Dave Robertson
MP for Lichfield
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
I welcome the new Minister to her place. I thank her for her work in facilitating the historic meeting last week, which was the first time a sitting Prime Minister has met a group of survivors in this space. It was a great meeting, but the survivors are understandably sceptical because they have been let down severely by so many institutions for so long. Can she outline the steps she will take in the short and medium term to ensure those survivors start seeing the justice they have been denied for far too long?
Context
Dave Robertson acknowledges the importance of following up on the meeting between survivors and the Prime Minister, expressing concern about the scepticism of survivors due to their long history of being let down by institutions.
Natalie Fleet
I thank my hon. Friend for the work he is doing with the APPG. As the Prime Minister made clear, the Government are committed to engaging with the Fayed victim-survivors and ensuring that their concerns are addressed. I will shortly be in contact with them to follow up on the meeting last week, and we will set out the form that that engagement we take. We will absolutely ensure that this is the start of a process, not the end.
Session: Mohamed al-Fayed Alleged Abuse
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What steps her Department plans to take to help support the response to alleged abuse at workplaces connected to Mohamed al-Fayed. I am concerned about the impact on survivors and the need for a robust response from the Government.
Context
Dave Robertson highlights the need for support in addressing allegations of abuse connected to Mohamed al-Fayed's businesses.
Natalie Fleet
It was an honour to be by the side of the Prime Minister when he met Fayed victim-survivors last week. I was proud that one of my first acts in post was to help facilitate the first meeting of this kind with these brave women. No one is above the law, and those who perpetrate or facilitate abuse must be held to account. I will continue to engage with my hon. Friend's all-party parliamentary group so that victim-survivors know that this Government are listening.
Session: Mohamed al-Fayed Alleged Abuse
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In March, the Prime Minister agreed to meet survivors of abuse by Mohammed Fayed. Almost 500 survivors have come forward, all of whom have been waiting for years, and in many cases decades, for justice. Can the Minister confirm whether the Prime Minister's adviser on women and girls will attend that meeting, and what progress has been made on scheduling it?
Context
Survivors of abuse by Mohammed Fayed have been waiting for years to meet the Prime Minister's adviser on women and girls. There are nearly 500 such individuals.
Catherine Atkinson
I thank my hon. Friend for his continued leadership as co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group for the survivors of Fayed and Harrods. I was in contact with Baroness Harman yesterday and will raise the possibility of her joining the Prime Minister's meeting with victims and survivors.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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My constituents are concerned about the cost of living due to issues with Iran. What steps is the Department taking to ensure that fuels and fertilisers can reach market without price increases?
Context
Concerns about the impact of Iran's situation on fuel and fertiliser prices in the UK.
Yvette Cooper
I have been pursuing diplomatic meetings with five countries and 12 Foreign Ministers. The Chancellor will make a statement shortly regarding domestic issues.
Session: Topical Questions
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I again thank the ministerial team for what they have done to get the midlands rail hub project so far along so quickly, with funding now unlocked for the west and central sections, but the east section is dragging ever so slightly behind. Will they look again at whether the south Staffordshire line can be included in rail hub east, to unlock the wonderful benefits of cross-regional travel via that line for my constituents and those in Uttoxeter and Derby?
Context
Funding has been unlocked for west and central sections of the midlands rail hub, but the east section is progressing slowly.
Heidi Alexander
I was grateful to my hon. Friend for his time a couple of weeks ago, when we discussed this matter. He is right to highlight the transformative benefit of the midlands rail hub expanding capacity into Moor Street station. I will come back to him on the potential around the south Staffordshire line.
Session: Topical Questions
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The quantum technology sector is hugely important for the UK. We have world-leading researchers and businesses innovating in healthcare, defence and many more industries, but quantum firms tell me that as they grow, they find it harder and harder to secure the investment that they need to commercialise their exceptional ideas. The risk that we face is that they will take their businesses out of the UK in order to seek that investment. That is why I recently established the all-party parliamentary group on quantum technologies to help Members of both Houses to understand this rapidly evolving sector. What can the Government do to ensure that our quantum businesses get the investment that they need to grow here in the UK?
Context
The MP established the all-party parliamentary group on quantum technologies and is concerned that quantum businesses may take their businesses out of the UK if they do not secure the necessary investment.
Chris McDonald
I thank my hon. Friend for his work in establishing the all-party parliamentary group on quantum technologies. He is right to identify these technologies as very important for the future, and to put his finger on the particular problem that we have in the UK: while we are brilliant at innovating and investing in research, we have historically struggled with scale-up. That is not something that this Government are prepared to accept. Just as we are investing in critical minerals and automotive connected mobility technologies, we are investing in this area. The British Business Bank is doubling its annual investments to ensure that we can support scale-up and bring forward at least 10 new-to-market growth-stage funds so that we can leverage pension investments and help British businesses to stay and grow in the UK.
Session: Private Sector Investment
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What steps he is taking to help increase levels of private sector investment.
Context
The MP is concerned about the levels of private sector investment and wants to understand what steps the government is taking to increase it.
Chris McDonald
I thank my hon. Friend, who is an advocate and champion of businesses in Lichfield. As I am sure he is aware, we are making sure that the UK is the best place in the world to invest by backing priority sectors through our industrial strategy. The advanced manufacturing sector plan will strengthen UK supply chains in sectors such as automotive, aerospace and clean energy industries, ensuring that businesses in Lichfield, such as its manufacturing and logistics businesses, get the skills, technology and new commercial opportunities that they need.
Session: Private Sector Investment
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The ministerial team will be aware that schools in the Arthur Terry learning partnership across my constituency and six others in the west midlands saw nine days of strike action in January and February. The trust was consulting on staff cuts because it had a multimillion-pound hole in its budget, a hole that senior leaders put down to a mistake in the finances. I am glad that there is now new leadership in place at the Arthur Terry learning partnership, but what steps can our Government take to ensure that trusts are held to account much more strongly than they currently are?
Context
The questioner refers to nine days of strike action by staff in the Arthur Terry learning partnership due to a multimillion-pound budget shortfall. The trust was consulting on staff cuts, but new leadership is now in place.
Georgia Gould
I really appreciate the way in which my hon. Friend has been working closely with me on this issue. The Department sets clear financial management expectations for trusts through funding agreements in the academy trust handbook, and we are bringing in inspections of multi-academy trusts to ensure good governance and financial management.
Session: Topical Questions
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People across Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages are overjoyed that this Government are investing in the midlands rail hub project, but they are eager for more. Will the departmental team look again at the south Staffordshire line, which would reconnect Lichfield to Burton via Alrewas, and the potential merits of a station to serve the National Memorial Arboretum?
Context
People across Lichfield, Burntwood, and surrounding villages are eager for improved rail services, including the potential merits of a station to serve the National Memorial Arboretum.
Keir Mather
My hon. Friend continues to robustly defend the interests of his constituents to have the rail services that they deserve. If he writes to me with the detail of those proposals, I will ensure that the Rail Minister gives him a fulsome response.
Session: Passenger Railway Services
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People across Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages are delighted that this Government have funded the midlands rail hub project, meaning a doubling of the number of trains from Lichfield to Birmingham every hour. Ministers could go even further, though, by investigating the reopening of the Derby-Burton-Lichfield line, including a stop in Alrewas for the National Memorial Arboretum. Despite warm words from my predecessor, no business case exists for that. Can the Minister confirm that this Labour Government are not done with investing in transport in the midlands, and will he look again at the Derby-Burton-Lichfield line?
Context
The midlands rail hub project has been funded, doubling the number of trains from Lichfield to Birmingham. However, there is no business case for reopening the Derby-Burton-Lichfield line.
James Murray (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the value of the midlands rail hub, which we invested in at the spending review. We are determined to invest more in transport in the midlands. Indeed, at the spending review the Government committed to investing £4.4 billion there through transport for city regions funding. My hon. Friend is a great advocate for services that will benefit his constituents, and I will ask the Rail Minister to respond about the specifics of the line that he raises.
Session: Rail Infrastructure
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People in my constituency are looking forward to seeing the number of trains from Lichfield city to Birmingham double due to the midlands rail hub project. Can the Minister confirm that bringing the line back into public ownership under Great British Railways will help us drive these changes faster?
Context
The midlands rail hub project aims to double the number of trains from Lichfield city to Birmingham, including a later evening service. This project was stalled under the previous government and is now being pressed ahead.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Keir Mather)
My hon. Friend is right to champion his constituents’ rights to frequent and reliable transport. Great British Railways will simplify journeys, reduce delays, and improve timetables to deliver better value for passengers and taxpayers.
Session: Passenger Rail Services
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What steps will the Chancellor take with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that reductions in energy bills are reflected in standing charges, not just in unit prices?
Context
Constituents are concerned about the fairness of energy bill reductions.
Dorking and Horley
Energy bills are too high. The Conservatives left Britain dependent on the rollercoaster of gas prices, and left families paying almost £2 billion on bills for their failed energy efficiency scheme, the energy company obligation. We are scrapping ECO and taking some of the expensive levies off bills. My hon. Friend makes an important point about standing charges. He will know that Ofgem continues to consider low standing charge tariffs for exactly the reason that he raises.
Session: Topical Questions
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Mohamed Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, sexually abused hundreds of female employees over decades. Reporters tried to reveal his crimes but it was only after his death that the true extent of the scandal began to emerge because of media fears about strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). What steps will the Department take to ensure that rich and powerful men like Fayed cannot use SLAPPs to silence their critics in the media?
Context
Mohamed Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, sexually abused hundreds of female employees over decades. Reporters tried to reveal his crimes but could not due to fear of SLAPPs.
Lisa Nandy
I can hear from those on the other side of the House that a lot of hon. Members feel very strongly about this issue, and they have made representations on it over a long period of time. My hon. Friend will know that new measures are coming into force in June to address SLAPPs in relation to cases of economic crime. That was started under the previous Government and has continued under this one. It is my belief that we should take sexual harassment and abuse every bit as seriously as economic crime, and this is an area where action is long overdue. I am happy to work with the media Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh South (Ian Murray), to achieve that.
Session: Topical Questions
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What reassurance can the Secretary of State give that this Government have learned lessons from the previous Government and will make sure that HS2 Ltd acts swiftly and decisively to limit further disruption?
Context
The midlands rail hub project will bring huge benefits to Lichfield, Burntwood, and the villages by doubling services per hour to Birmingham. Constituents are wary about big infrastructure projects due to HS2-related disruptions.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
My hon. Friend is completely right. The previous Government lost control of HS2—there is no doubt about it. This Government commissioned the James Stewart review, which made a number of important recommendations to improve project delivery. Those lessons are informing a fundamental review of HS2 that will provide certainty to communities about how long disruption will last. The Stewart review will also support improved practice on future infrastructure projects, including the midlands rail hub.
Session: Transport Infrastructure Upgrades
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The ceramics industry across the country is foundational to every single part of the Government’s industrial strategy. Ceramics is an energy-intensive industry. Can the Minister confirm whether recent discussions about high energy costs for business have made mention of ceramics, an energy-intensive industry with deep roots in my constituency, where Armitage Shanks has been operating for over 200 years?
Context
The ceramics industry in Dave Robertson's constituency, including Armitage Shanks, faces high energy costs and competitive pressures.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Chris McDonald)
I was pleased to meet my hon. Friend recently to discuss Armitage Shanks. I am concerned about the ceramics businesses in his constituency and across the region. We want those businesses to be competitive, and while much of our earlier discussion was about electricity prices, for ceramics and many other energy-intensive industries, the issue is gas. After policy costs, the UK is competitive with many European countries on gas, but I understand that there are competitive pressures from outside the EU, and I will continue to engage with him and the ceramics sector to look at these issues.
Session: Energy Costs Support for Businesses
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Last week I had the honour and privilege of attending the dedication of the new LGBT+ armed forces community memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas in my constituency, alongside His Majesty the King, proud veterans and members of our armed forces. Will the Minister join me in commending the unveiling of this important memorial, and does she agree that it will serve as a lasting reminder of the injustice and discrimination suffered by LGBT+ service personnel and as a powerful symbol of our commitment to equality and respect for all those who serve?
Context
The hon. Member mentions the F-35 Lightning II aircraft helmets from his constituency, asking for reassurance on the cost of introducing new tactical nuclear freefall bombs.
Louise Sandher-Jones
It was clear to see how much that event meant to the LGBT+ veterans, many of whom had suffered terribly under the ban. Many said to me that they never thought this day would come. I hope that the event itself and the memorial will serve as a lasting reminder of our responsibilities going forward.
Session: Topical Questions
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Too many of my constituents in Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages are struggling with appalling mobile signal. It is a problem we see across the country, and it is often worse in rural areas. What steps are the ministerial team taking to ensure that the Government’s review of the mobile market leads to a faster roll-out of 5G?
Context
The question addresses the poor mobile signal in Lichfield, Burntwood, and rural areas. It seeks information on steps taken to improve this situation.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)
We cannot ensure that everybody in this country benefits from being online and from developments unless everybody is joined up to fast broadband. We have put £1.8 billion over the spending review period into making connectivity work. I am working closely with Building Digital UK; if my hon. Friend has concerns about his constituents, he should come and meet me and Building Digital UK to get them online, because that is how they will seize the opportunities of the future.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Secretary of State agree that the introduction of the midlands rail hub project, which will see an additional train per hour from Cardiff in south Wales to the midlands, is a great sign that this Government are investing not just in Wales and the midlands but in the whole country?
Context
The question addresses the introduction of the midlands rail hub project, which aims to enhance cross-border connectivity between Wales and England.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
I thank my hon. Friend for his question—and for his very good Welsh. The first phase of the midlands rail hub will enable additional trains between Birmingham and south Wales, strengthening cross-border connectivity between Wales and England. That is absolutely what this Government’s investment is about: creating jobs and growth and connecting Wales and England.
Session: Cross-border Rail Connectivity
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A business in the village of Fradley in my constituency has a plan to put millions of watts of solar on the roof of its businesses. Unfortunately, it cannot proceed with that application, because there is not sufficient export capacity on the site. It would never export a watt of that electricity, which would meet only a fraction of its energy needs. Will the Minister meet me, so that we can discuss how we can make regulatory changes to support projects like this one?
Context
A business in Fradley, Lichfield is planning to install millions of watts of solar on its roof. However, due to insufficient export capacity at the site, the project cannot proceed despite meeting only a fraction of its energy needs.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
My hon. Friend makes a point that others have raised. We are looking in granular detail at how the system works to ensure that the regulatory landscape allows such opportunities to be taken. I am very happy to meet him to discuss this further. We are taking a detailed look at every single aspect of the system, so that communities, businesses and others can benefit from being able to export power to the grid. That will help the country with its energy needs and deliver a benefit for local communities.
Session: Renewable Energy
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People across Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages want the Government to get a grip on people-smuggling in the channel after the previous Government’s dereliction of duty. Too many lives are at risk; too many people are making that dangerous crossing. Although it is great news that police are working hard, and have arrested dozens of people smugglers and seized almost half a million pounds of criminal cash, it is clear that we need to go further and faster. What steps is the Solicitor General taking to ensure that people smugglers face the hefty jail terms that they deserve?
Context
Residents of Lichfield, Burntwood and surrounding villages are concerned about the previous government's handling of people smuggling in the Channel. Recent police efforts have arrested dozens of smugglers but more action is needed.
The Solicitor General
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: it is vital that police and prosecutors work together to bring people smugglers to justice, and that our criminal justice system sends a clear message that people smuggling will be met with hefty jail terms. I am pleased to tell him that an offender who played a leading role in an organised crime group that smuggled nearly 4,000 migrants was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment in May.
Session: People Smugglers Prosecution
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Burntwood's high street struggles due to a lack of access to bank branches. What is the Department doing specifically to support better banking access for communities like Burntwood?
Context
Robertson pointed out the lack of high street banks in Burntwood, which hinders local economic development and regeneration efforts.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
We are working with banks to roll out 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. The Post Office can also help improve access to services. If it is helpful, I would sit down and discuss options for a hub in Burntwood.
Session: High Street Businesses
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We seem to get once-in-a-generation weather events once every couple of years these days. On flooding, the village of King’s Bromley in my constituency has suffered on several occasions over the past few years, because all of the roads leading to the village have been cut off—although there has been no property flooding. What steps is the Minister taking to measure and mitigate the impact of that type of serious flooding?
Context
King's Bromley in Dave Robertson's constituency has suffered from road flooding without property damage in recent years.
Abena Oppong-Asare (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
I thank my hon. Friend for that question and for raising the issue in King’s Bromley. We are working closely with our colleagues in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who are responsible for managing significant flooding. This includes the floods resilience taskforce, which I co-chair with the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice (Emma Hardy). Earlier this year, we announced that we would commit a record £2.65 billion to build and maintain around 1,000 flood defences to protect lives, homes and businesses, which is a 26% uplift per annum on what the previous Government were spending.
Session: Emergency Preparedness
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People across Lichfield, Burntwood and the surrounding villages in my constituency—and, I am sure, across the country—are sick and tired of off-road bikes being used inappropriately, antisocially and dangerously on our streets. The worst example I have seen was somebody doing a wheelie on a quad bike at 40 mph on Eastern Avenue in Lichfield. I reported that to the police and they are following it up as best they can, but they tell me that they need the new powers in the Bill. Can the Secretary of State reassure me, my constituents and the rest of the country that this Government will continue to crack down on this problem and will not rest until our streets are safe for all road users?
Context
The MP reported an incident in Lichfield where a quad bike was used to do a wheelie at high speed on a main road, illustrating the issue with antisocial and dangerous usage of off-road bikes.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)
I agree with my hon. Friend and I am sorry to hear about the appalling incident he describes. This is a challenge for us in many of our constituencies. My constituents in Airedale and Chequerfield see the total nightmare of off-road bikes being driven deliberately to harass people. If we have to wait for the police to give multiple warnings, they cannot take the swift action needed, which is why we need the change in the Bill.
Session: Off-road Bikes
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In my constituency, there's a start-up called Great Wave AI helping the Government with AI. It wants to grow faster and do more work with Government Departments. What work is the Minister doing to ensure small British start-ups can play their part in the AI revolution in government, not just mega companies?
Context
The question is prompted by the need to support cutting-edge businesses like Great Wave AI that are essential for driving innovation but often struggle due to procurement processes being too slow and inflexible.
Georgia Gould (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
We are working with the Minister for AI and Digital Government to set up a new digital commercial centre for excellence. This initiative aims to ensure that SMEs specializing in AI can benefit from faster and more flexible procurement processes, enabling them to contribute effectively to government initiatives.
Session: Public Procurement Support for SMEs
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The midlands rail hub project would represent major investment in rail infrastructure across the west midlands. Crucially, it would mean more frequent trains on the cross-city line, which serves Lichfield. Before the pandemic, that was the busiest commuter line in the country outside London. What assurances can Ministers give me and my constituents that more trains will be coming on this line, and coming soon?
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of the midlands rail hub project for increasing train frequency on the cross-city line serving Lichfield, which was previously the busiest commuter line outside London.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
I thank my hon. Friend, who is a strong champion for his constituency, for raising this rail project. In relation to such projects, the case that he has made will be an important part of our consideration in the months ahead as part of the spending review. I will arrange for him to meet the appropriate Transport Minister as we make those considerations.
Session: Economic Growth New Transport Infrastructure
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As I am sure the Solicitor General knows, fly-tipping is the most commonly reported rural crime. In 2022-23, there were well over 13,000 significant multi-load incidents; those incidents cost more than £4 million to clear up, yet just 22 custodial sentences were handed out in that time. What assurances can she give me and my constituents that the most egregious examples of fly-tipping, like those we saw in Lichfield two weeks ago, will result in jail time for the perpetrators?
Context
Fly-tipping is the most commonly reported rural crime, with over 13,000 significant multi-load incidents costing more than £4 million to clear up in 2022-23. Only 22 custodial sentences were handed out.
The Solicitor General
Fly-tipping blights communities, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising the issue. I know that he has also raised it with the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, but I am happy to arrange a meeting with his local chief Crown prosecutor to discuss the matter further.
Session: Rural Crime Prosecution Rates
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The listed places of worship grant scheme is essential to renovations and improvements being made by St Michael on Greenhill church in my constituency. Can the Second Church Estates Commissioner give any assurance to me and my constituents across Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages that this grant and Government support will be available to support excellent projects such as the creation of a new community hub?
Context
St Michael on Greenhill church in Lichfield is undergoing renovations and improvements with support from the listed places of worship grant scheme.
Marsha De Cordova
I congratulate my hon. Friend on raising this issue. It is so important to ensure that our local churches are supported and that churches such as St Michael’s in his constituency can deliver the repairs they need so that they can continue to be a benefit to their communities. The National Churches Trust recently found that for every £1 of investment £16 is returned to the local community in the form of events facilities, warm spaces, food banks and so much more. He will not be surprised to learn that I have raised the issue of the listed places of worship scheme with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and I really hope that the Government are listening and will want to continue with this vital and essential scheme.
Session: Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
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Can you reassure me about the steps being taken to encourage retention of experienced members of staff in prisons?
Context
HMP Swinfen Hall prison officers are concerned about retention at the start of their careers and moving into more experienced roles.
Nicholas Dakin
The Government accepted the Prison Service pay review body's independent recommendations, delivering a 5% pay increase for prison officers. We monitor exit interview data and use it to help design interventions to improve retention.
Session: Topical Questions
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In January, South Staffordshire college's creative arts faculty will open a new state-of-the-art recording studio and rehearsal space that will allow students to develop skills in music performance and production. Does the Secretary of State agree such investments are essential for maintaining UK's role as a global leader?
Context
South Staffordshire college's creative arts faculty is based at Lichfield college and will open a new state-of-the-art recording studio.
Bridget Phillipson
Absolutely, that is why we set out in the Budget an additional £300 million of capital investment for our colleges.
Session: Skills Training
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Family farms across West Dorset fear closure as a result of the Government's planned changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief, and I urge Ministers to rethink the policy. The Budget also included the announcement of a UK carbon border adjustment mechanism to be introduced on 1 January 2027. That will place a carbon price on goods imported to the UK, including fertiliser. A carbon tax on fertiliser will only increase the cost of production for farmers struggling to compete with cheap imports, and drive up costs for consumers. What assessment has been made of that?
Context
Family farms fear closure due to changes in agricultural property relief and business property relief. A carbon border adjustment mechanism is proposed for introduction on 1 January 2027.
Daniel Zeichner
The proposal for a carbon border adjustment mechanism was supported by the previous Government, and we have confirmed it. It is complicated in the way it will work, and it will not affect people before 2027-28. The Liberal Democrats have shown once again that when it comes to environmental issues, they cannot be trusted.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Chancellor assure me that regenerating high streets, as the physical manifestation of how well our economy is doing, is a priority for this Treasury? High streets in Lichfield and Burntwood were let down by 14 years of Conservative neglect.
Context
The MP mentions the negative impact of Conservative policies on high streets in his constituency and questions if regenerating them is a priority.
Rachel Reeves
This Government are committed to delivering national renewal, including rejuvenating high streets. New powers will be introduced to help fill vacant properties through auctions.
Session: Economic Investment and Growth
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Ceramics Industry — [Dr Andrew Murrison in the Chair]
06 July 2026
Responding: Chris McDonald
Main Concerns
['The ceramics sector is facing severe challenges including job losses at Armitage Shanks with 100 jobs lost due to closure of one kiln. The petition highlights soaring industrial energy costs leading businesses towards imminent collapse. In 2025, Stoke-on-Trent lost two ceramics firms (Royal Stafford and Heraldic Pottery) resulting in significant job losses. Denby entered administration earlier this year with over 100 skilled workers losing their jobs.']
Specific Asks
["The Government should urgently review the British industry supercharger scheme to extend it to the ceramics sector as requested by Hayley's petition, and ensure that the £120 million package of targeted support is delivered quickly and effectively. The Minister should also look at supporting gas storage or smoothing peaks and troughs in gas pricing to help with long-term planning."]
Length of the School Week
05 January 2026
Responding: Josh MacAlister
Main Concerns
['The petition calls for a four-day school week to address teacher burnout and improve mental health among students. It has gathered more than 126,000 signatures and was created by someone who learned that almost one-third of teachers leave the profession within five years. The proposal aims to give teachers more time with their families while encouraging volunteer activities for pupils.']
Specific Asks
['The proposal seeks to reduce school absences and improve mental health among students, but it raises concerns about logistics, longer school days leading to fatigue, and potential safety issues during dark hours. Additionally, the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) expressed concern over the impact on extracurricular activities and later starts for secondary pupils.']
Legal and Illegal Migration: Suspension
10 March 2025
Responding: Dan Jarvis
Main Concerns
['The petition e-petition 700824 received 219,000 signatures expressing concerns over the rapid rise of immigration in Britain. The petitioner and many voters are worried that migration figures have grown too quickly, with net migration since 2021 reaching unprecedented levels, well above pre-pandemic estimates.']
Specific Asks
['The petition calls for a temporary halt to all immigration, both illegal and legal, for five years as a response to the current situation. The debate aims to address these concerns in detail without dismissing the contributions of migrants or polarising views on immigration.']
Speech and Language Therapy
27 January 2025
Responding: Stephen Kinnock
Main Concerns
['Communication is fundamental for everyone but particularly challenging for those with speech and language difficulties. Mikey, who created the petition, received one hour of therapy a week and his confidence has grown, but he feels lucky. More than 23,500 adults and over 67,000 children are on waiting lists for therapy. In deprived areas, up to half of primary school children have speech, language and communication needs.']
Specific Asks
["The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists recommends four sessions a week for conditions like Mikey's, but the current provision is insufficient. There is a need to address social justice issues related to access to therapy, especially in deprived areas where up to half of primary school children have communication needs."]
Holidays in School Term Time
25 November 2024
Responding: Stephen Morgan
Main Concerns
['Dave Robertson is concerned about the affordability of family holidays during school term time. He notes that many families cannot afford to take their children on holiday during the traditional school break periods due to the high cost, leading them to take their kids out of school during term time instead. This can result in parents facing fines and feeling criminalised for what they see as a necessity. Robertson also highlights issues faced by families with additional needs and the importance of self-directed learning outside the formal education environment.']
Specific Asks
['Robertson calls on the Government to explore solutions that might make it easier for families to take holidays during term time without incurring penalties. He suggests giving parents some flexibility, such as up to two weeks off from school with their children, and invites the Minister to consider various proposed solutions.']
Education and Skills Reform
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rewiring the State
02 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister has set out priorities to address 40 years of overly centralised decision making and over-privatisation, which have stripped power and resources away from communities. The Governmen...
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Farming Road Map and Profitability Review
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
General Medical Council
04 June 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
The MP raised serious concerns about the General Medical Council's (GMC) oversight regarding the tragic death of a nine-year-old constituent named Jack Moate. He highlighted that while an independent ...
Health and Social Care Bill
01 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, James Murray, moved the Second Reading of the Health and Social Care Bill. He emphasised the personal significance of the NHS in his life due to a ra...
Middle East: Economic Response
21 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
High Speed 2 Reset
19 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy
22 April 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Olly Glover highlighted the significant issue of SUDEP, where at least 21 people die every week in the UK from epilepsy-related causes. He emphasised that 60% of these deaths are preventable but noted...
International Women’s Day
12 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
It is an honour to open this International Women’s Day debate, which is being held in Government time for the first time since 2020. International Women’s Day was forged in the labour strikes of the e...
Walsall Road, Lichfield
25 March 2026
Residents of Walsall Road in Lichfield are concerned about the excessive use of their residential road by medium and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), leading to noise disturbance, property damage, and ped...
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Attendance
85.7%
84 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
34
34.7% of votes
No Votes
50
51.0% of votes
Abstentions
14
14.3% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
31
Ministerial Questions Asked
63
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
1
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+131% above average
This MP:
31
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1196% above average
This MP:
63
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+24% above average
This MP:
85.7
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 Dave Robertson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.