Laurence Robertson
MP for Tewkesbury
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Does the Prime Minister agree that local people and councils should decide on housing needs and locations? If so, will she abolish the top-down approach and reduce Planning Inspectorate powers?
Context
The government's top-down approach to setting housing targets is criticised.
Elizabeth Truss
My hon. Friend is right; we will abolish top-down housing targets, allowing local people to decide about homes and infrastructure without Whitehall intervention.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Will the Prime Minister establish a statutory body to ensure that new developments do not automatically tap into existing drainage systems, requiring full assessments of local capacity before proceeding?
Context
Heavy rainfall and inappropriate local development have caused flooding issues for constituents.
Boris Johnson
I will study the proposals but in the meantime I will raise them with the Environment Agency. We are investing £5.2 billion in flood defences across the country.
Assessment
Did not commit to appointing a statutory body
Will Study
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Can the Prime Minister guarantee that in any agreement that he reaches with the European Union, British sovereignty will be protected for the whole United Kingdom and that the UK will exit the transition period on 31 December as a whole?
Context
UK approaching EU transition period end date.
Boris Johnson
Yes, indeed; I can make that guarantee. Our position on fish has not changed. We will only be able to make progress if the EU accepts the reality that we must be able to control access to our waters. It is very important at this stage to emphasise that.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
As we tackle the pandemic, is it right that we also secure our post-EU future by helping rural communities and securing borders?
Context
The MP questions the government's approach to securing help for rural communities, ending free movement, and securing borders as part of the post-EU future.
Boris Johnson
The landmark Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill receives Royal Assent today, ending free movement and having a new points-based immigration system. The right hon. and learned Member for Holborn and St Pancras would like to reverse this.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Does the Prime Minister believe in the value of local accident and emergency units, and will he work to ensure the return of the A&E at Cheltenham General Hospital? The local hospitals trust has said that it will return, but can he try to ensure that it does so sooner rather than later?
Context
The local hospitals trust has stated that the closure of A&E at Cheltenham General Hospital is only temporary.
Boris Johnson
Yes, indeed. I am assured that the closure to which my hon. Friend refers is only temporary, and I remind him that this is the Government who are putting in the record—the biggest ever—capital investment in the NHS, with £34 billion of investment in the NHS, to say nothing of the investments we have made just in the last nine months.
Assessment
The PM did not commit to a specific timeline for returning the A&E unit.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Given that I alerted him earlier to my concerns about rising car insurance costs, which have risen by 80% since he took office, can you explain how ending the war on motorists relates to this issue? What specific actions has he taken to address these costs?
Context
Since the Secretary of State came into office, car insurance costs have increased by 80%. This is a major concern for drivers.
Mark Harper (Secretary of State for Transport)
I am grateful for her question and have read her letter carefully. The Treasury is responsible for the insurance industry, but we are committed to addressing this issue. Recently, a roundtable with Treasury Ministers and industry representatives was held to discuss these issues which are also prevalent in Europe.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Since you mentioned your department's activities, can I ask about Tewkesbury? It is one of the fastest growing areas. We need to expand the A46 and junction 9 of the M5, rather than reduce capacity or downgrade it. If any agency proposes plans to downgrade these roads, will you reject them?
Context
The Transport department has been active in various areas since the last questions.
Mark Harper (Secretary of State for Transport)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend and Gloucestershire neighbour for raising this issue. His constituency is one of the fastest growing, and he is a doughty champion for his constituents. Any agency thinking of downgrading any part of his road network would not dare to do so, fearing the consequences.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Has the Minister made any recent assessment of what trades or occupations are short of workers at the moment, and what steps are being taken to persuade people—perhaps more experienced people—back into the workforce to fill those vacancies?
Context
The Minister is asked about recent assessments of which trades and occupations are short of workers, and what steps are being taken to fill those gaps.
Jo Churchill
We are working with other Departments, employers and stakeholders to isolate where those vacancies are, and on sector-based work academy programmes. We have put over 266,000 people through construction, care, tourism, hospitality—all those gaps that we need to fill.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Because of its very large population and economic activity, Nigeria offers many opportunities for British businesses. I understand there was a recent ministerial visit to that country. Could we have a brief report of the outcome of that visit?
Context
Nigeria offers significant economic activity and population size that presents many opportunities for British businesses.
Kemi Badenoch
My hon. Friend is right. I signed the enhanced trade and investment partnership in Nigeria, alongside my counterpart, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, on Tuesday 13 February this year. It was the first of its kind in terms of the UK's trade commitments across the region. The partnership aims to remove market access barriers and promote technical co-operation in areas such as financial and professional services. The UK and Nigeria have co-created a partnership that tackles issues that businesses face, and this is the first step in a significant relationship and an already strong trading partnership worth a total of £6.7 billion in the 12 months to September.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I am grateful to the Minister for that response. On my visit to Zimbabwe in January, I met the President and a number of other Ministers. They made it very clear that they wanted to draw a line under the past, move forward and increase friendship—and, indeed, trade links—with this country. What more can the Government do to enlighten companies and businesses in the UK about the many opportunities in Zimbabwe?
Context
The MP met with the President and other Ministers in Zimbabwe, who expressed a desire to move forward and increase friendship and trade links with the UK. The MP seeks further actions by the Government to promote opportunities for UK companies.
Greg Hands
I thank my hon. Friend for his report and letter to me all about that. I am pleased with the high-level meetings he had on his recent visit and a lot of the media coverage. Our embassy is following up by preparing for the Zimbabwe international trade fair in April, and it is expecting a strong UK presence. My hon. Friend's return visit in April will be a perfect chance to progress the deals that we have and boost British investment for this year and beyond.
Session: Trade with Zimbabwe
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to increase trade with Zimbabwe. The Government were pleased that my hon. Friend visited Zimbabwe on the group's inaugural trade mission. That is part of the Government's work to promote opportunities for UK companies, particularly in critical minerals, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
Context
The MP notes his role as the Prime Minister's trade envoy to Angola, Zambia and Ethiopia. He mentions an inaugural trade mission to Zimbabwe by members of the Westminster Africa Business Group.
Greg Hands
The Government were pleased that my hon. Friend visited Zimbabwe on the group's inaugural trade mission. That is part of the Government's work to promote opportunities for UK companies, particularly in critical minerals, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
Session: Trade with Zimbabwe
View All Questions -->
Given that the rest of the United Kingdom—the internal market—is the biggest market for Northern Ireland, what role does he see for the new InterTrade UK, particularly with respect to trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland?
Context
The MP is interested in the role of InterTrade UK in facilitating trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Steven Baker
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about Northern Ireland's most important economic relationship being with Great Britain. As set out in the Command Paper, the Government are working to establish InterTrade UK, fulfilling our pledge to grow the economy by ensuring that businesses large and small can maximise the full range of east-west trading opportunities.
Session: Economic Growth
View All Questions -->
Should we impose at least the same restrictions, or an outright ban, on those convicted of murder because they can continue to be a threat to families of victims? Should we not?
Context
The Government are looking to further restrict the ability of sex offenders to change their name. Should murderers face similar or stricter restrictions?
Laura Farris (Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Safeguarding Victims)
Anyone convicted of murder receives a life sentence. They remain under an obligation to notify probation within 72 hours of any change of their name, with failure leading to immediate recall and up to five more years in prison.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
My Tewkesbury constituency contains a lot of aerospace manufacturing, particularly for the defence sectors, but those companies have long complained to me that they cannot attract enough young people, particularly to take engineering jobs. The all-party parliamentary group on aerospace, which I co-chair, has the objective of enticing young people to go into engineering or at least consider it as a career. Will the Government do anything more to persuade young people to consider taking up the engineering opportunities that are there?
Context
The MP's constituency includes aerospace manufacturing companies that face challenges in attracting young people to engineering roles. This question aims to seek government support for encouraging young people into these careers.
James Cartlidge
My hon. Friend asks an excellent question. It helps that we have lots of school groups and young people in the Gallery today, it being half term. I can confirm that last year's defence Command Paper identified skills as a priority, including the shortage of engineering, digital, cyber, STEM, nuclear, and space-based skills. The defence head of profession for engineering, who also supports the Government science and engineering head of profession, has a defence youth engagement strategy that drives STEM outreach activities and the encouragement of engineering uptake in individuals aged four to 14.
Session: Defence Manufacturing Employment
View All Questions -->
What assessment he has made of trends in levels of employment in the defence manufacturing sector in the next 12 months?
Context
The MP is seeking an assessment of employment levels in the defence manufacturing sector over the next year. This inquiry follows concerns about workforce sustainability and economic impact.
James Cartlidge
In 2022-23, the Ministry of Defence spent £25 billion with UK industry. The most recent estimate shows that this supported 209,000 jobs across the country, of which 47,000 were in manufacturing.
Session: Defence Manufacturing Employment
View All Questions -->
Given that many mortgage holders are suffering due to recent hikes in interest rates, will the Government continue discussions with the Bank of England and lenders to find ways to reduce these rates further? This could provide significant relief for homeowners.
Context
Continued concern over the impact of rising interest rates on mortgage borrowers.
Bim Afolami
I completely agree on the need to drive mortgage rates down, which is why we support the Bank of England's efforts. We also ensure that our policies do not exacerbate inflation by avoiding additional borrowing.
Session: Homeowners with Mortgages Support
View All Questions -->
I am concerned about the steps being taken to help support homeowners experiencing difficulties due to increased mortgage payments. What specific measures are in place or planned to alleviate this issue?
Context
Concerns about the impact of rising interest rates on mortgage borrowers, leading to financial difficulty.
Bim Afolami
The path to lower interest rates is through lower inflation, which is why the Government are fully committed to supporting the Bank of England in achieving its 2% target. For those in financial difficulty, the mortgage charter includes new flexibilities for managing repayments.
Session: Homeowners with Mortgages Support
View All Questions -->
At the moment, 120 pupils have been assessed as needing special school places, but those places are not available. Over the next couple of years it looks like at least 200 more special school places will be needed in Gloucestershire. Can the Minister look at the situation urgently to see what he can do to help?
Context
In Gloucestershire, there are currently 120 pupils assessed as needing special school places but those places are not available. The number of needed places is expected to increase.
David Johnston
We are working closely with local authorities on this issue. We have allocated more than £1.5 billion of high needs capital allocations in the last two years for local authorities to create additional places. Gloucestershire County Council has announced a 200-place moderate and additional learning difficulties school for four to 16-year-olds, to be delivered through our free school presumption route in early 2026.
Session: SEND Places Gloucestershire
View All Questions -->
What recent estimate she has made of the number of school places available for pupils with special educational needs in Gloucestershire?
Context
In Gloucestershire, there are concerns about the number of special educational needs school places available for pupils.
David Johnston
Places for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities have increased in Gloucestershire since 2015. We estimate that there are 1,700 places, and the local authority opened two additional settings in 2022-23.
Session: SEND Places Gloucestershire
View All Questions -->
The Secretary of State will be aware that the Premier League and the English Football League have held meetings, and yet have failed to come up with a solution for a fairer redistribution of funding. Given their inability to come to an agreement, will she get the two sides together round the table—she is probably already doing it—to encourage them to come up with a solution? Failing that, if legislation is necessary, will she consider it, because we do not want to see any clubs going under?
Context
The Premier League and the English Football League have held meetings but failed to come up with a solution for fairer funding distribution.
Lucy Frazer
It is absolutely right that a deal should be done. The Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Pudsey (Stuart Andrew), and I have been encouraging all the authorities to come to an arrangement. We have been clear that if no arrangement is reached, there will obviously be a backstop in the legislation for the football regulator that we will bring forward to the House shortly.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I thank the Secretary of State for that answer. Although farmers want to comply, they are concerned they may be disadvantaged compared with foreign producers who do not work to the same standards. What assurance can he give to British farmers that he will do everything he can to make sure supermarkets do not disadvantage them?
Context
The MP inquired about recent discussions between the government and supermarket representatives regarding proposed changes to the Red Tractor assurance scheme. He expressed concern that these changes may put British farmers at a disadvantage compared with foreign producers.
Steve Barclay
I give my hon. Friend a very strong assurance on that front. Supporting British farmers is my No. 1 priority, and with the Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries in the Department who has a lifetime's experience of working as a farmer, we will launch a review soon into fairness in the horticulture supply chain, but if necessary, I will not hesitate to use the powers in the relevant Act to introduce legislation to tackle contractual unfairness wherever it exists.
Session: Red Tractor Assurance Scheme
View All Questions -->
Whether he has had recent discussions with representatives of supermarkets on their proposed changes to the Red Tractor scheme. I am concerned that without proper oversight, these changes may impact farmers negatively compared to foreign producers who do not adhere to similar standards.
Context
The MP inquired about recent discussions between the government and supermarket representatives regarding proposed changes to the Red Tractor assurance scheme.
Steve Barclay
The Red Tractor assurance scheme is independent and its relationship with food retailers is a commercial matter. The Government will launch a review of the fresh produce sector to understand issues relating to fairness in the supply chain, and I can give my hon. Friend a very strong assurance that supporting British farmers is my top priority.
Session: Red Tractor Assurance Scheme
View All Questions -->
May I ask the Trade Minister, whom I welcome back to his position, what efforts the Government are making to raise awareness of the developing countries trading scheme, particularly among African countries? What encouragement is he giving those countries to take advantage of that scheme, which would benefit them and us?
Context
The UK's developing countries trading scheme offers duty-free or nearly duty-free access to goods from African countries.
Greg Hands
Again, we have almost a full turnout of the Prime Minister's trade envoys in the House this morning, and I commend my hon. Friend for the work he does as the Prime Minister's trade envoy not just to one country, but to three—Angola, Zambia and Ethiopia. He rightly takes a strong interest in the UK's forward-leaning and exemplary developing countries trading scheme. The scheme was launched on 19 June by my predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Worcestershire (Nigel Huddleston), who is now the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, and provides duty-free or nearly duty-free access to goods to 37 African countries. The scheme was launched to significant media attention in Ethiopia, and there was a series of events in more than 10 countries.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
While negotiations are ongoing between the Premier League and the EFL on money redistribution, what can she do to bring both sides together to reach an agreement?
Context
There are concerns over the lack of agreement between the Premier League and the English Football League regarding money redistribution, which is crucial for financial sustainability in football.
Lucy Frazer
I understand my hon. Friend's concerns regarding money redistribution; I support his encouragement for football associations to reach an agreement, and if necessary, the independent football regulator will have targeted statutory powers to intervene on financial distributions as a last resort.
Session: Independent Football Regulator
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for that response but, of course, interest rates have made matters much more difficult for graduates, who cannot afford to both pay off their student loan and buy their own property. Is there anything further that the Government can do to help graduates, who are struggling to do both? One of the things we could do is raise the threshold at which they start to pay back the loans.
Context
The question builds on concerns about the financial strain on graduates due to high interest rates, making it difficult to repay loans while also purchasing property.
Laura Trott
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. The most important thing we can do is bear down on inflation, because that will bear down on interest rates, which affect us all. I would also point to the cost of living support that the Department for Education is providing for students. I would be happy to discuss the matter with him further.
Session: Student Loan Repayments Inflation
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of inflation on the ability of graduates to repay student loans?
Context
The question arises due to concerns about rising inflation affecting the financial burden on graduates repaying their student loans. There is no specific statistic mentioned, but it reflects a broader economic issue.
Laura Trott
Tuition fees have been frozen for 2023-24 and 2024-25, which will help affordability for future graduates. For new graduates, interest rates will move with the retail prices index but will have nothing added.
Session: Student Loan Repayments Inflation
View All Questions -->
I am grateful to the Minister for that response, and I heard the earlier responses, but there is a shortage of places in special needs schools—special schools for children who need those places. Will he carry out a national assessment of the number of places that are available in special schools against the number of places that are needed?
Context
The MP expressed concern over the shortage of school placements for children with special educational needs, noting that some students are being placed in mainstream schools despite requiring specialist education.
David Johnston
My hon. Friend makes an important point. We have approved the opening of 78 special schools, and this year we collected new data from local authorities on their capacity and demand forecast for special schools. That will help us to support them more effectively to fulfil their duty to provide sufficient places.
Session: Special Needs Education Funding
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has she made of the adequacy of funding for special needs education?
Context
The MP inquired about the current state of funding allocation and its sufficiency towards addressing special educational needs.
David Johnston
Higher needs funding for children and young people with complex needs is increasing by a further £440 million next year, bringing the total higher needs budget to £10.5 billion in 2024-25—60% higher than it was in 2019-20.
Session: Special Needs Education Funding
View All Questions -->
Thanked the Minister for his response. Asked about discussions had on the future operation of the green channel under the Windsor framework.
Context
The green channel is a priority for frictionless trade with Great Britain, important for Northern Ireland's largest trading partner.
Steven Baker
Priority is successful implementation of the Windsor framework and its green channel. Ongoing conversations with Cabinet Office leading the taskforce to ensure seamless operation for everyone involved.
Session: Economic Trends
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made of trends in the Northern Ireland economy; and if he will make a statement.
Context
The question comes after recent economic assessments and the need to foster growth in Northern Ireland, including challenges and potential for resilience.
Steven Baker
We routinely monitor economic trends. The economy has potential for growth despite challenges. The Government remains committed to fostering development, highlighting an investment summit from 12-13 September to showcase Northern Ireland's economic potential.
Session: Economic Trends
View All Questions -->
For years, I have been trying to persuade Governments of all colours to change building regulations to require all new buildings to be fitted with solar panels. That would secure supply, reduce household bills and help towards net zero. Why do we not do it?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of progress in increasing rooftop solar installations despite efforts to persuade governments.
Grant Shapps
I am a great enthusiast for solar panels and want to see more people install them. Over the past period, renewables have increased from 6.9% to 43%. We are keen for this expansion to go further and faster, ensuring it is part of building codes while also not being too prescriptive.
Session: Rooftop Solar Panels
View All Questions -->
For years, I have been trying to persuade Governments of all colours to change building regulations to require all new buildings to be fitted with solar panels. That would secure supply, reduce household bills and help towards net zero. Why do we not do it?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of progress in increasing rooftop solar installations despite efforts to persuade governments.
Grant Shapps
The Government supports the installation of rooftop solar through financial incentives, performance standards, and the solar taskforce. The UK has increased renewables from 6.9% to 43% over a period, and there is a balance between being prescriptive with building codes and ensuring speedy progress on all commercial rooftops.
Session: Rooftop Solar Panels
View All Questions -->
Morocco is very much looking to do more trade and business with the United Kingdom. What are the Government doing to enable that country to do so?
Context
Morocco is seeking to increase its trade and business relations with the United Kingdom.
Nigel Huddleston
The UK is absolutely committed to enhancing trade with Morocco. In 2022 we did about £3.1 billion-worth of bilateral trade—up nearly 50% on 2021—and we are using our association agreement with Morocco to boost that even further. In February I visited Morocco and met my counterpart to discuss how we can maximise trade, including by tackling barriers in priority areas such as education, renewable energy and infrastructure. We are also supporting British businesses to take advantage of the significant opportunities in Morocco, including through £4.5 billion of available finance through the excellent UK Export Finance.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
That is all good news, particularly the developing countries trading scheme. I was recently in Ethiopia for a trade visit. Can the Minister tell me how the developing countries trading scheme, in particular, will help Ethiopia?
Context
The MP inquires about the specific impact of a recent trade initiative on Ethiopia, following his visit there.
Nigel Huddleston
I thank my hon. Friend and constituency neighbour for the work he does as the Prime Minister's trade envoy to Ethiopia and many other countries. I was also in Ethiopia recently, and many people were praising my hon. Friend and his work. He is right that the developing countries trading scheme will reduce tariffs, which is a win-win both for developing countries, making it easier and cheaper for them to export to the UK, and for UK consumers because it will reduce prices.
Session: Trade with Africa
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to increase trade with African countries?
Context
The MP seeks information on steps taken by the government to enhance trade relations with Africa.
Nigel Huddleston
To increase and grow trade with Africa, we are using our nine trade agreements, covering 18 African nations. In April 2024, the Prime Minister will host the second UK-Africa investment summit to showcase investment opportunities and advance two-way trade. Just this month, we launched the developing countries trading scheme, which covers 65 countries, including 37 African countries.
Session: Trade with Africa
View All Questions -->
Businesspeople from Africa have faced difficulties obtaining short-term visit visas due to a centralised system prone to minor application issues. This affects trade between Africa and the UK. Will the Minister look into this issue to find ways to improve the visa processing system?
Context
The current centralised system for processing African business visas often leads to delays and small errors, causing lost opportunities for both businesses and the UK.
Robert Jenrick
I would be happy to take a further look and to learn from my hon. Friend's experience. I am pleased to say that UK Visas and Immigration is now processing all new visit visa applications within the service standard of 15 days, with 323,000 applications from those with African nationalities last year.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for that response and I welcome the changes that have been made, but it still seems to be the case that sometimes, legal aid or connected taxpayers' money can be used to challenge decisions that have been democratically arrived at and would, in fact, benefit communities. Will the Minister make a statement?
Context
Following changes made in 2012, there are concerns that legal aid is still being used to challenge democratically arrived decisions.
Mike Freer
The Legal Aid Agency reviews all cases to ensure that funding decisions are necessary and appropriate, including ensuring each individual has a cause of action.
Session: Legal Aid 2023-03-28 (2)
View All Questions -->
If he will take steps to ensure that legal aid is used only for cases which relate to individual cases; and if he will make a statement. Legal aid must be granted only to individuals with specific regulations, but there are concerns about the use of taxpayers' money in challenging democratically arrived decisions.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the use of legal aid in multi-party applications and its impact on individual cases.
Mike Freer
Legal aid is granted only to individuals with specific regulations. Changes made in 2012 allow legal aid for participants in MPAs only where each individual has a cause of action and will directly benefit from proceedings, under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.
Session: Legal Aid 2023-03-28 (2)
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister agree that prioritising brownfield sites is important particularly to take the pressure off small villages, which face many speculative planning applications and do not have the infrastructure to support them?
Context
Small villages face many speculative planning applications without the infrastructure to support them.
Rachel Maclean
I know my hon. Friend expresses the concerns of his constituents who live in those villages in the Tewkesbury area. That is why we have already introduced range of policy and funding initiatives to support the development of brownfield land. The Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill will go much further to empower local leaders to regenerate those towns, cities and villages by introducing a new infrastructure levy, which will capture a higher land value uplift to enable more infrastructure to be delivered alongside housing.
Session: New Homes Regenerated Brownfield Land
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to help ensure that planning authorities prioritise housebuilding on brownfield sites; and if he will make a statement.
Context
The issue of prioritizing brownfield sites for housing to reduce pressure on greenfield areas and small villages facing speculative planning applications.
Rachel Maclean
This Government are committed to making the most of brownfield land. The national planning policy framework sets out that planning policies and decisions should give “substantial weight” to using suitable brownfield land, and through our brownfield funds we are investing significantly in supporting redevelopment and release of brownfield sites for housing. We have also committed to launching a review to identify further measures that would prioritise the use of brownfield land.
Session: New Homes Regenerated Brownfield Land
View All Questions -->
I co-chair the all-party parliamentary engineering group. One of our objectives is to get young people to consider taking up employment in engineering. A number of companies in my area, for example, are short of young people. What more can the Government do to make young people aware of the excellent opportunities that exist in engineering?
Context
Companies in the area are short of young people for employment in engineering.
Mims Davies
We are focused, across Government, on helping young people become involved in STEM projects and careers; a new science and technology framework was announced today. DWP Train and Progress helps claimants take advantage of the bootcamps run by the Department for Education.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
While it is obviously right to develop other forms of transport, does the Secretary of State agree with me that in rural areas in particular the car is here to stay? Is it not therefore very important that we have adequate road infrastructure in place before any sizeable developments are begun?
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of car infrastructure for communities and businesses.
Mark Harper
60% journeys made by car, especially in rural areas. 49% budget for strategic road network is allocated for renewing existing networks; will discuss point with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
In mid-March, the greatest National Hunt festival will take place at Cheltenham racecourse in my constituency. What have the Government been able to do to facilitate the international movement of top thoroughbreds?
Context
The importance of the international movement of top thoroughbreds to maintain the world-leading position of the National Hunt festival at Cheltenham racecourse.
Therese Coffey
The Government are close to publishing their target operating model proposals which will take a proportionate, risk-based and technically advanced approach to future sanitary and phytosanitary controls. They are still considering the approach specifically for live animals.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. Many Members are concerned by reports about the availability of various horticultural products right now, especially after issues in Spain and north Africa.
Context
Concerns about the availability of horticultural products due to a particular issue in Spain and north Africa before Christmas.
Therese Coffey
DEFRA is working closely with the industry to understand supply chain issues. Officials are already working with food retailers, and the Minister will be meeting them very early next week specifically to talk through certain aspects for supermarkets.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I appreciate that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is the lead on this matter, but can he give us any idea of the timescale for when he might expect to conclude discussions with the European Union, and at which point he might consider getting the Northern Ireland protocol through Parliament?
Context
There are ongoing discussions about the Northern Ireland protocol and its implementation through Parliament.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The one thing we are being quite steadfast on, as well as trying to get a negotiated solution to this particular issue, is not commenting on timelines. My hon. Friend will have noticed that the smallest amount of progress was communicated to the world through a joint communiqué four or five weeks ago. Our illustrious friends in the media then wrote up what that might be, what the detail of the deal might be and that there was a deal. Elements of the media then went on to decapitate said deal. I am afraid that, until we get to the end of the negotiations and until we get somewhere—we are not there yet—we will not comment on timelines.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Flooding
06 February 2024
Responding: Rebecca Pow
Main Concerns
['In 2007, Tewkesbury and other areas suffered severe flooding that displaced around 1,000 households and led to the evacuation of Tewkesbury hospital. Since then, while some mitigation measures have been implemented, regular flooding continues to occur due to excessive building on flood plains, impacting homes, businesses, and farms. People feel left to fend for themselves despite Government compensation schemes which are cumbersome to access. Furthermore, drainage failures caused raw sewage to enter houses over Christmas 2022, causing significant damage and disruption.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the government to take a more holistic approach to flood management, considering both national strategies and local interventions. Specifically, they ask for clearer guidance on infrastructure responsibilities, better coordination between councils and the Environment Agency, and measures such as sustainable urban drainage systems and river dredging to manage water flow efficiently.']
A46 at Tewkesbury
09 May 2023
Responding: Richard Holden
Main Concerns
['The area around junction 9 of the M5 is experiencing significant growth, with an additional 10,000 houses planned and major industrial sites nearby. The proposed improvements to the A46 are insufficient and could include reducing junction 9 to a two-way junction and building a link road through flood-prone land near schools. There is also concern about the lack of evidence for traffic relief benefits from bypass options.']
Specific Asks
['The MP requests that the government reject the current business case and instruct Gloucestershire County Council to develop proposals specifically aimed at increasing the capacity of the A46 to handle local traffic, rather than focusing on bypasses without sufficient evidence.']
Ethiopia: Humanitarian and Political Situation — [Mr Peter Bone in the Chair]
19 January 2022
Responding: Chris Heaton-Harris
Main Concerns
['The humanitarian situation in Ethiopia is dire, with over 9.4 million people in need of food assistance due to conflict. The World Food Programme reports that 400,000 Tigrayans are facing famine conditions, and up to 50% of pregnant and breastfeeding women screened in Amhara and Tigray were malnourished with exhausted nutritionally fortified food stocks. Human Rights Watch claims war crimes committed by all sides, including the execution of dozens of people and widespread rape against ethnic Tigrayan women and girls.']
Specific Asks
['The UK Government should continue aid to Ethiopia, respond to World Food Programme appeals for additional funding, and use its position on the Security Council to push for a peaceful solution. The Prime Minister should engage in direct dialogue with Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed to discuss an immediate ceasefire and peace talks.']
Pensions (Special Rules for End of Life) Bill - Clause 2 - Extent and Commencement
17 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment aims to bring the provisions of the Bill into force four months after Royal Assent. This is to prevent any potential delay due to a general election and ensure that the critical provisio...
Agriculture
13 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The draft regulations continue the agricultural reforms in England, applying progressive reductions to delinked payments for 2024. The overall farming budget is maintained at £2.4 billion annually acr...
Terminal Illness (Support for Terminally Ill Recipients of Occupational Pensions) Bill - Clause 1
02 February 2024
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
The amendment seeks to extend the definition of 'terminally ill' from six months to twelve months for recipients of occupational pensions whose pension schemes have become insolvent. This change will ...
Northern Ireland Executive Formation
31 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
11 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Storm Henk
08 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sudan
17 April 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Protocol
27 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Elections
09 November 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Alcohol Taxation
07 July 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate is about simplifying the complex system of alcohol taxation in the UK post-Brexit. The speaker highlights the positive steps taken by the Government to lower duty on draught beer and broade...
5
PMQs Asked
99
Ministerial Questions Asked
39
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
11
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+639% above average
This MP:
99
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+702% above average
This MP:
39
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+16% above average
This MP:
11
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 Laurence Robertson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.