James Morris
MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
On Monday, the Prime Minister outlined what he considers to be extremist threats to our society, and in doing so he actively compared North Korea, Iran and Russia with those people in Scotland who believe in independence, so can I ask him to rise, once, to the standards befitting his office, and apologise for those puerile and pathetic remarks?
Context
Prime Minister compared the Scottish independence movement with North Korea, Iran and Russia, which Flynn finds inappropriate.
Rishi Sunak
That is not what I said, but I will say to the hon. Gentleman that his party is indeed a threat to the integrity of the United Kingdom. When the people of Scotland accepted the referendum result in 2014, it was the SNP that didn't.
Assessment
Apology for comparing Scottish independence supporters with extremist regimes
Criticized The Snp
Session: PMQs
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Our mental health legislation is 40 years old, and we made a manifesto commitment to reform the Mental Health Act 1983 because people with learning disabilities and autism who are sectioned under the Act are being kept in inappropriate accommodation. People sectioned under the Act are not receiving compassionate care they deserve and are criminalised by sectioning. In the absence of a Bill, will the Prime Minister agree to meet me and colleagues to discuss how we might take forward the reform?
Context
The Mental Health Act is 40 years old and has failed to provide appropriate care for those with learning disabilities and autism who are sectioned under it. People sectioned under the Act have been kept in inappropriate accommodation for long periods.
Rishi Sunak
I am grateful for the work done by the Joint Committee on the Draft Mental Health Bill. Our intention is to bring forward a Bill when parliamentary time allows. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend and other colleagues to discuss this.
Session: PMQs
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This year marks the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare's first folio. Not only are his plays a central part of our national culture, but many people around the world see them as a beacon of hope in darkest times. I recently met Professor Nataliya Torkut, the director of the Ukrainian Shakespeare Centre, who told stories of actors, directors and scholars putting on Shakespeare plays in air raid shelters in Ukraine as an act of defiance against Russian aggression and bombs. Does the Prime Minister agree that, notwithstanding the sound and fury of domestic politics, we have in Shakespeare's works a force for freedom in a world often dominated by the brutality and tyranny of oppressive regimes?
Context
This year marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's first folio publication, celebrated for its impact on global culture.
Rishi Sunak
I join my hon. Friend in his comments. Coincidentally, one of the first gifts that I gave President Zelensky was an old copy of “Henry V”, so my hon. Friend's comments are well made. We are training and arming the Ukrainian forces with the equipment that they need to push back Russian forces.
Assessment
The PM did not directly address Shakespeare's significance as a force for freedom in oppressive times, but referred to his gift of a book to Zelensky and Ukraine's defiance against Russia.
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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He congratulated me on the reduction in number of claimants in my constituency due to excellent jobs fairs I organise with DWP, Halesowen College, and BID. Does he agree that work should pay and local actions like these make a difference?
Context
The question references the reduction in unemployment claimants and highlights the success of local jobs fairs organised by the MP, seeking acknowledgment from the Secretary of State.
Mel Stride
I congratulate my hon. Friend on the reduction in claimants in his constituency, which is due to excellent jobs fairs he organises with DWP, Halesowen College and BID. He is right that work should pay; universal credit ensures this.
Session: Employment Levels
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What plans does he have to increase levels of employment. We are at a near record level of employment and very low levels of unemployment, but more needs to be done to make sure people get back into work with incentives in place and through practical actions such as jobs fairs.
Context
The question addresses the current employment situation with near-record levels of employment but seeks further actions to ensure that work continues to pay off for individuals and encourages local initiatives.
Mel Stride
I congratulate my hon. Friend on the reduction in claimants in his constituency, which is due to excellent jobs fairs he organises with the DWP, Halesowen College and the business improvement district. He is right that work should pay; universal credit ensures this.
Session: Employment Levels
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Since he was first elected in 2017, Andy Street has delivered £10 billion of new investment to the west midlands region, more housing—particularly on brownfield land—and much-needed investment in transport infrastructure across the region. Does the Secretary of State agree that, when voters go to the polls next week, they should support Andy Street to continue that track record of delivery for the west midlands?
Context
Andy Street has delivered significant investment to the West Midlands since his election, with more housing and transport infrastructure improvements. The question aims to highlight these achievements and seek support for him.
Michael Gove
I agree with my hon. Friend. Andy Street has been outstanding at delivering jobs and more homes in the west midlands than in any other region, according to housing targets. He has done so despite the failure of Birmingham City Council, which was driven into bankruptcy by Labour.
Session: Metro Mayors Local Economies
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Does the Minister agree with me and Tom Byrne that keeping Halesowen police station open is critical for community confidence and for the effectiveness of neighbourhood policing?
Context
The Labour west midlands police and crime commissioner's decision could lead to the closure of Halesowen police station.
Chris Philp
I agree very strongly. West Midlands police is getting an extra £50 million this year—a 6.8% increase and well above the rate of inflation. Tom Byrne would do an excellent job of making sure that that maintains frontline services.
Session: Neighbourhood Policing
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What steps have been taken to increase police visibility in local communities?
Chris Philp
Last year, we reached record numbers of police officers—in excess of 149,000, which was over 3,000 more than at the previous peak under the last Labour Government. In terms of local policing, we achieved 67,785 as of March last year.
Session: Neighbourhood Policing
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Does the Minister agree that the Department needs to continue to be engaged with the local authority, which is appointing contractors, to make sure that this project gets delivered on time and on budget?
Context
The levelling-up fund is to invest £20 million into the rebuilding and refurbishment of Haden Hill leisure centre. There are concerns about delays.
Jacob Young
My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for his constituents. I am happy to meet him to discuss the delays as soon as we can.
Session: Topical Questions
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Many of my constituents who use Regis Medical Centre have been left angry and frustrated by the botched implementation of an Anima booking system, leading to them being unable to get an appointment or the treatment they need. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss how we can learn the lessons from that botched implementation and make sure trust in that GP surgery is restored?
Context
Regis Medical Centre has faced issues with the Anima booking system, leading to frustrated patients.
Victoria Atkins
Yes, happy to.
Session: Topical Questions
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As the Government has accepted most recommendations of the Carney review, can the Secretary of State give an update on how mental health provision needs improvement in women's elite sport?
Context
The Carney review into women's football recommended improvements to mental health provisions for elite female athletes.
Stuart Andrew
The FA and other football authorities are addressing this area of work; an implementation group will ensure that necessary actions are taken quickly.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Minister mentioned parity of esteem but not fulfilling the 2017 and 2019 manifesto commitment to reform the Mental Health Act; no Bill is in the King's Speech. Can she agree that issues prior to 2017, such as disproportionate sectioning and inappropriate settings for those with learning disabilities, still exist? What encouragement can she give to reform the Act?
Context
The MP references the Government's previous manifesto commitment to reform the Mental Health Act, highlighting issues such as disproportionate sectioning of black and minority ethnic people and inappropriate settings for those with learning disabilities.
Maria Caulfield
It remains our intention to bring forward a Bill when parliamentary time allows. We have put through pre-legislative scrutiny and are responding to the Joint Committee's report.
Session: Access to Mental Health Services
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Regarding the Rwanda policy, does the Minister agree with the Home Secretary that we have allowed the narrative to be created that this was the be-all and end-all of Government policy? What is our policy on combating boats and illegal migration?
Context
The Home Secretary's statement about the narrative surrounding the Rwanda plan.
Robert Jenrick
When my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and I set out our comprehensive plan this time last year, it had many facets, one of which—an extremely important component—was our Rwanda plan. We are almost the only country in Europe where illegal entrants are falling by more than a third.
Session: Illegal Migration Small Boats
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What progress has been made on stopping small boats transporting migrants across the English Channel? The crossings have increased by nearly a third compared to last year, and they remain dangerous and illegal. What is being done?
Context
The number of small boats crossing the channel has risen sharply, with nearly a third increase in Europe despite UK efforts.
Robert Jenrick
So far this year, we have reduced the number of these dangerous, illegal and completely unnecessary crossings by more than a third compared with last year. We remain focused on delivering our comprehensive plan to stop the boats by breaking the business model of the people smugglers, and we will shortly be piloting emergency legislation through this House.
Session: Illegal Migration Small Boats
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Does my hon. Friend agree that foster carers can play a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of a looked-after child, and that we need to encourage more people to go into foster caring by removing unnecessary bureaucratic barriers so that we can build a network of foster carers across the country to improve the life chances of children in care?
Context
The role of foster carers in improving the health and well-being of looked-after children, highlighting the need to remove bureaucratic barriers.
Claire Coutinho
This is a big priority for me. Some children end up in children's homes when they should have ended up with foster carers, so we need to recruit more. As I have said, we are making a significant investment in recruitment and retention so that we can keep some of our brilliant, experienced foster carers as well as attracting more into the system.
Session: Foster Care Placements
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What steps her Department is taking to help increase the number of foster care placements. I am concerned about the need for more foster carers to ensure that children are placed in stable homes.
Context
The issue of insufficient foster care placements in the UK, requiring more support for recruitment and retention.
Claire Coutinho
We know that we need more foster carers. That is a really important part of our plan, “Stable Homes, Built on Love”, to reform the care system. We are investing £27 million in recruitment and retention over the next two years. We have also increased the national minimum allowance for foster parents by 12.4% as part of those plans.
Session: Foster Care Placements
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Will the Minister meet to discuss improving the Halesowen bid for the third round of levelling-up funding?
Context
Halesowen town centre recovery and the unsuccessful levelling-up funding application for Halesowen.
Dehenna Davison
My hon. Friend's council has received feedback explaining why the bid was not successful, but I am happy to meet him to discuss further.
Session: Levelling-up Fund Delivery of Funds
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Britain has a high rate of nature destruction. The 2021 pledge to improve nature is not followed by concrete targets. Will you support my Ecology Bill to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030?
Context
The Government pledged to leave nature in better condition than found, but no firm targets have been set since.
Trudy Harrison
The Environment Act 2021 includes strong targets, and our environmental land management scheme rewards farmers for their environmental stewardship. The legal targets cover tree canopy cover improvements, water quality, air quality, and soil.
Session: Nature Loss
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Two things have impacted on the mental health of veterans in the Rhondda. One is the complete collapse of the private rented sector, with many single men getting no protection under the law and finding it very difficult to find a guarantor so that they can get anywhere to live at all. The second thing is brain injuries. I hope that the Minister has seen the recent research showing that the percentage of people sleeping rough who are veterans—and, of those, the percentage who have brain injuries—is phenomenally high. What can we do to ensure that those elements are sorted so that people who have done everything they can for our nation get the support that they need?
Context
The questioner highlights the impact of homelessness and brain injuries on mental health, citing a study showing high percentages of veterans with brain injuries among those sleeping rough.
Johnny Mercer
I will first tackle the homelessness point. Veteran homelessness has been an issue in this country for far too long. In December, I launched Op Fortitude, which is a dedicated drive to end veteran homelessness in this country. With £8.5 million and 910 supported housing placements, it will be rolled out across the nation. We are determined to end the problem this year.
Session: Veterans Mental Health Support
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What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help improve mental health support for veterans. A recent University of Manchester study showed that veterans under 25 were more likely to commit suicide than the rest of the population. I welcome what the Minister says, but it would be good if he worked with the Department of Health and Social Care, which is looking at a suicide strategy, to ensure that we are doing all we can to help veterans under 25 with their mental health. Does he agree?
Context
The questioner highlights a University of Manchester study showing that veterans under 25 are more likely to commit suicide than the rest of the population, emphasizing the need for comprehensive mental health support.
Johnny Mercer
The Government are committed to providing high-quality evidence-based mental health support for veterans. There will be an additional £2.7 million of funding for Op Courage over the next few years, on top of the £17.8 million annual investment to provide a specialist mental health support and treatment pathway for veterans and their families.
Session: Veterans Mental Health Support
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Although I welcome the new investment in emergency mental health services that was announced this week, does the Secretary of State agree that we must not lose sight of the fact that we need a long-term plan for the transformation of mental health services so that we achieve parity of esteem between mental and physical health in the NHS?
Context
The Government announced new investment in emergency mental health services, but a long-term strategy is needed to achieve parity of esteem.
Steve Barclay
I do agree. That is why the long-term plan signalled the importance of mental health and the parity of which my hon. Friend speaks. It is also why, as the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, my hon. Friend the Member for Lewes (Maria Caulfield), has said, additional funding is being targeted at mental health—the extra £2.3 billion a year from 2024—signalling this Government's commitment to mental health, as he will have seen with the announcement on mental health ambulances this week.
Session: Topical Questions
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The number of people claiming unemployment benefit has fallen, but does the Minister agree that more needs to be done? Will he support a jobs fair I am holding on 3 February in partnership with DWP and local organisations?
Context
A local jobs fair is scheduled for February to support employment in the constituency.
Guy Opperman
I welcome my hon. Friend's work in Halesowen, particularly the jobs fairs that Members of Parliament organise to drive employment and the in-work progression offer being developed by DWP.
Session: Topical Questions
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Tomorrow I will be visiting Whitcombe Pipelines in Rowley Regis, which has just won a substantial contract for HS2 infrastructure. Does the Secretary of State agree that this demonstrates how HS2 is already delivering significant benefits to my constituency, through jobs and growth, and that it is important that that is maintained?
Context
Whitcombe Pipelines in Rowley Regis has won a substantial contract for HS2 infrastructure, demonstrating the potential for jobs and growth.
Mark Harper
My hon. Friend makes a very good point. The supply chain for HS2 and the spending benefits constituencies and constituents across the whole of the United Kingdom, including his and, indeed, mine.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that now is the time for us to take action on levelling up in places such as Halesowen and Rowley Regis, where communities are crying out for prioritisation of projects? We need action this day.
Context
The question references the Conservative party's manifesto commitment to level up across the United Kingdom, emphasizing the need for action rather than rhetoric.
Lee Rowley
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that levelling up is hugely important not just for communities in the west midlands but all across the country. He is a huge advocate for the work being done across the west midlands and in his constituency.
Session: Local Service Delivery
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There is a real danger that prioritisation of mental health services is not what it was a few years ago. Does the Minister agree that we need to take urgent action on workforce development and other measures to increase capacity for mental health services, so we do not let down the hundreds of thousands of young people who are on the waiting lists? We need to take action now.
Context
The MP highlighted the risk of reduced prioritisation in mental health service delivery and stressed the need for urgent measures to address workforce shortages that are affecting capacity.
Maria Caulfield
I agree and we are taking action now. Our aim is to expand the mental health workforce by an additional 27,000 healthcare professionals by 2023-24. We have already seen an increase—almost 6,900 more full-time equivalent staff.
Session: Mental Health Treatment Waiting Times
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Iran-Israel Update
15 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Situation in the Red Sea
26 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Pharmacy First
31 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Action Against Houthi Maritime Attacks
23 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Occupied Palestinian Territories: Humanitarian Situation
08 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Breaking Down Barriers to Opportunity
08 November 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Education is key to unlocking opportunities for the next generation. The Conservative Government has invested heavily in childcare, schools, and technical education over the past decade. Despite inher...
Israel and Gaza
16 October 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Birmingham City Council
19 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NHS Long-term Workforce Plan
03 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
G7 Summit
22 May 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
3
PMQs Asked
22
Ministerial Questions Asked
23
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
2
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
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+64% above average
This MP:
22
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+373% above average
This MP:
23
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-79% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks James Morris's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.