Joanna Cherry
MP for Edinburgh South West
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I met a constituent who worked for a supermarket operating a Post Office franchise and faced wrongful accusations of dishonesty due to the flawed Horizon system. This led to disciplinary procedures with profound consequences. There are others in similar situations. Will the Prime Minister include victims from these franchise post offices in the compensation scheme for those affected by the Horizon scandal?
Context
A constituent of Joanna Cherry was wrongly accused by a supermarket-operated franchise post office due to the faulty Horizon system and went through disciplinary processes, suffering significant impacts. Similar cases exist.
Rishi Sunak
I am deeply sorry to hear about Joanna Cherry's constituent's case. It was a grave injustice and everyone affected deserves justice, compensation, and answers. I will ensure that her constituent's case is examined thoroughly and that the Minister responds promptly.
Assessment
Did not confirm whether victims from franchise post offices will be included in the compensation scheme
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
With encouragement from the British Government, female Afghan prosecutors and judges stood for rule of law and inclusivity. Those left behind are at risk. Last year, I met senior Foreign Office officials open to relocating these women but nothing has happened since. This requires prime ministerial intervention. Will he meet me directly to address this situation?
Context
Female prosecutors and judges in Afghanistan face mortal danger after the fall of the Afghan government. The question arises from previous discussions with Foreign Office officials who suggested a relocation option.
Rishi Sunak
I am happy to meet the hon. and learned Lady. We take our obligations seriously through the Afghan relocations and assistance policy, bringing 20,000 refugees from Afghanistan to the UK via legal routes with UNHCR. I would be glad to meet her to ensure compassion and generosity are targeted on those who need it most.
Assessment
Did not explicitly commit to a direct meeting, only offered general willingness to discuss the issue
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The Prime Minister and I have one thing in common: we have both had to step in and sort out legal and constitutional messes created by his predecessor but one, the right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson). The Prime Minister has boasted that his new Brexit deal puts Northern Ireland in an “unbelievably special position” because it will have access to both UK and EU markets. He said that that makes it
“the world's most exciting economic zone.” My question to the Prime Minister is, if there can be a very special status for the province of Northern Ireland, why can there not be a very special status for the nation of Scotland?
“the world's most exciting economic zone.” My question to the Prime Minister is, if there can be a very special status for the province of Northern Ireland, why can there not be a very special status for the nation of Scotland?
Context
The Prime Minister and others have had to step in to address legal and constitutional messes created by previous administrations.
Rishi Sunak
There is a very special status for the nation of Scotland, and that is inside our United Kingdom.
Assessment
No specific explanation or commitment regarding special status was provided.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
In the north Atlantic, Russian submarine activity has approached the most significant level since the cold war. Operations such as Dynamic Mongoose are a welcome commitment to both NATO and North sea security. How much of the new tranche of defence spending will be directed at the North sea and Arctic security?
Context
Russian submarine activity in the north Atlantic is at its highest level since the Cold War. Operations like Dynamic Mongoose are significant for NATO and North sea security.
Leo Docherty
Of course, we do not comment on our magnificent continuous at-sea deterrence. What I can say is that it is a matter of public record that we are committed to a magnificent new generation of Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates, which will achieve the competitive edge that keeps us all safe.
Session: Defence North Sea
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the adequacy of the UK's defensive capacity in the North sea?
Context
No specific background event or statistic provided. The question is about assessing current defence capabilities.
Leo Docherty
Protecting the United Kingdom and responding to threats in our territorial waters is core business. In conjunction with our allies and partners, we constantly monitor activity in UK waters and deter threats. Our warships patrol the North sea frequently to achieve that deterrence.
Session: Defence North Sea
View All Questions -->
Edinburgh Trade Union Council recently described changes to the healthcare worker visa route as cruel and inhumane. Many of my constituents who have relatives in care share its concerns, as do I. We know the valuable contribution that foreign care workers make to the sector. Ideologically driven change to visas could further exacerbate the recruitment and retention crisis that other Members have so eloquently described. Given that the Government skipped consultation on these changes, will the Minister commit to meeting trade unions and social care leaders in Scotland to understand the impact of these harmful changes?
Context
Concerns over changes to the healthcare worker visa route described as cruel and inhumane by Edinburgh Trade Union Council.
Helen Whately
I am grateful to international care workers who have come to the UK to look after loved ones. Their work has contributed to reducing vacancies and increasing the supply of social care, but we need to get the balance right between international recruitment and our homegrown workforce. We are carrying out ambitious reforms of our adult social care workforce, and therefore it is right, alongside that, to ensure that we have the right numbers of people coming here from overseas for social care. That is why we have worked with the Home Office on changes to visas.
Session: Adult Social Care Workforce
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to help increase recruitment and retention in the adult social care sector?
Context
Concerns about increasing recruitment and retention rates in the adult social care sector.
Helen Whately
Care is a skilled profession and I want care workers to get the support and recognition they deserve. In January we took the next step in our ambitious care workforce reforms, launching the first ever national career structure for the care workforce alongside our new nationally recognised qualification.
Session: Adult Social Care Workforce
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for his answer, but I am afraid the evidence does not entirely bear out what he is saying, because UCAS figures reveal a notable fall in accepted applications from international students. Both Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh Napier universities in my constituency of Edinburgh South West are highly sought after destinations for international PhD students. Both carry out vital scientific research, with strong links to commercial and industrial needs—not just in Scotland, but across the United Kingdom and, indeed, across Europe and the world—but the Government's visa rules are making those universities far less attractive destinations for international students.
Context
The question addresses a significant decrease in accepted applications from international students, highlighting the specific cases of Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh Napier universities.
Robert Halfon
I know that the hon. and learned Lady is a stickler for data. Our target was for over 600,000 international students every year, and we are well over that target. As I say, our visa changes strike the right balance, being fair to the taxpayer while ensuring that we have good international students coming to our country.
Session: Postgraduate Research Applications Visa Changes
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for his answer, but an industry risk analysis dataset shows that India ranks among the worst performing countries for human rights abuses across a host of key industries. My question is specific: have the Government consulted human rights monitoring bodies and experts, and are they actively considering the impact of this deal on human rights abuses in India?
Context
The proposed UK-India trade deal is criticised for potential human rights violations.
Greg Hands
I congratulate the hon. and learned Lady on her recent election as Chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights. The UK engages regularly with the Indian Government and other Governments around the world, bilaterally and multilaterally. Where we have concerns on human rights, they are raised directly with the partner Government, including at ministerial level.
Session: Proposed Trade Deal with India Human Rights
View All Questions -->
I am concerned about the proposed trade deal with India, which includes legal commitments on upholding human rights. An industry risk analysis dataset shows that India ranks among the worst performing countries for human rights abuses across a host of key industries. I would like to know: have the Government consulted human rights monitoring bodies and experts, and are they actively considering the impact of this deal on human rights abuses in India?
Context
The proposed trade deal between UK and India faces criticism for potential human rights issues.
Greg Hands
The UK engages regularly with the Indian Government and other Governments around the world, bilaterally and multilaterally. Where we have concerns on human rights, they are raised directly with the partner Government, including at ministerial level. However, the Minister noted that despite these efforts, it is unclear whether the SNP will support this trade deal.
Session: Proposed Trade Deal with India Human Rights
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for his answer. A constituent who served in Afghanistan told me recently that current and retired members of our armed forces face considerable torment when they see their former Afghan colleagues left high and dry by the British Government. What active steps is the Minister taking to provide support to our service personnel in that situation, and to reunite the small but fortunate band of Afghan veterans that make it to the UK with their British service colleagues?
Context
A constituent who served in Afghanistan reported that current and retired members of the armed forces are experiencing considerable torment due to the situation of former Afghan colleagues.
James Heappey
Within the serving cohort, such is the turnover of staffing within the armed forces that very few will have had direct operational experience alongside either the Afghan armed forces or even the patrol interpreters and others who are eligible for ARAP, but the hon. and learned Lady is right that some element of the serving force will be deeply invested in this matter. Obviously the chain of command is there to support them and answer their questions. Within the veterans community, the sentiment is very strongly held.
Session: ARAP Ineligibility Wellbeing of Personnel
View All Questions -->
If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the ineligibility of certain Afghan armed forces personnel for the Afghan relocations and assistance policy on the wellbeing of serving and retired military personnel.
Context
Concerns over the ineligibility of certain Afghan armed forces personnel for the Afghan relocations and assistance policy affecting serving and retired military personnel.
James Heappey
It is undoubtedly the case that many of those who served in Afghanistan are deeply disappointed that those they served with, either in the Afghan national army or the Afghan special forces, or in the wider apparatus of the state, have not been able to come.
Session: ARAP Ineligibility Wellbeing of Personnel
View All Questions -->
Could I revisit my earlier question to the Secretary of State about arms export licences to Israel? I and many others do not agree with her secrecy approach, and I and many others believe that Members of Parliament are entitled to this information, so I will try another approach. Could she detail the classification and description of the goods, the stated end use and the licence type, including direct transfers and those via third countries, and could she place that information in the Library for Members of Parliament?
Context
The questioner is seeking detailed information about arms export licences issued to Israel, including classification and description of goods, end use, and licence type.
Kemi Badenoch
I believe there is a quarterly register that may contain some of the information the hon. and learned Member is asking for, but I am not able or going to list every single export decision that has been made by the export control joint unit. I will see what I can do to get her a fuller answer, but she will know that this is a very sensitive issue. I have a quasi-judicial role, and I must be seen to be impartial at all times. I will do what I can to provide the information she wants, but I do not have a list to provide her with this morning, and certainly not on the Floor of the House.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
No one is suggesting that Israel does not have the right to defend itself—but, as the Secretary of State says and we agree, within the bounds of international law. The mass killing of civilians in Gaza should concern us all. Without resorting to platitudes about the relative toughness of the UK's arms export controls, could she please identify which arms export licences are currently in force, including open licences for end use by the Israeli defence and security forces, and provide details of them to the House?
Context
The conflict in Gaza has raised concerns about the legitimacy of arms exports to Israel. There is a need for transparency regarding which arms export licences are currently active.
Kemi Badenoch
I do not believe that is something that I am able to do or should do. I can tell the hon. and learned Lady that last year we granted 114 standard individual export licences for military goods valued at £42 million to Israel. If there is a specific issue that she would like to highlight, we are prepared to look at it, but she will know that security and defence exports are not necessarily best discussed on the Floor of the House or in public, for obvious reasons.
Session: Arms Export Licences Israel
View All Questions -->
The IDRIC in Heriot-Watt University's constituency supports over 30 universities and research initiatives on decarbonisation but its funding ends next March; will the Minister advocate for a meeting to arrange funding continuation?
Context
The question is about securing funding for the IDRIC, a research centre aiding industrial decarbonisation. The science Minister has repeatedly cancelled meetings with the MP.
Graham Stuart
I thank the hon. Lady for her question and for championing vital research not least in Scotland; it will be noted.
Session: Net Zero Targets Businesses
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of businesses' contribution to helping meet the UK's net zero targets?
Context
The question addresses the adequacy of business contributions towards UK's net zero goals, specifically in light of recent criticism.
Graham Stuart
As a Yorkshire MP, I resent that remark. I meet regularly with business leaders and organisations including: the Offshore Wind Industry Council; the solar taskforce; the green jobs delivery group; the North sea transition forum; and, from a strategic cross-cutting point of view, the Net Zero Council.
Session: Net Zero Targets Businesses
View All Questions -->
The Justice Secretary is an experienced lawyer, for whom I have a great deal of respect. Will he explain to the Prime Minister that following the Supreme Court's judgment on Rwanda, merely to legislate that the facts on the ground in Rwanda are the opposite of what the Supreme Court found them to be will make no difference to the problems the Supreme Court has identified, and will simply make the Government a laughing stock?
Context
The Supreme Court found that the government's policies about illegal immigration were not based on the facts.
Alex Chalk
I thank the hon. and learned Lady for her point. At the risk of harming her political career, the respect is entirely mutual. In a rule-of-law country, people can disagree with the decision of a court but they must respect it. We respect the ruling and of course we will abide by court orders, but it is also right that we carefully consider what the Supreme Court said and seek to adjust appropriately.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister condemn such violence and intimidation? Will she urge the PM to commit to addressing it by commissioning a rapid review?
Context
Sex Matters presented a letter with over 15,000 signatures asking the Prime Minister to condemn violence against women and girls.
Laura Farris
The conduct described is condemned. The Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023 covers such harassment and a meeting to discuss further actions would be welcome.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Legislation
View All Questions -->
Do the Government agree that there needs to be a full independent international inquiry into the recent terrible events in Israel and Gaza, with full access to the Gaza Strip as well as Israel? Do the Government agree that the only way forward is a proper process of accountability for those responsible for the commission of any crimes—including war crimes—identified, whether Israeli or Palestinian? Will the Government review their position on the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court?
Context
The speaker questions the government's stance on conducting a full independent international inquiry to assess accountability for crimes committed.
James Cleverly
I have no doubt that, in the aftermath of the brutal terrorist attacks on 7 October and Israel's defensive response, there will be an assessment of what has happened. We would want any such assessment to be as comprehensive and independent as possible.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
When will the Secretary of State act to save lives in Scotland by persuading his Government to drop their intransigence on this issue, given cross-party Committees' recommendations?
Context
The Lord Advocate has announced that she will not prosecute drug users for simple possession offences committed within a pilot safer drugs consumption facility. Both the Home Affairs Committee and the Scottish Affairs Committee have recommended the UK Government support such a pilot.
Alister Jack
It was disappointing that the Scottish Government were not prepared to work with the UK Government on Project ADDER. That offer was made with supporting funding. The E in ADDER is for “enforcement”. I believe the police and the Procurator Fiscal Service should be enforcing the laws in Scotland, not decriminalising drugs, because enforcement helps drive people to health solutions.
Session: Devolution of Drugs Policy
View All Questions -->
More than 10,000 women have signed a letter to the Prime Minister about threats and intimidation against women standing up for their rights. Many are concerned that institutions supposed to protect them are failing. Will the Minister meet me and representatives of those who organised the letter to discuss this important issue?
Context
Over 10,000 women have signed a public letter to the Prime Minister asking him to take action against escalating threats and intimidation towards women who stand up for their rights.
Edward Argar
I am always happy to meet the hon. and learned Lady.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
In the course of a tribunal claim for harassment on account of gender-critical beliefs, considerable homophobic bias was exposed at Arts Council England. What is being done to tackle this climate of prejudice and bias?
Context
A tribunal case revealed homophobic bias among some staff at Arts Council England, affecting LGB groups' grant applications.
Stuart Andrew
I hope the hon. and learned Lady knows that I take all forms of discrimination extremely seriously, and there should be no place for that. She raises an individual case. The Arts Council does not come under my portfolio, but I will happily speak to my ministerial colleagues about that and ensure that we write to her with an answer.
Session: Charity Regulation
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the regulation of charities?
Context
The question arises from an assessment needed on the effectiveness of charity regulation.
Stuart Andrew
The Charity Commission performs an important and effective function as the independent registrar and regulator of charities in England and Wales. The commission's annual report and accounts for 2022-23 provide a detailed analysis of its performance and effectiveness. Charity law and regulation is of course devolved in both Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Session: Charity Regulation
View All Questions -->
I am delighted to hear the Minister acknowledge that Scotland is in the vanguard of research in this area. The Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre at Heriot-Watt University in my constituency has become a focal point of collaboration and innovation for UK industrial clusters, but the excellent progress it is making is at risk owing to a funding gap. Will the Minister meet me to discuss the vital work being done at Heriot-Watt University, and how the Government can support it better in its efforts to help them reach their industrial decarbonisation targets?
Context
The IDRIC at Heriot-Watt University has become a focal point of collaboration and innovation for UK industrial clusters but faces a funding gap, putting its progress at risk.
George Freeman
Brevity, Mr Speaker: yes, with pleasure.
Session: Decarbonisation Technologies
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of UK Research and Innovation funding for decarbon-isation technologies?
Context
The question arises from the need to assess the effectiveness of current UK Research and Innovation funding allocated towards decarbonisation technologies.
George Freeman
This country is leading the global charge on net zero with a historic uplift in R&D expenditure to £20 billion a year—£52 billion over the consolidated spending review period. UK Research and Innovation is investing £800 million annually on research and innovation in net zero, and £210 million through the industrial decarbon-isation fund. Scotland has been at the forefront with more than 1,400 projects funded and £1.3 billion received.
Session: Decarbonisation Technologies
View All Questions -->
My constituency's net economic benefit from international students is £170.8 million. The Government plan will harm my constituency, Scotland's economy and our educational institutions. Can you tell me if this plan demonstrates how the Union delivers for Scotland?
Context
Research by Universities UK shows a significant economic benefit from international students to the constituency.
Robert Halfon
I mentioned that we have surpassed our target of 600,000 international students with 679,000 coming to our country. We agree that international students have a huge impact on the economy, up to £37 billion-plus.
Session: Student Visa Eligibility Impact on Higher Education Sector
View All Questions -->
What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the potential impact of changes to the eligibility criteria for student visas on the competitiveness of the higher education sector?
Context
The MP is concerned about the potential negative impact of new visa rules on UK universities' competitiveness and attractiveness.
Robert Halfon
As part of our commitment to have at least 600,000 students study in the UK every year, we have worked closely with the Home Office to strike the right balance between acting decisively on migration, being fair to the taxpayer and protecting our position as a world leader in higher education. We fully expect Britain to remain an attractive destination for students across the world.
Session: Student Visa Eligibility Impact on Higher Education Sector
View All Questions -->
I recently had a meeting with the Prime Minister about the plight of female judges and prosecutors who were encouraged by the UK to take up their roles. Will the Minister assure me that the Home Office would be sympathetic to humanitarian visas for these women?
Context
Female judges and prosecutors were encouraged by the UK to take up roles, but now face threats of persecution from the Taliban.
Robert Jenrick
I would be very happy to look into this. The hon. and learned Lady has campaigned on this issue since the fall of Kabul, so perhaps a useful way forward would be for her and I to meet to discuss this further.
Session: Visa Applications from Afghanistan Women and Girls
View All Questions -->
The negative impacts of Brexit are already visible, with food prices up 6% and a third of the companies that formerly exported to the EU giving up, owing to customs paperwork—and that includes companies in my constituency. Does he not recognise that it is Brexit that is causing more red tape for businesses, and that diverging from EU standards further under this much-criticised Bill will further exacerbate trade friction between the UK and the continent?
Context
Food prices have increased by 6% since the start of Brexit, and a third of companies that previously exported to the EU are now ceasing their operations due to customs paperwork issues.
Alister Jack
No, because I believe that we have a comprehensive trade agreement with the EU, and we are working out and ironing out the problems. We have been very successful in doing that, particularly for the fishing industry. We also have before us huge opportunities: not just the trade deals with Australia, New Zealand and others, but the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership, which will cover almost half the world's trade and will provide a huge opportunity for Scotland's food and drink industry.
Session: Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill
View All Questions -->
What assessment has he made of the potential impact of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill on Scotland?
Context
Joanna Cherry asks about the potential impact of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill on Scotland.
Alister Jack
I realise that many colleagues on the Benches diagonally opposite are somewhat preoccupied with the contest to become the leader of the Scottish National party and Scotland's First Minister. In my view, this is a real opportunity for a new First Minister to reset the relationship with the United Kingdom Government, to work constructively with us and to make life better for the people of Scotland. We need a First Minister who puts Scotland's interests above the nationalists' interests. My offer to all those running in the contest is this: the United Kingdom Government stand ready to work with you, and that will be the real win for improving the lives of people in Scotland.
Session: Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill
View All Questions -->
Given that Human Rights Watch gave a damning review of restrictive social security policies impacting the right to an adequate standard of living, food and housing for families, should these policies be scrapped during the cost of living crisis?
Context
Human Rights Watch criticised the UK Government's restrictive social security policies as having a negative impact on families with children.
Mims Davies
Over 8 million households will receive additional cost of living payments up to £900 in 2023-24, with more to come. The Government are committed to reducing poverty and supporting low-income families through welfare spending of £111 billion.
Session: Social Security Payments Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made by the Department regarding the adequacy of social security payments considering the increases in cost of living?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the adequacy of social security payments in light of rising costs.
Mims Davies
The Department has completed an annual review led by the Secretary of State, confirming benefits and pensions will increase by 10.1% in April 2023, subject to parliamentary approval. The Government have provided cost of living support worth over £37 billion in 2022-23 and will provide more than £1 billion further cost of living payments in 2023-24.
Session: Social Security Payments Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
Building cost inflation is having an adverse effect on the proposed refurbishment of Edinburgh's historic King's Theatre, and a levelling-up application has been made to try to cover the shortfall in its fundraising. Will the Minister meet me so that I can brief her on this problem and tell her all about the fantastic project, which has been specially designed to benefit the whole community in Edinburgh?
Context
The MP's constituency faces an adverse effect on the proposed refurbishment of Edinburgh's historic King's Theatre due to building cost inflation.
Dehenna Davison
Another pitch heard loud and clear! I should be delighted to meet the hon. and learned Lady.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What is the Foreign Office going to do about the significant delays in the academic technology approval scheme, which is preventing professors at Edinburgh University and Heriot-Watt University from getting the top PhD candidates?
Context
Significant delays in the academic technology approval scheme are preventing professors at Edinburgh University and Heriot-Watt University from getting top PhD candidates.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
ATAS continues to be an essential tool to prevent sensitive UK technologies from reaching military programmes of concern, so we are proud of the work done by our incredible team to monitor and manage every single case. I am happy to sit down with the hon. and learned Lady if there are specific cases that she wishes me to look at.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Can the Minister tell me what the Government are doing to address such harassment in the workplace?
Context
The question stems from concerns raised by the outgoing vice-chancellor of Oxford University regarding the level of threat and harassment experienced by female academics due to their stance on gender identity ideology.
Maria Caulfield
I thank the hon. and learned Lady for her work in this space, which is vital. I point her to the private Member's Bill on workplace harassment promoted by the hon. Member for Bath (Wera Hobhouse) with Government support, introducing legal protections giving employers an explicit duty to prevent workplace harassment by third parties.
Session: Women in the Workplace
View All Questions -->
What steps are being taken by the Government to help support women in the workplace?
Context
The question arises from the ongoing efforts to improve women's representation and conditions in employment, particularly noting recent challenges faced by female academics.
Maria Caulfield
I confirm the Government's commitment to empowering women in the workplace. Over recent years, there has been an increase in the number of women in full-time work and a reduction in the gender pay gap. Further initiatives include pay transparency pilots, new returners programmes, and a taskforce for women-led high-growth enterprises.
Session: Women in the Workplace
View All Questions -->
An official staff network within HM Prison and Probation Service has circulated an email to all staff advising them that use of the phrases “protecting women and girls” and “same-sex attraction” is transphobic. Does the Minister agree that this advice risks creating a hostile environment for female staff and for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff? Will he distance the Ministry of Justice from it?
Context
An official staff network within HM Prison and Probation Service circulated an email advising against certain phrases, leading to concerns about a hostile environment for female and LGBTQ+ staff.
Damian Hinds
I can reassure the hon. and learned Lady that the email she speaks of was not an official Ministry of Justice or HM Prison and Probation Service email; it was from a network of staff. It does not constitute official advice. The Department is looking again at how internal communications are done.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The Scottish Parliament would be unlikely to ratify a free trade agreement that did not include a standard human rights clause, such as the one that the European Union insists on. The Government seem to have ditched those human rights clauses. Should not trade policy reflect the policies and requirements of all the constituent parts of the United Kingdom, not just those of the Westminster Government?
Context
The Scottish Parliament would be unlikely to ratify a free trade agreement without a standard human rights clause.
Greg Hands
The hon. and learned Lady raises the important issue of human rights, but the UK Government engage around the world in defence of human rights, as she will be well aware from all her interactions in this place. The Scottish National party has always opposed EU trade deals, and the deals that she mentions that include human rights clauses were opposed by the Scottish National party in Brussels. It is a bit rich to say that EU trade deals are great but UK ones are not when she has opposed every single EU trade deal.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What steps is the Minister taking to persuade his counterpart at the Department for Work and Pensions to address this anomaly, to help our veterans cope with the rise in the cost of living?
Context
Veterans over 65 in low-income households miss out on pension credit due to their war disablement pension being considered as normal income, despite not receiving real-term rises.
Leo Docherty
We take any potential anomaly extremely seriously and I would be pleased to meet the hon. and learned Lady to discuss that specific case. It is a bit rich to be told to take lessons on the cost of living from the Scottish National party, given its tax hike on armed forces personnel.
Session: Cost of Living Armed Forces Personnel
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has the Department made of the impact of the rise in the cost of living on armed forces personnel?
Context
The rise in the cost of living has led to increased expenses for armed forces personnel, prompting concerns about their financial stability.
Leo Docherty
Our mitigating measures include a freeze of the daily food charge, limiting the increase in accommodation charges to 1%, and ensuring that the council tax rebate of £150 reaches more than 28,000 armed forces personnel. We are also bringing in wraparound childcare for the new school year.
Session: Cost of Living Armed Forces Personnel
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister join in welcoming the employment appeal tribunal's judgment on protecting gender-critical beliefs and will she outline what steps will be taken to ensure all employers comply with these legal protections?
Context
This question follows a legal judgment affirming the protection of gender-critical beliefs under the Equality Act. It prompts for steps to ensure compliance with this ruling by employers.
Chloe Smith
We agree that free speech should be protected and open discussion allowed. It is each employer's responsibility to comply with legislation such as the Equality Act 2010, interpreted by the courts.
Session: Women in the Workplace
View All Questions -->
What steps are being taken by the Government to support women in the workplace?
Context
The question arises from a broader discussion on measures to aid women's advancement and equality at work.
Chloe Smith
We are committed to helping women in every workplace and have announced new initiatives such as requiring employers to provide salary information in job adverts, promoting women's return to STEM roles, and establishing a taskforce to increase the number of women-led high growth businesses.
Session: Women in the Workplace
View All Questions -->
Is it time that he looked at his options for further cuts to VAT to help small businesses, especially small cafes?
Context
Small business owners, especially in the hospitality sector, are facing financial struggles due to increased costs from suppliers.
Rishi Sunak
We have provided significant support, including a £1.7-billion business rates holiday—the 50% discount—for cafés and restaurants in England. This money is being Barnett-ed to Scotland to provide similar support there.
Session: Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Lord Chancellor’s Oath and the Rule of Law
14 October 2020
Responding: Alex Chalk
Main Concerns
["The Lord Chancellor's first year in office has been marked by attacks on legal professionals, judiciary, and proposals to restrict judicial review. Concerns over the UK Internal Market Bill undermine rule of law principles, impacting Northern Ireland's Good Friday Agreement and Scotland's devolution settlement. Legal implications include challenges to international obligations and threats to independent Scottish legal system."]
Specific Asks
['What will the Lord Chancellor do to honour his oath to respect the rule of law in light of recent developments?']
Planning, the Green Belt and Rural Affairs
19 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Labour Government has a mandate to change the course of Britain after 14 years of chaos, with a focus on national renewal. Key initiatives include creating a national wealth fund, scrapping the Rw...
Disabled People on Benefits: EHRC Investigation
23 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Political Violence and Disruption: Walney Report
22 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
20 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Immigration Update
01 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Disability Reform
29 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill - Instruction to the Committee on the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill that it has power to make provision in the Bill for it to extend to Northern Ireland.
29 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
25 April 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Lesbian Visibility Week was founded in 2019 by Linda Riley, to celebrate and uplift lesbians from all backgrounds. The number of women identifying as lesbian has increased by 64% since 2014. However, ...
Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill
22 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Sudan: Government Response
22 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
3
PMQs Asked
100
Ministerial Questions Asked
190
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
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
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+646% above average
This MP:
100
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3810% above average
This MP:
190
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 Joanna Cherry's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.