Chris Grayling
MP for Epsom and Ewell
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Last year, a number of us were on the first transatlantic flight powered by sustainable aviation fuel. This week, the International Airlines Group made its first major purchase of that fuel, but that fuel is coming from the United States and it is important that we have a SAF industry in this country. Will the Prime Minister tell the Treasury and the Department for Transport to accelerate the work that they are doing to put in place the right framework and the right support mechanisms to ensure that we have a SAF industry for our aviation sector for the future?
Context
There is a need to support the domestic production of SAF for aviation.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my right hon. Friend for championing this cause, which is absolutely right, and reassure him that we are committed to ensuring that the SAF mandate is in place in 2025. That will require about 10% of jet fuel to be made from sustainable feedstock by 2030. I am pleased to tell him that, to get there, we have provided £135 million to 13 different UK sustainable aviation fuel projects to kickstart our domestic industry and, importantly, as he also knows, we have committed to introducing a revenue certainty mechanism to support SAF production in the UK as soon as practically possible.
Session: PMQs
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I know that the Prime Minister shares my commitment to conservation around the world, and I am sure he agrees that we have to reverse the tide of deforestation. Will he ask Ministers in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to look seriously at my proposals for a kitemark scheme for food products in the UK, so that consumers can see clearly whether the products they buy come from sustainable sources or from producers who are doing further damage to our environment?
Context
There is a need to ensure that consumers can easily identify whether the food they buy comes from sustainable sources or contributes further damage to the environment.
Boris Johnson
I am very happy to look at my right hon. Friend's interesting suggestion for a kitemark scheme. In the meantime, this Government are leading the world in tackling deforestation, with a £3 billion investment being led across Whitehall.
Assessment
Reviewing specific proposals for kitemark scheme
Highlighted Current Efforts Against Deforestation
Session: PMQs
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I have seen how it's possible to turn a palm oil plantation back into a rainforest full of wildlife. Will the PM ensure we step up our work through DFID to restore biodiversity and tackle climate change?
Context
The question highlights the importance of restoring biodiversity around the world, with reference to a palm oil plantation turning into a rainforest. The focus is on stepping up work through DFID.
Boris Johnson
My right hon. Friend raises an important point. We have a direct link between the Chinese COP summit on biodiversity and our COP26 summit on climate change.
Assessment
Specific efforts through DFID
Direct Link
Session: PMQs
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I congratulate the new ministerial team on their appointment. The challenge in a constituency such as mine in the south-east and inside the M25 is that, even when the Government are spending a substantial amount of money on housing support, the local housing allowance simply does not enable people to get into private rented accommodation. Will my hon. Friend and his colleagues look again at how local housing allowance is structured and allocated across the country to try to ensure that it works everywhere?
Context
Concerns persist about the local housing allowance not allowing individuals to secure private rented accommodation despite significant government spending.
Guy Opperman
My right hon. Friend is a doughty campaigner on this issue. He will be aware, though, that it cannot be looked at in isolation and that we must look at the additional support available such as discretionary housing payments through the local authority—they are worth up to £1.5 billion overall across all local authorities—as well as the cost of living support package of £37 billion-plus and the household support fund, which again is administered by local authorities.
Session: Universal Credit Housing Element
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If he will review the calculation of the housing element of universal credit. The challenge in a constituency such as mine in the south-east and inside the M25 is that, even when the Government are spending a substantial amount of money on housing support, the local housing allowance simply does not enable people to get into private rented accommodation.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the adequacy of local housing allowance rates for constituents to secure private rented accommodation.
Guy Opperman
My right hon. Friend is a doughty campaigner on this issue. He will be aware, though, that it cannot be looked at in isolation and that we must look at the additional support available such as discretionary housing payments through the local authority—they are worth up to £1.5 billion overall across all local authorities—as well as the cost of living support package of £37 billion-plus and the household support fund, which again is administered by local authorities.
Session: Universal Credit Housing Element
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Could I urge the Minister and the Secretary of State to ensure that they consider all possible avenues to assist?
Context
Surrey faces specific challenges with an ageing demographic, high housing costs, and a general high cost of living.
Gillian Keegan
Surrey will receive £2,704,702. We have started the biggest national recruitment campaign ever done, Made with Care, to thank our care workers and show it as a rewarding career.
Session: Social Care Staff Numbers and Vacancy Rates
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What steps he is taking to tackle staff shortages in the social care sector?
Context
The social care sector is experiencing significant challenges with staff recruitment and retention, leading to critical shortages.
Gillian Keegan
We recognise the challenges and have put in place measures such as a £162.5 million workforce recruitment and retention fund and a national recruitment campaign highlighting the rewarding nature of work in adult social care, launched on 3 November.
Session: Social Care Staff Numbers and Vacancy Rates
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The Foreign Secretary referred in her opening remarks to the work that her Department was doing, but did not mention the support that she is providing for environmental projects, particularly the valuable projects in the Congo basin. May I ask her to ensure that the work she does on land, in forests, is matched by support for marine projects, where the loss of habitats is equally serious and the benefits for tackling climate change can be enormous?
Context
The Foreign Secretary mentioned work on land and forests, but did not mention support for marine projects.
Vicky Ford
I assure my right hon. Friend that this Government are determined to protect the ocean. We are leading international efforts to protect 30% of the world's ocean by 2030, and are substantially increasing our investment to support that. Our £500 million blue plant fund will protect mangroves and coral reefs, tackle ocean plastic pollution, and reduce coastal poverty.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I add weight to what my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Aaron Bell) said earlier? I have a similar situation in my constituency at the Chalk Pit in Epsom. It is really important that we strengthen the public heath duties of the Environment Agency. Will the Secretary of State make that a priority of his discussions with his ministerial colleague?
Context
The MP added weight to a previous statement about strengthening public health duties.
Sajid Javid
Yes.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Secretary of State look at whether universal credit goes as far as it can in meeting rising pressures on living costs, especially regarding the interaction between the energy cap for general electricity bills and that for prepayment meters?
Context
There is a potential mismatch between the energy cap for those with general electricity bills and that for prepayment meter users.
Therese Coffey
My hon. Friend is right to raise that issue. The warm home discount is administered through BEIS in conjunction with energy companies, although the DWP facilitates automatic claiming for benefit claimants.
Session: Universal Credit Removal of Uplift
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My hon. Friend knows my concern about the protectionist attitude shown by the EU and the risks to the City as a result. With ministerial colleagues doing similar in other jurisdictions, will the Minister do everything necessary to modify our regulations for a strong competitive future?
Context
There are concerns about the protectionist stance of the European Union towards financial services, especially with President Macron hosting Wall Street representatives next week while travel has been unlocked within the EU.
John Glen
We are promoting the international role of the sector and developing ambitious trade and regulatory relationships with other jurisdictions. We keep all these matters under review. We have taken on board work from a taskforce on innovation, growth, and regulatory reform.
Session: Financial Services Sector
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What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to secure an agreement with the EU on financial services. The sector faces protectionist attitudes from the EU, and there are concerns about the risks to the City if no agreement is reached.
Context
The question is prompted by ongoing negotiations between the UK and EU regarding financial services, which are crucial for the City of London.
John Glen
The Government's strategy on financial services includes promoting the international role of the sector and developing trade and regulatory relationships with other jurisdictions. They are keeping matters under review and have taken on board work from a taskforce on innovation, growth, and regulatory reform.
Session: Financial Services Sector
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Please will he take every step possible to put pressure on the Brazilian Government to ensure that protections for the Amazon are not reduced?
Context
The MP expresses concern about increased deforestation in Brazil, especially regarding the Amazon rainforest.
Dominic Raab
We welcome President Bolsonaro's commitment to reach zero illegal deforestation by 2030 and are working with Brazil on sustainable production. Through international finance programmes, we have committed £259 million to help protect the Amazon.
Session: Topical Questions
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I congratulate my right hon. Friend again on the progress of the vaccination process. He should be proud of what he has achieved. The documents published yesterday about the road map did not appear to contain any assessment of the infection risk in individual settings, which could have demonstrated that there had been carefully informed decisions about the reasons for each individual restriction. Has that work been carried out? If so, will my right hon. Friend commit to publishing those assessments immediately?
Context
The government published a road map outlining steps to ease lockdown measures, but the MP questioned whether there had been an assessment of infection risks in individual settings.
Matthew Hancock
Of course we assess this, but it is challenging to get to a statistical answer to the question that my right hon. Friend raises. When we have taken action to restrict access to areas where there is evidence of significant transmission, such as the hospitality industry, that confounds the statistical analysis because people cannot go into that environment and therefore the passing on of infection there reduces. This is a matter of evidence and judgment. It is a significant challenge, but the road map is based on our best assessment of the situation, which is based on clinical advice, including the focus on the fact that we know that outdoors is safer than indoors. Hence the early steps, after schools, are focused on opening things up outdoors.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Chancellor has been widely praised for his work in recent months, but he has also been honest about difficult decisions ahead. I have had constituents raise concerns with me about capital gains tax. He will know that the current rates were set to optimise revenue from the tax. I know he cannot comment on individual measures, but can I seek his assurance that he will not take any steps to raise taxes without doing a proper assessment of the Laffer curve principle that higher rates do not always lead to higher revenues?
Context
Concerns have been raised about capital gains tax rates and their impact on revenue, prompting a question about the Chancellor's intentions.
Jesse Norman
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question, which tempts me into indiscretion. He may be aware of this, but HMRC publishes annual estimates to illustrate the impact of changes in tax rates in a document sexily entitled “Direct effects of illustrative tax changes”. It is worth saying, however, that these estimates are themselves uncertain, because of different levels of behavioural response to tax changes, the potential for wider macroeconomic impacts and, of course, the interaction with other measures.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for that additional support for regional airports but urge him to use every influence in government to get the necessary steps dealt with, including airport testing on key strategic routes.
Context
The MP addresses the insufficiency of recent government measures to reopen the aviation sector, highlighting concerns over the Brexit transition period and lack of airport testing facilities.
Jesse Norman
My right hon. Friend is correct in focusing on testing; the 'test to release' regime combines a shorter self-isolation period with public health focus, and we are exploring pre-departure testing with partner countries through different models.
Session: Aviation Sector Financial Support
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What recent financial support has the Department given to the aviation sector; and if he will make a statement?
Context
The MP asks about recent financial assistance provided to the aviation industry, citing concerns over job security and local economic impacts.
Jesse Norman
The Government have recently announced a package of financial support for English airports and ground handlers, equivalent to the business rates liabilities of each business up to £8 million per site. This support has been welcomed by the Airport Operators Association.
Session: Aviation Sector Financial Support
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My right hon. Friend is aware of my concern about the economic collapse that the pandemic has caused in some of the world's most important conservation areas and the resulting increase in poaching and the illegal wildlife trade in many areas. Could he reassure me that, over the coming weeks and months, he will target more of our aid budget at helping communities in those areas, protecting wildlife and tackling the illegal trade, which is damaging so much of our conservation?
Context
The MP is concerned about economic collapse in conservation areas due to the pandemic and asks if more aid will be targeted towards these areas.
James Cleverly
The full extent of the impact of covid-19 on the illegal wildlife trade is not known, but my right hon. Friend is right to raise this issue. We know that it is a serious crime undertaken by organised criminal networks. We have contributed £250 million to the Global Environment Facility, which runs the world's biggest programme to tackle the illegal wildlife trade. He will understand that I am not able to give full details of future ODA spending commitments at this point.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will he assure me that as the NHS reviews the impact of the pandemic and looks at future capacity needs, he will keep an open mind if that decision needs to be changed?
Context
The Secretary of State made a decision on the location of a new NHS hospital, but there are concerns about it not being in Epsom.
Matthew Hancock
I appreciate my right hon. Friend's tenacity and doggedness in making the case for Epsom. I am a big supporter of the decision that has been made, and I am afraid, from his point of view, that the final decision on the location of the new hospital—in Sutton—has now been made.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Chancellor should consider providing additional incentives to develop hydrogen infrastructure in this country as part of a wider commitment to reaching net zero emissions. Will he also provide support to freelancers in the sector?
Context
Suggestions for additional incentives in the green recovery plan.
Rishi Sunak
I wholeheartedly agree with my right hon. Friend that we should put reaching our net zero commitments at the heart of our recovery. He will have heard our recent announcement about green homes grants, which shows our commitment in this area.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Marine Protected Areas
02 May 2023
Responding: Trudy Harrison
Main Concerns
['Chris Grayling is concerned about the insufficient protection of marine protected areas, particularly regarding bottom trawling practices. He noted that most people are shocked to learn that marine protected areas are not truly protected against destructive fishing equipment. Grayling emphasized the importance of preventing large industrial trawlers from scalping seabeds and leaving a trail of destruction, as this damages ecosystems and fish stocks. He pointed out that limited scale local fishing in marine protected areas can act as breeding grounds for new fish populations, which benefit surrounding fisheries.']
Specific Asks
['Grayling requests the Minister to drive forward bans on damaging fishing practices within marine protected areas during the current Parliament. Additionally, he asks for the designation of highly protected marine areas with no extractive activity permitted and seeks regulatory and financial support for the restoration of seagrass beds and kelp forests.']
Bottom Trawling: Marine Protected Areas — [Steve McCabe in the Chair]
28 June 2022
Responding: Victoria Prentis
Main Concerns
["The Government's marine protected areas (MPAs) are not effectively protecting the seabed, allowing large-scale trawlers to cause significant damage. Less than 100th of 1% of UK waters have the highest level of protection, where all fishing is banned, while 94% permit bottom trawling. This results in habitat degradation and destruction of critical marine ecosystems, including kelp and seagrass which are crucial for carbon absorption. There is an urgency to address this issue before further damage occurs."]
Specific Asks
['The Minister should move faster on plans to ban bottom trawling in more MPAs beyond the initial four protected areas. The approach taken so far, including partial bans within MPAs, should be reconsidered to ensure uniform protection across all designated areas and effective policing of regulations.']
Deforestation in the Amazon — [Mr Philip Hollobone in the Chair]
05 January 2022
Responding: Vicky Ford
Main Concerns
['Mr Chris Grayling is concerned about the increasing deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. Despite progress made seven years ago, last year saw the highest level of deforestation for 20 years. Two measures before the Brazilian Senate threaten to further legalise illegal land grabs and reduce checks on environmental impact assessments, potentially leading to up to 16,000 sq km of forest loss over five years and exposing more areas to clearance.']
Specific Asks
['Mr Grayling urges the Minister and her colleagues to criticise Brazil for not acting against deforestation. He calls for detailed plans on imposing punitive tariffs on forest risk products if countries like Brazil continue with extensive clearances, and requests no trade agreements while these activities persist.']
Deforestation in the Amazon — [Steve McCabe in the Chair]
23 June 2021
Responding: Wendy Morton
Main Concerns
["Chris Grayling is concerned about the reversal of progress made to protect the Amazon rainforest. He cites statistics indicating that in 2019 and 2020, an area the size of Israel was cleared, with 4,281 square miles lost in 2020 alone. Current estimates suggest deforestation has accelerated this year, losing an area equivalent to the Isle of Man in just one month. He highlights Brazil's push for legislation that will encourage illegal forest clearance and allows commercial mining on lands protected by indigenous peoples. Grayling also mentions plans for large-scale road building through the Amazon, which could further exacerbate clearances."]
Specific Asks
['Grayling calls for no trade deals with Brazil while it continues to allow wholesale clearances in the Amazon. He suggests imposing tough tariffs on relevant Brazilian food exports unless there is evidence of serious steps being taken to protect the rainforest. Grayling also urges the UK Government to engage robustly with Brazil, making future partnerships and trade agreements conditional on deforestation stopping.']
Aviation Industry — [Sir Edward Leigh in the Chair]
18 November 2020
Responding: Robert Courts
Main Concerns
['The aviation industry employs hundreds of thousands of people around the country and is a vital part of regional economies. However, due to the pandemic, there are only three aircraft in the air over the south of England at any given time, leading to job losses across airlines, airport services companies, and suppliers to the industry.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Government to prioritise the reopening of key economic routes by introducing airport testing and accepting a risk-based approach for low-risk destinations. The current UK rules are too restrictive, and other countries have successfully implemented less stringent measures.']
Budget Resolutions 2025-11-26
26 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced a new tax raid of £26 billion, increasing borrowing in every year. Mrs Badenoch argues that this Budget increases benefits for families but hikes taxes on...
Recalled Offenders Sentencing Limits 2025-05-15
15 May 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the public safety implications of the Government’s plan to set a 28-day limit on prison sentences for recalled offenders? The MP raises concerns about the impact on prison ca...
Illegal and Unsustainable Fishing (Due Diligence)
19 March 2024
General Debate
Led by this MP
Proposes a Bill requiring suppliers and retailers of fish and related products to implement due diligence systems ensuring products are not obtained from illegal or unsustainable fishing. Emphasises t...
Budget Resolutions
06 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Conservatives' record is marked by a recession, high tax burden, living standards decline, and fiscal irresponsibility. The Chancellor's new measures do not address these issues; they merely exace...
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
29 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Legal Migration
04 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Debate on the Address
07 November 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the Humble Address to King Charles III, reflecting on the late Queen's reign and the significance of Yorkshire. He emphasises the importance of HS2 funds being redeployed for local development p...
Local Government Bill - Lords amendment 117 and related amendments
17 October 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Member moved an amendment to Lords amendment 117, proposing several adjustments including the waiving of Commons financial privilege. She outlined that this would involve considering multiple amen...
Nutrient Neutrality: Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill
05 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Petroleum Licensing (Exploration and Production) (Seaward and Landward Areas) Regulations 2004
05 September 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Established the context for the debate, setting rules for contributions and time management.
3
PMQs Asked
17
Ministerial Questions Asked
85
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+27% above average
This MP:
17
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
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 Chris Grayling's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.