Julie Marson
MP for Hertford and Stortford
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
According to Big Society Capital, every £1 the Government have spent in this way has delivered £10 in further economic, social and fiscal value, including £3 in direct savings to Government. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the time is right for the Government to redouble their focus on this outcomes-led commissioning?
Context
The UK is the global leader in social outcomes contracts, which can deliver public services across various areas.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to champion this type of approach, which makes a real difference to people's lives and people suffering from mental health issues, helping them to find a route back into work. That is why we are commissioning more initiatives through funds such as the life chances fund, helping those people in society who face the biggest barriers to have happy and productive lives.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to specific actions or figures for redoubling focus on outcomes-led commissioning.
General Support
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking my Hertford and Stortford constituents who are offering help and refuge to Ukrainians suffering from and fleeing the Russian invasion? Will he also set out how his visit to Sweden and Finland ensured closer co-operation with our allies to secure the long-term stability and security of Europe, as my constituents are rightly concerned about ongoing Russian aggression?
Context
The MP thanked constituents for helping Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion. She inquired about closer cooperation with allies to secure long-term stability.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend's constituents very much for what they are doing to help Ukrainians fleeing war and aggression. Yes, it is true that the UK signed historic declarations the other day with Sweden and Finland to reinforce our mutual security and to fortify Europe's defences.
Assessment
The response did not provide details on how the visit ensured closer cooperation or specific plans for long-term stability.
Session: PMQs
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I am supporting “Turn on the Subtitles”—a campaign led by my Bishop's Stortford constituent Henry Warren. There is a wealth of evidence that default same-language subtitling can have a dramatic effect on children's literacy, particularly for disadvantaged children. I know that that is a great priority for the Prime Minister, given the potential impact of covid on the attainment gap. Will he support a Government consultation to turn on the subtitles in order to really explore this potentially transformative opportunity?
Context
There is a campaign to support same-language subtitles in media for children's literacy, especially disadvantaged ones. This follows concerns about the impact of covid on education.
Boris Johnson
I am sure that I speak for many hon. Members when I say that I am a massive supporter of subtitles myself—particularly with some of these crime dramas from America. The campaign that my hon. Friend mentions is excellent.
Assessment
no commitment to consultation or action
Massive Supporter Statement
Session: PMQs
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Frontier Estates committed to building a GP surgery as part of the Stortford Fields development. However, citing inflated build costs, it now questions the viability of the plans despite months of negotiations and efforts by local NHS to find a solution. Will my right hon. Friend work with colleagues in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to ensure that Frontier really engages with the process and builds the surgery it promised?
Context
A developer committed to building a GP surgery but now questions its viability, leading to concerns about access to primary care in the area.
Victoria Atkins
I congratulate my hon. Friend on the enormous amount of work she has done in her constituency to secure that community diagnostic centre. We have rolled out some 160 or so of those centres across England— we want to do more—and they are supplying some 6 million tests and scans for patients across England.
Session: Primary Care
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Does the Minister have an assessment of the likely impact of the Mansion House reforms on trends and track record of private investment, especially for Hertford and Stortford?
Context
The MP inquired about the likely impact of Mansion House reforms on trends in private investment.
Andrew Griffith
The Mansion House reforms will unlock an estimated £50 billion of investment to scale up high-growth companies across the UK. The Government also launched a £250 million initiative for long-term investment in tech and science, focusing on British pensioners investing in long-term growth opportunities.
Session: Research and Development Private Investment
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Will the Secretary of State consider a separate specific offence of cuckooing in the Criminal Justice Bill to ensure not just that the punishment fits the crime, but that the crime fits the crime?
Context
The MP asked about the inclusion of a specific cuckooing offence in the Criminal Justice Bill, given that cuckooing is not a victimless crime and victims are frequently extremely vulnerable.
Alex Chalk
My hon. Friend has been brilliant in raising this issue time and time again. At least in part because of the pressure she has put on, we held a stakeholder engagement exercise on this issue with the police, criminal justice system partners, local authorities, other Government Departments and so on. The exercise reveals that there are civil orders and criminal offences which are available to disrupt it. It might be, for example, that the underlying offence is the possession of drugs with intent to supply, the possession of firearms or common assault. However, this issue is worthy of further consideration, so I will invite a conversation with her in due course.
Session: Victim Support
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Will my hon. Friend share her assessment of initiatives increasing specialisation in court processes for sexual offending and sexual violence?
Context
A magistrate specialised in domestic abuse courts highlights the value of such courts for justice and victims. The questioner seeks details on initiatives to increase specialisation in court processes.
Laura Farris
The specialist sexual violence support project is under way in Leeds, Newcastle, and Snaresbrook. It reports in early 2025. Section 28 procedures allow victims to give evidence privately ahead of trial. Over 1,000 independent sexual violence advisers engage with victims through the criminal justice system.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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What steps is he taking to tackle violence against women and girls? Last year, the Government added violence against women to the strategic policing requirement. What are the details of this initiative?
Context
The question follows three years of new laws on domestic abuse, street harassment, and online safety. The Government added violence against women to the strategic policing requirement last year.
Laura Farris
In the last three years comprehensive new laws covering domestic abuse, street harassment, and online safety have been passed. The Government added violence against women to the strategic policing requirement placing it on equivalent footing to terrorism. The Home Office's Enough campaign is now entering its final phase with a focus on tackling perpetrator behaviour being rolled out across colleges and universities.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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I am supporting my Bishop's Stortford constituents' 'Turn on the Subtitles' campaign to improve literacy levels across all demographics but particularly among those in low-performing areas. What plans does my right hon. Friend have to review and invest in this evidence-backed initiative?
Context
The MP is supporting a campaign called 'Turn on the Subtitles' to improve children's literacy, especially in low-performing areas. The campaign has received approval from Nesta.
Nadhim Zahawi
We share a commitment to raising literacy standards. I thank Henry Warren and Oli Barrett MBE for their work in improving literacy levels. While it is a choice for parents whether their child watches television with subtitles on, it certainly makes a difference.
Session: Low-Performing Areas Education Funding
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Will my right hon. Friend outline how his Department is working to attract more innovation-based businesses, particularly in life sciences, to the area?
Context
MP asked about attracting innovation-based businesses, particularly in life sciences.
Simon Clarke
I share my hon. Friend's passion for the UK's world-leading life sciences sector. That is why we have invested £5 billion in health research and development, including for delivery of our life sciences vision, as well as £60 million for the life sciences innovative manufacturing fund and £200 million in the life sciences investment programme, all of which institutions in Hertfordshire can benefit from.
Session: Levelling Up Across the UK
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What steps his Department is taking to encourage levelling up across the UK?
Context
MP asked about steps being taken for levelling up.
Simon Clarke
The levelling-up White Paper sets out a clear plan to level up every corner of the United Kingdom, including a mission to increase productivity and improve living standards in every part of the UK by 2030. We will do this through the record funding allocated in the 2021 spending review, including £1.6 billion for the next generation of the British Business Bank's regional investment funds. That sits alongside significant investment in communities through the £4.8 billion levelling-up fund, and giving local areas a greater say in investment, working in partnership with the Government through the £2.6 billion UK shared prosperity fund.
Session: Levelling Up Across the UK
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The Harlow and Gilston garden town development is one of the largest releases of green-belt land for housing. Magnificent community groups such as the Hunsdon, Eastwick and Gilston neighbourhood plan group face significant challenges to get their voices heard. Does my right hon. Friend agree that we need to listen to and trust local people? Will he meet me to discuss this project?
Context
The MP discusses the Harlow and Gilston garden town development, a large-scale green-belt land release for housing.
Michael Gove
My hon. Friend makes a very important point. It is thanks to the work of organisations such as the Hunsdon, Eastwick and Gilston neighbourhood plan group that we involve local communities in making these uniquely sensitive decisions.
Session: Planning Rules
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Will the Minister meet me to discuss establishing an office for venture, similar to the new Office for Investment, which could provide expertise in green innovation?
Context
There is potential for venture capital to support green innovation and investment.
Kemi Badenoch
I thank my hon. Friend for that question. The Government recognise the important role of financial markets in supporting the UK's transition to a net zero economy. The British Business Bank is a Government-owned economic development bank that makes finance markets for smaller businesses work more effectively, and its remit includes venture capital. I note her point about a meeting and believe that my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary is happy to meet her on this issue.
Session: Net Zero Emissions and Green Investment
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What fiscal steps is the Department taking to encourage investment in green industries, growth and jobs?
Context
The question arises from the need to encourage investments in environmentally sustainable industries.
Kemi Badenoch
The Prime Minister's 10-point plan demonstrates our commitment to net zero. It sets out £12 billion of new Government investment in green industries. This will create and support up to 250,000 highly skilled green jobs in the UK. In addition to this £12 billion, our plan will attract up to three times as much private investment by providing regulatory certainty and robust green finance frameworks.
Session: Net Zero Emissions and Green Investment
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Inflaming tensions, undermining trust and a formal diplomatic rebuke—we would expect this language and action to form the backdrop to a summit with our adversaries, rather than with our closest allies. Is the Secretary of State not alarmed that our Government are increasingly isolated from our partners on the protocol? What comfort can the Secretary of State, who boasted about breaching international law, provide to the new US Administration that his word can be trusted?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the UK's international reputation and its relationship with allies, particularly in light of recent comments made by UK officials.
Brandon Lewis
Obviously, I do not recognise the context the hon. Lady outlines, but I would say to her, as I said earlier, that what colleagues and people around the world can see is that I will always be straight and give a direct and honest answer to a question, as I did last year.
Session: Links with the United States
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I welcome the news that my right hon. Friend has appointed a special envoy. Does he agree that it is important to engage not just with the US but with all our international friends and partners to ensure a greater understanding of the challenges that Northern Ireland faces, but also of the opportunities that this integral part of the UK has?
Context
The question addresses the importance of Northern Ireland's relationship with the United States and seeks to understand how the government will engage other international partners.
Brandon Lewis
My hon. Friend is spot on: she is absolutely right. We in the UK are committed to working internationally to tackle global challenges, as was demonstrated by our hosting of the G7 just last weekend. As an integral part of the Union of the United Kingdom, we will always fully represent the issues that matter most to Northern Ireland when we engage with our international partners.
Session: Links with the United States
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Thanking my hon. Friend for her earlier response, does she agree that the G7 announcement on girls' education represented a huge boost to our efforts to ensure that girls around the world get the education they need and deserve?
Context
The question follows up on a previous response regarding the UK's efforts in promoting global girls' education, focusing on the impact of G7 announcements.
Wendy Morton
Absolutely. The UK put girls' education at the heart of our G7 presidency, securing a $2.7 billion pledge from G7 partners to the Global Partnership for Education, including a £430 million commitment from the UK. Additionally, we aim to get 40 million more girls into schools and ensure 20 million more girls can read by age 10 in the next five years.
Session: Education of Girls Covid-19
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What assessment has been made regarding the effect of the covid-19 pandemic on delivering 12 years of quality education to girls globally? Too many children have missed crucial schooling due to the pandemic which disproportionately affects girls' long-term future and educational opportunities.
Context
The question addresses the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the delivery of quality education for girls worldwide, highlighting critical issues in basic skills development.
Wendy Morton
Covid-19 has exacerbated existing challenges for girls' education, with many children missing crucial schooling. The UK is committed to ensuring every girl receives 12 years of quality education and has put this at the heart of our G7 presidency. We are co-hosting a global education summit in July.
Session: Education of Girls Covid-19
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Can she tell me whether the Gender Equality Advisory Council will be working to improve women's and girls' participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and industries?
Context
The previous answer mentioned the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council's work.
Elizabeth Truss
I am pleased to say that the GEAC is packed with inspirational STEM leaders such as Professor Sarah Gilbert who spearheaded the Oxford vaccine and CERN director general Dr Fabiola Gianotti; they are leading figures. A key aim of the GEAC is to ensure that more girls and women are involved in industries of the future such as technology and science so that they can get well-paid jobs.
Session: UK’s Presidency of the G7 Gender Equality
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What steps she is taking with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to promote gender equality through the UK's presidency of the G7?
Context
As the UK holds the G7 presidency, there is an opportunity to promote gender equality globally.
Elizabeth Truss
We have a huge opportunity as we recover from covid-19 for women across the world to build back better. That is why I have convened a group of leaders in the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council, under the leadership of Sarah Sands, to push for better education for women and girls, economic empowerment and ending violence against women across the world.
Session: UK’s Presidency of the G7 Gender Equality
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What steps is the FCDO taking to embed innovative finance solutions within its work to ensure that the UK's development approach is effective in combating poverty globally?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of aid budget cuts and seeks to discuss development bonds with a specific opportunity to arise.
Wendy Morton
The FCDO is testing innovative financing tools that will pull private finance towards sustainable development. A pilot on development impact bonds is currently running, aiming to help 13,000 households in Kenya and Uganda set up income-generating businesses.
Session: Poverty and Inequality and UK Aid
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Does the Cabinet Office look at venture capital companies to enable Government Departments to support and benefit from innovative ventures?
Context
In addition to supporting SMEs, the Cabinet Office looks at venture capital companies for opportunities in public procurement.
Julia Lopez
While the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy or HM Treasury might address some aspects, the improvements proposed include existing programmes such as the small business research initiative to fund R&D addressing specific unmet public sector needs.
Session: Government Contracts Small Businesses
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Does the Government agree that flexible working is crucial for opening up more opportunities and addressing productivity issues, especially considering recent research by the Government Equalities Office?
Context
The question builds on the previous discussion about gender equality, focusing specifically on flexible working and its role in increasing opportunities and productivity.
Elizabeth Truss
My hon. Friend is correct that flexible working should be standard from employers, as it leads to 30% more job applicants where jobs are advertised flexibly. This particularly benefits women and those outside major cities, contributing to levelling up the country.
Session: UK’s G7 Presidency Role of Women
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What steps are being taken to promote the role of women during the UK's G7 presidency, focusing on addressing issues such as ending violence against women, economic empowerment, and education for women and girls?
Context
The question addresses the UK's role in promoting women's rights and opportunities during its G7 presidency.
Elizabeth Truss
As part of the G7, we will be hosting the gender equality advisory council led by Sarah Sands, which aims to help women build back better across the world. The council focuses on ending violence against women, women's economic empowerment, and education for women and girls.
Session: UK’s G7 Presidency Role of Women
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Many hard-working people in Hertford and Stortford are set to benefit from the introduction of the job support scheme, offering employers and workers a transition from furlough. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that this job-saving measure will have the same impact north of the border, and that Scotland shares in this Government's focus on jobs, jobs, jobs?
Context
The introduction of a new job support scheme is expected to help many workers and businesses affected by the pandemic. There are concerns about its impact north of England.
Alister Jack
Yes. The whole United Kingdom will benefit from all the measures put in place by the Chancellor.
Session: Coronavirus Employment
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What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting job retention in Scotland during the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
The UK Government has implemented various measures to support businesses and workers affected by the pandemic. In Scotland, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of these measures.
Alister Jack
I have regular discussions with my Cabinet colleagues, including the Chancellor, on all aspects of how the UK Government continue to support Scotland's economy. The Chancellor recently announced a package of measures that will continue to support jobs and help businesses through the uncertain months ahead.
Session: Coronavirus Employment
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Afghan interpreters have provided an invaluable service to our armed forces, saving the lives of many British soldiers. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on the Government's progress on their commitments to the Afghan interpreters?
Context
The question pertains to the government's progress in fulfilling its promises regarding the relocation and support for Afghan interpreters who have assisted British armed forces.
Ben Wallace
The Home Secretary and I announced at the weekend that the criteria for interpreters to relocate to the UK will be expanded to include those who resigned on or after 1 May 2006 with 18 months or more service on the frontline in Helmand, so that more may come with their families to build a new life in the UK. In addition, the Home Secretary and I committed to look even further at those criteria, and to look at where people suffer intimidation, to see whether those thresholds are in the right place as the peace deal progresses in Afghanistan.
Session: Overseas Territories Covid-19 Support
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What support has his Department provided to the overseas territories during the covid-19 pandemic?
Context
The question arises from the ongoing challenges faced by UK's overseas territories due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including logistical and medical support needs.
Ben Wallace
Since the start of the pandemic, Defence has provided a range of support to Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands, Ascension, Saint Helena and our overseas territories in the Caribbean. HMS Medway and RFA Argus remain in theatre and are standing by to provide logistical and medical support, whether in relation to covid-19 or to providing disaster relief during the hurricane season.
Session: Overseas Territories Covid-19 Support
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In my constituency, the eat out to help out scheme has been a massive success and given our local economy a huge boost. Will my right hon. Friend let the House know what the uptake has been in Northern Ireland?
Context
The questioner inquires about the uptake of the eat out to help out scheme in Northern Ireland.
Brandon Lewis (Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)
I have not tested all the venues in Northern Ireland that were taking part in the eat out to help out scheme, but I did my bit to support the sector, as I am sure many colleagues around the House did. Comprehensive figures are not yet available, but I do know that over 1,500 restaurants in Northern Ireland signed up to the scheme in the first week of operation, highlighting just how important the scheme has been to give people confidence to go out and businesses a chance to see their customers again.
Session: The Economy
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What recent assessment has been made of the strength of the economy in Northern Ireland?
Context
The questioner inquires about the current economic situation in Northern Ireland.
Brandon Lewis (Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)
While the Northern Ireland economy does have its challenges, I am confident that it has a promising economic future, with its talent, great companies, entrepreneurial spirit and world-leading sectors and universities, as well as world-class hospitality, leisure and cultural offerings. We will continue to work with businesses, the Northern Ireland Executive and local partners to ensure that we not only get the economy back up and running but are laying the foundations for a sustainable, growing and stable economic future.
Session: The Economy
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Julie Marson pays tribute to schools in Hertford and Stortford for their efforts in supporting children of key workers and now working towards reopening schools. She asks if the Minister agrees that schools should continue some remote learning innovations developed during lockdown.
Context
The Government has provided a £100 million package to support remote teaching. Schools have been instrumental in providing education for key workers' children and producing personal protective equipment.
Nick Gibb (The Minister for School Reform)
Remote teaching has been a significant challenge for teachers across the sector and I am grateful to all those who have worked hard to ensure their pupils' education has continued despite lockdown difficulties. Some innovations will undoubtedly continue to be beneficial, and we are working with organisations like the Education Endowment Foundation to establish how schools can best use remote practices in future.
Session: Remote Education Covid-19
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Julie Marson welcomes the report and asks if the Minister will meet her to discuss her constituents' experiences with the loan charge and their residual concerns.
Context
The Government published Sir Amyas Morse's independent review on December 20, 2019.
Jesse Norman (Financial Secretary to the Treasury)
The Financial Secretary congratulates Julie Marson on her role and expresses his willingness to meet her, although he cannot deal with individual cases. He is willing to meet to discuss issues of principle.
Session: Loan Charge
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Cancer Care: Young Adults — [Ian Paisley in the Chair]
08 June 2022
Responding: Maria Caulfield
Main Concerns
["Julie Marson highlighted the tragic case of Jessica Brady, a young adult diagnosed with cancer after numerous GP visits and misdiagnoses. She cited CLIC Sargent's findings that half of young people visited their GPs at least three times before being diagnosed with cancer. The charity also noted that nearly 10% of all new cancers are diagnosed in people aged between 25 and 49, twice as many females than males in this age group."]
Specific Asks
["Marson is advocating for Jess's law, which would require a case to be elevated after the third contact with a GP surgery and red-flagged after five contacts, leading to thorough investigations and specialist referrals. She also emphasized the need for better training of GPs in recognizing early cancer symptoms in young adults."]
Office for Investment
20 April 2021
Responding: Graham Stuart
Main Concerns
['Julie Marson is concerned about the recent decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, which fell by 49% globally in the first half of 2020. She highlights that FDI had already decreased by £6 billion between 2018 and 2019 before the onset of the pandemic. Marson also points out a growing disparity, with London and the south-east accounting for more than 51% of total FDI projects since 2016, exacerbating regional inequality.']
Specific Asks
['Marson asks the Minister to explain how the Office for Investment will guide investment to different parts of the UK and work across Whitehall. She also inquires about plans to elevate areas previously left behind with a coherent, co-ordinated strategy.']
UK Trade Performance
01 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Cass Review
15 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Board and Governance
28 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Crime and Policing Bill
28 November 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Tributes to Her Late Majesty The Queen
09 September 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
In the hours since last night’s shocking news, we have witnessed the most heartfelt outpouring of grief at the loss of Her late Majesty the Queen. Crowds have gathered. Flags have been lowered to half...
Rail Strikes
15 June 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The railway is a vital legacy connecting north and south but has fallen behind due to inefficiency. The pandemic caused a loss of around one-fifth of passengers and income; the Government invested £16...
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
07 June 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Transport
19 May 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government have spent billions supporting the transport industry over the past two years to ensure key workers and essential goods could get to where they needed to be. Andrew Stephenson highlight...
Achieving Economic Growth
18 May 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Amendment (w) proposes an emergency budget due to the cost of living crisis, highlighting a 40-year high in inflation with prices rising significantly. The amendment criticises Conservative government...
Children's Mental Health Services Bill - Clause on annual report to Parliament on provision of mental health services
18 March 2022
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment proposes an annual statutory report to Parliament on children and young people’s mental health services, including data on spending and waiting times. The aim is to improve transparency,...
3
PMQs Asked
29
Ministerial Questions Asked
56
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
2
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+116% above average
This MP:
29
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1052% above average
This MP:
56
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-79% below average
This MP:
2
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 Julie Marson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.