Chris Matheson
MP for City of Chester
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The PM promised in texts to 'fix' a tax issue for Sir James Dyson. Last week, he promised to publish these texts but has not done so yet. When will they be published?
Context
The Prime Minister promised to publish the account of his dealings with Sir James Dyson regarding a tax issue.
Boris Johnson
I have already published the account of my dealings with James Dyson as promised, which I believe is exactly what was asked for.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Government issue clear directives regarding no large gatherings involving many people in the near future, and will they address insurers' responsibilities?
Context
Some businesses are facing difficulties due to insurance companies' failure to provide coverage.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Instructions are very clear for not holding large gatherings. Enforcement is in place, and this message must go to companies and insurers as well.
Session: PMQs
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The upkeep of Chester city walls is a significant annual expense. Can the Government set aside funding to support the stewardship of such important heritage assets?
Context
Chester city walls maintenance costs £600,000 annually, impacting the local authority's highways budget.
Felicity Buchan
Government supports heritage and cultural sectors through funds from bodies like the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England's repair grants.
Session: Topical Questions
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Small businesses in my constituency wanting to export to the European Union tell me that they have to fill in customs declarations of up to 70 pages. Why are the Government putting such barriers in the way of small business exports?
Context
Small businesses in the constituency have to fill in customs declarations of up to 70 pages when exporting to the EU.
Andrew Griffith
It is not at all the intention of the Government to put barriers in place; this Government are about knocking down barriers to export and unleashing the potential of small businesses across the United Kingdom to make the most of the opportunities not just in the European Union but in the rest of the world, as we have heard from Government Members.
Session: Topical Questions
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With regard to DWP issues, one of the largest problems I see in my mailbag is people who go for assessed benefits, such as the personal independence payment, being turned down at the first stage, having to go to appeal and, in huge numbers, winning on appeal. Why are there so many errors in the assessment process?
Context
The question stems from a high number of errors in the initial assessment of benefits such as Personal Independence Payment, which are corrected upon appeal.
David Rutley
I thank the hon. Member—another good Cheshire MP—for his question. We are working hard to make the right decisions first time, every time. All health professionals undertaking assessments on behalf of the Department must be registered practitioners who have also met requirements around training and competence. We are working hard to make sure that we can further improve the quality of those assessments with clinical coaching and monthly performance meetings.
Session: Fraud and Error in Welfare System
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As the UN penholder for Colombia, will the Minister commit to changing course and working with the new Administration to address ongoing violence?
Context
Gustavo Petro's election offers a chance for renewed commitment to the Colombian peace agreement, but violence against social activists and indigenous peoples continues.
Vicky Ford
We refute the idea that we have been inactive. We have spent over £69 million on conflict, stability and security fund supporting peace agreement implementation, rural development, reintegration programmes, transitional justice mechanisms, community security. Additionally, we put in over £240 million for climate funding to stabilise environmental areas.
Session: Colombia: Human Rights
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I welcome the Minister's reply to the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Andrew Jones) a few moments ago about the need to join up Government information so that people do not have to put their data into Government systems all the time. Does that mean that the Minister will be moving forward with plans for automatic electoral registration?
Context
Minister's reply to another MP about joining up Government information. This could lead to automatic registration.
Steve Barclay
The scope of the single sign-on programme has already been set in terms of the 75 services within the scope of how we make doing business easier. This is about looking at where data is entered—for example, for a passport or a driving licence—and how we then enable that to facilitate access to other services, such as access to benefits, so that we make the customer journey for our constituents as frictionless as possible. I think that that is of interest across the House.
Session: Topical Questions
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If you want to go from anywhere in Scotland or northern England by train to anywhere in north Wales, chances are you will have to go through Chester. Will the Minister please hurry up with the consideration and get us a positive decision on the electrification of the line from Crewe to Chester, and on the remodelling of Chester station to increase capacity for signalling and passengers?
Context
The strategic outline business case for improvements in and around Chester station was submitted, but work is still ongoing.
Wendy Morton
The strategic outline business case for improvements in and around Chester station was submitted, and it has been reviewed. Work is still ongoing.
Session: Union Connectivity Review
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What plans does he have to implement the Union connectivity review's recommendations on rail transport?
Context
The Union Connectivity Review by Sir Peter Hendy has made several recommendations regarding the enhancement of rail links across the UK union.
Wendy Morton
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked me to pass on his apologies; he is attending the International Transport Forum annual summit where the UK assumes the presidency. We are carefully considering the recommendations and intend to respond later this year.
Session: Union Connectivity Review
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Does the Minister share my concern that the agility and mobility hoped for in the Future Soldier programme will be thwarted if those soldiers are stuck in traffic on the M6 near Weeton barracks?
Context
Concern over future soldier's agility and mobility being compromised by traffic.
Jeremy Quin
That is an ingenious construction. We always think about this, but I am afraid we do not have any plans to change that element of the defence estate optimisation portfolio at this point.
Session: Topical Questions
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I refer to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. It is one year since the Prime Minister told the Liaison Committee that he wanted to fix the barriers stopping music tours of Europe. What are the Government going to do to make that promise come true?
Context
The question relates to a previous promise by the Prime Minister to reduce barriers for UK music touring in Europe. It seeks updates on actions taken or planned.
Julia Lopez
I have addressed this in a number of ways earlier today. As I say, I am meeting UK Music. We have done a number of things with Departments and with counterparts in other countries to reduce the barriers for touring musicians, and we will continue to carry out that work.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for meeting me last week. He will understand that if north Wales is to get the full benefits of HS2, the line from Crewe to Chester and on to north Wales will need to be upgraded, including work at Chester station. Will he get on to his Transport Department colleagues and get them to get a move on with making a decision on that upgrade work?
Context
The question follows up on a previous meeting about HS2 improvements in north Wales, highlighting the need for upgrades along the route including at Chester station.
David Davies
Yes. I thought the hon. Gentleman made a very powerful case last week about the importance of improvements in Chester. I think he would agree that improvements to the rail service in some parts of England will benefit passengers in Wales and vice versa. I fully agree with him about HS2. It will have an enormous impact and deliver improvements not just for passengers in England, but for passengers in Wales and especially north Wales.
Session: Cross-Border Transport
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What discussions he has had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) the Welsh Government on cross-border transport connectivity with north Wales?
Context
No specific incident or statistic provided, but the question is about discussions on improving cross-border transport in north Wales.
David Davies
As the hon. Gentleman knows, I discuss regularly with Cabinet members and members of the Welsh Government a range of transport matters. It was a pleasure to meet the hon. Gentleman last week to discuss cross-border connectivity in north Wales. The Union connectivity review recognised the importance of the north Wales transport corridor and the Government are carefully considering the recommendations before reporting back.
Session: Cross-Border Transport
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Constituents faced discrepancies between predicted and actual TAGs. Schools refer them to Ofqual, while Ofqual points back to schools. Can we have a clear appeal mechanism?
Context
Some constituents experienced a disparity between predicted and teacher-assessed grades, leading to uncertainty.
Robin Walker
TAG challenges led to moving towards proper independently assessed systems post-pandemic.
Session: Topical Questions
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We do not want to get into another situation like the one with the fleet solid support ships. Will the Government ensure that the value to the UK of placing the contracts with UK suppliers and UK manufacturers is included and priced into the deal and the contract?
Context
Continued from previous exchanges, seeks to ensure the contract reflects benefits for UK manufacturers and suppliers.
Jeremy Quin
The hon. Gentleman makes a fair point. It is absolutely critical that we ensure that the social value associated with the contract is fully and fairly reflected in the tendering process. He has my assurance that we will do that and, as I said, it will not be long before he will be able to see more on that subject.
Session: Helicopter Manufacturing and Supply Chains
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What steps his Department is taking to help ensure the resilience of helicopter manufacturing and supply chains in the UK?
Context
The question arises from concerns about maintaining UK's helicopter manufacturing capabilities and supply chains.
Jeremy Quin
We recognise the need to manage risk and ensure resilience in our manufacturing and supply chains, including rotary wing. Through past and current investment in rotary wing capabilities, including Wildcat and Apache, and upgrades to Merlin and Chinook, the UK industrial base remains well placed to support existing and future helicopter platforms, and continues to be a market of great interest to our industrial partners.
Session: Helicopter Manufacturing and Supply Chains
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Does the Minister agree with me that such major heritage and tourism assets should be funded centrally, because they are national and, indeed, international treasures?
Context
The MP highlights the importance of city walls in his area as a major driver of tourism and suggests that such national treasures should be funded centrally.
Nigel Huddleston
The hon. Gentleman makes an important point. We do invest quite heavily in heritage, particularly with the culture recovery programme, and of course there is ongoing investment in heritage through the national lottery heritage schemes and others. Again, this is an area that sometimes involves cross-Government work, so I would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss his ideas and proposals.
Session: Tourism Industry
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If you go by train to north Wales, Mr Speaker, the chances are that you will go through Chester. We have plans ready to go to increase capacity at Chester station, but we are being held up because the Minister's colleagues in the Westminster Department for Transport will not agree on Union connectivity grants for Network Rail and Transport for Wales. Will he please have a word and tell them to get a move on?
Context
Plans are ready to go to increase rail capacity at Chester station, but the project is being delayed due to disagreement over Union connectivity grants.
David Davies
I am sure that my colleagues in Westminster will be doing absolutely everything they can to improve connectivity links between Wales and England, but perhaps the hon. Gentleman could have a word with his colleagues in the Welsh Labour Government, who have decided to abandon road building in Wales. Traffic congestion is bad for the environment, and a good road network is good for a flourishing economy.
Session: Cross-Border Transport Connectivity
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What recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on improving cross-border transport connectivity. Last week, I met the Welsh Government's Transport Minister to discuss how our Governments can work together to improve those vital links, including through the recommendations in the Union connectivity review.
Context
The question arises from the need to improve transportation links between England and Wales, which are crucial for economic development.
David Davies
Cross-border links are vital to achieving levelling up in every part of the United Kingdom, including Wales. Last week, I met the Welsh Government's Transport Minister to discuss how our Governments can work together to improve those vital links, including through the recommendations in the Union connectivity review.
Session: Cross-Border Transport Connectivity
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With a bunch of parents in Saughall in my constituency, we have been trying to put together a package for school bus transport that would save hundreds of car journeys a week. It is predicated on a successful Bus Back Better bid, but the word from the Treasury is that that money will be halved. Will we get the full amount that Cheshire West and Chester Council bid for?
Context
A package for school bus transport in Saughall would save hundreds of car journeys a week, but the word from the Treasury is that the funding will be halved.
Trudy Harrison
That decision is yet to be taken, but in terms of the hon. Gentleman's council and the money it is missing out on, it is disappointing to learn that in Chester the green bus technology fund, the low emission fund, the ultra-low emission fund, the all-electric bus city fund and all the zero-emission bus regional area funds have not been taken advantage of by his council. I really would encourage him to work with his council to make the most of the generous offers provided by the Department.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituency's Upton-by-Chester High School is rated good with an outstanding sixth form but continues to be ignored for rebuilding. When will new guidelines on school rebuilding be announced and will you consider their application kindly?
Context
Upton-by-Chester High School's outdated prefab buildings are deteriorating and need replacement, yet they keep getting overlooked.
Robin Walker
The hon. Gentleman recently met my noble Friend to discuss this case. Cheshire West and Chester Council received £4.6 million in allocations, and our programme will deliver 500 projects over a decade. The hon. Gentleman has made his case again.
Session: Topical Questions
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What confidence can Ministers provide that the lived experience of victims will be heard clearly, and necessary support provided from Westminster?
Context
The research report revealed painful neglect and abuse suffered by girls as young as 12 in mother and baby homes and Magdalene Laundries in Northern Ireland over six decades.
Robin Walker
The Government acknowledge the shocking findings of the report and understand work is under way on an independent investigation. We want to ensure this issue is followed up effectively, but we await the outcome of their work in the devolved space.
Session: Magdalene Laundries
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What recent discussions have been had with the Northern Ireland Executive regarding the research report “Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries in Northern Ireland”, published in January 2021?
Context
The research report published in January 2021 highlighted the abuse suffered by women and children in mother and baby homes and Magdalene Laundries in Northern Ireland over six decades.
Robin Walker
Although this is a devolved issue, the Government have discussed work on an independent investigation promised to victims. An expert panel has been appointed in March to establish terms of reference for the investigation. The UK Government are committed to working closely with the Executive to help victims and their families.
Session: Magdalene Laundries
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The problem for local councils is the patchwork of funding on a short-term basis. Could there be a three-year settlement that gives councils more time to plan despite less money?
Context
Councils face challenges with short-term funding, prompting a question about the possibility of a longer-term settlement.
Luke Hall
First, I would not accept there are cuts for local government spending; this year saw a huge increase. The hon. Gentleman's council received a 4.1% funding increase and has £150 million in reserves. We provided capacity funding to councils for the levelling-up fund and community renewal fund to help them build good business cases and bids.
Session: Local Government Finance Settlement
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What plans does the Minister have to review the local government finance settlement given the recent increase from £49 billion to £51.3 billion?
Context
The local government finance settlement was discussed, noting an increase in core spending power.
Luke Hall
The local government finance settlement this year was another excellent outcome for councils with an increase in core spending power from £49 billion to £51.3 billion—an increase of 4.6%. There are no plans to review this positive outcome, which was unopposed by the House.
Session: Local Government Finance Settlement
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"Countdown", "Derry Girls", "Gogglebox", "The Word", "It's a Sin", "Chewing Gum"—which gave us the astonishing Michaela Coel for the first time—"Educating Yorkshire", "24 hours in A&E", "24 hours in Police Custody", "Location, Location, Location" with Phil and Kirstie, "Friday Night Dinner"—these programmes demonstrate Channel 4's cultural significance.
Context
The MP lists several popular Channel 4 programmes to highlight the channel's cultural impact.
John Whittingdale
I am extremely impressed by the hon. Gentleman's viewing habits, although I notice he left out “Naked Attraction”, which certainly does appeal to diverse tastes. However, I absolutely agree that Channel 4 has been responsible for some great programmes over the years, and it is our intention that it should be able to continue to do that in the coming years. It is precisely because it is going to need access to investment capital in order to maintain that record that we think now is the right time to consider alternative models, but we have not reached any conclusion yet.
Session: Channel 4
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What advice can the Secretary of State give to ensure Upton-by-Chester High School is included in the next list for school rebuilding?
Context
Upton-by-Chester High School, rated good with an outstanding sixth form, needs a rebuild. The local authority's maintenance repair budget is inadequate.
Gavin Williamson
As tempted as I am to pre-announce that list to the hon. Gentleman, I am afraid I am not in that position. I would be very happy to meet him to discuss some of the challenges that he has. The reason that we have announced a commitment to the rebuilding of 500 schools, admittedly over a number of years, is so that we are able to have proper sight of some of the challenges that high schools and primary schools face, have proper information on their condition and have a proper understanding as to where that priority sits as part of a broader national priority. I would be very happy to sit down with the hon. Gentleman to discuss that in further detail.
Session: School Rebuilding Programme
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When will the results of the recent applications for the school rebuilding programme be announced?
Context
The school rebuilding programme has already announced its first 50 projects and is set to identify the next round of projects this year.
Gavin Williamson
We announced the first 50 rebuilding projects in February as part of the commitment to 500 projects over the next decade. A process to identify the next 50 projects, informed by the Department's data on the condition of schools, began in March, and we plan to confirm which schools are included later on this year.
Session: School Rebuilding Programme
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Can the Secretary of State confirm when Chester station will be included in the rail network enhancement programme and when further development funding will be allocated?
Context
The strategic outline business case for the redevelopment of Chester station has a highly positive cost-benefit ratio and is being proposed as a priority project.
Grant Shapps (Secretary of State for Transport)
We are continuing to work closely with Cheshire West and Chester Council on its preparation of the strategic outline business case for enhancements at and around Chester station. DFT officials undertook a detailed review of the requested further information for the SOBC, which is being considered for inclusion in RNEP.
Session: Topical Questions
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The House is interested in the updates with regard to travel returning internationally over the coming months.
Grant Shapps (Secretary of State for Transport)
We have been working with private laboratories, pharmacies, supermarkets and other companies to encourage them to deliver on their logistical expertise, enter the market and drive down the costs. The cost of a single PCR day-two test from one of the large providers on the Government link site has now come down to £60 and a new entrant at £44.90 is now enabling more people to access PCR tests as international travel returns.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Financial Conduct Authority has asked John Swift QC to investigate the mis-selling of certain business loans to small businesses, as well as their response to complaints about that mis-selling. The review has refused to take into account any loans that were settled with non-disclosure agreements between the businesses and the banks, giving a skewed view and a skewed outcome. Will the Chancellor speak to the FCA and ask John Swift to ensure that all evidence is taken into account, so that we get a proper review of the FCA's dealings?
Context
The Financial Conduct Authority has asked John Swift QC to investigate the mis-selling of certain business loans, excluding those settled with non-disclosure agreements. This affects small businesses and raises concerns about fairness.
Rishi Sunak
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, which is on an important matter. I welcome the conclusions of the Swift review, and I hope he will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment or intervene on the scope of that review, as it was set up to be completely independent of Government. That said, we have always been clear that the mis-selling of interest rate hedging products is wrong, and nothing that the redress scheme does means that businesses cannot still go to the FCA, the Financial Ombudsman Service or the courts if they wish.
Session: Topical Questions
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. The Government have supported our economy through coronavirus with more than £350 billion to protect jobs, families and businesses. As we approach the next phase of our road map out of lockdown, our support continues to ensure that we emerge from the pandemic stronger and more united.
Context
The question arises from the ongoing economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, requiring substantial government intervention to protect jobs, families and businesses.
Rishi Sunak
This Government have supported our economy through coronavirus with more than £350 billion to protect jobs, families and businesses. As we approach the next phase of our road map out of lockdown, our support continues to ensure that we emerge from the pandemic stronger and more united.
Session: Topical Questions
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The problem is that the £100 million announcement was more froth than substance, with only £5 million or £6 million of it being spent and not returned to the Treasury. Will Ministers now agree to extend the zoos fund to the important conservation, educational and scientific work that is the bedrock of so much of what our zoos contribute to the global situation?
Context
The MP is concerned that the initial £100 million announcement has only resulted in limited spending and does not address long-term conservation efforts. He seeks an extension to cover such areas.
Victoria Prentis
I do not accept that. This is a real fund, which is being used on the ground to help zoos get through the pandemic. I am very pleased, as I know the hon. Gentleman is, that Chester zoo is now open and that baby Albert the giraffe is open to view. We have extended the fund, for example, to include repairs and maintenance. We continue to work on the fund, but I politely suggest that other Government and UK funds are available to help with the important conservation work done by zoos, such as the Darwin initiative and the green recovery challenge fund. I encourage the hon. Gentleman to work with Chester zoo to look at whether those would be suitable.
Session: Coronavirus Zoo Animals Fund
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What recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the coronavirus zoo animals fund?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the impact of the pandemic on zoos and their ability to care for animals. The MP questions the actual efficacy of the £100 million announcement.
Victoria Prentis
The zoo animals fund has supported a wide variety of zoos throughout the pandemic—56 to date—and it continues to do so. It has helped to ensure the continued welfare of zoo animals and to prevent unnecessary euthanasia. We are really pleased that zoos of all sizes and types have been able to secure funding.
Session: Coronavirus Zoo Animals Fund
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How can the Government claim to be the party of law and order when justice is being delayed? The backlog existed before due to closures and reduced sitting days.
Context
An application for bail at Chester Crown court will not be listed until February next year, highlighting a backlog issue that predates the pandemic.
Chris Philp
The Lord Chancellor has confirmed no constraint on sitting days currently. The judiciary can list as many cases as they like, with an expected increase for the next financial year. Since 2010, crime figures have shown a 41% reduction from 9.5 million to 5.6 million according to the crime survey.
Session: HM Courts and Tribunals Service: Backlog
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The decision to site the entire Army presence in the north-west at Weeton barracks will damage the operational and recruitment footprint. Retaining Dale barracks would provide easy access to parts of the north-west and other regions. Will the Government reconsider selling off the Dale barracks?
Context
The decision to consolidate the Army's presence in Weeton barracks is seen as detrimental. The MP highlights historical and operational benefits of retaining Dale barracks, suggesting it would enhance support coverage.
Jeremy Quin
We continue to speak to local stakeholders about alternative uses for the site. I assure the hon. Gentleman that no disposal will take place before 2027 at the earliest. The armed forces will continue to be able to provide support to the north-west and, indeed, the whole of the United Kingdom.
Session: Defence Estate Optimisation Programme
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What plans does he have to review the defence estate optimisation programme? The 25-year multibillion-pound investment aims at resilience and excellence in personnel training. However, the MP wants details on ongoing reviews considering evolving requirements such as those from the integrated review.
Context
The MP is concerned about the government's plans for a long-term investment in modernising military basing. The programme involves significant financial commitments and impacts operational training.
Jeremy Quin
The defence estate optimisation portfolio is a 25-year multibillion-pound investment in modernising MOD basing. It provides resilience and ensures that our service personnel can train in centres of excellence alongside those beside whom they will fight. We routinely review and assess the programme in the light of evolving requirements, including the contents of the integrated review.
Session: Defence Estate Optimisation Programme
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We will try again, Mr Speaker. I was pleased with the Hendy report on cross border connectivity, which talked about improving the north Wales coastline and access to HS2. Central to that is the Chester to Crewe line. Why not crack on now with electrifying and upgrading that line, and with the track re-layout as part of the Growth Track 360 project at Chester? Will the Minister commit to that?
Context
The Hendy report on cross-border connectivity includes improving access to HS2 via the Chester to Crewe line.
Andrew Stephenson
It was worth the wait—it is always a delight to hear from the hon. Gentleman. He will be aware that as part of the integrated rail plan we are looking at a range of major investments across the north of England. I am keen to see connections to Crewe enhanced, and Royal Assent has now been given for phase 2a that will take HS2 into Crewe. We have also been consulting with the Crewe north connection on further investments, as part of the design refinement consultation for HS2's western leg into Manchester. I am keen to speak to the hon. Gentleman about this issue.
Session: Topical Questions
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Too many of my constituents on assessed benefits —ESA and personal independence payment—find that the reports from their assessments bear no relation to what was discussed in the interview. What measures will Ministers put in place to ensure that accuracy and honesty are carried through in those assessments so that we do not see huge numbers of those decisions overturned on appeal, which is happening at the moment?
Context
Too many constituents on assessed benefits find that their reports do not reflect the information discussed during assessments.
Justin Tomlinson
Although the vast majority of people who access their benefits get the outcome they were hoping for, we recognise the need for continuous improvements, which we make working hand in hand with health and disability charities, organisation users and frontline staff. In the forthcoming health and disability Green Paper, we will look at the specific themes of evidence, advocacy, assessment and the appeals system to ensure we continue to deliver those improvements.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Home Secretary must have seen the survey by the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers of attacks on shop workers in 2020. Of the 2,700 surveyed, 88% had suffered verbal abuse, 61% had been threatened by a customer and 9% had been attacked. When will the Government bring forward legislation to protect shop workers?
Context
A survey by the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers reports alarming levels of abuse and attacks on shop workers during the pandemic. The Member seeks legislative protection.
Priti Patel
We saw the most appalling abuse and attacks on shop workers during the pandemic. We are working with Government colleagues, ensuring that this type of violence is not tolerated and employers do everything possible to protect shop workers.
Session: Topical Questions
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I have grave concerns about restricting the advertising of products that are high in fat, sugar and salt, because I am not convinced that a level playing field on enforcement can be achieved between broadcasters and online platforms. How does my right hon. Friend plan to make such platforms legally responsible under statutory rules for ensuring that advertising for food and drink that is high in fat, sugar and salt does not appear online?
Context
There are concerns about the enforcement of advertising restrictions on products high in fat, sugar, and salt.
Oliver Dowden
My hon. Friend raises an important point. I have been clear from the beginning in my discussions with the Prime Minister and others that we must ensure equivalence between the approaches to traditional broadcasting platforms and online.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Secretary of State for his kind words about my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff Central (Jo Stevens); she will be watching and will be very grateful. Ofcom is to become a super-regulator with a huge breadth of responsibilities and all their technical complexities, particularly in the digital sphere: online harms and safety, the BBC and broadcasting in general, security of telecoms infrastructure against hostile threats, broadband, and the Post Office. Does the Secretary of State agree that the new chair of Ofcom should have at least some knowledge of and experience in those complex sectors in order to be appointed?
Context
Ofcom is set to become a super-regulator with broad responsibilities.
Oliver Dowden
As the hon. Gentleman will know, the position of Ofcom chair is vacant. I can update the House that I will shortly be launching the competition for that new role.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
War in Ukraine: UK Farming and Food Production
20 July 2022
Responding: Victoria Prentis
Main Concerns
['The war in Ukraine has exacerbated existing challenges for British farmers, leading to significant increases in agricultural inputs such as fuel, feed, packaging, transport, energy, labour costs, and fertiliser. Farmers are struggling with rising costs while facing a reduction in direct support payments from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The uncertainty caused by the conflict is impacting crop yields and global food supplies. Additionally, the closure of CF Fertilisers factory in Ellesmere Port has further strained the situation.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the government to establish a trusted gas fertiliser index with industry partners to drive transparency in fertiliser markets and ensure farmers can manage their risk proactively. He also requests that the Government address broken market mechanisms for fuel costs and packaging supplies, and calls for a fair deal for farmers.']
Allergy Research and Treatments: Government Support
09 March 2022
Responding: Gillian Keegan
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the rise in allergic diseases in the UK, where one in three people live with allergies and 3 million have food allergies. There is a national postcode lottery for allergy services, with patchy care leading to avoidable deaths. In recent years, there has been a 615% increase in hospital admissions for anaphylaxis, and several young lives have been lost due to allergic reactions. The lack of specific treatment options negatively affects quality of life, and the current system fails many patients.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to appoint a national lead on allergies to address these issues across different departments and agencies. I also urge the Minister to respond to the request for a meeting from the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation and consider increasing research funding for food allergic disease, including cause, prevention, and treatments.']
Covid-19: Effect on People with Learning Disabilities
15 December 2020
Responding: Helen Whately
Main Concerns
["Health inequality for people with learning disabilities has been evident for decades, leading to three preventable deaths every day. The pandemic exacerbated these issues by reducing access to vital care and support, increasing isolation and loneliness, and highlighting the digital exclusion faced by this group. During the peak of the pandemic, 21% of cases indicated a need for reasonable adjustments that were not made, resulting in disproportionately high hospital mortality rates among people with learning disabilities. The lack of awareness about these individuals' needs, diagnostic overshadowing, and wrongful denial of life-saving treatment further complicate matters."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should clarify exemptions for cross-border travel to ensure access to valued activities and care. It must review guidance on hospital visits by carers and address the issue of non-verbal cues missed during remote consultations. The Minister should commit to providing adequate support to improve understanding of learning disabilities across healthcare staff, ensuring face-to-face consultations and prioritising specialist training.']
Replacement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer
17 October 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Tributes to Her Late Majesty the Queen
10 September 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Energy Security Bill - New clause 3 - Review of impact of earlier start date of the levy
11 July 2022
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
This new clause requires an assessment, within three months of the Bill becoming law, of how much extra revenue would have been raised if the levy had been introduced on 9 January 2022 rather than 26 ...
Estimates Day
05 July 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Welcomes measures announced by Chancellor, including £37 billion package, but raises concerns about distributional impact and the need for proper benefit uprating systems. Emphasises the importance of...
CHOGM, G7 and NATO Summits
04 July 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
HS2 (High Speed Rail) Bill - Section from Crewe to Manchester
20 June 2022
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment proposes the construction of a high-speed rail route from Crewe to Manchester, which will connect the UK’s three largest conurbations. It aims to double capacity on one of the busiest ra...
Champions League Final: Paris
06 June 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Violence against Religious Groups: Nigeria
06 June 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Making Britain the Best Place to Grow Up and Grow Old
16 May 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
In honour of Her Majesty's jubilee year, the Government will focus on delivering a Queen’s Speech that rises to the scale of the challenges we face and addresses key issues such as education, healthca...
Shireen Abu Aqla
16 May 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
2
PMQs Asked
55
Ministerial Questions Asked
76
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
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
+311% above average
This MP:
55
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1455% above average
This MP:
76
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 Matheson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.