since 2020-21. Students face severe financial strain affecting both physical and mental health. Almost one in ten students had weekly budgets under £20 after rent; one in five after rent and bills.
Context
The MP highlighted the increase in food, heating, and rent costs affecting students' maintenance loans by £1,500 since 2020-21. This has led to financial difficulties impacting their education and mental health.
Robert Halfon
We provide £276 million to support disadvantaged students, including a £1,000 bursary from Nottingham University for disadvantaged students. Additional help is available through energy bills assistance.
Session: Students Cost of Living
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Will the Minister confirm that work capability assessments will be reasonable and consider all aspects of an individual's life when assessing whether they are fit for work?
Context
The number of people off work due to chronic illness is higher than before the pandemic.
Guy Opperman
Over 1 million more disabled people are now in work. The WCA will continue on an ongoing basis until there is reform.
Session: Employment Essex
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Data from the Times Health Commission reports that nearly 11,000 people in England last year were hospitalised with malnutrition. Malnutrition itself has quadrupled since 2007, with a shocking rise in Victorian illnesses such as scurvy and rickets. Can the Minister explain how such shocking figures fit within her Government's levelling-up agenda?
Context
The MP highlights shocking figures on hospitalisations due to malnutrition, which has quadrupled since 2007.
Dehenna Davison
I thank the hon. Lady for highlighting that. The wider 12 levelling-up missions cover a range of areas, including health and healthy life outcomes. It is important that we all work together to tackle this issue.
Session: Levelling Up
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What assessment has been made of the potential effect of increases in the cost of living on his Department's levelling-up agenda?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of increasing costs on the levelling-up agenda.
Dehenna Davison
Levelling up is not just a slogan—it is an imperative, and that is why it is a driving mission of this Government. We are establishing investment zones and freeports to create high-quality local jobs, delivering billions of pounds of investment into vital local projects and empowering local leaders through devolution deals.
Session: Levelling Up
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Despite its key role in the industrial strategy challenge fund, why has the UK Government not provided core funding to the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics at Strathclyde?
Context
The MP declared her chairmanship of the all-party group on photonics and quantum, highlighting the Fraunhofer Centre's achievements in collaboration but noting UK Government lack of core funding.
George Freeman
The UK Government are investing in Glasgow's cluster, including quantum. We put one of our three innovation accelerators there recently.
Session: Regional Innovation
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Why is not being considered to count only those who stay for settlement figures?
Context
Eightfold increase in dependants due to policies and collapse of the European market; international students are counted as permanent migrants.
Gillian Keegan
Less than 1% of initial study visa holders granted settlement by 2021. Home Office data show the increase in dependants but does not control migration figures, managed by ONS.
Session: Student Visas Higher Education
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Does she stand by her initial remarks that such policies will impact our ability to attract the best students?
Context
Former Education Secretary conceded that policy changes would reduce the ability to attract top students from around the world.
Gillian Keegan
We are keen on the two-year graduate route visa, ensuring all students have time to find jobs before applying for work visas. The number of dependants increased unprecedentedly, and action was needed given migration figures.
Session: Student Visas Higher Education
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The different application of VAT between domestic and public charging points is clearly a disincentive. Will the Minister speak to his colleagues in the Treasury to ensure that this unfair VAT charge is scrapped?
Context
The MP raises concern about the VAT difference discouraging public charge point use, affecting 38% of households.
Jesse Norman
The tax system supports electric vehicle take-up already. As a former Financial Secretary, I am not going to make Treasury policy from the Dispatch Box, but my colleagues will have noted her concern.
Session: Electric Vehicles
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Ofgem has stated that prepayment meters should not be fitted for anybody over the age of 85. In Glasgow, life expectancy is 76. Will the Minister look at increasing the range of people who are considered vulnerable under this?
Context
Concern about the age limit on prepayment meter installations and its impact in areas with lower life expectancy.
Amanda Solloway (Minister of State)
The arrangements that we have for prepayment meters are incredibly important, and we are working closely with Ofgem to ensure that we tackle this issue. As always, I am happy to meet to discuss these issues.
Session: Topical Questions
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UK semiconductor businesses are waiting for the semiconductor strategy. I have asked several times about this. The Minister for Science, Research and Innovation told me it would be published shortly. Can she champion the semiconductor industry by speaking to her colleagues in DSIT to expedite its publication?
Context
UK semiconductor businesses have been awaiting a semiconductor strategy. Two weeks prior, the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation promised its publication in 'a matter of days'.
Nusrat Ghani
I will chase up the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on the semiconductor strategy. While it does not fall under our remit, we ensure critical minerals needed for semiconductors are in supply chains.
Session: Topical Questions
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One of the companies based in NETPark is Pragmatic Semiconductor, which is innovating chip production. It has indicated that it would consider moving its operations overseas if the UK fails to produce a semiconductor strategy that funds and supports chip production. We have been asking for this strategy for years now, so can the Minister assure the House not only that the strategy is imminent and will be published very shortly, but that it will properly fund and support companies such as Pragmatic?
Context
Pragmatic Semiconductor in NETPark is innovating chip production but considers moving operations overseas without a semiconductor strategy.
George Freeman
The Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology has met the company concerned. We will be setting out the semiconductor strategy in days, which will address the hon. Lady's concerns about funding and supporting companies such as Pragmatic.
Session: Commercialisation of Research North-east England
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In Nagorno-Karabakh, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly. More than a dozen non-governmental organisations, including Genocide Watch, have stated that the conditions are ripe for ethnic cleansing. That is a very concerning situation for the 120,000 Armenians who live there. What further pressure can the Government bring to bear to end the blockade of the Lachin corridor?
Context
The humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is deteriorating, with NGOs warning of ethnic cleansing and a blockade affecting Armenians.
Leo Docherty
We take this extremely seriously. We have urged all parties to return to the negotiating table and to reopen the Lachin corridor. I have spoken directly to the Foreign Ministers of both nations about this. Of course, we are very pleased that we have provided £1 million of humanitarian assistance to the International Committee of the Red Cross following the 2020 conflict.
Session: Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
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High-quality teaching is only possible when teachers feel valued and supported. The Scottish Government have engaged in constructive dialogue with teaching unions and agreed a pay deal for teachers with a 12% salary increase this month. Rather than hurl insults at dedicated teachers, when will this Government come up with a realistic pay offer for their committed teaching staff?
Context
The MP questions the Government's engagement with teaching unions and criticises their pay offer for teachers.
Gillian Keegan (Secretary of State for Education)
I pay tribute to all our dedicated teachers. All of us across the House will agree that we cannot have a world-class education system without world-class teachers, and I am committed to making sure that we recruit and retain the best teachers. Obviously, we have had intensive talks with the unions and we offered them a one-off payment of £1,000 and an average of 4.5% for the period from September 2023 to 2024, when inflation is expected to be way below 2%. It is really disappointing that they have rejected that offer. It is also disappointing that they claim that it was not fully funded or affordable to schools, because we have confirmed that it is, and the Institute for Fiscal Studies has confirmed that as well.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Minister has highlighted improvements but the disadvantage gap is now wider than before the pandemic. Despite this, they provided only a third of recommended recovery funds. What urgent steps will be taken to address this pressing need?
Context
Despite improvements, the disadvantage gap continues to widen post-pandemic. The Government's national tutoring programme had limited uptake and funding fell short of recommendations.
Nick Gibb
Since 2010, we closed the disadvantage gap by 13% in primary schools and 9% in secondary schools. During the pandemic, this gap widened but we introduced a tutoring programme and allocated £5 billion for recovery. The pupil premium is being increased from £2.6 billion to £2.9 billion.
Session: Disadvantage Gap in Schools
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In my constituency, I have employers who are struggling to recruit staff living next door to asylum seekers who are not allowed to work. Last week's Budget talked about boosting employment. Does the Home Secretary agree that lifting the ban on work for asylum seekers would help to boost employment?
Context
Local employers are struggling to recruit staff while asylum seekers in neighbouring areas cannot work, raising concerns about employment opportunities.
Robert Jenrick
We do not agree with that: we do not want to see any further pull factors to the UK. We want to see deterrence suffused throughout our approach, and one element of that is ensuring that those who come illegally are detained and then removed from the country.
Session: Topical Questions
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When will we have a decision on whether the UK will associate to Horizon?
Context
The MP inquired about the urgency of reaching a decision regarding the UK's association with the EU's research and innovation programme, Horizon.
Michelle Donelan
We have not changed our position regarding Horizon and association was in the UK-EU trade and co-operation agreement. We welcome the EU's recent openness to the discussion, after two years of delay, and I discussed the matter directly with the EU ambassador yesterday.
Session: Research and Development Sector
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Does the Foreign Secretary accept that current diplomatic approach is not working given violations of international law?
Context
Prime Minister Netanyahu tweeted construction will continue in Judea and Samaria despite commitments to reduce violence.
James Cleverly
The UK seeks to protect the viability of a sustainable two-state solution and raises concerns about activities that might put that future at risk. The UK works in coordination with international friends and allies for this stance.
Session: Israel and Palestine
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What recent assessment has been made of the implications for policies due to the security and human rights situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories?
Context
The security situation remains fragile with recent spikes in violence and bloodshed.
James Cleverly
The UK enjoys a strong bilateral relationship with Israel, allowing us to raise issues where we disagree. We have disagreed with settlement expansion and demolition of Palestinian homes. The Foreign Secretary has raised concerns about the speculation of settlement building on E1 territories in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Session: Israel and Palestine
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A popular business in my constituency, Mortons Rolls, has ceased trading, putting 250 jobs at risk. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss support for this business and its staff?
Context
Mortons Rolls, a popular business in the constituency, ceased trading, putting 250 jobs at risk.
Mel Stride
We have measures like local surge support, job matching. I will ask the Employment Minister to meet her urgently.
Session: Topical Questions
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It is concerning to hear that the Home Secretary is considering changing visa rules significantly to reduce the period that international students can remain in the UK post-graduation. When the post-study work visa was previously withdrawn, huge damage was done to the higher education sector. Will the Minister assure the House that he will oppose such short-sighted and reactionary policies from the Home Secretary?
Context
There is concern over potential changes to post-study work visas, affecting international students.
Robert Halfon
Immigration matters are for the Home Office, but I am proud that we have a target of 600,000 international students every year. We have exceeded that target, and they have ensured that the economic worth to our country is £25 billion.
Session: Topical Questions
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What discussions has the Minister had with Treasury colleagues, and indeed the Chancellor, on using a tiny part of that surplus to provide free school meals for all children in England?
Context
The MP paid tribute to Betty Boothroyd and asked about the use of an unexpected £5.4 billion surplus by the Chancellor to provide free school meals for all children in England.
Nick Gibb
Of course, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has frequent meetings with the Chancellor. In her first few weeks in office she achieved an extra £2 billion of funding for our schools, bringing the increase next year to £3.5 billion. We remain committed to ensuring that disadvantaged children continue to be supported.
Session: Pupil Attainment Cost of Living
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According to the Resolution Foundation, the previous Prime Minister's unfunded tax cuts cost the economy £30 billion. Will the Chancellor confirm that he will not capitulate to her allies who are calling for the reintroduction of tax cuts for their wealthy cronies in next month's Budget?
Context
The Resolution Foundation reported that the previous Prime Minister's tax cuts cost the economy £30 billion.
Jeremy Hunt
What I can confirm is that there will be no tax cuts funded by borrowing. I can also confirm that those of us on this side of the House, unlike those on the hon. Member's side, believe in lower taxes.
Session: Topical Questions
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What measures are being taken by the Minister to ensure women's safety in the armed forces and tackle the pervasive attitude of misogyny? The questioner referenced new data showing that more women left the armed forces than joined, and highlighted concerns over sexual abuse and harassment allegations.
Context
The Ministry of Defence reported that in the year to September 2022, more women left the armed forces than joined. This is concerning given recent sexual abuse and harassment allegations.
Kemi Badenoch
My colleagues in the Ministry of Defence take seriously the issue of women leaving the armed forces. We have a strategy and plan to tackle it, including measures against sexual harassment. The Government will do everything possible to encourage women to stay and thrive in their workplaces.
Session: Workplace Inequality Gender and Race
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As a former teacher, I support the right of our teachers to strike. Does the Secretary of State agree that constructive dialogue with our dedicated teachers is vital rather than demonising them?
Context
The Government is planning anti-strike legislation, and one of its colleagues has described striking teachers as “Bolsheviks” and “commies”.
Gillian Keegan
I always believe in constructive dialogue. The very first meeting I took as we welcomed in the new year was with all four main teaching unions, and I will be meeting them again later this week.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Levelling Up Secretary said in October that extending free school meal provision would be the most timely, effective and targeted of all public health interventions that this Government could make. The Scottish Government have already committed to universal free school meals for primary children. Does the Minister agree with his colleague? If not, what targeted interventions would he make to tackle child hunger?
Context
The Levelling Up Secretary suggested in October that extending free school meals would be a highly effective intervention. The Scottish Government have committed to universal free school meals for primary children.
Nick Gibb
We are spending £1.6 billion a year on free school meals for children. We want to make sure that this funding is targeted at the most needy, which we are doing by increasing the number of children eligible from 1.7 million to 1.9 million pupils.
Session: Free School Meals
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Yemen: Humanitarian Situation and Children’s Rights
09 May 2023
Responding: David Rutley
Main Concerns
["The humanitarian situation in Yemen is described as a 'forgotten crisis' with eight years of intense conflict, economic collapse, and social system breakdown leading to unimaginable suffering for civilians, particularly children. There are more than 2 million malnourished children, with 540,000 under five facing risk of death due to severe hunger. Basic healthcare, clean water, and sanitation are lacking; nearly half the health facilities are out of service or partially functioning. Education is severely disrupted: over 2,500 schools damaged, around 2.5 million children not in school, girls particularly impacted by child marriage."]
Specific Asks
["The UK Government needs to increase humanitarian aid and stop arming the Saudi-led coalition. The current ODA cut from 0.7% of GNI to 0.5% has reduced aid significantly; £214 million in 2020 dropped to £88 million this year, impacting children's futures negatively."]
UK Asylum System and Asylum Seekers’ Mental Health
13 April 2021
Responding: Kevin Foster
Main Concerns
["Carol Monaghan is concerned about the UK asylum system's impact on mental health, highlighting that asylum seekers are five times more likely to have poor mental health than the general population. She points out that long waits for decisions, poor accommodation, and a ban on working contribute to this situation. In Glasgow, where she works directly with asylum seekers, concerns include emergency hotel accommodation conditions and the removal of small asylum support during the pandemic. The use of dilapidated Army barracks is also criticised as unsuitable housing."]
Specific Asks
['Monaghan asks for an end to reliance on institutional emergency accommodation such as hotels and barracks, investment in more community-based housing, and granting asylum seekers the right to work six months after lodging a claim without constraints from the shortage occupation list. She also requests that the Home Office gathers correct information during interviews to make decisions accurately.']
Immigration Update
01 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
17 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Cyber-security and UK Democracy
25 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
27 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ceasefire in Gaza
21 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
LGBT Veterans Independent Review
13 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel-Hamas War: Diplomacy
11 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Data Protection and Digital Information Bill - Motion to re-commit the Bill to Public Bill Committee
29 November 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I move that the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill be re-committed to a Public Bill Committee due to significant issues with the amendments tabled by the Government. The amendments, introduc...
Gaza: Al-Ahli Arab Hospital Explosion
18 October 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Work Capability Assessment Consultation
05 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
5
PMQs Asked
102
Ministerial Questions Asked
109
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+36% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+647% above average
This MP:
102
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-21% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2152% above average
This MP:
109
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
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 Carol Monaghan's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.