John Stevenson
MP for Carlisle
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
A three-and-a-half-hour journey takes six hours; a straight journey ends up with two changes and a diversion; a train is cancelled at short notice. This has become the experience of a west coast rail passenger. If Avanti does not get its act together, will the Government cancel its franchise?
Context
Passengers facing long delays and cancellations on west coast rail services.
Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this question, and I share the frustration that this is causing to many in his community and other communities. Our immediate priority is to support the restoration of services before making any long-term decisions on the operation of the west coast franchise, but we will be closely monitoring Avanti's roll-out of its recovery plan and holding it to account for delivering for passengers.
Assessment
Avoided committing to canceling the franchise if Avanti fails
Closely Monitoring
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Labour and socialism have failed the country because their failed policies interfere too much in people's lives, over-regulate, spend too much taxpayers' money, borrow too much and raise taxes. Will the Prime Minister tell the House what policies his Government will follow to ensure that we do not have a similar fate?
Context
The Labour Party's economic policies are criticized for raising taxes and borrowing excessively.
Boris Johnson
Yes, I can. I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who is absolutely right that Labour's instinct everywhere and always is to put up tax, with all its—[Interruption.] Well, Labour Members are bragging about it today—it is ludicrous. What we are doing is not only cutting people's contributions under national insurance but helping businesses to invest with the 130% super deduction that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor put in. That is helping us to have a high-wage, high-skill economy, with unemployment—yes, I have said this before, Mr Speaker—at its lowest since 1974.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Given the importance to our country of this sector and the need to ensure its competitiveness, its resilience and a high degree of self-sufficiency, will the Prime Minister now take the opportunity to review many of the proposed regulatory burdens such as on HFSS products?
Context
The food supply chain is crucial for national resilience, especially amid global uncertainties like the war in Ukraine.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that food security is a crucial issue. It is affected of course by the cost of energy, and the energy inputs into agriculture are certainly something that we need to address.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to reviewing regulatory burdens but acknowledged concerns over energy costs impacting food security.
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Improved connectivity is vital for the UK's unity. Will the Prime Minister support investment in roads like A75, A69, and extend the borders railway? What is the timescale for such investments?
Context
The United Kingdom needs improved connectivity to remain united. The interim connectivity review has suggested some improvements.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend for his excellent question. The final recommendations from Sir Peter Hendy about the A75 will be forthcoming soon, but we have already agreed £5 million from the UK and Scottish Governments to extend the Edinburgh-Tweedbank borders railway to Carlisle.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Prime Minister, we are to host COP26. Our goal is net zero by 2050. To achieve that target will require innovative policies and a free market approach would help. Therefore, if we were to make solar panels compulsory for all new residential builds, we immediately create a large market. It will lead to innovation, lower prices, job creation and contribute towards our 2050 target. Will the Prime Minister support such a policy initiative?
Context
The UK aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and hosting COP26 underscores the commitment to environmental policies.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend makes a very interesting suggestion which I will certainly look into, though I should caution that some homes do not have enough space on their roof or indeed have their roofs angled in the right way to make solar panels viable. What we are already doing is tightening our standards to ensure that new homes produce at least 75% lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to current standards, on our way to net zero by 2050.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not directly state support or opposition for the policy but stated he would look into it.
Look Into
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Pirelli factory in Carlisle employs approximately 800 people, contributing hundreds of millions of pounds to the local economy. The location is a result of regional economic policy from 50 years ago. Does the Prime Minister agree that modern-day proactive regional economic policies are necessary for rebalancing and levelling up the country? Will he visit Carlisle to see both old and new aspects in action?
Context
The Pirelli factory in Carlisle employs around 800 people and contributes significantly to the local economy.
Boris Johnson
Of course, I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for what he says. He will hear more in just half an hour or so—from the Chancellor about how we intend to make sure we build back better across the whole of this country and unleash the tremendous potential of the whole of the United Kingdom.
Assessment
Specific commitment on regional economic policy and visit to Carlisle
Redirecting
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The Government could move parts of Government Departments out of London to help with their levelling up agenda. Would the Prime Minister let me know when he proposes to move a Government Department to Carlisle?
Context
John Stevenson highlighted Carlisle's potential for housing and infrastructure development, linking it to the Government's 'levelling up' policy.
Boris Johnson
I will certainly look with interest at my hon. Friend's suggestion. We have an ambitious programme to disperse and to unite and level up across our country.
Assessment
No commitment to specific relocation timeline or department proposed for Carlisle
Promising To Look Into The Idea
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The internal market is beneficial for all parts of the United Kingdom. It is, however, more important to those areas where there is a border. Does the Minister therefore agree that the internal market should be very helpful in maintaining and developing economic activity in the borderlands area, and will he consider a second borderlands growth deal, which would certainly help the area on both sides of the border?
Context
Following an initial question on the UK internal market, this supplementary query seeks further details about the potential for a second borderlands growth deal to boost economic activity in areas bordering England and Scotland. This comes as part of broader discussions around trade facilitation and regional development.
John Lamont
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: the UK's internal market is essential to promoting economic activity, ensuring that businesses in the borders—in my constituency, in Carlisle and beyond—benefit from frictionless trade with the rest of the United Kingdom. The borderlands growth deal, which includes a £265 million investment from the UK Government, was signed in July 2021, and is developing a range of projects to further boost economic growth.
Session: UK Internal Market
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made by the government on the impact of the UK internal market on the Scottish economy? I am concerned that without a proper assessment, we cannot accurately gauge the benefits or drawbacks for Scotland's businesses and overall economy.
Context
The MP inquired about the Government's assessment of how the UK internal market has affected Scotland's economy. This question comes amid debates over trade and economic interdependence within the UK.
John Lamont
The Government's assessment is that our internal market is the essential basis on which businesses are able to trade freely across the United Kingdom, minimising red tape and maximising opportunities. In Scotland, 60% of outgoing trade is with the rest of the United Kingdom—more than with the rest of the world combined.
Session: UK Internal Market
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister agree that putting up taxes as the SNP is doing at present will do nothing to help with the cost of living? Does he further agree that if it continues on that trajectory, more and more Scots will want to leave and come to places such as Carlisle, where of course they will be very welcome?
Context
Concern about tax rises in Scotland under the SNP and its impact on people's decisions to live south of the border.
John Lamont
Due to the SNP's tax rises in Scotland, anyone earning more than £28,867 will pay more income tax than those living in England. I see increasing evidence of people choosing to live south of the border rather than in the high-tax Scottish jurisdiction.
Session: Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
Acknowledging previous efforts to improve the probate service, he asks what action will be taken if no material improvement is seen within three months. He seeks removal of underperforming staff for service recovery.
Context
The MP previously led a debate highlighting probate service failings and requested the Minister's action if no improvement in three months.
Mike Freer
A new management team is in place, and we are seeing improvements in recruitment, competency, productivity, and call handling. While the service is not yet where it should be, measures introduced have started to show impact. The Minister welcomes conversations for further improvement.
Session: Probate Registry
View All Questions -->
What steps is he taking to improve the effectiveness of the probate registry? The service once excelled but now faces numerous failures. What specific actions are being taken?
Context
The MP has previously highlighted issues with probate services, noting that the service was once excellent but now faces significant failings.
Mike Freer
In response to increased volume of probate applications, staffing levels have been increased by over 100 people and processes streamlined. The average mean length of time for a grant of probate following receipt of all documents is now 12 weeks.
Session: Probate Registry
View All Questions -->
If we are to grow the Scottish economy as well as the national one, it is vital that we have a skilled workforce and the right level of investment. It is also important for areas such as the Borders, between Scotland and England, to have the least friction in trade and labour market conditions. Does the Secretary of State agree that politicians of all persuasions have a responsibility to ensure maximum opportunities on whichever side of the border, to ensure the least amount of friction, particularly for those looking for employment?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the need for a skilled workforce and minimal economic friction across borders.
Alister Jack
I agree. That is exactly why this Government introduced the United Kingdom Internal Market Act (2020): to protect frictionless trade across the UK. On maximising opportunities on whichever side of the border, it is a matter of some regret that Scotland is the highest taxed part of the United Kingdom.
Session: Labour Market
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment he has made of the strength of the labour market in Scotland?
Context
The MP asks about the current state of Scotland's job market amid global challenges.
Alister Jack
I am encouraged by the resilience that the Scottish labour market has shown, despite global issues still causing significant economic challenges. The latest official figures show that Scottish unemployment is close to a record low at 3.1%. I welcome that fact.
Session: Labour Market
View All Questions -->
Would the Minister agree that prioritising investment zones in areas that need a helping hand is the right course of action? And does he envisage an investment zone in the borderlands area in the near future?
Context
The MP questions whether prioritising investment zones in economically challenged areas is the right course of action and enquires about a potential zone in the borderlands.
John Glen
The areas of England that are eligible to host an investment zone were identified through a rigorous analytical assessment. The borderlands area is already benefiting from the £452 million borderlands growth deal, which was signed just two years ago and aims to create 5,500 jobs.
Session: Investment Zones
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of investment zones on the performance of the economy?
Context
The MP asks about the potential economic benefits and impacts of investment zones.
John Glen
The refocused investment zones programme will grow the UK economy and bring investment to areas that have traditionally underperformed economically. The programme will catalyse 12 high-potential, knowledge-intensive growth clusters across the UK, including four in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Session: Investment Zones
View All Questions -->
Does he agree that we must train enough of our own doctors, rather than depend on overseas doctors? Secondly, does he agree that it is important that the less traditional educational institutions are allowed to open or expand medical schools?
Context
Concerns are raised about the reliance on overseas doctors and the importance of less traditional educational institutions in doctor training.
Steve Barclay
I agree with my hon. Friend, and that is why we had a 25% increase in the total number of medical school places. On the specific point he raises, we have developed the new apprenticeship route for medical doctors so that we can start to have more training through that route and not just through the undergraduate route.
Session: Doctor Numbers
View All Questions -->
What steps is he taking to increase the number of doctors?
Context
The issue revolves around the need to increase the number of doctors in the UK.
Steve Barclay
We have opened five new medical schools in Sunderland, Lancashire, Chelmsford, Lincoln and Canterbury as part of our wider drive to increase the number of doctors.
Session: Doctor Numbers
View All Questions -->
Given the rise in the cost of infrastructure projects, will the Minister confirm that where such projects have a shortfall in funding but are ready to go, the Government will step in and give additional funding to support them?
Context
The MP is concerned about the funding shortfalls of public infrastructure projects and asks if the Government will support such projects.
Chris Philp
It is very much our intention to speed up projects where they are ready to go. The growth plan announced a few weeks ago made clear our commitment to doing that. The last spending review provided, I think, about £100 billion of funding towards critical economic infrastructure.
Session: Investment in Infrastructure
View All Questions -->
What fiscal steps are being taken to support investment in infrastructure projects?
Context
The MP is concerned about the fiscal measures needed to support infrastructure investment projects.
Chris Philp
A critical part of the Government's growth plan is road, rail and energy infrastructure. We will be introducing legislation shortly to ensure that the delivery of that critical infrastructure is massively sped up.
Session: Investment in Infrastructure
View All Questions -->
Connectivity between Scotland and England matters, especially for the area that I represent in Cumbria, and south-west Scotland. Does the Minister share my concerns that the Scottish Government are not helping to deliver the investment?
Context
Concerns about the Scottish Government's lack of support for investment in rail and road infrastructure.
Iain Stewart
The Minister is keen to see the feasibility study work commence on extending the Borders rail line. The Minister has recently met with Wendy Morton to progress that project.
Session: Union Connectivity
View All Questions -->
What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on improving Union connectivity?
Context
Discussions on improving Union connectivity between Scotland and England.
Iain Stewart
I regularly discuss important issues on improving Union connectivity with ministerial colleagues. Earlier this year, for example, I co-chaired a roundtable discussion with Transport Ministers and Scottish stakeholders.
Session: Union Connectivity
View All Questions -->
The Borderlands growth deal has been very well received on both sides of the border. It demonstrates the benefits of a close working relationship between councils, MPs and Government. Given that success, would the Minister envisage a further opportunity for a Borderlands mark 2?
Context
The MP acknowledges the success of the Borderlands growth deal and seeks potential for its continuation or enhancement.
Iain Stewart
I strongly agree with my hon. Friend that the Borderlands growth deal is a great demonstration of what can be achieved when we work together. I recently visited Innerleithen in the constituency of my right hon. Friend the Member for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale (David Mundell) and saw some of the great work that is happening there. What is really important about these growth deals is that they develop strong local partnerships that can form the basis for longer-term economic plans. My hon. Friend was a fantastic champion of the Borderlands growth deal, and I know that he will be at the forefront of developing these future plans.
Session: Growth Deals
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made of the impact of growth deals on the Scottish economy?
Context
The MP is inquiring about the recent impact assessment of growth deals on Scotland's economic recovery.
Iain Stewart
All parts of Scotland have a growth deal in implementation or negotiation, with the UK Government committing more than £1.5 billion. These agreements are stimulating local economies to build back better after the pandemic, delivering thousands of jobs across Scotland and enriching communities.
Session: Growth Deals
View All Questions -->
Talking about the Borderlands growth initiative and the growth deal, does the Minister agree that it is extremely important and beneficial to the whole region, and that Carlisle has become the regional capital of parts not just of England, but of Scotland? Does he also agree that south Scotland recognises the importance of Carlisle's economic performance to the whole region? Does he further agree that that helps to support the Union?
Context
The MP is discussing the economic performance of Carlisle and its role in supporting the Union.
Iain Stewart
I absolutely agree that the Borderlands growth deal is unique in that it straddles the border. The economic footprint of the region is incredibly important. Last year I held a meeting in Carlisle with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to discuss not just the growth deal, but how it can be the starting point for a proper economic partnership that straddles the border and delivers for my hon. Friend and his neighbouring constituencies.
Session: Growth Deals
View All Questions -->
As the Minister knows, the food and drinks manufacturing sector is the largest in this country, employing more than 400,000 people directly. It is a major innovator and exporter. My concern is that the sector may get too much red tape and regulation. If we look at the obesity strategy, for example, there could be a lot of regulation with very little gain. Can she reassure me that there will be proper scrutiny of any legislation, and that the minimum burdens will be put on this sector, which is vital to our economy?
Context
The food and drinks manufacturing sector employs more than 400,000 people directly in the UK and is a major innovator and exporter. There are concerns about potential overregulation impacting the sector.
Victoria Prentis
Our manifesto was clear that we want people at home and abroad to be lining up to buy British. We are lucky to have a fantastic network of manufacturing businesses, most of which are small and medium-sized enterprises, so we are very alive to the needs of those businesses and the difficulty of excessive regulatory burdens. I am quite sure that we will debate the new obesity strategy fully, both in this House and outside. Some of the legislation can be made using powers in the Food Safety Act 1990, and other parts in the health and care Bill. We meet regularly with the sector and are keen to engage with it on a practical level as to how regulation will affect its businesses.
Session: Food and Drink Manufacturing Sector Competitiveness
View All Questions -->
The Borderlands initiative is considered a success but requires timely decisions from all involved. Will the Minister commit to doing everything at UK level and Scottish parliamentary level, particularly with regard to the Treasury, to ensure quick and effective progress of the Borderlands initiative?
Context
Five deals are fully agreed and four are agreed in principle, with discussions ongoing for the final two.
Iain Stewart (Minister for Scotland)
Yes, absolutely. My hon. Friend has been an excellent champion of the Borderlands deal. We are making good progress, including considering individual projects such as the dairy innovation centre. We hope to agree the terms of a full deal later this year. I am also meeting the Campaign for Borders Rail team later this month to discuss that project and would welcome his thoughts on it.
Session: Growth Deals
View All Questions -->
In places such as Carlisle and south Scotland, we have a substantial amount of cross-border activity, including travel to work. Does the Minister agree that it would be far better to have a UK-wide policy on movement rather than having the Scottish Government causing unnecessary confusion, which does not help people in this part of the country?
Context
The MP raises concerns about cross-border activity and travel in areas like Carlisle and south Scotland, suggesting confusion caused by different policies.
Alister Jack
Yes, absolutely.
Session: Covid-19 UK-wide Response
View All Questions -->
Given the close economic relationship between the south of Scotland and the north of England, particularly within the borderlands region, will he make representations to the Chancellor on and give his support to a freeport at the Carlisle Lake District airport?
Context
The MP inquired about the Minister's stance on supporting a freeport at Carlisle Lake District airport, considering its economic ties to northern England.
Alister Jack
I welcome the recent freeports announcement, and I have no doubt that freeports will unleash the potential of our proud historic ports, boosting and regenerating communities across the UK. I and other Ministers on the Front Bench—the Chancellor is here—have heard my hon. Friend's early representations on behalf of his airport and his area. Not only is he a great champion for the borderlands, but he is a great champion for the Carlisle Lake District airport.
Session: Budget
View All Questions -->
What recent discussions has he had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the forthcoming Budget?
Context
The MP inquired about recent talks between the Chancellor and himself regarding upcoming budgetary matters for Scotland.
Alister Jack
I have regular discussions with all my Cabinet colleagues on issues important to Scotland's economy, including the forthcoming Budget in March. The Government will deliver a Budget for Scotland's businesses and Scotland's people. We will set out ambitious plans to unleash Britain's potential and level up across the nations and regions of the UK.
Session: Budget
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Family Businesses: Contribution to Local Communities
20 December 2022
Responding: Kevin Hollinrake
Main Concerns
['The hon. MP is concerned about the challenges faced by family businesses, including succession planning and financing growth. He highlights that family businesses account for nearly 14 million employees in the UK, over 50% of all private sector employment, contributing to approximately 44% of GDP. The MP emphasises the importance of recognising the unique strengths of family businesses such as resilience during economic downturns, long-term investment perspectives, and community involvement.']
Specific Asks
['The hon. Member asks for more Government recognition of the challenges faced by family businesses and suggests that the Government could do more to support these businesses in terms of growing, understanding their nature, ensuring finance and investment, providing training opportunities, offering general advice on succession planning, and promoting a positive profile for family businesses.']
Food and Drink: UK Economy
01 December 2021
Responding: Victoria Prentis
Main Concerns
["The food and drink sector is crucial for the UK economy, employing over 440,000 people directly and contributing £29 billion to GDP. It also faces challenges such as regulatory costs and labour shortages. The industry's voice needs greater recognition at the highest level of government."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should help promote the sector domestically and internationally by addressing unreasonable pressures from the health lobby, supporting productivity improvements in the supply chain, and ensuring that new regulations do not disproportionately impact the industry or lead to increased costs for consumers.']
Probate Registry Service
10 November 2020
Responding: Chris Philp
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the deterioration in service quality at the Probate Registry. Over recent years, the waiting times for probates have significantly increased from two to three weeks to seven to eight weeks. The number of staff and costs have risen but the service has worsened. He cites examples where it took 12 weeks and 17 weeks for probates to be issued after applications were submitted. Errors in issuing probates, unhelpful responses to queries and long wait times on phone calls are highlighted as issues. The MP believes these problems predate the pandemic.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Minister to improve service delivery, seek opinions from service users for improvements, provide details of expected performance improvements and timelines. He suggests a commitment to significantly and quickly improve the service or face consequences.']
End of Radio Teleswitch Service: Rural Areas
04 December 2024
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
The radio teleswitch service decommissioning is a critical issue affecting thousands of households in Scotland, impacting electric-only heating customers who rely on 'total heating with total control'...
Holocaust Memorial (Centre) Bill - New Clause 1
22 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Immigration Update
01 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Budget Resolutions
06 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Conservatives' record is marked by a recession, high tax burden, living standards decline, and fiscal irresponsibility. The Chancellor's new measures do not address these issues; they merely exace...
British Steel
08 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
New Housing Supply
05 June 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Davis highlights the critical issue of housing, noting that seven out of ten voters perceive a national crisis. He emphasises the importance of home ownership for social stability and security, contra...
Illegal Migration Bill
07 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
The Economic Crime Bill - Clause 2
13 December 2022
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to strengthen our measures against economic crime by introducing robust checks and balances on financial transactions to preve...
Autumn Statement
17 November 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Migration
16 November 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
7
PMQs Asked
23
Ministerial Questions Asked
24
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
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
+72% above average
This MP:
23
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+394% above average
This MP:
24
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 Stevenson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.