James Davies
MP for Vale of Clwyd
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I like to keep the Prime Minister on his toes. Will he reverse this misguided scheme, or will he persist with a plan that makes all of our personal data vulnerable to hacks and attacks?
Context
The question was prompted by concerns over a breach of national security involving sensitive documents being photographed heading into No. 10.
The Prime Minister
I thank the hon. Member for her question. The whole point of digital ID, of course, is that you cannot see it, so that should at least deal with her first concern. It is important that we make access to public services as easy as possible for people.
Assessment
Did not address the security concerns raised about personal data being vulnerable to hacks and attacks.
Did Not Acknowledge Security Concerns
Session: PMQs
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Given the poor accessibility of Manchester airport due to lengthy commutes from North Wales, will you ensure that the north Wales line features in the updated rail network enhancements pipeline?
Context
MP noted that the north Wales mainline railway has had little investment for over a century.
Boris Johnson
Network Rail has received funding for feasibility work to improve journey times on the north Wales mainline.
Session: PMQs
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My constituent Carol Ridgway faces eight weeks of stress and worry as she waits for an urgent appointment at the local breast clinic in north Wales. Despite the pandemic, 85% of patients in England wait only two weeks for their urgent suspected cancer referrals. What can my right hon. Friend do to ensure equality of healthcare across Britain?
Context
A constituent in north Wales faces prolonged wait times for an urgent appointment at a breast clinic.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. I am sorry about the case that he raises. Health of course is a devolved matter, but I thank our NHS colleagues across the whole of the UK. I point out that the Welsh Government will benefit from an additional £3.8 billion of funding this year, plus a further £270 million to support the response to covid.
Assessment
Specific commitment or action related to reducing wait times in north Wales
Health Is A Devolved Matter
Session: PMQs
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Large sections of the Waen near St Asaph have very poor broadband connections. Top-up gigabit vouchers can help raise £200,000 needed but there is a 24% shortfall. What assistance will my right hon. Friend provide for constituents in this situation?
Context
Residents of the Waen near St Asaph are experiencing poor broadband connections, with a shortfall of funding to improve services.
Boris Johnson
BT Openreach has recently extended its offer of commercial coverage to gigabit broadband services in my hon. Friend's area due to recent tax incentives announced by the Chancellor.
Assessment
bridging the funding gap for better broadband connectivity
Recent Tax Incentives
Session: PMQs
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Patients in north Wales lack the same automatic healthcare choice as patients in England. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that healthcare features prominently within the UK levelling-up agenda?
Context
Patients in England have full access to specialist hospital care anywhere, but those in north Wales face restrictive contracts or individual funding requests.
Boris Johnson
We have worked with the Welsh Government throughout the pandemic, providing £8.6 billion in additional funding through the Barnett formula.
Assessment
Did not commit to prioritizing healthcare within the UK levelling-up agenda specifically.
Session: PMQs
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At the recent spending review, over £14 billion was allocated for research and development. That was excellent news, but there is a concern that charity-funded medical research, which has been hit hard by the pandemic, will still be left behind. Will my right hon. Friend intervene to ensure that some of that funding is used to set up a life sciences charity partnership fund to boost medical research, protect thousands of skilled jobs and promote the UK's position as a science superpower?
Context
Charity-funded medical research has been hit hard by the pandemic, raising concerns about its future funding and viability.
Boris Johnson
Yes indeed. I know that my hon. Friend, as a doctor, knows the vital importance of medical research and pure science. That is why this Government are investing record sums in science R&D—£14.6 billion in 2021-22. That is going to support all the life sciences sectors.
Assessment
The response did not confirm the establishment of a specific partnership fund for charity-funded medical research.
Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister commend ITV on its choice to film 'I'm a Celebrity' in North Wales, and does he welcome the positive impact this can have on the regional economy?
Context
ITV's decision to film 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!' in north Wales instead of Australia due to the pandemic.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is right to draw attention to the wonderful attractions of north Wales, which I know very well, as I tried to get elected there many years ago—unsuccessfully. I congratulate him on his success, and may it be long repeated.
Session: PMQs
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I welcome Ofgem's ongoing review of standing charges in electricity bills. In the North Wales and Merseyside region, the standing charge is 67.04p per day, compared to an average of 60.10p across the UK. Will the Minister commit to coming back to the House to provide further comment on this geographical variation once Ofgem has published the findings of its review?
Context
Ofgem is reviewing standing charges in electricity bills, and there are discrepancies between North Wales and Merseyside region (67.04p/day) and the UK average (60.10p/day).
Amanda Solloway
My hon. Friend makes an important point and is right to pick up on this matter. I reassure him that I have encouraged and pushed Ofgem to do more on this issue. Electricity standing charges include network costs, which reflect the cost of maintaining and upgrading the transmission and distribution networks across the country. I am of course happy to meet him to discuss this subject further.
Session: Topical Questions
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There have already been three worthy beneficiaries of the community ownership fund in my constituency: the village shop in Llandyrnog; the Salusbury Arms in Tremeirchion, which the Minister has visited; and Rhyl football club, which hopes to secure the future of its ground, Belle Vue. His Department has been very helpful throughout, but what further advice and guidance can be provided for applicants in future rounds?
Context
The MP highlights three beneficiaries of the Community Ownership Fund in his constituency and seeks further guidance for future applicants.
Jacob Young
I enjoyed visiting the Salusbury Arms with my hon. Friend and raising a glass to the community there. Ahead of round 4, we launched a brand-new expression of interest process, which provides interested applicants with an outcome within minutes. To support applicants at the fourth stage, we have also updated the prospectus and other guidance on gov.uk.
Session: Community Ownership Fund
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What advice does the Minister have for small businesses in north Wales facing these onerous bills?
Context
The Welsh Government is reducing retail, hospitality and leisure business rates relief from 75% to 40%, affecting small businesses. The questioner seeks advice on how these businesses can cope with this change.
Gareth Davies
My hon. Friend is right that at the autumn statement, this Government extended the retail, hospitality and leisure relief in England—a tax cut worth £2.5 billion for small businesses. The Barnett formula applies to allow the Welsh Labour Government to offer similar relief if they want to. It is disappointing, if not surprising, that when given the opportunity, Labour decides not to cut taxes for working people.
Session: Support for Small Businesses
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Will my right hon. Friend confirm that and outline what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government to ensure schools in Wales also see the benefit of that funding?
Context
Headteachers have written to parents about the dire financial situation facing their schools.
Damian Hinds
I regret that, as education is a devolved matter, the Labour party is in charge of education in Wales. It really saddens me to hear of children in my hon. Friend's constituency suffering from its mismanagement of that system, despite the great work of brilliant and inspiring teachers in Wales.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Union is strongest when people can see and feel its benefits. He agreed that a prosperous Northern Ireland, with a stable devolved Government, is the surest way to safeguard the Union's integral place in the United Kingdom. He mentioned new leadership at Stormont including Speaker Poots replacing Speaker Maskey.
Context
Stressing that a prosperous Northern Ireland with stable devolved government is vital for safeguarding the Union.
Chris Heaton-Harris
My hon. Friend's sentiment is fully agreed with; it is a real pleasure to see Stormont up and running again, including new leadership like Speaker Poots and working Deputy First Minister, ensuring good solutions are made for the people of Northern Ireland.
Session: The Union
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What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to safeguard Northern Ireland's place in the Union. He noted that protecting Northern Ireland's constitutional status as set out in the Belfast/Good Friday agreement and ensuring unfettered access to the UK internal market are crucial for maintaining stability.
Context
Concern about Northern Ireland's position within the UK union.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The Government reaffirmed their commitment recently in the Command Paper “Safeguarding the Union”. This includes proposals for new measures in domestic legislation to protect unfettered access to the UK internal market, and to affirm Northern Ireland's constitutional position as set out in the Belfast/Good Friday agreement.
Session: The Union
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I work closely with Philip Burrows, Denbighshire's excellent digital officer. He tells me that Openreach can still impose significant excess charges to connect properties that are declared enabled for fibre. In those instances, people are unable to claim via the gigabit voucher scheme. Will my hon. Friend outline what steps she is taking to address this matter?
Context
The MP has received feedback from Philip Burrows about issues with fibre connections and excess charges.
Julia Lopez
I thank my hon. Friend for raising the experience of Mr Burrows, who sounds like a very experienced officer. I would like to hear a bit more detail, because it sounds like the properties he cites have access to a fibre connection and would not be eligible for a voucher. I would like to know a bit more about the excess charges so that we can deal with any problems.
Session: Rural Connectivity
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People with disabilities often take on voluntary roles, as there can be societal barriers to gaining employment. My constituent Philippa has a son with Down's syndrome who volunteers, providing much-valued music workshops for local children. How can the Minister ensure that the work of people with disabilities is properly recognised in the workplace?
Context
Philippa's son volunteers in music workshops for local children despite societal barriers to gaining paid employment. He faces challenges in being recognized as a valuable member of the workforce.
Mel Stride
I congratulate Philippa's son on the very good work that he does. We have disability employment advisers in our jobcentres. I am visiting my hon. Friend's constituency later this week; I know that he has been involved in the Denbighshire project, including the We Mind the Gap programme for young people, and I will be interested to discuss that and other matters.
Session: Topical Questions
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Arriva has stated that the Welsh Government's 20 mph policy is a key reason for bus service reductions. Does the Secretary of State agree that the Welsh Government have failed to properly consider the impact of their policy and should repeal it?
Context
Bus services no longer serve Dyserth's high street or the Tweedmill shopping outlet in Trefnant, impacting vulnerable people.
David Davies
Not only have the Welsh Government not considered this policy's impact on the economy, businesses, commuters, but also users of public transport. We are seeing bus timetables being ripped up across Wales because of this daft policy.
Session: Speed Limit Residential Roads
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Disappointingly, there's no evidence of allocated funds from the regional innovation fund having been used in Wales as intended. What assistance can be provided to encourage investment in the Welsh economy?
Context
The MP noted that despite allocating £3.4 million of the regional innovation fund to Wales, there is no evidence of it being spent for its intended purpose.
Andrew Griffith
Disappointing that Labour Government in Wales hasn't seen fit to spend these funds. Ultimately, it's a decision for them and voters will hold them accountable.
Session: Research and Development Private Investment
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What recent discussions have taken place with Cabinet colleagues regarding trends in private investment for research and development during the past 12 months?
Context
The MP inquired about recent discussions on trends of private investment in R&D over the last year.
Andrew Griffith
This Government have a fantastic track record of mobilising private investment in research and innovation, alongside delivering the largest ever public spending, which will reach £20 billion a year next financial year. In November, the global investment summit saw commitments to invest almost £30 billion in the UK.
Session: Research and Development Private Investment
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I recently met the senior coroner for my area about concerns over health services in north Wales and to discuss preventable deaths. As part of that work, he pointed me towards the Preventable Deaths Tracker, set up by Dr Georgia Richards in Oxford. Will the Secretary of State commit to meeting Dr Richards and me to discuss the potential benefits of the tracker?
Context
The senior coroner for the area pointed out concerns over health services and preventable deaths in north Wales. Dr Georgia Richards's Preventable Deaths Tracker could be beneficial.
Mike Freer
My hon. Friend makes a great point. My officials have already met Dr Richards to discuss her work on the tracker and, together with the Chief Coroner's office, we are exploring with her team how best to share the tracker on the various websites. However, I am more than happy to meet with my hon. Friend and Dr Richards to discuss how we can work together.
Session: Topical Questions
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What more can be done to safeguard the confidentiality of victims of domestic abuse?
Context
The MP asked about safeguarding the confidentiality of victims of domestic abuse, specifically in cases where they have been named in local press against their wishes.
Alex Chalk
My hon. Friend raises an absolutely essential point, because giving evidence is a deeply traumatic experience. Powers in section 46 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 allow the court, on application, to make a decision about anonymity and to take account of the circumstances of the alleged offending, the alleged offender, the alleged victim, and so on. That is a matter for the court. The court has to weigh the circumstances of the case against the overarching interests of transparency.
Session: Victim Support
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As promised by the Prime Minister, medals are being issued to recognise those who participated in Britain's nuclear testing programme during the 1950s and 1960s. Some families have expressed a wish for a presentation ceremony for their medal. How would the Minister recommend that those are organised?
Context
Medals are being issued to recognize participation in Britain's nuclear testing program. The MP wants details on organizing presentation ceremonies.
Andrew Murrison
Nuclear test medals have been mailed to thousands of recipients to ensure that as many as possible had received them before Remembrance Sunday, and also with the advanced age of some of the recipients in mind. My sense is that that was the right thing to do and has been appreciated by recipients.
Session: Veterans
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What steps his Department is taking to support veterans. The MOD provides pensions, compensation, advice and assistance through the Veterans Welfare Service and Defence Transition Services, as well as integrated personal commissioning.
Context
The MP is concerned about support measures for veterans.
Andrew Murrison
The MOD delivers a range of services to veterans and their families. This includes the administration and payment of armed forces pensions and compensation, the provision of tailored advice and assistance through the Veterans Welfare Service and Defence Transition Services, and integrated personal commissioning for veterans.
Session: Veterans
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I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Perhaps inevitably, not all projects initially identified for delivery through the north Wales growth deal can be progressed, and that applies to the Bodelwyddan key strategic site. Will he encourage a flexible approach to diverting the £10 million of funds that had been earmarked to Bodelwyddan to other economic development projects within Denbighshire?
Context
The supplementary question addresses the redirection of funds earmarked for a specific project within the north Wales growth deal. The MP seeks to understand whether there will be flexibility in reallocating £10 million from the Bodelwyddan project to other economic development projects.
David Davies
Obviously, it is for Ambition North Wales to bring forward projects for the UK Government and the Welsh Government to approve, but we have taken a very flexible view of the whole thing. I assure my hon. Friend that despite the international financial problems, which all countries are facing at the moment, this Government remain absolutely committed to support jobs, driving growth and levelling up across the whole of the United Kingdom, including in his constituency.
Session: North Wales Growth Deal
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What steps his Department is taking to help deliver the north Wales growth deal.
Context
The question arises from the implementation phase of regional economic initiatives aimed at delivering growth and investment in north Wales. The MP seeks to understand specific actions being taken by his Department.
David Davies
The Wales Office has been fully supporting the north Wales growth deal as it begins to deliver projects on the ground, and my officials will work closely with all partners in north Wales to ensure that the deal continues to deliver growth and investment across the region.
Session: North Wales Growth Deal
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The Government intend investment zones to be located UK wide, but, in my constituency and the rest of Wales, that requires the engagement of the Welsh Government. Will my right hon. Friend update the House as to progress on securing that engagement?
Context
MP asked about progress on securing engagement with the Welsh Government for investment zones.
Simon Clarke
My hon. Friend and his colleagues from north Wales have already been absolutely passionate advocates of the potential of investment zones to benefit their region. He is quite right that we will need the co-operation of the Welsh Labour Government to unlock the full benefits of these zones. Discussions are ongoing with the Welsh Government, and I am delighted that I will have his support in making the case to their Minister for the Economy that Welsh Labour should embrace these zones.
Session: Investment Zones
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I welcome the Secretary of State to his first oral questions and, as this is likely to be his last oral questions, also wish him the best for the future. I associate myself with his remarks about his predecessor, who of course resigned from the Government on a point of principle as others chose to remain loyal; on that note, I also pay tribute to the former Minister, the hon. Member for Charnwood (Edward Argar), for the diligent approach he took to his work and the spirit in which he engaged with the Opposition. One of the contenders for the Conservative leadership says that public services are in a state of disrepair. Another describes the NHS backlog as frightening. A third called ambulance waiting times appalling, and of course the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport said that the former Health Secretary's preparation for a pandemic was “found wanting and inadequate”. They are right, aren't they?
Context
Challenges in the NHS include long waiting lists, record ambulance waits, difficulties booking GP appointments, and high delayed discharges.
Steve Barclay
The Government are committed to putting increased funding into our NHS. I set out yesterday the position on the resource departmental expenditure limit. Just to remind the House of the capital departmental expenditure limit, capital investment in the spending review was £32.2 billion between this year and 2024-25. The Government are committed to putting record funding into our NHS. We are also committed to funding 40 new hospitals and have allocated £3.7 billion to that programme.
Session: Topical Questions
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Businesses based in Great Britain tell me that while it is possible for them to trade with Northern Ireland, doing so can be very involved, costly and restrictive. Will my right hon. Friend confirm how businesses like Snowdonia Cheese stand to benefit from the provisions in the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the impact of current trade restrictions on businesses, using Snowdonia Cheese Company as an example.
Brandon Lewis
The proposed legislation will enable businesses to trade freely once again by delivering new green and red lane arrangements, removing unnecessary costs and work while ensuring necessary checks are done.
Session: Trade between NI and rest of UK
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Neighbourhood crime and antisocial behaviour is better tackled with the police visibility and responsiveness that a town centre police station can provide. Will my right hon. Friend give his support and encouragement to efforts by north Wales police to reopen a police station in the centre of Prestatyn, possibly at the redeveloped old library site?
Context
North Wales Police is considering reopening a police station in the centre of Prestatyn.
Kit Malthouse
I am more than happy to support my hon. Friend in seeking the best for his constituents, as I did on Friday in Tiverton where the front counter of the police station is due to open in November. I hope and believe that his constituents will benefit from the significant uplift in capacity and funding that we are giving to police forces, which will allow them to do exactly as he asks.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assessment has my right hon. Friend made of the proposed changes to the voting system at Cardiff Bay and the potential impact on democratic representation?
Context
A proposal has been announced regarding changes to the voting system in Cardiff Bay, which has raised concerns about democratic representation and financial implications.
Simon Hart
It is mystifying that this proposal was announced on the same day as the Queen's Speech. It will impose a £100 million burden on Welsh taxpayers and demolish a voting system that has served us well for years, and there has been no consultation with any voters at all. Even the Lib Dems describe it as a stitch-up.
Session: Senedd Representation and Levelling-up Agenda
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My right hon. Friend is right to focus on helping offenders to find work post release, which is crucial to reduce reoffending. Will he update the House on progress made in that respect?
Context
Inquiry on the progress in getting prison leavers into work.
Dominic Raab
In the last year alone, we have seen a step change in respect of offenders being in work within six months of release from prison; the number has increased by two thirds. The prisons White Paper sets out the strategy. We are rolling out the chairs of employment advisory boards and now have chairs for 48 out of 91 prisons. We have also stood up 29 of the employment hubs in our prisons. Those are the links between prison governors and local businesses that will get offenders into work and to stay on the straight and narrow.
Session: Reducing Reoffending
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Will my right hon. Friend kindly explain how the allocation of SPF funding in Scotland and across the rest of the UK will help level up those communities more effectively than the previous structural funding?
Context
The question is about the effectiveness of current funding compared to past structural funds in addressing regional inequalities.
Alister Jack
The UK shared prosperity fund provides £212 million of new funding for local investment. Local partners have greater flexibility than before, and allocations are based on a needs-based assessment including tailored proportions for rural areas in Scotland.
Session: UK Shared Prosperity Fund
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What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the impact of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund on regional inequality in Scotland?
Context
The question arises from the need to understand how the UKSPF will address regional inequalities.
Alister Jack
Rangers, that great British football club, are in Seville tonight for the Europa league final. All areas in Scotland will receive an allocation of UKSPF via a needs-based funding formula. Local leaders are empowered to design their own interventions in line with the levelling up missions.
Session: UK Shared Prosperity Fund
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Over the weekend I was pleased to see two Royal Navy vessels join five other JEF nations in escorting British and Danish supply ships delivering military vehicles and equipment to the UK-led NATO battle group in Estonia. Does my hon. Friend agree that as well as playing a vital role in NATO, it is important for the UK to continue to lead the joint expeditionary force?
Context
The UK-led NATO battle group in Estonia received military vehicles and equipment successfully delivered by British and Danish supply ships escorted by Royal Navy vessels.
James Heappey
I certainly do. NATO has been the absolute cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security since the end of the second world war, and long may it continue to be so. Neither the JEF, the EU nor anything else should be seen as an alternative. However, there is a market for complementary organisations such as the JEF, which do not require consensus.
Session: Topical Questions
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Five years ago, the A55-A494 network resilience study, commissioned by the Welsh Government, recognised the strategic importance of the route and the fact that it is often above capacity and vulnerable to disruption. How does my right hon. Friend believe the roads review may impact on plans for UKNET, a high-performing strategic transport network for the whole of the United Kingdom?
Context
The A55-A494 network resilience study from five years ago recognized the route's strategic importance and vulnerability to disruption. It is crucial for economic future.
Simon Hart
I know both the roads that my hon. Friend refers to—I travel on them regularly—and I am well aware of their importance to his constituency and the region's economic future. The UK Government's contribution to the road infrastructure is second to none. Some liaison is clearly necessary with the Welsh Government about certain aspects of that. We hope that they will publish their strategy soon and look again at their road strategy, because a simple moratorium on road improvements and new roads is not the way to restore economic prosperity in his area or anywhere else.
Session: Roads Review
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What discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on the impact of their roads review on transport infrastructure.
Context
Discussions about the impact of the Welsh Government's roads review on transport infrastructure in Wales. The Welsh Government has a history of prioritizing investment and manifesto commitments.
Simon Hart
The Wales Office has regular discussions with the Welsh Government on cross-border connectivity. I am afraid that Labour's plans are more of a roadblock than a road review. I urge the Welsh Government to focus more on investment and on delivering their 2016 manifesto commitments to sort out the M4 relief road and various other vital links.
Session: Roads Review
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Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating all those who have taken part in the scheme, especially those who have been given permanent jobs, and set out what ongoing support there will be for those who have completed their placements?
Context
The question is about ongoing support for those who have completed their kickstart placements.
Simon Clarke
Kickstart is, of course, only one part of the wider package of support for young people that is under way. The DWP's youth offer, which runs until 2025 and is worth £60 million, includes a 13-week youth employment programme, supported youth hubs and, crucially, specialised youth employability coaches.
Session: Kickstart Scheme
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What assessment has been made of the progress of the kickstart Scheme?
Context
The question is about the assessment of progress made by the kickstart scheme.
Simon Clarke
Some 130,000 young people across Great Britain have benefited from the kickstart scheme so far, including in my hon. Friends' constituencies. That is lower than the 250,000 jobs that the scheme could have funded, but the scheme was designed at a time when unemployment was expected to peak at 12%. The reality is that, thanks to the intervention by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor, the economy has recovered better than expected and unemployment peaked at 5.2% in 2020.
Session: Kickstart Scheme
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What plans are there to take heed of the National Audit Office's recent comments on the delivery of the female offender strategy? Can I highlight community solutions such as the North Wales Women's Centre in my constituency, which provides support to help tackle the root causes of crime, such as domestic abuse and poverty?
Context
The National Audit Office recently commented on the delivery of the female offender strategy. The question focuses on plans to address these comments and highlight effective community support organisations.
Victoria Atkins
We are committed to delivering the female offender strategy by reducing the number of women in custody and seeing a greater proportion of women managed in the community. We have invested £9.5 million in women's community sector organisations, including nearly £50,000 for the North Wales Women's Centre last year.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Secretary of State for that answer. There is great interest in north Wales in the opportunity that the new medium helicopter programme could bring to the region. Will he provide an update on the progress made by his Department ahead of the launch of a formal competition?
Context
There is interest in the region regarding potential job opportunities from the new medium helicopter programme.
Ben Wallace
Last November, we held a successful market interest day with potential suppliers to discuss requirements for our new medium helicopter programme. Hopefully, by February, we shall start the process of the competition.
Session: UK Defence Jobs
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Investing in zero-emission technologies is essential for future public transport connections. Scotland, as well as other parts of the country, is an important manufacturing base for buses. Can he confirm that the Government are working hard to ensure that British manufacturing leads the way in fulfilling our world-leading commitments to introduce zero-emission buses?
Context
The importance of investing in zero-emission technologies for future public transport connections, particularly noting Scotland's role in manufacturing buses.
Iain Stewart
We remain committed to supporting the introduction of 4,000 zero-emission buses and to achieving a zero-emission bus fleet. Transport is now the biggest single contributor in this country to carbon emissions, so it is right that we back our domestic industry to help deliver these zero-emission buses.
Session: Cross-border Transport Connectivity
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What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on improving transport connections between Scotland and the rest of the UK?
Context
Discussions on improving transport links between Scotland and other parts of the UK.
Iain Stewart
I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues about cross-border connectivity. Sir Peter Hendy's report, published last month, covers a wide range of solutions spanning all transport modes across the United Kingdom. We will take time to consider carefully all the recommendations in the report, and we will publish our response in the new year.
Session: Cross-border Transport Connectivity
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Can the Minister give me an update on how the scheme is benefiting those in Wales more widely? The Turing scheme includes Welsh providers and aims to offer opportunities across all parts of the UK.
Context
The question follows up on the initial query, focusing specifically on how the Turing scheme is benefiting students in Wales, particularly mentioning Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl planning a trip to France.
Alex Burghart
Absolutely. The Turing scheme is designed to be a UK-wide programme ensuring that young people from all parts can benefit, including Wales. Recent updates show remarkable new opportunities and experiences for participants across the country, with specific mention of Scotland and north Wales.
Session: Studying Abroad
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What steps his Department is taking to widen access to opportunities to study abroad. The Turing scheme offers additional financial support including increased grant towards living costs and funding for travel-related costs, with almost half of the participants coming from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Context
The question is prompted by an initiative to provide more opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to study or work abroad.
Alex Burghart
The Turing scheme is a UK-wide programme designed to ensure that young people from all parts of the United Kingdom can benefit, including those in Wales and north Wales. The Minister mentions financial support is provided and over 40% of participants are from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Session: Studying Abroad
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Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction tests can remain positive for up to 90 days post infection, which can create problems for those who have recovered and wish to travel abroad. What conversations is my right hon. Friend having with our international friends to ensure that there is a consistent and accepted form of proof of recovery for British citizens in that situation?
Context
The issue of prolonged positive PCR tests affecting international travel for recovered individuals is noted.
Amanda Milling
Officials are in regular contact with host Governments to understand their requirements and update FCDO travel advice. Travellers should consult the latest covid-19 restrictions on that advice.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank my right hon. Friend for that update. Ofcom allows those who receive spam text messages to forward them to a service, 7726, to report the receipt of those messages. How will the law enforcement agencies use the data acquired to locate and to punish the perpetrators of those crimes?
Context
Ofcom allows victims of spam text messages to forward them for reporting via the number 7726, which helps build intelligence on SMS fraudsters.
Damian Hinds
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for highlighting the 7726 service, because referrals to that help to build up the intelligence on SMS fraudsters or scam texters and can help to lead to take-downs. It is really important that law enforcement works both with regulators and directly with individual telecoms companies to protect victims and go after the criminals responsible.
Session: Online Fraud
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What steps her Department is taking to tackle online fraud. The draft Online Safety Bill will be one important tool to enhance our abilities in that.
Context
The issue of online fraud is prevalent, causing serious harm to victims financially and emotionally.
Damian Hinds
Online fraud can cause very serious harm to victims, both financial and emotional. We are determined to protect the public from these crimes and to go after those that commit them. The draft Online Safety Bill will be one important tool to enhance our abilities in that.
Session: Online Fraud
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Will he outline what discussions he is having about the shared prosperity fund and whether capital as well as revenue will be available?
Context
A £2.9 million allocation from the community renewal fund was announced for 14 projects in Denbighshire, including a charity called Blossom & Bloom that can now support more mothers and babies.
Simon Hart
My hon. Friend raises a very good question, and I hope he will take into account that we are looking at the levelling-up fund, the community renewal fund and the community ownership fund, as well as the shared prosperity fund, in the round, and other potential funding proposals too. When he sees the detail, I hope he will see that we address both capital and revenue.
Session: Community Renewal Fund
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Charity-funded Medical Research
24 November 2020
Responding: Amanda Solloway
Main Concerns
['Charity-funded medical research has lost significant funding due to the pandemic. Charities have seen a 38% loss of fundraising income between March and May 2020, leading to an immediate shortfall of £310 million this year. Predictions show a 41% fall in research spend in this financial year and a potential shortfall of up to £7.8 billion in UK R&D spending by 2027. The pandemic has led to the halving of research budgets for organisations like the British Heart Foundation, with Cancer Research UK cutting £44 million from its research spending.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should consider a bespoke package of support including a life sciences charity partnership fund contributing £310 million in year one. This would help protect and enhance our status as a science superpower and ensure that medical research is supported now and into the future.']
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Third sitting) 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill will make crucial updates that build on the NIS regulations by expanding their scope to cover data centres, large load controllers, and managed service providers. It introduces powers for reg...
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2025-11-24
24 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The clause would introduce the new Schedule in NS1, which transfers to mayors of mayoral strategic authorities the power to approve a local highway authority to charge undertakers who are executing wo...
Crime and Policing Bill 2025-06-18
18 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves that the clause be read a Second time. The new clauses aim to criminalise commercial sexual exploitation, including enabling or profiting from prostitution and paying for sex acts either directl...
Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse 2025-01-16
16 January 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Harland & Wolff
19 December 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Puberty-suppressing Hormones
11 December 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Inquiry Report
20 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Personnel Data Breach
07 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK Trade Performance
01 May 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 ...
Rhyl Cut and Prestatyn Gutter
14 July 2021
The petition addresses the poor maintenance of the Rhyl Cut and Prestatyn Gutter, which residents believe causes significant environmental blight.
View Full Petition -->
7
PMQs Asked
69
Ministerial Questions Asked
71
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
1
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
+91% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+415% above average
This MP:
69
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1361% above average
This MP:
71
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
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 James Davies's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.