Huw Merriman
MP for Bexhill and Battle
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
This is day six for thousands of households across East Sussex who have no power and no water. As we become more and more reliant on electricity, we must become more resilient. Can I ask the Prime Minister to ensure that the utility companies work together, that water companies have to have generators in place so that the water does not fail when the power does, and that local resilience forums are fit for purpose and communicate with their local communities?
Context
Thousands of households in East Sussex have been without power for days. The situation has highlighted the need for utility companies to better prepare for such disruptions.
Boris Johnson
97% of those who lost power have now been reconnected. We are working with local authorities and electricity companies to reconnect households quickly and ensuring future resilience.
Assessment
Did not explicitly address the specific ask about utility company coordination, water generators, or communication between forums
Session: PMQs
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When will a decision be made on enabling shorter quarantine periods for covid-negative air passengers, and will he look favourably on this proposal?
Context
The Prime Minister will soon receive recommendations to cut quarantine periods for air passengers tested negative.
Boris Johnson
The aviation industry is having a terrible time. The UK has new testing possibilities with PCR tests at 500,000 daily. We will bring forward further measures and proposals as soon they are finalised.
Assessment
No specific timeline for decision-making was provided.
Mentioning Future Possibilities
Session: PMQs
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I welcome the entire ministerial team to their positions. I understand that they will want time to consider matters, but do the two key commitments in page 53 of the decarbonising transport plan stand: £2 billion for active travel and a target of 50% of all urban journeys being conducted by active travel?
Context
Page 53 of the decarbonising transport plan promised £2 billion for active travel.
Lucy Frazer
I have read the decarbonising transport plan and I am aware of the importance of active travel. The Government are committed to active travel, having already committed £4 billion through a variety of measures.
Session: Topical Questions
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Despite the lead taken by the Government and the votes of this House, abortion services are still not being commissioned in Northern Ireland. I ask the Secretary of State to give a timeframe for when that will finally occur.
Context
The MP raises concerns about women's rights issues not being adequately addressed despite governmental support and legislative actions.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I will happily write to my hon. Friend with more details about that, but the regulations laid in May take a dual approach. On 20 May, the previous Northern Ireland Secretary wrote to the Health Minister in Northern Ireland requesting that he provide a clear and unambiguous commitment that he will comply with the regulations.
Session: Women’s Rights
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What steps his Department is taking to help protect women's rights in Northern Ireland. Despite the lead taken by the Government and the votes of this House, abortion services are still not being commissioned in Northern Ireland. I ask the Secretary of State to give a timeframe for when that will finally occur.
Context
The MP raises concerns about women's rights issues not being adequately addressed despite governmental support and legislative actions.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. This Government support any work undertaken in Northern Ireland to tackle issues that disproportionately affect women. In May, my predecessor made regulations that remove the barriers to ensure that women and girls in Northern Ireland have the same access to healthcare as those in the rest of the UK. I will happily write to my hon. Friend with more details about that, but the regulations laid in May take a dual approach. On 20 May, the previous Northern Ireland Secretary wrote to the Health Minister in Northern Ireland requesting that he provide a clear and unambiguous commitment that he will comply with the regulations.
Session: Women’s Rights
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The hon. Member mentioned that he heard great ideas from headteachers and governors regarding the proposed parents' pledge, which outlines not only what parents can expect from teachers but also what teachers can expect from parents. He asked whether this idea could help improve teacher performance by clearly defining mutual responsibilities.
Context
A roundtable at Heathfield Community College included discussions about the need for a parents' pledge to outline expectations from both teachers and parents.
Robin Walker
We want to ensure that every child across the country has a complete and well rounded education, receiving targeted support where needed. We have made the pledge to parents to make that happen. If a child falls behind in English or maths, they will receive targeted support to get back on track and parents will be kept up to date with their progress. We expect parents to engage constructively with schools and to give support in terms of both attendance and behaviour, which will maximise their children's opportunities.
Session: Topical Questions
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Having overseen the net loss of a staggering 135,000 genuinely affordable social homes over the past 12 years, the Conservative party now seems to have conceded that the country does not have enough and the Government need to do something about it. When it comes to reversing 12 years of failure on social housing, it is deeds, not words, that matter to the 1.2 million people now languishing on waiting lists across England. Can the Minister tell the House precisely how many extra homes for social rent the Government now plan to deliver by the end of this Parliament?
Context
The MP is concerned about the net loss of affordable social homes over the past decade under both Labour and Conservative governments.
Eddie Hughes
It is slightly disappointing when the hon. Gentleman turns up with a written question that I have already answered in the response to the previous question. However, it is equally important to note that during the 11 years where we had a Labour Government, they built fewer affordable homes than the Conservative Government have built subsequently, so I do not think we are in a position to take lessons from the Opposition.
Session: Housebuilding Social Homes
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P&O broke the law by refusing usual consultations; Parliament must fix this. Will the Government seek injunctions to protect consultation rights?
Context
Concern that P&O Ferries' actions have broken the law and need enforcement, specifically regarding consultation rights.
Robert Courts
The Minister acknowledges the need for action and mentions a package of nine measures targeting P&O's behaviour. Ongoing conversations will occur, particularly with BEIS regarding relevant legislation.
Session: P&O Ferries Staff Rosters
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The 2020 White Paper promised once-in-a-generation reform to planning policy. The present proposals appear unambitious in contrast. Can I meet the Minister so he can explain how we can deal with the situation where 10,000 planning permissions have not been built out but 2,000 new homes must be delivered each year?
Context
Wealden and Rother District Councils have issued 10,000 planning permissions but only built out 1,000 homes annually.
Stuart Andrew
I am happy to meet the hon. Friend. The Bill addresses build-out rates with measures requiring developers to supply local authorities with commencement notices, annual house construction agreements, and completion notices. This will help ensure that homes with permission are built.
Session: Planning Policy Reform
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Given the shift from rail profits to government subsidies, what are the plans for workplace reforms to ensure long-term financial sustainability?
Context
The question addresses the financial transition from a competitive franchise system to Government funding of £15 billion annually.
Wendy Morton
The Williams-Shapps plan for rail sets out sector-wide reform. The railway must be financially and operationally sustainable for the future so that it delivers the service passengers want.
Session: Rail Industry Competition
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Would the Minister meet me to discuss why Southern rail is not promoting tourism offers such as those, which would not only provide a great boost to its own passenger numbers—needed after covid-19—but boost tourism in Sussex and elsewhere in the country?
Context
The MP visited Rathfinny vineyard and met the Minister at De La Warr pavilion, both part of the Sussex Modern trail. He wants to know why Southern rail is not promoting tourism offers like these, which could boost its passenger numbers and local tourism.
Nigel Huddleston
Indeed, I was delighted to visit my hon. Friend's constituency last year. He has many gems—cultural, historic, heritage—as well as tourist attractions, so I can see why so many people would want to visit his part of the world. I would be delighted to meet him to discuss his proposals, some of which would involve engagement across Departments, and I would be happy to facilitate those conversations as well.
Session: Tourism Industry
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What steps her Department is taking to support the UK tourism industry as covid-19 restrictions are lifted?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of covid-19 on the UK tourism industry and seeks to understand what steps are being taken by the Department to support its recovery.
Nigel Huddleston
The tourism industry has been severely affected by covid-19, which is why we have provided more than £37 billion in financial support to the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors over the pandemic. The Government's tourism recovery plan sets out our ambition to get visitor numbers back to pre-pandemic levels a year faster than independent forecasts predict. To help us to achieve that ambition, VisitBritain's international marketing campaign launches this month to target pent-up demand in key markets.
Session: Tourism Industry
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I thank the Minister for that response and the work she is doing. The Office for National Statistics highlighted back in November last year that, tragically, only 25% of autistic adults are in any form of meaningful employment despite record job vacancies. I am encouraged by the Minister's additional steps, but what can we do to get the regional adjustments in place so employers really take this seriously?
Context
The question follows up on a previous response regarding steps to support autistic individuals in employment, highlighting that only 25% of autistic adults are employed despite high job vacancies.
Chloe Smith
There is a lot that we can do together and this is an effort for the Government, for employers and for others such as the National Autistic Society and the all-party group on autism. We are engaging with employers through the disability confident scheme; supporting jobseekers, workers and employers through Access to Work; and making our jobcentres and youth hubs inclusive in the way they ought to be.
Session: Autistic People in the Workforce
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What steps she is taking to support autistic people into the workforce. The Office for National Statistics highlighted that only 25% of autistic adults are in any form of meaningful employment despite record job vacancies.
Context
The question arises from the need to support autistic individuals in gaining employment, highlighting a significant gap between job vacancies and meaningful employment rates among autistic adults.
Chloe Smith
We are working with the National Autistic Society to test ways to make jobcentres more inclusive of people with autism; this test will inform changes to the wider jobcentre network. We encourage employers to consider autistic people for roles and can offer support where needed through Access to Work.
Session: Autistic People in the Workforce
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Airlines have had a tough couple of years, but so too have passengers and travel agents in obtaining refunds from those airlines. This has been going for years. Reform is badly needed, with a regulator that has upfront powers to effect change. I am delighted to see the Government's consultation. Can I ask the relevant Minister when we expect to see change implemented?
Context
Passengers and travel agents have struggled for years obtaining refunds from airlines. A government consultation on consumer rights has been launched but there is no clear timeline.
Robert Courts
The consultation on consumer rights has just been launched and we will be running that and carefully considering the options. We will be looking to make the necessary changes as soon as possible.
Session: Topical Questions
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What action has been taken to clarify confusion about country-of-origin labelling? What technological solutions are being explored for better information?
Context
Confusion exists among consumers regarding the origin of food products due to inconsistent or misleading labels, impacting their ability to support higher animal welfare standards.
Victoria Prentis
Country-of-origin labels must not mislead, especially when ingredients differ from the primary label. We are exploring solutions such as QR codes for more detailed product information.
Session: Food Labelling
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What plans does the Department have to improve the quality of food labelling, ensuring that it supports consumer understanding of healthy and sustainable options?
Context
The questioner seeks improvements in food labelling post-EU to help consumers make informed choices regarding health and sustainability.
Victoria Prentis
We have launched a consultation on animal welfare labelling and will consider wider aspects of labelling in the coming months. This includes exploring technological solutions like QR codes for more detailed information.
Session: Food Labelling
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I welcome the work from the Home Secretary on reducing those numbers, but sadly last year saw the highest number of teenage murders in London since records began. Can I therefore commend the “No More Red” campaign set up by Arsenal football club, supported by Ian Wright and Idris Elba? As Ian Wright points out, and as I found out myself as a volunteer in a youth centre, they offer the chance to give people a better route in life, away from gangs and crime. Too many have closed in recent years. May I ask the Home Secretary what we can do to get charities to set more up?
Context
The question follows the high number of teenage murders in London last year, focusing on a campaign by Arsenal football club called 'No More Red'.
Priti Patel
It is not every day I can come to the Dispatch Box to celebrate and praise the Gooners, but in this case I take great pride in joining my hon. Friend. The “No More Red” campaign, which I have been following, is fantastic. My hon. Friend's point speaks to the power of charities alongside the Government's work, because they are the ones at the grassroots that can reach out to young people in constituencies and engage them so they do not get into the cycle of a life of crime.
Session: Knife Crime
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What steps she is taking to reduce knife crime. My hon. Friend will know that all efforts are being made on reducing knife crime.
Context
The question addresses the ongoing issue of knife crime in communities.
Priti Patel
My hon. Friend will know that all efforts are being made on reducing knife crime. As the Policing Minister has just said, the latest police-recorded crime figures have shown a fall in offences involving knife crime, but at the same time, a great deal of investment is taking place when it comes to violence reduction units, alongside the investments in the police force.
Session: Knife Crime
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Will the Minister consider looking at automated and automatic compensation to allow the money to come straight back into bank accounts even if passengers do not even know they were late?
Context
The MP extended Christmas greetings and thanked the ministerial team for their evidence to the Transport Committee. He asked about proposals for automatic compensation for late trains.
Chris Heaton-Harris
Great British Railways will almost certainly be doing this sort of thing. We are trying to make sure that we go faster, so what he will have seen in the story today is our direction of travel. We want people to have every confidence when they return to our railway that, should they be significantly delayed, it is a very simple process to claim their refund.
Session: Restoring Your Railway Programme
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I realise that there is a political operation taking place on the Opposition Benches with regard to the House of Lords. It is entirely fair to look at our democratic process systems and propose reform; what is not fair is denigrating people who work incredibly hard to improve our legislation. I am thinking of, for instance, the Environment Bill and the impact it will have on sewage discharge in my constituency, and the help that was given to us by the House of Lords, whose proposals the Government agreed with and our side voted for. Does the ministerial team agree that a little more respect is warranted?
Context
The question arises from criticism of the House of Lords, which has been helping improve legislation such as the Environment Bill.
Michael Ellis
I do indeed agree. The fact is that the Labour party wishes to make cheap political points when in reality the House of Lords provides expert service to the nation, and does so extremely inexpensively compared to the second chambers in most western democracies.
Session: Topical Questions
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How can the new review approach facilitate better collaboration between public and private sectors to understand rule-making processes?
Context
During a trip to Berlin, the Transport Committee observed how German officials collaborated closely with industry stakeholders in forming international travel rules. In contrast, UK decision-makers faced legal challenges that hindered clear communication with the industry.
Nigel Adams
Ministers and officials have engaged extensively with the aviation and travel industries throughout the pandemic. A review of international travel policy early in the new year will aim to provide clarity and certainty for spring and summer 2022 seasons.
Session: Government Agencies Transparency of Decisions
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What recent assessment has the Government made of the transparency of decisions taken by Government agencies?
Context
The question follows a period during which there have been concerns over the transparency and accountability of decisions made by various Government agencies.
Nigel Adams
The Cabinet Office's tailored review programme ran from 2015 to 2020, considering transparency in its review of over 100 bodies. A new series of public body reviews focuses on governance, accountability, efficacy and efficiency.
Session: Government Agencies Transparency of Decisions
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This week the Transport Committee has launched yet another inquiry on international travel, and we will shortly be hearing from the chief executives of leading airlines and airports as to why they are doing less than 20% of the business they were doing in usual times while mainland Europe is now up to about 70%. They will be concerned that furlough is coming to an end, and they will want to know whether the barriers to travel will be reduced to make up the shortfall. I know the Secretary of State has done a lot already, but can he offer some optimism and encouragement on how the rules will change to allow the business to do more transactions?
Context
Transport Committee launching inquiry on international travel, discussing the need for reduced barriers to travel.
Grant Shapps
I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who does a terrific job chairing the Transport Committee. We do want to see the recovery, and I can inform him that I will shortly chair the second meeting of the G7 Transport Secretaries to discuss exactly his point. We will discuss how we can roll this out internationally using the principle of fully vaccinated travel and how we can try to reduce the costs and the imposition of the tests along the way. However, those decisions have yet to be made, both domestically and internationally, so I do not want to overly raise my hon. Friend's hopes but I can reassure him that we are focusing on this.
Session: Topical Questions
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Is the Secretary of State hearing, as I am, that our airports and Border Force are getting people through arrivals more quickly and therefore more safely? Is he confident that we will be in a position to get more people who have been double-jabbed through arrivals with digitisation and the NHS app delivering proof of a double jab?
Context
The MP inquired about the speed of airport border operations for vaccinated individuals.
Grant Shapps
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The last few weeks have seen a remarkable digital transformation in the background, which means that people coming in from green-list countries have been going to e-gates that have been updated, both physically and with software, or going to see a Border Force officer and having their passports scanned in one way or the other. That has been automatically linked back to the passenger locator form that they filled out before they left their country of departure, which tells Border Force whether they have had a pre-departure test and whether they have future tests booked. This links the whole machinery together, so yes, the automation is really starting to get into place now.
Session: Topical Questions
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I very much hope that in 18 days' time people in this country will be able to enjoy international travel once again. Could I just press the Secretary of State with regard to the need for a PCR test for those coming in from green list countries? Currently, those coming in from amber countries take the lateral flow test, yet those who come back from green countries will have to have a more expensive PCR test. I recognise the need to detect mutant strains, so may I suggest that we require green country travellers to take a lateral flow test and, if they are positive, then take a PCR test so that we could detect the strain? That may be a good balance to strike.
Context
The question arises due to the requirement for expensive PCR tests for those returning from green list countries.
Grant Shapps
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend and his Select Committee for the excellent work that they do on this subject and many others. Of course, like him, I look to the scientists to provide the evidence as to what should be the appropriate level of testing at any stage. Just to reassure him, while we will most likely need to start off with PCR tests, I have incorporated three separate checkpoints during this process, the first of which is on 28 June, when we will look at the rules guiding this in order to make them as low as they can possibly be while at the same time making sure that we maintain the hard-won gains of the British people in this lockdown.
Session: International Travel Covid-19
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Thanks to our teachers and all in education, our schools are once again the centres of learning. Many pupils and teachers at secondary schools would like to see face coverings in the classroom come to an end by 17 May. Can I ask the Minister if the data gives cause for optimism?
Context
The MP asked about the data that will inform decisions regarding face coverings in secondary school classrooms.
Nick Gibb
Our overriding objective is to keep covid out of the classroom and keep pupils and staff safe. All decisions will be based on that data, and on scientific and medical advice. Whether or not we continue to advise that face coverings should be worn in secondary school classrooms is subject to step 3 of the road map process, which will happen, as my hon. Friend mentioned, no earlier than 17 May.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State just mentioned 12 April for the global travel taskforce recommendations. Is that the date on which the public and the aviation industry will know what the rules will be, or is it just the date when the recommendations will be given to No. 10?
Context
The Secretary of State mentioned a report due on April 12th regarding the global travel taskforce's recommendations.
Grant Shapps
The Chair of the Transport Committee is absolutely right; 12 April is the date that we will report back, and we will make it public on the same day. Travel for leisure or other purposes will not resume or be allowed until 17 May at the earliest. It is important that people realise that that is the earliest date, but we are very keen to get the aviation sector that many Members across the House have talked about back in the air, and this is the route to get it there.
Session: International Travel Safe Restart
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Would the Secretary of State agree with me that a blanket approach could see essential goods and services failing to come into this country from lower-risk areas? Can I ask him, in particular, to ensure that he publishes the criteria for countries on the red list?
Context
The MP welcomes the evidence-based enhancements to control covid at international borders. The aviation industry needs criteria for countries that will go on or come off the red list.
Grant Shapps
I think my hon. Friend, the Chair of the Transport Committee, is absolutely right. This has required a proportionate and science-based approach to where people should go for quarantine in hotels, including a red list of countries. I can tell my hon. Friend and the House that that list is available on gov.UK—it contains 30 countries. South America, South Africa and Portugal are primarily the areas and countries involved. I think it is very important that we do make this science-based, and this adds to the pre-departure testing and all the other measures we have put in place.
Session: Topical Questions
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I acknowledge the work that the Minister did while he was working for the Mayor of London to tackle knife crime, reducing numbers, but also in the last year, with a welcome reduction of 19% in knife crime offences. Of course there is more to do. Every life lost is a life wasted and a family ruined, and we must do more. I was very supportive of the introduction of knife crime prevention orders, and I would be grateful if the Minister could tell me how many orders have been issued since the trials were rolled out this spring.
Context
The questioner inquires about specific measures introduced to tackle knife crime, including recent developments with knife crime prevention orders.
Kit Malthouse
Unfortunately, the introduction of knife crime prevention orders, which were scheduled to come in in London, has not yet happened, largely because of the impact of the covid pandemic and the absorption of capacity. However, there has been very significant activity on this issue, not least three weeks ago with a national week of intensification of Operation Sceptre, the anti-knife crime operation, which saw 2,005 arrests and well over 10,000 knives taken off the streets in the space of one week.
Session: Knife Crime
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What steps her Department is taking to reduce knife crime. I acknowledge the work that the Minister did while he was working for the Mayor of London to tackle knife crime, reducing numbers, but also in the last year, with a welcome reduction of 19% in knife crime offences. Of course there is more to do. Every life lost is a life wasted and a family ruined, and we must do more.
Context
The questioner inquires about steps being taken to address the rise in violent crimes involving knives.
Kit Malthouse
We are surging police capacity in the forces most affected by violent crime. We have just consulted on serious violence reduction orders, which would make it easier for the police to stop and search individuals previously convicted of knife crime. We are also investing millions in early intervention to stop young people being drawn into violence in the first place. Unfortunately, the introduction of knife crime prevention orders, which were scheduled to come in in London, has not yet happened, largely because of the impact of the covid pandemic and the absorption of capacity. However, there has been very significant activity on this issue, not least three weeks ago with a national week of intensification of Operation Sceptre, the anti-knife crime operation, which saw 2,005 arrests and well over 10,000 knives taken off the streets in the space of one week.
Session: Knife Crime
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In September, the Government implemented the second set of emergency contracts with train operators. Despite two months having passed, these contracts have not yet been provided to the Transport Committee. May I urge the Minister to expedite this process? Additionally, when can we expect an update on how the termination payment process is progressing?
Context
The Transport Committee has been struggling to obtain copies of emergency contracts between the Government and train operators, which are crucial for understanding the termination payment process.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I am not sure that my officials would ever do anything shifty whatever. I completely understand and appreciate that my hon. Friend's Committee wishes to see the redacted emergency recovery measures agreements as soon as practicable, but in the second part of his question he outlined the reason why the redaction of the documents is so important: there are extremely sensitive commercial negotiations ongoing at this point. He has my commitment that as soon as practicable, as we did with the emergency measures agreements before them, we will publish these documents and give them to his Committee.
Session: Publicly Owned Rail Operators
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When it comes to financial support, the railways have had billions, and I am grateful that they continue to run. The Williams review to reform the railways envisaged a “guiding mind” body that would be at arm's length to the Department for Transport, the train operators and Network Rail, in order to properly oversee and run the railway. There is some concern that that arm's length body may end up as Network Rail, which sounds a little like the days of the old British Rail. Can the Secretary of State assure me that there will be that independent “guiding mind” body to run and oversee both train and track?
Context
The MP inquired about the establishment of an independent “guiding mind” body to oversee and run the railway system, as envisaged by the Williams review.
Grant Shapps
I thank my hon. Friend for his work on the Transport Committee, and the close attention that the Committee pays to these subjects. Clearly, the rail network has been going through extraordinary times, with much of the support that I described earlier going to rail. As we move forward, it is important that we do not end up back with the old British Rail, with bad sandwiches and the rest of it, but at the same time we bring a fragmented system back together. That is what the Williams review aims to do, and in some ways covid has enabled us to accelerate that process. I assure my hon. Friend that the outcome will not be some conglomerate with no real “guiding mind” and all the worst from the past, and we will move forward with the Williams reforms.
Session: Transport Sector Support and Covid-19 Emergency Funding
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Can the Minister, through his Department and across Government, work to ensure that when it comes to policing, prosecution and sentencing of these individuals, drink or drug abuse is an aggravating factor, not a mitigating factor, and that we stand by our ambulance personnel and ensure that those who abuse them go behind bars?
Context
Sussex MPs met with the south-east coast ambulance service team and were concerned about an increase in assaults on emergency workers, particularly those involving drink or drugs.
Kit Malthouse
There is absolutely no excuse for assaulting any kind of emergency worker. I will take into account the point about aggravating factors when we consider doubling the sentence in legislation. The Sentencing Council is about to start a review of the sentencing of assault, and I urge him and others to make a submission to that forum as to aggravating factors.
Session: Emergency Services Assaults
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What steps her Department is taking to protect emergency service workers from assault?
Context
There has been an increase in assaults on emergency workers, particularly those involving drink and drugs. Sussex MPs met with the south-east coast ambulance service team to discuss this issue.
Kit Malthouse
I have said before in this Chamber and will say it again: anybody who lays a malicious finger on a police officer, or indeed any emergency worker, should face swift and severe retribution through the criminal justice system. We recently announced our intention to double the maximum sentence for assaults on emergency workers.
Session: Emergency Services Assaults
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As more people return to work using our great northern railway and the southern railway, what steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that the railway network and public transport is safe for increased passenger numbers?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the safety of public transportation as more people return to work. He asks for measures to ensure that the rail network is prepared for this increase.
Grant Shapps
As my hon. Friend knows, we took over the running of Northern earlier in the year because we were so dissatisfied by the progress, and it was then hit by covid, but I can report to the House some numbers that might be helpful. Some 62% of workers across the country are now going back to work. That is the highest level since the crisis began. In particular, the figure for last week—the week commencing 7 September—was 42% back on our national rail services. Northern is doing a great deal of work to make its services ready for people coming back.
Session: Rail Services North of England
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Huw Merriman inquired about further steps the government could take regarding temporary structures, such as extending permitted development rights, to assist businesses reopening post-pandemic.
Context
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has implemented measures to support high street businesses during the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Robert Jenrick (The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Robert Jenrick acknowledged Huw Merriman's kind remarks and affirmed willingness to explore further measures supporting small businesses. He also reassured about extending the legal framework allowing temporary structures from 28 days to 56 days in 2020.
Session: Covid-19 High Streets
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What steps will be taken to ensure that employers treat their workforce fairly during this period of restructuring and layoffs, especially in light of British Airways firing and rehiring its staff?
Context
The MP is concerned about job losses in the aviation sector, specifically mentioning British Airways' plans for large-scale redundancies.
Therese Coffey (Secretary of State for Work and Pensions)
We are concerned about how some companies treat their workforce and we are looking into it. The furlough scheme has helped keep over 9 million employees connected to their jobs, but companies should not misuse it.
Session: Supporting Employment After Covid-19
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Many colleagues across all parties are concerned about the treatment of shop staff by the criminal justice system. Does the Minister share expressions of solidarity with those on the frontline helping communities, and can we send a message that they should be treated with respect and gratitude?
Context
The criminal justice system is perceived to be too slow and lenient in dealing with violent offenders against shop workers and owners.
Kit Malthouse
I wholeheartedly agree. Upon exiting this crisis, we will reassess who is important in the country and redefine what a 'key worker' means, recognising those on the frontline delivering, stacking shelves, and serving customers as integral to our national effort against coronavirus.
Session: Shop Workers Protection from Violence
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May I warmly welcome the Secretary of State's decision, in principle at least, that something needs to be done about the rules of pavement parking outside of London? Will he join me in urging people to commit to the consultation and, if there is a case for change, ensure time in this place to deliver it for vulnerable people in this country?
Context
The Minister in the Lords recently made an announcement on talking buses, and a new Access for All campaign was launched to extend it across the network.
Grant Shapps
May I pay tribute to the Chair of the Select Committee on Transport, and indeed the former Chair, for promoting this subject so much? We are pleased to respond today to “Pavement parking” and will certainly wish to join him in taking forward those steps, exactly as he has described.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Sewage Discharges — [Julie Elliott in the Chair]
12 October 2022
Responding: Trudy Harrison
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about sewage discharges affecting Bexhill's beach, where nine out of the 16 days in September had pollution risk warnings. A fault at Galley Hill caused a discharge lasting two and a half hours on August 18th, with residents experiencing knee-high discharge during heavy rain leading to rat infestations and health issues. Our sewerage system is not fit for purpose, discharging sewage into seas and rivers, impacting marine life and public enjoyment. Over 370,000 spill events occurred last year."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to be confident in discharge data accuracy, consider installing volume monitors on overflows as recommended by the Environmental Audit Committee, allow Ofwat to permit sewage companies to deliver their improvement plans earlier and to higher standards, test water quality at different times and places, ensure that testing accounts for latest pollutants like plastics, prioritise busy bathing areas with below-excellent or good status in storm overflow discharge reduction plan, consider giving highway authorities a statutory duty to act, implement SuDS rules preventing new developments from adding surface water to combined sewerage network, enable local planning authorities to justify further house building based on separate drainage systems establishment, and require householders to be informed if they have a combined sewer pipe.']
Smart Motorways — [Mr Phillip Hollobone in the Chair]
13 January 2022
Responding: Trudy Harrison
Main Concerns
['Mr Huw Merriman is concerned about the safety of smart motorways, highlighting that the fatality rate on all lane running motorways was 0.12% from 2015 to 2019, but this increased in 2019 alone compared to conventional motorways. He also mentions that if previous recommendations had been followed, the current situation might be different. Merriman raises issues regarding the implementation of stopped vehicle detection technology and the need for emergency refuge areas closer together on existing smart motorways.']
Specific Asks
['Merriman requests the Government to ensure that retrofitting work begins immediately to make the existing smart motorway network safer, including reducing the distance between emergency refuge sites. He also asks for a review of the entire business case and rationale for smart motorway conversion.']
High Speed Rail (Crewe - Manchester) Bill - Amendments (a), (b), (c) and (d)
21 May 2024
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
The amendment proposes to instruct the Select Committee to amend the Bill by removing certain railway provisions between specified locations in Cheshire. This is done to focus on a high-speed railway ...
Rail Manufacturing: Job Losses
16 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
High Speed 2 Compensation
18 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Clarke called for the Government to provide fair compensation to individuals affected by HS2, citing numerous examples of residents and farmers who have faced delays and inadequate payouts. He emphasi...
Refurbishing Trains: Contracts
07 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
High Speed 2
18 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Scunthorpe Station Ticket Office
20 July 2023
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
The MP raised concerns about the proposed closure of the ticket office at Scunthorpe train station and reduction in staffing hours. She noted that currently, the station is staffed from 5:15 am to 8:1...
Rail Ticket Offices
06 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
HS2: Revised Timetable and Budget
14 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Pokesdown Railway Station
11 January 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Lobbying to upgrade the Boscombe railway station since 2016, aiming to improve accessibility and infrastructure at Pokesdown railway station. The project involves repairing lifts that have been broken...
West Coast Main Line: Services
15 December 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The west coast main line rail service has been deteriorating since Avanti took over from Virgin in December 2019. Services have been cut, cancellations are rife, staff morale is low, and passengers an...
2
PMQs Asked
38
Ministerial Questions Asked
115
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
1
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
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+184% above average
This MP:
38
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2266% above average
This MP:
115
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-89% below average
This MP:
1
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 Huw Merriman's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.