Drew Hendry
MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Given that UC is not enough to live on and the Government has acknowledged this through a £20 increase, will they now scrap the cap and guarantee to continue the £20 uplift or throw these families 'to the wolves'?
Context
The Prime Minister increased Universal Credit by £20 a week during the pandemic. In January, the cap on benefits will affect thousands of claimants, with average losses of £250 per month for families with children.
Boris Johnson
The Government have invested over £200 billion in supporting families, including a UC uplift of £1,000. We will support families during the pandemic but aim to get people back into work; our unemployment rate is lower than France, Spain, Italy, Canada and the US.
Session: PMQs
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When will the Government introduce a highland energy rebate to ensure fairness for people across the highlands and islands?
Context
The MP is concerned about the high electricity standing charges for families in highlands and islands.
Amanda Solloway
The hon. Gentleman will know that we have had many conversations about this subject. One of the things that the Secretary of State and I have been doing is talking to Ofgem to make sure that it is looking at the standing charges. That has led to a call for input, which has recently had over 30,000 responses.
Session: Energy Bills
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Given the significant rise in car insurance rates, what reasons does the Minister give for the UK Government's lack of action?
Context
Car insurance costs have increased significantly more in the UK than in other EU countries, raising questions about policy effectiveness.
Laura Trott
I think that we have heard enough from the Brexit zombies on the other side of the Chamber.
Session: Cost of Living
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Why is the Minister not addressing the issue of inflated car insurance rates for young drivers in Scotland?
Context
Car insurance costs are significantly higher for young drivers in Scotland compared to other parts of the UK and EU.
Laura Trott
I cannot comment on the specifics of car insurance companies, but what I can say is that for people struggling with the cost of living, whatever form that struggle takes, working-age benefits are going up by 6.7% this year.
Session: Cost of Living
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There is a 'conspiracy of silence' from both the Government and Labour about these cuts. For Scotland, capital funding is set to fall by 16%. Why are this Government and this Chancellor trying to be the new hammer of Scots?
Context
The Scottish block grant is set to fall to its lowest ever level under devolution, with capital funding falling by 16% over the next two years. The Chancellor has confirmed that the energy sector is a major loser.
Laura Trott
The only area in which I agree with the hon. Gentleman is that I would love to know what the Labour party's spending plans are for the next Parliament. The Scottish Government have unlimited ability to switch from resource spending to capital spending.
Session: Block Grant Funding
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The Chancellor has announced £20 billion in cuts for the public sector. This defies logic as the public sector cries out for funding. The IFS, Institute for Government, and Resolution Foundation have all expressed doubt about these plans. Does the Minister agree with them?
Context
The Chancellor's Budget announcements include £20 billion in cuts, leading to significant reductions in some Departments and concerns over fiscal sustainability.
Laura Trott
Over the next Parliament, our plans are for spending to go up in real terms—I want to be absolutely clear about that. Spending has gone up in real terms over this Parliament too. Scotland is getting £295 million extra this year through Barnett consequentials.
Session: Block Grant Funding
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If he will make an assessment of the impact of his Department's tax policies on economic growth in Scotland during this Parliament. Given 25 tax hikes this session and proposed further increases by SNP on modest incomes in Scotland, does Minister agree people there face repercussions from poor policy choices?
Context
Question about assessing impact of Department's tax policies on Scotland's economic growth during this Parliament, with concern over multiple tax hikes and proposed additional taxes by Scottish National Party.
Nigel Huddleston
The Government remain committed to increasing economic growth in Scotland. Tax policies introduced include full expensing permanence and largest ever cut to employee/self-employed national insurance contributions, aimed at stimulating economic growth.
Session: Economic Growth in Scotland: Tax Policies
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The Minister talks about GDP. OBR forecast that UK's GDP will be 4% lower in long term due to Brexit. Independent Ireland booming in EU, huge fiscal surplus. Given Tories, Labour and Lib Dems now championing Brexit, isn't it true Scotland rejoining EU only possible through independence?
Context
Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts predict a long-term 4% lower UK GDP due to Brexit. Meanwhile, independent Ireland in the EU is flourishing with substantial fiscal surplus.
Nigel Huddleston
The IMF has forecast us greater growth than France, Italy and Germany. If he supports growth, perhaps SNP Members could join Lobby last night instead of voting against full expensing and R&D investment.
Session: Economic Growth in Scotland: Tax Policies
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Can the Minister apologise for that situation and guarantee that in the early months of next year we will have clarity on farming payments?
Context
The MP expressed concern about lack of clarity from UK Government on future plans post-2025 compared to EU farming subsidies.
Laura Trott
The UK Government have laid out plans for the agriculture transition in England that go beyond the current spending review, giving farmers increased certainty over policy and spending intent for years to come. The Scottish Government could decide to provide farmers in Scotland with similar certainty if they chose to do so.
Session: Farm Budgets 2024-25: Scotland
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Can the Minister guarantee that the UK Government will not try to undermine their payments and devolution by back-door use of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020?
Context
The MP echoed the Christmas wishes to House staff and commented on English farmers being worse off in cash terms due to UK Government's attempt to overhaul the EU subsidy scheme.
Laura Trott
I note that the hon. Member did not answer my question, nor that of the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr Carmichael) about when the ringfenced money will be returned.
Session: Farm Budgets 2024-25: Scotland
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Is it not the case that this Westminster Government is doing nothing for people facing high food bills?
Context
Other Governments have met grocery chains to stabilise food prices.
Jeremy Hunt
We have provided £94 billion of support to help families with food and energy prices.
Session: Food Inflation
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Which supermarkets has the Chancellor held to account over rising food prices?
Context
The consumer organisation Which? described practices by Tesco and Sainsbury's as 'dodgy'.
Jeremy Hunt
We had supermarkets in over the summer to ensure they were doing everything possible to manage food price inflation.
Session: Food Inflation
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The Chancellor did not address how high energy costs hurt families. Similar to Spain's bold steps in cutting VAT and introducing a social tariff, what plans does the Government have for winter support? Specifically, will there be a £400 energy price grant introduced this winter?
Context
High energy bills are a key driver of inflation, affecting family budgets. The Spanish government has introduced VAT cuts and social tariffs to help their citizens. Scotland faces higher energy costs compared to other UK regions.
Jeremy Hunt (The Chancellor of the Exchequer)
For constituents in Scotland, our support includes around £3,000 per family, paying half their bills on average, and substantial benefits system assistance. Nearly £100 billion has been provided to show we are stronger together.
Session: Brexit: Economic Impact
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I am concerned about the Chancellor claiming success despite higher and more stubborn inflation in the UK compared to the EU. With food price inflation hurting families, why has this Government done nothing? Why haven't they learned from France which works with suppliers to cap prices for those in need?
Context
The question arises from the high food price inflation affecting household budgets, with experts like Adam Posen attributing up to 80% of additional inflation woes to Brexit. The UK's situation contrasts with countries such as France that have taken action.
Jeremy Hunt (The Chancellor of the Exchequer)
Inflation is influenced by imported foods and gas, like Germany and Italy, and low unemployment, similar to the US. The UK has recovered better from the pandemic than France, Italy or Germany despite these pressures.
Session: Brexit: Economic Impact
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The Royal Society's 2021 visa costs analysis shows that researchers entering the UK via the global talent scheme had to pay six times more than they would have paid under similar international science schemes. Does the Minister acknowledge the cost of Brexit in our failure to attract world-leading researchers and skilled workers?
Context
The MP asks about the impact of Brexit on attracting world-leading researchers.
Chloe Smith
The hon. Gentleman is on his own mission. He fails to see the strength of the UK science and technology sector, and he fails to see that it will be better for Scotland's businesses, scientists and citizens to continue to be part of that thriving sector. That is what we are doing in making sure the United Kingdom is a science and technology superpower.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the new UK laws on AI protect people by outlawing any collaboration or research with nations that seek to abuse human rights through facial recognition or social credit systems?
Context
The question is about protecting human rights through UK laws on AI, especially regarding collaboration with nations that abuse human rights.
Chloe Smith
Specifically on AI technology, domestically we set out our proposals in the White Paper and internationally, we see a leadership opportunity for the United Kingdom as we are already a global leader in this technology and care passionately about ensuring its safe and responsible deployment.
Session: Artificial Intelligence
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Will the Minister confirm at the Dispatch Box that they will double international climate finance as promised or is there a rumour about them reneging on this promise?
Context
NASA has reported that June was the hottest month ever recorded, intensifying the effects of climate change.
Andrew Mitchell
We are committed to tripling our adaptation finance from £500 million in 2019 to £1.5 billion by 2025. I hope he will wait, with admitted patience, until September when we will be able to set all these figures out.
Session: Climate Finance Commitments
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The armed forces continuous attitude survey results have just been published. They show that less than a third of personnel believe that their basic pay is adequate, and nearly a quarter are looking to leave the forces. Will the Secretary of State admit that it is high time that he increased basic pay across the public service, but especially for those in uniform?
Context
A survey showed low satisfaction rates regarding basic pay among personnel, leading to high turnover intentions.
Andrew Murrison
The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Armed Forces Pay Review Body has reported, and that will be released shortly. Pay is part of a wider remuneration package, which includes an excellent non-contributory pension, subsidised accommodation, incremental pay, and a range of allowances. The non-financial aspects of the offer are also highly valued. What is not highly valued, frankly, are the tax increases that the SNP introduced in February, which make servicemen in Scotland much worse off than those in the rest of the United Kingdom.
Session: Topical Questions
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The cost of the most common family foods has risen by nearly 30% in the past year alone. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with Cabinet colleagues about how to learn from our European neighbours and reduce the crisis in people's homes now?
Context
Hendry mentioned that food costs have risen nearly 30% in the past year, referencing research by Which?.
Mel Stride
What we are learning from our European neighbours is that this is a common problem. In fact, food price inflation in Germany, Portugal and other countries is higher than it is here. Rather than intervening in markets, as some are spuriously suggesting, and taking us back to the prices and incomes policies of the 1970s, we have entered discussions with the supermarkets, some of which have recently suggested that they will be able to lower prices, or lower the rate of increase in some prices, on the more essential items.
Session: Topical Questions
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As we have heard, artificial intelligence presents opportunities but also threats, many of which are impossible to quantify at this time. That is as true in AI diplomacy as in anything else, so at the world's first major AI conference, will the UK Government commit to developing and facilitating AI only with countries that respect human rights and will obey the rules of international law?
Context
The question addresses the ethical and legal implications of artificial intelligence, specifically in diplomatic contexts. It seeks a commitment regarding AI collaboration with countries that respect human rights and abide by international laws.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
As we bring the world together at the AI summit in the autumn, we want to have discussions with all our international partners about what the rules of the road need to be. The UK Government are absolutely going to be leading on making sure that the facilitation of AI in every sphere of our lives takes place within a framework that provides safety and gives trust to both our citizens and the rest of the world.
Session: AI and Diplomacy
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Nearly 200 civil society organisations covering human trafficking, modern slavery, asylum and refugees have called on the Government to immediately withdraw the Illegal Migration Bill because, as it stands, it will breach multiple conventions and agreements in international law. Will the Attorney General work with her colleagues to revise, review and change these provisions, or is she happy to underline that hers is a lawbreaking Government?
Context
Over 190 civil society organizations have called for the Government to withdraw or revise the Illegal Migration Bill due to its potential breaches of international law.
Victoria Prentis
As I said, there is a long-standing convention that means I cannot go into the legal advice that may or may not have been given. I can say simply that we do consider the Bill to be consistent with our international obligations.
Session: Illegal Migration Bill: Trafficking Convention
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Whether she has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the compatibility of the Illegal Migration Bill with the Council of Europe convention on action against trafficking in human beings.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the compatibility of the Illegal Migration Bill with the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.
Victoria Prentis
By long-standing convention, whether the Law Officers have been asked to provide advice, and the contents of any such advice, is not disclosed outside Government.
Session: Illegal Migration Bill: Trafficking Convention
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Scottish Government Minister Neil Gray MSP along with the agencies Scottish Development International and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have proved that direct foreign engagement works for Scotland by securing a £300-million manufacturing investment for subsea cables in the renewables industry, working with Sumitomo in Osaka. It is a game changer that has been welcomed across the highlands, so why does the Foreign Secretary seek to sabotage such vital economic activity by instructing UK diplomatic staff to hinder Scottish Government direct engagement?
Context
The Scottish Government has secured a significant manufacturing investment in the renewables industry.
James Cleverly
The competences of the Scottish Government and the reserved position of the UK Government are absolutely clear. I would say to the hon. Gentleman and the House that Scotland has an excellent advocate overseas—it is me.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does he welcome a measure that will aid hard-pressed families during this cost of living crisis?
Context
The Scottish Government has announced the scrapping of peak fare rail travel for six months from October.
Mark Harper
This Government strongly support devolution, and not just to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but through what we are doing with combined authorities across England, because we think that having decisions taken more locally is a good thing for the country. The Scottish Government have an enormous number of powers and they should use them widely.
Session: Railways Reform
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Can the Minister update us on conversations with Ofgem to regulate energy companies from increasing direct debits while holding onto reasonable amounts of credit belonging to consumers? The MP also invites the Minister to join the It's Your Money campaign at 2.30 PM in Committee Room 11.
Context
The MP raises concerns about energy companies increasing direct debits while holding onto consumer credits. He asks for updates on discussions with Ofgem and invites the Minister to support a campaign in Committee Room 11.
Amanda Solloway
That was an excellent plug by the hon. Member. He will know that I have been engaging with stakeholders—a whole range of stakeholders—including, of course, Ofgem.
Session: Energy Bill Relief Scheme
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The Secretary of State knows that the process for gaining an exemption to the United Kingdom Internal Market Act is through developing the appropriate common framework. He also stated that there had been no request by letter from the Scottish Government, yet the Deputy First Minister wrote to the UK Government on 31 January and even received a positive reply on 10 February. Is the problem here that the Secretary of State just has a very selective memory, or is it that he is so busy preparing for his seat in the House of Lords that his office does not bother keeping him in the loop any more?
Context
There is a discrepancy regarding the timeline for requesting an exemption from the UK Internal Market Act for the Scottish deposit return scheme.
Alister Jack
Let us be absolutely clear about this: the letter the hon. Gentleman refers to was a letter to the Chancellor about value added tax treatment of the deposit return scheme. The letter mentioned that an exemption request would be coming forward, but the official request was made on 6 March—there is no question about that—and the detailed arguments were laid out on 6 March at the ministerial meeting.
Session: Devolution Settlement
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Does the Secretary of State believe that footage of MPs in his party earning substantial amounts from external work undermines the concept of levelling up? If so, will he condemn this behaviour?
Context
The MP questioned the concept of levelling up being undermined by footage of Conservative MPs earning £10,000-a-day contracts while also receiving their MP salary.
Michael Gove
Obviously, the capacity of people who are Members of this House to do work to supplement the role they perform here is one that is properly—if there is anything improper about it—a matter for the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and the Privileges Committee.
Session: Topical Questions
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In February we welcomed the moratorium on new construction in settlement areas, as the Foreign Secretary has described. As we heard, that was followed by an immediate and blatant breach of trust by the Israeli Prime Minister. The Foreign Secretary says that it is better to raise issues than not, but how does he measure success in raising them, because we see absolutely no evidence of success?
Context
The Israeli Prime Minister broke a moratorium on new construction in settlement areas, indicating a lack of trust.
James Cleverly
I do not think it is news to anyone in the House that the situation in Israel and the OPTs is complicated and long standing. We are not the only country in the world that raises these important issues, and we can continue to do so because we have a strong working relationship with both the Government of Israel and the leadership of the Palestinian Authority—as I said, I had conversations with both very recently. We will continue to work at what we think is in everyone's interests: a sustainable two-state solution. We will not be fatalistic about it. We will not give up just because it is difficult. If the hon. Gentleman thinks that we should walk away just because it is a long-standing challenge, that is up to him. We will not abandon the Israelis or the Palestinian people. We will continue working for a sustainable two-state solution.
Session: Israel and Palestine
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I recently met representatives from CityFibre to celebrate the roll-out of full fibre in Inverness. They are now moving into rural areas and have increased coverage significantly. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that companies like CityFibre can continue to operate competitively in rural markets, ensuring they expand further?
Context
The MP met with CityFibre to celebrate the roll-out of full fibre in Inverness, highlighting its expansion into rural areas.
Julia Lopez
CityFibre has been fundamental in driving stiff competition which accelerated the roll-out. We thank CityFibre and other altnets for all they do. Our priority is a competitive framework, crucial to ensuring coverage for areas such as Inverness.
Session: Broadband Coverage: Rural Areas
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Sir Christopher Chote wrote saying it is misleading to describe the £800 billion figure as a measure of 'new global trade' resulting from recent deals. Will the Minister now apologise on behalf of his party and Ministers for sharing that tweet and misinformation? Yes, or no?
Context
The UK Statistics Authority's chairman, Sir Christopher Chote, wrote to Drew Hendry stating that it is misleading to describe the £800 billion figure as a measure of new global trade resulting from recent deals.
Greg Hands
I do not resile from the fact that we have concluded free trade agreements with 71 countries plus the EU. I notice, of course, that he voted against the EU deal, preferring no deal.
Session: Trade Barriers
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I am sure the Minister would agree that, in moving away from any possible reliance on Russian energy supplies, the UK should not simply choose further dependency on a different authoritarian regime. It has been reported that the former Chancellor, the right hon. Member for Spelthorne (Kwasi Kwarteng), when he was Business Secretary, held undisclosed meetings with Saudi Arabian firms. Will the Minister tell us what was discussed—and if he cannot, why can he not?
Context
The MP is concerned about the UK's energy supply reliance on authoritarian regimes, citing undisclosed meetings between former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng and Saudi Arabian firms.
David Rutley
I do not recognise those conversations that the hon. Gentleman refers to, but clearly the important thing is that we have access to the energy we need with allies that we trust and, over time, build our own energy security as well.
Session: Saudi Arabia: Human Rights and Death Penalty
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Why is real action on the climate emergency ignored in every deal? The UK has included no realistically enforceable measure to plug climate gaps, despite pointing them out from the start. There are reports that there will be no more than warm words on climate change.
Context
The UK has rolled over EU agreements and signed deals with Australia and New Zealand, but they have no realistically enforceable measure for climate change.
Nigel Huddleston
The hon. Member mentions every deal and it would be nice if Opposition Members supported the Government. Trading partners are concerned about climate challenges as well.
Session: Free Trade Agreements: Scrutiny
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Does the Minister commit to legally binding demands on climate change in the UK-India discussions? The UK has included no realistically enforceable measure for climate change in past deals. There are reports that there will be no more than warm words on climate change from India.
Context
Cabinet Office emails showed that climate asks were dropped from UK-Australia agreements, despite Australia's history of coal pollution. India has no detailed plan to cut emissions.
Nigel Huddleston
We will not sign any deals that are not in the UK's interests, and we have friends and trading partners who are concerned about climate challenges as well.
Session: Free Trade Agreements: Scrutiny
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Does the Minister think that average household bills being £4,000-plus a year is acceptable? Will he urge his colleagues to do much more?
Context
Sir Michael Marmot's statement warns about the humanitarian crisis due to high energy bills. The government recently adjusted its energy price guarantee policy.
Neil O'Brien
We are investing £12 billion in Help to Heat schemes, another £1.1 billion in the home upgrade grant, and £500 million in the sustainable warmth competition. We take this issue very seriously, and colleagues at DLUHC are taking further actions to clamp down on squalid housing.
Session: Cold Weather: Long-term Health Effects
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What recent assessment has been made of the potential long-term effects of cold weather over the winter on the health of (a) children and (b) pensioners?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the impact of winter cold on vulnerable groups, with a focus on children and pensioners. The UK government has announced a £37 billion energy support package.
Neil O'Brien
Pensioners and children are particularly vulnerable to cold weather, which is why we are spending £37 billion on our energy support package. A typical household will save a third—£700—of what they would have paid this winter. The 8 million most-vulnerable households will get £1,200 in support this year to help with the cost of living.
Session: Cold Weather: Long-term Health Effects
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Why are the Government so intent on removing these protections when the Act already grants flexibility?
Context
The question stems from criticism of the government's intent to remove protections under the Human Rights Act.
Brandon Lewis
The minister highlights the need to protect freedom of speech from cancel culture and ensures targeted anti-SLAPP reforms will deliver through a statutory definition, identifying characteristics, and cost protections for SLAPPs cases.
Session: Human Rights
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What recent discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on strengthening human rights in the UK?
Context
The question is prompted by ongoing discussions within the government regarding human rights legislation.
Brandon Lewis
The Government stands by their manifesto commitment to update the Human Rights Act 1998. They are looking again at the Bill of Rights to ensure delivery on objectives effectively. The government remains a committed party to the European Convention on Human Rights.
Session: Human Rights
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A single invoice shows many new charges from the UK Government, running to hundreds of pounds. The largest charge is titled “Customs Add”. Does the Minister know how much the Treasury is raking in? Will they call for any of it to be returned?
Context
Single invoice showing new charges for a small importer in Inverness, including duty, admin fees and customs fees.
Andrew Griffith
The hon. Gentleman's pain is shared, but Scotland remaining in the Union gives a single one-stop shop advantage to British businesses seeking international trade.
Session: Trade with the EU
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Thanks to Westminster's hostile post-Brexit immigration policy, our lack of workers means that Scottish exports are down by 53% for fruits and veggies and 33% for dairy and eggs. Is it time for UK Government to stand aside and give powers over immigration to the Scottish Government?
Context
Scottish exports of fruit, vegetables, dairy and eggs to the EU have fallen due to a lack of workers.
Andrew Griffith
The Department's Edinburgh team promotes exporters from Scotland. The hon. Gentleman can avail himself of the Export Support Service helpline for assistance with exporting.
Session: Trade with the EU
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Will the Minister commit his Government to working with the Scottish Government to maximise this massive transition and international trade opportunity?
Context
The question builds on the previous one, focusing on maximizing opportunities for international trade in offshore wind energy.
Ranil Jayawardena
We work with devolved Administrations across the kingdom to make sure that every corner of the country benefits from international trade. The truth is that while we are batting for every corner of the country, backing British businesses and supporting Scottish jobs, the SNP wants to cut Scotland off from its largest market, which is the British internal market.
Session: UK’s Green Industries: Foreign Direct Investment
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Will the Minister join me in congratulating the SNP Scottish Government on making Scotland a global leader in offshore wind energy? Will he pledge to do all in his power to support this fantastic international trade and transition opportunity?
Context
The question relates to the recent ScotWind announcement from the Scottish Government, which is significant in offshore wind energy.
Ranil Jayawardena
I am delighted that the SNP now supports the British energy security strategy, which champions the power of offshore wind energy. I am also delighted that foreign investors are already responding to the United Kingdom Government's proposals, including in the form of a sovereign investment partnership with the United Arab Emirates, which is investing £10 billion, including funds for energy transition.
Session: UK’s Green Industries: Foreign Direct Investment
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Energy Rebates: Highlands and Islands
06 March 2024
Responding: Amanda Solloway
Main Concerns
['The energy market is broken, with the highlands and islands uniquely disadvantaged due to higher electricity costs, colder climate, and reliance on fuel oil and LPG. The standing charge for electricity in these regions is 50% more than in London despite a colder climate, leading to extreme fuel poverty rates of up to 24%. Renewable energy produced in the region far exceeds local consumption but is exported without benefitting residents.']
Specific Asks
["The UK Government should introduce an energy rebate for Highlands and Islands to redistribute wealth generated locally. This could be modelled after the Chancellor's proposal for rebates near new infrastructure, extending it to existing renewable sources."]
Energy Suppliers: Customer Credit
22 February 2023
Responding: Amanda Solloway
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the manifest injustice of energy suppliers holding customers' money in credit without accountability. I have received numerous complaints from constituents regarding billing issues, long wait times on customer service lines, and inaccurate meter readings. One constituent, Mrs Frances Raw, has been asked to pay over £236 a month despite having a credit balance of £1,796.36. The practice of energy suppliers retaining customer funds without explicit permission is not acceptable; it is the customers' money and should be returned automatically. I am concerned about the failure of Ofgem to address issues faced by energy customers regarding their credit balances. Constituents' money is being held captive, and people face difficulties in accessing their funds due to inadequate helplines and non-transparent billing practices."]
Specific Asks
["I ask for Ofgem to take action against companies that use customer credits improperly, mandate direct debits to account for existing credit balances when billed out, and ensure that energy companies print credit amounts in green at the top of bills with clear notices about customers' rights to their money. I ask for a clear printed credit balance at the top of bills so that consumers can understand their financial situation better. We also need plain language billing and an improved system for handling direct debits."]
Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
21 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Finance Bill (Energy Security Investment Mechanism) - New Clause 3 and associated clauses
08 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The new clause requires the Chancellor of the Exchequer to publish a review within three months of the Act being passed, detailing the impact of section 2 on individual taxpayers facing marginal tax r...
War in Gaza
07 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Spending
24 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Finance (No. 2) Bill
17 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister of State at the Treasury, Nigel Huddleston, moved that the Finance (No. 2) Bill be now read a Second time. He highlighted improvements in inflation rates, real wage growth, national insur...
HMRC Self-Assessment Helpline
20 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Insurance Contributions Bill - Clause 1 - Reduction in National Insurance Contributions
13 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to reduce national insurance contributions for employees and self-employed individuals. Argues that the current system is unfair as it imposes a double taxation on those who earn income through ...
Budget Resolutions
06 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Conservatives' record is marked by a recession, high tax burden, living standards decline, and fiscal irresponsibility. The Chancellor's new measures do not address these issues; they merely exace...
Israel and Gaza
27 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ukraine: Military Equipment
27 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
1
PMQs Asked
64
Ministerial Questions Asked
129
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+378% above average
This MP:
64
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2539% above average
This MP:
129
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Drew Hendry's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.