Jane Stevenson
MP for Wolverhampton North East
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
It was my huge pleasure to host the aerospace defence and security industry apprenticeships event in Parliament yesterday, welcoming two apprentices from Collins Aerospace in Wolverhampton. Will the Prime Minister join me, in National Apprenticeship Week, in celebrating the opportunities that apprenticeships can provide in the defence industry, as well as in our armed forces, which are all in the top 10 apprenticeship providers?
Context
The Member hosted an event celebrating apprenticeships in the aerospace and defence industries.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the importance of our apprenticeship provision, which is providing young people with opportunities across the country, particularly in the defence and aerospace sectors, as she said. Those plans are in stark contrast to those of the Labour party, which has caved in to big business and is now proposing to halve the amount of apprenticeship funding and the number of apprenticeships.
Assessment
The questioner asked for a celebration during National Apprenticeship Week, but this specific request was not addressed directly. The answer instead criticized Labour's policy on apprenticeships.
Did Not Address Celebration Request
Criticized Opposition
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend meet me to see what support can be offered to Abbeyfield so that residents do not have to leave?
Context
Concerns about the potential closure of Abbeyfield House, a charity providing assisted living for older people. The charity cannot meet the cost to update their estate.
Oliver Dowden
We are providing £7.5 billion of additional funding for social care and discharge, including energy advice services and pilot audit and grant schemes that may help.
Assessment
Specific support for Abbeyfield House was not detailed
Deflection
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister should celebrate apprenticeships in the aerospace industry. Will he join me to meet apprentices today?
Context
Parliament is welcoming apprentices from around the UK, including Collins Aerospace apprentices Callum and Britney.
Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)
I join my hon. Friend in celebrating everyone doing an apprenticeship and encourage colleagues to meet their apprentices. The aerospace industry will create thousands of jobs, many through apprenticeships.
Session: PMQs
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I am grateful for the £3 million that the Government have sent to Wolverhampton to trial the new Better Health app, which will support Wulfrunians to make better choices about their diet and fitness. Will the Prime Minister welcome this, and also celebrate our grassroots sports clubs in Wolverhampton, especially Wednesfield Aces cycle speedway club, which celebrated its diamond jubilee last year?
Context
Wolverhampton to trial Better Health app, supporting diet and fitness choices. Celebrating Wednesfield Aces cycle speedway club's diamond jubilee.
Rishi Sunak
I join my hon. Friend in commending all her local sporting organisations for the job they do. She is absolutely right that prevention is better than cure, and ensuring that we can support people to live healthy, fulfilling lives is absolutely part of our plan. That is why we are investing in football pitches, tennis courts and youth facilities right up and down the country, and I am glad that my hon. Friend's constituents are benefiting.
Assessment
Did not explicitly welcome Better Health app trial or grassroots sports.
General Principles
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister join me in congratulating the college on its new facility? Will he meet me to discuss how more jobseekers can access skills through the City Learning Quarter and final funding?
Context
Wolverhampton is at the front of the Government's levelling up White Paper, with City of Wolverhampton College leading jobseekers into work.
Boris Johnson
I congratulate my hon. Friend, Lady Wulfruna of Wolverhampton. Since April 2020, we have seen 125,000 starts for the sector-based work academy programme due to her lobbying and support.
Assessment
The question about meeting was not directly answered
Changing Subject To Recent Achievements
Session: PMQs
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My hon. Friend and I have both lobbied for funding for better training and skills provision for young people in Wolverhampton. The youth unemployment rate was unacceptably high pre-pandemic; now, sadly, it is the highest rate nationally. Will the Prime Minister urgently look at how the Government can level up opportunity so that young people in Wolverhampton can get the skills and the confidence they need to find work?
Context
The youth unemployment rate in Wolverhampton was unacceptably high pre-pandemic and has risen to become the highest nationally.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about Wolverhampton; that is why we are working flat out to ensure that young people in Wolverhampton benefit from the kickstart scheme, and we are working with City of Wolverhampton Council to ensure that young people get bespoke support for their return to work.
Session: PMQs
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Stevenson thanks the staff at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton for their efforts during the crisis. She asks the Prime Minister to also acknowledge volunteers and warns against people who do not comply with stay-at-home advice as it can cost lives.
Context
Wolverhampton has experienced cases of covid-19, leading to significant community action including volunteer support.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Johnson thanks the staff at New Cross Hospital and all NHS personnel for their efforts. He highlights that 170,000 people have volunteered to help since the call for assistance was made, praising this significant number of volunteers and expressing gratitude.
Session: PMQs
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Since my election, I have urged Wolverhampton City Council to focus on city centre living, to bring footfall back to our city centre. What more can the Government do on that? I am delighted that the council is now changing its plans, but how can we get upper storeys converted as well, to really bring that footfall back?
Context
The MP is seeking further actions by the Government to improve footfall and residential opportunities in Wolverhampton's city centre.
Michael Gove
My hon. Friend is a brilliant champion for Wolverhampton and for Wulfrunians everywhere. In particular, she has been the single most effective voice in attracting investment to the heart of Wolverhampton. She is right to say that, as well as commercial investment, we need new residential opportunities, and our extension of permitted development rights should provide just that.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister support a campaign for an investment zone in Wolverhampton North East, stretching from Springfield brewery to the science park?
Context
The MP wants to pay tribute to Councillor Ian Brookfield and seeks support for an investment zone in Wolverhampton.
Rachel Maclean
I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to Councillor Ian Brookfield. I thank my hon. Friend very much for her question. She is an absolutely superb advocate for her constituents and the city of Wolverhampton. The investment zone programme is under way, with a shortlist of eight places selected for inclusion; the west midlands is one of them. We are co-developing proposals, and we will look carefully at her proposal.
Session: House Building
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Does my hon. Friend agree that Scottish Government needs to address urgent issues related to ferry lifespans and maintenance?
Context
Concerns over the lifespan and replacement of ferries managed by CalMac, highlighting issues like maintenance delays.
Iain Stewart
My hon. Friend is right; CalMac's engineering head warned vessels could fail at any time due to lack of deep maintenance and over 30% of fleet beyond design life.
Session: Shipbuilding Sector
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What steps are being taken by the Government to help support Scotland's shipbuilding sector?
Context
The question arises from concerns about Scotland's shipbuilding industry and the government's role in supporting it.
Iain Stewart
The updated shipbuilding strategy published in March sets out a comprehensive package of government support. Over £4 billion will be invested in UK shipbuilding over the next three years, including opportunities for Scottish shipbuilders.
Session: Shipbuilding Sector
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Can the Minister reassure me that other young people in Wolverhampton will have equal opportunity to showcase their talents and ambitions in the future?
Context
A constituent named Tianna, who is an apprentice at Collins Aerospace in Wolverhampton, participated in the Kickstart scheme to showcase her skills.
Mims Davies
I can reassure my hon. Friend that jobcentres host employers' zones and youth hubs directly supporting young people furthest from the labour market with training and employment opportunities.
Session: Kickstart Scheme Closure
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Improving diversity and inclusion in the armed forces must also mean supporting disabled veterans. The veterans mobility fund closed last year, passing the financial burden to charities such as Help for Heroes to fund essential mobility equipment that is not available on the NHS. As forces charities face funding pressures, does the Minister feel that that decision is fair?
Context
The question pertains to the closure of the veterans mobility fund and the financial burden it places on charities like Help for Heroes, who now must fund essential mobility equipment not available through the NHS.
Leo Docherty
Of course we face constant pressures, but I should put it on record that we have doubled the amount that normally goes into supporting our magnificent armed forces charities. It is only right that we work in partnership with those magnificent people.
Session: Armed Forces Diversity and Inclusion
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What steps his Department is taking to improve diversity and inclusion in the armed forces. The MP asked about improving recruitment in areas like Wolverhampton, which has a high rate of unemployment, to ensure young people are aware of opportunities in the armed forces.
Context
The question addresses the steps being taken by the Ministry of Defence to improve diversity and inclusion within the armed forces.
Leo Docherty
I should put it on record that Wolverhampton has a long and very proud tradition of people in the armed forces. What we can do is point out that recruiting is undergoing constant improvement. I invite my hon. Friend to visit her Army recruitment centre on Queen Street in Wolverhampton to celebrate the amazing careers on offer for young people.
Session: Armed Forces Diversity and Inclusion
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that focusing on getting prisoners into stable employment has been critical in achieving current reoffending rates? Can he outline further measures in this area?
Context
The question addresses the focus on getting prisoners into stable employment when they leave prison to achieve lower reoffending rates.
Dominic Raab
I totally agree. We are making it a presumption that offenders can be given a pathway into employment when suitable and secure, as part of the review in the prisons White Paper.
Session: Topical Questions
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It was an enormous pleasure to welcome the employment Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Sussex (Mims Davies), to Wolverhampton last week, when we met jobseekers of many ages who were taking part in a “car maintenance for electric vehicles” course delivered by City of Wolverhampton College as part of the Department for Work and Pensions' sector-based work academy programme or SWAP scheme. How can the Minister help providers like that college offer more courses of that kind, which are so valuable in helping people into work?
Context
The questioner praises the employment Minister's visit to City of Wolverhampton College and asks about promoting similar courses.
Alex Burghart
I commend the work that City of Wolverhampton College is doing on electric vehicle maintenance. When we see excellent providers working with employers, we also see the best outcomes for students, which is why we are investing an additional £3.8 billion in further education and skills over the current Parliament.
Session: Lifelong Learning and Skills Development
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What steps his Department is taking to promote lifelong learning and skills development.
Context
The questioner seeks details on promoting lifelong learning initiatives.
Alex Burghart
One absolute priority is to ensure that everyone can obtain the skills they need at whatever time in life is right for them. That is why last week we launched our Skills for Life campaign, which will promote skills offers among adults, including our level 3 offer of apprenticeships and skills bootcamps.
Session: Lifelong Learning and Skills Development
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For many years Wolverhampton's education outcomes have been below those of our neighbours in the Black Country, and we are currently experiencing a youth unemployment crisis in our city. How will these measures help to reverse that trend in places such as Wolverhampton, where there are a significant number of disadvantaged pupils?
Context
Wolverhampton has lower education outcomes compared to neighbouring areas and a youth unemployment crisis. The MP seeks specific measures to improve these conditions.
Robin Walker
Employers tell us that good numeracy and literacy are key to securing employment, and our three-year £1.5 billion investment in the national tutoring programme—complemented by £2.5 billion for the pupil premium and the new two-year recovery premium, worth £1 billion—focuses on raising disadvantaged pupils' achievements in those key areas for employment.
Session: Disadvantaged Pupils Support in 2022-23
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In Wolverhampton, green space has been put forward for housing development by the city council. I am sure that the council would welcome reassurance from the Secretary of State that there can be discussions with his Department about the accuracy and reasonableness of those numbers going forward. Does he agree that city centre living is key, and that councils must be imaginative when incorporating housing into retail and leisure developments? I am thinking specifically of the Westside development in Wolverhampton, which could be reviewed.
Context
Green space in Wolverhampton is being considered for housing development by the city council, raising concerns about the accuracy of these numbers and their impact on city centre living.
Robert Jenrick
As a son of Wolverhampton, I know the city well and I wish it well. It is absolutely right that we need to build more homes in our town and city centres, and that is what the Government are doing. That is why we brought forward changes to permitted development, why we created the right to demolish and rebuild a building, and why we are bringing forward reforms to modernise the planning system.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does he recognise that this is an urgent matter? Can he reassure me that as soon as the taskforce reports the Government will take action on pet theft reform?
Context
Constituents are too nervous to walk their dogs due to the fear of pet theft.
Robert Buckland
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her deep commitment to this issue. She is so right to highlight the wellbeing and mental health effects of the loss of a much-loved pet on her local residents in Wolverhampton and more widely. That is precisely why we took action to set up the taskforce, and we will indeed be reporting as soon as possible to address the concerns of her constituents.
Session: Pet Theft
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Does he agree that companies feeling confident to make investments, with Government support and schemes like the super deduction, is key to really building back quickly and better, and to lowering unemployment in the Black Country?
Context
The question highlights the importance of manufacturing companies to the economy of the Black Country, particularly in Wolverhampton.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the importance of manufacturing in particular to the Black Country. I am pleased to have received the representations from organisations such as Make UK that led to the creation of the super deduction, which, let us be clear, is all about jobs. My hon. Friend is absolutely right: by companies investing and unlocking the cash that is sitting on their balance sheets, we will create jobs to help drive our recovery and drive up our productivity in the process. My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight it.
Session: Business Investment
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What steps his Department is taking to incentivise businesses to invest in new equipment or infrastructure?
Context
The question follows from government initiatives aimed at economic recovery through business investments.
Rishi Sunak
Stimulating business investment will be key for our economic recovery, and under the super deduction we announced at Budget 2021, for every £1 a company invests in qualifying plant and machinery, its taxes are cut by up to 25p. We have also just launched the UK Infrastructure Bank, which will partner with the private sector and local government, supporting more than £40 billion-worth of infrastructure investment overall.
Session: Business Investment
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So many industries have been hit hard by the pandemic, including aerospace and engineering companies in Wolverhampton North East. I am delighted to hear about more and more procurement contracts. What steps is the Minister taking to start as many of those contracts as quickly as possible, so that we can really help our industrial economic recovery?
Context
Aerospace and engineering companies in Wolverhampton North East have been adversely affected by the pandemic, seeking support through procurement contracts.
Jeremy Quin
I understand my hon. Friend's question. Throughout the pandemic, we have made certain to maintain the drumbeat of existing orders so that they have continued. Through the interim payments scheme, we have helped to support defence companies with cash where that has been required. It is right that core defence decisions are taken on an holistic basis in the context of the integrated review. However, we have, where possible, advanced procurement in particular on improvements to the defence estate, where tens of millions of pounds of improvements are ongoing as we speak.
Session: Procurement
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What recent procurement decisions has his Department taken?
Context
The question follows a period of uncertainty regarding defence procurements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jeremy Quin
I am pleased to report that throughout the covid pandemic, Defence has continued to maintain a steady drumbeat of orders. Those include recent orders to enhance F-35, a project that particularly benefits the north-west of England, and the next generation munitions solution, which saves £563 million over the course of its contract and supports jobs in Glascoed, Tyne and Wear, and Stoke-on-Trent.
Session: Procurement
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Does the Minister agree that excellent transport links to Northern Ireland are crucial for trade, tourism, the Union, and family reunions, especially given many communities' deep connections to Northern Ireland? Will he make this case clear to Sir Peter Hendy as part of his review?
Context
The query stems from personal anecdotes highlighting the importance of travel connections for communities with strong ties to Northern Ireland across Great Britain, including Scotland.
Robin Walker
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point about the importance of excellent transport links across the Irish Sea, recognising these connections are vital for trade, tourism, the Union, and family reunions. The review will make recommendations on improving connectivity across the UK.
Session: UK Transport Connections
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What discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on improving transport connections within the UK? He highlights the importance of these connections, particularly for Northern Ireland due to its unique geography. The independent Union connectivity review is mentioned as a means to consider how connectivity can support economic growth across the UK.
Context
Discussions about improving transport links are prompted by a need for better connectivity, especially in Northern Ireland.
Robin Walker
The Secretary of State and I have regular conversations with ministerial colleagues regarding transport connections, particularly for Northern Ireland. The Union connectivity review is underway to consider how connectivity can support economic growth across the UK. We have met Sir Peter Hendy and anticipate his recommendations in the summer.
Session: UK Transport Connections
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I am absolutely thrilled that the Government-funded National Brownfield Institute will soon open in Wolverhampton North East. Will the Minister tell me how, as we move forward in the Black Country with building sustainable homes on reclaimed land, we can ensure that tree planting is not forgotten in new developments on brownfield sites?
Context
The Government-funded National Brownfield Institute will soon open in Wolverhampton North East.
Rebecca Pow
We are very much looking forward to Wolverhampton's National Brownfield Institute coming to fruition and to all the work it will do on sustainable development. Of course, trees will be an important part of sustainable development. This issue was referred to in our England tree strategy, and we are exploring ways to incorporate trees into the development of brownfield sites.
Session: Tree Planting England
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How will my hon. Friend make sure that those people struggling to find work before the pandemic are not forgotten over the difficult months ahead?
Context
The questioner is concerned about individuals struggling to find work before the pandemic and how they will be supported during difficult times ahead, especially in constituencies with historically high unemployment.
Mims Davies
The Department has doubled the number of work coaches in jobcentres, and recruitment is underway. There are over 250,000 weekly calls made by Jobcentre Plus to claimants, and this network supports vulnerable claimants face-to-face.
Session: Employment Support Local Labour Market
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As we emerge from the pandemic, can my hon. Friend reassure me that this will be the party that champions innovators, start-ups and SMEs, so that we can get job opportunities and more prosperity in seats such as Wolverhampton North East?
Context
Unemployment in Jane Stevenson's constituency was three times the national average before the pandemic, impacting local businesses.
John Glen (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
My hon. Friend makes a very good point and case for her constituency. As the Prime Minister set out last week, we will double down on levelling up and give everyone growing up in this country the opportunity that they need. The Prime Minister announced the acceleration of £96 million of investment from the towns fund, including nearly £13 million on kick-start activity in the west midlands.
Session: Innovative and Fast-growing Firms
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What fiscal steps is the government taking to support innovative and fast-growing firms amidst the COVID-19 outbreak?
Context
Unemployment in Jane Stevenson's constituency was three times the national average before the pandemic, impacting local businesses.
John Glen (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
On 20 May, the Government launched the future fund. The fund is an investment scheme for high-growth companies impacted by the pandemic. It provides between £125,000 and £5 million in Government funding through convertible loans, with third-party investors at least matching the Government funding on each loan. As of 5 July, £379 million-worth of convertible loans had been approved through the future fund, and the Government have also made £750 million of support available for innovative firms through Innovate UK grants and loans.
Session: Innovative and Fast-growing Firms
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Staff at New Cross Hospital and those working with covid patients are particularly worried. Will the Minister join me in thanking these staff and reassure them that mental health support will be available?
Context
During regular meetings with the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, concerns about staff mental health have been raised.
Helen Whately (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Patient Safety)
I would be delighted to join my hon. Friend in thanking the staff at New Cross Hospital for all that they have been doing in these incredibly difficult times. Mental health support absolutely should be, and is, there. There is the mental health support helpline and the text messaging service. It is also really important that NHS trusts take steps locally to ensure that their staff have the support that they need.
Session: NHS Workers Mental Health
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Defence Spending
24 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Pet Animals (Protection and Welfare) Bill - Second Reading of the entire Bill
15 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
This Bill aims to ban the import of puppies and kittens under six months, prohibit heavily pregnant animals from being imported, prevent mutilated dogs and cats from entering the country, and address ...
Post Office Board and Governance
28 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Pet Theft Bill - Clause on Dog and Cat Abduction
19 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to amend the existing legislation to criminalise pet abduction specifically for cats and dogs, recognising them as sentient beings rather than mere property. Argues that current laws inadequatel...
The Licensing Act 2003 (Special Occasions) - Clause 1 and Clause 2
19 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. The hon. Member highlights that pubs are not just places for drinking but also serve as community hubs where people come together to socialise a...
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
18 January 2024
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focused on the governance failures and lack of accountability within Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, despite significant financial support from the Government. Shaun Bailey highlight...
Not specified in the provided text - Amendment 45, page 2, line 33, leave out “a safe” and insert “an unsafe”
16 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment aims to change the classification of Rwanda from 'safe' to 'unsafe'. Alison Thewliss is advocating for this change due to concerns about human rights violations, asylum seekers’ safety a...
Illegal Immigration
15 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
19 October 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Clarke honours the women who shared their experiences of birth trauma and highlights her personal experience. She calls for better post-natal care, perinatal mental health services availability, manda...
Birmingham City Council
19 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
7
PMQs Asked
24
Ministerial Questions Asked
69
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+91% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+79% above average
This MP:
24
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1320% above average
This MP:
69
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
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 Jane Stevenson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.