Eddie Hughes
MP for Walsall North
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
What further advice can she give to a colleague keen to champion specific rural communities facing challenges with poor digital connectivity?
Context
The MP expressed interest in further advice to champion specific rural communities facing challenges with poor digital connectivity.
Julia Lopez
First, I want to reassure my hon. Friend that a lot of work is being done on gigabit and mobile reception for rural areas. There is a regional procurement under way that covers his constituency and a neighbouring one. He is clearly doing something right, because Walsall North has 92% gigabit-capable coverage, compared with a national average of 79%. All I would say to Tamworth is: take note.
Session: Rural Connectivity
View All Questions -->
I am reassured by that answer, but can I press the Minister on other delays in the justice system? Police officers have reported frustration over delays between arrest and prosecution for multiple offences of shoplifting. What reassurance can you offer them?
Context
Police officers are frustrated by delays in prosecuting shoplifting cases, leading to an inquiry from the MP.
Mike Freer
It is a concern that some police officers remain concerned, but the latest data shows that the gap between charge and first listing has fallen by two days to 31 days. I am willing to meet my hon. Friend to discuss local issues causing delays. Magistrates dealing with shoplifting cases are efficient in listing clear cases rapidly.
Session: Crown Court Case Backlog
View All Questions -->
Should the innovative Pothole Pro technology be rolled out across the country to spend more money effectively?
Context
The MP highlighted the Pothole Pro, a machine developed by JCB that can repair potholes efficiently. He inquired if this sort of technology should be rolled out across the country.
Mark Harper
Local councils will look carefully at the Pothole Pro and other technologies that can help us make the best use of that record investment in road improvements.
Session: Road Resurfacing
View All Questions -->
What funding is his Department providing for road resurfacing?
Context
The MP inquired about the Department's funding for road resurfacing.
Mark Harper
The Government are providing a record funding increase of £8.3 billion for local highways maintenance over the next decade, which will enable local highway authorities to resurface roads up and down the country.
Session: Road Resurfacing
View All Questions -->
I am delighted to have to declare an interest, because my cousin, Ray Reidy, has just been appointed interim chief financial officer at Aston Villa. As an Aston Villa fan myself, I know how difficult it is to get away from a game using Witton train station. Will the Minister join me, Andy Street and the combined authority, in working to develop the capacity of Witton train station in advance of that stadium being used for the Euros in 2028?
Context
The MP expressed interest in improving the Witton train station's capacity to support fans attending Euro 2028 matches at Villa Park.
Stuart Andrew
We in DCMS are always happy to try to deliver what our colleagues want, and I am delighted that Villa Park is a great venue and has exciting plans. Birmingham and the west midlands region has benefited from significant investment as part of the Commonwealth games, but my hon. Friend is right to say that we will be working with partners right across Government, and in other organisations, to ensure that Euro 2028 is one of the most exciting events we have seen in this country.
Session: UEFA Euro 2028
View All Questions -->
Degree apprenticeships are a great way for those who are socially less well off to get into employment and avoid the costs associated with getting a degree through other routes, so what steps is the Minister taking to help more people achieve that ambition?
Context
The question addresses the specific issue of degree apprenticeships as a means to improve social mobility by providing an alternative route to employment without incurring high education costs.
Mims Davies
My hon. Friend will be pleased to see a new youth hub open in Walsall shortly, and that our work coach has been working with Walsall College on place-based tailored employability support for his area.
Session: Social Mobility Young People
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to improve social mobility among young people.
Context
None provided, but the question addresses general issues of social mobility.
Mims Davies
Every day, our work coaches help people of all ages and all backgrounds to overcome barriers, build their confidence and move into and progress in work. For young people, we have specialised support via the DWP youth offer. We have extended our Jobcentre support for people in work and on low incomes, helping them to increase their earnings, to move into better-paid, quality jobs and to improve their prospects through in-work progression.
Session: Social Mobility Young People
View All Questions -->
What are Ministers doing to prevent such crimes?
Context
Hundreds of animal lovers across the west midlands have suffered the crime of pet theft in recent years.
Therese Coffey
Stealing a pet is already a criminal offence. We have legislated to require the microchipping of cats and dogs, which can act as an effective deterrent.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I am kind of hopeful about what the Minister says, but I strongly urge him to consider exempting society lotteries from the compulsory levy given the excellent work that they do right across the country.
Context
The MP is hopeful about the Minister's previous response and urges him to consider exempting society lotteries from the compulsory levy given their importance.
Stuart Andrew
In a previous life, I set up a society lottery for the hospice that I used to work at. The levy power applies in the original Gambling Act 2005 to all Gambling Commission license holders, including society lotteries, but we will take into consideration the tremendous work that charities do and their reliance on their own lotteries.
Session: Gambling Levy Exclusion of Charity Lotteries
View All Questions -->
If her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of excluding charity lotteries from the proposed gambling levy. Society lotteries make an important contribution to funding good causes across the country.
Context
Charity lotteries contribute significantly to funding good causes and are concerned about the impact of a proposed gambling levy.
Stuart Andrew
We are introducing a levy on operators to fund research, education and treatment for gambling-related harm. We recognise the contribution of society lotteries and will take this into account in any final decision. The levy power applies to all Gambling Commission license holders but we understand their importance.
Session: Gambling Levy Exclusion of Charity Lotteries
View All Questions -->
With 70% of our economy being services, what are you doing to reduce barriers in this area and supercharge global trade in services?
Context
The MP is concerned about the importance of services in the UK economy and asks for initiatives to reduce barriers.
Nigel Huddleston
Our focus is on reducing barriers for both goods and services. The Swiss agreement highlights this importance, and we have a hitlist of barriers impacting various regions, including Eddie Hughes' constituency.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I am a member of the all-party parliamentary group on music. Has the Minister considered replicating the success of the London BRIT School in Bradford?
Context
The success of the London BRIT School and a bid for a similar institution in Bradford.
Nick Gibb
As my right hon Friend the Secretary of State said, this morning she, the Prime Minister and I visited the London Screen Academy in north London and saw some of its excellent facilities for 16 to 19-year-olds studying the technical side of film making. I understand why my hon Friend is so passionate about this bid. All applications for new free schools are currently being assessed, with successful bids being announced before the summer.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
We have seen a number of murders recently in Walsall as a result of knife crime, but we have seen no sign of the Labour police and crime commissioner. Does the Minister agree that it is important that the police and crime commissioner visits all part of the west midlands, rather than simply staying in Birmingham?
Context
Concerns about the Police and Crime Commissioner visiting all parts of their region.
Chris Philp
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Police and crime commissioners, particularly the one in the west midlands, should visit all parts of their patch. I was also rather concerned to hear that the Labour PCC in the west midlands is formulating plans to close up to 20 police stations, despite having received a 10% increase in funding over recent years.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Is the Minister aware of a simple additive called EndoTherm, which can be added to both domestic and non-domestic wet heating systems for condensing boilers? Tests have proved that it reduces energy use and hopefully it will soon be standard assessment procedure-approved for testing. If he is not aware of it, will he meet me and Andrew Bean to discuss its properties?
Context
The question is about a simple additive known as EndoTherm, which can be added to both domestic and non-domestic wet heating systems to potentially reduce energy use.
Lee Rowley
I was not aware of it until now, but I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting it. As he knows from his time in the Department, our approach is agnostic on technology and materials, but where there are opportunities to find out more about how things are working and how we can improve things, I am happy to do so.
Session: Building Regulations Energy Efficiency
View All Questions -->
What assessment has he made of the impact on energy efficiency of the part L uplift in the building regulations. New homes now produce 30% fewer CO2 emissions, and new non-domestic buildings produce 27% fewer. The uplift will act as a stepping stone to the 2025 standards.
Context
The question pertains to the impact of recent changes in UK building regulations, specifically part L, which aims at improving the energy efficiency of new buildings.
Lee Rowley
The part L uplift, which came into force in June 2022, delivered a significant improvement in energy efficiency. New homes now produce 30% fewer CO2 emissions, and new non-domestic buildings produce 27% fewer. The uplift will act as a stepping stone to the 2025 standards, which we will consult on in due course.
Session: Building Regulations Energy Efficiency
View All Questions -->
One of the best ways to improve recruitment and retention is to make sure that staff have an excellent working environment, which is why I campaigned for a new urgent and emergency care department at Walsall Manor Hospital. It is opening in March. Will one of the ministerial team join me to celebrate this success?
Context
The MP campaigned for a new urgent and emergency care department at Walsall Manor Hospital to improve the working environment, which is set to open in March.
Steve Barclay (Minister for Health and Social Care)
I welcome my hon. Friend's drawing attention to the investment that has been made, which is in no small part due to his campaigning and championing his constituents, as he does so assiduously. I think the Minister of State, Department of Health and Social Care, my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Will Quince) has plans to join him to mark the opening of that important facility, which shows our investment in the estate within the NHS.
Session: NHS Workforce Retention and Recruitment
View All Questions -->
I have no doubt that this fine ministerial team will be pleased to know that my recent jobs fair perfectly complemented the employment and skills pathfinder programme. Will a Minister come to Willenhall jobcentre to meet its excellent policy and partnership staff and discuss what more we can do together to help people to progress in employment?
Context
The MP's recent jobs fair complemented the employment and skills pathfinder programme.
Guy Opperman
I am fantastically pleased to hear about my hon. Friend's jobs fair. He is a doughty champion for Walsall. Either I or our much more illustrious Secretary of State would be delighted to come to Walsall and see the great work being done there.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Nearly 20,000 households face the threat of homelessness from no-fault evictions, rising by 121% in the past year. With mortgage and rent increases, homelessness is worsening. Will the Minister confirm if they are sticking to the pledge to end rough sleeping by 2024?
Context
Data shows nearly 20,000 households at risk of homelessness due to no-fault evictions, a rise of 121%. The Chartered Institute of Housing warns against failing to act on repeated warnings.
Andrew Stephenson
We remain committed to our manifesto commitment to end rough sleeping, with official statistics showing a reduction in rough sleepers since 2017. Rough sleeping has decreased in every region of England and the £2 billion funding for the next three years is secured.
Session: People Registered as Homeless
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has he made of the effectiveness of the CPS in prosecuting offences against emergency workers?
Context
Jamie Hamilton Wallis had previously asked about the CPS's handling of such cases, raising concerns among constituents about violence against emergency services staff.
The Minister for Policing and the Fire Service Michael Ellis
Sentencing is a matter for the courts, but I agree with my hon. Friend in practice. A review sample revealed that nine in 10 assaults were against police officers, almost all of which took place when the attacker was intoxicated by drink or drugs, and when they were being arrested or an unrelated offence was involved.
Session: Offences Against Emergency Workers Prosecutions
View All Questions -->
What is his policy on BBC licence fee penalties and payments? Does he agree that the BBC should focus on providing free TV licences for over-75s rather than criminalising customers who cannot pay?
Context
Hughes inquires about the government's policy on penalties for non-payment of BBC licence fees.
Nigel Adams (Minister for Digital and Culture, Media and Sport)
The Government have committed to maintaining the licence fee funding model. They want to help vulnerable people who struggle to pay by introducing a simple payment plan on 1 April. The Minister agrees with focusing on free TV licences for over-75s but expresses disappointment at the BBC's decision to restrict this concession.
Session: BBC Licence Fee
View All Questions -->
Hughes congratulates Croft Architectural Hardware on their work and asks what more can be done to support such fine British manufacturing talent, mentioning that they export door knockers which currently face a 4% tariff in these markets.
Context
Croft Architectural Hardware is based in Eddie Hughes' constituency and exports its products to the US and China.
Elizabeth Truss
Truss congratulates Croft Architectural Hardware and mentions that they have helped the company attend two trade fairs in the US through their programme. She notes that there is currently a 4% tariff on door knockers but hopes to remove such tariffs in future free trade agreements.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I am glad to hear what the Solicitor General has to say, because the people of Willenhall and Bloxwich certainly do not want to see unduly lenient sentences for those convicted of rape, murder or terrorism. When he gets a referral under the scheme, how often is the sentence increased?
Context
The Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme has been extended to cover additional child sexual abuse and domestic abuse offences.
Michael Ellis (Solicitor General)
The number of sentences considered by the Law Officers—the Attorney General and myself—has trebled since 2010. There were approximately 1,000 referrals last year, of which 86 cases were referred to the Court of Appeal and 50 offenders had their sentences increased.
Session: Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme Extension
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Future Of Learned Societies At New Burlington House
08 June 2021
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the responsibility for securing the future of five learned societies resting solely on DCMS due to their cultural focus. He acknowledges that MHCLG appreciates the scientific and cultural elements involved and supports securing a venue befitting these institutions. The legal position from 2005 includes an 80-year lease agreement with a £1 million contribution for repairs, but challenges arise in determining market rent values under this agreement.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Government to support the societies in adapting to post-covid conditions and becoming more accessible institutions. He highlights the need for engagement and negotiation to make progress towards securing their future at New Burlington House.']
Farming
04 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government understands that farming drives rural Britain, generating jobs and growth. The debate aims to support British farming by investing in farmers through a £2.4 billion annual budget, shift...
Backbench Business
26 October 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Peter Dowd, as a member and treasurer of the all-party parliamentary group on menopause, opened the debate. He emphasised the importance of the 'Manifesto for Menopause' launched during World Menopaus...
Illegal Migration
24 October 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
The Private Rented Sector Bill - General discussion on the Second Reading of the Bill
23 October 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove moved that the Private Rented Sector Bill be read a second time. He thanked his colleague Eddie Hughes for laying groundwork t...
Machetes: Consultation
18 April 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Care Bill - Clause 20 - Serious disruption prevention order made otherwise than on conviction
07 March 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Andrew Lewer proposed an amendment to Lords amendment 5, arguing that the measure does not apply to people engaged in prayer. He emphasised that arresting individuals for silently praying is inappropr...
Civil Service Impartiality
06 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Telecommunications (Security and Governance) Bill - Clause 2
01 March 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment seeks to ensure that telecommunications companies adhere to robust security and governance standards. It aims to enhance national s...
Private Rented Sector
09 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
19 January 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr. Docherty-Hughes moved that the House has considered the imprisonment of Jagtar Singh Johal, highlighting his repeated efforts to bring up the case over five years and urging for the Government's r...
0
PMQs Asked
22
Ministerial Questions Asked
27
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
7
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+61% above average
This MP:
22
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+458% above average
This MP:
27
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-26% below average
This MP:
7
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
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 Eddie Hughes's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.