David Johnston
MP for Wantage
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
At the election, the Labour party committed to abolishing standard assessment tests, academy schools and Ofsted. Yet, thanks to this Government's focus on phonics, English primary school children have just been ranked the best readers in Europe. Does my right hon. Friend agree that that is another example of how, on the Conservative side, we have policy to meet the needs of children, rather than the demands of trade unionists?
Context
The Conservative government's focus on phonics has resulted in English primary school children being ranked the best readers in Europe, contrary to Labour's election promise to abolish certain education policies.
Oliver Dowden
It will not surprise my hon. Friend to hear that I absolutely agree with him. Driving up literacy rates is central to our plan to grow the economy, so I am delighted at those latest figures showing that children in England are the best readers in the western world. Why is that? Because, since 2010, we have raised the number of schools rated good or outstanding by nearly 30%. The verdict is clear: only the Conservatives can be trusted with our children's future.
Session: PMQs
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I am concerned about the tragic death of Wynter Andrews just 23 minutes after she was born and the subsequent high fine imposed on Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust for systemic failures in maternity care. Does my right hon. Friend agree that we should have transparency to improve such situations?
Context
The baby of Gary and Sarah Andrews died shortly after birth due to systemic failures at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, which was fined for these issues. The case highlights the need for openness in addressing such hospital failings.
Rishi Sunak
I am very sorry to hear about Wynter Andrews' death. The NHS has taken steps to improve care but more needs to be done. Nottingham University Hospitals is receiving expert support, and the royal college is implementing recommendations with £127 million investment. When situations like this arise, transparency is paramount.
Session: PMQs
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I welcome the right hon. Friend's focus on education and family but does he agree that universities, employers, and professions must also play their part in improving social mobility?
Context
The probability of becoming a doctor or lawyer is significantly influenced by parental occupation, and fewer disadvantaged young people are admitted to degree-level apprenticeships.
Rishi Sunak
Everyone should have the opportunity to succeed, and my hon. Friend is absolutely right that we all have a part to play. That is why I am pleased that the Social Mobility Commission is working to provide new information to young people about opportunities as well as a toolkit for employers so that they can also play their part in improving social mobility.
Session: PMQs
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North Moreton, in my constituency, was dubbed “Britain's kindest village” because it committed to taking 50 Ukrainian refugees, and it has them all there now. In the Gallery today there is a group of those hosts and some of the Ukrainians they are hosting, including two young people who hope to go into Ukrainian politics in the future. Will my right hon. Friend join me in welcoming them to this place and in thanking North Moreton for its efforts?
Context
North Moreton was dubbed 'Britain's kindest village' for hosting 50 Ukrainian refugees, with some of those involved present in the Gallery.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend very much for what he is doing to host young Ukrainians. I thank everybody in this House who is looking after Ukrainians—a lot of people are doing that.
Session: PMQs
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The company must prove the need for the reservoir, alternatives to it, and its environmental impact before proceeding with construction in Wantage.
Context
Thames Water has proposed a reservoir in the constituency, but the local community is sceptical about its necessity and environmental impact. The proposal covers over 2,500 football pitches and is more than 30 metres high.
Boris Johnson
The Government expect Thames Water to consult further on the Abingdon reservoir proposal, taking into account the points raised by the hon. Member for Wantage.
Session: PMQs
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By 2027, Didcot in my constituency will be 42% larger than it was a decade earlier; Wantage and Grove will be 59% larger. There are thousands more houses going up in Wallingford, Faringdon and all the villages I represent, but not a single new GP surgery. Does my right hon. Friend agree that where we build new houses, we have to build new infrastructure so that people can still access the services they need?
Context
The constituency is rapidly expanding with new housing developments.
Boris Johnson
Yes, of course my hon. Friend is right. That is why we are making record investments in the NHS and in schools and roads—as we can, thanks to the strong growth in our economy. I will make sure that he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss his immediate local concerns.
Assessment
Did not specify commitment or timeline for building GP surgeries in growing areas
Session: PMQs
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Just 12% of our journalists and chief execs come from a working-class background, and just 6% of doctors and barristers. Does my right hon. Friend agree that we need a renewed focus on social mobility so that all the country's talent can be utilised?
Context
Only a small percentage of journalists, chief executives, doctors and barristers come from working-class backgrounds.
Boris Johnson
This Government were elected in 2019 to build more hospitals, put more police on the streets and level up across the country. That is what we are going to do.
Assessment
Renewing focus on social mobility
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs
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I have campaigned for more health services for my constituents since I was elected, and 97% of those who responded to my recent health services survey felt that we did not have enough doctors for the number of people in the constituency. Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss how to sort this out and get my constituents the health services that they deserve?
Context
A recent survey indicated that constituents felt a lack of doctors relative to population size. The MP has been campaigning for more services since being elected.
Neil O'Brien
We are conscious that more is going on in general practice than ever before. There are 10% more appointments than before the pandemic, as well as 29,000 extra clinicians and nearly 2,000 more doctors.
Session: Topical Questions
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My right hon. Friend is a great supporter of degree apprenticeships, as am I, but he will know they do not always function as the route for social mobility that they should. We have seen a much higher proportion of the most affluent young people obtain them than we have the poorest young people, so what is he doing to ensure disadvantaged students get their fair share of degree apprenticeships?
Context
The MP notes a disparity between affluent and disadvantaged young people taking up degree apprenticeships, questioning how the government is addressing this issue.
Robert Halfon
We are transforming careers advice on apprenticeships in our schools and targeting that advice towards disadvantaged students. The Office for Students has asked higher education to increase the proportion of level 4, 5 and degree apprenticeships as part of reforms to wider access. We also increased the care leavers bursary from £1,000 to £3,000, and are providing £1,000 to employers and training providers when they recruit young people. Our determination is to get more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds doing degree apprenticeships and apprenticeships across the board.
Session: Degree Apprenticeships
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Will she update the House as to whether or not that has been a success and whether we have seen an increase in uptake?
Context
The efficacy of the Christmas campaign to increase Pension Credit uptake is being evaluated.
Laura Trott
There was a 177% increase in claims in the week commencing 12 December, with 7,200 claims processed compared to previous years. This is attributed to efforts by MPs and the campaign push before Christmas.
Session: Pension Credit
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What steps his Department is taking to encourage eligible pensioners to apply for pension credit.
Context
The Department's efforts to encourage eligible pensioners to apply for Pension Credit are under scrutiny.
Laura Trott
Pension credit take-up is a priority. A £1.2 million communications campaign has been ongoing since April, with significant push before Christmas to boost awareness ahead of cost-of-living payments. Constituency-level work by MPs like the hon. Member is acknowledged.
Session: Pension Credit
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Many parents in Oxfordshire are unhappy... What steps is she taking to address this?
Context
Parents in Oxfordshire are dissatisfied with the county council's handling of emails and errors in EHC plans, as well as long delays in receiving these plans. This leads to a lack of early support for children.
Claire Coutinho
My hon. Friend has raised this issue with me several time. One key part of the reforms set out in the SEND Green Paper will be clear standards about what help children with different SEND needs should be getting at school. That will give parents greater transparency and accountability regarding what their child should reasonably get, and also means that children will get the early help that my hon. Friend so rightly talks about.
Session: Children with SEND and their Families Support
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What steps her Department is taking to support schools with pupils with special educational needs?
Context
The question arises from concerns over support mechanisms for children in school with SEND needs. There are no specific incidents or statistics mentioned but the general context is dissatisfaction with current provision.
Claire Coutinho
All children, no matter their special educational need or disability, deserve the right support to be able to succeed. We will be publishing a full response to the SEND and alternative provision Green Paper in an improvement plan early this year, and we continue to work closely with children, families and education, healthcare and local government sectors on this very important issue.
Session: Children with SEND and their Families Support
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I have been supportive of my constituent Sharon Gaffka's campaign on spiking. She was spiked twice and has more than 1,500 testimonies of people aged 14 to 64 who have had the same experience. Will my right hon. Friend update me on the discussions he has been having with the Home Office about punishments and prosecutions so that we can stamp this crime out?
Context
The MP supports a constituent's campaign on spiking, which has gathered over 1500 testimonies. The issue is concerning as spiking is already a criminal offence.
Dominic Raab
I thank my hon. Friend for his consistent campaigning on such an important issue. He will know that spiking is already a criminal offence with a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment. The primary barriers to prosecution that we have identified are suspect identification and the gathering of sufficient evidence. We are taking a range of practical measures to address that, such as reclassifying gamma-hydroxybutyric acid—the so-called date rape drug—from class C to class B, investing in projects such as safer streets and the safety of women at night fund to protect women, and working with the police to produce a forensic strategy to ensure that we have stronger prosecutions and law enforcement in this area.
Session: Topical Questions
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Since the last oral questions, we have published our rape review progress report and launched a 24/7 support line for victims of rape.
Context
The MP seeks an update on his department's actions since the last oral questions.
Dominic Raab
Since the last oral questions, we have published our rape review progress report, which shows that adult rape cases charged and cases received at the Crown court were up by 65% and 91% respectively compared with 2019. We have launched a 24/7 support line for the victims of rape so that we can be there to provide the support they need in their hour of need.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last year I raised with the Department worrying data from the Alzheimer's Society about the number of care home residents with dementia who were being prescribed anti-psychotic drugs when they did not have a psychosis diagnosis. Can my hon. Friend provide an update on the current levels of prescribing?
Context
Concerns exist about the over-prescription of anti-psychotic drugs to care home residents with dementia who do not have a psychosis diagnosis.
Helen Whately
I am keeping a close eye on it. We must ensure that people living with dementia are prescribed anti-psychotic medication only when it is clinically appropriate, and NHS England is actively monitoring the position.
Session: Topical Questions
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My hon. Friend will know that I have been advocating for new homes to be constructed according to the latest environmental standards, with which I have met previous Ministers in his Department. Will he meet me to ensure that houses are not just started but completed to these standards?
Context
I have been campaigning for new homes to be built to the latest environmental standards.
Paul Scully
In June, an uplift in energy efficiency standards for new homes came into force. There is a transitional period of one year to minimise disruption to projects that are already under way.
Session: Topical Questions
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Auto-enrolment has been one of the most successful Government policies for the workplace in decades, but my hon. Friend will know that contributions are often not yet at the levels needed for people to have a secure retirement. What steps is he taking to encourage an increase in contribution levels?
Context
The MP inquired about the effectiveness of the auto-enrolment policy, specifically regarding contribution levels necessary for secure retirement.
Guy Opperman
We keep all policies under review, and auto-enrolment got to 8% only in 2019. We will proceed with the 2017 auto-enrolment review by lowering the eligibility age and making it from the first £1 earned in due course. We will also look at all matters in terms of contribution rates on a longer-term basis as time moves on.
Session: Pension Auto-enrolment
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Will my hon. Friend reassure me that we will ensure we stay on the right side of protecting freedom of speech and not restrict opinions by conflating them with actual harms?
Context
The MP welcomes the bill's efforts to protect people from harm but expresses concern about unintentionally restricting freedom of speech.
Chris Philp
Yes, I can categorically give that assurance. The Bill has a provision for free speech, expressly providing social media firms to have regard to it without requiring censorship of legal and harmless content.
Session: Online Harm Women and Girls
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Wantage and Grove is set to have a population 59% larger in 2027 compared to ten years ago. Will my hon. Friend meet me so that we can discuss other avenues I might pursue to get the station reopened?
Context
The MP's bid to reopen Grove station was not taken forward last year, but the area is set to have a population that is 59% larger in 2027 than it was a decade earlier.
Wendy Morton
Of course, I would be happy to meet him to discuss what future options might be available.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can local communities have a say on how homes are constructed, rather than just what they look like from the outside?
Context
Constituents are concerned about the environmental impact of home constructions.
Stuart Andrew
Improving environmental standards and community engagement are key elements of reforms. Clear local plans tested against environmental outcomes and strong community input are central to these reforms, alongside steps through the future homes standard and the Environment Act 2021.
Session: Planning Policy Reform
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What steps his Department is taking to give residents greater input on local developments. Residents object not simply to the sheer number of developments but to their environmental impact and construction standards.
Context
Residents in David Johnston's constituency are seeking greater involvement in local developments.
Stuart Andrew
The Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill will improve our planning system and give residents more involvement in local development. It strengthens neighbourhood planning and enables street votes with digital tools to give communities a say on developments that affect them. Clear local plans, tested against environmental outcomes, are central to improving community engagement.
Session: Planning Policy Reform
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There will not be many people watching the TV each night who think that what Putin is doing to Ukraine does not constitute war crimes. I appreciate what my right hon. Friend says about the evidence and that these things can take a while. Without going into details, therefore, can he assure the House that we have learned the lessons of previous attempts to pursue war crimes cases, so that we might bring Putin and co to justice faster?
Context
There is a desire to learn from past efforts and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice faster.
Dominic Raab
My hon. Friend is right, although, of course, we have a war going on and we need to be realistic that that will take time and strategic patience. We had Radovan Karadžić, the butcher of the Balkans, delivered to a British jail cell last year under a sentence enforcement agreement that I happened to negotiate with the UN in 2004. These things will take time; that is the realpolitik that we are dealing with. We are ensuring, however, first, that things such as the preservation of evidence are a priority now in conduct on the ground, and secondly, that the message goes out that we and our partners in support of the ICC are being clear that, if someone commits those kinds of crimes, sooner or later they will end up in the dock of the Court and behind bars.
Session: Ukraine Potential War Crimes by Russia
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What steps his Department is taking to support an investigation into potential war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.
Context
The question arises from concerns over Russia's actions in Ukraine, including the invasion and reports of war crimes.
Dominic Raab
With your forbearance, Mr Speaker, may I join the expression that you gave on the fifth anniversary of the murder of PC Palmer? I send my sympathies to the family and our total solidarity in this House with those who risk their lives on the frontline. Vladimir Putin's regime is responsible for an illegal invasion. There is strong evidence of war crimes and we believe that those responsible must be held to account.
Session: Ukraine Potential War Crimes by Russia
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Will my hon. Friend look into collecting data on social background within the civil service to assess its openness towards all backgrounds?
Context
There is a lack of data on social background in the civil service's most recent diversity report, raising concerns about inclusivity and social mobility.
Kemi Badenoch
Social background is not a protected characteristic, but the civil service has begun implementing socio-economic background measures since 2018. Declaration rates are insufficient for publication; however, efforts are being made to increase these for next year's statistics.
Session: Social Mobility
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Since the last announcement of defensive equipment, what plans are there now to provide further equipment?
Context
Request to understand further steps in providing equipment after previous build-up on borders.
Ben Wallace
Lethal aid has been provided alongside other countries. Effective deployment is limited in current timeframe but everything remains under review.
Session: Ukraine Territorial Integrity
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What steps his Department is taking to help protect the territorial integrity of Ukraine?
Context
Concerns over the territorial integrity of Ukraine in light of Russian aggression.
Ben Wallace
The United Kingdom is unwavering in its support for Ukraine, supporting its defence capability and regularly exercising with its armed forces. The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to defend regional security.
Session: Ukraine Territorial Integrity
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I most often raise the need to reopen Grove station in my constituency, but today I want to raise my constituency's roads. In addition to the ongoing safety issues on the A34 and A420, the general condition of roads gets worse and worse, as a result of thousands more houses and more and more cars. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss how the roads in my constituency can be better maintained?
Context
The constituency experiences ongoing safety issues on the A34 and A420, with road conditions deteriorating due to increased traffic.
Grant Shapps
We would be very pleased to organise that meeting with my hon. Friend. I will set up a meeting for him with the Minister with responsibility for roads. As the House knows, we are spending £24 billion on roads and at least half of that is for their upkeep and maintenance.
Session: Topical Questions
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I warmly welcome the Future Homes Standard, but in the meantime many homes are being built to the environmental standard of several years ago purely because of when their planning permission was granted. They will need to be retrofitted. Will my right hon. Friend consider requiring companies to build to the latest environmental standard, rather than the one in place when permission was granted, after a certain time has elapsed?
Context
Concern about homes built to outdated environmental standards due to when planning permission was granted.
Michael Gove (Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
We absolutely will consider that. I know there are innovators in my hon. Friend's constituency who are leading work in that precise area, so I look forward to working with him and those in his constituency to achieve just that goal.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss how veterans can get the services they need for often considerable hearing loss?
Context
Services for veterans with hearing loss lost considerable funding from LIBOR fines.
Leo Docherty
I am very pleased that my hon. Friend has raised the matter and I will be very pleased to meet him to discuss it further.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for that statement. I strongly welcome the increase in the national living wage to £9.50 and the cut to the UC taper rate. Those are strong work incentives, which will help people to keep more of their money. However, given that not everybody will read the Budget, may I ask what her strategy is to make sure that those who can benefit from these changes will know that they have taken place?
Context
The MP welcomes the recent measures but asks about how to ensure those who can benefit from these changes are aware of them.
Lucy Frazer
I thank my hon. Friend for his support. He will agree that the best way to support people is by supporting them into work and helping them to progress once they are in work. He makes an important point about communications. The Government run an annual public communications campaign to inform workers and employers of the change to the minimum wage rates. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs also has a dedicated team who actively provide information to individuals and employers on minimum wages, and the UC changes will also be reflected in the claimants' statements once they are in effect.
Session: Wages Lowest-income Households
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What steps his Department is taking to increase wages and support the lowest-income households.
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of economic measures on low-income workers and seeks specific steps to increase their earnings and provide support.
Lucy Frazer
We are increasing the national living wage to £9.50 an hour from April 2022. We are also cutting the universal credit taper rate from 63p to 55p. Those measures will increase the incomes of millions of people and support the lowest-income households.
Session: Wages Lowest-income Households
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The two district councils have some of the highest rates of housing construction but rank among lowest for infrastructure development. People would be less unhappy with house building if it came with more GP surgeries, reopening of Grove station and better roads. Will my right hon. Friend assure me that as he reforms planning there will be a greater emphasis on improving infrastructure to support new populations?
Context
The MP points out that the two district councils in Wantage and Didcot are in the top 10 for houses built but bottom third for infrastructure, leading to public dissatisfaction.
Michael Gove
My hon. Friend makes a very important point. Across the country, many people would welcome new housing development enthusiastically if they had the assurance of knowing that there was sufficient investment in infrastructure to ensure that public services and other utilities were there for them so that additional pressure was not applied unequally.
Session: Planning Rules
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What steps he is taking to reform planning rules. The response to last year's consultation on the planning White Paper generated significant interest and I am considering all those responses, when will the next steps be announced?
Context
The MP seeks details on the steps taken towards planning rule changes in response to last year's consultation.
Michael Gove
The response to last year's consultation on the planning White Paper generated significant interest. I am considering all those responses and will make an announcement on next steps in due course.
Session: Planning Rules
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I am one of those people who do not think it is a good idea for everybody to work from home, because it means that young people do not have older workers that they can observe and chat to, to learn the ropes. However, while a lot of office space sits empty or underoccupied, would my hon. Friend consider encouraging employers to make that space available to charities and training providers in order to train young people in the skills they need?
Context
The question focuses on making underutilised office space available for training young people with the necessary skills.
Mims Davies
I very much understand my colleague's comments. Supporting young people to thrive and find new opportunities is an important priority for me, and I take his comments on board. This is exactly what we are doing with our new DWP youth hubs. Jobcentre Plus works with employers, training providers and charities to identify local training needs and to ensure that opportunities and suitable outreach are available for all claimants, including young people.
Session: Supporting Young People into Work
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Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss how to get my constituents the necessary GP services, considering recent housing growth?
Context
The MP is concerned about GP appointments and new housing developments without corresponding increase in GP services.
Jo Churchill
I understand that both practices in my hon. Friend's area are still accepting patients and that the Oxfordshire clinical commissioning group has been working closely with the practices to accommodate impact of housing growth, and I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss further.
Session: Covid-19 Restoration of GP Services
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My constituency has many challenges associated with rural areas, but my top priority is to reopen Grove station. We have submitted a bid to the Restoring Your Railway fund. When will we receive an update on this?
Context
A survey showed that 98% of people in the constituency support the reopening of Grove station.
Andrew Stephenson
I pay tribute to my hon Friend for his continued advocacy on behalf of his constituency, as I know this is an issue he has raised repeatedly with Ministers. The Department received the bid for development funding. Decisions will be made by our expert panel following an initial review carried out by the Department for Transport and Network Rail. We expect to announce outcomes in the summer.
Session: Rural Transport Connections
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that just as people have been very good at supporting their local shops during the pandemic, it would be great if they can go and visit their local culture and heritage sites when restrictions lift to help them recover?
Context
The Culture Recovery Fund has supported organisations such as the Cholsey and Wallingford railway, the Oxford Philharmonic, and the Didcot Railway Centre.
Oliver Dowden
I completely agree. The Government have been here for culture throughout the pandemic, and as we emerge from it, I know that the public will want to be there too. We encourage people to get out there and support cultural institutions reopening, including those in David Johnston's constituency.
Session: Culture Recovery Fund
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What progress his Department has made on allocating further support to the culture and heritage sector through the Culture Recovery Fund. Over £1 billion has been allocated, with £800 million supporting almost 4,000 organisations across England. An additional £390 million was announced in the Budget, taking dedicated pandemic support for culture to nearly £2 billion.
Context
The Culture Recovery Fund has provided financial aid to various organisations in the culture and heritage sectors, including specific examples from David Johnston's constituency.
Oliver Dowden
Over £1 billion from the culture recovery fund has been allocated, including £800 million supporting almost 4,000 organisations and sites across the whole of England. More than 80% of grants and 85% of loans awarded in the first round have now been paid. An additional £390 million for the fund was announced in the Budget.
Session: Culture Recovery Fund
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Last month, it was reported that the civil service fast stream is no longer publishing data on social backgrounds of hires. Can I ask my right hon. Friend to push for regular publication of this data, showing commitment to social mobility?
Context
A recent report highlighted the disparity in success rates between individuals from private schools and those from comprehensive schools within the civil service fast stream.
Elizabeth Truss
My hon. Friend is correct; the civil service should be recruiting the best people regardless of their background, open to all. The Government will publish the data he asks for by April this year and more will be said on widening opportunity in the civil service shortly.
Session: Social Mobility
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What steps the Government is taking to increase social mobility. During the pandemic, all children should get the chance to succeed through additional tutoring funds for schools, new summer school initiatives, and a covid premium.
Context
The question arises from a broader policy focus on social mobility and levelling up opportunities across different demographics.
Elizabeth Truss
Our focus is on levelling up and ensuring that no one is left behind. During the pandemic, we are providing £300 million to schools for tutoring, new summer school initiatives and the covid premium.
Session: Social Mobility
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I thank my right hon. Friend for that statement. As well as providing those on low incomes with food boxes, the charity SOFEA in my constituency works with utility companies to try to drive down the costs of people's bills, recognising that food is not their only challenge. I am hugely supportive of the covid winter fund, but does my right hon. Friend agree that what happens to those on low incomes is not just about what the Government do, and that we need all businesses to look at what more they can do to help drive down the cost of living?
Context
The MP highlights the charity SOFEA's work in his constituency, which not only provides food boxes but also works with utility companies to lower costs for low-income families. He emphasises that government efforts alone are insufficient.
Therese Coffey
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that all businesses can play a part. I praise those mobile phone and internet companies that have offered low-cost packages to people while they are on benefits. In particular there is the warm home discount scheme where my Department works closely with utility companies on data matching. Nearly 1 million eligible claimants received the £140 discount automatically and did not need to apply.
Session: Vulnerable People Essential Costs
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Does my hon. Friend agree that although we have to deal with the cases that we have seen spike during this year, we must not lose sight of the importance of prevention so that they do not get to that stage in the first place? The MP emphasized the need for a focus on preventing domestic abuse.
Context
The MP highlighted the work done by Reducing the Risk in supporting victims and its focus on prevention. He expressed concern that efforts should not be limited to addressing current cases.
Victoria Atkins
I very much recognise that. Part of our programme is about tackling perpetrators, understanding their work through academics like the use of AI for better risk assessment of domestic abuse perpetrators and preventing cycles of abuse.
Session: Covid-19 Domestic Abuse
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What steps her Department is taking to protect victims of domestic abuse. The MP expressed concerns over the spike in cases during the pandemic and asked for specific actions being taken.
Context
The MP is concerned about the steps being taken by the government to protect victims of domestic abuse, especially given the impact of the pandemic.
Victoria Atkins
Throughout the covid-19 pandemic, we have provided unprecedented additional funding to domestic abuse service providers to bolster their capacity to meet the demand for support. We announced further funding last month and relaunched the #YouAreNotAlone campaign to ensure that victims of abuse and those worried about them know how to access help and advice.
Session: Covid-19 Domestic Abuse
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Veterans across my constituency have been supporting one another, whether by calling in on those with mental health concerns or fundraising. Will my hon. Friend join me in thanking them? Does he agree that this shows ongoing service even post-active duty?
Context
The MP highlights local veteran initiatives, such as the RAF Association raising funds for Operation Connect.
Johnny Mercer
I pay tribute to the RAF Association in my hon. Friend's constituency for raising £6,000. Veterans have stepped up during this time to deliver services, medicines, and help vulnerable people, reflecting the true values of our veterans community.
Session: Armed Forces Veterans Covid-19 Response
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What recent assessment has been made regarding the merits of including armed forces veterans in the UK's response to the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
The MP seeks to understand the potential benefits of involving veterans in the national effort against the pandemic.
Johnny Mercer
Responding to the covid-19 pandemic has been Defence's highest strategic priority, and as part of the national response thousands of service personnel and veterans have been active in every region of the United Kingdom and devolved Administrations.
Session: Armed Forces Veterans Covid-19 Response
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that what happens to people on low incomes is not just about what Government do? It is also about what employers do, and we need them to provide good work with the right number of hours and the right skills and progression strategies?
Context
The MP acknowledges the national living wage and minimum wage rates increase but highlights the importance of employers providing good work with proper hours, skills, and progression.
Jesse Norman
I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that it is important to focus on skills, and of course that is what the plan for jobs does. Our goal is to try to make sure that everyone, at whatever stage of life, has the opportunity and encouragement to improve their position in employment, and of course we also want employers to support them in doing that.
Session: Support for People on Low Incomes Covid-19
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Foster Carers Financial Support And Incentives
15 January 2024
Main Concerns
['Foster carers provide essential support to vulnerable children in care but face financial challenges due to high household expenses. The petition called for a review and increase of allowances paid to foster carers, noting the impact of inflation and cost-of-living pressures.']
Specific Asks
['The Government has increased the minimum fostering allowance by 12.43% and raised qualifying care relief for tax exemptions. Further increases are planned from April 2024 at 6.88%, providing additional financial support to foster carers.']
New Homes: Developers, Housebuilders and Management Companies
05 January 2022
Responding: Eddie Hughes
Main Concerns
["The quality of homes built in the constituency is poor, with major defects taking years to repair. The environmental impact includes loss of greenfield sites and biodiversity commitments not being met. Affordability is a significant issue, as new homes are out of reach for most renters despite developers' promises. Management companies exploit residents by charging high fees for inadequate services. Developers often fail to adhere to planning conditions and section 106 agreements, leading to insufficient infrastructure."]
Specific Asks
["Implement stricter quality control measures with penalties for non-compliance. Introduce 'use it or lose it' planning permissions to prevent land banking. Update environmental standards retroactively for ongoing developments. Ensure developers commit to affordable housing criteria and management companies provide transparent services without exploitative practices. Prioritise infrastructure development before new home construction."]
Royal Mail — [Siobhain McDonagh in the Chair]
17 June 2021
Responding: Paul Scully
Main Concerns
["MP David Johnston expressed concerns about the performance of Royal Mail, noting a significant increase in complaints since August 2020. He cited specific cases where constituents missed medical appointments due to delayed mail and received condolence cards late after losing loved ones. Over 65% of his constituents have experienced issues such as missing important letters for extended periods (one to three weeks). Royal Mail's first-class delivery target fell to 74.7%, its lowest level in recent years, while the company reported record profits."]
Specific Asks
['David Johnston requested that Royal Mail review operations and possibly invest some of its profits to address staffing or facility issues. He also suggested a simpler compensation process for delayed deliveries based on automatic triggers when late delivery thresholds are breached.']
Economy, Welfare and Public Services
22 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Informs the House that Mr Speaker has selected amendment (h), tabled by the Leader of the Opposition.
Childcare Entitlements
23 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Estimates Day
14 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Welcomes the debate on supporting children with SEND, emphasising rising needs and inadequate support systems. Highlights the importance of early identification, investment in specialist settings, and...
Miscellaneous
23 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The hon. Member for Houghton and Sunderland South raised the issue of school attendance, highlighting the significant increase in persistent absence since 2016-17 and the failure of the Government to ...
Funded Childcare
22 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Backbench Business
11 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
16 October 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
G20 Summit
11 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sir David Amess Summer Adjournment
20 July 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Apologised for leaving early due to train strikes and acknowledged the late Sir David Amess. Discussed national issues such as Viaplay's withdrawal from the UK, highlighting concerns over job security...
Childcare Reform Package
28 June 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
7
PMQs Asked
45
Ministerial Questions Asked
101
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
2
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
+91% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+236% above average
This MP:
45
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1978% above average
This MP:
101
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-79% below average
This MP:
2
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 David Johnston's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.