Jack Brereton
MP for Stoke-on-Trent South
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Will my right hon. Friend ensure that Longton can have some investment from Government? Does he agree with investing part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund award?
Context
Longton, the largest town in constituency, has not benefited from future high street funding or town deals.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend champions his local community well. The Department will take concerns about investment seriously.
Assessment
Investment in Longton and heritage fund usage
Takes Concerns Seriously But No Specifics
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
It is very good to see you back in this place, Madam Deputy Speaker. It has been announced that Stoke-on-Trent will be one of the levelling-up partnerships, on top of the investment we have already received through programmes such as the levelling-up fund. That has been delivered thanks to Conservatives working together in Government and on the city council, led by the formidable Councillor Abi Brown. Does my right hon. Friend agree that if people want to continue to see the levelling up of opportunities in Stoke-on-Trent, they should vote Conservative in the local elections in May?
Context
Stoke-on-Trent has received significant funding through various government programmes and is set to be one of the levelling-up partnerships. The local council, led by Councillor Abi Brown, has been instrumental in securing this support.
Dominic Raab
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. After years of neglect under Labour, it is now the Conservatives—thanks in no small part to my hon. Friend—who have been levelling up in Stoke-on-Trent, with £11 million from the shared prosperity fund, £12 million from the levelling-up fund and £4 million from the regional growth fund, supporting over 500 jobs, along with £28 million of private investment.
Assessment
The MP's specific ask about voting Conservative was not directly addressed; instead, emphasis was placed on past neglect under Labour and current achievements by the Conservatives.
Changing Subject To Past Failures
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Some 97% of ceramics businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises, which means that they have not received the level of support that many other energy-intensive sectors have. Will my right hon. Friend look at what more support, particularly financial support, can be offered to help this sector decarbonise?
Context
Ceramics businesses, primarily SMEs, have not received the same level of financial support as other energy-intensive sectors.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is a powerful advocate for his ceramics industry, and rightly so. We have the energy bills discount scheme which will support business energy bills through March next year, and there are other funds such as the industrial energy transformation fund to help businesses decarbonise.
Assessment
Specific financial commitments or amounts not provided
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
£56 million through the levelling up fund and £40 million through transforming cities—that is just some of the investment that we have recently secured for Stoke-on-Trent. Will my right hon. Friend agree that, after decades of neglect, this Conservative party is the only party that is levelling up opportunities in Stoke-on-Trent?
Context
Stoke-on-Trent has received significant investment through the levelling up fund and transforming cities programme.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend, who is a fantastic champion for Stoke-on-Trent. In addition to all the things that we are supporting in Stoke-on-Trent, I am delighted to say that it will become home to the Home Office as well.
Assessment
The specific investment figures were acknowledged but not directly responded to with agreement on levelling up opportunities.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
I thank the Prime Minister and the Government for securing our fantastic Stoke-on-Trent levelling-up funding. If we are truly to level up opportunities and access to opportunities in Stoke-on-Trent, we must also improve our poor public transport, so will my right hon. Friend agree to look at the possibility of bus franchising in the Potteries?
Context
Stoke-on-Trent has received levelling-up funding, but public transport remains poor. The MP seeks to improve this through bus franchising.
Boris Johnson
As my hon. Friend knows, I am a fanatic about buses. We are putting £1.2 billion more into bus funding, and I know that Stoke-on-Trent has applied for that. I urge my hon. Friend to take up his suggestion immediately with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
With a new station at Meir, investment in Longton station and restoration of the Stoke to Leek line, does my right hon. Friend agree that investment from this Government has the potential to reverse the Beeching cuts, restore our local railways in Stoke-on-Trent and cement our position as one of the best-connected places in the whole UK?
Context
There is investment in Meir station, restoration of the Stoke to Leek line, and improvements at Longton station.
Boris Johnson
Yes. I thank my hon. Friend; I know that he supported the bid for the reinstatement of the Stoke to Leek line. That is currently being assessed by the Department for Transport as one of the Beeching reversals, which are so popular around the country and so right, and he can expect an outcome in the summer.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The UK's ceramics sector has invested heavily in energy efficiency technologies, and it is committed to going further, but many of the alternative green technologies are not yet viable, and there are serious risks that too stringent net zero targets will result in carbon leakage, and in offshoring an industry and skilled jobs to countries that have a far worse environmental record. Will my right hon. Friend look seriously at exempting the ceramics sector from the emissions trading scheme, to give the sector the breathing space that it needs to invest?
Context
The UK's ceramics sector has invested in energy efficiency but faces risks of carbon leakage due to stringent net zero targets.
Claire Coutinho
I commend my hon. Friend's commitment and encourage his constituency's ceramics sector to participate in the consultation on free allocation policy, open for safeguarding sectors at risk of carbon leakage.
Session: Green Technologies Private Investment
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to help increase private sector investment in green technologies?
Context
The UK is seeking to increase private sector investment in green technologies.
Claire Coutinho
The UK has made tremendous progress securing £60 billion of investment in 2023, with a total of £300 billion since 2010. New policies and deals have been signed post September, leading to plans for around £24 billion of new investment in low-carbon sectors.
Session: Green Technologies Private Investment
View All Questions -->
My constituents in Stoke-on-Trent South are extremely concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and want to see much more aid getting into Gaza. It is vital for the innocent civilian population there. Will the Secretary of State update us on what more is being done to ensure additional routes, and particularly a sea route, into Gaza for humanitarian aid to innocent civilians?
Context
Many constituents in Stoke-on-Trent South are concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and want more aid delivered.
Grant Shapps
My hon. Friend will be pleased to hear that I have been to the region on a number of occasions—I have visited Israel and Cyprus twice, as well as visiting Egypt and Saudi Arabia—with the specific intention of trying to resolve the problem that he describes. We have already delivered 150 tonnes of aid, but the problem is getting that aid into Gaza. Although we have persuaded the Israelis to open Kerem Shalom, we desperately need Ashdod to be opened, too. As we have discussed with the Cypriots, we could then create a humanitarian aid route from Cyprus direct to Ashdod and straight into Gaza via Kerem Shalom.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Aid
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to assist in the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza?
Context
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires urgent support from the UK government.
Grant Shapps
The Ministry of Defence continues to stand ready to support the effort, led by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to pursue land, air and maritime routes to deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Aid
View All Questions -->
Does he accept that after 14 years of Conservative Government, the British people are worse off than they were then?
Context
Data shows that towns and cities across the UK have been levelled down, with people over £10,000 a year worse off.
Jacob Young
I absolutely do not accept that. We have had a financial crash and covid-19, but we have invested over £4.8 billion of levelling-up funding directly into communities across the country.
Session: Levelling-up Funding Economically Deprived Communities
View All Questions -->
Does my hon. Friend agree that unequivocal legislation on Rwanda will further reduce numbers?
Context
Progress has been made in tackling illegal small boat crossings, leading to the closure of North Stafford hotel.
Tom Pursglove
The Bill aims to help sustain progress by reducing in-flows into the UK, particularly via small boat crossings of the channel.
Session: Asylum Seekers Hotels
View All Questions -->
Citizens Advice does excellent work supporting my constituents with legal issues, but what specific measures are being taken by the government to ensure timely and affordable legal advice for all?
Context
The MP acknowledges the work of Citizens Advice in providing legal support to constituents but seeks confirmation that timely and affordable advice is a government priority.
Mike Freer
We agree that investing in early legal advice has benefits, hence we have invested over £25 million since 2015 for litigants in person and currently fund around £10.4 million grants to improve outcomes, supporting 59 organisations across England and Wales.
Session: Access to Legal Advice
View All Questions -->
What steps are being taken to increase early access to legal advice for vulnerable individuals? The constituent issues range from welfare benefits to housing problems. Citizens Advice supports many but cannot cover all cases, leading to a need for more accessible legal aid services.
Context
The MP is concerned about constituents seeking timely and affordable legal advice, highlighting the importance of early legal intervention.
Mike Freer
Last year we spent £1 billion on civil legal aid, launching a £10 million housing loss prevention advice service. Since 2015, over £25 million has been invested to support litigants in person, including current grant funding of around £10.4 million for improving outcomes to legal support grants.
Session: Access to Legal Advice
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for that response. It is very welcome to see full expensing, which will help businesses to invest in the plant and machinery and the technology that are needed. It would also help the ceramics sector, in particular, if it were exempted from the emissions trading scheme. Will my hon. Friend speak to the Chancellor about the possibility of exempting the ceramics sector from the ETS, which would help to give the sector the breathing space to invest in productivity and energy efficiency gains?
Context
The MP thanks the Minister for the previous response and notes that full expensing will help businesses invest in plant, machinery, and technology. He specifically asks about exempting the ceramics sector from the emissions trading scheme to provide breathing space for investment.
Gareth Davies
I can think of few greater champions for Stoke's ceramics sector than my hon. Friend. We recognise that carbon leakage is a significant risk for the ceramics sector, so I can offer him two pieces of information. First, we provide free allowances to the ceramics sector under the ETS. Secondly, just yesterday we announced that ceramics will be included in the UK's carbon border adjustment mechanism.
Session: Business Investment
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to help increase the level of business investment. The Chancellor announced an ambitious growth package that will boost business investment by making full expensing permanent, removing barriers to business investment, reforming our inefficient planning system, speeding up electricity grid connection times and making £4.5 billion available for strategic manufacturing sectors over the next five years.
Context
The MP is concerned about the level of business investment and inquires about steps being taken by the Department to boost it.
Gareth Davies
In the autumn statement, the Chancellor announced an ambitious growth package that will boost business investment by making full expensing permanent, removing barriers to business investment, reforming our inefficient planning system, speeding up electricity grid connection times and making £4.5 billion available for strategic manufacturing sectors over the next five years.
Session: Business Investment
View All Questions -->
Given the impact on many land and property owners in Staffordshire, he asks for urgent engagement to ensure that affected farmers can use their land as soon as possible.
Context
There are concerns about the time taken to return land to property owners in Staffordshire. The questioner seeks urgent action.
Huw Merriman
I ask my hon. Friend for a little patience, it will take time to develop a programme to deliver value for money and avoid disrupting local property markets. We will engage with affected communities throughout the process.
Session: High Speed 2
View All Questions -->
I thank my right hon. Friend for that response. Stoke-on-Trent College has recently launched its new “Skills Ready, Future Ready” strategy and has been working with a number of employers locally to fill skills shortages, and it is very welcome to see the local skills improvement fund investment of around £3 million for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, but given our industries locally and the skills shortages, we need to go further, so what will my right hon. Friend be doing to help fill some of those skills shortages—to support our industries to help people earn better wages and get skilled now?
Context
The MP highlighted the local initiative of 'Skills Ready, Future Ready' strategy by Stoke-on-Trent College and sought further support for addressing skill shortages.
Robert Halfon
My hon. Friend is a true champion of skills in Stoke-on-Trent and, as he mentioned, we strongly support the £3.2 million we are investing through the local skills improvement fund. That is underpinned by £3.8 billion of additional national investment and my hon. Friend will be pleased to know we will be opening the Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire institute of technology in September 2024, with £13 million of capital funding as part of our revolution in tertiary education.
Session: Local Skills Needs Education Providers and Businesses
View All Questions -->
Given the success of exempting the ceramics sector from the climate change levy, and the risks of carbon leakage from offshoring the industry, will my right hon. Friend seriously consider exempting the ceramics sector from the emissions trading scheme?
Context
Concerns have been raised about the potential carbon leakage risks for the ceramics industry under the emissions trading scheme.
Claire Coutinho
I know that my hon. Friend is a long-standing champion of the ceramics sector. The sector receives free allocations under the ETS, reducing carbon price exposure and mitigating its risk of carbon leakage. The Government are reviewing the free allocations policy and will consult this year to ensure that we effectively support at-risk industries.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. Since my last appearance at departmental questions in September, what developments have there been?
Context
The MP inquired about the department's recent activities and progress since the last appearance at departmental questions.
Claire Coutinho
Since my last appearance at departmental questions in September, we have shown that Britain remains open for business. Through our announcement on AR6, we have taken the next steps towards 50 GW of offshore wind energy. We have announced £960 million of investment in advanced manufacturing for key net zero sectors, including offshore wind networks, carbon capture, usage and storage, hydrogen and nuclear. We have set out the most radical plans to update the grid since the 1950s. I have signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea to ensure closer co-operation on nuclear and offshore wind, bringing in £10 billion as well.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will my right hon. Friend give me a categorical assurance that he will do everything he can to enable us to deliver the Rwanda policy, introduce all necessary legal exemptions so we can get on with those flights as soon as possible?
Context
The MP seeks assurances on enabling the delivery of the Rwanda policy and introducing necessary legal exemptions to ensure flights can start as soon as possible.
James Cleverly
The Rwanda scheme is an extremely important part of our basket of responses. I will do everything to ensure that we drive down small-boat arrivals: that is the promise we have made to the British people, and that is the commitment I will deliver.
Session: Illegal Migration
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to tackle illegal migration. The Government have a plan, but details are requested on specific actions and their effectiveness compared to other European countries.
Context
The MP seeks to understand the steps being taken by the government to address illegal migration.
James Cleverly
The Government have a plan to tackle illegal migration by means of a number of methods, including working closely with international partners such as France, dismantling organised criminal gangs, and reforming the asylum system. Small-boat crossings are down compared with other countries in Europe.
Session: Illegal Migration
View All Questions -->
I thank the Solicitor General for his response. He will recall that I contacted him on behalf of a number of my constituents about a child sex offender in my constituency. Our local newspaper, the Stoke Sentinel, reported the sentencing of that offender beneath the headline, “Pervert Walks Free From Court”. My constituents are rightly concerned that such serious offenders can receive a non-custodial sentence. Given that my right hon. and learned Friend has been unable to intervene, will he review the way in which such offending is evaluated, so that such cases can be considered?
Context
The question relates to a specific case of a child sex offender whose sentence was reported as non-custodial, raising concerns among constituents.
Michael Tomlinson
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for his question and for raising this case. He is a great champion for Stoke-on-Trent. He will understand that I cannot comment on individual cases, but it is right to say that the threshold or test for undue leniency is a high one. In the vast majority of cases the Crown court judges get the sentence right, and the Court of Appeal will grant permission only in exceptional circumstances.
Session: Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the unduly lenient sentence scheme. Last year, 139 cases were referred to the Court of Appeal and the sentence was increased in just under 70% of those cases.
Context
The question arises from the ongoing assessment of a programme designed to ensure appropriate sentences for serious crimes.
Michael Tomlinson
The unduly lenient sentence scheme remains an important tool, ensuring appropriate sentences for the most serious crimes. Last year, we referred 139 cases to the Court of Appeal and the sentence was increased in just under 70% of those cases.
Session: Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister do more to ensure that we support such schools and grow the number of SEND places in Stoke-on-Trent?
Context
The need for more specialist school places is raised frequently by parents in my constituency, and children are being bounced between mainstream providers that are simply not fit to cater for many advanced needs. Recently, I visited Hillcrest Glebedale School in my constituency, which is keen to expand the number of places.
Claire Coutinho
I thank all the special schools for the amazing work they do to support children and young people. We have announced more than £1.4 billion of high needs provisional capital allocations to support local authorities to deliver new places for academic years 2023-24 and 2024-25. Local authorities can use that funding to work with any school or institution in their area.
Session: Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
View All Questions -->
A number of dentists in north Staffordshire are stopping NHS treatment, which is concerning. Some constituents report having to pay either £120 a year or £14 a month to stay on the dentist's books. Will my hon. Friend look into those serious concerns and meet me to discuss the matter further?
Context
Some dentists across north Staffordshire are stopping NHS treatment, with some constituents being told they will have to pay £120 a year or £14 a month to stay on the books.
Neil O'Brien
I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss those important issues further.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The lack of NHS dentists is a major concern in north Staffordshire. Does the Minister agree that we should set up a dental school at Keele University, which already has one of the best medical schools in the country?
Context
NHS dentists are in short supply, and a dental school would help address this.
Neil O'Brien
We are looking at the dentist, hygienist and therapist workforces as part of the long-term NHS workforce plan. I can reveal that this is not the first time my hon. Friend has lobbied me on this idea, and I am sure he will continue to do so.
Session: NHS Dental Services
View All Questions -->
Energy costs remain a major concern for many businesses. The connection between electricity and gas prices raises energy prices unnecessarily, deterring investment in electrical technologies. When will the decoupling of electricity and gas prices happen?
Context
The issue of tying electricity costs to gas prices is deterring investment in electrical technologies.
Grant Shapps
The decoupling of electricity and gas prices is a complex matter. We are reviewing the electricity market, including standing costs allocated between gas and electricity, to achieve the desired outcome.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Since we last met, the Department has been active in publishing documents such as 'Powering up Britain'. Will he provide further details?
Context
The question follows an initial meeting and asks for updates on departmental initiatives.
Grant Shapps
Since our previous meeting, the Department has published the 'Powering up Britain' document. I have been in South Korea and Japan negotiating with G7 partners an update to the climate energy security plan. We are leading on green transition issues.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Longton has antisocial behaviour and crime issues with plans to improve CCTV and gate up alleys. Additional funding is needed. When will the next round of safer streets fund open for bids?
Context
MP and local authorities are planning improvements in Longton town centre including CCTV upgrades and alleyway gating, but require funding.
Suella Braverman
Next round date cannot be given, but more details on safer streets are expected in future. Stoke-on-Trent has seen a 26% decrease in neighbourhood crime since 2010.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
View All Questions -->
The behaviour of Iran is increasingly concerning, particularly that of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as my hon. Friend the Member for Buckingham (Greg Smith) said earlier. What more will my right hon. Friend do, particularly by working with our allies, to ensure that we attack that threat head on?
Context
The MP highlighted the concerning actions of Iran, particularly those of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
James Cleverly
We have sanctioned individuals and entities in response to their malign behaviour, including the sanctioning of the IRGC in its entirety. We continue to work very closely with our international allies and friends in the region to deter Iran and the IRGC from further such actions.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I know from speaking to staff at Longton jobcentre that additional support has been put in place to help the over-50s back into work. Will the Minister update the House on what more is being done to upskill adults and help more of them to get back into work, especially in Stoke-on-Trent?
Context
Staff at Longton jobcentre reported additional support to help the over-50s back into work.
Guy Opperman
My hon. Friend will be aware of the 50-plus champions, the midlife MOT, sector-based work academies, skills bootcamps specifically for over-50s; Port Vale football club held a recent jobs fair attended by 1,400 customers, including many over-50s, with 600 job offers and 100 employers present.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
We see a concerning number of young people being criminally exploited by drugs gangs, particularly in Stoke-on-Trent. Will my right hon. Friend look at what more can be done to prevent young people, particularly the most vulnerable, from being drawn into a cycle of criminality?
Context
Young people are being criminally exploited by drugs gangs, particularly in Stoke-on-Trent.
Damian Hinds
My hon. Friend makes a good point, and I am always keen to hear from him on this important subject. The Government have invested a lot of money in the 10-year drugs plan, and there is a strong commitment across Government to making sure we see through those commitments.
Session: Youth Offending
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking through the criminal justice system to help young people avoid crime. The “Beating crime plan” of 2021 highlighted, once again, the importance of early intervention for young people. I am concerned about young people being drawn into a cycle of criminality and need specific measures to prevent this.
Context
Young people are at risk of involvement in crime and early intervention is crucial.
Damian Hinds
The “Beating crime plan” highlighted the importance of early intervention for young people. One such programme is our support for 200 voluntary and community projects to engage children at risk of involvement in crime through mentoring and sports activities.
Session: Youth Offending
View All Questions -->
Current plans for community diagnostic hubs in North Staffordshire would see only a single facility, which is meant to serve over half a million people. That is totally insufficient, so will the Secretary of State look at my suggestion that there should be two of these facilities in North Staffordshire?
Context
A single community diagnostic hub planned for North Staffordshire is insufficient to serve over half a million people, as per Jack Brereton.
Will Quince
I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that further.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Around 700,000 people without a work requirement can return to the workplace if supported properly. When will the Secretary of State introduce reforms to the work capability assessment and Access to Work to facilitate more people getting back into employment?
Context
The Centre for Social Justice suggests around 700,000 inactive people could be helped back into work with support. Labour proposed reforms which were initially dismissed but later copied.
Mel Stride
We are reviewing economic inactivity as part of our White Paper process, which will address the questions posed regarding work capability assessment and Access to Work.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Trentham Academy has recently received a very good Ofsted rating, with a number of outstanding features, following significant improvement. But the school building is in a very serious condition, with rat infestations, a number of areas of safety concerns and more than one third of classrooms below 40 square metres. Will my right hon. Friend agree to support Trentham's being in the school rebuilding programme?
Context
Trentham Academy received an Ofsted rating but faces serious building conditions issues including safety concerns and inadequate classroom size.
Nick Gibb
Thanks to my hon. Friend, I am very aware of the serious issues affecting the condition of the Trentham Academy building. We plan to confirm further schools for the school rebuilding programme later this year.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
We have some fantastic creative and manufacturing industries in Stoke-on-Trent, but many of these industries say to me that they often struggle to fill certain vacancies. Will my hon. Friend look at what more we can do to help to incentivise vocational skills to get our economy growing?
Context
The MP is concerned about the difficulty businesses face in filling certain vacancies and seeks ways to incentivise vocational skills.
Andrea Jenkyns
I know this is of great importance to my hon. Friend. Many different sectors face skills needs and challenges, which is why we are investing in skills through T-levels, apprenticeships, skills boot camps and free courses for jobs, giving people of all ages the opportunity to obtain the skills that industries like and that support economic growth.
Session: Vocational Alternatives to A-levels
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to ensure that students have access to high-quality vocational alternatives to A-levels?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of high-quality vocational alternatives to A-levels for students.
Andrea Jenkyns
We are reforming technical education to ensure that all post-16 students have access to technical options that support progression and meet employers' needs. We have introduced T-levels, a new high-quality programme designed with employers that will give learners the knowledge and experience needed for skilled employment and further study, including higher education or higher apprenticeships.
Session: Vocational Alternatives to A-levels
View All Questions -->
Stoke-on-Trent has been affected by drugs, particularly monkey dust. I am calling for monkey dust to be reclassified as a class A drug. Will my hon. Friend update the House on what action the Government are taking to increase penalties for trading in these drugs?
Rachel Maclean
The Government keep matters under review and there are already significant penalties, with a maximum penalty of four years for supplying class B drugs.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
We have serious concerns about the West Midlands ambulance service and delays in north Staffordshire. Staffordshire fire service wants to help improve ambulance services in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Will my right hon. Friend agree to do as much as he can?
Context
West Midlands ambulance service faces significant delays and partnership issues in north Staffordshire.
Sajid Javid
My hon. Friend makes a very good point and some good suggestions. West Midlands ambulance service is my local ambulance service too, and I recently met its chief executive officer and chairwoman. As he knows, the NHS has published and is executing a 10-point plan for emergency service recovery.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Does my hon. Friend agree that we should welcome the work of partners in Stoke-on-Trent's education challenge board and support their efforts to drive up standards?
Context
Stoke-on-Trent has been designated as an education priority area, and local efforts have been made to improve standards.
Robin Walker
I am very pleased that Stoke-on-Trent is a priority education investment area. Our approach will build on the strong work in all areas and consider ways to inform decision-making through local partnerships like the education challenge board.
Session: Maths and English Support for Pupils
View All Questions -->
What more are the Government doing both to incentivise property owners to bring derelict spaces back into use and to make it easier to use enforcement powers where owners prove unwilling to do so?
Context
The MP acknowledges the government's efforts but seeks more specific measures to incentivise property owners to bring derelict spaces back into use and make it easier to use enforcement powers.
Neil O'Brien
My hon. Friend is completely correct. It was a pleasure to join the Cabinet meeting in Stoke last week and talk about how we drive forward regeneration there. Stoke is really powering ahead, and the measures in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill—particularly those to reform compulsory purchase orders and crack down on empty shops—will help things go even faster. That is in addition to the specialised support that Stoke-on-Trent is receiving through the high streets task force. I have also set up a meeting next month with all the infrastructure and regeneration bodies across Government to plan how we can build on Stoke's three levelling-up fund successes.
Session: Town Centre Regeneration
View All Questions -->
I thank my right hon. Friend for that response. As well as getting Whitehall back to the office, and given the recent announcements about rolling back the state, does he agree that we should now focus on reducing both the record numbers of people working in central Government and the civil servant headcount?
Context
The supplementary question builds on the initial question by addressing the need to reduce both the record numbers of people working in central Government and the civil servant headcount.
Steve Barclay
I very much agree. My hon. Friend will have noticed that the spending review 2020 included a provision to do exactly that. However, the point is more nuanced, because this is also about empowering civil servants and taking away often the many layers so that the very good work of sometimes more junior civil servants can get to Ministers and senior decision makers. There is a fiscal benefit of this and an opportunity in how we better empower staff and, in turn, combine that with our learning and development offer.
Session: Civil Servants Return to the Office
View All Questions -->
I thank the Attorney General for her response. I have written to her about the need for the CPS to better understand local circumstances when making decisions. Will she look again at the possibility of co-locating CPS lawyers in local police stations, in order to ensure that they make the best possible decisions, based on local knowledge?
Context
The MP wrote to the Attorney General regarding the need for CPS to better understand local circumstances when making decisions, suggesting co-locating CPS lawyers in local police stations.
Suella Braverman
I have seen my hon. Friend's letter. The point that he raises is critical to the success of the work of the CPS and the police. Closer liaison and better working between police and investigators creates better outcomes for victims and at trial. That is why I am pleased that the west midlands is an Operation Soteria area—that operation is pioneering and institutionalising closer working, by ensuring early investigative advice, improving action plans, and ensuring closer and better scrutiny of the decisions of the police and the CPS. It is a great area where there is some good work.
Session: Crown Prosecution Service
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made of the performance of the CPS in the west midlands?
Context
The MP inquired about the recent assessment of CPS's performance in the west midlands.
Suella Braverman
Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service inspectorate recently published a report on CPS performance in the west midlands, and it is due to report on Yorkshire and Humberside in April. I am pleased to say that, despite the pressures of the pandemic, the report on the west midlands found that commendable improvements had been made, including in seeking orders to protect complainants and witnesses, and in handling third-party disclosure.
Session: Crown Prosecution Service
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
HS2 Cancellation and Network North
17 January 2024
Responding: Huw Merriman
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the cancellation of HS2 phase 2a, which would have caused significant disruption in Staffordshire. There has been a loss of local stations such as Etruria and Wedgwood due to previous transport decisions. The compulsory purchase order process for properties affected by HS2 must be concluded, and efforts should focus on delivering local projects that can enhance connectivity and productivity.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the government to ensure that funding from the cancellation of HS2 phase 2a is used to deliver local railway restoration projects such as Meir station and the Stoke-to-Leek line. It is essential that these initiatives are fully funded without requiring a local contribution, thereby enabling them to proceed.']
High Street Heritage and Conservation Areas — [Yvonne Fovargue in the Chair]
13 September 2023
Responding: Rachel Maclean
Main Concerns
["Mr. Brereton is concerned about the preservation of historic bottle ovens in Stoke-on-Trent, which are crucial to the city's identity as the world capital of ceramics. He highlights the shortage of skilled officers and experts needed for heritage conservation, noting that without character appraisals, it becomes challenging to conserve areas meaningfully. Mr. Brereton also mentions the poor state of some current conservation areas and the lack of enforcement action during the pandemic, leading to further deterioration. The MP cites specific examples such as buildings falling into disrepair in Longton and properties on the heritage at-risk register, emphasizing the need for proactive measures like section 215 notices."]
Specific Asks
["Mr. Brereton asks for more investment from Historic England specifically for Longton's local heritage, additional time to address projects delayed due to the pandemic and inflationary pressures, better resources and skills related to enforcement actions, and relaxation of planning rules to facilitate change of use in historic buildings."]
Drug Reclassification: Monkey Dust
01 November 2022
Responding: Chris Philp
Main Concerns
["Jack Brereton is concerned about the severe impact of monkey dust, a class B drug, in Stoke-on-Trent. He notes that up to two-thirds of all monkey dust-related incidents in the west midlands region occur there and highlights the drug's unpredictable effects, including hallucinations, aggression, and hyperthermia leading to death. Brereton also emphasizes the drug's affordability and its devastating impact on users' lives, families, local communities, businesses, and emergency services."]
Specific Asks
['Brereton calls for the reclassification of monkey dust as a class A drug to send a clear message that dealing with it will not be tolerated. He also asks the government to support preventative work, rehabilitation efforts, and stricter sanctions against suppliers and users of the drug.']
Energy-intensive Industries
24 November 2021
Responding: Lee Rowley
Main Concerns
["The hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent North is concerned about the financial impact of rising energy prices on industries that rely heavily on energy, such as ceramics. He notes that the UK's energy-intensive industries contribute £38 billion annually to GDP and provide over a million jobs directly and indirectly. The member highlights that these sectors face significant challenges due to price volatility in world energy markets, which could lead to job losses and reduced competitiveness compared to international competitors with lower environmental standards or less exposure to volatile markets. He mentions specific instances where firms have had to consider shutting down operations early due to the high cost of gas and electricity for firing products at extreme temperatures."]
Specific Asks
['The Member calls on the Government to support energy-intensive industries in adapting to low-carbon energy solutions, including investment in R&D to improve efficiency and develop hydrogen as a solution. He asks that more realistic thresholds be set for qualification under the energy-intensive industries exemption scheme to ensure ceramics businesses are eligible.']
North Staffordshire Potteries Towns: Levelling Up
01 December 2020
Responding: Christopher Pincher
Main Concerns
['Covid-19 has impacted the economy of North Staffordshire, particularly sectors such as hospitality and tableware manufacturing. Stoke-on-Trent is one of the most deprived areas in England with a high proportion of deprived neighbourhoods, low life expectancy, lower earnings than regional and national averages, and significant challenges in academic qualifications. Despite these issues, there is potential for growth in advanced manufacturing and digital industries.']
Specific Asks
["The Government should commit to Stoke-on-Trent's bid for the Strength in Places fund wave 2 and support the proposed Florence MacWilliams Academy free school. Investment is needed in public transport infrastructure through schemes like the Transforming Cities Fund, Restoring Your Railway programme, and Housing Infrastructure Fund. The local contribution requirement for levelling-up programmes should be reconsidered to ensure disadvantaged areas receive necessary funding."]
The Economy
22 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
High Speed Rail (Crewe - Manchester) Bill - Amendments (a), (b), (c) and (d)
21 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
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 ...
Immigration Update
01 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Bill
26 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill aims to recognise the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the International Committee of the Red Cross as international organisations in the UK, granting them legal capacities similar ...
The Bereaved Parental Leave and Pay Bill - Third reading of the bill
26 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill seeks to introduce a right for bereaved partners from the first day of their employment, ensuring employed parents have time and support when their partner dies during childbirth. The Bill ai...
High Streets (Improvement) Bill - Third Reading
26 April 2024
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
Moves the Third Reading of the High Streets Improvement Bill, expressing gratitude to colleagues and organisations for their support. Highlights the importance of local government co-ordination in pre...
Childcare Entitlements
23 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ways and Means
11 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Since 2010, the economy under Conservative Government has seen significant growth despite challenging times. The Chancellor's Budget supports sectors such as the creative industries, which have grown ...
High Streets (Designation, Review and Improvement Plan) Bill - Clause for expedient authorisation of payment out of money provided by Parliament
05 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the clause to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any increase attributable to the Act in sums payable under other Acts, supporting the Bill introduced by his hon. Frien...
Immigration Rules and Border Security
20 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
6
PMQs Asked
70
Ministerial Questions Asked
142
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
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
+412% above average
This MP:
70
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+98% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2833% above average
This MP:
142
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 Jack Brereton's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.