Jonathan Gullis
MP for Stoke-on-Trent North
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
We can see the Rwanda deterrent is working, and we have now deported our first illegal migrant. Is it not right that only the Conservatives will stop the boats and cut legal migration?
Context
The question follows the successful deportation of an illegal migrant to Rwanda. Labour has criticised the plan.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Our plan is working. Legal migration, the latest figures show, is down by 24% and student dependants down by 80%. We all know Labour's big idea: it is to scrap the Rwanda plan even when it is operational.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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I have helped to reopen Tunstall Town Hall with a new library and family hub; secured funding for additional CCTV, new alley gates and better lighting in Tunstall to ensure that our streets are safe; and helped breathe new life into Tunstall's old library and baths, thanks to this Government's levelling-up fund of £56 million to Stoke-on-Trent. Sadly, Labour-led Stoke-on-Trent City Council seeks to undermine that progress by introducing a brand new tax on residents for garden waste collection, refusing to take planning enforcement against rogue landlords who plague Tunstall High Street, and increasing crime and antisocial behaviour by dumping undesirable people in the centre of Tunstall. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that Stoke-on-Trent Labour is undermining this progress?
Context
The MP highlighted recent progress in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, including reopening the town hall with a new library and family hub. He criticised Labour-led Stoke-on-Trent City Council for introducing taxes, failing to enforce against rogue landlords, and increasing crime.
Oliver Dowden (Deputy Prime Minister)
There is not much I can add. The hon. Member highlights the same problems with Labour councils across the country, raising taxes and letting services fall into disrepair. He is totally right to be holding rogue landlords to account.
Assessment
Did not provide specific details or commitments related to the issues raised by Jonathan Gullis
Session: PMQs
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Since 2019, the Prime Minister has had our backs in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke, with record funding for our local transport, over £200 million for Stoke and Staffordshire to repair potholes, over £30 million to improve our bus network with cheaper fares and new and extended routes, funding to upgrade Kidsgrove and Stoke-on-Trent railway stations and bringing back the Stoke to Leek line—and this week Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire have seen a tenfold increase in transport funding year in, year out. I know the Opposition like to talk down Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke, but isn't it true that this Prime Minister and this Conservative party are the only ones with a plan to improve and better connect our communities and fix our broken roads and pavements?
Context
The Prime Minister has secured record funding for local transport, infrastructure upgrades, and railway station improvements in Stoke-on-Trent North since 2019.
Rishi Sunak
As ever, my hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for Stoke-on-Trent, and he is right: over the next several years, his area will receive 10 times as much as it currently does to invest in local transport schemes as a result of this Government's decision on HS2. But he is also right to say that after years of being neglected by the party opposite, it is this Conservative Government that are levelling up across the country and in Stoke-on-Trent, championed by fantastic MPs like him.
Session: PMQs
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Thanks to this Conservative Government, the people of Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke will see over £200 million to fix our broken roads, the reopening of the Stoke to Leek line, and over £30 million to bus back better by introducing fairer fares and smarter routes to better connect our communities. However, residents who have a free bus pass are being denied the use of it before 9.30 am by Labour-run Stoke-on-Trent City Council, meaning that people cannot get to their GP appointments or to work. Will the Prime Minister back my campaign to end that unfair policy, which is being imposed on my residents?
Context
Residents with free bus passes in Stoke-on-Tenton are facing unfair policies imposed by the local Labour-run city council, which denies them use of the pass before 9.30 am.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the importance of high-quality bus services. That is why we have capped the cost of travelling on buses at £2 until the end of 2024 as a result of our decision on HS2, and why we have supported councils with £1 billion of funding. I urge all councils to ensure that people see the benefit of that investment, and I wholeheartedly back my hon. Friend's campaign.
Assessment
Specific support for ending the local council's restriction on free bus pass usage before 9.30 am was not provided
Backing Of The Mp'S Campaign Without Addressing The Specific Issue
Session: PMQs
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A Government survey has shown that 75% of British businesses support improvements to the UK's sick pay system. Yesterday, my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for South Swindon (Sir Robert Buckland) launched a report, alongside WPI Economics and the Centre for Progressive Change, with ideas about how that could be done. Will my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister ensure that we get a meeting with the Chancellor, ahead of the autumn Budget, to see what ideas can be developed? They could provide an economic boost of £4 billion to the UK economy.
Context
A Government survey showed that 75% of British businesses support improvements to the sick pay system.
Oliver Dowden
As ever, my hon. Friend has made a strong case. The Chancellor is sitting next to me and I am quite sure he would be delighted to meet with him.
Session: PMQs
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I am concerned about residents suffering because of cowboy waste disposal companies such as Staffordshire Waste. Can I get support to hold these people accountable and ensure their retrospective planning application for an already used site is rejected by Stoke-on-Trent City Council?
Context
Residents of Longport and Burslem, as well as those in Porthill, are suffering due to cowboy waste disposal companies like Staffordshire Waste, which has been caught with waste on site despite a notice from the Environment Agency.
Oliver Dowden
My hon. Friend is right to raise this issue. Such people are often associated with fly-tipping, which is a blight on our landscape. I will ensure that I raise all the issues he has raised with me with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, who has ministerial responsibility.
Assessment
Did not explicitly commit to support or action; Emphasized raising issues instead.
Session: PMQs
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People in places such as Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke are not getting the help that they need quickly enough when it comes to mental health. Fellow campaigner James Starkie and I were delighted when the Prime Minister, who was then Chancellor, said he would back our campaign every step of the way to get mental health nurses into GP surgeries. Will the Prime Minister deliver on his promise, back our “No Time to Wait” pilot scheme developed by the Royal College of Nursing and help get people the support that they need?
Context
Campaigner James Starkie and Jonathan Gullis are advocating for mental health nurses in GP surgeries under the “No Time to Wait” pilot scheme developed by the Royal College of Nursing.
Rishi Sunak
May I thank my hon. Friend for his continued campaigning on this important issue? I am pleased to tell him that all 1,250 primary care networks in England are entitled to recruit up to two mental health practitioners to work in surgeries. I know that the British Medical Association and the NHS are looking at expanding that, and I look forward to working with him to ensure that his constituents in Stoke get the mental health support and care that they need.
Assessment
Did not explicitly confirm delivery of the 'No Time to Wait' pilot scheme
Session: PMQs
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High streets and heritage mean a lot to the people of Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke. Burslem and Tunstall are plagued with rogue and absent landlords letting shops sit empty and historically important buildings such as the Price and Kensington Teapot Works fall into ruin. Can my right hon. Friend confirm that, as part of the Government's planning reform, he will adopt my Bill imposing a new unlimited fine so these reckless reprobates can be held accountable?
Context
The area of Burslem and Tunstall is suffering from abandoned property issues which impact heritage buildings. The Planning (Proper Maintenance of Land) Bill seeks to address this by imposing unlimited fines on landlords who allow properties to fall into disrepair.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend for his campaign, and I think he is entirely right. We have adopted the measures that he proposes in the Bill so that those who leave properties derelict unreasonably could face an unlimited fine.
Session: PMQs
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Hundreds of respondents took part in the Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke Bus Back Better survey, with 80% saying they would use the bus more if services were improved. Will the Prime Minister make our day in Stoke-on-Trent and announce that the £90 million is coming soon?
Context
The Stoke-on-Trent City Council has submitted a Bus Back Better bid for £90 million to improve local bus services and infrastructure, reflecting public demand.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend for his fantastic championing of Stoke-on-Trent. I also thank him for volunteering to serve as a teacher again during the pandemic—a wonderful thing to do. I will certainly see what we can do to satisfy his request for more buses in Stoke as fast as possible.
Assessment
Did not confirm funding or provide a timeline, only promised to 'see what we can do' and to work towards it.
Session: PMQs
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After 70 years of neglect by the Labour party, Stoke-on-Trent is now hungry, having received funds like the transforming cities fund and a town deal for Kidsgrove. We also have a £73.5 million levelling-up fund bid. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that Stoke-on-Trent gets its just deserts?
Context
Stoke-on-Trent has received £29 million from the transforming cities fund and a town deal of £17.6 million for Kidsgrove, with 550 jobs from the Home Office and a £73.5 million levelling-up fund bid.
Dominic Raab
My hon. Friend is a doughty champion for his constituency. We are giving all the support we can, with employment rising, youth unemployment decreasing and wages increasing under this Government.
Assessment
Did not directly address Stoke-on-Trent's funding request
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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What steps his Department is taking to help tackle antisocial behaviour. Last year we launched an antisocial behaviour action plan backed by £160m of funding; over 100k hours of police and other uniformed patrols undertaken targeting hotspots, a nitrous oxide ban, increased fines for fly-tipping, littering, graffiti; strengthening powers to tackle it through the Criminal Justice Bill making its way through House.
Context
The Home Secretary was asked about the antisocial behaviour action plan, which includes £160 million-worth of funding and extended police patrols.
James Cleverly
We launched an antisocial behaviour action plan backed by £160 million-worth of funding, extended police patrols targeting hotspots, banned nitrous oxide, increased fines for fly-tipping, littering and graffiti; strengthening powers through the Criminal Justice Bill.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
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Families in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke have been supported by this national insurance cut, which means that the average family will be £1,800 a year better off. The freezing of the fuel duty means that motorists will be able to get around without being unfairly charged at the pump. Money from this Government has enabled Stoke-on-Trent to cut bus fares by a third, so that people can travel around. We have had £56 million from the levelling-up fund and £17.6 million for the Kidsgrove town deal, which means that the sports centre will be refurbished and reopened, improving people's health chances.
Context
Families have been supported by national insurance cuts and freezing of fuel duty. Stoke-on-Trent has received significant funding from the government.
Nigel Huddleston
I could not agree more with my hon. Friend. This is fantastic, and I think it is a recurring pattern, Mr Speaker. We have positivity, optimism, and confidence in the future of the UK economy from Conservative Members, but absolute negativity from Opposition Members, because they have no plan, they have no clue and they have no hope.
Session: Tax Policies Impact on Living Standards
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I am pleased that the Minister made reference to his meeting with the chief constable of Staffordshire Police after a disgusting hate mob appeared outside a Stoke-on-Trent Conservative fundraiser on Friday. It appears that a police officer allowed members of the public, who were spewing their hatred, into the venue's private function room, where they sought to intimidate, harass and bully members old and young—some as young as 11 years old.
Context
A hate mob disrupted a Conservative fundraiser in Stoke-on-Trent, intimidating attendees including children as young as 11.
Chris Philp
Yes, that is important. We make it clear in this House that Members of Parliament, elected councillors or anyone engaging in political activity, including attending political events, should be able to do so without intimidation and without harassment. No one in this House should feel that they have to change their vote, or change procedure, as a result of external pressure. What happened in Stoke city on Friday evening was completely unacceptable.
Session: Local Policing
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Has the Chancellor had the opportunity to review the New Conservatives' budget proposal that focuses on growth and includes measures like increasing the VAT registration threshold and abolishing IR35 reforms?
Context
The New Conservatives propose a budget plan aimed at helping small, family-run businesses.
Jeremy Hunt
The Chancellor discusses with colleagues, including the hon. Friend who proposed increasing the VAT threshold. They look seriously at measures that support small businesses.
Session: Economic Growth Forecasts 2024 and 2025
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I wish to place on record my thanks to the Secretary of State for helping to guide my private Member's Bill through Parliament. It lowers the pension auto-enrolment age from 22 to 18, and abolishes the lower earnings threshold. Briefly, has the Secretary of State received reassurances from the Chancellor that the necessary forms will be implemented in the spring Budget?
Context
The MP helped guide a private Member's Bill that lowers the pension auto-enrolment age from 22 to 18 and abolishes the lower earnings threshold. The bill has received support.
Mel Stride
I thank my hon. Friend for that question. Those matters are under active consideration.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am proud to have joined a campaign to reform statutory sick pay. Ahead of the spring Budget, will the Department join us in lobbying the Treasury to make these important changes, so that we have a healthier workforce contributing more to our economy and ensuring work pays fairly?
Context
The question follows up on a campaign to reform statutory sick pay and seeks support from the Department ahead of the spring Budget.
Jo Churchill
I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave to the Work and Pensions Committee. Statutory sick pay is considerably more complex than he makes out, but it is nice to see all this cross-party collaboration.
Session: Statutory Sick Pay Eligibility Stoke-on-Trent North
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What recent assessment has been made by the Department regarding the potential impact of people not eligible for statutory sick pay due to earning less than the lower earnings limit on levels of inequality in Stoke-on-Trent North?
Context
The question addresses the impact of statutory sick pay eligibility on levels of inequality in Stoke-on-Trent North constituency.
Jo Churchill
The Department has not made a specific assessment for the Stoke-on-Trent North constituency, but I refer my hon. Friend to the evidence I presented to the Work and Pensions Committee last week. I look forward to meeting him this week to discuss this in more detail.
Session: Statutory Sick Pay Eligibility Stoke-on-Trent North
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My private Member's Bill, the School Attendance (Duties of Local Authorities and Proprietors of Schools) Bill, will make best practice mandatory. Will the Secretary of State take the opportunity to ensure that all colleagues across the House back the Bill this Friday?
Context
The MP has a private Member's Bill to make it mandatory for all schools and local authorities to follow best practice guidelines.
Gillian Keegan
I thank my right hon. Friend for her work in this area and appreciate the initiatives she has introduced, urging colleagues across the House to support her endeavours.
Session: Persistent Pupil Absence
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While I am deeply disappointed that Stoke-on-Trent Labour refuses to make the necessary terms and conditions changes to help save Stoke-on-Trent City Council funding, there is a united view across the political divide in Stoke-on-Trent that the legacy in children's social care is causing huge financial strain on the local authority. Will the Secretary of State do everything he can to work with Councillor Jane Ashworth to ensure that that gap is funded and those children—the most vulnerable in our society—are protected?
Context
There is a financial strain on Stoke-on-Trent City Council due to the legacy issues in children's social care.
Michael Gove
Absolutely. I hope that the House will note that my hon. Friend, who fights incredibly hard for his principles and for Stoke-on-Trent, is taking a typically statesmanlike approach in putting his constituents first. Come the next general election, people should remember that he is someone whose big heart reflects their good values.
Session: Topical Questions
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In response to a written question, I was informed that there is no central data on diagnosis and treatment for eating disorders nor an idea of how many mental health nurse appointments are available. Do Ministers agree this situation is disgraceful?
Context
The Department of Health and Social Care holds no central data for diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders or the number of mental health nurse appointments available in GP surgeries.
Maria Caulfield
NHS England holds some of that data. Central data is one of the things we are introducing right now to improve our access to data. It makes it difficult to plan services when we do not have that dataset, but we are working to resolve that as quickly as we can.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my hon. Friend agree that Stoke-on-Trent City Council should invest its share of the £200 million that it recently secured from the National Lottery Heritage Fund on one of the three beautiful “beasts” of Burslem, including the indoor market, in order to regenerate the mother town?
Context
Stoke-on-Trent City Council secured £200 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for regeneration.
Jacob Young
It is fantastic that Stoke-on-Trent has been chosen as one of the 20 places to benefit from the National Lottery Heritage Fund's £200 million investment in the Heritage Places initiative. The fund will make its funding decisions under that initiative and independent from Government. However, I am sure that the National Lottery has heard my hon. Friend's loud cry for Burslem, and I am sure it will look at it favourably.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Secretary of State agree that it is a great shame that Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which is now Labour-run, has scaled back its levelling-up plans by getting rid of the proposed e-sports arena? The first of its kind outside of London, it would have built on Staffordshire University's UK-leading—indeed, world-leading—e-sports courses, as well as the 9,000 jobs created since 2015, the £56 million we got in levelling-up funding, the £17.6 million Kidsgrove town deal, and much more.
Context
The MP criticises the new Labour-run council in Stoke-on-Trent for scaling back proposed e-sports arena projects.
Michael Gove
When it comes to levelling up and the e-sports centre, I am always clear that it is my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove who answers the call of duty. He is absolutely right to say that, under the Labour council now in Stoke-on-Trent, the huge progress we were making on levelling up has stalled.
Session: Levelling-up Policies Regional Inequalities
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Last week's net migration figures were completely unacceptable to the people of Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke, which is why the New Conservatives have a 12-point plan that the Minister for Immigration could copy and paste. Will he extend the closure of the student dependant route to students enrolled on a one-year research master's degree?
Context
There is a need to address high net migration figures, particularly for those enrolled in short-term study programs.
Robert Jenrick
First, we believe that the level of legal migration into this country is far too high. That has very profound impacts on access to public services, the productivity of our economy, and the ability of the UK to be a socially cohesive and united country. That is why we need to take action. We have already announced a specific policy with respect to dependants, which comes into force at the beginning of next year. We think it will have a substantive impact on the levels of net migration, but, as the Prime Minister said, we are keeping all options under review and will take further action as required.
Session: Students Temporary Visas for Dependants
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Does the Secretary of State accept that for as long as there are customs declarations, physical searches and ID checks for businesses moving goods from Great Britain into Northern Ireland, even in the green lane, the Prime Minister's view that there is no “sense of border in the Irish sea” will ring hollow?
Context
The question challenges the Secretary's view on the effectiveness of the Windsor framework given ongoing customs declarations, physical searches, and ID checks for businesses moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
Chris Heaton-Harris
With the greatest respect to my hon. Friend, I do not accept that. When we agreed to the Windsor framework, we committed to a certain number of EU laws being maintained in Northern Ireland, which has been of economic benefit to Northern Ireland even up to this point and will continue to be in future. Pretty much everybody involved in movements across the Irish sea—the businesses involved, including the new businesses using them—believe that they are simple and very straightforward.
Session: Windsor Framework
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What recent discussions have been had with businesses in Northern Ireland on the implementation of the Windsor framework?
Context
The question arises from discussions with businesses in Northern Ireland regarding the impact and implementation of the Windsor framework.
Chris Heaton-Harris
Yesterday was the 49th anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings that killed 21 people and injured 182—the deadliest act of terrorism in England during the troubles. At this juncture, we should remember those who lost their lives, and in this 25th year of the Belfast/Good Friday agreement it is important to remind ourselves of the progress that has been made since 1998. I recently attended a roundtable with the Northern Ireland Institute of Directors, and I meet regularly with Northern Ireland businesses to discuss a whole range of issues, including the Windsor framework. Officials across the UK Government are also in regular contact with businesses about implementation of the framework.
Session: Windsor Framework
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I thank the Secretary of State for his answer. Will he add his thanks to volunteers such as Trevor Simcock, Mal Mullet and Chris Smith, who work with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission locally in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke? Ahead of the Armistice Weekend, I was proud to join them at Burslem cemetery with my daughter Amelia to clean the headstones of 130 of our brave and fallen heroes. Will he add his thanks and come to visit those great volunteers?
Context
The local community in Stoke-on-Trent North has active volunteers who maintain the Commonwealth War Graves, highlighting their importance during Armistice weekend.
Grant Shapps
I am delighted to add my thanks to my hon. Friend's brilliant volunteers. It is an opportunity to mention from the Dispatch Box the many thousands of people who turned out across the country on Remembrance Weekend to commemorate and remember those who bravely gave of themselves so that we can be here in freedom today.
Session: Topical Questions
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. My first months as Defence Secretary have strengthened my long-held belief that we need to strengthen our national defence as the world grows ever-more dangerous.
Context
The Defence Secretary is new to his role and the question aims to understand the scope of his duties in a challenging geopolitical context.
Grant Shapps
My first months as Defence Secretary have strengthened my long-held belief that we need to strengthen our national defence as the world grows ever-more dangerous. With the challenges in Ukraine, the middle east and the Indo-Pacific, these are more contested times than any since the cold war. The servicemen and women of our armed forces are our greatest asset.
Session: Topical Questions
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While the shadow Chancellor was busy scrolling through Wikipedia, will the actual Chancellor implement the New Conservatives tax plan?
Context
The New Conservatives tax plan outlines scrapping IR35 reforms, increasing VAT threshold to £250,000, and delivering a 1p cut in income tax in 2024.
Jeremy Hunt
We are committed to lowering the tax burden and will do so as soon as it is responsible.
Session: Topical Questions
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Not only are the hospital buildings crumbling after 13 years of neglect; it seems that those still standing do not have enough beds. With a reduction of nearly 3,000 beds since ministers' promises, is this another broken promise?
Context
The number of hospital beds has fallen by almost 3,000 since ministers promised to increase them.
Steve Barclay
First, we have got more than £1 billion of investment in an additional 5,000 permanent beds going into the NHS estate. We are committed to the biggest ever investment in the NHS estate backed with over £20 billion. Labour bequeathed expensive private finance initiative deals that many trusts are still paying for.
Session: RAAC in Hospitals
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How much additional funding will be provided to the NHS over this Parliament? When will 15,000 more medical students training places be committed?
Context
The NHS faces significant financial challenges and staff shortages.
John Glen
The Government have confirmed £22.6 billion additional NHS funding over this Parliament, increasing annually at 3.8%. This includes capital investment. Training places for 15,000 more medical students are part of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan by 2028.
Session: Inflation Public Health and Wellbeing
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Will my right hon. Friend meet me and my right hon. Friend the Member for Witham (Priti Patel), who has also supported it, to look at the proposals made by the Centre for Progressive Change so that we can really help to improve sick pay?
Context
The Centre for Progressive Change produced a report that has support from Members across the House, advocating for improved sick pay to help people return to work and grow the economy.
Mel Stride
I would be very happy for either myself or the relevant Minister to meet my hon. Friend or my right hon. Friend the Member for Witham (Priti Patel).
Session: Labour Market Inactivity
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Parents and pupils across Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke wait anxiously to find out the result of the fantastic bid made by the further education City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College and the higher education Staffordshire University for a free school to unleash the digital skills, in particular, that we want to see in Stoke-on-Trent. Will my right hon. Friend lobby the Schools Minister and the Secretary of State not only to make sure this is announced soon, but to make sure it is delivered quickly so that we get the school places we so desperately need?
Context
The MP inquired about the result of the bid made by a sixth form college and university for a free school to provide digital skills.
Robert Halfon
I was very pleased to visit Staffordshire University, which is a model university that offers a brilliant policing degree apprenticeship scheme, among others. The Secretary of State is listening carefully to the bid, and I am sure she will make the announcement shortly.
Session: Institutional Partnerships Further and Higher Education
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Despite billions being invested in buses across the country and £31.7 million going specifically into Stoke-on-Trent, First Bus continues to cut routes, harming 21-year-old carers such as Charlie Preston in Chell who may now have to quit her job. This Government have done their bit—is it not time that First Bus does its bit?
Context
Despite billions being invested in buses across the country and £31.7 million going specifically into Stoke-on-Trent, First Bus continues to cut routes.
Richard Holden
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. I was delighted to visit Stoke with him and my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent South (Jack Brereton) to see what is going on. I urge the council to use that flexibility to work with First Bus to deliver a solution for all his constituents. We have put that flexibility in there and I hope that it uses it to protect his constituents.
Session: Topical Questions
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Local authorities have lost £15 billion of funding since 2010. The reality is that it is increasingly difficult to deliver all services residents rely on. Will the Secretary of State stop treating local government like a pawn?
Context
The final local government finance settlement for 2023-24 makes available up to £60 billion for local government in England.
Lee Rowley
Difficult decisions were taken after 2010 due to Labour's failure; additional funding demonstrates an understanding of challenges, but hard choices are still required.
Session: Local Authorities Long-term Funding
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I am concerned about Claire's situation where she had to wait over a year after losing her daughter Sharlotte-Sky to get justice due to the lack of mandatory blood sample testing when someone is driving under influence and causes death. Will the Lord Chancellor support my campaign for Sharlotte's law?
Context
Claire, the mother of Sharlotte-Sky who was tragically killed by John Owen due to drink and drugs, waited over a year for her day in court. The current law allows blood samples to be taken without consent but testing requires defendant's consent.
Alex Chalk
My hon. Friend has been a doughty champion on this issue and he continues to raise it. I suggest that he and I have a conversation in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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Mortgage payers in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke are rightly worried at this moment in time, with the impending re-brokering that they are facing. To support what my right hon. Friend the Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Sir Jake Berry) said earlier, is it time to return to a Conservative principle of introducing a mortgage interest relief at source-type scheme, which allows borrowers tax relief for interest payments on their mortgages?
Context
Constituents in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke are concerned about the upcoming re-brokering of mortgages and its financial impact.
Andrew Griffith
I always listen enormously carefully to my hon. Friend's powerful advocacy for Stoke-on-Trent, and his constituents put their trust in this Government. One thing they put their trust in, is that this Government would not come forward with the sort of unfunded spending commitments that we see on the Labour Benches.
Session: Growth Plan of 23 September 2022 and Cost of Mortgages
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I am proud to represent many Pakistani-British dual nationals in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke, who are rightly concerned about the human rights violations that are taking place, as well as the threats they fear they will face if they return to see family members in Pakistan. What is the Foreign Office doing to ensure those dual nationals will be protected and prevented from ever being detained?
Context
Dual nationals in Stoke-on-Trent North are concerned about human rights violations and potential threats if they return to Pakistan.
James Cleverly (Foreign Secretary)
We have a strong bilateral relationship with Pakistan. We have access at the most senior levels within Government, and we make it absolutely clear that those British nationals are always at the forefront of our minds. Their protection and security is always a priority for the UK Government.
Session: Topical Questions
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Improving educational outcomes in places like Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke relies on retaining the skills of highly qualified teachers. One way we can go about doing that is by changing levelling-up bonus payments in education investment areas, so that money can be given to teachers regardless of how many years of service they have. Will the Minister consider that action?
Context
Improving educational outcomes in areas like Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke requires retaining the skills of highly qualified teachers.
Nick Gibb
Having served as Schools Minister at the Department for Education for a period of time, my hon. Friend will be aware that we have levelling-up premium payments for teachers to teach maths, physics and computer science in disadvantaged schools, in order to encourage teachers in those subjects into the schools that need them the most.
Session: Topical Questions
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I met some National Education Union reps in my office for an hour and a half last week, and they were shocked to hear that I was going to say this to the House today. If the STRB has recommended that teachers should get a 6.5% pay rise—it was meant to report in May, something I signed off when I was in the Department—they should be given that pay rise. The Minister will rightly ask where that money is going to come from. I say we take it out of the foreign aid budget, year in, year out.
Context
National Education Union representatives expressed shock at the suggestion that teachers should not get a proposed 6.5% pay rise, which was meant to be reported in May.
Gillian Keegan
Following the union's rejection of the Government's fair, reasonable and funded offer, the report has been submitted by the independent STRB. I will not comment on speculation or leaks, or indeed on funding, but we will consider the recommendations and publish our response in due course.
Session: Industrial Dispute Resolution
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Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke are proud to be home to one of the largest European deep coalmine sites at Chatterley Whitfield Colliery, which has huge potential in geothermal. That is already being explored at Etruria. Will my hon. Friend meet me, Chatterley Whitfield Colliery Friends, Historic England and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, to see what green jobs can be created at that former colliery site, to bring it back into use with a green future?
Context
The area is home to Chatterley Whitfield Colliery, one of the largest European deep coalmine sites with significant geothermal potential.
Graham Stuart
I am being barracked by my Front-Bench colleagues, which is unusual even for me. I would be delighted to accept my hon. Friend's kind offer.
Session: Green Industries Jobs
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I thank my right hon. Friend for her earlier answer. In Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke, we are delighted to have seen more than 330 brand-new police officers recruited, new CCTV in Kidsgrove parish and more than £2 million in safer streets funding for Stoke-on-Trent. Sadly, however, in places such as Cobridge, crime increased by 75% between January and December 2022, which is why I launched the safer streets petition, which has more than 430 signatures. Will my right hon. Friend work to get the police and crime commissioner and the city council to bid with me for the next safer streets pot, to keep the streets safe in Tunstall, Cobridge and Smallthorne?
Context
Over 300 new police officers recruited in Stoke-on-Trent North, but crime has increased by 75% in Cobridge and a safer streets petition with over 430 signatures.
Suella Braverman
My hon. Friend does a great job of standing up for his constituents on antisocial behaviour. In March, we launched the action plan to crack down on precisely the behaviour he has been talking about. The plan is backed by more than £160 million of new funding. That includes funding for an increased police and other uniformed presence in ASB hotspots. I am glad that his force has also been chosen as one of the pilots.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
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I have raised before in the House the case of Sharlotte-Sky, a six-year-old girl who tragically lost her life in Norton Green when her killer was driving his vehicle while speeding and on his phone, and with drink and drugs in his system. It took Sharlotte's mother, Claire, over a year to get her justice because the perpetrator refused to give consent to his blood samples being tested until the very last minute. Will my right hon. and learned Friend support my campaign for Sharlotte's law, which would reform section 7A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to take away the need for consent when death has occurred because of a motor vehicle?
Context
Sharlotte-Sky, a six-year-old girl from Norton Green, tragically lost her life due to the perpetrator refusing consent to blood samples being tested until the last minute.
Alex Chalk
I express my sincere condolences and deep sorrow to the family of my hon. Friend's young constituent. As he knows, the provisions in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 fulfilled our long-standing commitment to increase the maximum penalty from 14 years to life imprisonment for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving. The Department for Transport is considering the publication of a call for evidence on motoring offences. While work is continuing as to its precise scope and timing, it is expected to include aspects of drink and drug driving and the failure to stop and report, with the opportunity to raise other matters. I encourage my hon. Friend to write to me and the Secretary of State for Transport, and I would be happy to discuss these matters further.
Session: Topical Questions
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Labour talks about cancelling £56 million of levelling-up funding going to Stoke-on-Trent. Will the Chief Secretary confirm that the Conservative Government will support this investment and deliver it?
Context
The Labour party in Stoke-on-Trent is reported to consider cancelling the £56 million levelling-up funding, which was secured through campaigning.
John Glen
We are committed to the people of Stoke-on-Trent and recognise that enormous investment, thanks to my hon Friend's work in campaigning for investment through the levelling-up fund. It is down to the council to deliver on that significant investment and make a difference on the ground.
Session: Topical Questions
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When will that plan be outlined in more detail?
Context
The question references the Prime Minister's plan to cut the basic rate of income tax to 15p in the pound by the end of the decade. The context includes expectations for detailed plans and fiscal responsibility.
Victoria Atkins
I hope my hon. Friend has been listening to what the Chancellor said at spring Budget and in speeches since then about the need for fiscal responsibility. We have to be fiscally responsible; we have acknowledged that. We have had to make some very difficult decisions along the way, but we are clear that halving inflation, tackling our debt and growing the economy will enable us to make the sorts of tax cuts that he and I both want to see so much.
Session: Tax System Fairness
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Given the Minister's long-standing role, what does he attribute the widening disadvantage gap to during and post-pandemic?
Context
The Government's failure to invest adequately has resulted in disadvantaged pupils being further behind their peers than at any point over the last decade. The Minister has been in position for most of this period.
Nick Gibb
We had closed the attainment gap by 13% in primary schools and 9% in secondary schools prior to the pandemic. The gap widened during the pandemic, hence we are allocating £5 billion for children's catch-up. I urge condemnation of strikes disrupting education.
Session: Disadvantage Gap in Schools
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I am concerned that the government's announcement does not provide enough funding for local initiatives such as the one in Stoke-on-Trent, Kidsgrove and Talke. Will the Secretary of State meet with Staffordshire police and crime commissioner Ben Adams to see how we can get the necessary funding to our local area?
Context
The MP noted a campaign in Stoke-on-Trent, Kidsgrove and Talke to secure safer streets through new alley gates and CCTV. The campaign has gained 400 signatures from constituents concerned about antisocial behaviour.
Michael Gove
I absolutely will and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the work he has done to ensure that our antisocial behaviour action plan hits criminals where it hurts.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my hon. Friend allow Stoke-on-Trent another bid for the great mother town of Burslem so that we can invest in our indoor market, the Queen's theatre and the Wedgwood Institute?
Context
Stoke-on-Trent received £56 million from the levelling-up fund, but some projects remain underfunded.
Dehenna Davison
My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for Stoke-on-Trent, and of course I will work with him to ensure that any additional funding opportunities are there for the town.
Session: Levelling-up Fund Bids
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Will the Secretary of State meet Councillor Abi Brown and me to see the power of Silicon Stoke that is ready to be unleashed, alongside our fantastic gigabit broadband roll-out, our world-class university, Staffordshire University, and, of course, the digital T-levels that we already have on display, so that we can truly create those fantastic new jobs of the future?
Context
The question arises from a desire to showcase the technological advancements in Staffordshire.
Michelle Donelan
I would be delighted to do so. My hon. Friend is a great ambassador for his constituency, always pushing and promoting the great work that is being done.
Session: Topical Questions
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I want to thank the Pensions Minister for her hard work on lowering automatic pension enrolment age and earnings. Does she agree that 25% leaving work without pensions is concerning? How important is my Bill for this issue?
Context
25% of people leave work without a workplace pension in place, highlighting the importance of automatic pension enrolment.
Laura Trott
My hon. Friend's brilliant Bill will help women, lowest paid and part-time workers in Stoke-on-Trent, Kidsgrove and Talke.
Session: Topical Questions
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Leisure centres such as Kidsgrove Sports Centre, and particularly those that have swimming pools, are feeling very nervous about the end of the energy support that they are receiving today. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Treasury to ensure that support continues so we do not lose these community assets?
Context
Leisure centres are concerned about the end of support for high energy costs, potentially leading to closure.
Amanda Solloway
I understand the concerns of all consumers dealing with high energy costs, but we have given over £7.2 billion towards this, and we will continue to do so.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Bus Services: England — [Valerie Vaz in the Chair]
21 May 2024
Responding: Guy Opperman
Main Concerns
['Jonathan Gullis highlighted the importance of buses in connecting communities, especially in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke. He noted that bus services have shrunk by an estimated 14% nationally between 2016-17 and 2021-22, with a 50% reduction in Stoke-on-Trent over the same period due to changes in timetables rather than route closures. Gullis reported that 76% of local residents surveyed would use buses more for shopping if better services were available, and 49.6% said services could be improved by running later into the evening.']
Specific Asks
['Gullis asked Stoke-on-Trent City Council to scrap the 9:30 am cap on concessionary bus passes and called on the Minister to join him in this campaign. He also advocated for an £11 million investment from the council to support a new electric bus fleet.']
Social Cohesion and Democratic Resilience: Khan Review — [Sir Mark Hendrick in the Chair]
30 April 2024
Responding: Lee Rowley
Main Concerns
["Jonathan Gullis is concerned about the rise of antisemitism and hate in the UK, with reports that Jewish communities are scared to visit London. He highlights a recent incident where protesters from Hizb ut-Tahrir disrupted a local Conservative party dinner in Stoke-on-Trent. Additionally, he points out that far-right groups exploit tensions caused by events in the Middle East, targeting vulnerable young people and undermining social cohesion. Gullis also mentions that 80% of counter-terrorism police networks' live investigations are related to Islamist terrorism."]
Specific Asks
['Gullis urges the government to consider the findings of the Khan review and work constructively to deliver social cohesion. He calls for stronger borders, more coherent approaches to national security, and the reintroduction of Prevent funding in Stoke-on-Trent to facilitate social integration and stop malign groups from exploiting immigration questions.']
Defibrillators
20 March 2024
Responding: Andrew Stephenson
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the high number of deaths caused by heart and circulatory diseases, with approximately 100,000 people dying each year from sudden cardiac arrest in the UK. The survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is alarmingly low at around 8.5%, dropping by 10% every minute without defibrillation or CPR. There are significant regional disparities, with deprived areas having only 27% access to defibrillators compared to 45% in affluent areas. Rural communities and those in deprived regions face longer ambulance response times and greater distances from the nearest defibrillator, contributing to higher mortality rates.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Government to do more to address these imbalances by mandating that every emergency vehicle must have a defibrillator and ensuring all vehicles are equipped with them. Additionally, I ask for VAT on defibrillators to be removed or re-evaluated to help community groups purchase more devices.']
Apprenticeship Levy — [Dr Rupa Huq in the Chair]
22 November 2023
Responding: Robert Halfon
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the decline in apprenticeship starts since the introduction of the apprenticeship levy in 2017. The number of new apprenticeship starts has fallen from half a million in 2016-17 to just over a quarter of a million in 2022-23, with significant reductions for different age groups: 41% for 16 to 18-year-olds, 31% for 19 to 24-year-olds, and 26% for those aged over 25. Additionally, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) find it difficult to access the levy funding due to bureaucratic processes.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Government to reform the apprenticeship levy to make it more accessible for SMEs and to increase the flexibility of the levy to support shorter courses that meet specific labour market demands. This includes raising the current transfer from 25% to 35%, supporting off-the-job training with £2,500 per apprentice under 25 years old, and exploring ways to use unspent levy funding to back SMEs.']
Bank Closures: Stoke-on-Trent North
14 June 2023
Responding: Andrew Griffith
Main Concerns
["Banks are crucial for local communities, especially for the most vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled. Since 2015, 86% of banks have closed in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke. There has been a significant national trend with 5,391 bank branches closing between June 2015 and January 2023. Barclays plans to close its branch in Kidsgrove on August 11, leaving the town without any high street banks. This closure exacerbates financial exclusion for those who do not have access to online banking or are wary of digital services due to concerns about scams. The community's elderly and disabled members will face significant challenges as they cannot easily travel to alternative branches in other towns."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should intervene to prevent the closure of Barclays branch in Kidsgrove, which is set for August 11. I urge the Minister to explore options such as banking hubs and shared service facilities to ensure that vulnerable individuals still have access to essential services in their community.']
Open Season for Woodcock
27 February 2023
Responding: Trudy Harrison
Main Concerns
['The resident British woodcock population is declining sharply. A survey in 2013 found only 55,000 breeding pairs in the UK, a significant decline from 78,000 pairs estimated in 2003. The current shooting season runs from October to January and includes many native birds before the winter migration of European and Asian woodcocks arrives. Wild Justice and the RSPB argue that shortening the hunting season would help protect the declining population.']
Specific Asks
['The Secretary of State should introduce statutory measures to push back the start date for the shooting season to December 1st, which would not require primary legislation and could be an effective step towards protecting the woodcock population.']
Stoke-on-Trent: Video Games Enterprise Zone
25 May 2022
Responding: Julia Lopez
Main Concerns
["The Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent North is concerned about the potential growth and development of a video games enterprise zone in his city. He highlights that Stoke-on-Trent has an opportunity to become a hub for the UK's video games industry, given its digital infrastructure, local talent pool from Staffordshire University, and recent investments like VX Fiber's fibre-to-the-premises open access model. The MP points out that the global market for video games is worth around $180 billion with 3 billion players worldwide, and the UK alone has over 32 million players and a domestic market of £7 billion in 2020. He also notes that Staffordshire University ranks as the 13th best institution in the world for games design and development."]
Specific Asks
["The MP asks the government to raise the rate of video games tax relief from 25% to match Ireland's planned 32%, introduce a video games investment fund, and establish a new video games enterprise zone for Stoke-on-Trent. He suggests that these measures would enhance the environment for making games in the UK, support start-up studios, provide research and development funding, and attract private investments."]
Multi-academy Trusts: Ofsted
23 November 2021
Responding: Robin Walker
Main Concerns
['Jonathan Gullis is concerned about the disparity in educational standards between regions like Stoke-on-Trent and more affluent areas such as Camden, Kensington and Chelsea. He highlights that while there are multiple outstanding schools in these wealthier areas, only one secondary school in Stoke-on-Trent has received an outstanding rating from Ofsted. Gullis also mentions specific instances of wasteful spending by some multi-academy trusts, such as excessive executive expenses and unnecessary travel costs.']
Specific Asks
['Gullis calls for the formal inspection of multi-academy trust boards to ensure they are performing in the best interests of students. He suggests that Ofsted should consider factors like student achievement across schools within a trust and the effectiveness of reversing underperformance. Gullis also urges the Minister to explore the role and powers of regional schools commissioners.']
Gurkha Pensions
22 November 2021
Responding: Leo Docherty
Main Concerns
["The petition has attracted over 107,000 signatures, with significant concerns about the Gurkhas' pension scheme. The scheme was based on an Indian army model and offered pensions after only 15 years of service for those retiring before July 1997, compared to 22 years for British soldiers. Following changes in 1997 and 2007, there has been an ongoing engagement between the UK Government and Gurkha veteran groups, leading to improvements such as a pension increase and investment in medical facilities."]
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the Minister to share more details about the timing of the bilateral committee on Gurkha veteran welfare. He also urges the Home Office to waive settlement fees for non-UK service personnel who have served their country, including Gurkhas.']
Microchipping of Pets
28 June 2021
Responding: Victoria Prentis
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the growing problem of pet theft and the fact that many stolen pets are not reunited with their owners because vets do not scan microchips by default. Fern's law campaign highlights how a dog named Fern was missing for six years due to missed opportunities when she visited vets without being scanned. Additionally, there is concern over healthy animals being euthanised without proper verification of the person requesting it and without contacting rescue back-up listed on the animal's microchip. It is estimated that close to 1.5 million dogs were adopted or bought during the pandemic, raising fears about many healthy dogs potentially being brought in for euthanasia as life returns to normal."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the government to make it compulsory for veterinary practices to scan pets when they are presented for the first consultation or yearly check-up and ensure that no healthy animal can be destroyed by a vet without scanning its microchip. I also request action on creating a centralised database of microchipped pets to facilitate easier reunifications.']
Road Safety 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Road safety is a personal issue for me as my grandfather died in a road accident. Despite improvements, four people still die on our roads every day and 76 more are injured seriously. The fatal five c...
Holocaust Memorial Day 2026-01-29
29 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The hon. Member for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket opened the debate by highlighting the importance of Holocaust Memorial Day, especially in the context of recent events in Gaza which have polarized c...
Business of the House 2025-12-11
11 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Graham highlighted the difficulties faced by businesses due to recent tax rises, particularly in hospitality and retail sectors. He mentioned specific examples from his constituency such as Walling...
Clean Energy Superpower Mission
18 July 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Road Traffic (Testing of Blood)
01 May 2024
General Debate
Led by this MP
Mr Gullis moved a Bill to amend section 7A of the Road Traffic Act 1988, allowing blood samples taken from individuals involved in fatal collisions to be tested without their consent. He cited the tra...
UK Trade Performance
01 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Situation in the Red Sea
26 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Ltd
29 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill
17 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr. Jenrick moved an amendment to ensure that the relevant provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998 are fully disapplied for both this Bill and the Illegal Migration Act 2023 in relation to removals to...
Highways Maintenance and Integrated Transport Funding
18 December 2023
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The MP highlights the significant issue of potholes and road deterioration in Stoke-on-Trent, emphasising the need for increased investment due to decades of underfunding. He mentions a £39 million pr...
10
PMQs Asked
122
Ministerial Questions Asked
160
House of Commons Debates Involved
17
Westminster Hall Debates Led
3
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
+173% above average
This MP:
10
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+810% above average
This MP:
122
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+576% above average
This MP:
17
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3192% above average
This MP:
160
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-68% below average
This MP:
3
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 Jonathan Gullis's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.