Kevin Foster
MP for Torbay
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I am concerned about the impact of homelessness as highlighted in a local theatre company's film and ask what further steps the Government plans to take to ensure everyone has a place of their own?
Context
The latest film from Torquay's Unleashed Theatre Company, “3 Steps”, highlights the impact of homelessness. The question stems from this awareness initiative.
Rishi Sunak
We are investing an unprecedented £2 billion over the next three years to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping, including by building thousands of move-on homes and implementing our landmark Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, which has already prevented or relieved almost 600,000 households from suffering from homelessness.
Session: PMQs
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What expectations does the Deputy Prime Minister have of the new levelling-up partnership for focusing Government effort and resources on revitalisation efforts?
Context
Revitalising Oldway and regenerating town centres are key to levelling up in Torbay.
Oliver Dowden
Levelling-up partnerships are committed to work hand in hand with 20 places across England, backed by £400 million of investment. My hon. Friend will make a robust case for funding.
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister will recall the commitment he gave back in January to the building a brighter future plan for major investment at Torbay Hospital. Does that commitment remain unchanged?
Context
The Prime Minister gave a commitment in January to invest in Torbay Hospital under the building a brighter future plan.
Rishi Sunak
I congratulate my hon. Friend on his continued campaign to improve Torbay Hospital. I am delighted to reconfirm the Government's commitment to major new facilities there as part of our new hospitals programme, and I look forward to further work progressing in the months ahead.
Session: PMQs
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Can my right hon. Friend assure me that the Government's commitment to this project remains unchanged?
Context
The building a brighter future project for Torbay Hospital is the biggest single healthcare investment in south Devon since NHS founding.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for his local hospital and constituents. The new hospital scheme is part of our plan to deliver dozens more hospitals by 2030, and we remain committed to delivering the new hospital at Torbay.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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The Deputy Prime Minister will be aware of the opportunities but also the challenges that face Torbay's tourism and hospitality sector, including increased energy costs and the impact of business rates. What consideration is he giving to the situation of Torbay's iconic industry and further measures to support it?
Context
The Deputy Prime Minister is asked about the situation of Torbay's tourism and hospitality sector, which faces challenges like increased energy costs and business rates.
Dominic Raab
My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for Torbay. The Chancellor will make a statement tomorrow and I cannot speculate on the spending decisions, but my hon. Friend will have noticed already the tourism recovery plan, which will help recovery from the pandemic and is also part of the wider levelling-up agenda.
Assessment
Did not provide specific measures beyond mentioning an existing recovery plan
Session: PMQs
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The Minister must have guessed that a mention of the Torbay Weekly, which was launched four years ago under its editor Jim Parker, would be coming in this supplementary question. One of the worrying trends we have seen is the way that national corporations will buy a historic local title, turn it into a weekly and run into the ground. Even when such corporations close down a newspaper, they refuse to release the title so that it can perhaps be used by a local group that is trying to put together a multimedia platform to continue local accountability.
Context
National corporations buying historic local titles and running them into the ground, refusing to release titles for reuse by locals trying to continue accountability.
Julia Lopez
There is surely no greater publication in my hon. Friend's constituency than the Torbay Weekly. I should also say that this House has made it clear just how strongly it feels about BBC local radio services in the course of this Parliament, and I hope to see them protected in the next Parliament. He is absolutely right about the challenge of publications being bought up. We want to support some of the microsites, and we are looking at how we can use Government advertising spend to try to help support them.
Session: Local Journalism
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Can I thank our shadow Culture Secretary? I am proud of the work that he has done and that I have been able to do alongside him on behalf of the SNP and the people of Scotland. Mr Speaker, can I also echo your comments about Liam Laurence Smyth? The number of times I have gone to Liam and said, “I want to get up to some mischief, can you help me?” I have really appreciated all the advice that he has given me. I would like to ask the Secretary of State whether the Media Bill will be part of wash-up, because a number of organisations, including STV, have contacted me this morning asking for it to be.
Context
The MP acknowledges past collaborative efforts with Liam Laurence Smyth and asks about the status of the Media Bill before the general election.
Lucy Frazer
That is certainly what I am pressing for and I am very grateful to the hon. Member for her support to ensure that that happens.
Session: Topical Questions
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My hon. Friend will know that the combined parishes of St Paul's and Christ Church serve a large part of Paignton but are currently in interregnum. As he outlined, during interregnums, lay ministers and church wardens have to step forward. What extra support does the Church make available to them when they do so?
Context
The combined parishes of St Paul's and Christ Church serve a large part of Paignton and are currently experiencing an interregnum.
Andrew Selous
It is typical of my hon. Friend to take this level of interest in his clergy and churches, as I know he does regularly. The diocese of Exeter has produced a guide to help church wardens and the parochial church council during an interregnum. A duty of pastoral care is clearly owed to all those who keep the church going in the absence of a minister.
Session: Diocesan Support Interregnums
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What recent assessment the Church of England has made of the adequacy of the support offered by dioceses to a parish in an interregnum?
Context
The Church of England has been assessing the adequacy of support provided to parishes experiencing an interregnum, a period without a parish priest.
Andrew Selous
During an interregnum, a diocese will usually arrange for clergy in neighbouring parishes and across the local deanery to take services and be available to support the church wardens and the parochial church council. It is important that those local volunteers are well supported during an interregnum when they lack the visible and present leadership of a parish priest.
Session: Diocesan Support Interregnums
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Having been involved in running a number of our youth mobility schemes, I am fairly familiar with the concepts that they involve, such as capped numbers; reciprocity—the idea that we do not have a large flow one way without it happening the other way; limited terms; no access to the welfare system; and the fact that people cannot take dependants with them given their temporary status. Will the Minister assure me that we will maintain the position that we had under the former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, that we will do this where it is in the UK's economic interest and where we know that the main drivers of issues such as immigration abuse do not exist? That is why we have the schemes that we do with Australia, Canada and New Zealand, and why we should maintain that open approach.
Context
The questioner has experience with running youth mobility schemes under the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He asks about maintaining previous policies.
John Lamont
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for his work in this area and his continued interest in it. The Government have made it absolutely clear that we have no plans to agree an EU-wide youth mobility scheme for the reason that he has highlighted, but we are open to negotiating with individual member states individual arrangements that suit the United Kingdom and Scotland.
Session: Youth Mobility European Commission Scheme
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During recent ministerial visits, what representations were made on the issue of Christian persecution in China, alongside highlighting other aspects of their human rights record?
Context
The 'World Watch List 2024' report highlights significant persecution of Christians globally, with particular concern in China.
Nusrat Ghani
He highlights China, where we remain concerned about persecution of Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and Falun Gong practitioners. The Asia Minister visited China last week, making clear our concerns about human rights violations.
Session: Persecution of Christians
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If he will make an assessment of the implications for his policies of the Open Doors report entitled “World Watch List 2024”. The report highlights significant persecution faced by Christians globally, especially in China, where churches face increasing pressure.
Context
The 'World Watch List 2024' highlights the persecution Christians face globally, noting over 365 million Christians suffer each year. The UK prioritises freedom of religion or belief.
Nusrat Ghani
The report provides a sobering account of extreme difficulties faced by many Christians globally, noting more than 365 million face persecution yearly. Freedom of religion or belief is prioritised in the UK, and issues of persecution will be recognised and addressed.
Session: Persecution of Christians
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As the Minister knows, recent weeks have been difficult for Torquay United fans, with the club entering into administration following years of fans struggling to get answers from the owner, and a completely flawed plan for a new stadium, which made no progress whatsoever. What role will preventing the circumstances that have dragged down Torquay United and other clubs play in future developments in how the game is governed?
Context
Torquay United has entered administration, highlighting issues with fan engagement and stadium development plans. The MP seeks clarity on how these issues will be addressed in future regulations.
Stuart Andrew
I agree that meaningful engagement with fans is crucial. I want to put on record my thanks to the Torquay United Supporters Trust for its action to support the club and the fans. I share the concerns about the financial situation right across the game. That is exactly why the Bill will give powers to the regulator, which will be able to monitor and enforce financial regulation and deal with club ownership, fan engagement and club heritage issues, to ensure that clubs are protected for the very fans who are their bedrock.
Session: Torquay United Football Club
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The future of the Church is reliant on younger families attending and receiving the good news of the Holy Gospel. What assessment has the Church made of initiatives like the pupil chaplain scheme and regular “Messy Church” at All Saints Torre in achieving that?
Context
The Church is looking at various initiatives like the pupil chaplain scheme and regular “Messy Church” events at All Saints Torre to engage younger families.
Andrew Selous
I was delighted to learn about the pupil chaplain scheme that All Saints Torre is running with Torre Church of England Academy; I will bring it to the attention of the Church nationally. The Church of England has committed £40 million since 2022 to increase provision for children and young people across the country.
Session: Easter Church Services
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To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent assessment the Church has made of trends in the number of families that attend a church service over the Easter period.
Context
This question follows an assessment period where the Church Commissioners are evaluating church service attendance, especially in light of post-pandemic trends.
Andrew Selous
Although we do not yet have confirmed numbers of worshippers for this Easter just gone, our clergy report high attendance, among all ages, at services, which supports the post-pandemic trend of people returning to services on Easter day in person to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.
Session: Easter Church Services
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What recent discussions has she had with the National League on the financial sustainability of Torquay United Football Club?
Context
The MP is concerned about the financial issues facing Torquay United, a local football club in his constituency.
Stuart Andrew
I share my hon. Friend's concerns about the financial issues facing Torquay United. I urge all parties to find a swift solution to this distressing situation. The Government are seeking to support the professional game through the Football Governance Bill, which will establish an independent football regulator.
Session: Torquay United Football Club
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What progress have the Government made since the Wade review on ensuring that justice is done in these cases?
Context
90% of victims in cases of intimate partner murder are women.
Gareth Bacon
We are increasing sentences by introducing statutory aggravating factors for murders that are preceded by coercive or controlling behaviour, that involve overkill or that are connected with the end of a relationship. For manslaughter involving sexual conduct, we intend to target cases where death occurs in the context of abusive or degrading sexual conduct.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister, my fellow Devon MP, for his answer. It is very encouraging to have had positive feedback from veterans in Torbay about the simplicity of applying online, but one question comes to mind: what work is being done with local authorities that encounter veterans through services such as housing to encourage them to apply online or make an application if they have not done so?
Context
The MP thanks the Minister for his answer regarding applications for HM armed forces veteran cards. He then asks about work being done with local authorities to encourage veterans to apply online or make an application if they have not done so.
Johnny Mercer
That is a good question and I cannot emphasise this point enough. Obviously, this is my responsibility as the veterans Minister, but it is also the nation's duty to look after these people. We need local authorities to understand what is available to look after these people. We have armed forces champions in local authorities now and I want to see that role taken seriously. There are multiple pathways specifically for veterans through health, housing, employment and a number of other topics, but clearly it is incumbent on all of us in public life to understand what is available for veterans so that when we find one in need, they get the world-class help they deserve.
Session: Veteran Cards Devon and Cornwall
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How many applications have been made for HM armed forces veteran cards by military veterans living in Devon and Cornwall?
Context
The question concerns applications for HM armed forces veteran cards made by military veterans living in Devon and Cornwall.
Johnny Mercer
The Office for Veterans' Affairs and the Ministry of Defence launched a new service in January to allow veterans to apply for their cards. Since then, 1,259 veterans have applied from Cornwall and 2,793 from Devon.
Session: Veteran Cards Devon and Cornwall
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Energy is a vital purchase for the hospitality sector, and can make up a large part of the overall costs. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that the energy costs faced by pubs, hotels and food businesses do not put them out of business?
Amanda Solloway
I thank my hon. Friend for that important question. Wholesale energy prices have fallen compared with last year. The Government have been supporting eligible businesses locked into high contracts through the energy bills discount scheme, until they can take advantage of lower fixed-price rates. My hon. Friend will be interested to hear that the Government delivered more than £7.4 billion to non-domestic energy users last winter, covering around half of many businesses' energy bills.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for his answer. New nuclear holds the key not only to ensuring energy security but to creating thousands of high-skilled, well-paid jobs in the areas where it is located, but too often the planning process can take years, even on sites where there is long-established nuclear use. Has he discussed with ministerial colleagues what can be done to shorten that process significantly?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lengthy planning process for new nuclear sites.
Andrew Bowie
I can confirm that I have had those conversations, and the Government are exploring the potential for reducing regulatory burdens for the consenting and licensing of new nuclear power stations without impacting safety, security or environmental protections. We are also looking to introduce a range of other streamlining measures, including the action plan for reform, which sets out reforms to the nationally significant infrastructure projects regime.
Session: New Nuclear
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While my Department works to support the Scottish economy, the SNP imposes higher taxes and does not support vital sectors such as hospitality in Scotland compared to England. Does the Minister share this frustration?
Context
The MP is frustrated that despite his Department's efforts to support the Scottish economy, the SNP's high taxes and lack of support for sectors like hospitality are hindering progress.
John Lamont
My hon. Friend is right; sadly, the SNP's sole focus seems to be on independence referendums and making Scotland have the highest tax with less public services.
Session: Scottish Economy
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When does the Secretary of State plan to deliver the next update on the progress of that project?
Context
The opening of new operating theatres at Torbay Hospital next month represents the latest investment, but more major rebuilding work is planned.
Victoria Atkins
I am delighted that the House is as happy about that expansion as the hon. Gentleman and I are. I will meet him to go through his plans, because I know how carefully he has campaigned for this important asset in his constituency.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assessment has he made of the economic impact of the potential growth of the nuclear sector for the south-west region, particularly given the nuclear expertise at sites such as Devonport and Hinkley Point?
Context
Concerns about the economic benefits and job creation potential in the south-west region due to nuclear sector growth.
Andrew Bowie
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that the nuclear sector supports jobs across the United Kingdom, and it would be very welcome if Governments across this United Kingdom were to come together and champion that industry as it grows over the next few decades. The nuclear sector is vital to the economy of south-west England, providing up to 11,000 jobs in construction alone at Hinkley Point C, and will go on generating highly skilled jobs for generations.
Session: Nuclear Energy Sector
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Church buildings and congregations can work well with local councils to reduce rough sleeping by providing not only a bed and a meal, but the opportunity for lasting spiritual and emotional support through membership of the Church family. What further support can the Church of England offer parishes in Torbay that are undertaking such work?
Context
The question focuses on the support that the Church of England can offer parishes in Torbay engaged in work to reduce rough sleeping.
Andrew Selous
I warmly congratulate all the churches in Torbay on the provision of the night shelter, and I single out in particular Mark Gridley and Gary Mitchell, who I know have been instrumental in leading that work—I am sure that the whole House is grateful for what they are doing. It is also typical of my hon. Friend that, as I understand it, he provides a Sunday evening surgery at the shelter. I am sure that churches across England could learn from that excellent initiative. If any churches would welcome conversation with the Church of England about housing on Church land, I ask them to get in touch with me directly and I will enable that to happen.
Session: Rough Sleeping
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What opportunities does the Minister see for getting such a facility in Torbay to address that need?
Context
The MP highlights the work of the Torquay athletics club in coaching young people but notes a lack of suitable training facilities.
Stuart Andrew
Sport England has provided more than £20 million to support grassroots projects in the region. The Minister is willing to share a full list of available funds that can be explored by the questioner.
Session: Sports Facilities Devon and Cornwall
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What steps the Church is taking to support work by local authorities and the Government on reducing rough sleeping?
Context
The Church of England is being asked about its efforts to support local authorities and the government in tackling rough sleeping.
Andrew Selous
Many parish churches provide shelters and support for rough sleepers. The Church of England is working to provide long-term secure housing for those who need it, and piloting projects to build housing on Church land to enable that to happen.
Session: Rough Sleeping
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What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on developing new sports facilities in Devon and Cornwall?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of investment and development in sports facilities in Devon and Cornwall.
Stuart Andrew
The Government are investing in facilities up and down the country. The multi-sport grassroots facilities programme has invested, through the Football Foundation, more than £766,000 since 2022 across Devon and Cornwall, supporting 79 projects so far with equipment.
Session: Sports Facilities Devon and Cornwall
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What steps are the Government taking to ensure that offenders who spike drinks get appropriate deterrent sentences?
Context
Torbay Council's safety of women at night charter is being championed by Councillor Hayley Tranter to ensure deterrent sentences for those who pose a threat.
Laura Farris
Spiking is a disgusting crime carrying up to 10 years in prison. We are changing the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 to define spiking comprehensively and investing in rapid drinks testing kits.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps are being taken with allies to deter any use of force by the Maduro regime against Guyana?
Context
Venezuela's actions regarding Essequibo are unacceptable.
David Rutley
Venezuela's actions with regard to Essequibo in Guyana are completely unacceptable. The border was settled in 1899, and we are working with our regional partners, such as Brazil, and with international bodies including the United Nations Security Council, the Commonwealth—as has already been mentioned—and the Organisation of American States to de-escalate tensions.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps will the Government take to review the unduly lenient sentence scheme to cover cases such as that? I welcome much of the work being done. As the Solicitor General will be aware, a serving Royal Navy sailor was the subject of a violent attack in Torquay when he attempted to stop a group of yobs stamping a bird to death, but the unduly lenient community sentences and small fines handed down did not reflect the gravity of the offence or provide any deterrent.
Context
A serving Royal Navy sailor was attacked and the offenders received small fines, prompting concern about deterrent effect.
Michael Tomlinson
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for his question. I know he has had a long-standing interest in this subject since even before he was a Member of the House, and I am grateful to him for holding the Government to account. He knows that the ULS scheme—the unduly lenient sentence scheme—is reserved for the most serious matters. It is right to say that we keep the scheme under review.
Session: Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme
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What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme? In 2022, my office received 819 requests to review unduly lenient sentences. Of those, 139 were referred to the Court of Appeal, and the sentence was increased in 68% of cases.
Context
MP is concerned about the effectiveness and impact of unduly lenient sentence reviews.
Michael Tomlinson
In 2022, my office received 819 requests to review unduly lenient sentences. Of those, 139 were referred to the Court of Appeal, and the sentence was increased in 68% of cases.
Session: Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme
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I thank my right hon. Friend for his answer. It is no surprise that hitting tourists with a tax is likely to deter them from wanting to visit Wales, despite the natural beauty of places such as Snowdonia and the attractions of visiting locations such as Anglesey. Alongside highlighting the folly of this move from the Welsh Labour Government, will he ensure that anyone advocating for a tax on tourism anywhere else in the UK is reminded of the negative impact that it would have on our tourism sector?
Context
The question follows up on concerns about a visitor levy, emphasizing its potential to deter tourists and harm the tourism sector's employment. It asks for assurance that similar proposals in other UK regions will be discouraged.
David Davies
I can assure my hon. Friend that not only will I be reminding the Welsh Labour Government about the importance of supporting the tourism industry and the folly of introducing a tax, but my Conservative colleagues in the Senedd will also be making that point. I hope that the Welsh Labour Government will listen to them and also listen to the Wales Tourism Alliance, which has said that this tax will be a tax on jobs and a tax on an industry that employs one in 10 people in Wales.
Session: Tourism Sector Visitor Levy
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What recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on the potential financial impact of proposals to implement a visitor levy for Wales on the tourism sector?
Context
The question addresses the potential negative financial impact of a visitor levy proposed by the Welsh Government on the tourism sector in Wales. It highlights concerns about deterring tourists and harming local employment.
David Davies
The UK Government are investing in Wales and in the Welsh tourism industry, which has been evidenced most recently by the decision to allocate £500,000 to the Hay Festival—a project championed by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary. It is a pity that the Welsh Government are not taking the same view about the importance of the tourism industry and are introducing a tax that signals that Wales is closed for business.
Session: Tourism Sector Visitor Levy
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The Secretary of State has correctly identified that there are some who want to use immigration policy to enforce a hard border between England and Scotland as part of their aim to break up the Union. Does he agree, and in his assessment did he identify, that we need to ensure that immigration policy is not used as an alternative to offering the rewarding packages that key workers deserve?
Context
Secretary of State identified that some want to use immigration policy to enforce a hard border between England and Scotland as part of an aim to break up the Union.
Alister Jack
Absolutely. We are one United Kingdom. We have no physical border. It is important that we treat immigration equally across the whole United Kingdom and give everyone equal opportunity.
Session: Scottish Work Visa Scheme
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Swim Torquay provides a vital community facility in Plainmoor, yet it missed out on funding from the Government's swimming pool support fund. Will the Minister agree to a meeting to discuss how it can still be supported to meet the essential costs that it faces?
Context
Swim Torquay missed out on funding from the Government's swimming pool support fund.
Stuart Andrew (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sport, Heritage and Tourism)
It is precisely because we recognise how important swimming pools are that we have this fund. We have allocated £140,000 to the Riviera International Centre in my hon. Friend's constituency, and I know that the local council is seeking funding from phase 2. I will happily arrange a meeting with colleagues and Sport England.
Session: Topical Questions
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While it is for the Chancellor to set out tax changes, can he outline what representations he is making to the Chancellor to freeze the business rate multiplier and extend the 75% relief for hospitality for a further year?
Context
The tourism sector in the region is iconic but faces challenges with rising business rate bills. The question seeks representation details regarding freezing the business rate multiplier and extending 75% relief.
John Whittingdale
I discussed a range of issues affecting tourism in Devon with the Great South West tourism partnership. We covered a lot of ground, and I know that those issues are of great importance to the tourism sector. Of course, we are in regular dialogue with the Treasury, but it is a matter for the Chancellor, as my hon. Friend says.
Session: Tourism Industry Devon and Cornwall
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It is right that parish churches offer a beacon of hope and light to those going through the dark tunnel of addiction, reaching out the hand of Christian fellowship, but that can result in both clergy and church buildings being targeted by darker forces who see that as a threat to their trade. What further steps does my hon. Friend believe dioceses could take to ensure the personal safety of all involved?
Context
Clergy members offering support to individuals struggling with addiction face personal danger, as those involved in illegal activities see the churches' efforts as a threat.
Andrew Selous
The leadership and members of Paignton parish church are doing important work in supporting rough sleepers and tackling addiction, but the hon. Friend did not provide specific steps dioceses could take to ensure safety.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour and Drug-related Crime
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Whether the Church of England is taking steps to support parishes experiencing antisocial behaviour and drug-related crime in and around church buildings.
Context
Churches in various parts of the country are facing antisocial behaviour and drug-related crimes, impacting both clergy and church buildings. This issue is prevalent where churches offer support to those struggling with addiction.
Andrew Selous
The Church of England recognises its duty of care towards staff and will do everything it can to protect and assist them, working with police and local authorities.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour and Drug-related Crime
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What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on Government support for the tourism industry in Devon and Cornwall?
Context
The question pertains to recent discussions on Government support for the tourism sector in Devon and Cornwall.
John Whittingdale
I was pleased to visit south Devon in August and to meet members of the Great South West tourism partnership. I am also pleased that Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have recently been accredited as a local visitor economy partnership and that Devon is working with VisitEngland towards potential accreditation.
Session: Tourism Industry Devon and Cornwall
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Will he assure me that he will not look to devolve drugs policy, and instead get the Scottish Government to focus on their own responsibilities?
Context
The Secretary of State faces a challenge if rules on legal and illegal drugs differ across the UK. There are concerns about differing drug laws within the United Kingdom.
Alister Jack
My hon. Friend makes a very good point. Drug deaths in Scotland are three times higher than the UK average, despite the laws being the same across the UK. I do not believe drug consumption rooms are the panacea to those problems, but we absolutely must have drugs laws that work across the whole United Kingdom because it is a UK-wide problem.
Session: Devolution of Drugs Policy
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Routes such as the A303 from the south-west to London have been upgraded to ease congestion and boost the economy, but for those travelling to Cardiff along the M4, delays and congestion persist. What are the barriers to getting the vital upgrades that that route needs?
Context
The A303 has been upgraded, but the M4 route faces delays and congestion.
David Davies
I am afraid to say that the barrier is the Welsh Labour Government, who have decided that they will, as a matter of policy, end all new road-building projects in Wales, and, on top of that, bring in speed limits and road user charging. That is bad for jobs, bad for commuters and bad for the economy of Wales.
Session: Transport Connectivity
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I am concerned about the recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on improving transport connectivity between south Wales and south-west England, particularly regarding the £2.7 million provided for M4 congestion solutions and rail infrastructure improvements.
Context
There are ongoing issues with M4 congestion and rail infrastructure needs improvements.
David Davies
I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues to discuss transport links between Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom. The UK Government have recently provided £2.7 million to develop solutions to M4 congestion and deliver improvements to rail infrastructure.
Session: Transport Connectivity
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My hon. Friend will be aware that some of the diocese of Exeter's most challenged parishes are in the Torbay deanery, where an ordained minister can not only bring people into Christ's flock but be a lynchpin for wider community work. Has the Church of England looked at the situation of deprived communities in Torquay and Paignton to see where an additional ordained minister may be able to bring real value to those communities?
Context
The question addresses the Church of England's evaluation on the situation in deprived communities in Torbay, specifically looking at where an additional ordained minister could bring real value to those communities.
Andrew Selous
I am very pleased to be able to tell my hon. Friend that Ordinand Kenny Wickens is soon to be the curate at Our Lady and All Saints, Torquay. I would also like to pass on my thanks to two inspirational priests in my hon. Friend's constituency, the Reverend Sam Leach from Saint Mags church in Torquay and the Reverend Matt Bray from the Bay Church in Paignton, for the work they do in running the Living Room café, and groups for children and young people across the Torbay constituency.
Session: Diocese of Exeter Additional Ordained Ministers
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What recent assessment has the Church of England made of the potential merits of recruiting additional ordained ministers into parish ministry in the diocese of Exeter?
Context
The question pertains to the Church of England's assessment on recruiting additional ordained ministers in the diocese of Exeter.
Andrew Selous
I am delighted to tell my hon. Friend that, with financial assistance from the Church Commissioners, the Diocese of Exeter has increased the number of new curates to tell more people the good news about Jesus. On 1 July it will ordain 18 new ministers, 11 of whom are stipendiary and seven are self-supporting.
Session: Diocese of Exeter Additional Ordained Ministers
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Global Ocean Treaty — [Valerie Vaz in the Chair]
25 April 2024
Responding: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Main Concerns
["The UK Government has not yet formally ratified the Global Ocean Treaty, which was agreed upon by UN negotiators on March 6, 2023. This delay puts at risk the marine biodiversity of our oceans, as every week without the treaty in place increases this threat. The treaty aims to establish a legal framework for marine protected areas and is crucial to achieving the '30 by 30' target, which seeks to ensure that 30% of terrestrial and marine areas are effectively conserved and managed."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to provide a timeline for completing the work on drafting legislation necessary for ratifying the treaty. Additionally, I inquire about the possibility of introducing this legislation by autumn and whether there is support from all parties in Parliament for swift passage. Lastly, I seek clarity on when the Minister expects 60 countries to ratify the treaty.']
Duty Solicitor Scheme
13 March 2024
Responding: Mike Freer
Main Concerns
['The duty solicitor scheme in England and Wales is in crisis with more than 1,400 duty solicitors leaving the rota since 2017. In Devon and Cornwall alone, numbers have dropped from 109 to 78, and the forecast for 2027 is 64. Nationally, less than 4% of duty solicitors are under 35 years old, with the average age being 49. This shortage affects regions like Cornwall, Lincolnshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Norfolk, Shropshire, and Warwickshire where no one under 35 is practising criminal law.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should implement fee increases as recommended by the independent review of criminal legal aid to prevent the collapse of the duty solicitor scheme. Additionally, they should consider incentives such as a golden hello or funded training packages for new lawyers entering the profession to address the urgent need for more training and ensure capacity over the coming decade.']
Hospice Services: South Devon
29 November 2023
Responding: Helen Whately
Main Concerns
['Kevin Foster expressed concerns about the financial stability of hospices in south Devon, citing a Hospice UK survey revealing that 96% of hospices were budgeting for a deficit. He mentioned significant regional variation in statutory funding, with London receiving an average of 43% and south-west only 24%. Additionally, he highlighted increasing cost pressures on Rowcroft Hospice due to staff costs and utilities bill increases, while NHS funding has only increased by 8% over five years. Foster also noted the growing demand for palliative care services as more people live longer, with estimates suggesting a 25-41.2% increase in patients needing such care by 2040.']
Specific Asks
["Foster asked the Minister to confirm how much of the £25 million children's hospice grant each children's hospice will receive in 2024-25, when they will receive it and how. He also wanted an assessment of the impact of integrated care board funding on children's hospices and a direction from the Government for ICBs to work with neighbours on planning and funding these services."]
Short-term Holiday Lets: Planning
23 May 2023
Responding: Rachel Maclean
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the significant increase in short-term holiday lets in England, estimated at around 257,000 properties. My constituency of Torbay is heavily reliant on tourism and has seen a dramatic rise in listings by 661% over five years. This growth is leading to a shortage of affordable housing for local residents and key workers, with many families facing eviction. There are also issues related to noise disturbance, antisocial behaviour, waste disposal, fire safety, and health regulations.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to ensure that if changes to planning laws are proposed following the consultation, they will be implemented swiftly to prevent a rush of conversions before new rules come into effect. I also urge for local authorities to have flexibility in setting policies based on their specific circumstances.']
Restoring Your Railway Fund
24 January 2023
Responding: Huw Merriman
Main Concerns
["Mr Foster is concerned about the impact of railway closures during the Beeching era, which left many communities disconnected from rail networks. He highlights specific examples such as the closure of lines to Princetown in Devon in 1958 and Yealmpton in 1947 before Dr Beeching's report. He emphasises that the reopening of railways can revitalise towns and provide opportunities for economic growth, citing successes like the Okehampton line which saw more than double the demand forecast."]
Specific Asks
['Mr Foster asks the Government to confirm its commitment to reversing Beeching-era cuts as outlined in the 2019 manifesto. He also seeks support for MPs and communities where local councils are resistant to railway restoration projects, and requests an assessment of the full impact these projects have on reconnecting communities.']
Tourism Industry: Devon and Cornwall
23 November 2022
Main Concerns
['The tourism industry in Devon and Cornwall faces significant challenges including rising energy prices, increased business rates, competition from Airbnb-style operations, and consumer confidence issues. The sector is crucial to the local economy, with tourism representing 10% of employment in Devon and 20% in Cornwall. Businesses are struggling to cope with dramatic increases in utility costs, food and maintenance bills, and other expenses that cannot be recovered through price hikes alone.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks for a review of the energy price guarantee, longer-term reform of business rates, real engagement on future support schemes for energy costs, and encouragement of consumer use of hospitality businesses. He also calls for a date to publish the planned review of short-term holiday lets under planning regulations.']
Arrests and Prison Capacity
22 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Passport e-Gates Network Outage
08 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Immigration Update
01 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Inquiry
23 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill
22 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Illegal Migration Bill - Exemption for agents, allies and employees of the UK Overseas Territories
17 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to disagree with Lords amendment 1D. Proposes that nothing in the bill engages Commons financial privilege.
Asylum and Immigration (EU Withdrawal) Bill - Amendments 3B, 3C, 6B, 7B, 9, 10B
15 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Illegal Immigration (Offenders and Other Risks) Bill - After Clause 5
18 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
This amendment seeks to disagree with Lords Amendment 1, which implies that the legislation is not compliant with the rule of law. The Government believes that this Bill does comply with international...
Budget Resolutions
06 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Conservatives' record is marked by a recession, high tax burden, living standards decline, and fiscal irresponsibility. The Chancellor's new measures do not address these issues; they merely exace...
Ukraine
28 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
5
PMQs Asked
71
Ministerial Questions Asked
79
House of Commons Debates Involved
6
Westminster Hall Debates Led
15
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+36% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+420% above average
This MP:
71
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+137% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1532% above average
This MP:
79
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
+58% above average
This MP:
15
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Kevin Foster's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.