Duncan Baker
MP for North Norfolk
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
If it were not so serious, it would be comical, but in Horning on the Norfolk broads, a whole area is to be totally cut off from a mobile signal until—wait for it—August, because of nesting seagulls taking up residency in the new telecoms mast. Gulls are protected and the nest cannot be moved, but if a family holidaying on the broads gets into distress this summer, they will not be able to make an emergency call. That could be life-threatening, so will the Deputy Prime Minister please help me by calling on Natural England to be sensible and make sure that, for public safety reasons, we can get a mobile phone mast working in a prime holiday location?
Context
A mobile phone signal mast in Horning, Norfolk has been rendered unusable by nesting seagulls. This is expected to cut off residents and tourists from emergency communication services until August.
Oliver Dowden
We all love the diversity of wildlife in this country and particularly on the North Norfolk coast, which my hon. Friend represents. He makes a strong point about the balance between that and ensuring that people have access to modern communication facilities, and I shall certainly take that up with Natural England.
Session: PMQs
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The MP introduced his '100 Apprenticeships Challenge' aimed at driving 100 new apprenticeships across North Norfolk. He thanked various stakeholders involved, including local councils, the Department for Work and Pensions, and highlighted Julia Nix's role in coordinating this effort.
Context
The MP announced a new apprenticeship scheme in his constituency to drive growth and jobs for young people.
Elizabeth Truss
The PM thanked Julia Nix and her team for their work on creating apprenticeship opportunities. She acknowledged the importance of such schemes for learning and gaining experience, citing 5.1 million apprenticeships created since 2010.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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North Norfolk is a rural constituency. Many residents rely on their car to get around, and they heat their homes with heating oil. The price of crude oil may have come down in the last few days, but the price at the petrol pumps is still going up. I have constituents who have been quoted £2 a litre for heating oil. This affects not only working families but pensioners in rural areas who are on a fixed income. Will the Deputy Prime Minister do everything he can to make sure we address these problems in the spring statement for very rural constituencies that are getting the double whammy of these crippling costs?
Context
Rural areas are facing increased fuel and heating oil prices.
Dominic Raab
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. He knows we have a £20 billion package this year to deal with the cost of living, and £9 billion of it is focused on energy prices. His comments on the issues for his constituents, and for constituents across the country, are very well made, and I know the Chancellor will have heard his suggestions.
Assessment
Did not specify concrete steps or commitments in response to the specific ask about addressing high energy costs in rural areas.
Session: PMQs
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Given that last week's ruling was just the start, what measures will the Government take to address this miscarriage of justice fully? A judge-led public inquiry seems necessary to achieve true justice and hold those responsible accountable.
Context
A judicial ruling has been made regarding the wrongful convictions of many postmasters in a systemic error case involving the Post Office. The question highlights the need for justice and accountability, including a public inquiry.
Boris Johnson
The ruling was indeed awful for postmasters and sub-postmasters. A former High Court judge, Sir Wyn Williams, will make recommendations on further actions and apologies.
Session: PMQs
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I am sure the Prime Minister will join me in saying that we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to all our carers, including unpaid carers, young carers and those throughout the social care profession, for the tireless work they have done during the pandemic. Representing North Norfolk, the constituency with the oldest demographic, I have seen their work at first hand. Yet these professionals often feel forgotten about, and that needs to change. Will he commit to a 10-year plan for social care to match the one for the NHS as the foundation to start reforming social care in this country?
Context
The constituency of North Norfolk has a high percentage of elderly residents, who are often reliant on carers for support. These professionals feel forgotten and require better recognition.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the extraordinary work done by carers and social care workers up and down the country. They have got through this pandemic. We must continue to look after them in any way that we can and we must commit, as we have done, to reforming the sector and giving people the certainty they need. We will be bringing forward proposals later this year.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not provide a specific 10-year plan for social care but mentioned future proposals.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister agree that procurement fraud betrays taxpayers? It erodes public trust and wastes money. Should we take firm action against those who waste our public money?
Context
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government report highlights the risks of fraud and corruption in local government procurement.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
I certainly do. Fraud is corrosive of public trust and wasteful of public money. All councils should learn the lessons from that report.
Session: PMQs
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A constituent recently brought quite a distressing case to my office. A routine trip to the dog groomer's turned into a disaster for her beloved pet. The dog was seriously injured due to the groomer using incorrect equipment, resulting in painful lacerations, multiple veterinary visits and permanent scarring. Unfortunately, that is not an isolated case. I am aware that, as the Minister says, the Animal Welfare Act provides some framework in relation to intentional harm, but I am amazed at the lack of regulation in the industry. Will the Minister make an assessment of what further legislative steps can be taken to regulate the dog grooming industry and ensure the safety of all dogs?
Context
A constituent recently brought a case to the MP's office where their pet dog was seriously injured due to incorrect equipment use by a groomer. This incident is not isolated, and it highlights gaps in the current regulatory framework for the dog grooming industry.
Mark Spencer
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this case, and obviously I sympathise with his constituent whose pet suffered that poor practice. The Government's belief in the importance of animal welfare underpins the strong protections included in the Animal Welfare Act, and we will take steps to address widespread welfare issues where they arise.
Session: Serious Dog Injuries Register Dog Groomers
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If he will take steps to implement a dog groomers charter mark that includes a register of serious injuries for dogs. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, groomers must protect dogs under their control from harm and provide for their welfare needs. Where that Act is breached, offenders face imprisonment or an unlimited fine.
Context
The question arises from a constituent's distressing case of their pet dog being seriously injured during a routine grooming session due to incorrect equipment use. The incident highlights the lack of specific regulations within the dog grooming industry.
Mark Spencer
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, groomers must protect dogs under their control from harm and provide for their welfare needs. Where that Act is breached, offenders face imprisonment or an unlimited fine. As the legislation is already clear, we do not have any plans at the moment to implement a charter.
Session: Serious Dog Injuries Register Dog Groomers
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Given that current use of e-cigarettes among 15-year-olds is at 25%, and likely higher now, does the Minister believe it is appropriate for football clubs to sponsor vaping products? If not, will he join efforts to change this?
Context
The MP expresses concern over rising vaping rates among teenagers, citing a statistic showing that in 2022, 25% of 15-year-olds had used e-cigarettes within the past month.
Stuart Andrew
It is up to individual clubs and sporting bodies to set guidelines on sponsorships. While I understand the concern, I will consider it further.
Session: Footballers Risk of Dementia
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My constituent Chris Sutton, a former player for Celtic, Chelsea, Blackburn, and Norwich City, has highlighted that former players are four times more likely to suffer from CTE-related dementia. He is concerned about the absence of adequate provisions for affected ex-players and their families. Can the Minister ensure the establishment of a properly funded dementia support fund?
Context
The MP highlights the increased risk of dementia among former professional footballers due to repeated head impacts and raises concerns about a lack of proper support funds.
Stuart Andrew
The PFA and Premier League have established a brain health fund with £1 million initial funding, set to evolve into a charity for long-term support. I will write to the PFA for assurances on current workings of the fund.
Session: Footballers Risk of Dementia
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Can the Minister assure me that we will always place the victim at the forefront of court proceedings in these circumstances?
Context
The question stems from cases where family issues proceed to trial without mediation, causing additional trauma for all involved.
Laura Farris
A harms panel commissioned by the Ministry conducted a pilot program focusing on less adversarial methods to resolve domestic abuse allegations early, reducing trauma. The successful model will be rolled out nationally starting next month in south-east Wales and Birmingham.
Session: Victims of Domestic Violence Court Proceedings
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What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that victims of domestic violence are protected throughout court proceedings?
Context
The question arises from ongoing concerns about the court system's handling of domestic violence cases, with specific mention of insufficient mediation and trauma for victims.
Laura Farris
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 was transformative with protections for domestic abuse victims through the justice system, including up-front legal aid for protective orders and prohibitions on cross-examination by perpetrators. The Ministry of Justice is conducting a pilot program in Dorset and north Wales to prevent cases from going straight to trial without mediation.
Session: Victims of Domestic Violence Court Proceedings
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My constituent Jenifer Picton is currently undergoing extensive treatment for cancer and is consequently unable to work. I wish Ms Picton all the very best with her treatment. She has come to my office, which has helped with universal credit, PIP and the new-style employment and support allowance. She has now managed to get PIP, but given that she is seriously ill, why should she have to come to my office for help? Why do we make it so arduous and difficult for people who need treatment to get help?
Context
A constituent, Jenifer Picton, is undergoing cancer treatment and struggles to get financial support from the system despite having managed to receive PIP.
Mel Stride
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and the typical assiduity with which he takes up his constituency case. May I send my best wishes, and I am sure those of the whole House, to Ms Picton? I am happy to meet him to discuss in more detail the circumstances that he has described.
Session: Serious Medical Conditions Financial Support
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What steps his Department is taking to support financially people unable to work due to serious medical conditions. My Department does a great deal to support the long-term sick and disabled, including through universal credit and its health element, and through the personal independence payment, which is a contribution to the additional costs of sickness and disability.
Context
No specific background event mentioned, but the question focuses on existing financial supports provided by the Department.
Mel Stride
My Department does a great deal to support the long-term sick and disabled, including through universal credit and its health element, and through the personal independence payment, which is a contribution to the additional costs of sickness and disability.
Session: Serious Medical Conditions Financial Support
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I recently brought my ten-minute rule Bill to the House which mandates autism training in initial teacher training framework. Will the Minister assure me of steps taken to include autism training specifically and meet me again to discuss supporting my ten-minute rule Bill?
Context
The MP introduced a ten-minute rule Bill to mandate autism training in initial teacher training, highlighting its importance for early identification.
David Johnston
The hon. Friend is running a strong campaign; from September 2025, initial teacher training will contain more content on supporting pupils with special educational needs including autistic pupils. £12 million committed to universal SEND services programme for autism awareness training.
Session: Autism Initial Teacher Training
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Whether her Department is taking steps to ensure that initial teacher training courses include early identification of autism.
Context
The question arises from the need for early identification of autism in initial teacher training courses to support autistic children effectively.
David Johnston
The Department for Education reviewed the mandatory initial teacher training core content framework, alongside the early career framework, with attention to supporting pupils with special educational needs including autistic pupils.
Session: Autism Initial Teacher Training
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Could the Budget announce the Norfolk county deal to give control over its future and provide funding for the Sheringham roundabout, which is crucial for North Norfolk?
Context
The Budget could announce the Norfolk county deal and provide funding for Sheringham roundabout.
Michael Gove
I cannot reveal details of discussions with the Chancellor but I acknowledge that Sheringham roundabout is a significant infrastructure project for Norfolk, and my hon. Friend Duncan Baker has made a compelling case to me. We hope to make progress on it soon.
Session: Norfolk Devolution Deal
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What steps are being taken to implement the Norfolk devolution deal?
Context
The Norfolk devolution deal is progressing towards implementation with a planned governance change in July.
Michael Gove
My Department supports the implementation of the Norfolk devolution deal, which is progressing well. Norfolk County Council plans to vote on governance changes in July, leading to an election for a directly elected leader in May 2025.
Session: Norfolk Devolution Deal
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Under new changes, the minimum income threshold for family visas will be raised over a year. Only 11 April 2024 has been given as a date so far. When can we expect further clarity and updates on future thresholds?
Context
The minimum income threshold for family visas is being raised incrementally.
Tom Pursglove
The reform is expected to complete in early 2025, with further staging posts. Monitoring implementation through initial increase.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Minister assure me that we will properly consider the nuances between occasional room rentals and areas being turned into holiday lets?
Context
There is a concern about the proliferation of short-term lets in North Norfolk.
Julia Lopez
I can provide my hon. Friend with that assurance. We are aware that the proliferation of short-term lets has caused real concern in communities such as his. We do not want to clamp down in a way that will make life difficult for people who rent out their rooms on a very irregular basis, but as he said, when whole streets are causing a problem, we think the most important thing is that we get an understanding of the scale of the problem.
Session: Short-term Lets National Registration
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I welcome the fact that 20 Nightingale courtrooms have been set up around the country to boost capacity, but none of them appears to be in the east of England. I know we are all well behaved in the east, but have we been forgotten?
Context
The MP notes that Nightingale courtrooms have been established around the country to increase capacity but none in the east of England. He mentions an over 300% increase in receipts for special educational needs and disabilities cases.
Mike Freer
I can reassure my hon. Friend that we would not dream of forgetting about him. We have seen an increase, particularly on special educational needs and disabilities, of over 300% in receipts, and with the increased number of judges and panel members, we are seeing a 37% increase in disposals this year. We are trying to address the issue of SEND with the Department for Education, and if my hon. Friend thinks there is a problem in this area, I am more than happy to meet him to discuss it.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Secretary of State back my hon. Friend's Bill that aims to increase and ensure there is autism training for all teachers?
Context
The questioner's ten-minute rule Bill aims to increase and ensure there is autism training for all teachers.
Gillian Keegan
Initial teacher training must equip trainees with understanding of pupils' needs, including those with autism. A new standard on autism is being developed through an improvement plan.
Session: Support for Children with SEND
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Can the Minister review the limits placed on the amount of cash that can be paid in at the post office and ensure higher volumes for rural businesses?
Context
Many banks are closing on high streets, and post offices are stepping in to help. However, the amount of cash that can be deposited is limited.
Kevin Hollinrake
The limits are there to prevent money laundering but need to be proportionate. I have raised their impact with the Financial Conduct Authority and UK Finance, and now there is more transparency in checks. Ingham's fish and chip shop in Filey experiences fewer problems when paying in money.
Session: Topical Questions
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Ending veteran homelessness and rough sleeping has been an absolute passion of the veterans Minister. Can he give us an update on how this is faring after the festive period?
Context
The Veterans Minister had committed to ending rough sleeping for veterans during the festive period.
Johnny Mercer
We housed 407 of the most desperate, most vulnerable veterans across the UK during Christmas. We are working towards ending all homelessness.
Session: Topical Questions
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The right hon. Lady has just spoken about the integrity of the honours system, but the Government have failed to be transparent around the interests of Baroness Mone in the PPE Medpro contracts, where over £200 million was wasted. We have no answer from the Government as to why the links were not made public at the time; no answer as to why a Government Minister did not correct the wrong impression that had been given in public; and no answer in response to the allegation that the Government indicated a National Crime Agency investigation would be dropped if the civil claim was settled. Back on 18 December, Labour called on the Government to order an urgent investigation into this matter to give taxpayers the answers they deserve, but the Deputy Prime Minister has not even responded to the letter. Is the reason the Government are so afraid of an investigation that it will just show, once again, Tory sleaze?
Context
The Government failed to be transparent around the interests of Baroness Mone in the PPE Medpro contracts, where over £200 million was wasted.
Esther McVey
I will say from the Dispatch Box that the answer has been sent and given. If it needs to be reissued, we will do so, but it has been sent. Baroness Mone has taken leave of absence from the Lords, and there are separate investigations into the allegations against her. In my mind, if she is found guilty of wrongdoing, she needs to resign membership of the Lords—the public would expect no less. The House of Lords Reform Act 2014 ensures that a Member convicted of serious offences will cease to be a Member of the House of the Lords, and that is what we want to see.
Session: Honours System
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The Post Office scandal and Paula Vennells' handing back of her CBE have shone a real light on the need for more scrutiny and transparency in the honours system. Does the Minister agree that the vetting process—the scrutiny and transparency—is needed more than ever in our honours system to protect its integrity?
Context
The Post Office scandal and Paula Vennells' handing back of her CBE has highlighted the need for more scrutiny and transparency in the honours system.
Esther McVey
I do agree. Given that my hon. Friend is a former sub-postmaster, I can fully understand why he feels so strongly about this matter; he is absolutely right to do so, and I thank him for all the work he has done for his fellow postmasters and sub-postmasters. It is important that we protect the integrity of the honours system, which is something to which this Government are committed. We have undertaken a range of actions to strengthen checks, including expanding criminal record checks and working closely with regulators and other bodies to ensure full due diligence for all nominees.
Session: Honours System
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The Prime Minister recently visited Bacton gas terminal in North Norfolk, which is home to a third of the UK's gas supply and in the future could be an enormous hub for green energy production in the east of England. Will Ministers reassure me that they will continue to consider Bacton as the future home for carbon capture, usage and storage technology as well as a hydrogen hub for the future in the east of England?
Context
Prime Minister's visit to Bacton gas terminal in North Norfolk.
Graham Stuart
I agree with my hon. Friend and the Prime Minister on the importance of Bacton, which, like all gas terminals across the country, has the potential to play a crucial role in our energy security. The decarbonisation of these terminals is vital to delivering both economic growth and net zero. The Hewett field, 20 km offshore from Bacton, was awarded a licence for carbon sea storage by the North Sea Transition Authority in 2023. I hear his loud voice—it will be heard on the Government Benches—about its potential to be a hydrogen hub as well.
Session: Topical Questions
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What measures do we really have to force wind companies to clean up and repair the countryside after trenching?
Context
Flooding, agricultural run-off and pollution have worsened since summer.
Graham Stuart
The hon. Friend will be followed up on his question today by looking at the regime to ensure proper permissioning and delivery without negative impacts.
Session: Onshore Wind Farm Cables
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What recent assessment has the Government made of the environmental impact of onshore wind farm cables?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the environmental impact of new infrastructure.
Graham Stuart
The environmental impact is assessed through the consenting process. Minimising potential impacts is a priority, and measures are taken to ensure mitigation at every opportunity.
Session: Onshore Wind Farm Cables
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My local council has sadly been unable to attract any levelling-up funding or community renewal funding into North Norfolk. As I have repeatedly requested in this place, I need just £3 million for a roundabout at the top of Holway Road in Sheringham, but £3 million is too small for a levelling-up bid and too much for Norfolk County Council. In the spirit of Christmas, how can the Minister give me a present of £3 million for a roundabout in North Norfolk?
Context
The MP requested £3 million for a roundabout in Sheringham but the local council has not been able to attract levelling-up or community renewal funding.
Jacob Young
I wish I could give my hon. Friend a Christmas present. I recognise his work, campaigning on behalf of the people of Sheringham for the improvement of the A148 Holway Road junction. I know he is already engaging closely with Norfolk County Council on the project. The £600 million investment fund, agreed through the Norfolk county deal, will provide the county council with the local means to fund exactly this sort of project, with the first tranche of funding due to be available next year. If there is anything further I can do, I would be delighted to work with him and with colleagues in the Department for Transport to progress this project.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
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What recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the levelling-up fund at distributing funding across all parts of the UK?
Context
The MP asked about recent assessments on how well the Levelling-Up Fund is distributing funding across all parts of the UK.
Jacob Young
On Monday 20 November we announced that a further £1 billion will be invested in 55 projects across Great Britain, from Bolton to Elgin, and from Newcastle to Rhyl. In the third round we have targeted funding at places across Great Britain that are most in need, as assessed through our levelling-up needs metrics. We have also ensured the best possible regional spread of projects, so that every part of Great Britain benefits from the fund over its lifetime. Further details are set out in a published methodology note.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
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On the subject of speeding and rural safety, the entry into one of my primary towns in North Norfolk—Sheringham, a tourist town on the Norfolk coast—has a fast-flowing road that is becoming more and more congested year after year. What it really needs is a roundabout, which the Minister knows all about. All in my community support it. Unfortunately, the county council does not have the money—not as much as the Minister now has, certainly. Could he please find me a funding pot to bid into to build the Sheringham roundabout?
Context
Sheringham, a tourist town in North Norfolk, faces congestion on its main road leading into the town. The community supports building a roundabout to alleviate traffic and improve safety.
Richard Holden
My hon. Friend is a real champion for a Sheringham roundabout; in fact, he has dragged me there to visit the A148 junction with Holway Road. I was delighted to do it, and I will be happy to go down and see it again. I understand that Norfolk County Council is continuing preliminary design work and confirming costs and planning requirements, which should put Norfolk in a strong position to make a bid. Although there are no immediate sources for this specific scheme, I encourage the council to continue to work with the safer roads fund, because a new opportunity will arise next year.
Session: Speeding Rural Areas
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What recent discussions his Department has had with the Home Office on tackling speeding in rural areas. My concern stems from reports of increasing speeds and resultant accidents on local rural routes.
Context
The question arises from concerns about safety on rural roads, particularly regarding speeding incidents that pose risks to all road users.
Richard Holden
My Department takes road safety for all road users, including those using rural routes, extremely seriously. We are currently considering how best to address the specific safety issues that may arise on parts of the local rural network. As part of our work on road safety, my officials regularly meet Home Office officials to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Session: Speeding Rural Areas
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Will the Minister speak to the Angling Trust to request that it properly considers the Sports Council Equality Group's guidance on who is eligible for its women's team?
Context
A trans woman has been selected to join the England women's shore angling squad, and a constituent of Duncan Baker's has concerns about this.
Stuart Andrew
These are clearly sensitive issues, and they need careful consideration and respect for those involved. The Government support the Sports Council's guidance on transgender participation. When it comes to competitive sport, we believe that safety and fairness have to be the primary considerations. I encourage the Angling Trust to engage with the Sports Council's guidance as it develops its thinking in this area.
Session: Topical Questions
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I recently met Applied Genomics Ltd, a marine scientific business in my North Norfolk constituency. It specialises in environmental DNA acquisition and processing, and has developed an effective technique to measure a broad biodiversity profile, from fish stocks and invasive species to microbial pollution. The UK does not currently have an all-encompassing nationwide programme to monitor our coastal marine environments, so will the Minister consider launching a consistent, low-cost and accurate programme, and will she meet me to discuss it?
Context
The MP met Applied Genomics Ltd, a marine scientific business in his North Norfolk constituency. The company has developed an effective technique to measure broad biodiversity profile from fish stocks to microbial pollution.
Therese Coffey
My hon. Friend will be aware that we monitor marine and coastal wildlife and habitats through the UK marine monitoring and assessment strategy evidence groups. Indeed, the £140 million natural capital and ecosystem assessment programme is an important example of how we are trying to do these things in a smarter and more timely way. I am delighted to say that Applied Genomics, the company to which he refers, whose work I think is interesting and valuable, has delivered some of that work.
Session: Coastal and Marine Biodiversity
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What recent discussions she has had with relevant stakeholders on monitoring coastal and marine biodiversity. My hon. Friend and I share a feature in that the coast and the sea are a key part of our constituencies. We have just brought into effect our first three highly protected marine areas.
Context
The MP noted recent discussions on monitoring coastal and marine biodiversity with stakeholders.
Therese Coffey
My hon. Friend and I share a feature in that the coast and the sea are a key part of our constituencies. We have just brought into effect our first three highly protected marine areas. We engage regularly with various stakeholders on a variety of issues relating to the monitoring and protection of coastal and marine biodiversity.
Session: Coastal and Marine Biodiversity
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Does the Minister agree that prize draws are useful for charity fundraising with low risk to consumers? Will he keep this in mind when looking at further regulation of the sector?
Context
Omaze is concerned about potential limits on prize draws in the gambling White Paper, which they see as a valuable tool for charity fundraising.
Stuart Andrew
My hon. Friend is right to point out that prize draws and competitions provide great opportunities for charities. They do not fall within the definition of gambling in the Gambling Act 2005 and are exempt from regulation, which means it is very difficult for us to get evidence on what the contribution to charity is and on potential harm. That is why we are looking at whether there is a need for research in this area and whether any action is needed.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Minister visited Sheringham to see the congested A148-Holway road junction. May I ask for additional funding opportunities to improve this vital junction?
Context
Sheringham's A148-Holway road junction experiences congestion and is a key tourist destination with rat-running issues.
Mark Harper
The roads Minister is happy to meet my hon. Friend. Norfolk County Council has completed a feasibility study and committed funds for further development of the scheme.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Minister clarify if this is a priority and whether the leasehold reform Bill will come forward in the next King's Speech?
Context
After 21 years of no reform, there is a demand for the leasehold reform bill to be introduced in the next King's Speech.
Rachel Maclean
I cannot pre-empt what is in the King's Speech. However, I stand at this Dispatch Box and strongly commit to bringing forward comprehensive reforms as previously stated.
Session: Leasehold Reform
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Does the Minister agree that local government officers must also remain impartial and neutral, and how do we ensure this happens across the country?
Context
Concern over impartiality and neutrality in local government.
Jeremy Quin
Conflicts of interest are avoided through appropriate measures to prevent, identify, and remedy conflicts. Contracting authorities follow public contract regulations to ensure equal treatment of all economic operators.
Session: Civil Service Impartiality
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What steps his Department is taking to help ensure impartiality and neutrality are maintained in relevant areas of public life.
Context
Concern over ensuring civil service impartiality and neutrality in public life.
Jeremy Quin
All civil servants follow the civil service code for core values, including impartiality. Senior civil servants are politically restricted and must clear contacts with Opposition members. It is constitutionally vital to preserve the impartiality of the civil service.
Session: Civil Service Impartiality
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I was pleased to see a commitment in the SEND improvement plan to train up to 5,000 level 3-qualified special educational needs co-ordinators and teachers to ensure that children identified as having SEND can thrive in school. Does my hon. Friend agree that expanding this training and working to make it a mandatory part of all training for teachers and co-ordinators will improve the baseline assessments looking for SEND markers in those entering school.
Context
Commitment in the SEND improvement plan to train up to 5,000 level 3-qualified special educational needs co-ordinators and teachers.
Claire Coutinho
Early identification of SEND is vital, which is why we are training 5,000 early-years SENCOs and reforming initial teacher training and the early-career framework for teachers in later stages of education.
Session: Topical Questions
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Albert Bartlett is a potato processor in my constituency of North Norfolk and one of its largest employers, with 250 staff. Due to water abstraction permits, this and other farming businesses are simply not going to be able to continue trading or even growing in Norfolk if they are not helped. These significant water licensing issues are affecting all of Norfolk. Has my right hon. Friend spoken to DEFRA colleagues about water supply shortages and how they are impacting on businesses growing food, food security and employment all over the UK?
Context
The MP raises concerns about water abstraction permits impacting local potato processors and other farming businesses in his constituency.
Kemi Badenoch (Secretary of State for Business and Trade)
As set out in the environmental improvement plan, the Government recognise the need to improve the resilience of our water supplies. We are committed to a twin-track approach of investment in new supply infrastructure and action to reduce leaks and improve water efficiency. This includes support for agriculture, such as grants for reservoirs through the farming transformation fund. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs takes decisions on this issue, and we will liaise on my hon. Friend's points and make references to Ofwat, which is the regulator in this case.
Session: Topical Questions
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. My priority is to support UK companies in thriving at home and abroad, as evidenced by my recent visit to Israel where I discussed our upgraded Free Trade Agreement with Israeli counterparts and met local businesses involved in pioneering partnerships with the UK.
Context
The MP asks about the Secretary of State's focus and activities within her role.
Kemi Badenoch (Secretary of State for Business and Trade)
As Secretary of State for Business and Trade, my priority is to support UK companies to thrive at home and abroad. During my visit to Israel this month, I held talks with my counterpart, Nir Barkat, on our upgraded FTA. Israel's economy is booming, its services sector has grown by 45% in the past decade alone and, while in Israel, I met Teva Pharmaceuticals and Trigo, which are involved in pioneering partnerships with the UK. I also saw the Israeli appetite for British expertise in sectors such as fintech and projects such as the £30 billion Tel Aviv metro.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my right hon. Friend consider temporarily waiving tourist visa fees for Ukrainians wanting to visit their families?
Context
A constituent hosts a Ukrainian refugee who faced difficulty and hardship when trying to reunite with her family. Visa fees and travel distance to application centres hinder reunification.
Robert Jenrick
Last week marked the first anniversary of the launch of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which my hon. Friend took part in, and it is a powerful rejoinder to anyone who says that the UK is anything other than generous and compassionate to those in need. I have listened to his remarks, and I have had a conversation with His Excellency the Ukrainian ambassador in that regard. We have taken an important step in the past month by reopening our visa centre at our embassy in Kyiv, so that Ukrainian nationals can begin those processes in their home territory, rather than having to leave and go to Warsaw.
Session: Topical Questions
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However, clause 73 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill requires greater clarification. Currently, a district council such as North Norfolk benefits from just 8p in the pound from council tax revenue. Does the Minister agree that we ought to look at that clause and ensure that the communities affected by second homes are the ones that benefit from additional taxation raised?
Context
The MP is concerned about the concentration of second homes in coastal areas like North Norfolk, which impacts local communities.
Rachel Maclean
My hon. Friend does a superb job of representing communities affected by large numbers of second homes. The new council tax second homes premium will enable councils, particularly in areas such as his with a strong tourism industry, to generate significant additional funding for local services. If they introduce the maximum premium, they will benefit from double the council tax revenue.
Session: Second Homes in Coastal Areas
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Backbench Business
16 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate urges the UK Government to deliver prompt compensation to women born in the 1950s who had their state pension age raised. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report highlights th...
Passport e-Gates Network Outage
08 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Women’s State Pension Age
25 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sub-postmasters Miscarriages of Justice Act (England and Wales) - Clause 1
20 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill will quash convictions for those affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal in England and Wales, aiming to right past wrongs by restoring good names automatically upon Royal Assent. It incl...
Pet Animals (Protection and Welfare) Bill - Second Reading of the entire Bill
15 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
This Bill aims to ban the import of puppies and kittens under six months, prohibit heavily pregnant animals from being imported, prevent mutilated dogs and cats from entering the country, and address ...
Post Office Legislation
13 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Horizon: Compensation and Legislation
26 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Offender Notification (Amendment) Bill - Clause 1 - Duty on offenders to notify changes of name and contact details
23 February 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill will amend the sentencing code to create a duty for offenders sentenced to community orders, suspended sentence orders, youth rehabilitation orders, or referral orders to inform their respons...
UK Economy
19 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Governance and Horizon Compensation Schemes
19 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
6
PMQs Asked
117
Ministerial Questions Asked
130
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
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
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+773% above average
This MP:
117
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2575% above average
This MP:
130
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 Duncan Baker's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.