Chris Stephens
MP for Glasgow South West
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Will the Government consider a cross-sector summit with the aim of helping communities to secure the resources to deliver food security programmes at the necessary scale?
Context
The MP, chair of the Scottish arm of Feeding Britain, notes that food bank use has increased over the past decade.
Oliver Dowden
I join the hon. Gentleman in paying tribute to Lord Frank Field's campaigning. It is the case that over the past couple of years, we have provided more than £108 billion-worth of support with the cost of living, including extra cost of living payments of £900 last year.
Assessment
The specific ask for a cross-sector summit was not addressed with concrete details or commitments.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The Leader of the House last week correctly described the contaminated blood scandal as “on another level” compared with other scandals. Sir Brian Langstaff has announced today the publication of the final report of the infected blood inquiry, and he reminds us that a compensation scheme should be set up with urgency. More than 100 parliamentarians wrote to the Prime Minister this week, so can he tell us when those affected will be paid compensation for their loss?
Context
Sir Brian Langstaff has announced the publication of the final report of the infected blood inquiry. The report recommends setting up a compensation scheme urgently.
Rishi Sunak
I am acutely aware of the strength of feeling on this issue and the suffering of all those impacted by this dreadful scandal. Interim payments have been made in some cases, and we are absolutely committed to responding to the final report as quickly as possible following its publication.
Assessment
Did not provide a specific timeline for compensation payouts
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Over 2 million tonnes of edible food is wasted on farms and in factories every year. Funding was introduced in 2019 to cover the costs of getting food to charities to reach those in need. The Prime Minister will know, however, that the Government have now cut that critical funding to zero. Funding for food waste diversion helps to support community projects such as the Threehills community supermarket in Glasgow, so can he explain why he is ignoring calls from Feeding Britain, Good Food Scotland and FareShare to continue that worthwhile initiative and is instead cutting off a lifeline to those struggling with the cost of living crisis?
Context
Over 2 million tonnes of edible food is wasted annually. Funding introduced in 2019 to cover costs for food delivery to charities has been cut to zero, affecting community projects such as the Threehills community supermarket.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Gentleman very much. I think he is referring to the strategy that we have for food waste. As far as I know, we continue to support it, but I would be happy to update him by letter.
Assessment
Specific details on funding cuts and future plans were not provided
I Would Be Happy To Update Him By Letter
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
What recent assessment his Department has made of trends in the level of harassment and bullying cases in the armed forces. The number of cases is increasing, and there are concerns about whether people feel confident coming forward with complaints.
Context
The question arises from a growing concern over harassment and bullying cases within the UK's armed forces. There has been a rise in service complaints, with 262 cases ruled admissible in 2023 compared to 227 in 2022.
Andrew Murrison
In 2023, there were 262 service complaints relating to bullying, harassment and discrimination, compared with 227 in 2022. Changes to the service complaints system in June 2022 have encouraged people to come forward with their complaints. The “My Complaint” app will make the process easier and more accessible.
Session: Armed Forces Harassment and Bullying
View All Questions -->
The proposed reforms to personal independence payment unjustly target disabled people in a cost of living crisis. Will the Minister make representations to scrap informal observations to any PIP changes?
Context
The Multiple Sclerosis Society found that nearly two in three people with MS said the application process for PIP had a negative effect on their physical and mental health. The proposed reforms are criticized as potentially worsening inequality.
Mims Davies
We want to understand how best to target support for disabled people and those with health conditions. Providing the right support to people who need it most is key. We must ensure that disabled people feel understood and have a voice, urging them to be part of the consultation.
Session: Welfare Reform Disabled People
View All Questions -->
Considering the current cost of living crisis and its impact on families' budgets, is it fair to expect workers to pay to take their employer to an employment tribunal? Should these proposed changes be scrapped for greater system fairness?
Context
The MP criticises the proposal for employment tribunal fees at a time of intense pressure on family budgets, raising concerns about fairness in access to justice.
Gareth Bacon
A regional virtual court has been introduced to safeguard access to justice, and efforts will continue to make this available as much as possible. The backlog is being addressed at pace.
Session: Employment Tribunal Panels
View All Questions -->
My hon. Friends the Members for Glasgow Central (Alison Thewliss) and for Glasgow North East (Anne McLaughlin) and I have constituents who have been removed from Scotland to England and threatened with deportation. Can the Secretary of State answer this question: why are MPs being denied access to their constituents? It seems outrageous. Does he not agree that this is unacceptable and that lawyers and their elected representatives should not be impeded by arbitrary barriers when accessing constituents who are threatened with deportation?
Context
Constituents have been removed from Scotland to England, leading to concerns about access to legal aid and MP intervention.
Alex Chalk
I would be more than happy to discuss that point with the hon. Gentleman. Of course MPs should have access in appropriate circumstances, but the critical point is for individuals to get legal support—I say that with no discourtesy to him as a constituency MP. That legal support is important. As I have said, when the IMA comes into effect we will increase funding by 15%, pay for travel time and ensure the reaccreditation of senior caseworkers.
Session: Rwanda Asylum and Immigration
View All Questions -->
He mentioned the levelling up agenda but the Budget cut public services and capital funding for Scotland. Given that Canary Wharf benefits from £16,000 per head in levelling-up funds, does he suggest Scotland should accept austerity?
Context
The levelling-up agenda is criticized as benefiting other areas more than Scotland, which has seen cuts to capital funding and public services.
Alister Jack
That is a ridiculous remark. The levelling up agenda has been successful in Scotland with no austerity, and Scottish Government received £41 billion block grant, highest since devolution. He criticizes SNP for raising taxes and cutting services.
Session: Spring Budget 2024
View All Questions -->
As of 9 April, eight field hospitals are reportedly active inside the Gaza strip, with some operating at 265% of their capacity and with a shortage of medication and supplies. What are the UK Government doing to help facilitate medical evacuations, particularly of children?
Context
Eight field hospitals in the Gaza strip are operating at high capacity, with shortages of medication and supplies.
Andrew Mitchell
We have worked extensively with our partners in the Gulf on evacuations, and Britain is doing a great deal through our medical support for the field hospital we have in Gaza as well as to support other humanitarian and medical activities.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The Government's plans to introduce employment tribunal fees suggest that users should pay towards running costs, implying that only those using the system benefit from it. However, does the Justice Secretary not appreciate that any action to deter lower-paid workers from bringing forward cases will be to the detriment of the system as a whole?
Context
Resolution Foundation research shows that employment tribunals are heavily relied upon to enforce workers' rights for all.
Mike Freer
We do not believe that a £55 claim issue fee will be a deterrent. The tribunal system costs the taxpayer £80 million a year, and we do not think it is unreasonable that those who use it should pay a small contribution. To answer the question, we do not think it is a deterrent.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The Bar Council has highlighted the fact that asylum claimants with meritorious cases go through multiple appeals due to poor or no legal representation. This jacks up costs for courts, Home Office, and local authorities while trapping people in a limbo. If not addressing this crisis because it is the right thing to do, will they do so because it is financially sound?
Context
The MP highlights that asylum claimants often face multiple appeals due to poor or no legal representation, increasing costs and trapping vulnerable people in limbo.
Mike Freer
We are increasing fees for those taking on legal aid work under the Illegal Migration Act 2023 by 15% and rolling out remote access and payment for travel. These steps ensure availability of legal aid, which I do not accept as a crisis.
Session: Legal Aid Immigration Cases
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for his response. The Secretary of State has said: 'We want to do everything possible to ensure the security of Cyprus'. Does the Minister agree that it would be appropriate to keep the Cypriot Government informed of all UK military operations conducted from their island? Should not that be an official obligation, for the security of Cyprus?
Context
Building on the previous question, this query focuses specifically on the communication between the UK and Cyprus regarding military activities.
James Heappey
The SBAs are sovereign bases, so of course we reserve the right to operate from them as needed, based on the UK national interest. The hon. Gentleman will be reassured to hear that the Secretary of State, his predecessors, other Ministers in the MOD and I have very good relations with the Cypriots, and we seek to tell them as much as we can about operations that we mount from SBAs there.
Session: Cyprus Sovereign Base Areas
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the security of the sovereign base areas and the armed forces in Cyprus?
Context
No specific event or statistic is provided, but the question addresses ongoing security concerns related to the sovereign base areas on the island of Cyprus.
James Heappey
The UK continually assesses potential threats to our overseas territories, including the sovereign base areas on the island of Cyprus. British Forces Cyprus provides a permanent military presence, and we are investing in the SBAs to combat current and future threats, in order to ensure local, regional and global security.
Session: Cyprus Sovereign Base Areas
View All Questions -->
Since the disastrous Tory mini-Budget of 2022, households are continuing to feel the squeeze at the supermarket, with food prices continuing to rise and real wages falling for the longest unbroken run since records began. Food prices have risen by 26% over the last two years. When will the Government listen to those who wish to follow the lead of Canada and France by introducing a price cap on staple food items at the supermarket?
Context
Households are experiencing ongoing cost pressures, with real wages falling and food prices rising significantly. Food costs have increased by 26% over the last two years.
Laura Trott
Real wages are now, happily, starting to rise and, as I have said, the OBR has said that inflation will be back to target next quarter. What would not help the cost of living is putting people's taxes up, as the Scottish Government are doing.
Session: Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of increases in the cost of living on households in 2024?
Context
The rising inflation and energy price shock have put pressure on UK households, leading to concerns about the economic impact.
Laura Trott
The rise in inflation caused by Putin's illegal war in Ukraine and the subsequent energy price shock has put enormous pressure on households. Thanks to work by the Bank of England and the Government, the rate of inflation is going down, with the Office for Budget Responsibility expecting it to be back to target next autumn.
Session: Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
The maintenance loan increase announced by the government amounts to a real-terms cut given current inflation rates. In Wales, there will be a 3.7% increase in maintenance loans, while Scotland offers a £2,500 special support loan for all students. How does this Government justify their approach?
Context
A significant number of state school pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are struggling with university admissions due to potential debt. The Welsh Government has increased maintenance loans by a higher percentage, and Scotland is providing special support loans.
Robert Halfon
We have a record number of disadvantaged pupils attending university, 74% more likely than before. A £286 million welfare support fund managed by the Office for Students helps struggling students; we've increased maintenance loans by 2.8%; frozen tuition fees; provided families with up to £3,700 energy bills relief; allocated hundreds of millions to the household support fund; and introduced degree apprenticeships so students can earn while learning without loans.
Session: Student Cost of Living Support Devolved Administrations
View All Questions -->
What recent discussions has she had with her counterparts in the devolved Administrations on providing additional financial support for students amid cost of living increases? New data reveals lower chances of entry to higher education for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Do the Government plan to follow Scotland's lead and abolish tuition fees?
Context
Recent data shows that state school pupils receiving free school meals have less than a one in four chance of entering higher education due to the high prospect of debt accumulation. The Scottish Government has abolished tuition fees, which could be considered as an example.
Robert Halfon
Higher education policy is devolved. Each Administration sets its own student finance arrangements. This Government aims to be fair to both students and taxpayers. Since 2010, disadvantaged pupils are 74% more likely to attend university. We have a £286 million welfare support fund managed by the Office for Students to assist struggling students.
Session: Student Cost of Living Support Devolved Administrations
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister for the Union tell me what discussions he has had with devolved Administrations, and with the Chancellor, on the very important matter of infected blood compensation? Does he recognise the frustration and dismay from many campaigners at the delays? They have waited almost a year since Sir Brian Langstaff reported on his compensation framework.
Context
The MP is seeking information on Government discussions with devolved Administrations and the Chancellor regarding infected blood compensation after a long delay.
Michael Gove
The hon. Gentleman raises a very important point. Those who have suffered as a result of the infected blood scandal are, of course, in the forefront of our minds. This is directly a Cabinet Office responsibility, but I know from my time there how seriously the Ministers charged with that responsibility take it. I will talk to them and update the devolved Administrations on progress towards appropriate compensation.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Given the significant cost implications for the NHS and society at large due to poor housing conditions, will you confirm whether a social energy tariff would cost less than £15.4 billion?
Context
A briefing from the House of Commons Library estimated that treating illnesses associated with living in cold or damp homes costs the NHS £1.4 billion annually, rising to £15.4 billion when considering wider societal costs.
Claire Coutinho
A social tariff means lots of things to different people, but we are supporting vulnerable people with the cost of their energy bills. We supported them last winter, paying on average a half of everybody's energy bills, and we have made additional payments of £900 to support people. Since 2010, we have increased the proportion of homes that are energy-efficient and insulated to 50%, up from 14%.
Session: Social Energy Tariff
View All Questions -->
He will be aware that there has been a 335% increase in Islamophobic hate cases and a 589% rise in antisemitic incidents. What steps is the Minister taking to protect worshippers and faith schools and reduce unprecedented levels of hate?
Context
There has been a significant increase in Islamophobic and antisemitic hate cases in the UK since October, affecting marginalised communities.
Thomas Tugendhat (Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Safeguarding Victims, and Combating Hate Crime)
The Government have increased funding to the Community Security Trust by £3 million. We are also providing security measures for mosques and churches around the country. Engaging with organisations like Tell MAMA is essential.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Over the past few weeks, there have been disgraceful attempts to intimidate this House, undermining democracy. What steps is the Government taking to defend our democracy?
Context
The Minister was questioned about the government's response to attempts to intimidate the House and undermine democratic processes.
Thomas Tugendhat (Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Safeguarding Victims, and Combating Hate Crime)
The Government will defend our democracy. We are working with the police and Parliament to ensure that disagreements are resolved through debate. We will not be intimidated; we will do whatever is necessary to protect those elected to represent constituents and safeguard freedoms.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Now that the Government have moved to repeal section 40 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013, there remains no legislative measure to convince print media to sign up to the state regulator. How do the Government plan to finally give the state regulator the power to do its job?
Context
MP Chris Stephens is concerned about the lack of legislative measures to convince print media to sign up to a state regulator, as called for by the National Union of Journalists.
Lucy Frazer
I am very proud that we have a free press, and I think it is really important that we repeal section 40 to ensure there is not a chilling effect on our reporting. Of course, since that was first proposed, we have had greater self-regulation.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Whistleblowers have come forward to provide information that Fujitsu was given an additional contract by the Post Office in 2013 to re-platform transaction data that was previously held on an external storage system that was considered to be the gold standard. It was replaced by a system that made it virtually impossible to investigate financial transactions in a forensic audit. Does the Justice Secretary share our concern that this decision effectively destroyed evidence, preventing exactly the sort of audit trail that would exonerate those sub-postmasters who were convicted?
Context
Whistleblowers have revealed that in 2013, the Post Office awarded Fujitsu an additional contract to re-platform transaction data from an external storage system considered the gold standard. This new system allegedly made forensic audits virtually impossible, potentially destroying evidence.
Alex Chalk
The Department for Business and Trade is better placed to answer those specific points, but I would say two things. First, as a matter of sacred principle, if material comes into a prosecutor's possession that might be considered capable of undermining the case of the prosecution, that material should be disclosed to the defence. That is one of the things that has been considered by Sir Wyn Williams's inquiry. What did the Post Office know, when did it know it, and what did it do with the material before it? Across the House, we want to get to the bottom of those questions.
Session: Horizon System Exoneration of Sub-postmasters
View All Questions -->
How can the Justice Secretary defend plans to reintroduce employment tribunal fees? They will disproportionately affect those on low wages and present an obstacle to justice for those who need it most.
Context
Unison criticised government plans to reintroduce employment tribunal fees, which may disproportionately affect low-wage workers.
Mike Freer
The £55 claim issue fee is modest, completely different from the previous scheme. I am happy to defend that small, reasonable fee as necessary to help defray costs of our system.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Just this week, we heard media reports that four Rwandans had been granted refugee status in the UK in the past four months, citing well-founded fears of persecution. At the same time, the Government would like us to accept that Rwanda is a safe country, despite the Home Office accepting that those individuals face a real threat of persecution. Can the Attorney General tell us how we can send asylum seekers to Rwanda under those circumstances?
Context
Media reports have indicated that some Rwandans were granted refugee status in the UK, citing well-founded fears of persecution, while the Government claims Rwanda is a safe country.
Victoria Prentis
We are asking Parliament to look at the matter afresh—not just to look at the facts as they were before the Supreme Court, but to look at new circumstances. Evidence was published on 11 January to assist Parliament in those deliberations. We have assurances from the Government of Rwanda that the implementation of all measures within the treaty will be expedited, and we will ratify the treaty when we are ready to do so.
Session: Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill ECHR
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment she has made of the compatibility of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill with the European convention on human rights?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the compatibility of a bill concerning asylum seekers sent to Rwanda, in relation to international obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.
Victoria Prentis
I would like to assure the House that the Government respect their international obligations. The Law Officers convention prevents me from disclosing outside Government whether I have given advice or even what the context of any such advice might be. The Bill to which the hon. Gentleman refers is currently in the other place, and will, I am sure, be discussed very fully there.
Session: Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill ECHR
View All Questions -->
The minimum salary requirement for a skilled worker visa is set to increase by 48%, from £26,200 to £38,700, jeopardising the prospects of early-career researchers and academics coming to the UK. Can the Minister answer the question from my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Edinburgh South West (Joanna Cherry) that he did not answer: how will the UK be a science superpower behind that visa paywall?
Context
Concerns about the impact of a significant increase in the minimum salary requirement for skilled worker visas on the prospects of early-career researchers and academics coming to the UK.
Robert Halfon
I think I have set that out. We have 36% of university researchers coming from outside the UK, and over 46,000 postgraduate students from overseas—41% of the total. What I would say to the hon. Gentleman is that the real cost of the SNP's tuition fee policy is that Scottish universities are unable to provide places for local students, who are 13% less likely to take a place at a university in Scotland than English students are to take a place in England.
Session: Postgraduate Research Applications Visa Changes
View All Questions -->
What assessment has her Department made of the potential impact of changes to visa fees and conditions on the number of applications for postgraduate research?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the impact of recent visa policy changes on international students applying for postgraduate research programmes in the UK.
Robert Halfon
Our visa changes strike the right balance, ensuring we have a fair and robust migration policy but maintaining the UK's place as a top destination for the best and brightest from around the world. The hon. and learned Lady will be pleased to know that we continue to attract the best scientists from across the world: we have over 46,000 postgraduate research students from overseas, 41% of the total, producing groundbreaking and collaborative research.
Session: Postgraduate Research Applications Visa Changes
View All Questions -->
May I remind him that Sir Brian Langstaff said yesterday that compensation proposals were published in April 2023 and must be dealt with urgently. Can he confirm that Sir Brian Langstaff's proposals are being accepted by the Government in full and that there will be no watering down of the decision?
Context
Sir Brian Langstaff's recent report on the Victims and Prisoners Bill requires urgent attention, as delays can impact victims' compensation.
John Glen
The next stage of the Victims and Prisoners Bill in the other place will be the week after next. The issue of further interim payments will need to be considered in the round as the Government considers the recommendations.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for his answer. As the Government have started work on an artificial intelligence hit squad to eliminate civil service jobs and replace human labour, it is of urgent importance that they lay out the safeguards they will enact. The childcare benefit scandal in the Netherlands in 2021, where artificial intelligence baked in racial profiling that discriminated against minorities, highlights the necessity of strict controls and protections, so will the Minister reveal what steps they are taking to prevent the harmful use of artificial intelligence?
Context
The MP highlighted concerns about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence, referencing a childcare benefit scandal in the Netherlands where racial profiling was incorporated into AI systems.
Oliver Dowden
It is not the case that this is about taking jobs off civil servants; it is to enable them to do their jobs better and more efficiently for the benefit of the public we serve in this place. In respect of the measures that we are taking to ensure that we follow best practice, the Government's Central Digital and Data Office is ensuring a high delivery of quality and regular testing of that software throughout all stages of development. In addition, there is a service assessment model, so we are taking a number of steps to ensure that we guard against the risks that the hon. Gentleman highlights.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Public Services
View All Questions -->
Whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the use of AI on the delivery of public services. I join others in paying tribute to the great Sir Tony Lloyd; our thoughts and prayers are with his family today.
Context
The MP raised concerns about the potential impacts of artificial intelligence in delivering public services.
Oliver Dowden
I discuss this area regularly with Cabinet colleagues. The Incubator for Artificial Intelligence, which I announced last year, will recruit experts from the private sector, academia and beyond, who will work with Departments to rapidly and responsibly develop new applications for artificial intelligence across Government, as part of radical plans to harness the potential of AI to improve lives and public services.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Public Services
View All Questions -->
Does the UK Government's response to the cost of living crisis leave Northern Ireland behind, especially concerning public sector worker pay?
Context
Public sector workers in Northern Ireland have seen real pay fall by over 7%.
Steven Baker
The money made available includes a sum for enabling public sector pay to be settled in Northern Ireland, but it is a matter decided there. The Minister urges parties to restore the Assembly and Executive.
Session: Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
Of course, the Government state on the front page of the Rwanda Bill that they cannot guarantee that it complies with the ECHR, as the Justice Secretary well knows. The Bill also makes direct intrusions into devolved areas, because human rights are devolved to the Scottish Parliament. So will he confirm that a legislative consent motion will be sought from the Scottish Parliament on the safety of Rwanda?
Context
The question pertains to the Rwanda Bill's impact on devolved areas, particularly human rights which are under Scottish Parliament jurisdiction. The bill includes a statement about compliance with ECHR that cannot be guaranteed.
Alex Chalk
There is nothing unusual about this, which is precisely why this provision was put in the Human Rights Act 1998. As for further LCMs, we will of course proceed in the normal way, and I will give that matter further consideration.
Session: Human Rights Legislation
View All Questions -->
When it comes to the Rwanda Bill, why is he failing to uphold the ECHR and the Human Rights Act, which embody so many of the legal principles that the people of these islands hold so dear?
Context
The question concerns the Justice Secretary's comments on the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), specifically regarding the Rwanda Bill which faces debate over its compliance with international legal obligations. The bill is contentious, particularly in terms of border protection policies.
Alex Chalk
Respectfully, I completely reject that characterisation. We are remaining within the four corners of our international legal obligations. Our legislation is novel and contentious, but it remains within the four corners of our international legal obligations and delivers on the proper, insistent requirements of the British people, which are that we protect our borders and ensure fairness for all—for not only the British people, but those who have played by the rules and done the right thing when they have come to the UK. They will always have a warm welcome in our country.
Session: Human Rights Legislation
View All Questions -->
Can he confirm that advice given by the Attorney General regarding the bill is in conformity with international law? How does it impact small boat crossings and prosecutions?
Context
Yesterday, the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill was laid before the House. It would disapply the Human Rights Act 1998 for those seeking sanctuary.
Michael Tomlinson
I cannot confirm or deny whether advice was even sought, let alone given, let alone its content. The Government Members are determined to stop small boat crossings with their Nationality and Borders Act which prosecutes people traffickers.
Session: Small Boat Crossings Prosecution Rates
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to increase prosecution rates for small boat gangs and other people traffickers?
Context
The number of small boat crossings has decreased by a third this year. The Attorney General and the Minister visited Western Jet Foil and the joint control room in Dover to discuss the Illegal Migration Act 2023.
Michael Tomlinson
The number of small boat crossings is down by a third this year, and we are seeing an increase in the number of prosecutions since the introduction of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022.
Session: Small Boat Crossings Prosecution Rates
View All Questions -->
The Prime Minister announced a new key priority to improve education, yet his government is cutting £300 million from Northern Ireland's Department of Education. Is it not a fantasy economics approach?
Context
The MP highlighted the Prime Minister's commitment to improving education and criticized the Government for cutting £300 million from Northern Ireland's Department of Education.
Steven Baker
The Prime Minister highlighted that education is crucial, but the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council has acknowledged that Northern Ireland currently receives necessary funding. Since 2014, additional UK Government funding packages amount to £7 billion. The Department needs reform and efficiency for better integration of education.
Session: Public Services Budgetary Constraints
View All Questions -->
Have the Minister and the Government considered adopting that approach?
Context
The question discusses the UK Government's delay in introducing a victims Bill compared to Scotland, which has introduced legislation for trauma-informed support.
Laura Farris
Our Victims and Prisoners Bill is making its way through Parliament. We have models like Operation Soteria, which focuses on rape victims and has been rolled out nationally.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Legislation
View All Questions -->
Is this not an abject failure of the legal aid system? The south-west has capacity for fewer than 300 people per year, yet the Bibby Stockholm can carry almost 500. Is this moral bankruptcy or incompetence?
Context
The Lord Chancellor faces a judicial review over the failure to ensure immigration legal aid availability.
Mike Freer
I do not accept that characterisation at all. This Government are putting legal aid in place to support those affected by the Illegal Migration Act and especially the uplift in fees to ensure that qualified legal advice is available, whether physically or through telephone advice.
Session: Legal Aid Immigration Cases
View All Questions -->
Despite previous assurances, the Trussell Trust and Joseph Rowntree Foundation warn that food banks face critical shortages. New figures show 1.5 million emergency food parcels distributed between April and September this year. Given these alarming statistics, will the Minister support their campaign for an essential guarantee within universal credit to ensure basic needs are met?
Context
The Trussell Trust warns that food banks are at breaking point due to rising cost-of-living pressures, affecting millions who cannot afford essentials.
Guy Opperman
The hon. Member will be aware of £94 billion cost of living support over 2022-23 and 2023-24, alongside the 10.1% benefit rate increase from April 2023.
Session: Cost of Living Benefit Levels
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of benefit levels in light of cost-of-living increases? The Trussell Trust warns that food banks are at 'breaking point' due to more people being unable to afford essentials, with 1.5 million emergency food parcels distributed recently.
Context
Recent warnings from the Trussell Trust indicate food banks are at breaking point, with new figures showing 1.5 million emergency food parcels distributed between April and September this year.
Guy Opperman
The Government have spent £94 billion on cost of living support over and above the 10.1% increase in benefit rates since April 2023, covering both 2022-23 and 2023-24 periods. Winter fuel payments will be made at £600 or £500.
Session: Cost of Living Benefit Levels
View All Questions -->
Does the Attorney General agree that instead of deflecting blame, she should stand up for the profession as impartial arbiters?
Context
The question stems from criticisms by the Justice Minister and Home Secretary regarding lawyers' politics.
Michael Tomlinson
The Attorney General meets legal leaders to celebrate achievements and hear concerns. It is right that lawyers act in clients' best interests without fear or favour, aligning with the Lord Chancellor's view on impartiality.
Session: Solicitors Civil Society
View All Questions -->
What recent discussions has she had with the Secretary of State for Justice on the contribution of solicitors to civil society?
Context
The question arises from discussions around solicitors and their role in upholding the rule of law.
Michael Tomlinson
Solicitors and all legal professionals play a vital role in upholding the rule of law. The Solicitor General thanks Government Legal Service lawyers for their work, often under pressure, on high-profile cases.
Session: Solicitors Civil Society
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Universal Credit Deductions
19 July 2023
Responding: Guy Opperman
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the high number of universal credit claims with deductions taken from them. In March last year and earlier this month, I questioned the Secretary of State on how many universal credit claims were having deductions taken from them in Scotland, revealing that 180,000 households had an average deduction of £60 per month, and between December 2022 and February 2023, £12.1 million was deducted monthly from 206,000 Scottish households. The Work and Pensions Committee's report on the cost of living called for a pause in deductions but was rejected by the Government, despite inflation remaining high and the price of basic foodstuffs increasing."]
Specific Asks
["The Government should implement an essentials guarantee to ensure that universal credit at least covers life's essentials. They should also reverse damaging policies like removing the benefit cap and two-child limit, halting punitive sanctions, and reinstating the £25 a week uplift for universal credit recipients."]
Benefit Sanctions — [Mark Pritchard in the Chair]
13 December 2022
Responding: Guy Opperman
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the shocking figures on benefit sanctions, with over £34 million clawed back by DWP in June 2022 and increasing month-on-month. In August, the average deduction was £262 a month for claimants. I also raise specific case studies of individuals disproportionately affected by sanctions, including those with Asperger's syndrome, severe anxiety, or escaping domestic violence."]
Specific Asks
["I ask the Minister to undertake to publish the Department's evidence review on the drivers of the need for food aid and to commission a study into correlations between distance from Jobcentre Plus, mental health vulnerability, and digital exclusion with the likelihood of being sanctioned. I also urge the Minister to implement a fully national roll-out of a yellow card system sooner rather than later."]
Making Britain a Clean Energy Superpower
26 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's plan aims to address the challenges of energy insecurity, skyrocketing consumer bills, job creation in industrial heartlands, and climate change by investing in clean energy. The Ener...
HIV Compensation Scheme Bill - Lords amendment 35, Government amendments (b) and (c), Lords amendment 46, etc.
24 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The lead MP opened the debate by moving several amendments to address various aspects of the HIV Compensation Scheme Bill. He discussed Lords amendments including 35 and Government amendments such as ...
Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
21 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
16 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate urges the UK Government to deliver prompt compensation to women born in the 1950s who had their state pension age raised. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report highlights th...
Terms and Conditions of Employment
14 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The draft order aims to increase the deterrent effect of the code of practice on dismissal and re-engagement, ensuring that employers are clear about their responsibilities when considering changes to...
Passport e-Gates Network Outage
08 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill - Instruction to the Committee on the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill that it has power to make provision in the Bill for it to extend to Northern Ireland.
29 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Inquiry
23 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Food Poverty Strategy
22 April 2024
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Exactly 10 years have passed since an all-party parliamentary inquiry was launched to investigate hunger and food poverty in the UK. Despite this, household food insecurity has increased from 8% to 10...
Backbench Business
18 April 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls for the Government to address fragmented and inconsistent redress landscapes by creating statutory guidance with common principles. The speaker highlights examples of failures in comp...
3
PMQs Asked
126
Ministerial Questions Asked
178
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
1
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+842% above average
This MP:
126
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-21% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3551% above average
This MP:
178
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-89% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Chris Stephens's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.