Flick Drummond
MP for Portsmouth South
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
What support will Britain offer the ICC to conduct investigations of all parties' actions in Israel, Gaza, and West Bank before and since 7 October?
Context
International Criminal Court prosecutor concluded a visit to Israel and Palestine, stating that law must protect all.
Rishi Sunak
We are a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court. All parties must respect international humanitarian law to avoid harming civilians.
Assessment
Specific UK support for ICC investigation
Strong Support But No Specifics
Session: PMQs
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With 81,000 children home-educated but off the school register, how can we ensure every child is safe and suitably educated? Can my right hon. Friend expedite the ten-minute rule Bill to place a duty on local authorities for such registers?
Context
Concern about the number of children not on school registers and the need for a register to ensure their safety and education.
Oliver Dowden
We want all children to be safe and have access to excellent education. Local authorities must seek to identify missing children, but the Department is continuing work on this issue.
Assessment
Specific legislative support not mentioned; general commitment provided instead.
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend bring forward a register of home-schooled children so they can be identified and their needs ensured?
Context
The pandemic increased the number of children being home-educated by 34%, and local authorities struggle to monitor these children's educational welfare.
Rishi Sunak
We support parents' rights to home-educate, but local authorities must identify those missing education. Guidance on arrangements is published.
Assessment
The specific ask about a register of home-schooled children was not directly addressed
Session: PMQs
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Can my right hon. Friend assure me that future funds will be available to help declining high streets?
Context
The MP is concerned about declining high streets in areas like Waterlooville, which have not received funding.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is a great champion for Meon Valley, and I will ensure she has a meeting with the Minister for levelling up.
Assessment
Did not commit to future funds directly but promised a meeting
Session: PMQs
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The rector of Glasgow University, an eminent Palestinian surgeon, has detailed horrors faced by children needing surgery without morphine due to white phosphorus munitions use. Why are we in a military pact with forces carrying out such actions? If the Minister will not repudiate the pact entirely, will he ensure that the use of white phosphorus munitions is unacceptable?
Context
Concern over the UK's military pact with Israel and allegations of human rights abuses in Gaza.
Leo Docherty
Of course it is not acceptable. We see no evidence that white phosphorus has been used, we focus on our confidence in Israel as an important ally, and stress the importance of protecting civilians. Peace requires Hamas to lay down arms and release hostages.
Session: UK-Israel Military Co-operation Agreement
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With inflation falling and the economy improving, can we look forward to continued support with a range of fiscal steps, including cutting taxes?
Context
The government has provided significant support during the recent energy crisis and throughout the pandemic.
Jeremy Hunt
We can absolutely do that. I thank my hon. Friend for pointing out that the biggest single thing we can do to help people with cost of living pressures is to bring down inflation.
Session: Cost of Living 2024-05-07 (2)
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Has the Chancellor given any thought to increasing the threshold to improve productivity?
Context
The questioner met small businesses who expressed the need to raise the VAT threshold beyond £90,000 to encourage expansion.
Gareth Davies
My hon. Friend is right to engage in the way that she is with her small businesses. We believe that the £90,000 threshold, which has just been increased, strikes the right balance between managing the public finances and supporting small businesses. I encourage her to look at the wider package of support that the Government are providing for small businesses, not least the business rate relief that I was just talking about.
Session: Support for Small Businesses
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Up to £900 million for a brand-new acute hospital is coming to mid-Hampshire and health experts are making the case that it will make huge improvements in care, despite some politically inspired and misinformed opposition. Can my hon. Friend reassure my constituents that those running our local NHS should be listened to, and also that the doctor-led urgent treatment centre in Winchester will continue to provide for three quarters of urgent cases including X-rays, MRI scans and other tests after the new acute hospital is built, which we hope will be at junction 7?
Context
The MP is supporting the case for a new acute hospital in mid-Hampshire and an urgent treatment centre.
Helen Whately
I commend my hon. Friend for her hard work on supporting the new hospital, for the leadership she is providing and for her work on encouraging residents to have their say in the consultation. I cannot prejudge the outcome of the consultation but I agree with her that the new hospital will be great for patients, with its modern facilities. She is right to say that an urgent treatment centre can provide excellent emergency care for the majority of people who attend A&E.
Session: Urgent and Emergency Care
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University technical colleges are a good place for young women to start in STEM. I welcome the new UTC in Southampton which will provide the extra places that Portsmouth UTC is unable to offer. Does my hon. Friend agree that UTCs provide a great start to a career in STEM, and that the proposal for UTC sleeves in secondary schools will help more girls into STEM careers?
Context
The question addresses the importance of University Technical Colleges (UTCs) in providing opportunities for young women to start their careers in STEM, citing an example of a new UTC in Southampton that will provide extra places.
Maria Caulfield
I absolutely agree, University technical colleges provide an excellent experience for young people not just academically but also in providing technical skills and great work experience through industry links. The young people in my hon. Friend's constituency have such great options for UTC provision.
Session: STEM Jobs
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What steps she is taking to help support women into science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs. The MP noted an increase in undergraduate STEM courses taken by young women but highlighted the need for continued efforts in getting more women into these fields.
Context
The question arises from the need to support young girls and women in entering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics sectors where they are currently underrepresented.
Maria Caulfield
We are helping to get young girls and women into STEM sectors through three key ways: increasing the number of undergraduate STEM courses taken up by young women, which has seen a 50% increase; supporting apprenticeships with 70% of jobs now accessed through them; and our STEM returners project for women who have left the profession to return to work.
Session: STEM Jobs
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Does the Chancellor have any measures to support those who are struggling with a lack of income to pay business rates following covid?
Context
The MP discusses the impact of business rates on small businesses, especially in post-covid context.
Jeremy Hunt
In the autumn statement, we introduced the 75% discount for retail, hospitality and leisure to address business rate pressures. The cuts were made possible because we did not embark on a spending spree of £28 billion a year, unlike Labour's policy.
Session: Business Investment Fiscal Measures
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What fiscal steps is his Department taking to help increase the level of business investment?
Context
The MP raises concerns about fiscal measures to boost business investment, citing the Chancellor's package from autumn statement.
Jeremy Hunt
At the autumn statement, I announced an ambitious growth package which will boost business investment by about £20 billion a year. We are making full expensing permanent, which was welcomed as a game changer that will fire up the British economy.
Session: Business Investment Fiscal Measures
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What is the rate of take-up of these pensions and what provisions are the Government putting in place to help those on low wages build up a pension pot to help provide a decent income in retirement?
Context
The MP inquires about the rate of take-up for pensions under automatic enrolment and provisions to help low-income individuals save.
Mel Stride
The increase in take-up since 2012 has been extraordinary, particularly among women, for whom the rate was 40% in 2012 and is now 86% and in line with men. My hon. Friend will know about the 2017 review that we conducted on auto-enrolment. As and when we bring in those changes, that will mean 3 million more people auto-enrolled with £2 billion of additional savings each year.
Session: Saving for the Future
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Given that some Members have asked for a voluntary migration of Palestinians from Gaza, does the Minister agree that this is not in the best interests of Israel?
Context
A third of Knesset Members attending a conference calling for the return of settlements to Gaza and north of the occupied west bank.
Andrew Mitchell
Yes, I do. The only viable long-term pathway is a two-state solution based on 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as a shared capital, that guarantees security and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Session: Palestinian State Recognition
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Has the Minister considered air-dropping food and medical supplies as an alternative given successful deliveries via air by France and Jordan?
Context
France and Jordan have successfully delivered medical aid by air, prompting consideration of alternative UK methods.
James Heappey
Air dropping is imprecise; maritime routes are preferred. FCDO leads on aid delivery efforts.
Session: Gaza UK Aid
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Can my hon. Friend continue his work on reforms and ensure that more pension fund investment stays in the UK, to boost our tech sector?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lag of UK pension funds in investing in technology firms and high-growth companies compared to other countries.
Bim Afolami
Under the industry-led Mansion House compact, 11 of the UK's largest defined contribution pension schemes have signed up to the objective of allocating at least 5% of their funds to unlisted equities by 2030. We believe that could unlock £50 billion of investment in high-growth companies and should help increase returns to savers.
Session: Pension Schemes Incentivising UK Investment
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What steps his Department is taking to incentivise pension schemes to invest in the UK. The UK's pension funds lag behind their counterparts in the USA, Scandinavia and Australia for investing in technology firms. Can my hon. Friend continue his work on reforms and ensure that more pension fund investment stays in the UK, to boost our tech sector?
Context
The MP is concerned about pension schemes not adequately investing in technology firms and high-growth companies, especially when compared to other countries.
Bim Afolami
At the autumn statement, we set out a series of measures to improve pension saver returns, increase opportunities for investment and boost the UK's capital markets and high-growth companies. Under the industry-led Mansion House compact, 11 of the UK's largest defined contribution pension schemes have signed up to the objective of allocating at least 5% of their funds to unlisted equities by 2030. We believe that could unlock £50 billion of investment in high-growth companies and should help increase returns to savers.
Session: Pension Schemes Incentivising UK Investment
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The last-minute nature of Ofsted inspections is causing huge anxiety to my small rural schools in Meon Valley. That means that teachers are putting off activities such as residential school trips and professional development courses. Will my right hon. Friend consider changing the notice period for inspections so that teachers can plan their workload better?
Context
Ofsted inspections cause anxiety among small rural schools due to their last-minute nature, affecting teacher planning and activities.
Damian Hinds
I value all activities schools undertake, including school trips and professional development courses. Inspections are important but Ofsted has flexibility in its framework.
Session: Teacher Workload
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What steps she is taking to help reduce the workload of teachers. I am concerned about the last-minute nature of Ofsted inspections, causing anxiety and affecting teacher planning for activities such as school trips and professional development courses.
Context
Teachers face significant workload issues that impact their ability to perform effectively in the classroom.
Damian Hinds
Reducing unnecessary workload is a priority. We have convened a taskforce to make recommendations on minimising teacher and school leader workload. Inspections are important but Ofsted has flexibility in the framework.
Session: Teacher Workload
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It is vital for peace that the rule of law is established and upheld in both Palestine and Israel. Has my right hon. Friend made an assessment of whether the weakening of the judiciary in Israel will impact on legal decisions relating to the Israel defence forces' rules of engagement in the current conflict?
Context
The speaker raises concerns about the weakening of the judiciary in Israel and potential consequences for legal decisions regarding IDF rules.
James Cleverly
My hon. Friend raises an important point. While I was in Israel prior to the 7 October incidents, we of course discussed the proposals for judicial reform. Those proposals have not yet been taken forward by the Israeli Government, but I can assure her and the House that we remain committed to international law and will always communicate that to all parties involved.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the idea of the advanced British standard assessment, although the name is unwieldy—acronyms are used elsewhere—and difficult to export. That aside, has there been any more exploration of what the curriculum would look like and of how many years young people would need to study for the qualification? Does it mean the end of GCSEs?
Context
The advanced British standard assessment is being explored, and concerns about its structure and impact on existing qualifications like GCSEs are raised.
Nick Gibb
No, it does not. The advanced British standard will offer a broad, balanced and knowledge-rich curriculum that builds on reforms of the last decade. Its curriculum will form a core part of the formal consultation in the coming months. GCSEs remain important, rigorous and highly regarded qualifications, providing preparation for the new advanced British standard.
Session: Topical Questions
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This year has seen the highest number on record of settlements in the west bank. How will expanding settlements help the peace process?
Context
The MP pointed out that this year saw a record number of settlements promoted, with 12,855 housing units and 10 new outposts.
David Rutley
That is an important question. As was laid out in the Foreign Secretary's trilateral statement with the Foreign Ministers of Australia and Canada on 30 June, the continued expansion of settlements is an obstacle to peace and negatively impacts efforts to achieve a negotiated two-state solution.
Session: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
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My hon. Friend the Member for Worcester (Mr Walker), the Chair of the Education Committee, mentioned my Children Not in School (Register) Bill, which passed its First Reading with support from colleagues across all parties and both Houses. The Schools Minister himself said before the Select Committee last month: “It is important that we know where children are and can make sure that they are safe.” Therefore, is it not critical that the Government work with me to expedite the Bill, as an existing and ongoing legislation vehicle that the Government can use without any further delay?
Context
Legislation to ensure registration of children not attending school.
Gillian Keegan
As I have pointed out, we do intend to legislate for the children not in school measures and put attendance on a statutory footing when the legislative timetable allows, looking at the sitting Fridays that are left within this period. The Department is currently running a call for evidence on improving the support for children missing from education, and that evidence will be used to inform future policy.
Session: Topical Questions
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The announcement that a new hospital between Winchester and Basingstoke is going ahead is much welcomed by my constituents who will use it, as well as by those from other constituencies. It will provide a centre of excellence with better medical outcomes. Will my right hon. Friend meet local MPs, so we can update him on why the hospital needs to be built as soon as possible?
Context
The announcement of a new hospital between Winchester and Basingstoke has been welcomed by constituents who will use it, along with those from other constituencies. The hospital is aimed at providing better medical outcomes through a centre of excellence.
Steve Barclay
I am always very happy for my hon. Friend and other colleagues to meet me or Lord Markham, who leads the capital programme.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can my hon. Friend assure me that he is doing everything he can to ensure that the two freeport bids in Wales move ahead swiftly to benefit the communities they serve?
Context
The MP supports a Solent freeport and wants to ensure that the two freeport bids in Wales move ahead swiftly.
James Davies
I certainly can. The two new freeports will help to level up north-west and south-west Wales and bring new high-skilled jobs to successful areas. They will become drivers of growth and employment in their areas, acting as hubs for regeneration, innovation and global trade.
Session: Freeports
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What recent discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on the delivery of freeports in Wales?
Context
The MP is concerned about the progress and discussions related to establishing freeports in Wales.
James Davies
The Secretary of State was delighted recently to announce two successful freeports in Wales—the Celtic freeport and Anglesey freeport—which will each be supported by £26 million of Government funding. We have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the delivery of the two Welsh freeports, which we aim to bring into operation as soon as possible.
Session: Freeports
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Can my right hon. Friend confirm when his Department will announce support for the next round of UTCs?
Context
Students in Meon Valley constituency who want to go to a university technical college can apply only to the oversubscribed one in Portsmouth.
Robert Halfon
My hon. Friend is a champion of skills, and she is right that UTCs, such as the outstanding Portsmouth UTC, are providing students with skills that will lead to rewarding technical careers. The Department is carefully assessing the free schools applications received against the published criteria and intends to announce the successful proposals before the summer.
Session: Technical Education at Secondary Schools
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Whether her Department is taking steps to increase the provision of specialist technical education at secondary schools. To complement our reformed, more rigorous GCSEs, we are ensuring that high-quality vocational and technical qualifications are available.
Context
The question arises from the need for high-quality vocational and technical qualifications in secondary schools.
Robert Halfon
To complement our reformed, more rigorous GCSEs, we are ensuring that high-quality vocational and technical qualifications are available. We have introduced new technical awards at key stage 4 in engineering, technology and many other subjects, and we have our own prestigious T-level offerings for those from 16 years old onwards.
Session: Technical Education at Secondary Schools
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Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating the RAF on the work it did in Sudan, evacuating more than 2,500 people from over 24 countries under very dangerous circumstances?
Context
The questioner acknowledges the work done by the Royal Air Force during the evacuation.
Ben Wallace
My hon. Friend is right to highlight the RAF. To fly into an airfield with unsure conditions, often in the dark and without much of an advance recce is some achievement. Alongside the RAF, a specialist unit from 16 Air Assault Brigade flew in and helped to fix the runway.
Session: Sudan Conflict
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What steps has the Department taken to support the Government's response to the conflict in Sudan?
Context
The question is prompted by the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the need for a coordinated government response.
Ben Wallace
Defence was pivotal in the success of the wider Government effort to evacuate British passport holders and other eligible persons from Sudan. A range of UK military assets and capabilities were deployed, resulting in the evacuation of more than 2,400 people—the longest and largest evacuation of any western nation.
Session: Sudan Conflict
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In communities such as Cheriton and Bramdean in my constituency, there are people who have not been able to take part in the broadband voucher scheme because they are connected to a different cabinet from their neighbours, which in some cases is only a few metres from their door. Can my hon. Friend assure me that those communities will be able to benefit from the new procurement as soon as possible?
Context
The question arises from communities' inability to participate in the broadband voucher scheme due to technical constraints.
Julia Lopez
I am pleased to say that premises in Meon Valley are included in our live gigabit procurement for Hampshire, and we expect to award the contract in June this year. We have paused the applications for vouchers to avoid doubling up on public subsidy, but we are happy to look into any specific cases that my hon. Friend wishes to raise via Building Digital UK.
Session: Topical Questions
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The only way to permanently end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is to deliver Palestinian self-determination and preserve Israel's Jewish and democratic identity through a peaceful two-state solution. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that his Department remains committed to achieving that solution based on 1967 borders and the recognition of Palestine as a state?
Context
There is a need for a sustainable two-state solution to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on mutual recognition and peace.
James Cleverly
Our position on a sustainable two-state solution is long standing. We will always encourage Israel to take actions that support that and we have the same conversations with representatives of the Palestinian Authority. We encourage dialogue, we encourage negotiation, we encourage co-operation and we encourage de-escalation.
Session: Israel and Palestine
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Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker; it is lovely to see you back. As a former chair of the south-east region for the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees, I have seen at first hand the long shelves at Norcross where Veterans UK is based. Can the Minister assure me that the digitalisation of veterans' records will proceed quickly, so that veterans can get quick decisions on their welfare and their welfare claims?
Context
The Chair has seen the long shelves at Norcross where Veterans UK is based, highlighting issues with record management.
Andrew Murrison
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend's service with the VAPC. Like me, she has been to Norcross and seen the extraordinary files of paperwork. There is no way that we can provide the 21st-century service that our veterans deserve while things are in that state, so the £40 million digitalisation—though it may sound banal—will most certainly make a huge difference.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is the Minister taking to raise employers' awareness of the impact of the menopause?
Context
The Minister is taking steps to raise employers' awareness of the impact of the menopause.
Mims Davies
I know that my hon. Friend takes great interest in supporting women in work, and working with employers is crucial. I am delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Tomlinson as the DWP menopause employment champion.
Session: Topical Questions
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Safran Helicopter Engines in my constituency is a leader in developing sustainable aviation fuel use. Can my right hon. Friend confirm that the changeover in departmental responsibilities will help such companies to progress?
Context
Safran Helicopter Engines in the MP's constituency is developing sustainable aviation fuels.
Grant Shapps
My hon. Friend will be interested to hear that the Jet Zero Council, which I helped to co-establish, has already taken place since the departmental change. Indeed, on the first day in this job, I co-chaired the Jet Zero Council. We want to get to guilt-free flying that includes widescale use of sustainable aviation fuel.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can my right hon Friend confirm that support is being rolled out and crucially that it will be received by those who are eligible in time for this winter?
Context
Many residents in Meon Valley rely on heating oil and have not received government assistance, causing concern about timely receipt of support.
Graham Stuart
I pay tribute to my hon Friend's efforts to highlight the issue throughout the winter. The vast majority of people on alternative fuels have received that payment or credit this month and the portal will open imminently for those without an electricity supply, ensuring they receive £400 from the EBS scheme as quickly as possible.
Session: Energy Bills Alternative Fuels
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What steps has the government taken to provide energy bill support to households that use alternative fuels? Many people in Meon Valley use heating oil for their heating, and many have contacted me concerned they have not received Government support yet. Some are having to wait because they are having to apply by phone. Can my right hon Friend confirm support is being rolled out and crucially that it will be received by those who are eligible in time for this winter?
Context
Households using alternative fuels have reported concerns over energy bill support, with some not receiving assistance and others facing difficulties due to application methods.
Graham Stuart
Alternative fuel users have received significant support this winter: first, by direct subsidy of their electricity bills per unit; secondly, through £400 of additional payments across the winter; and thirdly, by £200 paid automatically, for the vast majority, by their electricity supplier. A small minority will need to apply and that portal will open soon.
Session: Energy Bills Alternative Fuels
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Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary is one of the lowest-funded police forces by central Government. Can my right hon. and learned Friend confirm that this historically unfair funding settlement will be looked at, and that the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can look forward to the same levels of funding as similar areas?
Context
The question stems from concerns over historically low police funding in Hampshire and Isle of Wight, leading to potential disparities compared to other regions.
Suella Braverman
We will be consulting very shortly on police funding formulas, but I am very pleased that the excellent police and crime commissioner in Hampshire, Donna Jones, has made very good use of the funding flexibility that I brought into force very recently by raising the precept. That will increase the amount of funding available to the frontline in policing, and together with the safer streets funding and millions of pounds for violence reduction units, it will mean more police, less crime and safer streets in Hampshire.
Session: Police Resources
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What steps she is taking to increase police resources. I am concerned that many parts of the UK face a lack of adequate police presence due to underfunding and staffing shortages.
Context
The question is prompted by concerns about police funding and resource allocation, particularly in areas with high crime rates or insufficient policing.
Suella Braverman
On 31 January, the Government confirmed a total police funding settlement of up to £17.2 billion for 2023-24, an increase of up to £287 million on this year, providing the police with the resources to fight crime and keep the public safe. As a result of our police uplift programme, we are on track to meet our target of 20,000 new police officers, meaning that England and Wales will have the most police officers ever.
Session: Police Resources
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What is the CPS doing to inform and support people to navigate the criminal justice system?
Context
Victims navigate the criminal justice system with limited resources and information.
Michael Tomlinson
The CPS has launched a new online guide for victims, ensuring that they have access to necessary information. Accessible information is key to supporting victims and ensuring navigation of the criminal justice system.
Session: Access to Justice
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FSO Safer continues to deteriorate and funds have now been raised. When will the oil be offloaded from the tanker to ensure it no longer poses a threat?
Context
The FSO Safer is an oil tanker off the coast of Yemen facing deterioration, raising concerns over potential environmental disaster. Funding has been secured for its safe disposal.
James Cleverly
The Safer oil tanker is an issue of international concern and funds have been secured. I have spoken with various governments to resolve the matter, aiming to prevent an ecological disaster.
Session: Topical Questions
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What can be done to simplify the 20 routes into teaching while ensuring high standards for teachers?
Context
The Member visited a school and was told there are 20 ways of getting into teaching, but schools still struggle to get teachers.
Gillian Keegan
We are making sure that we have bursaries and looking to increase the number of routes, including an apprenticeship for teaching at undergraduate level.
Session: Teacher Recruitment and Retention
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Will the Minister update the House on what the Government are doing to support women starting up small businesses?
Context
Request for update on what the government is doing to support women starting small businesses.
Maria Caulfield
I thank my hon. Friend for her work in this area. It is crucial that we get more women starting up their own businesses. We anticipate that that would bring in £250 billion to the UK economy. The taskforce that we asked Anne Boden to lead will make recommendations to Government in the new year. We know that venture capital is a huge problem stopping women starting a new business: for every pound of venture capital given to a new business, only a penny goes to women, whereas 89p goes to men.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituent's sperm was used without his consent, resulting in a pregnancy. The case passed to the CPS, which said there is no law allowing it to deal with this as sexual assault. Will my right hon. and learned Friend look at the law?
Context
A constituent's sperm was used without his consent by an ex-partner to become pregnant.
Suella Braverman
My thoughts are very much with my hon. Friend's constituent. That sounds like a very traumatic affair. I know that she has already received a reply from my Department setting out the reasons why the CPS could not proceed with this particular case.
Session: Rape Prosecution Rates
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Register of Children not in School
20 February 2024
Responding: Damian Hinds
Main Concerns
['The number of children missing from school is unknown, and there are concerns about the safety and quality of education for those who have been moved out of school. These children are disproportionately likely to be from low-income households, need special educational needs support (SEN), and have a history of school absence and exclusions. Parents may feel coerced into home education due to unmet SEND needs or bullying, leading to potential harm if the child is left without appropriate care.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should fully back the Bill for a register of children not in school to ensure the welfare and education of every child, allowing no further delay. This would help identify and support families who are struggling with home education due to various reasons such as unmet special educational needs or bullying.']
Yemen Peace Process
03 November 2022
Responding: David Rutley
Main Concerns
["The right hon. Member for Walsall South and I were born in Yemen, expressing a long-standing personal connection to the country. The war is not merely a proxy conflict but an internal civil war with tribal and religious divisions. There has been political and economic marginalisation of different parts of Yemen's population over decades, leading to the current conflict. The six-month ceasefire has brought some relief, but it faces obstacles such as fuel shortages and humanitarian aid funding shortfalls. The UN special envoy's latest proposal for a formal ceasefire and inclusive political talks has not been accepted by the Houthis. The conflict in Yemen has led to thousands of civilian deaths, famine affecting millions of lives, and acute food insecurity for 16.2 million people. The six-month truce that ended on 2 October brought about a sharp drop in fighting, with a 34% reduction in child casualties and a 60% drop in displacement. However, the failure to renew the truce has raised concerns about a resurgence of violence and further suffering for ordinary Yemenis."]
Specific Asks
["The Government should work with the UN to encourage flexibility from the Houthis on issues like road openings in Taiz and salary payments, thereby strengthening de-escalation mechanisms. The UK must continue its leading role in promoting peace and support Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council. Immediate action is needed to secure the transfer of oil from the FSO Safer to prevent environmental disaster. The Government is urged to utilise its penholder role at the UN Security Council to facilitate the re-establishment of a truce and support ongoing efforts towards an enduring political settlement in Yemen. Specific steps are requested regarding what actions the UK Government is taking in this regard."]
UK Armed Forces in Middle East
29 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Spending
24 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
17 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
19 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Pet Animals (Protection and Welfare) Bill - Second Reading of the entire Bill
15 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
This Bill aims to ban the import of puppies and kittens under six months, prohibit heavily pregnant animals from being imported, prevent mutilated dogs and cats from entering the country, and address ...
Ceasefire in Gaza
21 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
29 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Situation in the Red Sea
24 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The situation in the Red Sea is increasingly dangerous due to attacks by Houthi proxies supported by Iran. These attacks are threatening global trade, with over $1 trillion worth of goods passing thro...
Action Against Houthi Maritime Attacks
23 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Miscellaneous
23 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The hon. Member for Houghton and Sunderland South raised the issue of school attendance, highlighting the significant increase in persistent absence since 2016-17 and the failure of the Government to ...
4
PMQs Asked
70
Ministerial Questions Asked
125
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+422% above average
This MP:
70
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2472% above average
This MP:
125
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 Flick Drummond's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.