Felicity Buchan
MP for Kensington
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My Conservative council in Kensington and Chelsea charges £500 less council tax than neighbouring Labour-controlled Camden. It also has four times as many bin collections. Does my right hon. Friend agree that everyone who wants low council tax and good services needs to vote Conservative?
Context
Kensington and Chelsea Conservative council charges £500 less per annum than Labour-controlled Camden, with four times more bin collections.
Boris Johnson
Do I agree with my hon. Friend? There is not a syllable with which any sensible person in this country could possibly dissent.
Assessment
Did not address the specific comparison of council tax and services
Did Not Answer Question
Used Rhetorical Flattery
Session: PMQs
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In July this year, my constituency, Kensington, suffered devastating flooding, with more than 2,000 homes flooded, a river running down Portobello Road and a lot of residents having to move into temporary accommodation. Does my right hon. Friend agree that Thames Water needs to come up with short and long-term solutions, and that it needs to make sufficient investment in infrastructure to prevent such events from happening again?
Context
In July, more than 2,000 homes in Kensington were flooded due to a river running down Portobello Road and residents moving into temporary accommodation.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise flooding, and she is right about short and long-term solutions. That is why I am proud, among other things, to have helped to instigate the Thames Tideway Tunnel, with the biggest super-sewer in the history of this country, which will help to deal with what happens in London when the Bazalgette interceptors overflow and to deal with flooding throughout the city.
Assessment
The specific ask was not directly answered; instead, the PM mentioned a different project without addressing Thames Water's role or future plans.
Session: PMQs
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My Kensington constituents and I have been deeply troubled by what is coming out of the Grenfell inquiry with regard to the building products industry. Does my right hon. Friend agree that contractors who have behaved improperly should not be used, going forward, for Government contracts? Will my right hon. Friend consider imposing a tax on the building products industry, in the same way as we have done on the residential property sector, as a way of partly paying for cladding remediation?
Context
The Grenfell inquiry has revealed improper behaviour by contractors in the building products industry.
Boris Johnson
I know how much my hon. Friend cares about this issue and how deeply her constituents have been affected by the Grenfell fire. I will study her proposal for a new tax on building materials, and I know that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor will want to think about that kind of idea.
Assessment
Did not commit to imposing a tax or excluding contractors from Government business without proper investigation.
Session: PMQs
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This week sees the start of the second phase of the Grenfell inquiry. Does my right hon. Friend agree with me that our thoughts are with those affected, and that what we seek from the inquiry is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth as to what happened?
Context
The second phase of the Grenfell inquiry has started, focusing on what happened during and after the tragedy.
Boris Johnson
Yes. I think most people would agree that Sir Martin Moore-Bick was pretty unflinching in the first section of his report, and I have no doubt that he will be equally unsparing in the next.
Session: PMQs
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I would like to thank the Met police for its very professional policing of the Notting Hill carnival. In the last week, my constituency has seen two murders and at least six stabbings. Can my right hon. Friend update me on what conversations she has had with the Mayor of London to really get rid of this epidemic of violent crime in London?
Context
The MP noted recent violent incidents, including two murders and six stabbings in her constituency. She highlighted the need for urgent action to address the epidemic of violent crime.
Priti Patel
All-change is coming in London with the appointment of the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner, and I have been working with him on his 100-day plan. My hon. Friend and her constituents can be reassured that the Mayor, in particular—through our dialogue during the recent work with Tom Winsor—will be held to account for delivery, and that the new commissioner will have a very forceful plan to deal with serious violence, including by ensuring that the application of stop and search continues and that more work is done to keep the streets of our brilliant city safe.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister conduct a review of all major Government projects to ensure that taxpayers' money is spent prudently and commercially?
Context
The need to review government projects to ensure prudent spending.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
I am entirely in agreement with my hon. Friend. It is so important that with the Infrastructure and Projects Authority and the Treasury we ensure Departments spend money well. You and I, Mr Speaker, managed together to lay the framework for stopping potentially £20 billion from being spent on restoration and renewal here when it all got completely out of control.
Session: Government Projects
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The Mayor is consulting on cutting 18% of London's bus routes. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Mayor needs to stop these plans?
Context
The Mayor of London is consulting on cutting 18% of London's bus routes, affecting constituents.
Grant Shapps
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We have provided £5 billion to TfL, but rather than tackling difficult issues like pension reform, the Mayor is cutting buses for Londoners.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my right hon. and learned Friend assure me that the next move in taxes will be downwards and that that will happen at the first available opportunity?
Context
My constituents want to see a low-tax, high-growth economy where work and productivity are prioritised.
Lucy Frazer
The Chancellor set out at the spring statement that he would be cutting taxes. We have seen that already in the universal credit taper rate and in the increase in the national insurance contributions threshold to £12,570, which will come in just a few weeks. We have also announced that income taxes will be cut in 2024.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the statement last week that we are talking to our international partners about a Marshall fund for Ukraine. I previously suggested that we should consider not only seizing the assets of sanctioned Russians, but monetising them, either by putting a lien on them or by outright sale. Clearly, that would need to be done in conjunction with partners. Has my right hon. Friend considered that?
Context
The UK is discussing a Marshall plan with international partners to help reconstruct Ukraine after the war. The MP suggested monetising seized Russian assets.
Elizabeth Truss
We are working with our allies and Ukraine on a new Marshall plan to help reconstruct Ukraine after the appalling war. There will be a Ukraine recovery conference in Lugano in the coming weeks, at which the United Kingdom will put forward our offer. We are looking at how we can seize Russian assets to help fund the rebuilding of Ukraine, which is something we are working on across Government and with our G7 partners.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can my hon. Friend explain to the House how a trade agreement with India can benefit the whole of the UK?
Context
Kensington's strong links with India and the launch of International Yoga Day.
Ranil Jayawardena
British and Indian businesses have confirmed more than £1 billion of new investment and export deals in areas from software engineering to health, creating almost 11,000 jobs across the country, including in Edinburgh, Leeds, Northumberland and York.
Session: India Foreign Direct Investment and Trade
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Many of my constituents are frustrated that, while there are delays in getting passports and driving licences renewed, many civil servants continue to work from home. Will the Minister update the House on his progress in getting civil servants back behind their desks?
Context
Concern about civil servants continuing to work from home while there are delays in processing passports and driving licences.
Michael Ellis
Since the pandemic began, civil servants have been delivering the Government's priorities both from the workplace and occasionally from home. I have written to all Secretaries of State outlining their abilities to ensure that Departments return to pre-pandemic occupancy levels, and my right hon. Friend the Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency has done so, too.
Session: Topical Questions
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I understand that 36,000 people in Kensington have been signed up through auto-enrolment, which is great news. What can my hon. Friend do to ensure that even more people in Kensington are signed up?
Context
The MP inquired about the current status of workplace pension auto-enrolment in her constituency and asked for measures to increase participation.
Guy Opperman
Where Kensington leads, the rest of the country follows. There is no doubt that 36,000 is a phenomenal number of employees who are saving the 8% through auto-enrolment. My hon. Friend will be aware that, in her community and in this country, less than 40% of women were saving in a workplace pension prior to 2012, and it is now 86%. Less than 24% of young people were saving in a workplace pension, and it is now 84%. This is a game-changing policy developed under successive Governments but pioneered by this Conservative Government.
Session: Pension Auto-enrolment
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How many people have been auto-enrolled in workplace pensions in Kensington constituency since 2012?
Context
The MP inquired about the success of workplace pension auto-enrolment in her constituency since its inception.
Guy Opperman
Since 2012, in the Wantage constituency, 14,000 local men and women have been automatically enrolled into a workplace pension. We thank the 2,410 local employers who are helping these employees to save from 8% of their earnings.
Session: Pension Auto-enrolment
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that levelling up is about bringing forward all our left-behind communities, whether inner cities, coastal communities or the north, and will he support my levelling-up fund bid for step-free access to Ladbroke Grove tube station?
Context
MP asked about levelling up for left-behind communities, including north Kensington.
Simon Clarke
I thank my hon. Friend for her question; she is an outstanding champion for Kensington and, as she rightly says, it is not the case that the levelling-up fund does not have real importance for London and the south-east because there are pockets of deprivation across this country and it is vital that we address them. Over £200 million was allocated in the first round of the levelling-up fund for London and the south-east, and clearly my hon. Friend's council may wish to consider making a bid for the fund's next iteration when that opens.
Session: Levelling Up Across the UK
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I welcome the fact that the social housing Bill will be in the Queen's Speech. Will my right hon Friend confirm that the Bill will give social housing tenants the ability to hold their landlords to account? Will he also detail the likely timing of the Bill?
Context
The social housing Bill was mentioned in the Queen's Speech and is expected to give tenants more rights.
Eddie Hughes
My hon Friend is right that the social housing Bill will help social housing tenants in Kensington to hold their landlords to account, but we are not waiting for the new legislation; we are driving the “Make Things Right” campaign to make sure that tenants understand how to do so and how to escalate complaints to the housing ombudsman if necessary.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my hon. Friend update the House on the discussions we have had specifically with companies in Norway and Iceland?
Context
Follows from the first question, focusing on discussions specifically with companies in Norway and Iceland.
Ranil Jayawardena
The United Kingdom is committed to deepening her partnership with Norway and Iceland, which was reinforced by the trade deal I signed in July last year. It is one of our greenest deals ever and preserves our right to regulate to reach our net zero targets.
Session: UK’s Green Industries Foreign Direct Investment
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What steps her Department has taken to increase foreign direct investment in the UK's green industries?
Context
The question follows from Felicity Buchan's efforts to boost the UK's trade with Norway and Iceland.
Ranil Jayawardena
Last year, on behalf of the Prime Minister, we delivered the global investment summit which saw almost £10 billion of foreign investment into our offshore wind, hydrogen and electric vehicle sectors. Meanwhile, the Office for Investment landed almost £18 billion of further green deals.
Session: UK’s Green Industries Foreign Direct Investment
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Could this kit be used to protect humanitarian corridors and nuclear power plants?
Context
Question about Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles being made available to Ukraine.
James Heappey
It certainly could—it is a highly effective weapons system—but we are not seeking to be in any way prescriptive with the Ukrainians about how it is employed, as they will understand their plan better than we do.
Session: Topical Questions
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I appreciate that answer. Can my hon. and learned Friend update the House on the process of replacing the services currently provided by Action Fraud and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau?
Context
The MP inquires about the progress of replacing services provided by Action Fraud and National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.
Alex Chalk
The programme to replace the Action Fraud service is being funded as part of the £400 million investment in economic crime, so no additional money, as I heard sotto voce from the Opposition Bench. As well as continuing improvements to the reporting process, including the call centre and website, the new programme will also deliver vastly improved data and intelligence capabilities, and 350 new investigators and intelligence officers.
Session: Economic Crime
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Is it not wrong to hold a match between two North-West teams at Wembley when there are no trains running? What influence will the Government use to get the FA to sort this problem out, ideally by moving the semi-final? Is this further evidence we need the voice of fans in football decision-making?
Context
A FA Cup semi-final match between Manchester City and Liverpool will be held at Wembley Stadium, where there are no trains running from the north-west to London. This raises concerns about accessibility for fans.
Nadine Dorries
We are working with the Department for Transport trying to ameliorate that situation. We also discuss it with the FA. It is important we get the fan-led review in place.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is she taking to ensure effective prosecution of economic crime. Can my hon. Friend update the House on the process of replacing services currently provided by Action Fraud and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau?
Context
The MP seeks clarity on measures for effective prosecution of economic crimes.
Alex Chalk
The Government's plans on tackling financial crime are outlined in the economic crime plan, which recognises the important roles played by both the Crown Prosecution Service and the Serious Fraud Office. In the year ending September 2021, the CPS prosecuted over 7,600 defendants where fraud and forgery were the principal offence, and the conviction rate was 84.9%. Over the last five years, the SFO has secured reparations for criminal behaviour from organisations that it has investigated, totalling over £1.3 billion.
Session: Economic Crime
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The government has led efforts to isolate Russia culturally and sportively, including sanctions against Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich, affecting local residents who support the club. Can my right hon. Friend update the House on the sale process for Chelsea? What the fans and community seek is certainty.
Context
The MP asks about the government's response to Russia's actions in Ukraine, including cultural and sporting measures.
Nadine Dorries
We have led efforts against Russian dictator Putin, including sanctions against Roman Abramovich. The Government provided additional £4.1 million funding to BBC World Service for broadcasting into Ukraine and Russia. Anyone interested in buying Chelsea should go straight to the club.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can I bring the Minister on to a more domestic issue? Victims of domestic abuse and other serious crimes are more often than not denied justice due to the broken criminal justice system. Legal aid provides a lifeline to those who need it most, but the system is on its knees due to chronic underfunding. Sir Christopher Bellamy QC recommended a minimum fee increase not as an opening bid but as a necessary first step to nurse the legal aid system back to health. How will the Minister stop the continuing haemorrhage of criminal solicitors and barristers from the workforce in the meantime, so that further victims are not denied access to justice?
Context
The legal aid system is chronically underfunded, causing a shortage of criminal solicitors and barristers.
Dominic Raab
We have set out in detail our response to the Bellamy review, and indeed we matched the Bellamy recommendations on the quantum of investment and on the 15% uplift for fees. I think it was only last week that he backed those plans pretty much wholeheartedly, and I hope he still does.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituency has strong links to Ukraine. Can my right hon. Friend reassure my constituents that this Government will do everything to support the investigation of war crimes potentially committed in Ukraine?
Context
The MP's constituency has strong ties with Ukraine and is concerned about the impact of war crimes on her constituents.
Dominic Raab
We are looking at a package of measures including financial assistance and also technical assistance, which is crucial to the preservation of evidence. The kinds of things I am analysing with colleagues across Whitehall include specialist IT capabilities and other expert areas such as police and military analysis—all the things that the ICC will need.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss ways of ameliorating this situation?
Context
People in mansion blocks where heating is paid for centrally do not currently benefit from the energy price cap, which is seen as an anomaly.
Helen Whately
My hon. Friend has made an important point. We recognise that some people living in mansion blocks are part of a heat network and are not covered by the price cap. I draw my hon. Friend's attention to the £144 million in discretional funding that went to councils as part of the recent £9 billion energy support package, and to forthcoming legislation in which we will give Ofgem new powers to regulate prices in the sector as a matter of priority.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can I ask my hon. Friend specifically if the Church Commissioners have plans to sponsor refugees as part of the upcoming humanitarian sponsorship scheme?
Context
Churches and faith institutions in the questioner's constituency have been involved in humanitarian appeals for Ukraine. The specific inquiry is about the Church Commissioners' plans to sponsor refugees under the upcoming humanitarian scheme.
Andrew Selous
Again, I am very grateful to my hon. Friend. I can tell her that the Church of England has been one of the major partners in the community sponsorship of refugees in the past and stands ready to do so again. We are urgently awaiting further details from the Home Office and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on how the sponsorship route will work, and we certainly intend to be fully involved.
Session: Ukraine
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What steps the Church of England is taking to support the people of Ukraine.
Context
The Church of England is being asked about its actions and support for the people in Ukraine. The question arises from a need to understand how religious institutions are responding.
Andrew Selous
The Church is responding through prayer, giving and action. Parishes across the country prayed for peace on 27 February and are supporting humanitarian appeals. Chaplaincies across Europe are providing support to refugees now. The Church has sold its investments in Russian firms and there were no investments, I am pleased to say, in Russian sovereign debt.
Session: Ukraine
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Russia's invasion of Ukraine demonstrates the dangers of autocratic regimes. Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that the UK actively supports the right of people to determine their own future wherever they are in the world, not least in Taiwan?
Context
The UK's stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine highlights the importance of supporting democratic rights globally.
Elizabeth Truss (Foreign Secretary)
The world, including China, is watching how we and our partners respond to Russian aggression in Ukraine. The reality is that the only thing that Putin and Xi understand is strength, which is why it is so important that we bring more countries into the positive orbit of democratic, free enterprise and freedom-loving economies.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituents and I were shocked by some of the revelations that came out of the Grenfell inquiry on building products manufacturers. Can my right hon. Friend reassure me that none of those manufacturers will be used for Government contracts and that we have robust processes in place to ensure that Government contracts only go to honourable companies?
Context
The MP was shocked by revelations from the Grenfell inquiry regarding building product manufacturers and asked for reassurance on Government contract processes.
Heather Wheeler
My hon. Friend is a champion for everything that has gone on since the Grenfell fire tragedy, and I completely understand and share her concerns about the information that has come to light through the Grenfell public inquiry. Current Government policy is to take into account suppliers' past performance when awarding contracts.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. Friend share my disappointment that the Scottish Government refused to engage with the Union connectivity review and does he hope for an end to party political games?
Context
Disappointment at the Scottish Government's refusal to engage with the Union connectivity review.
Alister Jack
The Scottish Government did not engage in the Union connectivity review, but the UK Government have invited them to work closely in partnership to consider recommendations and identify solutions best for all people in the United Kingdom.
Session: Connectivity Scotland and the Rest of the UK
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What discussions has the Secretary had with Cabinet colleagues on improving connectivity between Scotland and the rest of the UK?
Context
Discussions on improving cross-border connectivity in response to a request.
Alister Jack
The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, my hon. Friend the Member for Milton Keynes South (Iain Stewart), and I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues about improving cross-border connectivity. The UK Government are currently considering the recommendations from the Union connectivity review and a formal response will be published shortly.
Session: Connectivity Scotland and the Rest of the UK
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What can my hon. Friend and the Department do to hold water companies to account and ensure that Ofwat is tough in regulating them? In July my constituency experienced devastating flooding, with more than 2,000 homes affected. Many residents are still in temporary accommodation, and many have lost all of their belongings, especially those in basement flats.
Context
In July, Felicity Buchan's constituency experienced devastating flooding affecting over 2,000 homes. Many residents are still in temporary accommodation due to the flood damage.
Rebecca Pow
We expect water companies to carry out their duties and deliver on their commitments, and we fully support the regulators in holding them to account. In the 2019 price review, Ofwat confirmed that Thames Water had incurred a penalty of £148 million for cancelling the Counter's Creek project.
Session: Flash Flooding London
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What steps are being taken to tackle the risk of flash flooding in London? I thank my hon. Friend for her question, and I pay tribute to all those who responded to the flash flooding incidents in London last summer, which took everybody so by surprise. I know that her constituency was particularly affected.
Context
Flash flooding incidents occurred in London last summer, affecting Felicity Buchan's constituency. The government's response was inadequate according to residents.
Rebecca Pow
We have doubled our flood defence programme to £5.2 billion, with 34% of planned projects aimed at surface water management. That includes £13 million this year for 32 schemes across London, which will better protect 2,300 properties.
Session: Flash Flooding London
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We clearly face heightened risk and instability on multiple fronts. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on our readiness to deal with multiple potential flashpoints in different arenas simultaneously?
Context
Concern over readiness to deal with simultaneous flashpoints.
Ben Wallace
My hon. Friend is right. In anticipation of those training situations, the Defence Command Paper in March and “The Integrated Operating Concept 2025”, which preceded it, put in place measures to ensure that our Army is more ready, more forward and more deployable than it has ever been before, because speed and readiness are the one of the best ways to deter our adversaries.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am delighted that the Government have accepted my ten-minute rule Bill as part of the transport decarbonisation plan. The plan has mandated that all new homes and office buildings that were due to have car parking spaces should have electric vehicle chargers, and I think that that makes a great deal of sense. Can my hon. Friend update the House on the timing of the likely legislation?
Context
The Government have accepted Felicity Buchan's ten-minute rule Bill, which mandates that new homes and office buildings due to have car parking spaces should instead have electric vehicle chargers.
Trudy Harrison
The Government have taken this on board and regulations will be laid early next year, which will contribute to the additional infrastructure available for the transition from fossil fuel vehicles to the zero emission vehicles of the future.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my hon. Friend agree that financial services need to be priorities in all future trade agreements to secure best market access?
Context
Financial services are vital for the economy, accounting for over 10% of tax revenue and millions of jobs across various regions.
Mike Freer
We are absolutely committed to prioritising British financial services in FTAs. My hon. Friend will be pleased to see our commitment in practice in the UK's recently signed FTA with Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein, which benefits financial services.
Session: Exports Financial Services
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What recent steps has the Department taken to increase the export of British financial services?
Context
The question arises from the need to boost UK exports in financial services, a sector crucial for economic growth and job creation.
Mike Freer
With colleagues in the Treasury, we are committed to championing export opportunities for our world-class financial services sector. We have done this through targeted export campaigns supporting specific UK financial services, as well as through signing ambitious free trade agreements that are reducing market access barriers and opening new doors for great British businesses to sell their services worldwide.
Session: Exports Financial Services
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The Mayor of London is cutting seven bus routes in my constituency, halting the upgrade to South Kensington tube station, and increasing the congestion charge. Does the Secretary agree that this reeks of financial incompetence on the part of the Mayor?
Context
The Mayor of London is making cuts to bus routes in the constituency, halting a tube station upgrade, while increasing the congestion charge.
Grant Shapps
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the problems created by the Mayor, including a 31% increase in council tax through the mayoral precept and consideration of checkpoints for non-Londoners at £1,000 a year.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can my hon. Friend update the House as to how his Department is looking to deepen the relationship between the UK and Norway and Iceland?
Context
Following the signing of a free trade agreement with Norway and Iceland, there is interest in deepening this relationship.
Mike Freer
On 8 July, the UK signed the new, improved trade deal with Norway and Iceland. It is the most advanced trade deal ever signed by both countries, cutting tariffs and supporting jobs across the country.
Session: Trade Envoys
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What progress have my Department's newly appointed trade envoys made on promoting British exports and investment?
Context
The question arises from the appointment of new trade envoys and recent free trade agreements with Norway and Iceland.
Mike Freer
Our new trade envoys are strengthening commercial ties in their designated markets and assisting UK businesses to take full advantage of opportunities arising from our global trade and investment agenda.
Session: Trade Envoys
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I apologise that this is a rather detailed question, but a few businesses in my constituency are having issues with specifics on rules of origin. Will my right hon. and learned Friend update the House as to the willingness of the EU to sit down and iron out these anomalies?
Context
The question addresses specific issues with rules of origin for businesses in the constituency. The context involves seeking clarity on the EU's willingness to address these anomalies.
Michael Ellis
The trade and co-operation agreement provides for zero tariffs and zero-quota trade with the EU while also allowing us to regulate in a way that suits the UK economy and our businesses without being bound by EU rules. The trade and co-operation agreement includes appropriate rules of origin, as my hon. Friend mentions, to support tariff-free trade across all sectors.
Session: EU Withdrawal Opportunities for UK Businesses
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It is now estimated that 86% of reported fraud is cyber-related. I am concerned that the CPS, the SFO and Action Fraud need the right skills and sense of urgency to deal with this rising crime, which has devastating effects on people's lives. Can my right hon. and learned Friend update the House on that?
Context
The question is prompted by the growing prevalence of cyber-related financial crimes, estimated at 86% of reported fraud cases. This rise has led to concerns about whether the CPS, SFO, and Action Fraud have the necessary skills and sense of urgency.
Suella Braverman
My hon. Friend rightly highlights the significant increase in cyber-crime. I am particularly interested in the issue, and last year I addressed the Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime and outlined that cyber-crime is a key priority for this Government. That is why in March this year the CPS launched its first ever economic crime strategy, to ensure that it remains ahead of the changing nature of this complex crime.
Session: Financial Crime Prosecution Rates
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What steps her Department is taking to help improve prosecution rates for financial crime. The CPS prosecuted more than 6,500 defendants for fraud and forgery in 2020-21 with an 85.6% conviction rate, while the SFO secured successful judicial outcomes in 84% of cases over the past four years.
Context
The question is prompted by concerns over the effectiveness of prosecution efforts in handling financial crimes, especially with the rise in cyber-related fraud cases.
Suella Braverman
The Crown Prosecution Service and the Serious Fraud Office both play a crucial role in tackling financial crime. In 2020-21, the CPS prosecuted more than 6,500 defendants for fraud and forgery, with an 85.6% conviction rate, and the SFO secured successful judicial outcomes in 84% of cases over the past four financial years.
Session: Financial Crime Prosecution Rates
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I warmly welcome the transport decarbonisation plan, particularly the requirement that all new homes and offices have electric vehicle charging points. Will my hon. Friend give me an update on the timing of legislation?
Context
The Member is interested in legislative progress regarding electric vehicle infrastructure.
Rachel Maclean
I thank my hon. Friend for all the hard work she has done on her ten-minute rule Bill, which addresses a vital issue. We in Government are going to act. We have heard her calls and those of her residents. We will publish our consultation response on requiring all new residential and non-residential buildings to have a charge point, and we intend to lay legislation later this year.
Session: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Housing Delivery And Youth Homelessness In London
01 May 2024
Main Concerns
['The Government acknowledge the challenge of housing delivery in London compared to other regions and the rising homelessness among young people. Felicity Buchan highlighted that London was the worst-performing region for housing delivery in 2022, while acknowledging the £1.2 billion allocated towards preventing homelessness. She emphasised the need to tackle youth homelessness effectively through flexible local authority interventions.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should continue its efforts to prevent and relieve homelessness, particularly among young people, by utilising the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and providing necessary financial support for prevention grants and temporary accommodation. Buchan also requested the Government to publish robust data on homelessness prevention and relief.']
Flood Risk: London
20 April 2022
Responding: Jo Churchill
Main Concerns
["In July last year, my constituency of Kensington suffered devastating flooding. The impact was widespread with over 1,800 flooding calls received by the London Fire Brigade and likely thousands more affected residents who did not report. Constituents lost their homes' contents due to basement property damage. Flooding is not a new issue; it has occurred repeatedly since 2004, including devastating events in July 2016 and July 2021. The Victorian sewerage system and climate change exacerbate the risk of flash flooding during summer months."]
Specific Asks
['I request that Thames Water, Ofwat, and the Environment Agency be held accountable for providing short-term solutions to prevent further flooding this year and long-term infrastructure investments to mitigate future risks.']
Transport Decarbonisation Plan
16 June 2021
Responding: Rachel Maclean
Main Concerns
['The UK is the fastest decarbonising G20 country since 1990 and has legislated for net zero by 2050. However, transport emissions are rising and account for approximately 30% of total emissions. Felicity Buchan emphasised that electric vehicles (EVs) are critical to reducing these emissions, as cars contribute to 55% of transport-related greenhouse gases. She noted the importance of a comprehensive strategic network of EV charging points, focusing on customer experience, reliability, and interoperability.']
Specific Asks
["Ms Buchan requested that all new houses, buildings, and office blocks be mandated to have EV charging points. She also suggested increasing battery capacity in the UK through recycling initiatives and considered a zero emission mandate similar to California's approach to accelerate supply and reduce leasing costs for EVs."]
Debate on the Address
18 July 2024
General Debate
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Families in Temporary Accommodation
20 May 2024
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Inter Faith Network Closure
22 February 2024
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07 December 2023
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03 July 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities moved that the bill be read a Second time. He paid tribute to Lord Kerslake who passed away recently. The Bill's purpose is to honour a...
Holocaust Memorial Bill - Clause 1 (Changing the London County Council (Improvements) Act 1900)
28 June 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment seeks to change the London County Council (Improvements) Act 1900, ensuring a fitting national memorial and learning centre for Holocaust victims in Victoria Tower gardens. The purpose i...
Holocaust Memorial Bill - Amendments (a) and (b) to motion 6
28 June 2023
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
The speaker moved amendments (a) and (b) to motion 6, proposing changes related to the composition of the Select Committee and limiting the scope of petitions against the bill. The proposed amendment ...
Stop and Search
19 June 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
14 March 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The UK has welcomed over 160,000 Ukrainian refugees since the start of the Russian invasion and more than 23,500 visa extensions have been granted. However, there are grave concerns about increasing r...
Housing (More Support for Exempt Accommodation) Bill
03 March 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The hon. Friend commends the Government's foresight in tabling amendments that support his Bill, which aims to protect people in supported accommodation and improve standards for care and support prov...
4
PMQs Asked
70
Ministerial Questions Asked
157
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
6
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
+422% above average
This MP:
70
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3131% above average
This MP:
157
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-37% below average
This MP:
6
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 Felicity Buchan's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.