Jonathan Edwards
MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
PC
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Tomorrow marks the second anniversary of my constituent Mike O'Leary's murder, where his body was desecrated to cover up the crime. Will the PM meet campaigners and me to discuss establishing new offences or sentencing guidelines to reflect extra suffering faced by families of murdered victims whose bodies were concealed or desecrated?
Context
A constituent, Mike O'Leary, was murdered two years ago, with his body desecrated in an attempt to hide the crime. This has caused significant suffering for his family and highlighted a need for justice.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Member for bringing this case to attention, and I assure him that he will get the needed meeting at the earliest opportunity.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister will be aware of considerable public concern about significant political donations helping acquire a peerage. The hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar will publish a Bill later today prohibiting large party donors from being nominated to the other place for five years. Will the Prime Minister offer full Government support to my hon. Friend's efforts?
Context
Public concern over political donations influencing nominations to the House of Lords. The Bill by Angus Brendan MacNeil aims to prohibit large donors from being nominated for five years.
Boris Johnson
I will study his proposals with care when the Opposition parties commit to stop taking funds from the unions in order to control their politics.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not directly state support or opposition for the Bill.
When The Opposition Parties Commit To Stop Taking Funds
Session: PMQs
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The people of Carmarthenshire and the rest of Wales are waiting for alternative proposals from the British Government despite all the promises of 'not a penny less'. When will the Prime Minister level with them about the UK Government being about to pick our pockets?
Context
West Wales and the valleys received over €2 billion in direct EU economic investment during the 2014 to 2020 multiannual financial framework, which will end. The British Government have yet to publish their alternative proposals.
Boris Johnson
The UK Government are continuing to support all parts of the UK. We will now have the opportunity to fund projects with our own money, rather than siphoning it through Brussels. The quantum will be identical and, in addition, through the Barnett formula, the UK Government have already given the Welsh Government £2.4 billion in capital funding alone this year.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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Will the Secretary of State pledge to work with the Welsh Government to ensure safety measures are put in place following various investigations?
Context
A criminal investigation is ongoing after a charge of attempted murder was laid against someone involved with Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, which falls under the devolved education system in Wales.
Gillian Keegan
I am always willing to work with anyone from the devolved Administrations.
Session: Topical Questions
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I support the cause of the hon. Member for St Austell and Newquay (Steve Double). The transition to hydrotreated vegetable oil is far cheaper than heat pumps; we are talking about a conversion that can be done in an hour for about £500. I urge the Government to proceed on that with haste.
Context
There is a cheaper alternative to heat pumps for decarbonising heating systems in off-grid properties, namely the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), which can be converted into existing fuel systems at relatively low cost and time.
Amanda Solloway
It is important to note that we are taking this matter incredibly seriously. We are also providing funding to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions through the energy company obligation, the home upgrade grant and the social housing decarbonisation fund.
Session: Decarbonisation Off-grid Properties
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Will he ask the Secretary of State to commission a study on technologies such as cable ploughing which allow undergrounding and have comparable cost to pylons?
Context
Pylon developments are controversial in communities. There are four potential pylon developments in the questioner's constituency, causing concern among residents.
David Davies
I understand the concerns raised in his constituency. The information I have is that laying cables underground would cost five to seven times more, but if he has a presentation or similar material, I will forward it to officials at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Session: Electricity Transmission and Distribution
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What discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Welsh Government on electricity transmission and distribution policy?
Context
Discussions about transforming the electricity network to meet energy security and net zero goals have been ongoing, with a recent announcement of £90 billion investment over ten years.
David Davies
The Government are committed to transforming our electricity network. We recently announced an ambitious electricity network package that will reduce consumer bills, bring forward £90 billion of investment over 10 years, and allow us to harness Wales's renewable resources, such as floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea.
Session: Electricity Transmission and Distribution
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The Minister will be aware that over the weekend, Iranian gunmen murdered nine Pakistanis in the Iranian city of Saravan. The fact that both countries have launched air strikes against each other indicates how fragile the situation is in the Middle East, and how interconnected acts of war and violence are across the whole region. How will the British Government ensure that their own actions do not escalate tensions?
Context
Following the initial question, there was a recent incident where Iranian gunmen murdered nine Pakistanis in the Iranian city of Saravan, leading to air strikes from both sides. This highlights the fragility of the situation and raises concerns about interconnected acts of war and violence.
David Rutley
As I said, Iran must stop using regional instability as cover to carry out its reckless acts. We recognise that it bears responsibility for any further escalation, and we are looking at all the tools that we have to bear down on the Iranian regime, including sanctions.
Session: Iran and Pakistan
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What recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the state of relations between Iran and Pakistan?
Context
No specific incident is mentioned beyond a general concern about regional instability and the recent exchange of missiles between Iran and Pakistan.
David Rutley
The Foreign Secretary has made it clear to his Iranian counterpart that Iran must stop using regional instability as cover to act recklessly. He and Lord Ahmad have also underlined to Pakistan's Foreign Minister the importance of avoiding further escalation. We welcome Iran and Pakistan's subsequent commitment to dialogue in a joint statement released on 22 January, confirming that ambassadors will return to post, and we continue to monitor the situation.
Session: Iran and Pakistan
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Whether she has had discussions with courier services on deliveries to isolated rural areas. A constituent who visited my surgery recently complained that one courier service in particular would not deliver to his isolated rural property. The choice of courier is, of course, currently a matter for retailers. Do the Government agree, though, that there is a case for saying that large retailers could offer the consumer the choice of which courier service should be used? That would empower consumers and hopefully improve performance via competition.
Context
A constituent complained that a specific courier service would not deliver to his isolated property. This highlights the issue of geographic restrictions impacting delivery services.
Kevin Hollinrake
The hon. Member raises a very important point. Competition plays a role in this, of course. It is absolutely right that retail business should look at this and try to get the lowest cost for their customers in terms of courier charges. It is, as he acknowledges, a commercial decision for individual retailers, but I absolutely applaud the points he raises. These businesses should be aware of those costs, because they can add significantly to the costs of the products they are selling.
Session: Courier Services Rural Areas
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Whether she has had discussions with courier services on deliveries to isolated rural areas. A constituent who visited my surgery recently complained that one courier service in particular would not deliver to his isolated rural property. The choice of courier is, of course, currently a matter for retailers. Do the Government agree, though, that there is a case for saying that large retailers could offer the consumer the choice of which courier service should be used? That would empower consumers and hopefully improve performance via competition.
Context
A constituent complained that a specific courier service would not deliver to his isolated property. This highlights the issue of geographic restrictions impacting delivery services.
Kevin Hollinrake
The hon. Member raises a very important point. Competition plays a role in this, of course. It is absolutely right that retail business should look at this and try to get the lowest cost for their customers in terms of courier charges. It is, as he acknowledges, a commercial decision for individual retailers, but I absolutely applaud the points he raises. These businesses should be aware of those costs, because they can add significantly to the costs of the products they are selling.
Session: Courier Services Rural Areas
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As the Minister said, there have been significant inflationary costs since many of these projects were announced. What discussions are taking place with delivery partners to ensure that sufficient central support is available for projects that are in the pipeline to be completed?
Context
The MP expressed concern about inflationary costs affecting the delivery of capital projects, particularly in the Swansea bay area.
John Glen
There is a constant dialogue at a central and local level to evaluate projects and look at what can be done to maximise delivery in the anticipated timeframe. Obviously, inflation affects the whole economy and every Secretary of State who comes to see me raises the same issue.
Session: Levelling-up Fund Projects Impact of Inflation
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What recent discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on the impact of inflation on projects to be delivered under the levelling-up fund?
Context
The MP noted discussions about inflation's effect on capital infrastructure projects under the levelling-up fund.
John Glen
There is a constant dialogue at a central and local level to evaluate projects and look at what can be done to maximise delivery in the anticipated timeframe. Obviously, inflation affects the whole economy and every Secretary of State who comes to see me raises the same issue.
Session: Levelling-up Fund Projects Impact of Inflation
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Police officers inform me that they have faced a 20% real-terms pay cut over the past decade, and there seems to be a particular problem with new recruits. My local federation tells me that some of its officers are using food banks and that a potential new recruit decided to continue his career with a fast food chain because he had been offered a pay rise. Does the Secretary of State admit that pay and remuneration for police officers—professionals who put their lives in danger on our behalf—is a real problem?
Context
The MP highlights the issue with new recruits and current officers facing a significant real-terms cut in pay over the past decade, leading to financial difficulties.
Suella Braverman
The Government recognise that increases in the cost of living are having a significant impact on the lower-paid. In that context, and after careful consideration, we chose to accept in full the review body's recommendations to award the consolidated increases that I mentioned. We want to ensure that there is support for our officers, who play a vital role in this country.
Session: New Police Officers Entry Pay Rates
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What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues and relevant stakeholders on the adequacy of entry pay rates for new police officers?
Context
No specific background provided, but it relates to discussions about the adequacy of entry pay rates.
Suella Braverman
The independent Police Remuneration Review Body makes recommendations to the Government on the pay and allowances for police officers. In July, we announced that we had accepted the review body's recommendation to award a consolidated increase of £1,900 at all pay points with effect from 1 September, targeted at the lowest-paid to provide an uplift of up to 8.8%.
Session: New Police Officers Entry Pay Rates
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Will you write to Welsh MPs outlining how the British Government calculates the Alternative Fuel Payment rate?
Context
Residents in Carmarthenshire are experiencing significant increases in heating costs due to being off the gas grid. The alternative fuel payment of £100 is perceived as inadequate compared to the cap for those on the gas grid.
David Davies
I am sure that my Treasury colleagues will be able to help with that, but there is one thing that the hon. Gentleman could do as well if he wants to support people on the cost of living challenges in Wales: persuade his Plaid Cymru colleagues to vote against Welsh Labour's proposals to revalue council tax bands in Wales, which are going to be catastrophic for the finances of hundreds of thousands of people across Wales.
Session: Cost of Living Rise
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What discussions have you had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about helping people in Wales deal with the rising cost of living?
Context
The question arises from discussions on how to support households and businesses in Wales facing the rising cost of living.
David Davies
I have frequent discussions with ministerial colleagues on a range of matters, including the cost of living. As I have previously said today, we are supporting households and businesses across Wales with the cost of living challenges, including on energy costs.
Session: Cost of Living Rise
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In trade deals with New Zealand and Australia, are there any nuances regarding how meat should come into the UK, whether as carcasses or deboned? This would limit imports and keep value within the country.
Context
Meat imported from New Zealand and Australia can be either in carcass form or deboned. There is a convention in the sheep meat sector based on something called the carcass-weight equivalent, but this does not always apply to beef.
George Eustice
In sheep meat trade deals, a convention is followed with carcass-weight equivalent. However, for beef, this does not always apply; however, there's a special safeguard mechanism based on carcass weight.
Session: Topical Questions
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Following harrowing events after the invasion of Ukraine, my department has received many offers of assistance from local businesses. How is your Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs coordinating with other departments like FCDO and aid agencies to ensure these offers are channeled effectively?
Context
The UK government received inquiries from farmers, food producers and water companies wanting to offer help to the people of Ukraine. The situation has led to turbulence in international commodity markets.
George Eustice
The department is co-ordinating with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and aid agencies to target offers of help through appropriate channels.
Session: Topical Questions
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According to the House of Commons Library, 17.4% of lines in my constituency receive less than 10 megabits per second, one of the worst records in Britain. Will the Wales Office emphasize mission 4 of the levelling-up White Paper published last week which prioritizes neglected areas?
Context
According to House of Commons Library data, 17.4% of lines in the MP's constituency receive less than 10 megabits per second.
David Davies
The number of homes connected to fast broadband in Wales has risen from 11% in 2019 to 47% in 2022, and this week I will visit the Swansea Bay growth deal project which aims to increase connectivity.
Session: Broadband Coverage and Speeds
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What recent discussions has the Secretary had with Cabinet colleagues and the Welsh Government on improving broadband coverage and speeds in Wales? The UK Government's and Welsh Government's strategies are failing parts of Carmarthenshire, with only 17.4% of lines receiving less than 10 megabits per second.
Context
The MP is concerned about broadband availability, especially as 17.4% of lines in his constituency receive less than 10 megabits per second.
David Davies
The Secretary recently met with the Culture Secretary to discuss Project Gigabit, a £5 billion investment targeting the hardest-to-reach 20% of the UK. This project will benefit up to 234,000 homes and businesses in Wales.
Session: Broadband Coverage and Speeds
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What consideration has the Secretary of State given to the need for a specific offence or amended sentencing guidelines for those who desecrate or conceal a murdered body, to reflect the extra suffering faced by bereaved families?
Context
No specific information provided, but there is an inquiry into creating a specific offence or amended sentencing guidelines for desecration or concealing a murdered body.
Dominic Raab
If the hon. Gentleman wants to write to me about that and make the case—I do not know whether his question relates to a particular constituency case or a more general concern—I will be very happy to look at it and make sure that we engage with him further on it.
Session: Topical Questions
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With specific regard to the fears expressed by the Welsh Government, Hybu Cig Cymru, and farmer unions regarding UK trade policy, especially concerning food—heightened by today's announcement about a deal with New Zealand—can he explain the environmental sense of undercutting domestic food production?
Context
The Welsh Government, Hybu Cig Cymru, and farmers unions have raised concerns about the environmental implications of undercutting domestic food production with imports from distant countries.
Ranil Jayawardena
I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman slightly misses the point about trade. The opportunity for trade is for us to be able to sell all over the world too. Welsh farmers, along with British farmers across our country, will seek opportunities to trade not only with 68 countries around the world with whom we have deals and the EU but also more to come—with the Gulf, India, and much more in future. New Zealand and Australia sell most of their products to Asia where prices are higher, so our farmers need not be concerned.
Session: Trade Negotiations Welsh Government
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What recent discussions has she had with the Welsh Government regarding her Department's ongoing trade negotiations?
Context
The Welsh Government and various organizations have expressed concerns about the direction of UK trade policy, particularly in relation to food production.
Ranil Jayawardena
The Department for International Trade has established structures to engage very constructively with devolved Administrations across the United Kingdom, including the Welsh Government. I and my fellow Ministers will be speaking with Welsh Government counterparts in due course, as we always have done.
Session: Trade Negotiations Welsh Government
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Further to the debate on the levelling-up fund, will the Minister discuss with ministerial colleagues the need to extend the delivery date and the first phase of the scheme beyond the end of the current financial year, due to the delay in announcing successful bids?
Context
The levelling-up fund's first phase is delayed with successful bids yet to be announced.
Steve Barclay
As I recall from my recent time in the Treasury, the levelling-up fund is not a one-shot opportunity and there will be future iterations and bidding processes. The first round is applied, but there will be future rounds as part of that. Obviously, that will also be shaped by the forthcoming spending review that the Chancellor will lead.
Session: Topical Questions
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Diolch yn fawr iawn, Mr Speaker. Older women in particular find themselves in relative poverty because 30% completely rely on the state pension for their income. That makes the recent findings by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman about maladministration by the Department and its failure to inform 1950s-born women about changes to their state pension allowance particularly galling. What is the Department's response to the findings of the ombudsman and, more importantly, what will be done to rectify the situation that WASPI women in my constituency find themselves in?
Context
The question stems from the recent report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman regarding maladministration in informing 1950s-born women about changes to their state pension allowance, affecting many WASPI women.
Guy Opperman
The hon. Gentleman will be aware that we have never spent as much as we do now on pensions. The triple lock has seen a £2,050-a-year increase in cash terms. The Government decided the changes 26 years ago, and that policy was continued by successive Governments, including during the 13 years of the Labour Government. In respect of all matters on an ongoing basis, we consider the PHSO, but clearly, it is a three-stage process and we are only at stage 1.
Session: Pensioners Living in Poverty
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What steps her Department is taking to support pensioners living in poverty. There are now 200,000 fewer pensioners in poverty compared with 2010, but rates of material deprivation among pensioners remain at a concerning level, falling only from 10% to 6% over the last decade.
Context
The question arises from the concern about rising numbers of pensioners living below the poverty line despite government efforts.
Guy Opperman
There are now 200,000 fewer pensioners in poverty compared with 2010. Rates of material deprivation among pensioners have fallen from 10% to 6% over the last decade. Pension credit provides financial support for the most vulnerable pensioners and a passport to many other benefits.
Session: Pensioners Living in Poverty
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What discussions have the Secretary of State had with the Home Office regarding the clinical use of psilocybin for treating depression?
Context
Successful trials of psilocybin in depression treatment.
Matthew Hancock
No such discussions have yet occurred, but the relevant Minister will write to the hon. Gentleman with all available information.
Session: Topical Questions
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Five months ago, I raised with the Cabinet Secretary the case of a local business facing significant problems importing from Belgium. It is now reporting a doubling in time before products arrive, significant extra costs and significant extra red tape. These are not just teething problems. Is it not clear that the task requires wholescale dental treatment, starting with a far closer alignment with the single market, starting with an urgent veterinary agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary rules?
Context
The MP raises a specific case where a local business is facing significant problems importing from Belgium, including doubling in time before products arrive and increased costs.
Penny Mordaunt
I would be very happy to look at any cases that hon. Members raise. We can put them in touch with the subject matter experts to work through what mitigations we can bring and what financial support we can give to make sure that businesses are accessing the schemes. As I say, my noble Friend Lord Frost is very focused on these issues. We have done a huge amount of work with businesses directly but also through their trade bodies, and we will bring forward new support for them as we go further to give them the bespoke advice that they need.
Session: Barriers to Trade Between EU and UK
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What steps he is taking to support businesses that are subject to non-tariff barriers to trade with the EU?
Context
The MP is concerned about non-tariff barriers impacting local businesses, citing specific examples of delays and increased costs.
Penny Mordaunt
We have been working closely with businesses to help them adjust to any new requirements for trading with the EU. Monthly Office for National Statistics trade figures have shown that exports to the EU have rebounded strongly and have been above average monthly 2020 levels.
Session: Barriers to Trade Between EU and UK
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I was disappointed to receive an answer from the Department indicating that there had been no formal representations regarding the West Wales Parkway. Despite my support for the project, I want a comprehensive public transport revolution by linking up the whole western coalfield valleys and beyond. Considering HS2's impact on Wales, will the British Government compensate communities so that such a system can be delivered?
Context
A written response from the Department indicated no formal representations were made by the Labour Government of Wales to the British Government about the proposed West Wales Parkway station. The MP supports the project but wants a more ambitious transformational metro system.
Andrew Stephenson
The Government is committed to delivering the West Wales Parkway station, as stated in the 2019 Conservative manifesto. The project is currently at the outline business case stage using regional funding and we continue to work with all local partners to deliver this.
Session: Rail Infrastructure South-west Wales
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What recent progress has been made on improvements to rail infrastructure in south-west Wales?
Context
Recent developments and plans for rail infrastructure upgrades are being sought.
Andrew Stephenson
Significant improvements are being planned and delivered at pace and, on 6 May, the people of Wales will be able to vote for a Welsh Conservative Government committed to working with us to deliver even further rail infrastructure improvements.
Session: Rail Infrastructure South-west Wales
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What discussions are the British Government having with the Biden Administration about the way forward?
Context
As we approach the 20th anniversary of the invasion, the NATO mission faces difficult choices.
Dominic Raab
We are having discussions with the Biden Administration on the approach to the proposed US withdrawal or drawdown from Afghanistan. It has to be linked to violence on the ground and to the wider peace talks and the agreements that have been made in Afghanistan between all the local parties, and it has to be based on the delivery of those conditions.
Session: Topical Questions
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From the figures that I have seen, the British Government may have conflated overrun spend from the previous convergence period for this financial year with the actual allocation of new money. Under the previous scheme, Wales would receive nearly £400 million per annum. Is not the reality that the Minister is unable to guarantee that the shared prosperity fund, when fully operational, will match that level of investment?
Context
The MP questioned whether Wales would receive a similar level of investment from the Shared Prosperity Fund as it did previously, noting concerns over discrepancies in reported figures.
David Davies
The figures will show that on average Wales is receiving £375 million a year. What the hon. Gentleman may be referring to is the fact that over a number of years to follow there will still be some money coming to Wales from the European Union. Of course, it is absolutely right that that money should be counted towards the £375 million total, and the Government will guarantee to ensure that the amount of money to be spent in Wales in future will be exactly the same, or higher, than the amount that was spent previously.
Session: UK Shared Prosperity Fund
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I was contacted late last night by a businessman in my constituency who is reliant on imports from the continent. He cannot find a haulage firm willing to carriage on his behalf, due to the current delays at the ports. He is very concerned; unless this issue is resolved, his business will not survive into the new year. What is the Minister's advice to my constituent?
Context
A businessman contacted the MP expressing concern about inability to find a haulage firm willing to transport his goods due to current port delays.
Michael Gove
I know what a diligent constituency Member the hon. Gentleman is. If he gets in touch with my office, I will be directly in touch with the business concerned.
Session: Topical Questions
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Given that there have been recent developments in the discussions with the European Commission over the Northern Ireland protocol, does the Minister plan to update Parliament on these talks?
Context
The question arises from ongoing negotiations regarding the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol.
Michael Gove
The House will know that last week I made a statement confirming that vice-president Maroš Šefčovič of the European Commission and I had reached agreement in principle on the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol. As set out in my written statement issued yesterday, I am pleased to say that vice-president Šefčovič and I shall be meeting again later today in a formal session of the withdrawal agreement Joint Committee. I look forward to updating the House on the outcome of that meeting.
Session: Topical Questions
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Disabled people on legacy benefits were denied a crucial £20 uplift. Will the Department commit to using the Green Paper and national disability strategy to ensure a fairer welfare system for disabled people?
Context
The MP questioned the decision not to provide a £20 uplift for disabled people on legacy benefits, which has been challenging for those navigating barriers in the welfare system.
Justin Tomlinson
The DWP will work with stakeholders on the Green Paper. This year, there has been a £20 billion increase in support for people with disabilities through benefits, including legacy benefit increases.
Session: Topical Questions
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Diolch yn fawro Mr Speaker. For some bizarre reason, the Conservative party in Wales is pledging to scrap the Welsh Government's Department for International Relations and Development, yet the Federation of Small Businesses is calling for a greater international footprint by the Welsh Government. Will the Minister support the Welsh Government to expand their independent international presence, since many in Wales have little faith that so-called global Britain will even acknowledge the existence of Wales as a nation?
Context
The Federation of Small Businesses calls for a greater international footprint by the Welsh Government, while some in Wales doubt that the UK government acknowledges the existence of Wales as a nation. The context involves the Conservative party's pledge to scrap the Department for International Relations and Development.
Wendy Morton
I reiterate our commitment to promoting the UK as one whole UK. The Department for International Trade promotes British trade and investment across the world, engaging regularly with the Welsh Government on their offer to businesses in devolved nations. It includes promotion of capital projects like Cardiff's Central Quay and Shaping Swansea regeneration.
Session: Wales and Welsh Businesses
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What steps he is taking to promote (a) Wales and (b) Welsh businesses internationally. The FCDO works in partnership with several departments and governments to showcase the UK's strengths, encouraging global engagement. However, there are concerns about the effectiveness of these efforts for Wales specifically.
Context
The question arises from a need to promote Wales and its businesses globally, considering current efforts and future goals. The context includes the GREAT Britain campaign and the GREAT challenge fund.
Wendy Morton
The FCDO works in partnership with DIT, the Secretary of State's office, and the Welsh Government to promote Wales internationally. The GREAT Britain campaign showcases UK strengths globally, generating jobs and growth. The GREAT challenge fund supports Welsh business and culture worldwide, with over 40 projects promoting devolved nations last year.
Session: Wales and Welsh Businesses
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Family-run coach companies based in my constituency face a year-and-a-half-long winter economically due to the pandemic. They cannot access hospitality, leisure, and tourism funding. What discussions is the Minister having with colleagues in the Treasury and devolved Governments to address this issue?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local family-run coach companies in his constituency, which are facing significant economic challenges.
Chris Heaton-Harris
My Department has been regularly contacting representatives of the coach industry. Officials from DCMS engage with the Coach Tourism Association through the Tourism Industry Emergency Response Group. We have provided a £40 million package for home-to-school transport and are in regular conversations with the Treasury.
Session: Coach and Bus Sector Covid-19
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What recent assessment has been made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the viability of the coach and bus sector? Many family-run coach companies in my constituency face a year-and-a-half-long winter economically due to the pandemic. They cannot access hospitality, leisure, and tourism funding.
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the viability of local coach companies based in his constituency, which are vital for tourism. The businesses are experiencing prolonged economic challenges.
Chris Heaton-Harris
My Department has been regularly contacting representatives of the coach industry. Officials from DCMS engage with the Coach Tourism Association through the Tourism Industry Emergency Response Group. We have provided a £40 million package for home-to-school transport and are in regular conversations with the Treasury.
Session: Coach and Bus Sector Covid-19
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Why won't the Government admit that they are using Brexit legislation like the UK Internal Market Bill to effectively reassert direct Westminster rule over Wales?
Context
The UK Internal Market Bill is perceived as a move to reassert direct Westminster control over Wales.
Simon Hart (Secretary of State for Wales)
Disagrees with the premise; public consultation shows business support. Describes critics as protecting a 'cosy clique' while businesses see it as vital for economic recovery and job creation.
Session: UK Internal Market
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Farming in Wales and the UK
05 March 2024
Responding: Fay Jones
Main Concerns
["Farmers in rural Wales are experiencing unprecedented pressures, with feelings running at fever pitch due to economic challenges, mental health issues, and policy decisions perceived as hostile. Last week's mass protest in Cardiff was testament to the strength of these concerns. Inflationary pressures have led to skyrocketing input costs for farmers, such as a constituent's fertiliser costs doubling within 12 months, compelling drastic production cuts. Mental health among farmers is critically poor, with over one-third experiencing clinical depression and nearly half struggling with anxiety. The new sustainable farming scheme proposed by the Welsh Government could lead to job losses double those expected in Port Talbot's steel industry and a £199 million reduction in farm incomes."]
Specific Asks
['The government must reconsider the Sustainable Farming Scheme, aiming for a universal baseline payment that provides stability for farmers. They should also ensure protection for events like the Royal Welsh Show and address issues such as bovine TB policy and nitrate pollution with more sympathetic approaches.']
Police Accountability
23 October 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Holocaust Memorial (Centre) Bill - New Clause 1
22 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
International Health Regulations
14 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Finance Bill (Energy Security Investment Mechanism) - New Clause 3 and associated clauses
08 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The new clause requires the Chancellor of the Exchequer to publish a review within three months of the Act being passed, detailing the impact of section 2 on individual taxpayers facing marginal tax r...
Port Talbot Steelworks
30 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK Armed Forces in Middle East
29 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Checks on Goods Entering UK
29 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
17 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Legislation
13 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill - Second Reading (general debate on the bill)
05 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government introduces the Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill to the House. He highlights that self-driving vehicles will improve lives by fr...
3
PMQs Asked
39
Ministerial Questions Asked
179
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-19% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+185% above average
This MP:
39
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3598% above average
This MP:
179
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
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 Jonathan Edwards's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.