Katherine Fletcher
MP for South Ribble
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Does the PM share my hope that Preston City Council will include plans to reopen the historic bridge as part of its levelling-up fund bid?
Context
The Old Tram Bridge, an industrial heritage site crossing the Ribble, needs to be reopened for utility and pride in the area's history. The community is waiting on Preston City Council's decision.
Boris Johnson
I could not promise this bridge, but my hon. Friend has eight people to whom she can direct her request.
Assessment
Did not confirm support for the specific levelling-up fund bid inclusion
General Statements
Session: PMQs
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I thank the Prime Minister for visiting us in Leyland a couple of weeks ago. As he knows, when we knock on doors, we find that crime and antisocial behaviour is a big issue for people locally, and part of the problem is that when the local police are required to respond to calls, they have to come in from Preston or lovely Chorley. Now that Lancashire has 314 more police officers—thanks to this Government—does the Prime Minister agree that we need to use some of them to get Leyland police response open? Will he work with me, the fabulous local police and the police and crime commissioner to make that happen?
Context
In Leyland, there is concern about crime and antisocial behaviour. The area currently relies on police assistance from Preston or Chorley.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is a fantastic campaigner for her constituency, as I discovered just the other day. We are recruiting more police officers: 300 more in Lancashire and 13,576 more across the whole of the country. I would of course be happy to arrange the relevant meeting so that we can continue to drive neighbourhood crime—which is already down 33%—down even further.
Session: PMQs
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After yesterday's game, many of our German friends are heading home, but does my right hon. Friend agree that, as the song goes, if they want to stay here drinking all our beer, they need to join the 5.6 million people who have already successfully applied for the EU settlement scheme forthwith, before today's deadline?
Context
German friends are heading home after a game, and the EU settlement scheme deadline is approaching.
Boris Johnson
Yes. I thank my hon. Friend, who is absolutely right. I am thrilled that an astonishing 5.6 million EU nationals have already applied for this wonderful scheme. I encourage anybody who is still eligible to submit their applications today.
Session: PMQs
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During the pandemic, three young people saw a fire and immediately called the fire brigade, recruited help, and ensured residents were safe. Does the Prime Minister share my admiration for Kim, Zach, Shania, and Robin, and will he join me in thanking them?
Context
Three young people acted heroically when they noticed a fire and raised the alarm, saving lives in their community.
Boris Johnson
Yes, I thank my hon. Friend for singling out this act of selflessness. I pay tribute to Kim, Zach, Shania and Robin.
Session: PMQs
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Thanks to scientific research, we understand better the biological causes of common mental health conditions. Given the recent announcement on WorkWell, how can those implementing it not only follow diagnostic pathways but improve the evidence base for treatment through solid science?
Context
The WorkWell initiative aims to improve integration of health advice for disabled individuals. Questions have been raised about the evidence base needed to support this government policy.
Mel Stride
We are piloting these measures to ensure we get them right. I would be happy to consider my hon. Friend's suggestions further.
Session: Topical Questions
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When will we have timelines for the delivery of the £168 million funding? I do not want my constituents to have their expectations raised unreasonably.
Context
Constituents are excited by the news of the local transport fund but have been told most money will not come until the end of the decade, raising concerns about raised expectations.
Mark Harper
The money will come over a seven-year period; guidance for local authorities on how to use it will be published soon. Encourages involvement of MPs in developing schemes.
Session: Transport Connectivity North of England Cities
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To build our northern powerhouse, direct connections between cities are important. Does the Secretary agree to remove buffers at Ormskirk preventing direct trains and stop nonsense at Midge Hall station? Such moves would enhance connectivity using battery technology.
Context
The question arises from the need to improve direct connections between cities such as Liverpool and Preston, addressing historical issues like the removal of buffers at Ormskirk that prevent direct train services. It also questions the closure of Midge Hall station.
Mark Harper
Local authorities are best placed to promote schemes; £2.5 billion from the local transport fund will be available for them. Encourages work with stakeholders such as Lancashire County Council.
Session: Transport Connectivity North of England Cities
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that future businesses will look to site themselves where there is reliable and accessible cheap energy, and South Ribble is well placed to take advantage of that?
Context
Businesses on Leyland business park are exploring geothermal and the Howick Cross substation brings energy from various sources.
Graham Stuart
My hon. Friend highlights the benefits and attractions of South Ribble, which can attract business within the UK and abroad by rewiring and leading the world in delivering a low-cost, low-carbon energy system.
Session: Net Zero Targets Businesses
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Will he and the whole of the Treasury Bench look favourably upon this?
Context
The Minister met the leaders of Lancashire County Council to discuss devolving transport and skills responsibility.
Jacob Young
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her question and to you, Mr Speaker, for your point. I hope to meet Lancashire MPs next week to discuss devolution. I hope that we are able to announce a devolution deal in advance of Lancashire Day at the end of November.
Session: Regional Inequalities Coastal Communities
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Asked if the Home Secretary agrees with a whole-agency approach to tackling antisocial behaviour in Leyland using community protection notices and public space protection orders.
Context
There are ongoing problems involving antisocial behaviour around the Broadfield, Worden and Seven Stars areas. The local police is benefiting from the Government's police uplift.
Suella Braverman
I am delighted that my hon. Friend has been able to work closely with her excellent police and crime commissioner, Andrew Snowden, who is another example of effective leadership at the police force in Lancashire and whom I have had the pleasure of meeting. It is also good that Lancashire is one of the pilot areas for hotspot policing: it is currently delivering 2,000 hours a month of additional patrolling in antisocial behaviour hotpot areas, and that is set to increase. However, I urge the Labour council to listen to my hon. Friend's sensible words and ask the police and local authorities to use all the powers at their disposal to tackle antisocial behaviour through, for instance, public space protection orders and community protection notices.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
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After speaking to people in South Ribble, I have often popped into local pubs such as the Croston's Wheatsheaf, which serve as community living rooms and vital hubs for activities like housing MP surgeries. These pubs are crucial for communities; will they benefit from specific tax relief measures?
Context
The question follows a busy summer where the MP engaged with constituents and visited local pubs. The financial relief provided by government policies is discussed.
Victoria Atkins
As you know, Mr Speaker, I regard Lancashire as my home, and it would be a delight to return to South Ribble. My hon. Friend has named just a few of the roughly 37,000 pubs in England and Wales—All those pubs will benefit from the Brexit pubs guarantee, which means that the duty on a pint sold in a pub will always be lower than in a supermarket.
Session: Pubs Tax System
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What steps his Department is taking to help support pubs through the tax system, acknowledging the role of pubs as community hubs and economic drivers?
Context
The question is prompted by concerns about the financial health of pubs and their importance in local communities. The tax system's impact on pubs is a focal point.
Victoria Atkins
We are ensuring that pubs remain a key part of our local communities by providing support through the alcohol duty and business rates systems. That includes a new draught relief that provides a significant duty discount on alcohol sold on draught in a pub, and the expanded retail, hospitality and leisure relief means more than £10,000 in relief for the average independent pub.
Session: Pubs Tax System
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HMP Garth and HMP Wymott are successful prisons that do great work rehabilitating prisoners, but the Ministry of Justice has plans to put a third prison on the site, almost doubling the number of prisoners there. I know my hon. Friend will have concerns, as she does, about the impact it might have on local transport infrastructure and residents' quality of life.
Context
HMP Garth and HMP Wymott are successful prisons that do great work rehabilitating prisoners, but the Ministry of Justice has plans to put a third prison on the site.
Damian Hinds
She could not be faulted for the strength and consistency with which she has campaigned on behalf of her constituents on these matters. She knows this, because there are already two prisons there, but a new prison delivers hundreds of construction jobs locally, hundreds of ongoing jobs and a whole range of roles and careers, with a very significant boost to the local economy.
Session: Topical Questions
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I have raised concerns with various Ministers about the plans for a third prison in Ulnes Walton. The local council and residents are strongly against it. Can you commit today to withdrawing the planning inspector appeal and reconsidering these proposals?
Context
Proposals to expand a prison in Ulnes Walton, Chorley have faced significant local opposition due to inadequate infrastructure and public transport.
Damian Hinds
The estate expansion programme is important and fulfils a manifesto commitment. However, I acknowledge that my hon. Friend's concerns are valid. Given an ongoing planning appeal, it is not appropriate for me to comment further.
Session: Topical Questions
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I have taken the west coast main line a couple of times from Preston to Glasgow, which is a wonderful city. It hosted the busy COP26, with its wonderful work, and there is the space industry in Glasgow. However, the train line is absolutely vital. As part of my right hon. Friend's Union connectivity review, will he make sure that travel from Preston and the other connecting stations to Glasgow is easier and better?
Context
Worries about travel on west coast main line from Preston to Glasgow and its importance for economy, industry, and tourism.
Alister Jack
High Speed 2 will transform rail travel in this country. It will build opportunity and boost the economy through national regeneration and the widespread creation of jobs. HS2 will go to Preston from the moment that it opens for operation. That means that facilities at Preston will be upgraded, including a new platform that will also see a direct HS2 service from Birmingham, increasing the frequency of connections to the UK's major economic centres.
Session: Improving Union Connectivity
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that those economies work well together to solve problems in the nuclear industry, and that the North West Nuclear Arc is something we should be very proud of?
Context
The economies of north Wales and the north-west of England are closely connected through nuclear industry sites.
Simon Hart
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend about the economic region and the economic drivers, recognising that administrative boundaries can sometimes be an impediment to investment.
Session: Universal Credit Uplift
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When I speak to the people of South Ribble, they are keen to do their bit to cut carbon emissions and also to get the benefits of cheaper travel from electric vehicles, but the thing that is constraining us and the problem we face is a lack of accessible charging points. Given that today is World EV Day, will my hon. Friend assure me that the Department will do everything it can to put the infrastructure in place to encourage more electric vehicle use?
Context
The Member is concerned about the availability of accessible electric vehicle charging points.
Rachel Maclean
I heartily commend my hon. Friend's constituents for the transition to electric mobility. We are already supporting the roll-out of over 25,000 publicly available charging devices, including more than 4,700 rapid devices—one of the largest networks in Europe. I am delighted that South Ribble Borough Council is one of the 137 local authorities that has applied for the on-street charge point scheme, which has awarded funding for 16 chargers.
Session: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
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Jobs are the most important way of helping communities to move forward. Those who have been out of work for 12 months or more can access the restart scheme, worth nearly £3 billion. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that part of his plan is helping everyone to have proper, decent work and decent training to enable them to get the right job?
Context
Discussion on the restart scheme aimed at those unemployed for over a year.
Steve Barclay
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight not only the importance of restart to the long-term unemployed, but how it sits alongside the kickstart scheme, the tripling of traineeships and the boot camps for skills. That is part of a plan for jobs that is working.
Session: Topical Questions
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Hello from Lancashire, Mr Speaker. In South Ribble, there is quite a lot of interest in the Government's recently announced £3 billion national bus strategy. Speaking to residents, many improvement suggestions have already been received. Joanne, for example, wants a west-east bus between Tarleton, the Hooles, Longton and getting into Leyland. Can my right hon. Friend share how he plans to ensure that the communities' voices are heard during the planning of this strategy so that their needs are in the mix, and it is not just the ideas from the men in grey suits and the established industry?
Context
The government announced a £3 billion national bus strategy. Residents have submitted improvement suggestions.
Rachel Maclean
I note your remark, Mr Speaker. I thank my hon. Friend for her point. I am not a man in a grey suit, so I can reassure her fully, and I thank her for the massively constructive way she has engaged with the national bus strategy since its launch. The way she has stood up for her constituents is absolutely exemplary, and I know from the discussions that she and I have had how important that is. By October, local transport authorities are expected to provide bus service improvement plans, which should be developed in collaboration with local people to ensure that they genuinely reflect the area's needs.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my hon. Friend join me in thanking that small business and encouraging others in Lancashire and beyond to create a job and give an opportunity through kickstart to as many young people as possible?
Context
The MP highlighted a small business in South Ribble that was concerned about participating in the kickstart scheme due to its size and directed it to a local chamber of commerce.
Mims Davies
I would very much like to thank my hon. Friend for raising the opportunities for smaller businesses, and the great team at the North and Western Lancashire chamber of commerce for their hard work and the services they provide as a gateway organisation. This is helping many sole traders and employers in her constituency to support our young people to take up these kickstart roles, ensuring that young people have that vital wraparound support, getting them on to the career ladder and, above all, grasping future work opportunities.
Session: Kickstart Scheme 2021-01-25 (2)
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Can my hon. and learned Friend share when the community centre can have some certainty and get its exciting plans under way?
Context
The Wymott bowling club is planning a new community centre but needs clarity on the Ministry of Justice's timeline for releasing land.
Lucy Frazer
We expect to make a decision on this in spring 2021, and my officials are planning to meet Ms Kitching in mid-December.
Session: Prison Capacity
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that some of the additional police officers could be used to target rural areas where the force is stretched?
Context
Concerns raised in rural areas about youth groups, potential drug use and antisocial behaviour. The MP asks if some of the additional officers can be used to target these issues.
Priti Patel
The chief constable is increasing policing and patrols across the region. In a rural area, more resources mean putting more officers on the beat to deal with rural crime and antisocial behaviour.
Session: Police Officer Numbers
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The M6 is crucial for food supply and business logistics. During the pandemic, my right hon. Friend has been working with Highways England and others to keep it operational. Could you provide an update?
Context
Concerned about the M6 being a vital artery for South Ribble, the MP requested an update on measures taken during the pandemic to ensure its continued operation.
Grant Shapps
We have ensured that the arteries continue to flow by working with Highways England and other bodies to put in place measures while network usage was reduced, thereby supporting essential travel needs.
Session: Topical Questions
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Leyland has some exciting plans for development with the Government's towns fund, and an important part of that is the reopening of Midge Hall station, but at the moment we have the nonsense of trains stopping there but passengers not being allowed to get on or off. Will my hon. Friend give every consideration to that as part of the restoring your railway fund?
Context
Leyland has plans for development with the Government's towns fund, including reopening Midge Hall station. At present, trains stop at the station but passengers are not allowed to board or disembark.
Andrew Stephenson
That was an excellent Lancastrian question, from an excellent Member of Parliament. For the second round of applications to the restoring your railway ideas fund 51 proposals have been submitted to the expert panel. The recommendations have now been made and we are considering them for funding. We will be announcing the outcome of the second round in the coming weeks.
Session: Rail Connections North of England
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What steps his Department is taking to improve rail connections in the north of England. I am concerned about the lack of adequate rail services and connectivity issues that hinder economic growth and daily commutes in the region.
Context
The north of England is experiencing significant investment needs for rail infrastructure.
Andrew Stephenson
We announced nearly £600 million of investment in the rail network across the north in July alone. This is part of the £48 billion being spent on rail between 2019 and 2024.
Session: Rail Connections North of England
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Professor Sarah Gilbert in vaccine research; Kate Bingham in vaccine operations; Baroness Harding in testing; Dr Jenny Harries in medicine—all fantastic examples of highly qualified professionals leading the UK's response to this once-in-a-century pandemic, and they all happen to be women in STEM. Does my right hon. Friend agree that they are setting a wonderful example for future generations of girls and boys in South Ribble, Lancashire and beyond?
Context
The MP mentions specific female leaders in vaccine research, operations, testing and medicine who are setting examples for future generations.
Elizabeth Truss
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. They are a huge asset to our country, but having more women in STEM is also helping to close the wage gap and helping our economy to recover post covid. Around 35% of the wage gap can be overcome if we get more women working in high-paid occupations and sectors such as engineering and technology.
Session: Science, Technology and Emerging Industries Girls and Young Women
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What steps she is taking to encourage girls and young women to lead in science, technology and emerging industries.
Context
N/A - General question about encouraging female leadership in STEM fields.
Elizabeth Truss
We are making good progress in getting more girls and women into science, technology, engineering and maths, with a 31% increase in girls studying STEM subjects since 2010 and 1 million women now working in core STEM occupations.
Session: Science, Technology and Emerging Industries Girls and Young Women
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Many businesses in South Ribble stand to benefit hugely from a free trade agreement with the USA—not least Leyland Exports, a commercial vehicle and silicone hose specialist. Does the Secretary of State agree that we must push hard to secure a free trade deal that benefits businesses of all sizes in all regions, and supports supply chains?
Context
The question is prompted by the potential benefits for businesses in South Ribble, including Leyland Exports, from a free trade agreement with the USA.
Elizabeth Truss
My hon. Friend is right. I understand that Leyland Exports can face up to 25% tariffs on the export of goods vehicles to the United States, and 5% tariffs on its exports to Australia. In the free trade agreements we are looking for from the United States and Australia, one of our key asks will be to get rid of those tariffs, and to make it much easier for the car industry—by reducing testing and red tape—to ensure that we can get our fantastic exports into those markets.
Session: UKUS Trade Agreement SMEs
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What recent assessment has been made of the potential economic benefits to small and medium-sized enterprises of a trade agreement with the US?
Context
The question is prompted by the potential economic advantages for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in trading with the United States.
Elizabeth Truss
Some 30,000 small and medium-sized enterprises already trade with the United States. In the new free trade agreement, we will be asking for a dedicated SME chapter that removes customs red tape, does more stuff online and makes it much easier for our fantastic small businesses to trade with the United States.
Session: UKUS Trade Agreement SMEs
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South of Preston, there is only a single crossing of the River Ribble and a single-track bridge crossing the River Douglas, creating massive choke points for the residents and workers of Lancashire. Will my right hon. Friend consider additional bridges at these crossing points, which are strategically important for the whole of Lancashire as well as South Ribble?
Context
The MP highlighted the need for additional bridges across the River Ribble and Douglas in Lancashire to relieve congestion.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the importance of relieving congestion for improving day-to-day quality of life and driving economic growth. I am pleased that last year her constituency benefited from a £30 million investment to do just that. But there is always more we can do, and I would urge her to consider the Department for Transport's pinch points fund.
Session: Transport Infrastructure Funding
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Will my hon. Friend confirm how small business exports are growing our national economy and what the Government are doing to support them?
Context
South Ribble has many creative and hard-working smaller businesses whose products grace the world.
John Glen
I welcome my hon. Friend, recognise that SMEs are vital to the economy, have international trade adviser networks offering peer-to-peer support and a strategy launched in August 2018 to encourage more exports.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Trespass
19 April 2021
Main Concerns
['Ms Fletcher is concerned about the proposed changes to legislation in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill that would criminalise intentional trespass. She notes that 134,932 people signed a petition against this change, including those from her constituency of South Ribble. The concerns raised include prosecuting ramblers who stray off paths accidentally, preventing wild camping for personal safety or enjoyment, limiting peaceful protest rights, and inhibiting new path forging in the countryside. She also highlights that 84% of respondents felt that criminalisation would have major or moderate effects on their lives. Furthermore, she argues that such legislation could disproportionately affect urban dwellers and minorities who already have less access to outdoor spaces.']
Specific Asks
['Ms Fletcher asks the Government to address concerns about unintended consequences of the proposed changes, particularly regarding wild camping, mountain biking, rambling, and other recreational activities in rural areas. She also seeks assurance that the legislation will not be manipulated to criminalise participants who get lost or stray accidentally.']
Crime (Overseas Production Orders etc) Bill - Clause 30 - Child sex offences: grooming aggravating factor
15 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I move that the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to ensure that child sex offenders who engage in online grooming receive additional punishment, reflecting the severe nature of this a...
Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill
22 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Off-Road Vehicles (Compulsory Registration) Bill
19 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill aims to introduce a compulsory registration scheme for off-road vehicles, such as quad bikes and motorbikes, to reduce antisocial behaviour and improve safety. It is in honour of Davie Gow wh...
Midge Hall Railway Station
17 April 2024
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Ms Fletcher expressed her concern over the closure of Midge Hall station during the Beeching cuts. She highlighted that trains currently pass through the station without stopping for passengers due to...
Sub-postmasters Miscarriages of Justice Act (England and Wales) - Clause 1
20 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill will quash convictions for those affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal in England and Wales, aiming to right past wrongs by restoring good names automatically upon Royal Assent. It incl...
Backbench Business
29 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves that the House considers the use of language in politics, especially regarding respectful language and its importance for a strong and inclusive democracy. Raises concerns about women's represen...
Hereditary Peerages (Female Succession) Bill - Second Reading of the entire bill
23 February 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves for the Second Reading of a bill that seeks to end the constitutional sexism in the UK by ensuring succession to hereditary peerages does not depend on sex. The Bill aims to phase in changes gra...
Football Spectators (Unauthorised Entry) Bill - Second Reading of the whole bill
23 February 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill aims to introduce a new criminal offence for unauthorised or attempted entry into football matches, addressing the risks highlighted by the Baroness Casey Review following the chaotic events ...
Miscellaneous
06 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Civil Nuclear Road Map
11 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
4
PMQs Asked
27
Ministerial Questions Asked
75
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+101% above average
This MP:
27
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1443% above average
This MP:
75
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Katherine Fletcher's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.