Ian Mearns
MP for Gateshead
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The north- east has been underfunded in terms of transport investment for decades. HS2, which was meant to be an economic development and connectivity lifeline, is now not coming anywhere near, the A1 Northumberland dualling decision has been delayed yet again, and our regional rail services are still running on outdated infrastructure and rolling stock. With all that in mind, will the Prime Minister commit the funding to reopen the Leamside line from Gateshead to County Durham to take pressure off the east coast main line and aid economic wellbeing and the movement of passengers and freight services in the north-east of England? Or is levelling-up just rhetoric?
Context
The north-east has been underfunded for decades, with major infrastructure projects like HS2 not coming to the region and delays in decisions such as A1 Northumberland dualling.
Rishi Sunak
Obviously, it would not be right for me to comment on specific projects, but to give the hon. Gentleman a sense of our commitment, what I can tell him is that in real terms since 2010 we have spent over a third more in central capital investment in northern transport every single year compared with Labour's last six years in government. That is what we are doing for northern transportation. Specifically, when it comes to reopening and restoring railway lines, where was the first one that we did? From Ashington to Blyth.
Assessment
Did not commit funding specifically to the Leamside line, instead giving general figures of investment in northern transport
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister must commit to bringing forward legislation for a national register of children missing from education immediately to combat this crisis.
Context
1.7 million children missed more than 10% of schooling last year, with some completely missing out on formal education.
Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)
We have invested £5 billion to help children catch up on lost learning. We will continue delivering these plans and working with the sector to ensure more children attend school regularly.
Assessment
Did not commit to bringing forward necessary legislation urgently
Session: PMQs
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Residents of Gateshead face tripled energy bills over two years. Standing charges increased from 22p to 58p, a rise of 155%, affecting low-income households disproportionately. Will the Prime Minister commit to reversing these regressive increases and returning them to 2019 levels or eliminating them completely?
Context
Households in Gateshead have seen significant increases in energy bills, especially daily electricity standing charges.
Rishi Sunak
The Government support households with around half of their winter energy bills, extending this in the Budget. We aim for £1,500 per typical family and extend unit price reductions to prepayment meter users.
Assessment
Did not address standing charges specifically or commit to Ofgem instructions.
Focuses On Broader Support Measures
Session: PMQs
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Having sat on the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Bill Committee for 15 months, I was a sceptic as to the economic benefits of the project for the north-east, but HS2 is going ahead, at least in the south. It is therefore crucial that the eastern leg of HS2 goes ahead, not just for Yorkshire and the east midlands, but for the north-east. The Prime Minister has made repeated promises to the people of the north-east of his intention to level up and to connect and create opportunities for people here, in places like Gateshead. As we strive to recover from the damage done to so many families and businesses by the pandemic, will the Prime Minister commit to beginning the work on the eastern leg of HS2, starting in the north-east and to run simultaneously with the construction in the south, so that our region is not forced to wait another couple of decades for 21st-century rail connectivity?
Context
HS2 is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving rail connectivity in the north of England. The Prime Minister has made repeated promises to level up and connect regions.
Boris Johnson
I can certainly confirm that we are going to develop the eastern leg as well as the whole of the HS2. The hon. Gentleman will be hearing a lot more about what we are going to do with our national infrastructure revolution and about what we will do to improve not just rail transport, but road transport in the north-east.
Assessment
Starting work on eastern leg now
Session: PMQs
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Given the research by Karbon Homes, will the PM address the issues of Universal Credit delays causing rent arrears and destitution?
Context
Karbon Homes research indicates that the universal credit delay results in significant rent arrears and destitution among tenants.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
I am happy to review the case. Universal credit is available from day one, and work remains the best route out of poverty with record employment figures.
Session: PMQs
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What does the Prime Minister intend to do as a matter of urgency to reduce stark health inequalities between north and south, rich and poor?
Context
Sir Michael Marmot's findings highlight the devastating impact of government cuts on health inequalities.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Answer not provided in the given context.
Assessment
Health inequality reduction measures
Session: PMQs
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LNER is going to consult again on altering the timetable to increase the frequency of trains from Edinburgh and Newcastle to London, but that inherently means a reduction in services to West Yorkshire, Manchester and Merseyside. That is very sad, and it is bad for the northern economy. This is not a timetabling issue; it is a capacity issue on the east coast main line. Can we have some investment in the east coast main line, north of York, to remedy those problems?
Context
LNER is planning to reduce services to the north due to capacity issues on the east coast main line.
Huw Merriman
As things stand, we are unable to operate that service because the trans-Pennine route upgrade, which is delivering the billions of pounds' worth of investment to enhance the route that the hon. Member asks for, is currently being constructed. That will provide the bandwidth.
Session: Topical Questions
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On Wednesday 10 February, in answer to my question, the Prime Minister said: “I can certainly confirm that we are going to develop the eastern leg as well as the whole of …HS2”—[Official Report, 10 February 2021; Vol. 689, c. 325.] but an implied threat was posed to that in the National Infrastructure Commission report, so in order to adhere fully to the Prime Minister's commitment, can the Secretary of State tell us when work on the eastern leg of HS2 will start, so that the promises of his predecessors and the Prime Minister to the people of the north and the north-east can be fully fulfilled?
Context
The Prime Minister confirmed that the eastern leg of HS2 would be developed, but concerns were raised in the National Infrastructure Commission report.
Andrew Stephenson
The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Prime Minister said that it is not a case of to be or not to be. We are committed to bringing the benefits of high-speed rail to the north of England and work on the integrated rail plan is progressing well, but Ministers need to take their time to fully consider all the evidence from all stakeholders, including the National Infrastructure Commission and the Government's own analysis, before finalising the plans.
Session: Topical Questions
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If he will publish the scientific advice underpinning the announcement by the Prime Minister on 24 May 2020 that primary schools would reopen for reception, year 1 and year 6 pupils on 1 June 2020. Later, in a supplementary question, Mearns asks about considerations regarding full reopening of schools specifically in relation to transmission risks.
Context
The MP asks for transparency regarding the scientific basis behind government decisions on school reopening.
Nick Gibb (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for School Standards)
Since 1 June, we have taken positive steps in welcoming children back to school. Teachers and heads have done an excellent job in opening schools to more pupils, and our latest attendance figures show that approximately 92% of education institutions are open with thousands more children back in classrooms, where they can learn best, reunited with their teachers and friends. SAGE papers are being published in tranches, including those of the Children's Task and Finish Working Group.
Session: Reopening of Schools
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Will he give us an early indication of his thinking as to any Backbench Business Committee time that might occur on either Monday 30 March or Tuesday 31 March, in order to help us with our planning for and with Members from across the House?
Context
The Chairman of the Backbench Business Committee asks for an early indication on available time.
Jacob Rees-Mogg (The Leader of the House of Commons)
On the first point from the Chairman of the Backbench Business Committee, yes, I will try to give him an early indication in respect of the 30th and the 31st. Very often, the day before a recess is available to the Backbench Business Committee—that might be a helpful comment. As regards the very important constituent case, if the hon. Gentleman is having difficulties with the Home Office in getting replies, I will obviously help, but I assume that he is taking it up in the normal way.
Session: Business of the House
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Why was there no statement on the matter, and when can we expect significant new investment in infrastructure for the north?
Context
The Secretary of State did not make a statement about taking back Northern Rail into public ownership despite its significant impact.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Grant Shapps)
I was trying to get an agreement from those who manage the business on Opposition Benches for me to make an oral statement during yesterday's Opposition day debate. That is why there was no oral statement—I wanted to make one, but I did not get a response, and that is why I was unable to. Investment will now flow through from the decision made yesterday, and through the operator of last resort.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Immigration and Home Affairs
23 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Refurbishing Trains: Contracts
07 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sir David Amess Summer Adjournment
20 July 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Apologised for leaving early due to train strikes and acknowledged the late Sir David Amess. Discussed national issues such as Viaplay's withdrawal from the UK, highlighting concerns over job security...
Backbench Business
20 July 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Called for the Sir David Amess summer Adjournment debate, acknowledged the late honourable Friend, and requested speakers to keep their contributions under 10 minutes.
Public Sector Pay
13 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rail Ticket Offices
06 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Gambling Act Review White Paper
27 April 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
23 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Football Governance White Paper
23 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Capital Projects: Spending Decisions
09 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
6
PMQs Asked
5
Ministerial Questions Asked
45
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+63% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-63% below average
This MP:
5
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+830% above average
This MP:
45
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Ian Mearns's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.