Henry Smith
MP for Crawley
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Will my right hon. Friend commit to introducing further policies for a SAF mandate to boost demand, along with a revenue support mechanism similar to those in solar and wind sectors? Will work commence by the end of next year on establishing five sustainable aviation fuel plants in the UK?
Context
The question pertains to the government's commitment towards establishing a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandate and initiating consultations on its implementation.
Rishi Sunak
I can assure my hon. Friend that we are committed to having a sustainable aviation fuel mandate in place by 2025 and will consult on options for a revenue support mechanism in spring this year, with the aim of introducing it by 2026.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
May I draw attention to the fact that we have the Chief Minister of His Majesty's Government of Gibraltar in the Gallery? Will he assure me that UK-EU negotiations on the border between Gibraltar and Spain will protect Gibraltarian opinions, security, and economic interests?
Context
The MP highlighted the presence of Gibraltar's Chief Minister in the Gallery.
Oliver Dowden
I am very happy to give my hon. Friend exactly that assurance. This Government will always stand up for the people of Gibraltar and their right to determine their own future.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
What assessment has the Prime Minister made of the eurozone being in recession and the UK experiencing growth?
Context
The eurozone is facing a recession while the UK economy is growing.
Rishi Sunak
The OBR, OECD, Bank of England, and IMF have all upgraded growth forecasts for the UK economy.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Will the Prime Minister commit to appointing a Minister responsible for realising the freedoms and benefits of Brexit?
Context
The Government delivered on the Brexit decision despite a global pandemic, signing over 70 free trade agreements.
Boris Johnson
It is largely thanks to Brexit that we had the fastest vaccine roll-out in Europe, delivered freeports, and 60 or 70 free trade deals. I will not anticipate decisions about Government roles but think it would be a good idea to have a Minister driving the post-Brexit agenda.
Assessment
Commitment to appointing a specific Minister was not explicitly made
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
In light of Crawley's recovery and its platinum jubilee city-status bid, will my right hon. Friend please look favourably on this?
Context
Crawley constituency was severely affected by the pandemic, but recovery is underway with decreasing unemployment. A platinum jubilee city-status bid has been made.
Boris Johnson
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend. I was not aware until today that Crawley was bidding to become a city—
Assessment
The PM did not address the favourability of the bid.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Pay tribute to the Government for the world-leading covid-19 vaccination programme. Can I encourage my right hon. Friend to press ahead with allowing fully vaccinated people greater international travel to save aviation and travel jobs, help regrow economy?
Context
Praised government's world-leading covid-19 vaccination programme. Aviation sector is suffering job losses due to pandemic.
Boris Johnson
Congratulate my hon. Friend on his campaign for aviation sector. Invested £7 billion already in aviation since pandemic start. Vaccine roll-out programme and double-jabs will enable people to fly again, giving industry long-term sustainable recovery prospect.
Assessment
Did not directly address allowing vaccinated individuals greater international travel permissions
Under Review
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
At the beginning of this year, the Prime Minister delivered the historic British people's votes for Brexit. Regardless of the outcome of current talks with EU, does he agree that UK has a world of global opportunities ahead?
Context
UK delivered Brexit as per people's votes. Questioner seeks reassurance on global opportunities after Brexit.
Boris Johnson
We have set up a points-based immigration system and done free trade deals. We will use Brexit's economic advantages to make the UK attractive for investment, enterprise around the world, and resist socialists who would take us back into EU.
Assessment
Did not directly address opportunities post-Brexit but discussed immigration system and trade deals
Broad Statements
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
What discussions have the Secretary of State had with the Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Transport regarding a revenue support mechanism for sustainable aviation, as well as ensuring feedstock for sustainable aviation fuels takes priority?
Context
The government has set a net zero carbon emissions target by 2050. The questioner wants to know about discussions on supporting sustainable aviation.
Claire Coutinho
My Department is in regular contact with the Department for Transport and the Treasury on aviation decarbonisation. DFT published a consultation on options for a revenue certainty mechanism alongside details of the SAF mandate, which will support both decarbonation and the growth of the sector.
Session: Net Zero Target
View All Questions -->
What progress have we made on reaching the Government's 2050 net zero target?
Context
The government has a 2050 net zero target.
Claire Coutinho
We are on track to reach net zero by 2050. We overachieved on our third carbon budget by 15%, and we will not be rolling that over as we think we will be able to overperform on carbon budget 4 as well.
Session: Net Zero Target
View All Questions -->
I pay tribute to the dedication and professionalism of the British armed forces personnel in the Middle East who have kept us safe from terrorism and other hostile threats over many decades. Will my hon. Friend consider relooking at recognising all people who served historically in Aden for a service medal?
Context
The question pertains to the historical service of British armed forces personnel, specifically those who served in Aden. There is a push to recognize these individuals with a service medal.
Leo Docherty
That was a very important campaign, and I am very happy to engage with my hon. Friend. I imagine that he might be asking about a specific constituency case, and I am very happy to sit down together to consider that.
Session: Middle East UK Military Security
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made of the security of UK's military bases and service personnel in the Middle East?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the security and protection of British service personnel stationed in countries like Bahrain and Qatar. There is a need to assess whether current measures are adequate given ongoing threats.
Leo Docherty
The force protection of UK service personnel and our bases across the Middle East is kept under constant review. The morale and conditions of those posted to the Middle East tend to be very high, but for operational security reasons, no comment can be made on the security readiness action plan.
Session: Middle East UK Military Security
View All Questions -->
I am grateful for that answer and, indeed, for all the animal welfare measures that this Government have introduced. Recently, pupils in Larch class at Three Bridges Primary School wrote to me very eloquently about their concern for the welfare and protection of endangered species. Can the Minister say a little more about what her Department is doing in that respect?
Context
Pupils in Larch class at Three Bridges Primary School wrote to the MP expressing concern for the welfare and protection of endangered species.
Rebecca Pow
I thank my hon. Friend for that question, and indeed for his own work on animal welfare in this place, which has been impressive. I also thank the pupils of Larch class at Three Bridges Primary School. He can go back and tell them that this Government are absolutely committed to tackling this and to helping endangered species. We are actually the first Government to legislate to halt species decline in this country—as far as I know, no other country has done that anywhere in the world—and we have funds to save species.
Session: Animal Welfare
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to help improve animal welfare. Since the publication of the action plan, there have been several initiatives but concerns remain about ongoing efforts and progress.
Context
The question arises from the government's action plan for animal welfare published in 2021.
Rebecca Pow
This Government remain absolutely committed to implementing our action plan for animal welfare. Since the action plan was published in 2021, we have made significant progress on a whole raft of animal welfare measures, such as introducing tougher sentences on animal cruelty and new laws on animal sentience, bringing forward legislation to ban live exports and keeping primates as pets, launching the animal health and welfare pathway, ensuring the microchipping of cats, and backing critical legislation to crack down on puppy smuggling, pet abduction and livestock worrying.
Session: Animal Welfare
View All Questions -->
What assessments have the Government made of the United Nations' international regulation plans for AI? Implications for UK sovereignty must be considered.
Context
The UN plans to internationally regulate artificial intelligence, raising questions about UK sovereign security.
Michelle Donelan
The UK is committed to unlocking AI opportunities while mitigating risks, both domestically and internationally. We actively engage in the UN and shape UNESCO recommendations on AI ethics.
Session: AI Regulation
View All Questions -->
What steps her Department is taking to regulate artificial intelligence. The White Paper on AI regulation outlines five cross-sectoral principles but lacks concrete actions and timelines for implementation.
Context
The UK government is under pressure to regulate artificial intelligence as concerns about its impact grow.
Michelle Donelan
In our White Paper on AI regulation we set out an ambitious pro-regulation, pro-innovation framework outlining five cross-sectoral principles. We have established a central risk function and provided new funding and guidance for regulators.
Session: AI Regulation
View All Questions -->
I am grateful to the Minister for his response. Can he update the House on how his Department is prioritising the return of foreign national offenders to their home countries to keep the streets and communities of the United Kingdom safe?
Context
The question addresses the priority given to returning foreign national offenders and ensuring community safety.
Michael Tomlinson
May I first pay tribute to my hon. Friend and the work that goes on in his constituency? As he knows, I visited Gatwick recently and saw for myself the good work of the Border Force team there. He will be pleased to know that removals of foreign national offenders were up last year by 27%. We are committed to the removal of foreign criminals and those with no right to be in the United Kingdom.
Session: Returning Illegal Migrants to their Home Country
View All Questions -->
What recent progress his Department has made on returning illegal migrants to their home country?
Context
The question pertains to the government's progress in returning illegal migrants.
Michael Tomlinson
In 2023, we delivered a strong removal performance, with overall returns back to pre-covid levels. In total, 26,000 were returned, an increase of 74%, at an average of 500 removed every week last year.
Session: Returning Illegal Migrants to their Home Country
View All Questions -->
Stability in the Indo-Pacific has been largely aided by the military base presence on Diego Garcia. What assessment has the Defence Secretary made of the military base and the island of Diego Garcia remaining under full British sovereignty, so that we can help to counter the many threats of the modern world, whether that be China, Iran or others?
Context
The MP questioned the assessment of the military base and the island of Diego Garcia remaining under full British sovereignty for countering threats.
Grant Shapps
As I think my hon. Friend knows, I share the goal of ensuring that the base on Diego Garcia remains permanently available for our use, and for the United States. It is strategically positioned, it is absolutely vital and there is read-across to our military facilities elsewhere.
Session: Indo-Pacific
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to help ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Context
The MP asked about steps being taken by his Department to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Grant Shapps
The UK is committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and we are putting our regional approach on a long-term strategic footing. I returned this weekend from Australia, where we have been talking to our colleagues there, working hard on the Indo-Pacific programme.
Session: Indo-Pacific
View All Questions -->
I extend my gratitude to the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work for recently holding a menopause roundtable that was particularly focused on employment in tourism and hospitality, and to Gatwick airport for hosting it. What steps will the menopause employment champion take next?
Context
The MP is inquiring about the steps taken by the menopause employment champion following regional roundtables.
Mims Davies
I am delighted about the regional roundtables, including in the leisure and hospitality sector, oil and gas, and education, among others. They are informing the sector work of the menopause employment champion, and her one-year report is now available, showcasing a variety of stakeholders' perspectives, and outcomes for women who need support.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What percentage of the backlog in Crown court cases is due to foreign national offenders? What has been done to reduce that?
Context
Data on FNOs is collected at the point of conviction.
Alex Chalk
Data on FNOs is collected at point of conviction. The Home Office works to increase take-up of conditional cautions, leading to expulsion from the UK in appropriate cases.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What precedent do the current negotiations have in relation to sovereignty of other uninhabited overseas territories?
Context
Negotiations with Port Louis are ongoing.
David Rutley
As raised earlier in substantive questions, we continue to have our negotiations on the British Indian Ocean Territories, which we are taking forward in good faith.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What assessment has the Defence Secretary made of the strategic importance to UK national security, and indeed that of the United States, of retaining British sovereignty over Diego Garcia?
Context
The UK holds sovereignty over Diego Garcia, a strategic military base in the Indian Ocean.
Grant Shapps
It is essential that we maintain our position, to be able to assist ourselves and the United States, in Diego Garcia.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What diplomatic efforts are His Majesty's Government taking to protect and, indeed, enhance the Abraham accords in the light of the fact that the Iranian regime is clearly seeking to engender discord and, indeed, conflict in the middle east?
Context
The Iranian regime is seen as a threat to the stability of the Middle East and the protection of regional peace agreements like the Abraham accords.
James Cleverly
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that the Abraham accords have been a force for good. We need to protect them and ideally enhance them. Anything that sees greater co-operation between Israel and the Arab world has to be a step in the right direction when it comes to the creation of a sustainable two-state solution. I can assure him that we remain focused on that outcome.
Session: Iran Support for Hamas
View All Questions -->
Whether he has received reports on the potential involvement of Iran in providing support for Hamas for terror attacks on Israel.
Context
The question arises from reports suggesting Iran's support for Hamas, which has been linked to the terror attacks on Israel. The concern is over the extent of Iran's role and its impact on regional security.
James Cleverly
Hamas is responsible for these appalling terrorist attacks. We know that Iran has been a long-term funder and supporter of Hamas, Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Iran's support for these militant groups has a destabilising impact on regional and international security, and we remain ever watchful of its actions.
Session: Iran Support for Hamas
View All Questions -->
My I help out the Secretary of State? He is aware of the Grove Lane site on the Sandwell-Birmingham border, an ideal brownfield site for housing. Will his Department get on with it?
Context
Interest from the West Midlands Combined Authority and its Mayor in a brownfield site.
Michael Gove
I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman, who refers to the Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, the only metro Mayor to significantly exceed housing targets in the delivery of new homes. He is that rare thing: a Labour MP who welcomes house building in his own constituency. Of course I will support him.
Session: Brownfield Land Development
View All Questions -->
What his policy is on the use of brownfield land for new developments. I am concerned about homes England's proposals to build up to 10,000 houses on greenfield sites in my constituency and the directive given by the Department on its brownfield-first building policy.
Context
Policy context around the use of brownfield sites for housing developments.
Michael Gove
The Government strongly encourage the reuse of suitable brownfield land. Our national planning policy framework makes it clear that local authorities should give substantial weight to the value of using suitable brownfield land within settlements for homes and other identified needs. The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will further empower local leaders to regenerate urban centres by strengthening and adding to existing measures.
Session: Brownfield Land Development
View All Questions -->
On Sunday, in Auckland, New Zealand, the UK signed the CPTPP—the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership—which represents more than 500 million people and a GDP of more than £12 trillion, which is larger than the European Union. As well as the economic benefits to this country, what diplomatic benefits will the agreement bring?
Context
The UK signed the CPTPP in Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday. The agreement covers more than 500 million people and a GDP of over £12 trillion.
Andrew Mitchell
I congratulate my hon. Friend on getting the letters of the agreement in the right order. He will know that the agreement spans 12 economies across Asia, the Pacific and now Europe. By 2040, we hope that it will add £2 billion to our GDP.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I thank my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education for visiting the Busy Bees nursery in my constituency of Crawley earlier this month, and for the £204 million of investment that the Government are putting into childcare providers. Does that not demonstrate that the Conservative Government are now delivering for working parents?
Context
The Government have invested £204 million in childcare providers.
Gillian Keegan
I know that my hon. Friend has done a lot of work in this sector. It was wonderful to visit Busy Bees and the fantastic team who work there. As well as the £204 million increase for providers, we have announced a £289 million investment to develop our universal wraparound childcare offer. We are the party of working parents. Labour has flip-flopped repeatedly on childcare, announcing vague policies in the autumn, which it quickly backtracked on. Its new plan, which I hear is to be means-tested, would snatch away childcare from thousands of hard-working parents. We are rolling out the largest investment in childcare in our history; Labour cannot even keep to its word.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What measures is my right hon. Friend taking to protect children and young people from vile internet trolls who seek to encourage them to self-harm?
Context
The MP raises concern about internet trolls who encourage self-harm among children and young people.
Edward Argar
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight this issue. We yesterday tabled an amendment to the Online Safety Bill that would create a new offence of encouraging or assisting serious self-harm, whether by verbal or electronic communications, publication or correspondence. That fills a gap in the law and, together with the broader regulatory measures in the Bill, it will help to protect people from such content. It remains our intention, however, when parliamentary time allows, to expand the offence to cover encouragement or assistance given by means other than such communications, which are currently out of scope of the Bill.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What assessment and representations have the Government made on the decision by the Arab League to readmit the Assad regime of Syria back into the organisation?
Context
The Arab League has readmitted Syria back into the organization.
James Cleverly (Foreign Secretary)
I had conversations with my interlocutors, the members of the Arab League, prior to that decision. I expressed the UK's concerns about the speed with which that happened. We continue to liaise closely with them on the issue.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
There is absolutely a moral duty for us to allow resettlement of the Chagos island people on the British Indian Ocean Territory, but in those negotiations what discussions have been had with Mauritius with regard to who will be able to resettle the Chagos archipelago? Will it be only Chagossian communities, Mauritian citizens, or even Chinese nationals?
Context
Negotiations are ongoing between the UK and Mauritius regarding the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory.
James Cleverly
While the negotiations are between the UK and Mauritius, we are very conscious of the Chagossian communities and will keep them in the forefront of our minds throughout this negotiating process. Our primary objective is to ensure the continued effective operation of our defence facility on Diego Garcia.
Session: Chagos Islands Resettlement and Sovereignty
View All Questions -->
In reforming planning policy to deliver more homes, can I have an assurance that the brownfield-first policy will be paramount to protect the green belt and green fields from development?
Context
Concerns about protecting the green belt through brownfield-first policy.
Michael Gove
Yes, absolutely. As the hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) has pointed out, that is absolutely at the heart of the strategic plan for Homes England.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What assessment has my right hon. Friend made of the benefits of AUKUS and the design being made in this country to the supply chain across the United Kingdom?
Context
The AUKUS partnership involves the design of submarines based on the SSN-AUKUS model.
Ben Wallace
Building complicated machines such as submarines has the benefit of a long and broad supply chain. The AUKUS model will be truly collaborative: while based on a UK submersible ship nuclear replacement, I expect it over time to be built by Australian hands and with United States skills and supply chains, which will provide opportunities to both countries, alongside ourselves. That is good news for British industry, for skills in places such as Barrow-in-Furness, and for our alliances with Australia and the United States.
Session: AUKUS Submarine Project
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has the Department made of the adequacy of progress on the AUKUS submarine project?
Context
The AUKUS partnership involving nuclear-powered submarines is a multi-decade undertaking.
Ben Wallace
I recently accompanied Prime Minister Albanese to Barrow-in-Furness, where the next generation of AUKUS nuclear submarines will be built for the Royal Navy—a testament to our joint commitment. This multi-decade undertaking will create thousands of jobs in the UK, delivering on the Prime Minister's priority to grow the economy, and demonstrating the experience and skill that is embodied in British industry.
Session: AUKUS Submarine Project
View All Questions -->
Will he do everything possible to protect the marine protected area that we have set up? It includes 220 coral species, 855 fish and 355 mollusc species vital to protecting food chains in eastern Africa.
Context
The marine protected area around the islands hosts diverse marine life essential for food sources for eastern Africa.
James Cleverly
We pay close attention to marine environments around British Indian Ocean Territory. We raise regularly the protection of maritime and marine environments in discussions with small island nations and other influential countries.
Session: Chagos Islands Sovereignty
View All Questions -->
Given that no health impact assessment has been carried out, will the Secretary of State commit to assessing the deal's threat to public health?
Context
The BMJ warns against the TPP trade deal's impact on public health.
Neil O'Brien
The UK has strong standards for control and has no plans to get rid of these things.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
This month has seen the uplifting of pensions and benefits by 10.1%, but what more is the Department doing to ensure that people in my constituency and around the country get the maximum that they are entitled to and, therefore, take up pension credit?
Context
There has been an increase in pensions and benefits uplifts, but there is a need to ensure people are aware of pension credits.
Laura Trott
I thank my hon Friend for all that he is doing to encourage pension credit take-up in Crawley. The Government have undertaken a sustained communications campaign to raise awareness of pension credit and promote its take-up. The latest stats release at the start of the year shows a substantial rise in the number of claims.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made about the financial benefit a typical family will gain from the fuel duty measures announced in last week's Budget? The questioner seeks an evaluation of these measures' impact on average families' finances.
Context
The question stems from the need to understand how recent fiscal changes, specifically fuel duty cuts, have impacted household savings.
Jeremy Hunt
We think the average driver has saved about £200 in total since the 5p cut was introduced. Additional measures include draught relief for beer drinkers and 30 hours of free childcare to help with costs.
Session: People on Lower Incomes
View All Questions -->
What fiscal steps he is taking to provide financial support to people on lower incomes. He wants to know specific actions beyond the energy price guarantee, including additional cost of living payments and benefit adjustments.
Context
The question arises from the need for fiscal measures to assist those on lower incomes during financial hardships.
Jeremy Hunt
In addition to extending the energy price guarantee, we are introducing cost of living payments for vulnerable households next year. Benefits will be uprated and the national living wage increased to £10.42 an hour.
Session: People on Lower Incomes
View All Questions -->
Earlier in this session, we heard about the importance of respecting self-determination when it comes to the future of the Falkland Islands. Can my right hon. Friend update the House with regard to consultations with the Chagossian people on the future of the British Indian Ocean Territory?
Context
The Falkland Islands' self-determination is being discussed, and there's a need to consult the Chagossian people regarding the British Indian Ocean Territory.
James Cleverly
My right hon. Friend Lord Goldsmith had a meeting with representatives of the Chagossian community. We will ensure that, as far as we can, we keep those lines of communication open.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I welcome Crawley schools' funding being increased to a record £100 million for the coming financial year. Can my right hon. Friend say a little bit more about specific support for dyslexic pupils? I declare an interest as a vice-president of the British Dyslexia Association.
Context
Dyslexic pupils in Crawley schools need specific support and training for teachers.
Claire Coutinho
My hon. Friend is passionate about securing an excellent education for all his residents. The funding will help many children in mainstream education, but with dyslexia early identification and teacher training is key. I will be setting out more details in the response to the special educational needs and disabilities and alternative provision Green Paper.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What consultations are being held with members of the Chagossian community in my constituency and around the UK ahead of any proposed changes to the British Indian Ocean Territory?
Context
There is a need to engage with the affected communities before any changes are made.
James Cleverly
I recognise my hon. Friend's championing of the Chagossian community in his constituency. He will recognise that there is a diversity of views in the various Chagossian communities in Mauritius, the UK and the Seychelles. We will of course take those views seriously, but the negotiations are between the UK and Mauritius. We will ensure that we continue to engage with those communities through this negotiating process.
Session: British Indian Ocean Territory
View All Questions -->
What recent progress has been made on negotiations on the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory?
Context
The question follows recent discussions and a need for clarity on progress.
James Cleverly
I can confirm that negotiations have begun. Officials from the UK and Mauritius met at the end of last month and had constructive discussions. The UK and Mauritius have reiterated that any agreement will ensure the continued effective operation of the joint UK-US defence facility on Diego Garcia, and we will be meeting again to continue negotiations shortly.
Session: British Indian Ocean Territory
View All Questions -->
Agreement reached with France to stop illegal migrants crossing. What more can be done to address this issue, considering countries like Germany and Sweden do not recognise refugee applications from Albania?
Context
France and the UK have an agreement to stop illegal migrants crossing in small boats.
Suella Braverman
We need a multi-pronged approach. Some regimes governing asylum may change, and we are taking measures that will be announced in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
May I seek assurances that this collaborative work between MOJ and DWP will continue?
Context
The MP welcomed the DWP having a dedicated team in his constituency for ex-offender employment.
Rob Butler
Absolutely, it is a priority for the Government to increase employment rates of prison leavers. We work closely with DWP via its network of prison work coaches and are committed to improving access to universal credit.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
As this may be the Home Secretary's last question time, I recognise the unseen work that she and all her predecessors have done on national security and on warrants, which often goes unrecognised. Stabbings are now 60% higher than in 2015, yet the number of violent criminals caught is at a record low. The incoming Prime Minister has said there is a serious problem with gun crime, gangs, and knife crime. Why have successive Conservative Home Secretaries allowed it to get this bad?
Context
There is a recognition of the unseen work done by Home Secretaries on national security but concerns over escalating knife crime. Stabbings have risen 60% since 2015, with detection rates falling.
Priti Patel (Home Secretary)
The right hon. Lady knows perfectly well the Government's record over many years in boosting police funding—including the work under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022—which has all the right deterrents in place to go after criminals and ensure that they are given the right kinds of sentences, supports serious violence reduction units, and extends the capabilities of stop and search. Those are the very tools and tactics that the police have, and it is this Government who have supported them every single step of the way—not just by backing, equipping and empowering them to go after criminals, but by working with the criminal justice system to ensure that the right sentences are given out.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Covid-19: Support for Aviation, Tourism and Travel Industries — [Dr Rupa Huq in the Chair]
24 June 2021
Responding: Robert Courts
Main Concerns
['Mr. Henry Smith expressed significant concerns about the impact of the pandemic on aviation, tourism, and travel industries. He highlighted that more than 1.5 million people were employed in these sectors before the pandemic, but approximately half remain furloughed with jobs at risk as furlough ends in September. The unemployment rate in top 20 aviation communities increased by 147% compared to a national increase of 115%. He noted that outbound travel contributes £37 billion and inbound travel adds £28 billion to the UK economy, with an estimated £19 billion contribution if operations could resume meaningfully over summer.']
Specific Asks
['Mr. Smith urged for a more pragmatic regime regarding amber and green list countries under the traffic light system. He supported measures like testing rather than quarantine for vaccinated travelers from amber countries but advocated for further expansion of the green list, suggesting that rapid antigen testing could be an appropriate measure alongside PCR tests if needed.']
Israel and Gaza
20 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Passport e-Gates Network Outage
08 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK Trade: Aviation
01 May 2024
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Mr Speaker granted Henry Smith an opportunity to discuss the strategic importance of aviation in the context of UK trade and economic growth. He highlighted research showing that the UK is disproporti...
Hunting Trophies (Prohibition) Bill - Second Reading of the Bill
22 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The lead MP, John Spellar, is advocating for the Second Reading of the Hunting Trophies (Prohibition) Bill. He emphasises the need to prohibit importing hunting trophies from endangered animals, highl...
Israel and Gaza
19 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ukraine
22 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Death of Alexei Navalny
19 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defending the UK and Allies
15 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Economic Growth
14 November 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
14 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
7
PMQs Asked
98
Ministerial Questions Asked
93
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
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
+91% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+632% above average
This MP:
98
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1808% above average
This MP:
93
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 Henry Smith's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.