Fay Jones
MP for Brecon and Radnorshire
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Will the Prime Minister join me in congratulating all who took part, not least the team of Gurkha soldiers from the Infantry Battle School in Brecon, who took home a coveted gold medal, further cementing Brecon's special place in the UK armed forces?
Context
Brecon and Radnorshire has a proud military footprint, including the Cambrian Patrol exercise.
Elizabeth Truss
I join my hon. Friend in thanking everybody at Brecon barracks, which organises Exercise Cambrian Patrol each year. It is a world-class training exercise. I congratulate Brecon's Gurkha soldiers on their fantastic achievement of a gold medal—well done!
Session: PMQs
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Welsh Labour's decision means that my constituents will lose out, as local authorities in England continue to fund the scheme. Does my right hon. Friend agree that broadband is critical to the growth of the rural economy, and will he double his Government's efforts to connect my constituents, despite Welsh Labour's letting us down yet again?
Context
The Welsh Government is withdrawing matched funding for a scheme to connect rural areas like Brecon and Radnorshire to superfast broadband.
Boris Johnson
Yes. We are spending £69 million already to support the roll-out of superfast broadband in Wales, and we will do our best to make up the difference as fast as possible.
Assessment
The answer did not commit to doubling funding but indicated willingness to make up for withdrawn funds.
Session: PMQs
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Farmers in Brecon and Radnorshire have worked tirelessly to give us world-class British food throughout the pandemic. In return, the Welsh Labour and Liberal Democrat Government have given them a slap in the face with their nitrate vulnerable zone policy, which will do nothing for water quality and ignores the water companies dumping thousands of tonnes of sewage into our rivers. Does the Prime Minister agree that this demonstrates Welsh Labour's absolute contempt for rural areas such as mine?
Context
Farmers in Brecon and Radnorshire have faced challenges due to a nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ) policy implemented by the Welsh Labour and Liberal Democrat government, which has been perceived as harmful to farmers' interests.
Boris Johnson
Yes, my hon. Friend is entirely right, because agriculture is of course devolved in Wales. If people want to send a clear signal and they want change in the way farmers are treated in Wales, then I hope they will vote Conservative in the Welsh Assembly elections in just two weeks' time and vote for a party that actually champions agriculture and believes in it.
Assessment
Agreement on NVZ policy harming farmers
Changed Subject To Voting
Session: PMQs
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Fay Jones thanked the Army for quickly setting up the joint military command at Brecon barracks and expressed pride that it is the home of the Army in Wales. She asked if the First Secretary of State could join her in thanking them and acknowledged concerns about the future of the barracks.
Context
The Army has been playing a significant role in the UK's response to the virus, with Brecon barracks playing an important part.
The First Secretary of State Dominic Raab
Dominic Raab joined Fay Jones in praising the effort made by armed forces across all four nations, highlighting their work building hospitals, driving ambulances, delivering PPE, and thanked them along with other key workers.
Assessment
Specific commitment to Brecon barracks future
Broad Acknowledgment Without Specific Commitment
Session: PMQs
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Will he take this early opportunity to restate his commitment to the red meat sector, and may I invite him to visit one of the seven livestock markets in my constituency?
Context
Welsh farmers produce world-class food, and the new Farming Minister's commitment to the red meat sector is sought.
Mark Spencer
We recognise the huge contribution that Welsh farmers make not only to lamb production, but to food supplied to our country. I would be delighted at some point, if my diary allows, to visit Brecon and Radnorshire to see one of those livestock markets.
Session: Cost Increases Food Producers and Consumers
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Welsh food and drink exports have no better showcase than the Royal Welsh show—the largest agricultural show in Europe—which concludes in my constituency today. I want to pay particular tribute to Steve Hughson, who is stepping down as the show's chief executive after 10 very successful years. Does my hon. Friend agree that agricultural shows are fantastically helpful for boosting our exports around the world?
Context
The Royal Welsh show is a significant event for promoting Welsh food and drink exports. The question focuses on the role of such events in boosting international trade.
Andrew Griffith
I thank my hon. Friend for promoting the great opportunities for British food and drink. The Royal Welsh show is a great institution and I am sure that everyone on the Government side of the House thanks Steve Hughson for his endeavours.
Session: Exports to the EU Devolved Nations
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On behalf of the many thousands of Falklands veterans I represent, I fully endorse the Secretary of State's comments about the Falklands war. I pay tribute to the Royal Welsh Battalion, which is proudly leading NATO's battle group in Estonia as part of our forward presence and which took part in NATO's Exercise Hedgehog in the Baltics last month. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that Welsh soldiers will continue to play a key role as we step up our efforts to support our NATO allies in eastern Europe?
Context
The question follows a commemoration event for the Falklands conflict, focusing on Welsh soldiers' current roles in NATO.
Ben Wallace
My hon. Friend makes a strong point on behalf of the Welsh soldier, the Welsh airman—RAF Valley is on Anglesey—and the Welsh Navy. The Welsh are at the forefront of our responses around the world: not only did the Queen's Dragoon Guards, the Welsh cavalry, recently return from Mali, but the 1st Battalion the Royal Welsh is one of the main battle groups in Estonia enhancing the forward presence. Wales adds a lot to the United Kingdom and to the British Army. Without a Welshman in your platoon, you are not doing very well, in my experience.
Session: Topical Questions
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This year commemorates all those who fought in the Falklands conflict. We should not forget the sacrifice made by many to liberate those islands from an aggressive Argentinian invasion by a dictator. Many of us will not forget that conflict: it shaped our own childhood and upbringing. My own regiment served there, alongside those of other hon. Members, who will know veterans well. To send a force 8,000 miles to stand for Britain's values and uphold international law was some achievement then; it would be some achievement now.
Context
The question follows a commemoration event for the Falklands conflict, highlighting its significance to British values.
Ben Wallace
This year commemorates all those who fought in the Falklands conflict. We should not forget the sacrifice made by many to liberate those islands from an aggressive Argentinian invasion by a dictator. Many of us will not forget that conflict: it shaped our own childhood and upbringing. My own regiment served there, alongside those of other hon. Members, who will know veterans well. To send a force 8,000 miles to stand for Britain's values and uphold international law was some achievement then; it would be some achievement now.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am extremely worried about the impact that rising fertiliser costs will have on our food production and food security in this country. Andy Matthews, who farms in Aberbrân, tells me that fertiliser was once £270 a tonne and is now £900 a tonne, which is a real risk for our food production capabilities. Innovation will be one of the ways out of that, so can the Minister update the House on the work that she is doing to ensure our long-term food security?
Context
Concerns about long-term food security due to rising fertiliser costs affecting farmers' ability to plant for the next season. Andy Matthews noted a fourfold increase in fertiliser prices.
Jo Churchill
Investing £38 million through the farming innovation programme, launched an £8 million competition for large R&D partnerships. Visited institutes like James Hutton and Roslin to support innovative solutions.
Session: Fertiliser Costs
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What steps he is taking to support farmers with rising fertiliser costs?
Context
Farmers face significant challenges due to increasing fertiliser prices, affecting their ability to maintain food production and security. Andy Matthews from Aberbrân noted that fertiliser prices have risen sharply.
Jo Churchill
We are delaying the changes of use to urea fertiliser by a year, revising statutory guidance on farming rules for water, providing slurry storage grants. We have an organic fertiliser task and finish group, a fertiliser taskforce and investment in R&D through programmes like £38 million farming innovation programme.
Session: Fertiliser Costs
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I am asking about broadband, once again. My constituents are extremely concerned that the universal service obligation, which aims to provide decent broadband coverage, is inconsistent in rural areas. Constituents in Knighton have expressed their concern about some of the contribution costs, which can be in the tens of thousands of pounds, despite some properties being only a few hundred metres away from the cabinet. What steps is the Department taking to ensure that decent and, above all, affordable broadband is being rolled out to rural areas? Will the Minister meet me to discuss some of the thornier elements of my constituency?
Context
The MP is concerned about inconsistencies in the universal service obligation affecting rural areas, particularly regarding high contribution costs for some properties.
Julia Lopez
I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend. I appreciate her concern about the costs that have been quoted to her constituents, and it is an issue to which the regulator Ofcom is very alive. Ofcom holds responsibility for setting the universal service conditions, and it recently carried out an investigation into BT's approach to calculating excess cost. BT has since provided assurances on what it will do to mitigate the consumer harm identified in the Ofcom report. Compliance with that report will be monitored, but as I say, I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the issue in greater detail.
Session: Broadband and Mobile Coverage Rural Areas
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What steps her Department is taking to improve broadband and mobile phone coverage in rural areas.
Context
The Department is being asked about measures to improve broadband and mobile phone coverage in remote regions.
Julia Lopez
The Government are working hard to give people great connectivity whether they live in a rural, suburban or urban area. We are doing this by making it easier for operators to roll out infrastructure; focusing public subsidy on connecting the hardest-to-reach areas through Project Gigabit; connecting schools and public buildings through our GigaHubs programme; and working with commercial partners on the shared rural network to tackle mobile notspots.
Session: Broadband and Mobile Coverage Rural Areas
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Can the Chancellor reassure constituents that they will be considered when planning support measures?
Context
High heating oil and diesel prices are affecting constituents in Brecon and Radnorshire, a predominantly rural area.
Rishi Sunak
The £9 billion package of support includes help by electricity meter, ensuring off-the-gas-grid households also benefit.
Session: Cost of Living Increase Impact on Households
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People in rural areas will be at a disadvantage during the upcoming energy price crisis. About two thirds of my constituents are not connected to the gas grid and are therefore not covered by the protection of the energy price cap. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Welsh Government have a responsibility to act fast with the £175 million they received?
Context
People in rural areas face particular hardship due to their reliance on oil and not being connected to the gas grid, which is not covered by the energy price cap.
Simon Hart
Absolutely. That is critical, because we probably have a higher proportion of people in Wales in that position than almost anywhere else in the UK. I urge Labour Members to put as much pressure as they can on their colleagues in Cardiff to make it happen.
Session: Inflation Households and Businesses
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The Future Soldier programme has delivered significant investment for Wales, not least the extremely welcome decision to keep Brecon barracks open. May I invite the Secretary of State to come to Brecon and visit the home of the Army in Wales so that he can see the operational significance of the barracks?
Context
Discussion on the Future Soldier programme in Wales.
Jeremy Quin
I think my right hon. Friend will do so. I have been to Brecon previously with my hon. Friend, who has campaigned relentlessly to retain the barracks, and I was delighted to confirm that that would be the case. It is the right decision for the Army, for Wales and indeed for Brecon.
Session: Topical Questions
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Veterans mental health services in Wales could be greatly improved if we had a veterans' commissioner. We are the only nation in the UK not to have one. The UK Government have agreed to create and fund the post, but the Welsh Government have not yet agreed to recognise it and work with it.
Context
Wales is the only nation in the UK not to have a veterans' commissioner. The UK Government has agreed to create and fund this post but needs support from the Welsh Government.
Leo Docherty
I am delighted that we will have an independent veterans' commissioner in Wales, and I thank my hon. Friend for the campaigning she has done on this. We look forward to positive working with the Welsh Government to ensure a very positive outcome for veterans in Wales.
Session: Former Service Personnel Mental Health Services
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May I urge the Minister to visit Llandod, meet representatives of Riversimple, learn about what they do, and above all give us the chance to say thank you in person?
Context
The question suggests a visit from the Minister to meet representatives of Riversimple, a hydrogen fuel cell car manufacturer.
Lucy Frazer
I am very pleased that my hon. Friend's constituency has benefited and is taking part in the progress towards net zero. I should be happy to visit her there.
Session: Net Zero Emissions
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Does the Minister agree that this recent activity serves to underline the operational importance of the barracks and further weakens the case to close it in 2027?
Context
Operation Rescript, the Army's response to the covid-19 outbreak in Wales, was established from Brecon barracks. Over 1,200 service personnel have been supporting the NHS in Wales.
James Heappey
Brecon and, indeed, the 160th Welsh Brigade are fortunate to have such an outstanding local representative making their case in Parliament. My hon. Friend is absolutely right to pay tribute to all the amazing work that they have done in supporting the covid response in Wales. I know that, as a result of all her hard work campaigning on this matter, she was delighted to hear confirmation from my hon. Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement that the brigade HQ will remain in Brecon.
Session: British Army in Wales Post Covid
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What steps his Department is taking to strengthen the British Army in Wales after the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
Post-covid-19 measures and support provided by the British Army to Welsh communities.
James Heappey
The Army has organised and conducted more than 74,000 tests, 11,000 ambulance responses and almost 70,000 covid vaccine inoculations in Wales over the past year. As we build on our close relationship with Welsh society, we remain committed to relocating a major regular Army unit to Wales, and the Ministry of Defence continues to examine the options to locate a second major unit to Wales as well.
Session: British Army in Wales Post Covid
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Will the Minister confirm that work to create a post of a veterans' commissioner for Wales is under way at pace and that the postholder will work across both Welsh and UK Governments to ensure that all hurdles for Welsh veterans can be overcome?
Context
A veterans' commissioner is being established in Wales to address the unique challenges faced by Welsh veterans.
Johnny Mercer
I pay huge tribute to my hon. Friend for campaigning so energetically on this issue. Veterans' commissioners are incredibly important across the country. There is no doubt that in some areas there is excellent veterans' care, and in other places not so much. What this Government are absolutely committed to is levelling up that experience as a veteran across the UK. We have a veterans' commissioner in Scotland, and in Northern Ireland for the first time. I am delighted that the Welsh Government are working with us on this. We will deliver it so that the whole United Kingdom becomes the best place in the world in which to be an armed forces veteran.
Session: Office for Veterans’ Affairs
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What recent steps has the Office for Veterans' Affairs taken to promote the interests of veterans?
Context
The Office for Veterans' Affairs is under scrutiny for its effectiveness in promoting veterans' interests.
Johnny Mercer
I am incredibly proud of the work of the Office for Veterans' Affairs, which has fundamentally shifted the dial when it comes to looking after our veterans in this country. Whether it is the guaranteed interview scheme, the £10 million mental health care pathway that we established last week, veterans' railcards or national insurance contribution holidays, we are making slow and irreversible progress in this domain, and we will continue to do so under this Government.
Session: Office for Veterans’ Affairs
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I was delighted to see so much in the Budget for Brecon and Radnorshire. The levelling-up fund is extremely welcome, as is the commitment to the global centre for rail excellence in Coelbren in my constituency. However, parts of Brecon and Radnorshire are plagued by substandard broadband and mobile coverage. Could the Minister confirm that the levelling-up fund will make a genuine difference to structural problems like this that hold back rural areas such as mine?
Context
Parts of Brecon and Radnorshire face substandard broadband and mobile coverage, impacting rural areas.
David Davies
We expect that the levelling-up fund can be used to invest in community infrastructure right the way across the board. Of course, the UK gigabit programme will invest in broadband and the hardest-to-connect areas of the United Kingdom. I was also delighted, of course, with the news about the global centre for rail excellence—my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State pushed very hard for it—which is also going to be good news for the economy in that part of Wales.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
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Powys County Council has historically received one of the lowest local government allocations across Wales from the Welsh Government. As a consequence, the council is considering closing four rural schools in Brecon and Radnorshire, deepening rural inequality further. Will the Minister confirm that the Welsh Government have the funding to prevent this and use the extra UK Government funding given as a result of coronavirus?
Context
Powys County Council is considering closing four rural schools, due to historically low local government allocations from the Welsh Government and unspent UK Government funding.
Luke Hall
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. We have given Wales £5.2 billion of guaranteed up-front funding this year and an additional £650 million for the Welsh Government to support public services affected by covid-19. Local government is a devolved responsibility, so it is for the Welsh Government to decide how to use these substantial funds.
Session: Regional Inequality Local Authority Funding
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What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that local authority funding is used to tackle regional inequality.
Context
The question arises from the need to ensure that local authority funding addresses regional disparities effectively.
Luke Hall
This month, the local government finance settlement passed through this House, delivering a 4.6% rise in core spending power to councils across the country. For England, we are committed to putting funding where there is relative need, irrespective of location, which is why councils in the most deprived areas receive 16% more in grant funding than least deprived areas.
Session: Regional Inequality Local Authority Funding
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On Christmas day, a local sheep farmer knocked on my door to give me a Christmas present—a box of swedes—as a thank you for the Prime Minister reaching our historic free trade agreement with the EU. Sheep farmers in Brecon and Radnorshire have warmly welcomed the deal with the EU, the largest market for Welsh lamb, but my farmers are not prepared to stand still; opening new markets through rewarding trade deals is essential to future-proofing the sheep sector. Will the Minister confirm that the Government will look to give sheep farmers across Brecon and Radnorshire every possible opportunity to get their lamb across the world?
Context
The question arises from the appreciation of local Welsh sheep farmers for the Prime Minister's historic free trade agreement with the EU, while also stressing the need to open up additional international markets.
Ranil Jayawardena
My hon. Friend is a great champion of the farming industry in her constituency and across Wales, and I can assure her that the Government are committed to securing future free trade agreements that will open up markets for farmers in Wales. Indeed, the United Kingdom-Japan free trade agreement is particularly beneficial, as it will protect Welsh lamb under the new agreement on geographical indicators. Sheep farmers such as Rhug Estate have already welcomed the opportunity to export their high-quality lamb to Japan.
Session: Free Trade Agreements 2021-01-14 (3)
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What steps her Department has taken to help ensure that (a) farmers and (b) food producers in Wales can benefit from future free trade agreements?
Context
The question follows concerns about how Welsh farmers and food producers can benefit from new international trade deals. It highlights the importance of such agreements for economic growth and market expansion.
Ranil Jayawardena
Global Britain's trade agreements will benefit food and drink producers and farmers by driving up growth and opening new markets to them. Just in 2019, Wales exported £123 million-worth of meat products globally, so a future trade deal with the US and others could reduce barriers. A deal with the US alone could boost the Welsh economy by £154 million, helping to create more jobs in my hon. Friend's constituency.
Session: Free Trade Agreements 2021-01-14 (3)
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When I was speaking to sheep farmers in Builth Wells in my constituency at the weekend, they made it clear that they do not want to be a political football. They are keen to embrace the changes that will come, but they want the certainty that their Government will support them come what may. Will the Secretary of State confirm that he is working closely with all Cabinet colleagues to ensure that my sheep farmers are front and centre of the UK Government's mind when transition ends?
Context
The question arose from concerns expressed by sheep farmers in Builth Wells about their future support from the government during and after the transition period.
Simon Hart
The Secretary of State confirmed a £337 million funding guarantee over this Parliament and assured that the Government supports the farming industry in Wales. He emphasised that the Government is committed to ensuring a healthy future for livestock in Wales.
Session: Transition Period Business
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What steps his Department is taking to help Welsh businesses prepare for the end of the transition period?
Context
There is no specific event mentioned, but the context is that Welsh businesses need to prepare for changes after the end of the transition period with the EU.
Simon Hart
The Wales Office is engaged with businesses across Wales, urging them to prepare for the end of the transition period. The Department has guaranteed £337 million funding over this Parliament and is committed to supporting the farming industry in Wales.
Session: Transition Period Business
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Twelve Welsh geographic indicator products have been protected in the UK-Japan deal on which I warmly congratulate the Department. I am particularly pleased to hear the Minister mention Welsh lamb. Can he reassure me that those products will be respected and protected in future trade deals, particularly with the US and Australia?
Context
Twelve Welsh geographical indicators have been protected under the UK-Japan CEPA. This supplementary question aims to seek assurances about the protection of these products in future trade agreements, particularly those involving the US and Australia.
Greg Hands
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. There is the potential inclusion of around 70 geographic indicators, 12 of which are from Wales—she is quite right—including Welsh beef, Welsh lamb, Welsh wine, cider, perry, Caerphilly cheese, Carmarthen ham and others. One of our key objectives is to be able to sell Welsh lamb into the United States—British lamb overall is not currently allowed into the United States—but we will be fighting to get an improvement in Welsh lamb exports around the globe.
Session: UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement 2020-11-19 (2)
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What steps her Department has taken to ensure that (a) farmers and (b) food producers in Wales can benefit from the UK-Japan comprehensive economic partnership agreement.
Context
The UK-Japan CEPA is expected to offer significant advantages, particularly in lowering tariffs. This question seeks details on the specific measures taken by the Department of International Trade to ensure Welsh farmers and food producers benefit from these provisions.
Greg Hands
The UK-Japan CEPA will benefit farmers and food producers in Wales through lower tariffs than would have been the case without an agreement. It also allows more UK goods to access preferential tariffs than under the EU-Japan agreement, thanks to new rules of origin. New protections for more iconic Welsh food products may also be possible, including for Welsh lamb and coracle-caught sewin.
Session: UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement 2020-11-19 (2)
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More than 77,000 meals were enjoyed in Brecon and Radnorshire as part of the eat out to help out scheme created by the UK Treasury. This provided a very welcome boost to the hospitality and tourism sectors in my constituency, which I particularly welcome as those sectors largely employ more women than men. Will my right hon. Friend join me in encouraging the Welsh Government to do their part by creating a similar scheme and getting more women back into the workplace?
Context
The eat out to help out scheme provided a boost to the hospitality sector in Brecon and Radnorshire, particularly benefiting women workers. The question seeks to encourage the Welsh Government to replicate this scheme.
Simon Hart
My hon. Friend makes a really good point. Having visited her constituency twice, I think, in the recent past, I know just how much she has done to promote these schemes. Another value to the eat out to help out scheme is to remind everybody, whether members of the public or Members of this House, for that matter, of the importance of supporting local businesses in every possible way that we can as we climb out of these horrible few months.
Session: Supporting People back into Work
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What steps are being taken by the Government to support people back into work in Wales? By the end of July, more than 400,000 jobs had been supported by the coronavirus job retention scheme and £295 million was provided for self-employed individuals. However, further measures are needed.
Context
The question arises from the need to support Welsh people back into work post-pandemic, especially after job retention schemes.
Simon Hart
By the end of July, more than 400,000 Welsh jobs had been supported by the coronavirus job retention scheme, while £295 million has been provided to support 110,000 self-employed people. Since the start of March, that is at least 510,000 people in Wales who have been supported directly by the UK Government.
Session: Supporting People back into Work
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Along with public bodies, will the Secretary of State join me in urging all consumers to buy British and buy local?
Context
Crickhowell in Fay Jones' constituency was severely affected by recent flooding.
Simon Hart (Secretary of State for Wales)
I know that my hon. Friend's constituency was particularly hard hit by recent weather events, and her recognition of that is to be commended. I also completely agree that everything we need to do as a UK Government, in collaboration with our colleagues in Cardiff—I keep making this point—will deliver the sort of result that she is seeking.
Session: Public Bodies Buying British
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It is shameful that the Amazon rainforest is being destroyed to provide pasture for cattle grazing. This is devastating for that important global natural resource, and it is also undercutting British beef production. Does the Minister agree that efforts to prevent deforestation are essential for global biodiversity as well as for supporting British beef farmers such as those in my constituency?
Context
The MP highlights the destruction of the Amazon rainforest for cattle grazing, affecting biodiversity and British beef production. She asks if efforts to prevent deforestation are essential.
Andrew Stephenson
The Department for International Development is supporting programmes on reforestation and promoting sustainable beef production. The UK's Partnerships for Forests programme works in South America to support sustainable businesses that grow crops and rear cattle without causing deforestation. This includes support for a responsible beef partnership, which works to eliminate purchases of beef from producers engaged in illegal deforestation.
Session: ForestryBiodiversity
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Off-grid Homes: Energy Support
19 October 2022
Responding: Graham Stuart
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the high cost of heating oil, which has increased by nearly 60% compared to prices before the war in Ukraine. She mentions that off-grid homes are on average five years older than urban areas, leading to higher energy costs and vulnerability. The Country Land and Business Association reports that 70% of rural housing across the UK is off the gas grid, using alternative heating methods such as oil or LPG, which do not receive equity support with more urban households.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks for a reassessment of the amount of support offered to rural areas and seeks further action from the government to address current gaps in support. She requests that the Government reconsider whether more could be done to support rural households, particularly those dependent on heating oil or LPG.']
UK Defence Industry: Procurement
22 June 2022
Responding: Leo Docherty
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the challenges faced by UK defence procurement, particularly in rural areas where hiring highly skilled individuals is difficult. There are limitations on growth due to a lack of connectivity and accessibility. The Ajax armoured vehicle programme faces uncertainty regarding its future, despite being a key employer with 600 employees. I noticed that most food items in operational ration packs do not come from the UK, which contradicts the Government's commitment to working with UK businesses."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to extend their levelling-up agenda to remove barriers for recruiting and retaining talent in rural areas within the defence procurement sector. Additionally, I urge them to consider increasing the amount of food sourced from Britain for our armed forces, aligning with the commitment to domestic food production.']
Cyber-flashing
25 January 2022
Responding: Victoria Atkins
Main Concerns
["Ms Fay Jones is concerned about the growing problem of cyber-flashing, which involves unsolicited sexual images sent through social media and in public places via Bluetooth or AirDrop. She cites statistics indicating that 48% of millennial women have received such images and one-third believe it has become part of online behaviour. Ms Jones argues that this act is intimidating, distressing, and can be a precursor to more serious acts of violence. She mentions the case of Sarah Everard's killer who was accused of flashing before committing his crime."]
Specific Asks
['Ms Fay Jones urges the Government to include legislation against cyber-flashing in their Online Safety Bill to provide victims with a route to justice and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.']
Wales’s Contribution to UK Armed Forces
30 November 2021
Responding: James Heappey
Main Concerns
['The Member of Parliament for Brecon and Radnorshire expressed concerns about the planned closure of Brecon barracks in 2027, stating that it is a historic site crucial to military history. She also highlighted the importance of the barracks as an operational centre during MACA support and praised its cultural, economic, and social significance for the town of Brecon. Additionally, she raised concerns about the lack of an independent veterans commissioner in Wales, arguing that veterans are unable to access the same level of support available in other parts of the UK.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asked the government to ensure the continued operation of Brecon barracks and to press the Welsh Government to recognize the role of a veterans commissioner to provide consistent mental health support and educational provision for former military personnel across Wales.']
Rural Banking Services
20 July 2021
Responding: John Glen
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the decline of cash use during the pandemic, particularly affecting older and vulnerable people in rural areas with poor broadband coverage. She mentions a 55% drop in cash withdrawals in her constituency within six months of the pandemic's start. The closure of Barclays bank in Llandrindod Wells will cause significant problems for residents who rely on it for daily transactions. There is no replacement for face-to-face interaction and physical banking services in rural areas, which are vital for local high streets and businesses."]
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Government to ensure that there is a legal guarantee for consumers and businesses to withdraw and access their cash within certain distances. She urges the Minister to consider the unique challenges faced by large rural constituencies when proposing these measures, as miles are not equivalent in urban and rural settings.']
Farming
04 March 2024
General Debate
Led by this MP
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...
Not specified in this excerpt - Clause being debated is related to new Schedule 1 concerning injunctions and powers for the Secretary of State to remand individuals.
18 October 2022
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves that the clause be read a Second time. The specific amendment or bill details are not provided in this excerpt.
Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill
06 September 2022
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Sewage Pollution
06 September 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
12 July 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ukraine Update
16 June 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK Gross Domestic Product
13 June 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Government Food Strategy
13 June 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Food Price Inflation
19 May 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Debate on the Address
10 May 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The legislative agenda must be seen within the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has united the House in support for measures to assist Ukrainians. The energy Bill is crucial for my const...
4
PMQs Asked
30
Ministerial Questions Asked
46
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+124% above average
This MP:
30
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+847% above average
This MP:
46
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 Fay Jones's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.