Ian Levy
MP for Blyth Valley
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I was pleased to welcome the Secretary of State for Transport to Newsham recently to see the progress on the Northumberland line. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this Conservative Government—this Conservative Government only—are committed to the development of that line, keeping levelling up on track?
Context
Progress on the Northumberland line is being discussed.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend has been a fantastic champion for the restoration of the line. Indeed, it was one of the first deliveries from the restoring your railways fund.
Session: PMQs
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The green revolution in Blyth Valley is causing increased traffic and the need for better roads. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss this problem?
Context
Increased road congestion due to economic growth in Blyth Valley necessitates urgent infrastructure improvements.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is championing Blyth Valley well. We are securing a Britishvolt gigafactory and working with the council on a bid for the Blyth relief road.
Assessment
No commitment to meeting or specific actions were outlined.
Session: PMQs
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Since 2019 Blyth Valley has benefited from significant investment for levelling up, including the towns fund, the future high streets fund, and the reinstatement of the rail line. We know now that Blyth will be the home of the UK's first gigafactory developed by BritishVolt, further demonstrating the commitment to build back better. Can I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his drive and commitment to helping areas that have been neglected for so long and ask him to assure the House that he will do all that he can to help those areas realise their full potential? I would like to offer him an open invitation to visit this fabulous constituency of Blyth Valley, where I am sure he will receive a very warm welcome.
Context
Blyth Valley has received significant investment for levelling up, including the towns fund, future high streets fund, and rail line reinstatement. The area will now host a gigafactory developed by BritishVolt.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend very much. It was only lately that he and I stood on the seafront at Blyth and looked out at some of the incredible wind farms—the harbingers and the prelude to the huge Dogger Bank wind farms that are going to be built in the North sea. I am delighted that a gigafactory for batteries is being established in Blyth Valley.
Assessment
Assurance on supporting full potential of Blyth Valley
Broad Statements
General Principles
Session: PMQs
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Before being elected to represent Blyth Valley last year, I worked in mental health. Since October last year, there have been 120 suicides across the Northumbria police force area alone, and 24 deaths in Blyth. I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will agree that one death is one death too many. Will he join me in supporting World Suicide Prevention Day tomorrow and in acknowledging the fantastic work by the mental health charity Mind, as well as by ENGAGE and Davy Orr at Unit Twenty in Blyth?
Context
Since October last year, there have been 120 suicides in the Northumbria police force area and 24 deaths specifically in Blyth. The MP previously worked in mental health.
Boris Johnson
Every suicide is an absolute tragedy, and my hon. Friend is right to focus on that issue in the way that he does. I am proud that the Government are rolling out record investments in suicide prevention. I also pay tribute to the charitable sector—to Mind, ENGAGE and Davy Orr—for the fantastic work it does to make a difference at that crucial moment and to prevent suicide.
Session: PMQs
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Will the PM ensure that Blyth Valley benefits from government initiatives aimed at leveling up across the country?
Context
The Government aims to 'level up' communities through investment.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
We are supporting rail projects and investing £500 million in connecting towns. The west midlands will receive a £46 million investment for urgent care hubs.
Session: PMQs
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Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss a more permanent solution, and the progress that I have made with Northumberland County Council and National Highways?
Context
The Moor Farm roundabout in Cramlington is a dangerous area, with residents avoiding it. Recent efforts include cleaning and marking the roundabout.
Guy Opperman
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend, and to ensure that the good work by Northumberland County Council continues.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Chancellor meet me to discuss the impact on pharmaceutical investment given Organon's role?
Context
Organon, a leading pharmaceutical company in Cramlington, employs 700 people.
Gareth Davies
The industry is worth £14 billion; there has been a twelvefold increase in equity financing. I would be pleased to meet him.
Session: Topical Questions
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When Putin invaded Ukraine, the people of Blyth, Cramlington and Seaton Valley came together and generously gave what they could spare. With help from local companies, such as Moody Logistics and Storage in Cramlington, we were able to ensure that aid reached those who had lost their homes and their belongings. What plans does my right hon. Friend's Department have in place to get aid from the UK to Gaza?
Context
The MP highlights the local community's support for Ukraine aid and asks about similar efforts for Gaza.
Andrew Mitchell
I pay tribute to the good people of Blyth, Cramlington and Seaton Valley for their generosity, and to my hon. Friend for helping to channel that goodwill so constructively. His constituents will want to support reputable non-governmental organisations and charities working to support humanitarian relief in Gaza.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation
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I am delighted consultation has now taken place regarding a relief road for Blyth, which is badly needed. As a result of the proposed plans, many residents could see their journey times increase. Will my hon. Friend agree to look at that again and see whether it could be achieved?
Context
A consultation has taken place regarding a relief road for Blyth that is needed to address traffic issues. However, concerns have been raised about the potential increase in journey times and costs associated with closing an existing road.
Guy Opperman
I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend and Northumberland County Council, post the consultation.
Session: Transport Connectivity North of England
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What steps he is taking to increase transport connectivity between cities in the north of England? Aside from the £1 billion investment, what other measures are being implemented?
Context
The question arises from a need to enhance transport infrastructure between cities in the north of England. The government has previously announced a £1 billion investment under Network North.
Guy Opperman
Aside from the £1 billion investment in Network North, my hon. Friend will be aware that the single biggest connectivity project in his community is the Northumberland line, a groundbreaking railway line that will connect Blyth and the surrounding cities to Newcastle.
Session: Transport Connectivity North of England
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This Conservative Government have done more for the people of Blyth Valley than any other Government—[Laughter.] And they have brought much needed investment in employment opportunities for my constituents—[Interruption.].
Context
The MP is highlighting significant investments made by the Government in his constituency, specifically mentioning various projects and financial contributions.
Kemi Badenoch
I am delighted to assure my hon. Friend of that. He is an effective advocate for his constituency, and he knows that this Government have been investing in Blyth Valley. We have given an £18 million boost to regenerate housing, £1.5 million for new high-tech training equipment, £200,000 for extended CCTV provision, and a further £20 million for our long-term plan for towns.
Session: Socioeconomic Equality
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What steps are being taken by the Government to help ensure socioeconomic equality?
Context
The MP is concerned about socioeconomic inequality and the measures taken by the Government to address it.
Kemi Badenoch
The Government are committed to boosting economic growth across the UK and ensuring opportunity is spread as widely as possible. Education is the most significant lever to create opportunity and reduce inequality, with Conservative reforms seeing children in schools in England excel in the 2022 PISA scores.
Session: Socioeconomic Equality
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Given the devastating war in Ukraine leading to widespread food insecurity, will the Department do all it can to ensure that Ukrainian families receive the necessary support despite the conflict?
Context
At the start of 2023, one-third of Ukrainian families were classified as food insecure due to the ongoing war and destruction of its agricultural sector. The question focuses on ensuring vital support for these families.
Andrew Mitchell
Britain will host a major event focused on preventing children from starving to death, mitigating malnutrition and food insecurity. This will take place in London in November.
Session: Food Security Developing Countries
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What steps has the government taken to help improve food security in developing countries?
Context
The question arises from the UK's commitment to improve global food security and nutrition. It is part of a campaign announced during an integrated review refresh.
Andrew Mitchell
The government committed to an 18-month campaign to improve global food security and nutrition, aiming to mitigate the risk of famine as part of the integrated review refresh published in March.
Session: Food Security Developing Countries
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Does the Minister agree that it is vital for this Government to grasp the opportunity of Blyth estuary for new green jobs? Blyth has an excellent location for a gigafactory. We have green power supplies, a deep-water port, and a talented and willing workforce.
Context
Blyth estuary is considered the best site in the UK for high-volume battery manufacturing due to its green power supplies, deep-water port, and skilled workforce.
Kemi Badenoch
Yes, I do agree that it is vital for this Government to grasp the opportunity at Blyth. We continue to work closely with the local authority to secure the best outcome for that site.
Session: Battery Sector
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What steps is the Department taking to support the battery sector? I recently visited Williams Advanced Engineering, an excellent example of British engineers working at the cutting edge of battery technology. The Government's £541 million Faraday battery challenge has supported more than 140 organisations and attracted over £400 million in co-investment.
Context
The UK needs more battery production facilities to achieve net zero and build a competitive automotive industry.
Kemi Badenoch
The Government's £541 million Faraday battery challenge has supported more than 140 organisations working across the UK, attracting over £400 million in co-investment, and enabled 500 researchers across more than 25 universities to improve and develop battery technologies.
Session: Battery Sector
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Will my hon. and learned Friend meet me to discuss these cases, which have caused concern to my constituents, and how we can better support victims and their families by ensuring that the prosecution of violent crime is a priority?
Context
Recent incidents of violent crime in the constituency have led to this request. The MP emphasizes the need for better support for victims and families affected by violent crimes.
Michael Tomlinson
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for his hard work on behalf of his constituents. It is right to say that tackling serious violence and improving the support we offer to victims is a priority for this Government. That is shown not least through the Victims and Prisoners Bill and the revised victims code.
Session: Serious Violent Crime Prosecutions
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What steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to support the prosecution of serious violent crime?
Context
The question arises from the need to ensure that the Crown Prosecution Service is effectively addressing serious violent crime. There is a focus on how recent cases are being handled and what steps are being taken.
Michael Tomlinson
This Government are committed to delivering justice for victims of serious violence, and I can confirm that the CPS prosecuted more than 103,000 cases of serious violence, firearm offences and homicides in 2022, with a conviction rate of over 84%.
Session: Serious Violent Crime Prosecutions
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I am fiercely supportive of the project to build a gigafactory on the Blyth estuary, which would provide much-needed jobs for my constituents. However, I also believe in due diligence when spending public money. Would my hon. Friend agree with me that it was a wise decision for the Government to withhold the release of a £100 million grant for this project? The Labour party wanted to release this large sum of public money without ensuring the financial stability of the business, once again spending other people's money.
Context
The MP supports a project to build a gigafactory on the Blyth estuary but questions the decision-making process regarding the release of public funds.
Alex Burghart
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: taxpayer money must always be used responsibly. The conditions of the grant were not met and therefore no funds from the automotive transformation fund were paid out. We are pleased that Britishvolt has successfully been acquired and we will continue to work closely with the local authority.
Session: Public Procurement Value for Money
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What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure value for money in public procurement spending. He wants to know the specific measures being taken to optimise cost and quality in government projects.
Context
The question addresses ensuring value for money in public procurement.
Alex Burghart
It is Government policy to award contracts on value-for-money terms, as set out in “Managing Public Money”. The Procurement Bill will drive value for money by providing greater flexibility and removing overly prescriptive rules. We always look for the optimum combination of cost and quality over the lifetime of any project.
Session: Public Procurement Value for Money
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I am aware that the Minister recently visited Forward Assist, where he met veterans from the north-east, and I know the admirable work it does. Will he join me in expressing gratitude to everyone at Forward Assist?
Context
The MP expressed gratitude for the charity Forward Assist, which helps veterans transition back to civilian life.
Johnny Mercer
My hon. Friend is a huge champion of the charity Forward Assist, which has done incredible work over a long period. The Government and I are clear that there are two groups of veterans who are under-represented: foreign and Commonwealth veterans and women.
Session: Homelessness Among Veterans
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What progress has been made in supporting frontline services dealing with violence against women and girls, especially after an increase in cases reported by police and support services?
Context
The question relates to the increased risk of domestic abuse during national lockdowns due to the pandemic.
Sarah Dines
Northumbria police and crime commissioner has received £3.7 million from safer streets fund rounds, including £750,000 for transport and therapy interventions; training for NHS to improve all-systems process.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Effective and reliable public transport is essential for our local communities. Reductions in local services in Blyth Valley, including the X10 and X11 to Newcastle, mean that my constituents plan their journeys only to find that the buses are late or simply not coming at all. Many groups who are already at a disadvantage, including the young, the old and people on a low income, rely on those vital services to access healthcare, education and leisure. It is critical that we do not let them down. Will my hon. Friend assure me that we will do everything we can to ensure that those bus services run effectively?
Context
Local services, including the X10 and X11 routes to Newcastle, are facing reductions which affect constituents' daily travel plans.
Richard Holden
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. The Government know how important bus services are to local communities across the country, which is why we recently announced additional investment of £155 million not only to continue protecting those services but to ensure a three-month extension to the £2 cap on bus fares to help working people in places such as Blyth Valley who are getting out there every day. We want to help to address the cost of living crisis and encourage people back on to our network. We are committed to working with the sector to ensure that bus services reflect the needs of communities and deliver our ambition for everyone with access everywhere.
Session: Bus Services
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Will my right hon. Friend please agree to meet me to discuss the matter in greater detail, and hopefully find where the support is?
Context
Blyth Valley has faced ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour and petty crime, necessitating meetings between local groups, retailers, and the police to address these problems.
Michael Gove
I absolutely will. My hon. Friend recognises how important it is that we work together with other agencies to deal with antisocial behaviour, have swift and certain justice, ensure perpetrators clear up the mess they have created, and intervene upstream to help persistent absentees back on track.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour Local Authorities
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Given the recent census and new data on veteran communities, are there any plans to improve healthcare services for ageing veterans with muscular and skeletal problems incurred through military service?
Context
Recent census data and new information on veteran communities highlight the need for improved healthcare services for ageing veterans suffering from musculoskeletal issues due to military service.
Johnny Mercer
Veterans healthcare is a responsibility across the nation, with 1,789 GP surgeries and 132 hospital trusts now veteran accredited. It is a low level of commitment but it makes the world of difference to veterans who are trying to access musculoskeletal services. I am determined that by the next general election, every GP surgery in the country will be veteran accredited and every hospital trust too. I will work hard to ensure we achieve that ambition.
Session: Veterans Government Services
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In recent months, projects in Blyth Valley have received upwards of £700,000 of funding. On that point, I offer my right hon. Friend the opportunity to experience those projects at first hand, meet the people involved, and sample the excellent fish and chips on the north-east coastline.
Context
Projects in Blyth Valley have received significant funding from the Department, including refurbishment of Seaton Delaval Hall and Headway Arts.
Stuart Andrew
Heritage and culture play a vital role in many of our communities, including in the Blyth valley. The Department is funding projects there, including the £96,000 for Headway Arts. I would be more than happy to visit my hon. Friend's constituency.
Session: Accessibility of Cultural Attractions
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As my right hon. Friend will know, veterans are close to my heart, and none more so than the nuclear test veterans. Will he ensure that the £450,000 that we have already invested in projects to commemorate their service will preserve their testimony for years to come?
Context
The £450,000 investment towards commemorating the service of nuclear test veterans.
Johnny Mercer
I pay tribute to all those who campaigned for the nuclear test veterans, who were awarded their medals, as announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister two weeks ago. We are spending that sum to make sure that we properly capture their experiences. Their duty and their sacrifice for the nation will not be forgotten.
Session: Topical Questions
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Support for ex-servicemen is vital for their physical and mental wellbeing, especially with well-known local organisations like Royal British Legion in Blyth and Cramlington, as well as Forward Assist in Dudley that runs “Salute Her” campaigns and its “One Stop” café. Will the Minister join me in wishing Jack a belated birthday and thanking those organisations?
Context
The MP mentions a veteran's centenary celebration and organisations like Forward Assist that provide services such as “Salute Her” and a “One Stop” café. He also meets veterans like Jack Hearn for birthday celebrations.
Johnny Mercer
Of course I wish Jack a happy birthday, and I pay tribute to third sector provision across the country working tirelessly to support our veterans. The Government are committed to building an ecosystem of veterans care that works with them to realise our country's responsibility to our veterans.
Session: Veterans Support
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What steps are being taken to improve support for veterans? The MP noted that Blyth Valley has several veteran-supporting organisations such as Forward Assist, which offers various campaigns like “Salute Her” and a “One Stop” café. He also highlighted the importance of such support for ex-servicemen's physical and mental wellbeing.
Context
The MP is concerned about veterans' wellbeing and the services provided by organisations in his constituency.
Johnny Mercer
The Government have established the first UK Office for Veterans' Affairs and the first Minister for Veterans' Affairs who attends Cabinet. The Minister will deliver the veterans strategy action plan, which sets out 60 cross-Government commitments to make the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran by 2028.
Session: Veterans Support
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Will the Minister meet me to look at how we can smooth the way to a more efficient trading platform and drive exports around the world? The port of Blyth is at the heart of international trade, but if we are to continue to trade competitively on a global scale, we must look at the bureaucracy surrounding export licences.
Context
The MP welcomed the team to the Front Bench, highlighting his right hon. Friend's visit to the port of Blyth and its importance in renewable energy exports.
Nigel Huddleston
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the expertise in renewable energy sectors in the UK, and I am extremely mindful of the need to process export licences as swiftly as possible. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to understand in more detail the specific issues that he is facing.
Session: Global Trade
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What steps her Department is taking to reduce barriers to global trade for British businesses. In the last financial year alone, we have removed 192 barriers across 79 countries. The removal of just 45 of those barriers is estimated to be worth £5 billion to businesses over five years.
Context
The MP questioned the steps taken to reduce barriers to global trade for British businesses, referencing specific efforts and potential economic benefits.
Nigel Huddleston
The Department has removed 192 trade barriers across 79 countries in the last financial year, estimating a £5 billion benefit over five years. The Government aims to target another 100 barriers on their most wanted list with potential for export opportunities worth £20 billion.
Session: Global Trade
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I recently held a roundtable of headteachers in my constituency. We talked for almost two hours but, sadly, very little of the conversation was about teaching. Instead, we discussed serious issues around recruitment and retention of staff; inadequate funding and severe pressures on budgets; online safety; mental health—theirs and the children's—and SEND pressures. What are the Government doing to ensure that all schools have the resources they need to provide pupils with special educational needs and disabilities with the support they need while also being able to maintain high-quality teaching and manage the huge range of other pressures that they face?
Context
The MP held a roundtable of headteachers who discussed issues such as recruitment, funding, online safety, mental health, and special educational needs.
Kelly Tolhurst
As I mentioned, we are investing £2.6 billion over the next three years in new spaces for SEND and alternative provision. We have also implemented £1.4 billion in high-needs provision capital allocations for local authorities, and £9.1 billion—an increase of 13%—in high-needs funding. The hon. Lady will know that we launched the Green Paper on SEND and AP back in March. We are currently looking at the responses and we hope to respond by the end of the year.
Session: School Places Pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
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Over the last few months, I have been working closely with schools in some of the most deprived areas of Blyth Valley. Although schools are doing an amazing job, there is a need for increased special educational needs provision to support the most vulnerable young people. While a new special educational needs school is to be built in Blyth Valley, progress is slow, and I feel that more could be done to address the situation. Will my hon. Friend please meet me to see how we can progress this matter?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the need for increased special educational needs provision in deprived areas.
Kelly Tolhurst
I share my hon. Friend's commitment to improving special educational needs provision in Northumberland, particularly in his constituency. The Department is working closely with stakeholders to develop a sustainable solution. The opening of the new free special school has encountered several challenges, but we expect to deliver the school places in the 2023 academic year. As part of our investment in school places for children and young people with SEND, Northumberland is receiving £3.7 million from the fund between 2022 and 2024. I will happily meet my hon. Friend to discuss the matter.
Session: School Places Pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
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Will my right hon. and learned Friend reassure me and the people of Blyth Valley that steps are being taken to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disclosure?
Context
There has been a review that highlights multiple failings in multi-agency communication in Northumberland, despite stating lessons have been learned. Constituents report similar issues persisting.
Michael Ellis
Updated principles on accessing third-party material have strengthened privacy protections for victims, and mandate that officers must have clear written reasons in place before accessing any material such as, for example, therapy notes. Communication between the criminal justice agencies continues to improve apace.
Session: Disclosure of Evidence
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What recent steps have been taken to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disclosure of evidence?
Context
The question arises from concerns about recent steps to improve the process of disclosing evidence in legal proceedings.
Michael Ellis
In May, this Government published the review of disclosure and amended the disclosure guidelines to deliver improvements for police, prosecutors and the victims of crime. The new guidelines feature an annex on data protection that will ease the burden on police, leaving them with more time on the beat and to investigate crime.
Session: Disclosure of Evidence
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As Blyth Valley is now at the heart of the renewable energy sector, I am pleased to inform the House that an £11 million STEM training centre is about to start construction. Does my hon. Friend agree that this has been achieved by having a Conservative Government, a Conservative-led county council and a local Conservative Member of Parliament?
Context
Work is about to start on an £11 million STEM training centre at the Port of Blyth, which will give young people the skills and education that they need to move forward in the world of work.
Dehenna Davison
My hon. Friend is an incredibly passionate campaigner for Blyth. I am glad to hear that construction will soon begin on the £20.9 million town deal's Energy Central learning hub, which will provide a range of state-of-the-art industrial training.
Session: Topical Questions
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As my right hon. Friend will be aware, small businesses are the backbone of our local economy—none more than Catling Bakery in Cramlington, which has expanded from running a bakery to running a café and now a dessert bar. Would my right hon. Friend please assure me that this Government will do all they can to help these businesses thrive?
Context
The member highlights the expansion of a local business and requests assurance that this government will support such enterprises.
Kwasi Kwarteng
Absolutely right. Of course, we have also supported Catling Bakery which my hon. Friend mentions through an energy package—£60 billion for households and businesses for six months—which we absolutely felt it necessary to do.
Session: Support for SMEs
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On 3 May, a convoy of vehicles left Blyth Valley heading for the Polish border with a fire appliance, a support vehicle and a 4x4. The staff of West Hartford fire station volunteered to drive almost 2,000 miles to help the people of Ukraine, leaving their families and loved ones behind. Does my right hon. Friend agree that local fire and rescue teams can play an important role in bringing communities together? With that in mind, will she please visit Blyth Valley so that we can show her these amazing teams and everything we have done?
Context
A fire station in Blyth Valley sent volunteers to help the people of Ukraine.
Priti Patel
I would be delighted to come and support my hon. Friend in Blyth Valley, but there is a serious point here: over recent months, the fire and rescue service across the entire country has come together in such a compassionate way to provide essential kit and equipment to help the people of Ukraine, and I am pleased that his constituency has done that.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the new school of nursing to be built at Cramlington A&E Hospital. Will my hon. Friend visit Cramlington to see for himself the construction of this facility?
Context
The question relates to a new school of nursing being built at the Cramlington A&E Hospital.
Edward Argar
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend's work supporting healthcare in his constituency and would be delighted to visit Cramlington with him, perhaps also visiting local health facilities.
Session: Nurse Recruitment
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What progress has been made on recruiting 50,000 nurses? The Government committed to growing the NHS workforce and pledged 50,000 more nurses by 2024. What specific steps have been taken to meet this target?
Context
The question arises from the government's commitment to recruit 50,000 more nurses by 2024.
Edward Argar
This Government committed to growing the NHS workforce, including our pledge of 50,000 more nurses by 2024. We are delivering on that with almost 31,000 more nurses so far as of March 2022.
Session: Nurse Recruitment
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I welcome the introduction of the British Sign Language Act 2022, recognising BSL as an official language in England, Scotland and Wales. However, families in Blyth Valley still feel discriminated against in such areas as free sign language classes and educational opportunities for deaf children in schools. Does my right hon. Friend agree that there is still much more to be done to improve the lives of people in our communities?
Context
The question follows the introduction of the British Sign Language Act 2022, recognising BSL as an official language in England, Scotland and Wales. Families in Blyth Valley report ongoing discrimination in free sign language classes and educational opportunities for deaf children.
Chloe Smith
We are passionate about improving opportunities for deaf people who use BSL and increasing general public understanding of deaf people's language and culture. Linguistic exclusion is a problem and can affect education, jobs and more.
Session: Sign Language
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What steps the Government are taking to improve public knowledge and awareness of sign language.
Context
No specific background event or incident mentioned.
Chloe Smith
The Government were delighted to support the private Member's Bill to recognise British Sign Language as a language of Great Britain. We will improve public knowledge and awareness of BSL, including through guidance that will help to promote and facilitate the use of the language, and much more.
Session: Sign Language
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Will the Secretary of State visit to see how we can link schools and industry for young people's benefit?
Context
Blyth Valley leads in green industrial revolution but needs local jobs and education linkage.
Alex Burghart
Looking forward to visiting my hon. Friend's apprenticeship fair soon.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Forget-Me-Not group in Blyth is working hard to secure better opportunities for everyone in its local area of Cowpen Quay; however, the group needs a base in the community to house and deliver its services. This is grassroots levelling up, so will my right hon Friend the Secretary of State agree to meet me to discuss exactly what we can do to help these people?
Context
The Forget-Me-Not group in Blyth is working hard to secure better opportunities for everyone but needs a community base.
Michael Gove
My hon Friend is right to highlight the work of the Forget-Me-Not group in Blyth, which is doing amazing work in Cowpen Quay. I will do everything I can to support the group and will meet my hon Friend to do so.
Session: Topical Questions
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I recently hosted the first ever jobs fair in Blyth Valley. It was an amazing success, with more than 50 local businesses taking part. Will my hon. Friend join me in thanking the Port of Blyth, the DWP and all the local firms that made it possible?
Context
The MP hosted a successful local jobs fair with over 50 businesses participating, supported by the Port of Blyth and DWP.
Mims Davies
My hon. Friend, again, raises the work of local DWP teams and jobs fairs, which we have seen in Way to Work. Up to 409,000 more people are on payrolls as a result of the DWP's hard work in my hon. Friend's community and more widely.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (First sitting) 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
UK Modern Industrial Strategy 2025-06-23
23 June 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Spending
24 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Britishvolt
25 January 2023
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
The hon. Member for Wansbeck discusses the collapse of Britishvolt, a gigafactory project in Cambois that promised to create thousands of jobs and transform the local economy. He highlights the Govern...
Infected Blood Inquiry
15 December 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Small Boats Incident in the Channel
14 December 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Economic Update
17 October 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Confidence in Her Majesty’s Government
18 July 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister argued that despite the opposition, his government has delivered on its promises. He highlighted significant achievements such as winning the largest Conservative victory since 1987...
Health and Social Care
03 December 2021
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
16 November 2021
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Welcomed the record research and development settlement for the Department of Health and Social Care, emphasising the importance of life sciences in defending against future pandemics and reducing rel...
5
PMQs Asked
63
Ministerial Questions Asked
18
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+370% above average
This MP:
63
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+270% above average
This MP:
18
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 Ian Levy's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.