Geraint Davies
MP for Swansea West
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
There have now been more than 600 cases of coronavirus infection at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea since September, yet Ministers still refuse to meet the Public and Commercial Services Union to discuss ways in which more workers could work from home in safety before they are vaccinated. Workers have now resorted to voting for strike action, as a last resort, to protect their families and communities. I ask the Prime Minister again: will he now instruct Ministers to engage in talks with the union to help shield vulnerable workers before vaccination, or will he force a needless strike?
Context
There have been over 600 cases of coronavirus infection at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea, yet Ministers refuse to meet with unions.
Boris Johnson
I think “needless” is the right word, and the hon. Gentleman should bear it in mind that any strike is likely to be bad news for motorists. We are at the stage now where we are advancing down our road map out of lockdown, and at the DVLA any staff who can work from home are doing so.
Assessment
Did not instruct Ministers to meet with unions or address strike concerns directly.
Bad News For Motorists
Session: PMQs
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At the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea, there have been 526 cases of coronavirus since last September. The Prime Minister told us at Prime Minister's Question Time:
'All staff who can work from home are doing so'—[Official Report, 28 January 2021; Vol. 688, c. 374.]
But in March last year, 250 people were working on site, and now the numbers are in their thousands, and they are facing a more infectious and widespread disease. Yesterday, 90 people were sent home following the latest outbreak of coronavirus just before the weekend. Given that BT is on standby to install home secure technology to allow homeworking, will the Prime Minister meet me and the Public and Commercial Services Union ahead of the strike ballot next week, so that workplace numbers can be reduced until the vaccine is rolled out, to keep people safe and avoid an unnecessary strike?
'All staff who can work from home are doing so'—[Official Report, 28 January 2021; Vol. 688, c. 374.]
But in March last year, 250 people were working on site, and now the numbers are in their thousands, and they are facing a more infectious and widespread disease. Yesterday, 90 people were sent home following the latest outbreak of coronavirus just before the weekend. Given that BT is on standby to install home secure technology to allow homeworking, will the Prime Minister meet me and the Public and Commercial Services Union ahead of the strike ballot next week, so that workplace numbers can be reduced until the vaccine is rolled out, to keep people safe and avoid an unnecessary strike?
Context
There have been numerous cases of coronavirus at the DVLA in Swansea, including a recent outbreak affecting 90 people before weekend closure. Concerns about workplace safety and potential strike due to working conditions.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this with me again. Thanks to the working from home strategy that the DVLA has been pursuing, of a workforce of 6,000, there are currently thankfully only nine cases of covid to the best of my knowledge, and three of those individuals are working from home.
Assessment
Meeting with union before strike ballot
Session: PMQs
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To minimise further bad decisions, will he restore online Parliament so that all voters can be represented in debates and law making?
Context
Criticism of the sudden removal of furlough support and a concern about a spike in coronavirus cases due to people returning to work.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Gentleman. I encourage him to return from New York, Shanghai or wherever he is and join us in this House as fast as he can. Actually, what the people of this country want to see is their representatives back on their seats as fast as possible in the Palace of Westminster.
Session: PMQs
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Davies asked Raab whether opting out was a political or commercial decision, urging him to join any future schemes that safeguard NHS supplies to avoid preventable deaths in communities, NHS or care services.
Context
UK opted out of the EU's initial joint procurement scheme for PPE and ventilators.
Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)
Raab clarified it was a failure in communication, not significant value would have been added by initial scheme. He stated they will look at any future EU-wide procurement on therapeutics and are collaborating closely with European partners.
Assessment
None
Session: PMQs
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I am trade rapporteur to the Council of Europe. My report, agreed upon by 46 member states, urges due diligence at borders to safeguard supply chains from human rights abuse and deforestation, alongside strengthening environmental protections against energy companies' interests, particularly in dispute mechanisms. Will you meet me to advance these proposals so that our trade agreements support a green planet rather than tarnish it?
Context
The MP is a trade rapporteur to the Council of Europe and authored a report endorsed by 46 member states. The report calls for due diligence measures to prevent human rights abuses and deforestation in supply chains, emphasizing environmental protection over energy company interests.
Nusrat Ghani
I have read the hon. Member's report, which I enjoyed reading despite losing many hours of my life. There are good points raised, especially regarding China's emissions being greater than those of USA and EU combined. The UK promotes our values globally through multilateral systems such as UN, WTO, OSCE, and Council of Europe. I am willing to sit down with the hon. Member and discuss his report.
Session: Safeguarding Democracy, Rights and the Environment
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The chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, has just issued a report with 15 recommendations giving a route map on how to achieve these targets earlier. Will the Minister respond to that now, write in greater detail to me as the chair of the all-party group on air pollution, and come to a meeting to explain what progress the Government can make on these 15 objectives so that we can make faster progress and save more lives sooner?
Context
The question addresses the chief medical officer's recent report that outlines recommendations for achieving better air quality targets, including indoor air pollution and wood burners.
Rebecca Pow
I thank the hon. Member for that. I have met him many times on these issues, and I commend him for this work, but I have also met Professor Chris Whitty on this very subject. The hon. Member just needs to look at the forthcoming update of our clean air strategy. We are already working on many of the things that Chris Whitty has raised, and we have to get the Department of Health and Social Care to play its part as well.
Session: Air Quality
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Will the Minister give an undertaking that Wales should get its fair 5% share of HS2— £5 billion—in the same way that Scotland will get its 8%, or £8 billion? Will he raise that with his colleagues in the Cabinet?
Context
The question is a follow-up, comparing rail enhancement investments to Wales (1.5% of UK) for its 5% population share compared to Scotland's 8% for an equal percentage.
John Lamont
The Welsh Government have actually received a significant uplift in their Barnett-based funding due to UK Government spending on HS2. I also point out that the UK Government have committed £2 billion for the period 2019 to 2024—more than double the £900 million invested between 2014 and 2019.
Session: Rail Funding HS2 Barnett Consequential
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Whether he has made a comparative assessment of the level of additional rail funding provided to Scotland and Wales as a Barnett consequential of HS2. In other words, Wales has only had 1.5% of rail enhancement investment for the UK for 5% of the population, while Scotland gets 8% for its 8% of the population.
Context
The question stems from a comparison of rail enhancement investment between Wales and Scotland, noting that Wales receives only 1.5% for its 5% population share while Scotland gets 8%.
John Lamont
The Welsh Government have actually received a significant uplift in their Barnett-based funding due to UK Government spending on HS2. I also point out that the UK Government have committed £2 billion for the period 2019 to 2024—more than double the £900 million invested between 2014 and 2019.
Session: Rail Funding HS2 Barnett Consequential
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I am concerned about rapes following needle or drink spiking. Is the government working with clubs on surveillance, scanning and testing? Has he written to the police so people do not say 'You're drunk, love'? How many convictions have followed cases of women being raped after being spiked, including by needles?
Context
Only one in 50 rape cases gets to court, and the Secretary of State has already confirmed that it can take over two years to get a prosecution.
Dominic Raab
The forensic capabilities are there, and it is illegal. It is just a question of gathering evidence to bring cases to court. Police referrals, CPS charges and Crown court receipts in adult rape cases have all increased by around 100%.
Session: Topical Questions
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In light of the Windsor framework, which will provide more favourable economic conditions for trading in Northern Ireland, will the Secretary of State consider providing more transport infrastructure in Wales to mitigate that and to help Wales take advantage of more trade into Northern Ireland and into the single market via Ireland or Northern Ireland?
Context
The MP inquired about the provision of more transport infrastructure in Wales due to the Windsor framework.
Richard Holden
Welcomes Windsor framework; working closely with Welsh Government on rail network enhancements; will make announcements in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will he commit his officials to working with Transport for Wales to look at joint working and joint funding to move ahead together, so that we can deliver higher productivity, move towards net zero and strengthen the Union? Can we meet in due course to discuss progress?
Context
The question stems from the under-investment case for Wales regarding HS2 and a need to address higher productivity, net zero targets, and Union strength.
Huw Merriman
I very much enjoyed the meeting I had with the hon. Member and Professor Mark Barry in January. In regard to the point he makes about HS2, the UK Department for Transport is funded to spend money on heavy rail infrastructure in Wales, rather than the Welsh Government receiving Barnett-based funding. Conversely, the Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive receive Barnett-based funding, but rail in Scotland and Northern Ireland does not benefit from any UK Department for Transport spending. When it comes to the enhancement portfolio, which we are looking to publish shortly, we very much expect to be working with our partners across Wales, and I continue to make myself available to meet the hon. Member to hear his ideas.
Session: Railways Funding and HS2
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How much funding his Department plans to provide for railways in (a) Wales and (b) England during the remaining HS2 construction period?
Context
The question arises from the concern over railway funding for Wales and England during the HS2 construction period.
Huw Merriman
Good morning, Mr Speaker. The HS2 construction period extends beyond the horizon of the five-year funding cycles for Network Rail. When it comes to the existing railway, £44 billion has been committed from 2024 to 2029—a 4% real terms increase on maintenance and renewals to keep the railway running safely and reliably.
Session: Railways Funding and HS2
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The Secretary of State will be aware that higher levels of poverty give rise to higher healthcare costs and higher absolute numbers of people needing healthcare, so how can he justify the fact that Wales does not get its 5% share of High Speed 2—£5 billion—and is losing enormous amounts of money from EU funding, which he promised would be provided, and thousands of jobs in Welsh universities? We need that productivity to alleviate poverty and to put less pressure on the NHS. It is his fault that those waiting lists are growing.
Context
There are concerns about higher levels of poverty leading to increased healthcare demands and reduced EU funding affecting Wales.
David Davies
I certainly do not recognise the figures that the hon. Gentleman has come up with on HS2. The fact is that the UK Government have replaced EU funding in full through the shared prosperity fund, the community ownership fund, the community renewal fund, levelling-up funds and much else besides. The UK Government have also made certain that £1.20 is delivered per head of population for NHS care in Wales, as opposed to £1 in England. It is very hard for him to explain why Wales receives more money to deliver healthcare and yet delivers lower standards.
Session: Healthcare Provision
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On food security and fish stocks, Newcastle University believes the mass killing of crabs, lobsters and other crustaceans off the north-east coast is due to dredging ahead of a freeport. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has dismissed it as a natural event due to algae bloom and has set up an inquiry. Will she commit to an independent evaluation of the evidence, to protect all coasts from massive destruction?
Context
Newcastle University believes the mass killing of crabs, lobsters and other crustaceans off the north-east coast is due to dredging ahead of a freeport. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has dismissed this as a natural event due to algae bloom and has set up an inquiry.
Therese Coffey
The impact on crabs is under investigation. The adequacy of UK's food security is unaffected by this event, which is the topic of this question.
Session: Food Security
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Earlier, the Secretary of State mentioned the lack of long-range missiles in Ukraine. What drone capability has Ukraine got to take out missile sites from Belarus that illegally target civilians in Ukraine?
Context
Earlier, the Secretary of State mentioned lack of long-range missiles in Ukraine.
Ben Wallace
Ukraine has shown itself to be a master of innovation; developed several long-range drones having an effect. The real question here is scale and numbers, compared with the numbers that Russia is buying from Iran.
Session: Topical Questions
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Vladimir Putin clearly plans to starve and freeze Ukraine this winter. What is being done to increase the number of armaments—not just from the UK but across Europe—so that Ukraine can gain ground now, not later?
Context
The question pertains to the UK's actions in increasing armament supplies for Ukraine as it prepares for a potential spring offensive, following Vladimir Putin's threat to starve and freeze Ukraine.
Ben Wallace
We have set up a fund which has accrued €600 million including donations from Norway and the Netherlands. We are training Ukrainian forces in the UK to use weapons systems effectively. Continued work with international partners will ensure delivery of necessary armaments throughout next year.
Session: Defence Relationships with European Allies
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What steps she is taking to increase the proportion of cases relating to violence against women and girls that are prosecuted.
Context
The MP is concerned about the prosecution rates of cases related to violence against women and girls.
Michael Tomlinson
The Government have enacted new offences targeting predatory behaviour, including stalking, coercive and controlling behaviour, and upskirting. In the year ending June 2022, prosecutions for rape offences were 49% higher compared with pre-covid levels.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Prosecution Rates
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How will the Minister look at improving rail journey times to Swansea given that travel times are not reducing as much for Wales compared to other regions? Will he meet me to discuss a fair share of £5 billion in funding?
Context
The MP is concerned about the disparity in rail investment between Scotland, which gets Barnett consequentials from HS2, and Wales.
Huw Merriman
The hon. Member is right that there are no direct Barnett consequentials from HS2 to Wales, but there are indirect benefits I can explain when we meet. Government funding for the operational railway was £1.27 per passenger kilometre in England and £2.39 in Wales and Scotland.
Session: Rail Funding in Wales
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Whether he has plans to increase rail funding in Wales. The Minister will know that HS2 will reduce travel times from London to Manchester but the travel time to Swansea remains at about three hours. How is it that Scotland gets additional £8 billion in Barnett consequentials but Wales does not get its fair share of £5 billion for levelling up?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of rail investment in Wales compared to other regions.
Huw Merriman
This Government are investing through Network Rail up to £2 billion in the rail network in Wales over the current five-year control period. There are no direct Barnett consequentials from HS2 to Wales, but there are indirect benefits I can explain when we meet. The Office of Rail and Road reports that Government funding for the operational railway was £1.27 per passenger kilometre in England and £2.39 in Wales and Scotland.
Session: Rail Funding in Wales
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What meetings has the Secretary of State had with the WTO about how freeports might undermine internationally agreed labour standards and carbon-intensive production?
Context
The MP raises concerns about freeports potentially undermining international labour standards and carbon-intensive production.
Robert Buckland
I assure him that in the prospectus he will see a specific reference to the Senedd's Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. Along with giving assurances as to our UK Government's standards, I can assure him that his concerns are unfounded.
Session: Freeports
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Northern Ireland is poorer, it is less well, it is more dependent on public sector pay and it is going to be hit much harder by the cost of living crisis, so why do the UK Government not spend the £400 million that has been allocated but is not being spent because Stormont is not sitting directly on the people who need it most, rather than being preoccupied with cutting Northern Ireland off from the single market, which will make things even worse?
Context
There is allocated funding of £400 million for Northern Ireland which has not been spent because Stormont is not sitting. The question addresses why the UK Government does not spend this money directly.
Conor Burns
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to highlight the scale of the challenge. My right hon. Friend the Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Nadhim Zahawi), when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, came to Northern Ireland to meet the Communities Minister and the Economy Minister to seek ways that the UK Government could get help directly to people who need it so desperately in Northern Ireland.
Session: Cost of Living Increases
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What steps the Government are taking to help tackle increases in the cost of living in Northern Ireland?
Context
The cost of living crisis is affecting Northern Ireland and other regions. The question seeks specific actions the government is taking to address this issue.
Conor Burns
The Government have taken decisive action to help tackle increases in the cost of living across the entirety of the United Kingdom, including support for the most vulnerable households in Northern Ireland, who will receive up to £1,000, including a one-off £650 cost of living payment. Yesterday, our new Prime Minister, whom we warmly welcome to office, made it clear that the Government will announce further action later this week.
Session: Cost of Living Increases
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Will the Secretary of State give an undertaking that the level of defence support to Ukraine in the next six months will be as much as it was in the previous six months?
Context
The level of defence support to Ukraine needs to be maintained in terms of value and volume.
Ben Wallace
With all due respect to the hon. Gentleman, I will not categorise it in six-month blocks. As long as I am Defence Secretary, we will continue with the investment and the support to Ukraine, be it in hardware or software.
Session: Ukrainian Resistance to Russian Aggression
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On average, two children in every class have a developmental language disorder. As chair of the all-party group on speech and language difficulties, I arranged a meeting with a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education. It was then cancelled because he was made Education Secretary. What process is in place to ensure that MPs' meetings with Ministers are sustained?
Context
The cancellation of a meeting between an MP and a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education due to the latter becoming the Education Secretary.
Kit Malthouse
As new Ministers take their positions over the summer, their diaries will naturally be reviewed. If the hon. Gentleman experiences significant delays in achieving the promised meeting, he should write to me.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister's botched Brexit deal mean that further cuts in civil servants will lead to more service delays? The MP questioned the efficiency of such cuts and suggested a change in leadership for better governance.
Context
The MP criticized the government's approach to managing post-Brexit civil service roles and delays in public services.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
The result of Brexit is that we are free to make our own rules and diverge from the EU. The focus should be on efficiency, spending taxpayers' money wisely, and addressing socialist confusion regarding public service management.
Session: Public Services Civil Servants
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I am glad that it took only four years. May I turn the Secretary of State's attention to EU carbon border taxes? Does she agree they will help boost UK exports to countries exporting steel products to the EU? Will she pursue a UK carbon border tax so Chinese dirty steel, twice the carbon footprint of British steel, does not undercut our steel, and work in harmony with the EU protecting jobs and exports, indeed the planet?
Context
Concern over EU carbon border taxes and their potential impact on UK steel exports, especially regarding Chinese dirty steel with a higher carbon footprint.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
The Treasury is looking closely at all those questions. Indeed, they are also the subject of discussions that I have had in some detail with my counterparts in the US and other nations. Thanks to the leadership that the UK offered at COP26, the question of how we manage these global questions is now right at the centre of all discussions. The EU is putting forward proposals, and I will continue to work with the Treasury as we think about how the UK wants to fit with that.
Session: UK Steel Exports
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What steps she is taking to help increase exports of UK steel since US imposed tariffs? Last month I was pleased to reach a resolution with the US Government, and the tariff-free volumes that we have secured on steel and aluminium will mean that UK steel and aluminium exports to the US can return to levels not seen since before section 232 tariffs were imposed.
Context
Since 2018, US tariffs up to 25% have impacted UK steel exports. The question arises in the context of recent negotiations and a resolution reached with the US Government.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Last month I was pleased to reach a resolution with the US Government, and the tariff-free volumes that we have secured on steel and aluminium will mean that UK steel and aluminium exports to the US can return to levels not seen since before section 232 tariffs were imposed. The deal will deliver for our steel and aluminium industries across the country, and for the 80,000 UK jobs supported by the sector.
Session: UK Steel Exports
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Vortex manufactures digital air quality monitors that are helping deliver local air quality schemes supported by the public. Given half a million children in schools suffer from toxic levels of air pollution, will the Minister provide such monitors across the country to drive public opinion and better air quality as per WHO standards?
Context
A company named Vortex manufactures high-quality, low-cost digital air quality monitors used to deliver local schemes with public support. Half a million children suffer from toxic levels of air pollution.
Jo Churchill
The hon. Gentleman is a very assiduous campaigner on this issue. Local authorities can choose to monitor outside schools but it may be better to target resources at improving air quality generally. The government gave £11.6 million yesterday, with more than £1 million for education following the coroner's report on Ella Kissi-Debrah. The Minister would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss further.
Session: Air Pollution
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Whether his Department plans to monitor levels of toxic air pollution around schools. Air pollution has reached record lows but there remains a critical need to protect vulnerable groups, especially children. Last year, over £1 million was awarded to local authorities under the Department's air quality grant for projects targeting children. The questioner seeks clarity on future monitoring efforts and actions planned by the government.
Context
There is a need to address the impact of toxic air pollution on vulnerable groups, particularly children in and around schools.
Jo Churchill
Air pollution is at a record low, but more needs to be done to protect vulnerable groups. Last year, over £1 million was awarded to local authorities for projects specifically aimed at children's air quality improvement. Yesterday, the government announced grants worth more than £11 million across 40 local authorities with several focused on schools and their monitoring.
Session: Air Pollution
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It takes three hours to get from London to Swansea; it takes three hours to get from London to Edinburgh. The reason is that only 1.5% of UK rail enhancement funding goes to Wales, even though it has 5% of the population and 11% of the railway lines. Will the Minister—with the support of the Secretary of State—urge the Treasury to provide funding as a share of HS2 to Wales on the same basis as it provides it to Scotland, given that HS2 is north-south, which would give us an extra £4.6 billion to level up and connect the Union?
Context
The MP notes that only 1.5% of UK rail enhancement funding goes to Wales, despite it having 5% of the population and 11% of railway lines. He asks for additional HS2 funding based on a proportional share.
Neil O'Brien
The 1% figure that the hon. Gentleman quotes is from a Welsh Government report, which looks only at a very small part of rail investment and does not give a correct picture of the wider investment in Wales that I described. HS2 will of course provide huge benefits to the people of north Wales, who will be connected much more rapidly to the rest of the country.
Session: Levelling Up Rail Investment in Wales
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What assessment has been made of the potential effect on levelling up in Wales of rail enhancement investments?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of rail enhancement investments on levelling up in Wales.
Neil O'Brien
Investment in rail is a very important part of the levelling-up agenda. As well as the £2 billion for Network Rail in Wales over this control period, more than £340 million has been provided for enhancements in Welsh rail from 2019 to 2024. What is more, the UK Government are investing £30 million in the Global Centre of Rail Excellence, supporting about 120 jobs in Wales.
Session: Levelling Up Rail Investment in Wales
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The Trussell Trust finds that three out of four referrals are disabled people, and the Office for National Statistics finds that people who work online at home are more likely to work longer and not retire early, particularly if they are disabled. So will the Chancellor, the Treasury and the Minister look at the idea of promoting working from home after the pandemic, to help enable people with disabilities and other people to be more productive, and at the same time target more support for those in greatest need, as we have found from the Trussell Trust?
Context
The Trussell Trust finds that three out of four referrals are disabled people, indicating the need for more targeted support.
Simon Clarke
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, and for the spirit in which he asks it. Over the course of the spending review we are investing £1 billion in disability-related programmes, and that is an aspect that I am happy to look at further. More broadly, the Government as a whole spend £58 billion a year on wider disability support, so we certainly take that area very seriously.
Session: Support for Lowest-income Households
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Given that there are 6.6 million people in food insecurity with insufficient daily food, will my right hon Friend agree that this number could reach 10 million without intervention? Will he meet me and the co-operative movement to discuss solutions?
Context
The MP is concerned about food insecurity affecting millions of people due to rising prices, national insurance hikes, reduced universal credit, and a Select Committee report.
George Eustice (Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
We have the lowest spending on food as a percentage of household income in Europe. However, there are challenges for certain individuals, which is why we offer holiday funding.
Session: Topical Questions
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A year after Phil Grant's death due to coronavirus at the DVLA, with 1,700 cumulative cases now, will you intervene to enable a scheme agreed by both unions and management to protect workers' safety?
Context
A year ago, Phil Grant of the DVLA tragically died from coronavirus. There have been over 700 reported cases since then. Unions and management agreed on new safety measures but they were not implemented.
Steve Barclay
I recognise the seriousness of the case. I express our sympathy for the family concerned. Under plan B, employees are encouraged to work from home where possible. The Secretary of State for Transport will pick up the case and I will raise it with him.
Session: Omicron Variant Support for Key Services
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As a former Chancellor, the Health Secretary will know that air pollution causes 64,000 deaths yearly costing £20 billion. The World Health Organisation states this is twice as high. Will he urge legally binding WHO limits in the Environment Bill to save lives and money?
Context
According to the Royal College of Physicians and WHO, air pollution kills 64,000 people annually in the UK at a cost of £20 billion.
Sajid Javid
The Government have a proud record on combating air pollution. We take it seriously.
Session: Topical Questions
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What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential effect of the introduction of voter ID on levels of enfranchisement?
Context
The question addresses potential effects of voter ID on enfranchisement levels, referencing discussions with Cabinet colleagues.
Michael Ellis
Following his appointment, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is now responsible for this policy. In Northern Ireland there has been a requirement for photographic identification at polling stations since 2003, which operates with ease and improves voter confidence.
Session: Voter ID Requirements Turnout and Enfranchisement
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Will the Secretary of State look at the recommendation of the Welsh Affairs Committee that Wales should get its fair share of HS2 funding, the same as Scotland, so we can invest in a modern infrastructure and meet net zero, in particular with the Swansea Bay metro, more quickly?
Context
Recommendation from the Welsh Affairs Committee that Wales should get its fair share of HS2 funding.
Simon Hart
The hon. Gentleman and I share many common ambitions for the rail network in Wales. He knows my views on that. He also knows the Union connectivity review will be published shortly. I do not want to second-guess what is in that, but I suspect that he and I need a conversation shortly after that has been published.
Session: Net Zero Emissions Target
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Will the Minister press the Government to show leadership at COP26 by enshrining World Health Organisation air quality limits in the Environment Bill to help prevent tens of thousands of avoidable deaths in Britain and millions abroad?
Context
University College London reported that 8.7 million people die each year due to air pollution from fossil fuels, including one in five deaths globally and one in three in eastern Asia.
James Duddridge
We are working closely with COP26 energy transformation, transition and zero-emission vehicles campaigns to make sure there is closer integration with public health objectives. This will facilitate a global, green, healthy and sustainable recovery from the pandemic.
Session: Air Pollution
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What steps the Government are taking to work with partners in the global south to reduce deaths from air pollution ahead of the COP26 summit.
Context
Global efforts are needed to reduce air pollution, especially ahead of the COP26 summit.
James Duddridge
Air pollution is the largest environmental risk to human health and it results in 7 million premature deaths globally. Since 2011, UK international climate finance has provided 33 million people with improved access to clean energy and reduced or avoided 31 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Session: Air Pollution
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Will the Secretary of State ensure that with the G7, at COP26 and with Katherine Tai we pursue the carbon border tax being developed in the EU so that trade can help to save the planet, not destroy it?
Context
Not specified in question.
Elizabeth Truss
The hon. Gentleman makes an important point about carbon leakage. We need to make sure that when we work to achieve our net zero target, we are not simply exporting carbon production elsewhere. That is why I am working with G7 partners on the issue of carbon leakage, but I think it is important that the solution is multilateral and embedded in the world trading system rather than unilateral from each individual country.
Session: G7 Advocacy for Free and Fair Trade
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Prior to the pandemic, 50% of disadvantaged children suffered from speech delay upon entering school. Post-pandemic, these children, especially those in poorer areas, face reduced access to speech and language support. Will the Minister ensure extra resources are provided for these children, with both digital and physical support, to enhance their life opportunities? Furthermore, will she meet me and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists to discuss this matter?
Context
Before the pandemic, half of disadvantaged children had speech delays at school entry. The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists found that since then, fewer speech and language therapies have been available to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Vicky Ford
Schools can use recovery funding for additional therapies such as speech and language, and this has already happened. We have provided Barnett consequentials to Wales along with other funding. The Nuffield early language initiative, which nearly a quarter of a million children have been screened for, is encouraging and beneficial in England.
Session: Delayed Speech Disadvantaged Children
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Happy birthday, Mr Speaker. The English-speaking population in Cameroon faces mass killings, atrocities and torture. As we have heard, the US has now invoked trade sanctions, but the UK has signed a trade deal without parliamentary approval. So can I ask: has the EU's essential rights clause now been removed from all future trade deals, so that abuses, however abhorrent and widespread, will now be supported by the British economy through secret deals, thereby taking control back from Parliament and giving it to those with blood on their hands?
Context
US invoking trade sanctions against Cameroon, but the UK signed a trade deal without parliamentary approval.
Ranil Jayawardena
I am not entirely sure what the hon. Gentleman is referring to in respect of secret deals. This is an agreement that the EU had originally. We have continued an agreement here to provide certainty to businesses in both countries and to date the EU has not taken measures against Cameroon—I know how fond he is of the EU.
Session: Trade Deals Human Rights
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Will the Minister look to fast-track rape cases by providing DNA testing hubs requiring immediate testing of the accused on request, and confirm that positive tests, alongside a dated audio recording from the victim's mobile phone saying they do not consent to sex, would be sufficient to enable immediate imprisonment through fast-track Nightingale courts? Will he meet me to discuss this?
Context
The question arises from the need to expedite rape cases by implementing immediate DNA testing for accused individuals, alongside using audio recordings as evidence.
Chris Philp
Some of the questions raised, including those on DNA testing and disclosure, are being addressed in the rape review due to report shortly. The Minister for Crime and Policing would be delighted to meet and discuss these points. He is looking to expedite matters through wider use of section 28 pre-recorded evidence. Listing prioritisation is a matter for the judiciary.
Session: Backlog of Court Cases
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Every day, 7.6 million people go without sufficient nutritious food, according to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, so will the Secretary of State look carefully at the Welsh Government's pilot for a universal basic income, and will she provide an estimate for the cost of a UK roll-out of a universal basic income?
Context
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee reports that 7.6 million people in the UK do not have sufficient nutritious food daily.
Therese Coffey
The answer is no. If the Welsh Government wish to use their extra money through the Barnett formula, it must be within their legal powers. We are working across Government to tackle food insecurity.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Specialist Workforce
22 March 2023
Responding: Claire Coutinho
Main Concerns
['The debate focuses on the urgent need for early intervention in speech and language difficulties, which can improve school performance and reduce social costs. There are significant challenges including long waiting lists, unclear thresholds for support, misdiagnosis of girls and young women as having mental health problems, and a lack of resources leading to suboptimal plans. Parents often feel neglected and unsupported, with many resorting to private services at great cost.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP calls on the government to commit to meeting with all-party groups to discuss special educational needs, engage the SEND in The Specialists coalition in planning, provide a plan for improving access to specialist support immediately, define the SEND specialist workforce holistically, address recruitment and retention issues, and elaborate on funding commitments to ensure timely speech and language therapy.']
Transport Funding: Wales and HS2
26 October 2021
Responding: Andrew Stephenson
Main Concerns
["The Welsh railways have received only about 1.5% of the UK's rail enhancements funding over the past couple of decades, despite Wales having 5% of the population and roughly 11% of the rail track length. The cost of HS2 has risen from £38 billion to potentially as high as £200 billion. Without a direct link between Crewe and Manchester, the benefits for Wales will be minimal compared to Scotland's share. Wales needs its fair share of funding akin to Scotland's 91.7% proportionate share. The current productivity in Wales is at 70%, with a need for shovel-ready schemes that can boost localised economies quickly. The project originally costed at £32.2 billion in 2012 is now nearing £108 billion, highlighting the failure of this Government to deliver and showcasing the inequality between England and Wales. Plaid Cymru argues that Wales should receive a full Barnett consequential from HS2 on the basis that it is an England-only railway project, and without such funding, Wales will lose out significantly. The south Wales region alone stands to lose approximately £100 million annually due to economic blight imposed by HS2."]
Specific Asks
["The Chancellor should provide Wales with its fair Barnett consequential funding, similar to Scotland's share of HS2 costs, allowing Wales to invest in critical rail infrastructure and support net zero initiatives. The Government must address the disparity between Wales and other regions by investing in rail enhancements to improve connectivity and economic productivity. The Chancellor must correct his mistake and give Wales a full Barnett consequential from HS2, similar to Scotland's treatment, which would fast-track Wales' benefit from levelling up. This is essential if levelling up is ever to be more than just a catchphrase for Wales."]
Metropolitan Police: Casey Review
21 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ways and Means
20 March 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered a Budget that addresses the Prime Minister's five priorities: halving inflation, growing the economy, reducing debt, cutting waiting lists and stopping illega...
Welsh Affairs
02 March 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Honouring Saint David’s Day, Carolyn Harris emphasised the importance of focusing on what is best for Welsh communities amidst global turmoil. She paid tribute to influential Labour MPs from Wales and...
Labour Market Activity
28 February 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls for the government to address rising unemployment and economic inactivity, particularly among older individuals and those with health issues. It emphasises that recent employment supp...
Northern Ireland Protocol
27 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Voter Identification
21 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water Company Performance
21 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Environmental Improvement Plan 2023
01 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Clean Air
31 January 2023
General Debate
Led by this MP
Moves a Bill to establish the right to breathe clean air, reduce indoor and outdoor pollution including greenhouse gases, mandate monitoring of air quality, enforce legislation through the Office for ...
Not specified in the provided text - Clause being debated not specified, but related to 'Assimilated law': consequential amendments
18 January 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. The specific content and purpose of the amendment or clause are not detailed in this snippet.
4
PMQs Asked
77
Ministerial Questions Asked
119
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
5
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+464% above average
This MP:
77
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-21% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2358% above average
This MP:
119
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-47% below average
This MP:
5
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Geraint Davies's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.