Kelly Tolhurst
MP for Rochester and Strood
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Chatham docks support over 800 local, high-value jobs which are at risk because the owners are continuing in their pursuit to displace successful businesses, such as ArcelorMittal Kent Wire. The Labour council is failing to honour the commitment it made before the local elections to protect the docks and the jobs. Even the Leader of the Opposition said he was “proudly backing” the Save Chatham Docks campaign. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to see how we can protect the docks and save those jobs for my constituents? Is this not just another example of how Labour and its leaders change their position depending on which way the wind blows?
Context
The local Labour council is failing to protect Chatham Docks jobs after a commitment before the local elections. The Leader of the Opposition has said he was 'proudly backing' the Save Chatham Docks campaign.
Rishi Sunak
My right hon. Friend has been a constant champion of Chatham docks and I am disappointed to hear that the local Labour council is failing to honour the commitments it has made. As she points out, I am not surprised that the Leader of the Opposition has said one thing and then consequently done another. The docks support hundreds of jobs and I join her in calling on the council to rethink its approach.
Assessment
Did not directly address meeting request
Pointing Out Opposition Inconsistencies
Session: PMQs
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For more than two years, an illegal waste site has been operating in the village of Borstal. Tipper lorries with covered numberplates thunder to the site at all hours of the day and night, blighting the lives of residents nearby and creating untold environmental damage. No action has been taken despite engagement with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs team.
Context
An illegal waste site has been operating for over two years in the village of Borstal, with negative impacts on residents and the environment. The Environment Agency is involved but no action has been taken.
Rishi Sunak
The Government are committed to tackling waste crime, with the joint unit for waste crime bringing agencies together as requested. I will ensure a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss this issue.
Session: PMQs
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My constituency faces unrealistic housing targets, putting pressure on the council to develop plans closing successful working docks and losing beloved sites like Deangate Ridge. Can my right hon. Friend reassure constituents that there will be flexibility in meeting numbers so the council can produce a plan delivering appropriate housing while protecting important local sites?
Context
The constituency is facing unrealistic housing targets, which pressures the council to develop a plan that would close down a successful working docks and lead to loss of open spaces. This could harm local businesses and residents.
Boris Johnson
I know that my hon. Friend speaks for colleagues up and down the country. We want to make sure that councils are able to build in the right place and sensitively to local needs. Part of levelling up is encouraging us to take some pressure off the south-east, which has been overburdened for decades.
Assessment
Did not provide concrete policy changes or timelines for flexibility
Broad Principles
Session: PMQs
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Rochester proud long-standing creative arts community; great blow that university board decided to close site after 135-year history in town and inspiration of many successful artists. Does my right hon. Friend agree that university's plan to close at difficult time for sector will be detrimental to levelling-up agenda locally, but also opportunities for working-class kids for whom this campus provides instrumental route into further higher education?
Context
University of the Creative Arts board decided to close Rochester campus, which has inspired successful artists like Dame Zandra Rhodes. Closing will be detrimental to levelling-up agenda locally.
Boris Johnson
Thank my hon. Friend; right to campaign for higher education in constituency. Engaged university leaders ground in Rochester, sure they listened carefully.
Assessment
Did not address detrimental impact on levelling-up agenda or opportunities for working-class children explicitly
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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Forty years on from my predecessor Dame Peggy Fenner's opposition to the closure of Chatham dockyard, with the loss of thousands of jobs, I am now opposing the closure of what today is Chatham docks, with the loss of over 1,000 skilled jobs. Closing this regionally important asset, home to successful maritime and construction businesses—all growing, in spite of covid—to make way for flats represents short-term profit for the landowner at the expense of long-term economic and environmental benefit. Does my right hon. Friend agree with me, local councillors and the “Save Chatham Docks” campaign that coastal infrastructure plays a significant role in the growth of our local economies, creating jobs and clean maritime technology that contributes to our net zero ambition?
Context
Chatham Docks, once a site for naval dockyards, now houses maritime businesses. The current proposal to convert it into residential property is opposed by the community due to potential job losses.
Boris Johnson
Yes. One of the reasons we put £24 billion into defence alone is that it drives 400,000 jobs around the country, including the building of new frigates and new ships of all kinds. I hope very much that Chatham will benefit from the £100 million funding we put in on 24 December to rejuvenate coastal towns. The planning issue my hon. Friend raises is a matter for the local council, but I do hope a solution can be found that gives the benefits that she describes for the local community.
Assessment
Did not directly address opposition to closing Chatham Docks
Session: PMQs
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What assessment have you made of the expected impact of the new immigration salary list and what impact that will have on the net migration figure?
Context
The government has implemented new measures to tackle legal migration levels.
James Cleverly
We recognised high figures in recent years and implemented measures such as a higher salary threshold for skilled worker visas. By our estimations, under the new regime that I have put in place, 300,000 people who would previously have been eligible will no longer be eligible.
Session: Net Migration
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I am incredibly grateful for the significant increase in the number of GP appointments offered to residents in my constituency. However, last week Aspire announced that it wishes to close the Lower Stoke surgery on the Hoo peninsula, where the council proposes to build thousands of homes. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss how I can work further with the integrated care board?
Context
The MP seeks help from the Minister to address the proposed closure of a GP practice.
Andrea Leadsom
I am of course always delighted to meet my hon. Friend to talk about issues in her constituency. I reiterate that 50 million more GP appointments is brilliant news. Our flagship Pharmacy First programme will mean that more low-level infections and problems can be treated by community pharmacists at great convenience to patients, and it will expand GPs' ability to deal with more complex problems.
Session: Primary Care Patient Access
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Since we left the EU, my constituent—a UK citizen from birth—is repeatedly stopped by UK border guards and had his citizenship questioned. Is this British Government satisfied that customs and immigration system is so chaotic that their own citizens are being othered?
Context
A constituent is repeatedly questioned about citizenship by UK border guards.
Robert Jenrick (Minister for Local Government and Housing)
I have no idea what the hon. Lady is referring to, but I would be very happy to look into that individual case.
Session: Topical Questions
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Following recent knife crime incidents in my constituency and in the Medway towns, will my right hon. Friend meet me and our Kent police and crime commissioner, Matthew Scott, to discuss funding and how the Home Office can further support Kent police with the increased challenges we are facing in Kent due to our proximity to London?
Context
There have been recent knife crime incidents in the questioner's constituency and Medway towns. Kent has unique challenges due to its proximity to London.
Suella Braverman
I very much appreciate the particular challenges in Kent relating to knife crime. That is why I am glad that since 2019, Kent has received £5.5 million in core violence reduction unit grant funding, and £730,000 in additional support for targeted youth interventions. I have met the police and crime commissioner, and Chief Constable Tim Smith. They are both excellent at leading their forces, and there is now a record number of police officers in Kent. I am sure the Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire, my right hon. Friend the Member for Croydon South (Chris Philp), will meet my right hon. Friend to discuss that issue.
Session: Topical Questions
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. I am concerned about Meta's plan to roll out end-to-end encryption without safeguards, which will lead to fewer alerts to authorities regarding child grooming and abuse material on social media platforms. The Online Safety Bill is meant to hold tech firms accountable, but indifference towards abuse cannot be tolerated. Will the Secretary of State outline our concerns to Mark Zuckerberg?
Context
Meta plans to roll out end-to-end encryption on Facebook, Messenger and Instagram Direct. This will make it harder for UK law enforcement to proactively detect child grooming and abuse material.
Suella Braverman
The information that Meta and other tech companies give to UK law enforcement helps to protect around 1,200 children and leads to over 100 arrests of suspected child abusers every month. However, Meta plans to roll out end-to-end encryption soon, without safeguards, and it will no longer proactively detect and alert authorities to child grooming and abuse material on Facebook, Messenger and Instagram Direct. This will be a huge boon to anyone who wants to hurt a child. The Online Safety Bill will hold tech firms to account, but indifference to abuse is intolerable. I have written to Mark Zuckerberg—together with my right hon. Friend the Minister for Security, the right hon. Member for Tonbridge and Malling (Tom Tugendhat), children's charities and campaign groups—to outline our profound concerns.
Session: Topical Questions
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In 2015, my constituent's brother was brutally and senselessly murdered. The perpetrators were convicted and sent to prison. One remains in prison serving a life sentence. The family were devastated to find out that he had been moved to Rochester prison, less than three miles from where the family and extended family live and work, and close to the brother's grave. This is causing the family great distress, as an exclusion order was placed on the other perpetrator who is now on parole. Will my right hon. Friend meet me and the family to discuss the impact it is having and the distress it is causing to a local grieving family?
Context
A constituent's brother was murdered in 2015, the perpetrator is serving a life sentence at Rochester prison which is less than three miles from where the family lives. This causes significant distress.
Damian Hinds
I thank my right hon. Friend. All our sympathies are with her constituents and the family. I will, of course, be very happy to meet her.
Session: Topical Questions
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Anorexia affects many young people. One of my constituents had to give up work to look after her daughter, who was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and made a number of attempts to overdose—the latest just two weeks ago. The daughter is also suspected to be suffering from an obsessive compulsive disorder and an autism spectrum disorder, but has been told that the wait for diagnosis is over two years. Will my right hon. Friend outline what support we can give my constituent and her family? Have we thought about providing personal budgets, so that if the NHS is unable to treat an individual, they can seek treatment outside the NHS?
Context
A constituent had to give up work to look after her daughter diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and other conditions, facing a wait of over two years for diagnosis.
Steve Barclay
My right hon. Friend raises an important issue, and I am happy to look into the individual case she describes. Our wider objective in providing extra funding is to ensure that we treat more people, with 2 million more people accessing NHS-funded mental health support by 2023-24 and the number of patients in talking therapies last year up by a fifth from the year before.
Session: Access to Mental Health Services
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In Kent, burglary has decreased by 41% and crime overall has decreased by 7%. However, in Medway we have been blighted by the new phenomenon of car racing and car meets, which have created terrible antisocial behaviour and lots of problems for local residents. Does my right hon. Friend agree that Kent police working with the council to implement a public spaces protection order is a great way to tackle this nuisance?
Context
The MP reported a decrease in burglary and overall crime in Kent but highlighted the issue of car racing and meets causing problems for local residents.
Chris Philp
I agree with my hon. Friend that public spaces protection orders are a very good way to combat antisocial behaviour, whether it is antisocial racing or nitrous oxide consumption. I encourage all local authorities to use PSPOs.
Session: Neighbourhood Policing
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The Kent and Medway integrated care board reported that we had an increase of over 230,000 in the number of GP appointments offered to patients between September 2020 and September 2022. However, Medway has some of the lowest numbers of GPs per head in the country, and demand has increased. What support is the Department giving to the ICB to further increase access to GP appointments in Medway?
Context
The Kent and Medway integrated care board reported an increase of over 230,000 in the number of GP appointments offered to patients between September 2020 and September 2022.
Steve Barclay
I welcome the increase in appointments and the numbers that my hon. Friend has drawn to the House's attention. There is targeted funding of up to £20,000 for areas that are having difficulty recruiting; I am happy to discuss with her how we ensure that Medway can adequately access that fund.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Government have lost £4.3 billion of taxpayers' money through fraudulent covid schemes. Now we learn that a large chunk of that money is going into the hands of terrorists, organised crime gangs and drug dealers. Will the Minister reassure me that he is taking the reports seriously and update the House on the total number of investigations the Government are undertaking that relate to covid fraud?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the loss of £4.3 billion in taxpayers' money through fraudulent covid schemes, some of which is benefiting terrorists and organised crime groups.
John Glen
I can absolutely reassure the hon. Lady that the Government take the issue very seriously. That is why at previous fiscal events the Chancellor has invested £100 million in a taskforce to deal with it. When we designed a number of the interventions, protecting taxpayers was a real consideration.
Session: Tackling Economic Crime
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Leaseholders are pleased with the Building Safety Act but disappointed that some developers have not signed up to the pledge. What support is available for those in affected buildings?
Context
While progress has been made through the Building Safety Act, some developers have not signed up to the building safety pledge. This affects leaseholders in buildings over 11 metres.
Michael Gove
Of the biggest 53 developers, 45 have signed the pledge. For areas where developers have not signed up, we will work with them individually to ensure that they relieve leaseholders of their obligations, staying closely in touch with the MP.
Session: Building Remediation Costs
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What steps is the government taking to ensure that leaseholders do not have to pay for remediation work in buildings where the developer is at fault?
Context
The Building Safety Act aims to protect leaseholders from the costs of unsafe cladding. However, concerns remain about the financial burden on leaseholders when developers are at fault.
Michael Gove
The Building Safety Act 2022 protects leaseholders from costs related to historical building safety defects. Qualifying leaseholders and buildings over 11 metres in height are fully protected from unsafe cladding remediation costs. Leaseholder contributions will be a last resort and firmly capped, particularly where freeholders are linked to the original developer.
Session: Building Remediation Costs
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Changes to the guidance mean that banks are closing some pooled client accounts used by yacht brokers without issue for years. Will my hon. Friend meet me, UK Finance, and the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents to find a solution quickly? This is an important sector in coastal communities like my constituency.
Context
Yacht brokers rely on pooled client bank accounts for financial protection but recent guidance changes have caused banks to close these accounts, putting businesses at risk.
John Glen
My hon. Friend's industry knowledge is respected, and her concerns are taken seriously; the Government will engage closely but does not insist on individual lending decisions by banks. I will meet with her, UK Finance, and the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents to ensure guidance use is effective.
Session: Pooled Client Bank Accounts Guidance
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What assessment he has made of the effect on businesses of the Joint Money Laundering Steering Group guidance on pooled client bank accounts. Yacht brokers have been using these accounts for years without issue but changes mean some are now closing them, putting established businesses at risk in coastal communities like my constituency.
Context
The question arises from the impact of new guidance by the Joint Money Laundering Steering Group on pooled client bank accounts, which has led to closures of such accounts.
John Glen
My hon. Friend's concerns are taken seriously and although the Government will never insist on individual lending decisions by banks, we will engage closely with affected businesses. I will meet her, UK Finance, and the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents to ensure effective use of guidance in this situation.
Session: Pooled Client Bank Accounts Guidance
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Residents at The Wharf, a building of below 18 metres, are being asked by the management company to foot large bills for works to their building next year. Will my right hon. Friend outline how he will support those residents? Time is of the essence, and some residents will simply not be able to pay.
Context
Residents of The Wharf, a building under 18 metres, are facing large bills for necessary works due to cladding issues. Management companies are asking residents to cover significant costs.
Michael Gove
My hon. Friend makes a very important point. It is vital that we proceed as quickly as possible on 18 metre-plus buildings rendered unsafe because of aluminium composite material or other forms of cladding whose unsuitability the Grenfell tragedy laid bare, to make them safe. For some buildings of between 11 metres and 18 metres, it is important that we take a proportionate approach to safety and cost. Safety must come first, but for a number of buildings between 11 and 18 metres, the action needed can be taken quickly and may not be at the level or intensity—or certainly the cost—of action required in other buildings.
Session: Fire Safety Remediation Protection for Leaseholders
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Chatham Docks Basin 3 Redevelopment
01 May 2024
Responding: Lee Rowley
Main Concerns
['The proposal to redevelop Chatham docks into a residential-led mixed-use development has raised concerns about the sustainability, quality of jobs, environmental impact, and displacement of thriving industries. The dockyard is home to nearly 20 businesses, including ArcelorMittal, Aggregate Industries, and European Active Projects Ltd, which directly employ 795 people and indirectly support another 1,500 jobs, with a combined turnover of nearly £175 million in 2021. The redevelopment plans have shifted focus from the initial promise of job creation to predominantly retail and hospitality sectors, resulting in only around 200 full-time jobs materialising since 2013.']
Specific Asks
["I urge the government to support a local plan that prioritises the preservation of Chatham docks as a commercial port. This includes endorsing the SPPARC Architecture masterplan for revitalisation and ensuring the long-term viability of high-value industries within the basin, which contribute significantly to Medway's economy."]
Business Banking: Undesignated Client Accounts
18 October 2023
Responding: Andrew Griffith
Main Concerns
['Kelly Tolhurst is concerned about the challenges small businesses, particularly in the marine industry, are facing due to how anti-money laundering regulations are being implemented by UK banks. She highlights that reputable and long-established companies have been driven close to closure as a result of these issues. The problem affects industries such as yacht brokers, letting agents, estate agents, jewellers, care homes, and solicitors. Specifically, the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents has raised concerns about the implementation of Joint Money Laundering Steering Group guidelines by UK banks.']
Specific Asks
["Tolhurst asks for urgent action to resolve the issue affecting small businesses' access to necessary bank accounts, especially those using pooled client accounts (undesignated client accounts)."]
NHS
23 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Legal Migration
04 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Combined Sewer Overflows
13 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water Quality: Sewage Discharge
25 April 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion would allow for parliamentary time on Tuesday 2 May to progress Labour’s Bill, the Water Quality (Sewage Discharge) Bill. The country is being treated with contempt due to raw human sewage ...
Illegal Migration Update
29 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Strip Searching of Children
28 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Environmental Improvement Plan 2023
01 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
17 January 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Inquired about the steps his Department is taking to support businesses with energy costs, particularly mentioning the £14.6 million investment in Cummins for developing a hydrogen combustion engine a...
Illegal Immigration
13 December 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
The Economic Crime Bill - Clause 2
13 December 2022
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to strengthen our measures against economic crime by introducing robust checks and balances on financial transactions to preve...
Proposed Loss of Deangate Ridge
21 July 2021
The petition opposes Medway Council’s plans to build a relief road through protected green spaces, including Deangate Ridge, and construct a flyover near residential areas, which residents argue are f...
View Full Petition -->
5
PMQs Asked
15
Ministerial Questions Asked
30
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
8
Statements / Bills
1
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+12% above average
This MP:
15
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+517% above average
This MP:
30
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-15% below average
This MP:
8
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
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 Kelly Tolhurst's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.