Damien Moore
MP for Southport
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
For over 160 years, Southport pier has been at the centre of our visitor economy. Businesses are concerned about the impact on tourism due to the closure by Sefton Labour-controlled Council. Will the Prime Minister condemn this action and support efforts to reopen the pier?
Context
Sefton Council closed the historic grade II-listed Southport pier, causing concern for local businesses and tourism.
Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)
The Government have provided £2 million for improvements at Southport pier as part of the coastal community fund. A landmark £35.5 million town deal is also being provided for Southport.
Assessment
Did not directly address condemning Sefton Council's actions or supporting efforts to reopen the pier
Session: PMQs
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In memory of Semina Halliwell, who tragically took her own life after being let down by the system, will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss further measures to better protect children in Southport and the wider council area?
Context
Semina Halliwell, a 12-year-old girl from Southport, suffered an ordeal that led to her death. Sefton Council still has an inadequate rating for children's social care.
Oliver Dowden
I congratulate my hon. Friend on raising this heartbreaking case and I am happy to meet him, along with Health Department Ministers, to discuss further measures to protect children.
Assessment
null
Session: PMQs
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After putting in a fantastic bid, Southport got a £37.5 million town deal, which is transformational and represents the levelling-up agenda of the Prime Minister and this Government. Will he come to see these projects unfold?
Context
Southport received a £37.5 million town deal that will be transformational, representing the levelling-up agenda.
Boris Johnson
Yes, indeed. I am told that the boulevard of light on Lord Street rivals the Champs-Élysées itself and will keep my hon. Friend's invitation in mind.
Session: PMQs
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My right hon. Friend knows how important rail connectivity is to my constituents. Given the importance of schemes that link areas, will he issue stronger guidance for transport authorities to have better links between each other, rather than just within their own transport areas?
Context
The MP is focused on enhancing rail links, particularly the reconnection of Burscough curves and a station at Midge Hall.
Mark Harper
I recently hosted a roundtable bringing together him, his local authority, Lancashire County Council, local rail operators and other interested parties to discuss how to further develop the business case for the Burscough curves. He will be aware that we have allocated £494 million over seven years starting next year to Lancashire County Council.
Session: Transport Connectivity North-west
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What steps he is taking to improve transport connectivity for towns and cities in the north-west. Network North will see £19.8 billion of investment following the redirection of funding from HS2.
Context
The MP is concerned about the transport infrastructure in the north-west, particularly for towns and cities.
Mark Harper
Network North will see a further £19.8 billion of investment in the north of England following the redirection of funding from the second phase of HS2. Liverpool city region is one of six areas to benefit from nearly £4 billion of uplift in the second round of the city region sustainable transport settlements. A further £1.48 billion is going to the non-mayoral local authorities to fund a wide range of projects.
Session: Transport Connectivity North-west
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Southport has seen millions of pounds of investment into drainage capacity but not in the affected villages. After meeting with the Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries, what more can be done to set up an internal drainage board at pace?
Context
The MP highlighted the lack of investment in villages like Tarleton, Hesketh Bank and Banks affected by flooding. A report has been submitted to the Department.
Steve Barclay
We are a huge supporter of internal drainage boards and have allocated £75 million. We will look constructively at what more can be done through the focus of drainage boards, including flexing regulations in response to storms like Storm Henk.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I ask my hon. Friend what work is being done to ensure that the Government give value for money for the taxpayer when it comes to the Government estate?
Context
The MP is concerned about the value for money in the maintenance and use of Government properties.
Alex Burghart
I am pleased to say that one of our major Government functions, the Government Property Agency, is constantly looking at how we can refresh the Government estate to make sure not just that our offices are fit for purpose and are wonderful working spaces for our excellent civil servants, but that we are not hanging on to outdated buildings that are expensive to run. We are very mindful of achieving value for money in this area.
Session: Topical Questions
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In light of the Government's commitment to level up through Network North, will my hon. Friend commit to a meeting with me and other key stakeholders to discuss reinstating the Burscough curves rail link, which would connect Southport to Preston and the wider north of England, fulfilling our economic potential and helping us welcome another million visitors a year to Southport?
Context
The MP is concerned about the potential economic benefits of a restored Burscough curves rail link, including increased connectivity for Southport and welcoming more visitors to the area.
Huw Merriman
I am always happy to meet my hon. Friend, and I pay tribute to his doughty campaigning on the reopening of the Burscough curves. It is for local transport authorities to consider whether such projects are the best way to meet local transport needs and, if so, whether they wish to develop the schemes from the significant new transport budgets that the Government will shortly be allocating from HS2 savings.
Session: Transport Connectivity North-west England
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What steps he is taking to increase transport connectivity between towns and cities in the north-west. In light of Network North, the questioner seeks specific initiatives such as investment amounts and railway projects that will improve travel options for residents and visitors alike.
Context
The question arises from a broader context of improving transport infrastructure and connectivity across the north-west. It follows recent government announcements about Network North, an initiative aimed at enhancing transportation links in this region.
Huw Merriman
Network North will see a further £19.8 billion-worth of investment in the north of England following the redirection of funding from High Speed 2. That is in addition to what has already been committed through the £3.5 billion to northern city regions from the first round of the city region sustainable transport settlements; the development of Northern Powerhouse Rail, which will transform rail connectivity between the north of England's key economic centres; and £11 billion for the trans-Pennine route upgrade.
Session: Transport Connectivity North-west England
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In Southport we have a significant number of pensioners who, having lost their partners, now face the added challenge of managing increased living costs alone. Can the Minister kindly elaborate on what specific initiatives or support mechanisms are in place to assist people in those financially difficult circumstances?
Context
The question addresses the financial difficulties faced by pensioners who have lost their partners.
Paul Maynard
Anyone who suffers a bereavement at any time will potentially be in severe financial difficulties. I direct my hon. Friend to the funeral expenses payment, which is part of the social fund. The triple lock will result in an 8.5% increase in the state pension next year.
Session: Cost of Living Pensioners
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Colleges in Southport have raised concerns about careers advice opportunities for students with SEND—specifically, about the suitability of the oversight and the supposed added value of these sessions. Will my right hon. Friend detail what steps the Government are taking to ensure that these sessions are personalised better to support SEND students in their transition into employment?
Context
Colleges in Southport have raised concerns about the suitability of careers advice sessions for students with special educational needs and disabilities.
Robert Halfon
We are investing over £18 million over the next three years in supported internship schemes for high special needs 16-to-19 pupils. We have a mentor scheme for disabled apprentices, and 82% of SEND schools are now part of careers hubs.
Session: Provider Access Legislation
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Whether her Department has conducted a review of the effectiveness of provider access legislation.
Context
Provider access legislation aims to ensure students have opportunities for technical education and apprenticeships. Damien Moore questions the effectiveness of this legislation.
Robert Halfon
We are strengthening technical and provider access in schools. We have legislated for pupils to have six encounters with apprentice organisations and technical colleges, Ofsted is looking closely at careers guidance, and the apprentice support and knowledge network is going into over 2,000 schools, supporting 680,000 pupils and encouraging them to take up apprenticeships or other skills offerings.
Session: Provider Access Legislation
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Nowhere does events as well as my Southport constituency. This weekend's Armed Forces Day was truly testament to that fact, so would my right hon. Friend welcome and support an application from Southport to host the national Armed Forces Day in 2025?
Context
Southport recently hosted an event celebrating the armed forces, and there is a bid from Southport to be selected as the venue for the national Armed Forces Day in 2025.
Ben Wallace
May I place on record our gratitude to Cornwall Council and Falmouth, and all the organisers of the national Armed Forces Day this year—the town laid on an extraordinary event, which was a great tribute to the men and women of the armed forces—as well as all the other local authorities that laid on events up and down the country? Of course I would welcome a bid from Southport; I will also welcome bids from all over the country, and I look forward to this becoming a growing competition to recognise the men and women of our armed forces.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can my right hon. Friend elaborate on how those steps will specifically support skills in the sectors of hospitality, tourism and coastal conservation? The MP mentions the importance of these industries to the local economy.
Context
The MP is concerned about the unique seaside heritage of Southport and its need for sector-specific skills development.
Gillian Keegan
I know my hon. Friend is doing a lot to support businesses in our great seaside towns. We are increasing collaboration with colleges, employers and the chamber of commerce. The plan has been informed by hundreds of local businesses such as Lattimer, Access Point, EFT Construction, Bulldog Products and Stormspell.
Session: Local Business Needs Skills Development
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Does my right hon Friend agree it would not be appropriate to house asylum seekers at Pontins holiday camp? Will he confirm the reports that the site will not proceed?
Context
There are reports that a Pontins holiday camp in the constituency is under consideration for housing asylum seekers. The MP asks for confirmation.
Robert Jenrick
The Home Office is reviewing options and having exploratory conversations. If Sefton Council does not wish to proceed with the Pontins site, it will not do so.
Session: Refugees Accommodation
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The wine trade, and particularly wines produced in the UK, plays an increasing important role in Southport's food and drink industry. Will my right hon. Friend meet some of these businesses to listen to how the proposed duty reforms will affect their trade?
Context
The wine trade, especially in Southport, is growing and affected by proposed tax reforms.
George Eustice
My hon. Friend will know that duty and tax is a matter for the Treasury, but I am more than happy to meet his constituents. The English wine industry has been a fabulous success story in recent decades.
Session: Topical Questions
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I recently attended the opening of Southport veterans' hub, which does an excellent job in providing support for ex-service personnel in my constituency. Will my hon. Friend join veterans at the hub to further understand what more support his Department can give?
Context
A recent event at the Southport veterans' hub highlighted its importance in providing support for ex-service personnel. The hub addresses specific local challenges faced by veterans.
Leo Docherty
I would like to acknowledge the importance of such gatherings, which I have seen regularly in my constituency. I thank my hon. Friend for his support of that hub. If I find myself near Southport in the near future, I would be delighted to visit.
Session: Support for Veterans
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What steps is his Department taking to help support veterans across the UK? The 'Veterans' Strategy Action Plan' published earlier this year set out 60 commitments, including significant funding. However, there are concerns about the effectiveness of these measures.
Context
The question arises from the need to address comprehensive support for veterans, highlighted by the publication of the 'Veterans' Strategy Action Plan'. This plan includes £70 million investment in various areas such as healthcare and employment.
Leo Docherty
We continue to work tirelessly to ensure that veterans are supported right across the UK. The 'Veterans' Strategy Action Plan', published earlier this year, set out 60 commitments and £70 million of investment, particularly on the themes of healthcare and employment.
Session: Support for Veterans
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Does my hon. Friend agree that restoring the fast stream would ensure that the top ranks of the civil service continue to be world leading in their breadth and depth of knowledge?
Context
The MP references the importance of the civil service fast stream in ensuring that the best and brightest individuals, regardless of their background, are able to rise to top positions within the organisation.
Heather Wheeler
Fast stream places for autumn 2022 will be honoured, direct entry apprenticeship and internship schemes continue, and while we pause the fast stream for the 19 intake, reform is being undertaken to drive up specialist skills in the civil service.
Session: Civil Service Broadening and Diversifying Expertise
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What steps his Department is taking to broaden and diversify expertise in senior posts within the civil service?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of diverse expertise at senior levels in the civil service and asks what steps are being taken to address this.
Heather Wheeler
The Government will provide a range of entry routes and a renewed focus on driving skills, experience and knowledge within the civil service through loans, secondments and intergovernmental placements and fellowships. The external by default recruitment requirement for all senior civil servant roles has been strengthened.
Session: Civil Service Broadening and Diversifying Expertise
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Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that our recently passed Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 will ensure that this Conservative Government will take every step to deprive those found guilty of war crimes in Ukraine of their illegally gotten gains?
Context
The Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 has been passed to address the issue of illegal gains from war criminals.
Dominic Raab
My hon. Friend will know that, because of the Sergei Magnitsky regime for asset freezes and visa bans for anyone who has committed serious human rights abuses, we already have that capacity in place. That is on top of the further co-operation that we will provide with the ICC and, I should mention, that the Attorney General will provide with the prosecutor general of Ukraine.
Session: Ukraine Potential War Crimes by Russia
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Does my hon. Friend agree that town deals are one of the most progressive ways of supporting regional growth, and that the one for Southport will kick-start our economy locally?
Context
N/A
Helen Whately
I congratulate my hon. Friend on his hard work to secure the £37.5 million town deal for Southport, which will be truly transformative for his constituents. That funding will bring in more private investment to his constituency, building on public funding and providing new jobs and opportunities for his constituents. It will be levelling up in action.
Session: Regional Growth
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What steps his Department is taking to encourage regional growth across the UK.
Context
N/A
Helen Whately
At last autumn's Budget and spending review, we announced a comprehensive package of investment to level up the UK and encourage regional growth. This included the £4.8 billion levelling-up fund, the £2.6 billion shared prosperity fund and £1.6 billion of investment in the next generation of the British Business Bank's regional investment fund.
Session: Regional Growth
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Local urban communities such as Southport benefit enormously from trees, shrubbery and other green spaces that promote biodiversity and rewilding, but there are strong concerns among my constituents that Sefton Council is planning to cut back the greenery along Southport's pavements and replace it with concrete blocks for cycle lanes. So will my hon Friend support my attempts to fight this nature crime—a potential tree massacre—by Labour-controlled Sefton Council?
Context
Sefton Council is considering replacing vegetation along Southport's pavements with concrete blocks, raising concerns among the local community about biodiversity loss.
Rebecca Pow
Through our Environment Act 2021, we have a strengthened duty on local authorities to assess what they can do to further conservation and biodiversity. We also have that world-leading target to halt the decline in nature. I urge my hon Friend to work with the council and get it to do more; it could replace those concrete blocks with hedges which would help tackle air pollution.
Session: Biodiversity
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What steps his Department is taking to support biodiversity and rewilding in local urban communities. Local urban communities such as Southport benefit enormously from trees, shrubbery and other green spaces that promote biodiversity and rewilding, but there are strong concerns among my constituents that Sefton Council is planning to cut back the greenery along Southport's pavements and replace it with concrete blocks for cycle lanes.
Context
Damien Moore raises concerns about the importance of urban green spaces for biodiversity and highlights a local issue regarding Sefton Council's plans to reduce vegetation along pavements.
Rebecca Pow
Through our local nature recovery strategies, we will identify local priorities for nature recovery including urban areas. We are investing £750 million through the nature for climate fund and urge my hon Friend to look at funding available like the local authority treescapes fund and the urban tree challenge fund.
Session: Biodiversity
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Can the Minister tell us what steps he is taking to ensure that the celebration extends across the United Kingdom and that it is used to showcase the benefits of our UK, with Northern Ireland as an integral part of it?
Context
The question follows from discussions about marking Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee.
Conor Burns
This occasion should bring us all together. In that light and specifically with reference to Northern Ireland, I would like to welcome the comments of the Leader of Sinn Fein who said that she wanted to extend to the British Queen a word of congratulations because 70 years is quite some achievement.
Session: Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
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Does my hon. Friend agree that the reorganisation of local authority areas can reduce financial pressures? Can she meet me to discuss Southport's benefits from being in a new council area?
Context
The reorganisation of local authority boundaries is seen as a potential solution to reducing financial strain on councils.
Kemi Badenoch
Yes, it is true that reorganisation can sometimes assist. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this issue.
Session: Local Authority Budgets
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I recently met Specsavers to discuss how patient choice should be promoted by making all routine community services patient self-referrals, especially when that can free up GPs' time by not using them as administrative gatekeepers. Will the Secretary of State commit to meeting me to discuss how we can increase GP capacity using such measures?
Context
The MP is seeking to increase GP capacity by promoting patient self-referrals for routine community services.
Maria Caulfield
I am very interested in hearing proposals on patient self-referral. I am happy to meet my hon. Friend. From a cancer perspective, we are also potentially looking at self-referrals for skin diagnosis for possible skin cancer and for breast lumps, because we want to reduce waiting times and increase GP capacity.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Judicial Review and Courts Bill—I served on the Public Bill Committee—will allow a few low-level crimes to be dealt with automatically online. Will the Minister consider extending that provision to help clear the courts backlog?
James Cartlidge
My hon. Friend, who put in a great shift on the Committee, makes an excellent point. The Judicial Review and Courts Bill will introduce a new procedure for certain low-level offences such as travelling on a train without a ticket, enabling defendants who wish to plead guilty to make a plea and accept a conviction and standard penalty entirely online.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that restoring the Burscough Curves link would connect all regions of the United Kingdom?
Context
The MP is advocating for the restoration of a rail line connecting Southport with Preston and up to Glasgow, arguing it should be a priority for demonstrating regional equality and connectivity.
Grant Shapps
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend—and, it seems, yourself, Mr Speaker—that it would be a great idea. My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for the people of Southport. I know he applied unsuccessfully for the first round of restoring your railway fund money, but I am very committed to working with him on that.
Session: Closed Rail Lines Restoration
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Would my right hon. Friend commit to meeting me to discuss putting the link back through Burscough curves connecting Southport better with Scotland?
Context
Request for a meeting to discuss improved rail connections.
Alister Jack
Yes, I will meet my hon. Friend. It would be wonderful for us Scots as we do enjoy a game of golf.
Session: Connectivity Scotland and the Rest of the UK
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Research shows Southport could resemble an island by 2050 if no further action is taken. Will my right hon Friend commit to visiting Southport to explore what further steps we can take to protect constituents' homes from rising water levels and increased flooding risks?
Context
Southport could become an island by 2050 with rising sea levels, posing significant risks to homes and properties. The MP seeks specific actions to mitigate flood impacts.
George Eustice
Increased spending on flooding is £5.2 billion, protecting 336,000 properties across England; I would be delighted to meet and visit Southport to discuss particular challenges facing Southport.
Session: Coastal Communities
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Coastal communities are key to our levelling-up agenda. What steps is he taking to support coastal communities? Research shows Southport could resemble an island by 2050 if no further action is taken. Will my right hon Friend commit to visiting Southport to explore what further steps we can take?
Context
Damien Moore is concerned about the impact of rising sea levels and flooding on Southport, which could become an island by 2050 without further action. The MP has highlighted the need to protect constituents' homes from increased flood risks.
George Eustice
Coastal communities are key to our levelling-up agenda. A positive picture is emerging for fishing with a quota uplift of £146 million by 2026, plus the UK seafood fund investing in coastal areas. Spending on flooding has increased to £5.2 billion to protect 336,000 properties across England; I would be delighted to meet and visit Southport.
Session: Coastal Communities
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Can my right hon. Friend tell the House how he is making it easier for transport workers, who are disproportionately under-vaccinated, to get their jabs and get this country moving?
Context
The MP noted that transport sector workers are under-vaccinated and are facing challenges due to their working hours.
Maggie Throup
We are intent on making vaccines as accessible as possible, so there are now more vaccination sites than at any point in the programme. They operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week where possible, including at hundreds of walk-in and pop-up sites. In every community, there should be slots available at least 16 hours a day; in some places, that is extended to 24 hours a day to support workers such as those in the transport sector.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister commit to joining me on a visit to King George V College in my constituency to see how it could be a blueprint for development in other areas across the country?
Context
The MP highlights King George V College's reputation for producing excellent A-level results and suggests it could be a model for other colleges.
Alex Burghart
Going to Southport would be as great an honour as going to Crawley. I would be delighted to see how Southport is taking advantage of the £480,000 it recently received from the FE capital transformation fund.
Session: Further Education Colleges Upgrade
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What steps he is taking to upgrade further education colleges?
Context
No specific background context provided.
Alex Burghart
We are working to upgrade further education colleges through the FE capital transformation programme. We are investing £1.5 billion between 2020 and 2026 to tackle poor conditions in the FE estate and to ensure our colleges are excellent places for people to learn.
Session: Further Education Colleges Upgrade
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What steps his Department is taking to tackle disparities in achievement at A-level between the north and south of England. Recent funding increases have not fully addressed these gaps, prompting this inquiry.
Context
The MP is concerned about the significant disparity in A-level achievements between northern and southern England.
Nick Gibb
We are focused on levelling up opportunity for young people. A-level provision will benefit from recent increases in 16 to 19 funding of almost 10% per student in the 2020-21 allocation. Furthermore, our Opportunity North East and opportunity areas programmes are investing in improving outcomes for young people in many parts of the north.
Session: A-level Achievement
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Despite clear guidance on large gatherings last month, hundreds of cars and spectators descended on my Southport constituency for an illegal car meet-up that involved cars travelling at excessive speeds. Will my right hon. Friend do everything she can to ensure that these events are stopped and that the organisers of such events receive the maximum penalty?
Context
Hundreds of cars and spectators descended on Southport constituency for an illegal car meet-up involving excessive speeding, despite clear guidance.
Priti Patel
My hon. Friend is absolutely right; these breaches are serious, as are some of the practices that we have seen with illegal car rallies. He will understand that the policing powers and the operational decisions on how these rallies are tackled are very much with the chief constable and the police and crime commissioner, but of course the police have the necessary powers. There are also road traffic offences that can and should be applied when they are committed. I am sorry to say that we have seen far too many of these rallies recently and they are in breach of the covid regulations.
Session: Covid-19 Restrictions Large Gatherings
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What steps she is taking to tackle large gatherings that breach covid-19 restrictions?
Context
Inquiry about large gatherings breaching coronavirus guidelines.
Priti Patel
We continue to work closely with the police to provide them with the powers, support and resources they need to ensure compliance with the coronavirus regulations. We have quadrupled the penalties for those attending illegal indoor gatherings of more than 15 people in England, and have created a fine regime to ensure that we can absolutely enforce the regulations and that people are following the rules.
Session: Covid-19 Restrictions Large Gatherings
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What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on ensuring that veterans discharged from the British Army on medical grounds are given priority medical treatment by the NHS. I welcome my hon. Friend to his place. My constituent Mark Roberts was discharged from the Royal Tank Regiment in 2015 on medical grounds. Despite his service to our country, he was on the NHS waiting list for dental treatment for three years. May I ask my hon. Friend to see what more can be done to ensure that our veterans get access to the medical treatment that they deserve?
Context
Concern about veterans discharged from the British Army on medical grounds not receiving timely medical attention by the NHS.
Leo Docherty
I want to ensure a gold standard of care for veterans. I pay tribute to the national health service for its excellent range of bespoke services that are available to veterans as a priority. I thank my hon. Friend for the terrific work that he does to represent the interests of veterans in his constituency. I am concerned to hear the details about Mr Roberts. If my hon. Friend forwards me the details, I will pursue that case with urgency.
Session: Veterans Priority Medical Treatment
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Tunisia wants to export more olive oil to the UK, but minimum quota requirements are making this difficult. Will my hon. Friend look into this so that trade is made easy with Tunisia?
Context
Tunisia is a leading exporter of olive oil and faces minimum quota requirements based on the last two years which hinder increased exports.
Ranil Jayawardena (MP)
I am aware of this matter and will look into it. I look forward to working with my hon. Friend and my Tunisian counterpart to open up opportunities for British and Tunisian businesses.
Session: Trading Relationship with Tunisia
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What recent assessment has been made of the potential merits of strengthening the UK's trading relationship with Tunisia?
Context
The MP notes his work as the Prime Minister's trade envoy to Tunisia and Libya. He highlights the potential benefits of strengthening trade ties.
Ranil Jayawardena (MP)
There is great merit in strengthening the trading relationship with Tunisia. Our trade deal entered into force at the beginning of this year and it provides a platform to deepen trade and investment. We are already supporting businesses such as Unilever, AstraZeneca and Vodafone.
Session: Trading Relationship with Tunisia
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What steps is my right hon. Friend's Department taking to support the recovery of towns with large hospitality and tourism economies from the effects of the covid-19 pandemic?
Context
Support for towns with large hospitality and tourism economies.
Oliver Dowden
I thank my hon. Friend for his question; I know of his passionate concern about this. The Government have introduced a range of targeted measures to support hospitality and tourism through covid-19, including business rates relief and the new restart support grants, as well as the 5% VAT rate.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Car Parking: Care Workers — [Sir Robert Syms in the Chair]
16 March 2023
Responding: Helen Whately
Main Concerns
['Care workers face an 11% vacancy rate, up from 7%, representing 165,000 and 110,000 vacancies respectively. The turnover rate of directly employed staff working in adult social care was 29% between 2020 and 2021, equivalent to approximately 400,000 leavers. Care workers often pay up to £90 per day for parking tickets due to local authority policies, adding financial strain.']
Specific Asks
["I call on the Government to introduce a nationwide standardised green badge system for social care workers on duty and making care visits. This should be nationally recognised with eligibility set at a national level, available for all care workers who travel to provide care in clients' homes."]
Town Deals: Covid-19 Recovery
14 July 2021
Responding: Luke Hall
Main Concerns
["Mr Damien Moore is concerned about the decline of towns across England due to high levels of deprivation, lack of opportunity and empty shops. He notes that Southport faces issues similar to other northern towns with a large tourism and hospitality sector. The pandemic has exacerbated these challenges as people's shopping and leisure habits have changed remarkably. Mr Moore highlights specific problems such as business rates being a significant barrier for small businesses in maintaining heritage buildings, parking charges discouraging local residents from visiting town centres, and the need for better connectivity through rail infrastructure."]
Specific Asks
['Mr Damien Moore asks the Government to overhaul the business rates system to make it easier for businesses to open up in town centres. He also requests that councils incentivise shopping by providing free parking periods. Additionally, he raises the importance of maintaining a direct rail service to Manchester Piccadilly and reopening the Burscough curves.']
Southport to Manchester Rail Services
30 June 2021
Responding: Chris Heaton-Harris
Main Concerns
['Damien Moore is concerned about the potential downgrade of direct train services from Southport to Manchester Piccadilly. He highlighted that in January, a consultation by the Department for Transport, Network Rail and Transport for the North aimed to improve rail performance but could downsize the service my constituents have only recently secured. The proposed changes would remove the direct service to Manchester Piccadilly, affecting two-thirds of Southport and Lancashire residents who need the south side station due to its connections to other parts of Britain. He also noted that the current service is crucial for tourism in his constituency, particularly events like The Open golf tournament which attracted almost a quarter of a million visitors.']
Specific Asks
['Moore urges the Minister to ensure that the Northern franchise continues to provide direct services between Southport and Manchester Piccadilly on the mainline. He requests sufficient numbers of services at appropriate times with enough seats for passengers. Additionally, he calls for efforts to prevent an increase in driving due to reduced service which could harm climate targets.']
North of England: Infrastructure Spending
25 November 2020
Responding: Jesse Norman
Main Concerns
['Mr. Damien Moore is concerned about the disparity in infrastructure spending between London and the north, highlighting that per person investment was £1,461 in London compared to £793 in the North East over a five-year period. He emphasizes that this underinvestment has led to structural economic disadvantage for northern regions. The pandemic has exacerbated these disparities, particularly affecting areas like Southport which rely heavily on tourism and visitor economy.']
Specific Asks
['Mr. Moore asks the government to focus more on rail projects such as the Burscough curves, improve rolling stock on tracks, and provide better digital infrastructure in rural areas to enable home working and facilitate a smart energy system. He also calls for investment in nuclear energy and advanced manufacturing to create green jobs.']
Football Governance Bill [Lords] 2025-07-08
08 July 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to amend the Football Governance Bill, presenting several new clauses that aim to regulate alcohol consumption in football grounds within one year of the passing of the Act for top-tier men's ga...
Debate on the Address
17 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, that an humble Address be presented to His Majesty. The motion acknowledges the Gracious Speech and welcomes a legislative programme based on security, fairness and opportunity for all,...
Hospice Funding
22 April 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls on integrated care boards to urgently address the funding for hospice-provided palliative care. Emphasises the importance of end-of-life care as a legal right, highlights financial pressures fac...
Midge Hall Railway Station
17 April 2024
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms Fletcher expressed her concern over the closure of Midge Hall station during the Beeching cuts. She highlighted that trains currently pass through the station without stopping for passengers due to...
Miscellaneous
06 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Inquiry Update
19 April 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Reform of Children’s Social Care
02 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Unaccompanied Asylum-seeking Children
24 January 2023
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...
Levelling Up
02 February 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
3
PMQs Asked
59
Ministerial Questions Asked
26
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
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
+340% above average
This MP:
59
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+435% above average
This MP:
26
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 Damien Moore's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.