John Howell
MP for Henley
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
What steps is the Foreign Office taking to support our Middle East allies on this welcome peace project?
Context
A recent publication revealed an ambitious plan to establish a continuous land bridge directly connecting Israel to Jordan and other Arab states.
David Rutley
We welcome all steps to help move forward with the middle east peace process and follow those particular points with interest.
Session: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
View All Questions -->
Does he agree that given the involvement of larger powers, any approach must be handled very carefully to avoid destabilizing influences?
Context
A debate on the situation was held at the Council of Europe where both Azeris and Armenians participated, highlighting complex regional dynamics.
Leo Docherty
Indeed. We are aware of the debate and we hope both sides will return to negotiating with no destabilising influences from outside the region.
Session: Nagorno-Karabakh
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister accept that the EU is not the whole of Europe, and that a wider Europe is out there open for SMEs? Will he say what he is doing to encourage trade with that wider Europe?
Context
The MP believes there is a broader European market available for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to explore.
Mike Freer
My hon. Friend is right to say that there is a global market, not just the EU, and the wider European market. The export strategy “Made in the UK, Sold to the World” is there to assist. Specifically on support, we have the ESS, the export academy, the export champions, a network of trade advisers both here and overseas, agrifood and drink attachés, the tradeshow programme and UK Export Finance. If any hon. Member wishes to find out more about the specific support we provide, they are welcome to attend the parliamentary export showcase on 9 March in Portcullis House.
Session: Trade with EU SMEs
View All Questions -->
Will the Secretary of State come with me to visit Townlands Community Hospital in my constituency, where we have built into the process of keeping the hospital going a real potential for the integration of NHS and social care services? It would be good if I were able to share that with him.
Context
The MP invited the Secretary of State to visit a hospital in his constituency that exemplifies integrated care services.
Sajid Javid
I would be pleased to visit the hospital with my hon. Friend. I know that the site to which he refers is multi-disciplinary and provides rehabilitation and palliative care together and is doing well at it. It is an excellent example of good integration at work.
Session: Integrated Health and Care Services
View All Questions -->
Earlier this year, the long-awaited EU review into the Palestinian Authority's school curriculum was published, and it confirmed numerous examples of antisemitism. I note the Minister's recent announcement that the UK is no longer funding Palestinian teachers to draft and deliver this curriculum, but will he ensure that any further UK support to Palestinian education is conditional on a zero-tolerance approach to antisemitism, and that that is shown at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East?
Context
An EU review confirmed numerous examples of antisemitism in the Palestinian Authority's school curriculum.
James Cleverly
I assure my hon. Friend that the UK Government take a zero-tolerance approach to anti-semitism, wherever it is. The reduction in funding to the Palestinian Authority was in direct response to the official development assistance prioritisation review, which was itself in response to the economic constraints driven by covid. We do, however, continue to support the Palestinians through the UNRWA. We will ensure that, as we have done, we continue to press for that education curriculum to be devoid of any examples of antisemitism.
Session: Palestinian Authority ODA
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to ensure that official development assistance to the Palestinian Authority supports the peace process?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of UK's development assistance to the Palestinian Authority on the peace process.
James Cleverly
Development programmes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories work to preserve the prospect of a negotiated two-state solution and simultaneously to improve the lives of Palestinians, in line with the UK's long-standing approach to the middle east peace process. Although the UK will no longer provide direct funding to the Palestinian Authority, we understand the importance of capacity building of Palestinian institutions.
Session: Palestinian Authority ODA
View All Questions -->
One thing that concerns me is how we can boost the technical skills that older people learn. What is the Department doing in that respect?
Context
Concerns about boosting the technical skills of older individuals seeking employment or reskilling.
Mims Davies
I am pleased to share with my hon. Friend and the House the fact that in May, a littler earlier in the year, I launched a key partnership with Google offering free IT training for jobseekers. That opportunity gives 9,000 jobseekers the chance to obtain a Google career certificate, which is a level 3 qualification and recognised by the industry. As of 3 September, our jobcentres have referred more than 3,800 people to that life-changing employment scheme.
Session: Support for Older Jobseekers
View All Questions -->
What support her Department provides to older jobseekers looking to reskill or change careers.
Context
The question arises from concerns about older individuals seeking employment and reskilling opportunities.
Mims Davies
The Department's focus on 50 PLUS: Choices, alongside our plan for jobs, provides funding to ensure that more people of all ages get tailored support. That includes programmes such as the job finding support service, job entry targeted support and the restart scheme, to help them find work. That is in addition to the Department's train and progress and sector-based work academy programmes, to help people gain confidence, skills and job-specific qualifications, and to progress into employment.
Session: Support for Older Jobseekers
View All Questions -->
I am concerned that one of the first priorities of the Welsh Government seems to be a universal basic income. Is my right hon. Friend aware of the debates I took part in at the Council of Europe, where this idea was completely rubbished?
Context
There is concern that the Welsh Government prioritizes a universal basic income, which was previously criticized in debates at the Council of Europe.
Simon Hart
I say to my hon. Friend: “Anybody who thinks this is a good idea should knock some doors of Labour voters in working families. It might sound radical to academics and 'policy wonks' but it sounds out of touch if you ask most normal people.” Those are not my words, but the words of the new Minister for the Economy in the Welsh Government.
Session: Economy in Wales 2021 Senedd Election
View All Questions -->
If he will make an assessment of the effect of the 2021 Senedd election on the economy in Wales. Three out of four Welsh voters rejected separatist policies, recognizing the importance of being part of the United Kingdom for economic prosperity.
Context
The outcome of the 2021 Senedd election raised concerns about its effect on Wales' economy. The election saw a significant portion of voters rejecting separatism, emphasizing their belief in economic ties with the Union.
Simon Hart
The Senedd election has shown that three out of four voters rejected separatism, recognising that our economic prosperity is indelibly linked to being part of the Union.
Session: Economy in Wales 2021 Senedd Election
View All Questions -->
Last year, the SNP Government missed their own legal emissions targets, with source emissions in Scotland actually increasing by 1.5% in 2017-18. Does my hon. Friend agree that as we approach the crucial COP26 summit in Glasgow later this year, the Scottish people deserve a Government who are 100% focused on a green recovery, not on another divisive independence referendum?
Context
The MP references the SNP Government missing their legal emissions targets and the increase in source emissions in Scotland, questioning the focus on a green recovery.
David Duguid (UK Minister of State)
I am sure you will agree, Mr Speaker, that it is not for me to answer for the failings of the Scottish Government. However, I assure my hon. Friend that the UK Government are absolutely focused on achieving a green recovery, as set out by the Prime Minister in his 10-point plan last year. This Government are also focused on safeguarding the Union, and I agree with my hon. Friend that a divisive referendum on Scotland's separation from the UK at this time would be an irresponsible distraction from the necessary work required towards that green recovery.
Session: COP26
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to support local authorities during the covid-19 outbreak.
Context
The question stems from the need to address financial pressures faced by local councils due to the pandemic.
Luke Hall
We have so far allocated over £9 billion directly to councils since the start of the pandemic and local authorities are expected to receive over £3 billion of additional support in 2021-22, responding both to expenditure pressures and loss of income. This takes the total support that we have committed to councils in England to tackle the impacts of covid-19 to over £12 billion.
Session: Covid-19 Support for Local Authorities
View All Questions -->
I am delighted that my hon. Friend is taking steps to bring mental health laws into the 21st century, not least because they are 40 years old. Can I pay tribute to Sir Simon Wessely for his independent review? Can my hon. Friend confirm that the Government will be accepting many of his recommendations?
Context
Sir Simon Wessely conducted an independent review of the Mental Health Act in 2018, and his comprehensive work has been widely recognised.
Nadine Dorries (Secretary of State for Health and Social Care)
I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Friend, and I would also like to pay tribute to Sir Simon and his co-chairs for their comprehensive work. The Secretary of State said in the House last year that 'the Wessely review is one of the finest pieces of work on the treatment of mental ill health that has been done anywhere in the world.' We are taking forward the vast majority of Sir Simon's 154 recommendations, either directly or by advancing the principles put forward by the review. The White Paper document contains the Government's response to each of the recommendations.
Session: Mental Health Legislation
View All Questions -->
I am concerned about the steps my Department is taking to reform mental health legislation, particularly the outdated Mental Health Act 1983. What measures are being taken?
Context
The Mental Health Act 1983 is over 40 years old and requires reform to better serve patients and professionals. The government has recently published a White Paper on these reforms.
Nadine Dorries (Secretary of State for Health and Social Care)
On 13 January, we published a White Paper on reforming the Mental Health Act 1983, setting out proposals to make the Act work better for people. We have launched a 14-week consultation, during which we are inviting views from the public, professionals, service users and carers to ensure that we get this once-in-a-generation opportunity right.
Session: Mental Health Legislation
View All Questions -->
What discussions has he had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the economic support available for Scottish businesses during the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
During a period of economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, John Howell asked about discussions with the Chancellor regarding financial aid for Scottish enterprises.
Alister Jack
Am I answering David Mundell's question?
Session: Economic Support Covid-19
View All Questions -->
In this lockdown, are we going to abolish or try to prevent large protests that threaten frontline officers?
Context
The MP is concerned about similar issues arising in Henley, including the risk to police officers from large gatherings.
Kit Malthouse
All large gatherings are illegal under coronavirus regulations, including legitimate protests. Police enforcement is an option but encouraging compliance with regulations is preferred.
Session: Coronavirus Restrictions Police Enforcement
View All Questions -->
Will my hon. Friend assure me that she is doing everything in her power to ensure that apprenticeships are seen as a valid part of our education system? The Prime Minister and Chancellor have made it clear that further education is now more important than ever. This includes reforms of the FE system through the skills White Paper, backed by £500 million funding per year for T-levels, investing £1.5 billion in FE college estate transformation, £2.5 billion through the national skills fund and introducing a new adult entitlement.
Context
The MP asks about the government's efforts to ensure apprenticeships are seen as a valid part of the UK's educational system, highlighting the importance of further education.
Gillian Keegan
I can assure my hon. Friend that further education is important, with once-in-a-generation reforms through the skills White Paper and funding for T-levels, FE college estate transformation, national skills fund, and adult entitlement programmes.
Session: Apprenticeships
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to increase the number of apprenticeships. Apprenticeships will be more important than ever to support our economic recovery and help businesses to recruit the right people and develop the skills they need to recover and grow.
Context
The MP asks about the steps being taken to increase apprenticeship numbers, recognizing their importance for economic recovery and business growth.
Gillian Keegan
To support employers to offer new apprenticeships, they can now claim £2,000 for every new apprentice under 25 and £1,500 for those over 25. This is part of the effort to promote further education as a valid pathway.
Session: Apprenticeships
View All Questions -->
It is unsurprising that Israel is one of the first countries to sign a post-Brexit trade agreement. What progress has been made in expanding those opportunities, and how do they go beyond existing agreements?
Context
The MP is interested in the progress made beyond already signed agreements to expand opportunities in various sectors.
Ranil Jayawardena
Last year saw new export wins totalling £1 million in his constituency. We are very ambitious for Britain's future and there is more to do, especially in sectors such as financial services, infrastructure and technology. We are working with Israeli counterparts to realise these opportunities, including plans to host an Anglo-Israeli trade and investment conference.
Session: Israel
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to strengthen the UK's trade relationship with Israel. I am concerned about the progress in expanding opportunities beyond already signed agreements. Bilateral relations are strong but there's potential for more growth, especially in financial services, infrastructure and technology sectors.
Context
The MP is concerned about the steps to strengthen UK's trade relationship with Israel, referencing strong existing relations and the recent appointment of Lord Austin as a trade envoy.
Ranil Jayawardena
I am delighted that the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement was signed, enhancing relations as we deepen our work with Israel. We have launched a joint trade and investment review with GCC to facilitate agreements and broaden trade relationships in areas like education, healthcare, food and drink. We are working with Israeli counterparts to realise opportunities in financial services, infrastructure and technology.
Session: Israel
View All Questions -->
Can my hon. Friend confirm that every care home in England has either received a coronavirus test or is about to receive one?
Context
Discussions about support measures during the pandemic and assurances regarding preparedness for winter months.
Helen Whately (Minister of State for Care)
Yes, I can confirm that. Every Care Quality Commission-registered care home in England has been offered testing. Care homes for those who are over 65 and with dementia have been offered repeat testing. We have now opened up repeat testing to care homes for working age adults.
Session: Social Care Covid-19
View All Questions -->
There is a balance to be struck between worshipping openly and being provided with adequate security. Will the Minister say what success the Government's places of worship protective security funding scheme has had in achieving that balance?
Context
The funding for the places of worship protective security scheme has been increased to £3.2 million, nearly double last year's amount. A public consultation on providing greater protection from hate crime for places of worship is being reviewed.
Victoria Atkins (Minister for Policing and the Criminal Justice)
Very much so. I can assure my hon. Friend that the places of worship protective security funding scheme has been designed so that each place of worship can apply for practical security measures that suit their individual needs, ranging from CCTV to alarm systems. This allows each place of worship to remain open and accessible for worshippers, while providing greater security. We want to ensure that this scheme listens to worshippers and their communities when seeking to achieve the balance to which he rightly refers.
Session: Places of Worship Hate Crimes
View All Questions -->
What steps her Department is taking to prevent hate crimes against places of worship?
Context
The Home Department is reviewing a public consultation on providing greater protection from hate crime for places of worship. The funding for the next year has been increased to £3.2 million, which is nearly double the amount awarded last year.
Victoria Atkins (Minister for Policing and the Criminal Justice)
We are committed to protecting places of worship from hate crimes through the places of worship protected security scheme. The funding for next year, at £3.2 million, is an uplift of nearly double the amount awarded last year. A public consultation on providing greater protection from hate crime for places of worship closed on 28 June. We are reviewing the responses and will respond in due course.
Session: Places of Worship Hate Crimes
View All Questions -->
John Howell thanks Grant Shapps for his efforts in bringing many of his constituents home safely and asks about the situation regarding the availability of aircraft from Nigeria and how many more repatriation trips are planned to bring back the remaining overseas British nationals.
Context
The UK has been working to repatriate stranded British citizens, with the number reaching over 1.3 million through commercial routes and around 1,700 via charter flights.
Grant Shapps (Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Grant Shapps informs that some commercial routes remain operational and they continue to organise charter flights daily. He estimates around 20,000 British nationals still need to be repatriated.
Session: Covid-19 Repatriation of British Nationals
View All Questions -->
The next UN climate conference is the perfect opportunity to set out exactly what we are doing to get our emissions down to net zero by 2050. Can the Minister assure me that the Government are committed to doing all they can to achieve that and to delivering the green jobs that come with it?
Context
Ahead of the UN climate conference, there is a need for clear commitment from the UK government on achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Simon Clarke
I am a passionate believer in the net zero agenda, and I believe that it is perfectly congruent with economic growth. COP26 presents a huge opportunity for the UK and globally. We are already a leader in tackling climate change, having reduced the emissions intensity of our economy faster than any other G20 country. We will be doing more at Budget.
Session: Net Zero Emissions Target
View All Questions -->
What fiscal steps he is taking to ensure that the Government meets its target of net zero emissions by 2050?
Context
The question arises from the need to ensure fiscal measures support the UK's commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.
Simon Clarke
The clean growth strategy sets out our proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy through the course of the 2020s. This year, the Government will be setting out further detail on plans to reduce emissions in key sectors such as transport, energy and buildings, as well as publishing our net zero review.
Session: Net Zero Emissions Target
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
West Balkans: Council of Europe
16 November 2022
Responding: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the troubled state of Bosnia-Herzegovina where nothing gets done. The granting of candidate status to Moldova and Ukraine has left western Balkan states feeling high and dry, increasing disenchantment with EU membership and stability in the region. I also note the significant influence of Russia in energy, banking, real estate, and arms supply across the whole region, as well as Iran's detrimental activities such as attempted vote rigging during recent elections."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the government to work with the Council of Europe to enhance civil society, ensure free media, and increase political will for reforms in the western Balkans. The Council should focus on rule-of-law issues and develop extensive training programmes for judges and systems governance. I also urge the Secretary-General of PACE to roll up their sleeves and initiate active programs rather than relying solely on monitoring procedures.']
Council of Europe
15 June 2022
Responding: Amanda Milling
Main Concerns
["The speaker is concerned about the lack of Government time for debates on the Council of Europe in the main Chamber and the need to raise its visibility. He highlights the importance of the Council's work, especially regarding Russia's expulsion, which left a financial deficit that needs filling. The speaker also emphasizes the role of conventions such as the Istanbul convention and the monitoring of countries like Turkey for compliance with human rights standards."]
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the Government to provide more opportunities for debates on the Council of Europe in the main Chamber and to support the work of the delegation by facilitating meetings with Ministers when rapporteurs visit from the Council.']
Istanbul Convention: Position of the UK Government
26 May 2021
Responding: Victoria Atkins
Main Concerns
["There is an urgency to this debate due to the Turkish and Polish governments' intentions to withdraw from the Istanbul convention. The UK, as a founder member and grand payeur of the Council of Europe, has signed but not ratified the convention, leading to criticism from other countries. The convention aims to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence by obliging countries to eliminate such violence through various measures including training professionals, awareness-raising campaigns, and protection for victims."]
Specific Asks
['The UK Government should clarify the timeline for ratifying the Istanbul Convention and provide a detailed account of how it exceeds the requirements of the convention in all but three areas. The Minister is asked to address gaps in the law regarding psychological violence, extraterritorial jurisdiction, and non-discrimination relating to refugee or migrant residency status.']
Government Policy on Iran — [Mrs Maria Miller in the Chair]
09 December 2020
Responding: James Cleverly
Main Concerns
["Iran's malign activities include state-sponsored terrorism and an expanding nuclear programme that undermines the UK's interests in the region. The JCPOA has not restrained Iran's nuclear ambitions, with Iran now having 12 times the permitted amount of enriched uranium, sufficient to produce two nuclear warheads. Iran also conducts advanced testing related to nuclear weapons development beyond declared activities and supports international terrorism by funding terrorist proxies across the Middle East with up to $20 billion annually."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should outline its strategy in administering the dispute resolution mechanism of the JCPOA, clarify how it will reimpose sanctions on Iran for non-compliance, and address concerns about the expiration of UN arms embargoes. Additionally, steps should be taken towards a new comprehensive agreement addressing all issues including terrorism and nuclear ambitions.']
Lord Mandelson: Response to Humble Address Motion
11 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2025-11-24
24 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The clause would introduce the new Schedule in NS1, which transfers to mayors of mayoral strategic authorities the power to approve a local highway authority to charge undertakers who are executing wo...
Crime and Policing Bill 2025-06-18
18 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves that the clause be read a Second time. The new clauses aim to criminalise commercial sexual exploitation, including enabling or profiting from prostitution and paying for sex acts either directl...
Stellantis Luton
27 November 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sir David Amess Adjournment Debate
12 September 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Honoured to open the debate in memory of Sir David Amess, Mark Francois highlighted three main topics: animal welfare, local NHS services, and a story about Sir David's campaign for Basildon in the 19...
Valedictory Debate
24 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
In her concluding remarks, Harriet Harman reflected on her 42-year tenure in the House of Commons, thanking her constituents for their support and expressing pride in being a Labour MP. She emphasised...
Sanctions
19 July 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The regulations amend the existing sanctions framework to prohibit UK-based legal advice on specified commercial activities sanctioned by the UK Government. This measure is part of a larger package of...
Council of Europe
08 June 2023
General Debate
Led by this MP
Mr. Howell emphasised the importance of the Council of Europe in upholding democracy, rule of law and human rights across member states. He mentioned the Reykjavík summit declaration and highlighted t...
Kosovo
05 June 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Human Rights Protections: Palestinians
20 April 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
0
PMQs Asked
26
Ministerial Questions Asked
90
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+94% above average
This MP:
26
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1752% above average
This MP:
90
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 John Howell's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.