James Sunderland
MP for Bracknell
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Bracknell Forest Council has a particular challenge with special educational needs, and I am keen to support it. I am grateful to the Government for the recent SEND review, the significant increase in resources and the bespoke safety valve programme for Bracknell, but additional school places are needed now. Will the Prime Minister please agree today to release the funding for our new SEND units at Sandhurst and Edgbarrow schools, and commit to fully funding up front our new SEND school in Crowthorne?
Context
Bracknell Forest Council faces special educational needs challenges and has received funding through the safety valve programme but needs additional school places now.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting how Bracknell Forest Council has worked positively with the Department for Education through the safety valve programme. As part of that agreement, the council will receive £16 million in extra funding over the next few years to provide the vital education that his constituents deserve.
Assessment
Did not commit to immediate release of funding; focused on long-term commitments
Extra Funding Over Next Few Years
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Two years ago last Saturday, Russian forces launched their heinous attack on Ukraine. The response of the British Government and the British people has been magnificent. Could the Prime Minister assure the House that our support for Ukraine will continue to be unwavering?
Context
The House is paying tribute to the British Government and people's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Rishi Sunak
I join my hon. Friend in thanking people up and down the country, including the people of Bracknell, for welcoming Ukrainian families into their homes and communities. During my visit to Ukraine in January I announced a major new package of support, including £2.5 billion of military assistance. Last week, we announced 50 new sanctions that target individuals and businesses that are sustaining Putin's illegal war machine. Our support to Ukraine will never waver.
Assessment
null
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Businesses are thriving in Bracknell Forest with high footfall at the Lexicon shopping centre and higher wages. However, the cost of living continues to be an issue. What more can be done to help people?
Context
Bracknell Forest has high business occupancy rates and employment figures, but the cost of living is still a concern.
Rishi Sunak
Bracknell Forest is thriving with high employment figures and footfall. We have cut taxes for tens of millions of workers, worth £450 on average.
Assessment
Did not provide specific additional measures to alleviate the financial burden
Cutting Taxes For Tens Of Millions Of People
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking our superb NHS staff in Bracknell, across Berkshire, Basingstoke and Frimley Park Hospitals?
Context
The MP expressed gratitude for NHS staff and highlighted their work in accident and emergency units.
Rishi Sunak
NHS staff are at the heart of what makes our health service work. Without their skill, expertise and dedication there would not be an NHS. I was delighted to pay them my thanks last week.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The Pines Primary School received a 'good' Ofsted rating, and all local schools are rated 'good' or 'outstanding'. Will you join me in congratulating everyone involved?
Context
The Pines Primary School received a 'good' rating, making it the 40th of 40 eligible schools in Bracknell to achieve this or better. The council is Conservative-run.
Rishi Sunak
Education is key to transforming lives. I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in praising teachers, staff, governors, and pupils for delivering such great results, providing opportunities for children.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
I was privileged last week to attend the malaria summit in Kigali. Even today, malaria remains the biggest single killer of mankind ever, and 1.7 billion people live every day under its shadow of misery. But we are on the cusp of something really special: recent advances, education and our world-leading British vaccines can now eradicate it forever. Can my right hon. Friend please confirm that the UK will fulfil its full commitment to the Global Fund?
Context
The question arises from the recent malaria summit in Kigali, highlighting the significant impact of malaria globally and the potential for eradication with current advances.
Dominic Raab
I know from working in the Foreign Office just how powerful the Global Fund is; it is a very high-performing international organisation. My hon. Friend will know that since 2002 we have been the third largest donor, so we have stepped up to the plate. The UK has not yet determined our pledge for the seventh replenishment, but the Foreign Secretary will have heard loud and clear my hon. Friend's advocacy in that regard.
Assessment
The full commitment to a specific funding pledge was not confirmed; only an acknowledgment of being a major donor and considering future pledges is provided.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
I am delighted to report that 37 out of 39 state schools in Bracknell are now rated good or outstanding. Can we thank our teachers, staff, governors, and pupils for this achievement? Does the Prime Minister agree that the new White Paper sets a proud blueprint for our schools?
Context
The MP praised the high number of good or outstanding state schools in his constituency, and welcomed the new education White Paper.
Boris Johnson
Yes, we can thank everyone involved. The new education White Paper is indeed fantastic.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
What message might the Prime Minister have for the people of Hong Kong following the passage this week of China's new national security law?
Context
China has passed a new national security law for Hong Kong.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
We stand for rules and obligations, and think that they are the soundest basis for our international relations. The enactment and imposition of this national security law constitutes a clear and serious breach of the Sino-British joint declaration. It violates Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and is in direct conflict with Hong Kong Basic Law.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Acknowledging the collective effort against the virus, James Sunderland commends British resilience and asks Dominic Raab about essential ingredients for navigating through this crisis.
Context
Various organizations have adapted their operations to address the pandemic.
Dominic Raab (The First Secretary of State and Leader of the Commons)
Team effort, resilience, initiative, and support from NHS workers, carers, voluntary sector members, delivery drivers, supermarket staff are key. Like James Sunderland, Dominic Raab pays tribute to these efforts.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
My right hon. Friend will know that the Bracknell constituency is the proud home of more than 150 internationally focused companies. Will he please reassure the House that what is being done to develop new post-Brexit worldwide trade deals is for the benefit of everyone in Bracknell, Crowthorne, Finchampstead, Sandhurst and, of course, right across the UK?
Context
James Sunderland highlights Bracknell's significant number of internationally focused companies and asks for reassurance that the UK will negotiate beneficial worldwide trade deals.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
From the 31st of this month, we will begin the process of negotiating free trade agreements not just with the EU, but with friends and partners around the world, so Bracknell will be at the epicentre of global free trade.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Britain's world-leading motor sports industry is worth at least £10 billion annually to the UK economy. The sport's governing body, Motorsport UK, has proudly sponsored access to military venues for many years, but despite recently signing the armed forces covenant, that access appears to be diminishing. Will the Minister please agree to meet me, and perhaps the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, to discuss better third-party revenue-generating opportunities for the MOD estate?
Context
The motor sports industry in the UK is worth £10 billion annually, but its governing body, Motorsport UK, has faced diminishing access to military venues despite signing the armed forces covenant.
James Cartlidge
I would of course be delighted to meet my hon. Friend. On the subject of motorsport, I stress to him and the House that the MOD has a brilliant partnership with McLaren, jointly innovating to look at, for example, technology relating to electronic vehicles. I am more than happy to meet him and look into the matter further.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Given the high number of good and outstanding schools in Bracknell and the focus on apprenticeships at Bracknell and Wokingham College, might I tempt her to visit?
Context
Bracknell Forest has received significant support from the Department of Education, including a £16 million safety valve programme and various special educational needs initiatives.
Gillian Keegan
The safety valve programme is being used across 38 local authorities and provides a lifeline to many councils; it would be nice to see it in action.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The question of whether our armed forces are fit for purpose should centre on whether they can carry out the defence tasks set by the MOD, and I believe that they can. Does the Minister agree that Labour's failure to commit to spending more than 2% of GDP on defence presents a much bigger risk to UK security than any objective debate on this side of the House?
Context
The question questions the risk posed by Labour's failure to commit to spending more than 2% of GDP on defence.
James Heappey
Absolutely. We should urgently achieve 2.5% of GDP; the fiscal situation is improving, and the Conservative party has made that commitment.
Session: Armed Forces Personnel
View All Questions -->
I commend the Treasury for good fiscal policies that have resulted in inflation falling significantly since the pandemic. When might we see a commensurate fall in interest rates?
Context
Concerns were raised about when interest rates might fall, given that inflation has fallen significantly post-pandemic.
Jeremy Hunt
I am very sorry to disappoint my hon. Friend, but Chancellors never comment on decisions made by the Bank of England on interest rates. What I can say is that the Office for Budget Responsibility predicted at the Budget that inflation would fall to around target in the next few months. That gives the best possible prospect of interest rates starting to fall.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Could I please ask him what is being done to coerce more of our NATO allies to meet their 2% commitment?
Context
The USA funds the majority of NATO budget, and there is a need for European nations to meet their 2% commitment.
Leo Docherty
I do agree that we must put our money where our mouth is, but as we survey the landscape of European and Atlantic security on the 75th anniversary of NATO, we see—with the accession of Finland and Sweden—that NATO is in very good order indeed.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to help people save for the future.
Context
The MP wants to know what steps the Department is taking to help people save for their future.
Mel Stride
Automatic enrolment has succeeded in transforming pension savings, with more than 11 million employees being automatically enrolled in a workplace pension since 2012 and an additional £29 billion in real terms saved into marketplace pensions in 2022 compared with 2012.
Session: Saving for the Future
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister assure me that every effort will be taken to leverage political pressure on our allies and secure support for Ukraine?
Context
There is a significant concern within NATO about the US fulfilling its commitments to Ukraine in 2024, ahead of the Washington summit.
Leo Docherty
On the road to Washington, we continue to make points about the integral part of US in European security, as well as the commitment from other European member states of NATO.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will he acknowledge just how devastating Tata Steel's announcement was for Port Talbot and work with Business and Trade Ministers to look again at the longer, fairer transition that protects sovereign steelmaking capabilities and communities?
Context
The Secretary of State is the deputy chair of the Tata Steel transition board, which has made a significant announcement affecting Port Talbot.
Jacob Young
The hon. Lady knows how important steel is to me; my constituency was deeply affected when SSI closed in 2015. We have provided £100 million of support, but I am happy to ensure that the relevant Minister meets her to discuss further support.
Session: Levelling-up Funding Economically Deprived Communities
View All Questions -->
Can the Minister confirm that his Department is focused on procuring the logistical platforms needed to sustain defence operations? Is it time for a capability audit?
Context
The question highlights the importance of focusing not just on exquisite platforms but also on procuring necessary logistics.
James Cartlidge
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. The whole point of acquisition reform is to go for 80% and then spiral development, not seeking exquisite platforms.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What additional steps will the Government take to recover lost ground in eradicating malaria globally?
Context
Malaria cases and deaths remain above pre-pandemic levels.
Andrew Mitchell
My hon. Friend is right to ask that question. British scientific expertise has delivered two new malaria vaccines, and as a result of our replenishment of the Global Fund we are working to ensure that 86 million mosquito nets are delivered, providing 450,000 seasonal malaria chemoprevention treatments.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I am reassured that the UK is investing heavily in climate change adaptation. Does my hon. Friend agree that the best way of future-proofing that is for the FCDO to appoint a dedicated Minister for all the overseas territories and to ensure that the UK never relinquishes sovereignty for any of them?
Context
The question follows up on the initial query regarding climate change adaptation, focusing on governance structures within the FCDO to better support overseas territories.
David Rutley
I have recently been appointed as the FCDO Minister responsible for the overseas territories. Furthermore, the Prime Minister has made it clear that every Department should have a Minister whose portfolio covers responsibilities to the OTs. The UK has no doubt about its sovereignty over the overseas territories. Any decision to end British sovereignty should be on the basis of a clear constitutionally expressed wish of the territory's people.
Session: British Overseas Territories Climate Change Adaptation
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to support the overseas territories with climate change adaptation. I am concerned about the specific measures being taken to ensure these territories are prepared for and can adapt to changing climatic conditions.
Context
The question arises from the need to support UK overseas territories in adapting to climate change impacts.
David Rutley
The FCDO is working in partnership with the territories to develop climate security assessments through the conflict, stability and security fund. Our blue planet programme has provided over £35 million since 2016 to enhance marine protection and build climate change resilience.
Session: British Overseas Territories Climate Change Adaptation
View All Questions -->
In recent months, I have visited several early years providers across Bracknell Forest, where it is clear that the improved provision and ratios will make a big difference both for working families and for the providers. Could the Minister please outline what more could be done to better incentivise working parents to return to work?
Context
The question arises from the need to provide more incentives for parents, especially women, to return to work by combining improved childcare provisions with increased flexibility in work arrangements.
David Johnston
Last week the Department for Business and Trade published its response to its consultation on flexible working, making clear that this Government are committed to changes to legislation that will enable more flexible working. Together with our expansion of childcare, that will ensure parents have more choice over how, when and where they work.
Session: Childcare Support Working Parents
View All Questions -->
Would the Health Secretary please agree to meet me to discuss improved access to GPs and dentists in Bracknell Forest and Wokingham boroughs?
Context
The question arises from concerns over the accessibility of general practitioner (GP) and dental services in Bracknell Forest and Wokingham boroughs, prompting a request for direct engagement.
Victoria Atkins
I will; it would be a pleasure.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The Justice Secretary will know of the hard work undertaken in this Parliament to bring the Desecration of War Memorials Bill into law. Elements of that Bill were subsumed into the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, but will he now undertake to complete the job?
Context
The Desecration of War Memorials Bill was brought into law, but there are elements that need to be completed.
Alex Chalk
My hon. Friend is one of two hon. Members who have fought hard on this issue, and he does so from the position of having served his country. It is completely iniquitous that people should seek to act in a way that desecrates war memorials. His specific point seems utterly compelling and I am happy to discuss it with him hereafter.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Foreign Secretary commit to expanding the Abraham accords, which could bring strategic partners to the table and offer a future peace between Israel and Palestine?
Context
The MP calls for the UK to prioritize expanding the Abraham Accords as a means of fostering peace.
James Cleverly
I have said regularly how much I value the Abraham accords. The improving of relationships between Israel and the Arab nations in its near neighbourhood is an extremely positive step. There is a realistic belief that part of the aim of the attack of 7 October was to derail future normalisation and negotiations.
Session: Israel and Palestine
View All Questions -->
What steps are being taken with international partners in the Middle East in response to the situation in Gaza and Israel?
Context
The MP inquires about actions taken by his department in response to the Gaza and Israel conflict.
James Cleverly
Since Hamas's brutal terror attacks on 7 October, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and I have visited the region and have spoken and met extensively with counterparts totalling almost 20 countries, as part of our extensive diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation, to sustain the prospect of regional peace and to secure the free movement home of British nationals in Gaza and the release of hostages.
Session: Israel and Palestine
View All Questions -->
We have heard this afternoon how important the continuity of education allowance is for service families. Does the Minister assess that Labour's proposed attack on private schools will make it easier or harder to educate service children?
Context
The continuity of education allowance is a critical issue for families in the military, ensuring that children can continue their education without disruption. The question addresses concerns over Labour's proposed changes to private school funding.
Andrew Murrison
It would certainly make it far more expensive. It would also threaten small schools like Warminster School in my constituency, which relies very much on service families. I just reflect on the sacrifices made by all people I know who choose to send their children to independent schools, and in particular members of the defence community who are of course required to make a substantial contribution to their children's education in the event that they choose to educate them in the independent sector.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Treasury meet me to review this policy on tax fine imposition?
Context
Several self-employed constituents are concerned about heavy fines for late filing even though no money is owed.
Victoria Atkins
I will be happy to meet my hon. Friend, but I cannot intervene personally in individual cases and will look at the general principle he sets out.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Bracknell has high employment but struggles to recruit staff. Can the Secretary of State reassure that his Department will leave no stone unturned in getting people back into work?
Context
Bracknell faces recruitment difficulties despite near full employment.
Guy Opperman
Visited Bracknell to meet Sunderland, and is happy to sit down with local jobcentres to address vacancy issues.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Evidence suggests that malaria is on the move; it has appeared in parts of the US and is creeping across Europe. Can the Foreign Office please confirm that it is serious about eradicating malaria and neglected tropical diseases across the world, and say what plans are being taken, if any, to keep British people safe?
Context
Evidence suggests that malaria is on the move; it has appeared in parts of the US and is creeping across Europe.
Andrew Mitchell
My hon Friend is entirely right. I was recently in Mozambique, where they had managed to cut malaria infection by 50%, but we saw that climate change is now leading to its increasing again. We will do everything we can to make sure that what had previously been a successful policy of malaria eradication gets back on track as soon as possible.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
May I thank the Levelling Up Minister for her time when we met to discuss community projects in Bracknell? East Berkshire would also welcome its fair share of levelling-up love, so could she please advise on the how and when for the next tranche of funding?
Context
East Berkshire seeks its fair share of levelling-up funds after meeting the Levelling Up Minister to discuss community projects in Bracknell.
Dehenna Davison
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for outlining the concerns of local residents, showing why levelling up is also needed in parts of the country like Bracknell. We will imminently announce full details of levelling-up round 3, and I will provide him with those details when we have them.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Waitrose is based in my constituency. Organised retail crime gangs cost retailers billions and often involve violence against workers using weapons. Can we look at the Scottish act to possibly implement similar protections for England?
Context
Organised gangs are engaging in violent shoplifting, costing retailers billions. The Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) Act 2021 has been enacted in Scotland.
Alex Chalk
First, increasing police officers means more resource to ensure that criminals are brought to justice. Secondly, I am proud we have doubled the maximum sentence for assaulting emergency workers.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I accept that we will hear a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office statement in due course, but given the events over the weekend, what assessment has the MOD made of Ukraine's ability to win in Ukraine?
Context
Recent events have highlighted the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ben Wallace
The United Kingdom has always been confident that, given the right international support, leadership and investment, Ukraine can defend its nation and see off this aggressive, illegal Russian invasion.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
It is really important that we in this place do what we can to support all those going through the menopause, including the wider availability of hormone replacement therapy. Are the Government considering offering paid leave to those who may need time off work to attend clinics for medical support, noting also the variation and the consistency of those offers of support to those going through the menopause?
Context
The questioner is concerned about the need for paid leave and wider availability of hormone replacement therapy for women experiencing menopause.
Mims Davies
The Government expect employers to treat their staff well and fairly, and to accommodate all sorts of flexibility requests. My hon. Friend will be pleased to know that a private Member's Bill, the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill, is going through Parliament, and we will ensure the development of flexible working policies, which is crucial.
Session: Menopause Workplace Support
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to improve workplace support for women experiencing menopause?
Context
The questioner is concerned about the lack of workplace support for women going through menopause.
Mims Davies
I have appointed Helen Tomlinson as the first ever Department for Work and Pensions menopause employment champion, and she is driving awareness of issues around the menopause and employment and what challenges women may have. She has already met with members of the DWP's 50Plus Choices roundtable group; with the Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee; with Dame Lesley Regan, the women's health ambassador; and with Andy Briggs, the Government's business champion for older workers. We are working with sectors and with large and small employers to disseminate best practice.
Session: Menopause Workplace Support
View All Questions -->
The Minister will know that I have constituents in substandard military accommodation at Sandhurst. When they asked for help under the Pinnacle Service Families contract over Christmas, it did not turn up. Will he use the relative lull of the summer months to plan ahead with the contractors to make sure we do not have another problem at Christmas?
Context
Substandard military accommodation at Sandhurst has led to a failure in service during Christmas when contractors failed to provide assistance under the Pinnacle Service Families contract.
Ben Wallace (Minister of State for Defence)
I have already met the contractors and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, and the good news is that maintenance issues that were around at Christmas have been cut by 75%. That is continuing in the right direction, but my hon. Friend is right: the key is to plan ahead for next winter. That is what we are getting on with at the moment. I am determined to hold these contractors to account.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister please agree to visit Syngenta with me, and to do what is necessary to ensure that this is not another GSK moment?
Context
The MP wrote to the Department about the future of Syngenta, a significant employer and innovator in the area.
Paul Scully
I acknowledge my hon. Friend's work to encourage innovation, including at Syngenta. My colleague, the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, has already met Syngenta, and one of us will follow up with my hon. Friend to see what more we can do to support innovation in the Bracknell area.
Session: Science and Technology Sector International Competitiveness
View All Questions -->
Could the Foreign Secretary please outline what he is doing to support the overseas territories ahead of the JMC next week?
Context
The upcoming Joint Ministerial Council meeting is an opportunity to discuss support for the UK's overseas territories.
James Cleverly
Metaphorically speaking, yes. The overseas territories are part of the immediate family. All relevant Departments will have a nominated Minister with responsibility for the relationship of their Departments with the OTs and we are launching a new OTs strategy.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Ultimately, the best way to improve urgent and emergency care services is through new build, purpose-built hospitals. Can the Secretary of State confirm where we are with the Royal Berkshire Hospital and Frimley Park?
Context
The questioner asks about the status of new build hospitals, specifically Royal Berkshire Hospital and Frimley Park.
Steve Barclay
As the House knows, I am extremely committed to modern methods of construction and modular building capacity. We are using that as a central component of our new 40 hospitals programme. My hon. Friend will know that the RAAC—reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete—hospitals are very much part of that discussion, not just at Frimley but at King's Lynn, at Hinchingbrooke and in a whole range of other settings. He will also know that we are in a purdah period, so we are constrained in what we can say, but we will have more to say on this very shortly.
Session: Urgent and Emergency Care
View All Questions -->
What progress his Department has made on the delivery plan for recovering urgent and emergency care services.
Context
The question pertains to the progress of the urgent and emergency care recovery plan.
Steve Barclay
The urgent and emergency care recovery plan sets out how we will invest more than £1 billion in increasing capacity, including 800 new ambulances, an additional 5,000 core beds and a further 3,000 virtual wards, to provide more than 10,000 out-of-hospital care settings.
Session: Urgent and Emergency Care
View All Questions -->
What is being done to protect landlords against tenants who do not meet their obligations? Good laws need to be balanced between renter and landlord protections.
Context
Good law should balance the rights and responsibilities of both renters and landlords. Concerns exist about potential overreach that could harm good landlords.
Rachel Maclean
The reforms are right, proportionate, and balanced. They will strengthen grounds for landlords to regain possession when tenants commit antisocial behaviour or fail to meet responsibilities.
Session: Private Rented Sector
View All Questions -->
What steps will the government take to sanction landlords who do not meet their obligations towards vulnerable tenants? The problem is urgent as many people rely on these landlords for safe accommodation.
Context
Concerns about private landlords failing to provide adequate housing for vulnerable tenants, leading to legal and social issues.
Rachel Maclean
In the White Paper, plans are set out to reform the private rented sector, aiming at greater security and higher-quality homes for renters. Legislation will be introduced this Parliament.
Session: Private Rented Sector
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister please commit to renewing the UK Government's commitment towards meeting the 2030 Commonwealth goal of ending malaria? Will he also provide maximum support to the Global Fund?
Context
Poor health, such as malaria, significantly hinders educational opportunities for children globally. The UK is committed to meeting the 2030 Commonwealth goal of ending malaria.
Andrew Mitchell
As my hon. Friend knows, we committed to the latest Global Fund replenishment a sum of £1,000 million, so we are right behind the aspirations that he has expressed. A child dies every minute from malaria, entirely needlessly.
Session: Girls’ Access to Education
View All Questions -->
The over-50s are a massive resource for our workforce, so could the Minister please outline how we might incentivise back into work those who retired during the pandemic, and those aged over 50 who have left the uniformed services and are seeking a second career?
Context
The MP is interested in incentives for people who have left the workforce or military service.
Guy Opperman
My hon. and gallant Friend served with dedication in the armed forces before becoming Bracknell's champion. He will be aware that our armed forces champions go to great lengths to assist ex-servicemen and women in finding second careers after their service keeping us safe. He will also be aware that the Chancellor may have more to say on the issue next week, on the 15th.
Session: Support into Employment Over-50s
View All Questions -->
As chair of the all-party parliamentary group for crypto and digital assets, I read about Oxfam's UnBlocked Cash project. What progress has been made on maximising UK aid reaching vulnerable populations via blockchain and distributed ledger technology?
Context
Oxfam's UnBlocked Cash project uses blockchain technology for digital identity verification.
Andrew Mitchell
The hon. Lady raises an important point, mentioning Oxfam's involvement which is worth pursuing.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will he meet me to discuss findings of an all-party parliamentary group on veterans' survey? Will he agree to measures based on those findings?
Context
The MP asked about meeting the Minister regarding a veterans' survey.
Andrew Murrison
I look forward to the results of his group's survey. The MOD conducts various surveys and will ensure that serving personnel, veterans, and their families receive what they need for positive lived experiences.
Session: Veterans UK and Veterans Welfare Service
View All Questions -->
The South Western Railway line between Bracknell and London Waterloo is a really important link between Berkshire and London. Even though passenger numbers are now increasing back to pre-pandemic levels, South Western Railway's own figures for November and December last year are that more than 90% of trains ran up to 15 minutes late. It is not acceptable. Will my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State please outline to the House what he is doing alongside South Western Railway to improve the service?
Context
Concern over the high percentage of late trains on South Western Railway between Bracknell and London Waterloo, despite increasing passenger numbers.
Mark Harper
The level of services remains constantly under review. As passenger numbers increase, both the Department and the operator can look at that to see whether more needs to be done. On performance, the operator is contracted to deliver our operational performance benchmarks, and it is penalised financially if it delivers below those benchmarks. The Department has a right to request a mitigation plan if it fails to meet those benchmarks consistently.
Session: Railway Modernisation
View All Questions -->
I agree with my hon. Friend that the railway is in urgent need of modernisation of both its working practices and the way in which it is structured. The lasting consequences of covid-19, industrial action and the financial challenges facing the railway have made the case for reform stronger, and I will shortly set out the next steps for that reform process.
Context
Discussion about the urgent need for railway modernization due to challenges such as post-COVID recovery and industrial action.
Mark Harper
The level of services remains constantly under review. As passenger numbers increase, both the Department and the operator can look at that to see whether more needs to be done. On performance, the operator is contracted to deliver our operational performance benchmarks, and it is penalised financially if it delivers below those benchmarks. The Department has a right to request a mitigation plan if it fails to meet those benchmarks consistently.
Session: Railway Modernisation
View All Questions -->
How does the Minister intend to reduce backlogs in the family court, especially to minimise impact on families and children? The issue of family courts is particularly pressing because of the impact on families and children. A significant amount of funding is needed to address this issue.
Context
The backlog of cases in the family courts is causing significant delays and affecting families and children adversely.
Mike Freer
The issue of family courts is particularly pressing because of the impact on families and children. That is why we are investing a significant amount of funding by increasing the number of fee-paid judges, sitting days and judges who are able to sit, and we continue to invest significant sums in family mediation vouchers, to keep families and children out of the court system.
Session: Backlog of Court Cases
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
The Economy
22 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
20 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Personnel Data Breach
07 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
War in Gaza
07 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence
07 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government have committed to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, resulting in a £75 billion cash boost over six years from a flat cash baseline. The current commitment involves sound...
Heathrow Airport: Western Rail Link
30 April 2024
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Tan Dhesi, the Member of Parliament for Slough since 2017, initiated an Adjournment debate on the western rail link to Heathrow. He highlighted the significance of this project in connecting consti...
UK Armed Forces in Middle East
29 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Spending
24 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Football (Amendment) Bill - Clause 1
23 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Hospice Funding
22 April 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls on integrated care boards to urgently address the funding for hospice-provided palliative care. Emphasises the importance of end-of-life care as a legal right, highlights financial pressures fac...
10
PMQs Asked
95
Ministerial Questions Asked
199
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 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+173% above average
This MP:
10
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+609% above average
This MP:
95
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3995% above average
This MP:
199
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 Sunderland's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.