Greg Clark
MP for Tunbridge Wells
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Some 800,000 people work indirectly or directly in our car industry, which accounts for 10% of our country's exports. I strongly welcome the £4 billion investment by Tata Motors in a battery factory, and the jobs associated with it. Will my right hon. Friend build on that success and pursue a clear plan to get more gigafactories, including in the west midlands, so that we can capitalise on our lead in battery innovation and technology?
Context
Tata Motors is making the largest-ever car industry investment in the UK, valued at £4 billion.
Rishi Sunak
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the importance of today's announcement. It is one of the largest-ever investments in the UK auto industry in this country's history, with billions of pounds and thousands of jobs.
Assessment
Did not address attracting additional gigafactory investments beyond Tata Motors
Session: PMQs
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Yesterday President Zelensky referenced Churchill here. Meeting the courage of Ukrainians reminds us that our freedom today comes from a generation who defended against annihilation. My friend Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell flew 50 missions over Nazi Germany during WWII and is with us today for his 101st birthday. Will the PM join me in wishing him a happy birthday?
Context
Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell DFC celebrated his 101st birthday, flying in WWII.
Boris Johnson
The whole House will want to join me in thanking Colin Bell and wishing him a very happy 101st birthday.
Session: PMQs
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Has our AI Safety Institute had access to upcoming AI models? Developers have made changes as requested. What specific actions have been taken?
Context
Leading AI developers are expected to release new models, and the AI Safety Institute has access for pre-deployment testing.
Michelle Donelan
Our institute is the first in the world to test pre and post-deployment, including access agreed at Bletchley Park. Specific model details are commercially sensitive.
Session: AI Regulation
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When will the Act be commenced and when will guidance to police forces on it be issued?
Context
The MP's private Member's Bill, making public sexual harassment a criminal offence, received Royal Assent last September.
Laura Farris
The Bill is being supported by the government. While exact commencement date cannot be given, meetings with officials have been held.
Session: Topical Questions
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On 1 January, the UK became an associate member of the Horizon Europe programme and Copernicus. Given our delayed start, could the Secretary of State say what steps she is taking to encourage participation by UK universities and businesses?
Context
The MP is concerned about the UK's late entry into the Horizon Europe programme and Copernicus and seeks to understand how the government is addressing this issue.
Michelle Donelan
My right hon. Friend makes a valid point. We launched a comprehensive international marketing campaign, introduced a pump-priming scheme with the British Academy and started roadshows.
Session: Innovation Co-operation Between Universities and Businesses
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What assessment has the Secretary of State made of that? How does her intended approach in the UK differ?
Context
Just before Christmas, the EU institutions declared that they had agreed to a new EU AI Act.
Michelle Donelan
I welcome my right hon. Friend's work in this space. The EU has taken a slightly different tack from us. We want to foster innovation in AI, seize the opportunities for our public services and ensure that the jobs are located here in the UK. That is why we have our domestic track—we will produce a White Paper shortly—and also why we introduced an international track and convened the entire world for the first ever global AI safety summit. We are certainly leading in this area.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Skills Training
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What is the direction of his thinking on whether open source should be encouraged or restricted?
Context
The Deputy Prime Minister's role in the artificial intelligence summit.
Oliver Dowden
My disposition and that of the Government is that open source AI is an important basis for building world-leading applications. We see companies growing fast by developing innovative AI off the back of open source, but there are risks associated with it.
Session: Topical Questions
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It is clear from the Chancellor's autumn statement that we will need to make savings in public sector budgets for some years to come to overcome the impact of inflation. Can the Minister say how artificial intelligence will play a role in this and what efforts he is making to procure necessary systems?
Context
The question focuses on how artificial intelligence can play a role in making savings in public sector budgets to address the impact of inflation, as announced by the Chancellor.
Alex Burghart
Artificial intelligence can speed up Government processes, improve productivity and deliver value for money. Procurement frameworks help Departments identify good AI systems to secure. The Deputy Prime Minister announced hiring more people with high levels of innovative skill to build AI systems in government.
Session: Public Procurement Value for Money
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Will the Minister meet me, my hon. Friend and other colleagues to discuss how we can rectify that in the Criminal Justice Bill?
Context
The question addresses the inadequacy of current legislation in dealing with non-penetrative sexual assault on dead bodies.
Laura Farris
The Ministry of Justice is reviewing both the maximum penalty and the scope of section 70 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The Minister will meet with Greg Clark, Tracey Crouch and other colleagues in due course.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Legislation
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Is my hon. Friend confident that the Electoral Commission has all powers needed to prevent election interference?
Context
GCHQ warns about deepfake AI disruption of the next election.
Saqib Bhatti
The Government takes this issue seriously, and through efforts like the defending democracy taskforce, aims to protect elections. The Minister offers to discuss further with the right hon. Friend.
Session: AI-generated Content Social Media
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Will the Government confirm that they will bring forward legislation in the next Session regarding strengthening and clarifying regulators' mandates?
Context
The question is about confirming legislative plans given the rapid pace of AI deployment.
Chloe Smith
We said we anticipate introducing a statutory duty on regulators requiring them to have due regard to the principles. We will be returning to the House with an update on the conclusion of the White Paper consultation.
Session: Artificial Intelligence
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Will the Secretary of State comment on the situation regarding pharmacy pressures and what steps might be taken to alleviate them?
Context
Several important pharmacies in Greg Clark's constituency are experiencing high pressure, with long queues of customers waiting for services.
Steve Barclay
There are measures in the primary care recovery plan, including better use of skills mix within pharmacies, deregulating some tasks, and funding additional services through Pharmacy First.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Secretary of State meet me to see how we can unblock that so that this vital work continues?
Context
The Member is inquiring about funding promised to the university's pandemic sciences institute, which has not yet been received.
Chloe Smith
Yes, I would be happy to meet the Chair of the Select Committee.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assurance can the Government give to our music makers, writers and others that AI will be properly regulated to make sure their creative content is protected, and so we can maintain our global leadership?
Context
Concern about the need to protect creative content in the face of advancing artificial intelligence technology.
Chloe Smith
The UK has world-leading copyright and intellectual property protections, and they will therefore be a focus as we take this work forward. I look forward to conversations with the industry on this very subject.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Technologies Regulation
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Like the hon. Member for Wigan (Lisa Nandy), I wish my right hon. Friend longevity in his vital position. When will he announce the devolution deals with Suffolk and north-east England that were negotiated this summer?
Context
Negotiations for devolution deals with Suffolk and north-east England have been ongoing.
Simon Clarke
I am very fortunate to have had two such able predecessors in my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove) and my right hon. Friend the Member for Tunbridge Wells (Greg Clark), to whose work at the Department I pay tribute. As he knows, we are bringing forward devolution deals at pace—I believe in them passionately—and I hope that there will be good news to announce on both those deals very shortly.
Session: Topical Questions
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The MP recognises the extraordinary work done to process Ukrainian visas and praises staff in Portcullis House. However, his office is dealing with many applications from Afghanistan and India where updates and information are lacking compared to Ukrainian visa holders. He asks if the positive lessons learned can be applied to ensure other applicants receive similar support.
Context
The MP acknowledges the efforts made for Ukrainian visa applicants but highlights that other countries' applicants are not receiving similar support and information.
Kevin Foster
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question, appreciating his praise. We are looking at learnings from the Portcullis House hub style which has been positive. Feedback suggests its ability to chase up casework is valued. As we modernise our immigration system, we consider how to provide automated updates on routes like skilled worker and AUK2 applications without applicants having to request them.
Session: Visa Processing Times
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What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of processing times for visas applied for by people from countries other than Ukraine? The MP notes that while efforts have been made to process tens of thousands of Ukrainian visa applications, other applicants are experiencing longer wait times and resource impacts. He seeks an understanding of these delays and any measures being taken.
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of prioritising Ukrainian visa applications on other countries' processing times, noting an increase in delays.
Kevin Foster
UK Visas and Immigration is prioritising applications due to the humanitarian crisis caused by Ukraine's invasion, leading to longer processing times for other visas. Resources are being redirected to affected visa routes with a focus on visit, work, and study cases. The department will also prioritise compelling or compassionate situations.
Session: Visa Processing Times
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The Minister has met with me to discuss Urbaser's poor performance. Will he update my constituents on what action he has taken since our meeting so that we can see a rapid improvement to their service?
Context
Urbaser, a company contracted for waste management, is under scrutiny due to poor service delivery in the constituencies of Greg Clark. A previous meeting was held between the Minister and Greg Clark.
Luke Hall
Following our meeting, I have written to Urbaser to ask how it intends to address the concerns that he has relayed. I urge it to use every tool at its disposal to meet its contractual commitments and look forward to working with him to monitor this situation.
Session: HGV Driver Shortages Waste Collections
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What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the effect on local authority waste collections of HGV driver shortages?
Context
There is a shortage of HGV drivers, which has impacted the staffing levels for waste-collection vehicles. Local authorities are facing challenges due to this issue.
Luke Hall
We are working across Government and with the waste sector to better understand the issues facing waste-collection vehicle staffing levels. We have already taken action on HGV driver shortages, including by ramping up vocational test capacity and funding apprenticeships.
Session: HGV Driver Shortages Waste Collections
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Will my hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to our bin men and women, who worked magnificently throughout the covid crisis? There are growing concerns in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and Malling about the performance of Urbaser, including missed collections and uncollected litter. What can be done to put pressure on Urbaser to meet its agreed standards?
Context
Concerns about the waste contract management by Urbaser in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and Malling, with missed collections and roadside litter.
Luke Hall
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question and the opportunity to pay tribute to our waste collectors who worked magnificently throughout the pandemic, keeping communities clean and safe. It is up to councils to decide how best to manage their commitments and contractors' performance; however, my right hon. Friend's voice carries significant weight. I am sure his point has been heard clearly. I hope for a swift resolution.
Session: Waste Collection Authorities
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What recent discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the performance of waste collection authorities? Councils are set to recycle 65% of municipal waste by 2035. Are there any specific challenges or issues that have been highlighted?
Context
Discussions about the performance of waste collection authorities, focusing on recycling targets and management issues.
Luke Hall
We have set a national ambition to recycle 65% of municipal waste by 2035. Councils will play a crucial role in meeting that target, and my Department will continue to work with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and local authorities across the country to improve recycling rates, reduce emissions and reduce the amount of waste ultimately sent to landfill.
Session: Waste Collection Authorities
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
South East Water
17 January 2023
Responding: Rebecca Pow
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the failure of South East Water to supply running water for thousands of people in his constituency, including Tunbridge Wells and surrounding villages, for eight days during Christmas week. He mentions specific incidents such as a constituent with a son diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes who had to endure difficulties due to lack of clean water, another facing challenges with a newborn baby requiring formula that cannot be made with bottled water, and the closure of a dialysis unit due to insufficient water supply.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks for financial compensation for affected constituents beyond the statutory minimum and reflects the cumulative impact of multiple days without water. He also requests an urgent plan from South East Water to guarantee the security of water supplies against potential disruptions like power cuts, floods, or freezing weather.']
Biometrics Commissioner and Forensic Science Regulator
20 January 2022
Main Concerns
['The global value of biometric technology is expected to reach £21 billion this year, a 130% increase since 2016. Biometric data are held by the police on four separate databases in the UK, and forensic science laboratories have capacity issues that impact case outcomes. The former Forensic Science Regulator highlighted shortages of toxicologists and issues with digital forensics capacity. The report also noted a lack of scientifically rigorous testing for new biometric technologies and concerns about facial recognition technology bias.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should update on the number of police forces that have joined the Forensic Capability Network, plans to measure success in driving accreditation compliance, progress towards a single system of laboratory accreditation, and case for establishing a decision-making body specifically for forensic science. The Minister should also provide an update on facial recognition guidance publication date and progress on implementing the automatic custody image deletion system by 2024.']
Local Government Finance
11 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to approve the Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27, laying before the House on 9 February.
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2025-11-24
24 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The clause would introduce the new Schedule in NS1, which transfers to mayors of mayoral strategic authorities the power to approve a local highway authority to charge undertakers who are executing wo...
Valedictory Debate
24 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
In her concluding remarks, Harriet Harman reflected on her 42-year tenure in the House of Commons, thanking her constituents for their support and expressing pride in being a Labour MP. She emphasised...
Crime (Overseas Production Orders etc) Bill - Clause 30 - Child sex offences: grooming aggravating factor
15 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I move that the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to ensure that child sex offenders who engage in online grooming receive additional punishment, reflecting the severe nature of this a...
Cyber-security and UK Democracy
25 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Food Security
21 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Tributes to Sir Tony Lloyd
23 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Honoured the memory of Sir Tony Lloyd, a long-serving MP who was dedicated to public service and international affairs. Mentioned his contributions as shadow Foreign Affairs Minister, Member for Stret...
Civil Nuclear Road Map
11 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Global Combat Air Programme Treaty
18 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Artificial Intelligence Safety Summit
09 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
2
PMQs Asked
19
Ministerial Questions Asked
113
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
4
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
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+42% above average
This MP:
19
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2225% above average
This MP:
113
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-58% below average
This MP:
4
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 Greg Clark's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.