Marco Longhi
MP for Dudley North
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
It seems that, with the exception of the British Transport police, all other police forces will treat non-contact sex crimes as they would perhaps the theft of a bike, petty retail crime or antisocial behaviour. Will the Prime Minister facilitate a meeting between me, colleagues and the Home Secretary to give priority to these acts of crime, to ensure that women and young girls get the protection they deserve?
Context
Concerns about the treatment of non-contact sex crimes by police forces.
Rishi Sunak
Of course we want women and girls to get the protection that they deserve, and I am pleased that our violence against women and girls strategy is showing results, improving the safety on our streets and increasing sentences for rapists. I will make sure that my hon. Friend gets the meeting that he needs with the Home Secretary or relevant policing Ministers to discuss his concerns.
Session: PMQs
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Although Dudley did not make it into the latest round of levelling-up funds, we have received £25 million in towns deals and secured projects like a leisure facility and transport interchange since 2019. However, our high streets are suffering. Will the Prime Minister meet me and the Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council to discuss strategies for success in future funding rounds?
Context
The Dudley area received £25 million from the towns fund but missed out on levelling-up funding. The local high street is struggling.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is a great advocate for his constituents, securing £25 million from the towns fund. There will be disappointment regarding the levelling-up fund but all bids can receive feedback to strengthen future funding applications.
Assessment
Meeting to discuss strategies for success in future funding rounds
Disappointment
Feedback
Session: PMQs
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On 30 September 2020, the Prime Minister joined me on a building site in Dudley that is now the new Institute of Technology, delivering on skills for future jobs and creating opportunities across the Black Country. Will the Prime Minister join me in congratulating the delivery team—including stakeholders such as Thomas Dudley and Dudley College—that delivered on this amazing project? Will he join me to do so in person at the nearest opportunity?
Context
The Prime Minister visited a building site in Dudley that is now the new Institute of Technology, delivering on skills for future jobs.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is a great champion for Dudley and for the Black Country. I am delighted to hear that the Black Country & Marches Institute of Technology is now open and will certainly keep his kind invitation in mind.
Assessment
Did not commit to joining the MP in person at the institute.
Deferral
Session: PMQs
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The Priory Park boxing club in Dudley is celebrated for producing champions and supporting excluded youth. Paul Gough at the club works on new opportunities, including a school partnership to ensure academic success alongside fitness training. The council leader Patrick Harley agreed to support this initiative.
Context
Priory Park Boxing Club in Dudley has produced multiple champions and supports young people with academic qualifications.
Boris Johnson
I thank Marco Longhi for highlighting Priory Park Boxing Club's work, praising Paul Gough and Patrick Harley's contributions. The club aids educational success alongside fitness training.
Session: PMQs
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I wonder whether my right hon. Friend, were he to find a small gap in his very busy diary, would join me on a visit to the Black Country Living Museum, where I would introduce him to a plate of Black Country battered chips and a pint of Holden's Golden Glow, all after he has reviewed the arrangements that the museum has made to become a covid vaccination centre.
Context
The question is about a visit to the Black Country Living Museum for a potential covid vaccination center.
Boris Johnson
I look forward to returning before too long and thrilled that the Black Country Living Museum is in line to be a covid vaccination centre.
Assessment
Did not confirm a specific visit date or agreement.
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister lend his support to this scheme to level up and generate greater opportunity for Dudley people?
Context
£25 million investment via the Government's towns fund to secure a university campus near town centre.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
I will certainly look at what I can do—be careful what you wish for! Is it to be there in person? Is that what he is asking for?
Session: PMQs
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Does the Minister agree that the large sums of taxpayers' money channelled to organisations such as the Arts and Humanities Research Council for woke-driven projects should be spent on other high-tech projects such as, for example, the tagging of illegal migrants in this country so that we can quickly locate and deport them, starting in Dudley?
Context
Taxpayers' money is being channelled to organisations like the Arts and Humanities Research Council for projects deemed as 'woke-driven'.
Andrew Griffith
Funding councils must be accountable for their own individual decisions. My hon. Friend no doubt reflects the concern of his constituents, who expect, in return for our record expenditure on research, the discovery of life-saving medicines, or groundbreaking technology; that is what they expect in return for hard-earned taxpayers' money.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Secretary of State look into this matter with great pace?
Context
The ombudsman's report recommended compensation and the Secretary of State has indicated that there will be no undue delay in coming to conclusions.
Mel Stride
There will be no undue delay, and we are considering the report thoroughly.
Session: State Pension Age Changes Compensation
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What more can the Minister and her Department do to raise awareness and better support charities such as the Beacon Centre and its users?
Context
The question highlights the work of the Beacon Centre for the Blind in Sedgley, where Marco Longhi met with partially sighted employees Kaydee and Nathan. The visit underlined the challenges faced by vulnerable people.
Mims Davies
I met representatives from the Disability Charities Consortium yesterday, and some of those matters were discussed. We have invested £2 billion in improving inclusivity and accessibility at work for disabled people and people facing health barriers. We have hundreds of jobcentres across the country, and fantastic work coaches are tapping into extra support through our network of disability employment advisers to assist people just like Kaydee and Nathan.
Session: Workplace Inclusivity and Accessibility
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What steps she is taking to help increase inclusivity and accessibility at work for disabled people?
Context
The question addresses the government's initiatives to support disabled individuals in the workplace, including specific programmes like Access to Work.
Mims Davies
The Government have a programme of initiatives to support disabled people and people with health conditions in starting, staying and succeeding in work. That includes Access to Work, Disability Confident, and a digital information service for employers, which aim to increase inclusivity and accessibility for disabled people in the workplace.
Session: Workplace Inclusivity and Accessibility
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Is not a so-called “independent” commission describing Welsh independence as viable concerning given most people in Wales want to remain part of the Union? Does my right hon. Friend agree that any further exploration of this idea must be ruled out by the Labour Welsh Government?
Context
The Independent Commission described Welsh independence as viable despite majority support for remaining part of the UK. This concerns the MP, who believes it would be damaging to the economy and public services.
David Davies
I completely agree; it is concerning that the Welsh Labour Government considered independence despite clear issues like NHS waiting lists, educational standards, business rates, and speed limits. They should address these priorities with existing powers.
Session: Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales
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What discussions have been had with the Welsh Government regarding the Independent Commission's final report on the constitutional future of Wales?
Context
The Independent Commission's final report on the constitutional future of Wales, funded by Welsh taxpayers but set up and reporting to Labour ministers, has raised concerns.
David Davies
The not very independent commission was set up by Welsh Labour Ministers and reports to them, but it was paid for by Welsh taxpayers. Its report contained more constitutional navel gazing and calls for more powers, with no address of problems inflicted on Wales.
Session: Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales
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Will the Minister join me in congratulating South Staffordshire Council on serving an enforcement notice to rebuild the Crooked House pub? Will he also look favourably at measures I will be bringing forward to ensure that heritage pubs are better protected, because, as he will know, the Crooked House and many others have had no protections at all?
Context
The MP is urging for better protection of heritage pubs like the Crooked House in South Staffordshire.
Michael Gove
My hon. Friend makes an important argument, and the case of the Crooked House reinforces what he has long campaigned for: better protection for heritage pubs. I look forward to working with him and Lord Mendoza to achieve just that.
Session: Topical Questions
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Regulation 13 of the Windsor Framework (Retail Movement Scheme) Regulations 2023 requires officials to check ID numbers on seals and break open 5% to 10% for visual inspection. Is my right hon. Friend now able to confirm when, or if, that regulation will be removed?
Context
The MP is questioning the regulation requiring checks on retail consignments entering Northern Ireland.
Steven Baker
I am most grateful to my hon. Friend for his insightful and well-rehearsed question. As we set out in the Command Paper, as we transition to the UK internal market system, we will provide clear legal direction to eliminate any physical checks when goods move within the UK internal market system, except those conducted by UK authorities required as part of a risk-based or intelligence-led approach.
Session: Economic Growth
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The period of service for a police long service medal was changed from 22 to 20 years in 2010. Sadly, Guy Hewlett and others were excluded due to lack of retrospective awarding. Will the Home Secretary agree to review this unfairness?
Context
In 2010, the police long service medal eligibility changed from 22 to 20 years without retrospective application.
Chris Philp
Changes of this nature are generally not applied retrospectively. However, I will review the matter again.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that any legislation should deal with these issues swiftly and avoid any further delays?
Context
Some sub-postmasters have been suffering for a long time due to wrongful convictions stemming from the Post Office's flawed IT system.
Alex Chalk
The judiciary and courts have dealt swiftly with the cases before them, but the scale and circumstances of the prosecution failure mean that this demands an unprecedented response. The Prime Minister announced a major step forward in response to the Horizon scandal, aiming for prompt justice and rapid financial redress.
Session: Horizon System Exoneration of Sub-postmasters
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Given my background as an engineer, I know that 'micro' means something extremely small. Has the Minister a view on this, and does she recognise it as a new phenomenon? How big a priority might it be?
Context
The question arises from the concern over the increasing use of the term 'microaggression', which is being scrutinized for its utility and necessity in addressing serious criminal behavior.
Kemi Badenoch
I am not a fan of that term, and microaggressions training was removed from the Government Campus prospectus in November 2022.
Session: Topical Questions
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In 2005, the DWP failed to make a reasonable decision about targeting information at the women affected by state pension age changes. The ombudsman ruled that there was maladministration. These women, in Dudley and around the country, deserve more than just an apology. Does the Minister accept these findings, and if not, will he explain why not?
Context
The MP points out that in 2005, the DWP failed to provide targeted information about state pension age changes to affected women, resulting in an ombudsman ruling of maladministration.
Paul Maynard
The Department is co-operating with the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman investigation, which is ongoing, and it would not be appropriate to comment on it or the outcome.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Secretary of State agree to visit Dudley, and would he support tighter contracting frameworks by local authorities so that utility companies are made to pay for all consequences of their substandard work?
Context
The MP praised the additional government funding for road resurfacing and highlighted the good work of Dudley Council's highways department. He requested a visit to Dudley and tighter contracting frameworks.
Mark Harper
Utility companies already have legal duties to ensure that their works and reinstatements are to required standards. Earlier this year, we introduced a new performance-based street works regime to crack down on the worst performing companies leaving behind poor road surface repairs that can lead to more potholes. Those with higher failure rates are now inspected more often and are charged for it.
Session: Road Resurfacing
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As the Prime Minister's trade envoy to Brazil, I know that the best way of supporting exports from my Dudley businesses is to remove barriers to trade. That is why I was absolutely delighted when both our countries signed a double taxation agreement, in good faith and to the highest possible standards. There appear to be complications in Brazil at the moment with ratifying that agreement through Congress, as we have ratified it through our Parliament. What more can Ministers—the Chancellor of the Exchequer, perhaps—do to try to persuade Brazil that it is indeed a very good deal for itself as well?
Context
There are complications in ratifying the UK-Brazil double taxation agreement through Brazil's Congress, despite it being ratified by the UK Parliament. The deal is worth hundreds of millions of pounds to the UK.
Greg Hands
First, I praise my hon. Friend for the amazing job he does as the Prime Minister's trade envoy to Brazil. Partly due to his efforts, UK-Brazil trade has increased by 33% in the past year alone, so we are doing a very good job there. The UK-Brazil double taxation agreement was passed into UK law in June, and is estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of pounds to the UK. I hope that Brazil ratifies the agreement soon: it is very much in its own interests as well. As my hon. Friend knows, the Chancellor has made very strong representations to that effect, and we look forward to strengthening our trade relationship at the next UK-Brazil joint economic and trade committee next year.
Session: Topical Questions
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Estimates show that public sector productivity is now 7.5% less than before covid. Could this be because of continued flexible working arrangements? How much does this affect the taxpayer?
Context
Public sector productivity has dropped by 7.5% since pre-COVID times, potentially due to a more liberal work-from-home policy.
Laura Trott
Public sector productivity must improve, which is what the review is looking at. I look forward to discussing this with him further.
Session: Public Sector Productivity and Public Spending
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With 800,000 fewer self-employed in the economy post-covid and post-IR35, does the Chancellor agree that increasing the VAT threshold to £250,000 for new registrations would boost growth and be a net gain in revenue terms in the long run?
Context
There is widespread consensus that growth is essential to the economy. With 800,000 fewer self-employed in the economy post covid and post IR35.
Jeremy Hunt
I thank my hon. Friend for raising the support we give to small businesses. As he will know, supporting small businesses, particularly by rolling over the retail, hospitality and leisure business rates discount of 75%, was a major feature of the autumn statement. We will continue to keep under review anything that we can do to help our small businesses.
Session: Topical Questions
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The fight against potholes is much like our own fight to stay healthy: if we do nothing about it, we deteriorate faster. I therefore thank the Minister for the additional £200 million allocated to local authorities for pothole repairs. Will he join me in praising Dudley Council's new approach of moving away from traditional, reactive quick wins towards a proactive, high-quality structural maintenance service?
Context
Local authorities are receiving £200 million for pothole repair, with Dudley Council adopting a new proactive maintenance approach.
Richard Holden
I certainly am delighted to praise Dudley Council for its new approach, spending that money wisely but also implementing preventative measures for the future. Well planned road maintenance is essential, and on 4 October the Prime Minister announced that Network North would include £8.3 billion for local highway maintenance right across the country.
Session: Topical Questions
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Mr Speaker—[Interruption.] Mr Speaker, I would like to draw attention to what I consider to be an unfair blueprint for Britain that includes a ban on new roads, meal deals, road charges and more spending on politicians. Does my hon. Friend agree that this is not a blueprint for success?
Context
The question is a follow-up to the previous exchanges about the Labour Welsh Government's blanket 20 mph roll-out, with concerns about other policies proposed by the UK government.
David Davies
I completely agree with my hon. Friend. We need to be very careful of this blueprint for Britain, which includes a ban on new roads, a ban on meal deals, a tourism tax, road charges, over £100 million being spent on more politicians, a £1,600 minimum wage being paid to some asylum seekers and a ban on news channels in the Assembly that Senedd Members disagree with. That is not a blueprint for Britain; it is a recipe for disaster.
Session: Speed Limits
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What discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on the potential impact of the Restricted Roads (20 mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022 on the Welsh economy?
Context
The question arises from concerns about a petition against the Labour Welsh Government's blanket 20 mph speed limit roll-out, signed by over 450,000 people.
David Davies
No sensible person would oppose a 20 mph speed limit where there is a case to be made on the basis of safety outside hospitals, old people's homes or schools, but the blanket decision by the Welsh Government has been opposed by over 460,000 signatories to the largest petition in the Senedd's history.
Session: Speed Limits
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Does the Minister agree with me that banks and the corporate world should follow the police example of focusing on their core business instead of engaging in political agendas such as cancel culture?
Context
There is concern that banks and corporations are taking sides in politically contentious matters rather than focusing on their primary functions.
Andrew Griffith
My hon. Friend represents the views of his constituents in this place clearly; he is right: although they are private entities, banks benefit from a privileged place in society and should focus on doing their core functions brilliantly, treating customers fairly, making sustainable returns for shareholders, rather than taking sides on politically contentious matters.
Session: Freedom of Speech Financial Sector
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What discussions has the Minister had with representatives of the financial sector regarding freedom of speech and debanking customers due to political views?
Context
Discussions about banks debanking customers based on political views have raised concerns about freedom of expression.
Andrew Griffith
During recess, I met with banking executives to discuss debanking and lawful freedom of expression; they have committed to comply with changes published on 21 July. The Financial Conduct Authority is conducting an urgent review of debanking practices which will report back to the Chancellor in the next couple of weeks.
Session: Freedom of Speech Financial Sector
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May I, too, thank the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister for the difference the agreement with Albania is making in reducing arrivals? Germany, a member of the ECHR, refuses to even allow claims from Albanians. Will the Secretary of State therefore consider derogating from the ECHR, as German appears to have done and as we did over prisoner voting, to further build on that success?
Context
The question considers whether derogating from the European Convention on Human Rights could further reduce illegal migration and prisoner transfers.
Alex Chalk
My hon. Friend has raised an important point. In the five months to the end of May, Albanian small boat arrivals were down by 90% on last year, and we have returned 1,800 illegal migrants and foreign criminals to Albania. Thanks to changes in our asylum system, we have gone from accepting one in five Albanian asylum claims to accepting just one in 50, in line with other European countries such as Germany.
Session: Prisoner Transfers Albania
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Will my right hon. and learned Friend join me in congratulating Dudley Town football club, which has recently been promoted to the midlands premier league for the first time in 38 years? Will she also do what she can to support me and Mayor Andy Street in our joint campaign with Dudley Town football club to return it to its rightful grounds within Dudley borough?
Context
Dudley Town Football Club has been promoted to the Midlands Premier League after a gap of 38 years.
Lucy Frazer
I am happy to join my hon. Friend in congratulating Dudley Town football club on its tremendous season, its league title and its promotion. I understand the importance to fans of where football is played, and fans want to watch their teams play in Dudley town. I wish the club well in its aspirations to return there.
Session: Topical Questions
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities since the last oral questions.
Context
None provided.
Lucy Frazer
Since our last oral questions, my Department has delivered a gambling White Paper to bring our gambling regulations into the smartphone age, the historic coronation of King Charles III, and an unforgettable Eurovision final in Liverpool. As Members of the House will know, our creative industries are genuinely world class. Yesterday, the Chancellor and I set out a new vision for those industries that will extend their excellence into the future, building a pipeline of talent, adding £50 billion to our economy and creating an extra 1 million jobs by 2030.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Secretary of State update the House on what her Department is doing to build on that trading relationship with Brazil?
Context
The question follows a previous Q&A on CPTPP, focusing now on the UK's trading relationship with Brazil.
Kemi Badenoch
Our bilateral trade with Brazil increased to £7.7 billion in the 12 months ending December 2022, and the signing of the UK-Brazil double taxation agreement in November represents a significant step in enhancing trade across all sectors.
Session: CPTPP Impact on UK Businesses
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What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership on UK businesses?
Context
The question follows an announcement about the CPTPP agreement, which is expected to offer new opportunities for UK businesses.
Kemi Badenoch
We have secured a deal that offers brilliant new opportunities for British businesses by getting an agreement in principle to the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership. Our exporters will have greater opportunities to sell their excellent products to some of the world's biggest markets in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, with the bloc set to account for 15% of global GDP once the UK joins.
Session: CPTPP Impact on UK Businesses
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Does he agree that significantly strengthening our defence and security relationship with Brazil can increase exports to that country?
Context
There is a successful defence export deal with Poland worth £1.9 billion for missiles, and the possibility of strengthening UK's defence ties with Brazil.
James Cartlidge
The MOD is working closely with UK industry in supporting Energy UK's export campaign, including campaigns for the MBDA British-designed common anti-air modular missile. A positive relationship exists with Brazil and efforts are ongoing to support their equipment capability shortfalls and development requirements.
Session: Defence Exports to Global Allies
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What steps has his Department taken to support defence exports to global allies?
Context
The question arises from the need for the UK to maintain its industrial resilience and capacity through robust defence export programmes.
James Cartlidge
The UK scores highly in the global rankings for defence exports, which create jobs and prosperity across the country. Through the defence and security industrial strategy, the department is strengthening its position by diversifying its exports and target markets, and by collaborating more closely with industry.
Session: Defence Exports to Global Allies
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What steps are being taken to secure minimum safe systems for critical sectors such as food, water, energy, and defence?
Context
Concerns over reliance on global supply chains have been heightened by recent events like the pandemic and the Ukraine conflict.
Oliver Dowden
My hon. Friend is right to highlight this issue. We committed in the integrated review to publish a supply chains and import strategy so that we can strengthen our resilience in critical sectors. We have already developed several sector-specific supply chain resilience strategies and a supply chain resilience framework for the public and private sectors.
Session: National Resilience
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I of course echo my right hon. Friend's comments about the coronation and thank the dedicated servicemen, police officers and public servants who made it such a success. Does he agree with me and many of my Dudley constituents that we should never be shy about being proud of our country's fantastic traditions and institutions?
Context
In a supplementary question, the MP expresses pride in the coronation and asks for agreement with sentiments about British traditions.
Oliver Dowden
I align myself entirely with the sentiments of my hon. Friend and the people of Dudley, and indeed the people of the whole United Kingdom. We witnessed the biggest military parade since the coronation of Her late Majesty, and it was a spectacular tribute to the values we all hold so dear.
Session: Topical Questions
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One of the fastest ways we could transform our influence with non-aligned countries is to step up and help to lead the debate about the availability of green and development finance. Is that an argument that the Foreign Secretary is prepared to lead now?
Context
The MP is concerned about the UK's influence with non-aligned countries and suggests using funds from European Investment Bank to lead the argument for a bigger World Bank.
James Cleverly
We are, and my right hon. Friend the Development Minister is personally leading the conversation on behalf of the UK Government about international financial institutions being more active in that very field, to ensure that they look again at their risk appetite so that we can unlock the trillions of dollars of available finance to help countries transition from hydrocarbon sources of energy to renewable sources. That is a conversation we have regularly both bilaterally and multilaterally.
Session: Strategically Important Non-aligned Countries
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What steps he is taking to increase diplomatic engagement with strategically important non-aligned countries. Does the Secretary of State agree that we should have strong international relations with countries such as Brazil, which has non-aligned observer status, but is a country with huge wealth in food, energy and precious minerals and is therefore strategically important for a global UK on an increasingly volatile planet?
Context
The MP is concerned about the UK's diplomatic relations and seeks to understand specific steps being taken.
James Cleverly
In December I made a speech in which I committed to a long-term effort to revive old friendships and build new ones, reaching beyond our traditional alliances. I have travelled to a number of countries that fall into that category, as have my ministerial colleagues and friends. I commend the hon. Friend on the work he has done in building not only trade links but a strong bilateral relationship between the UK and Brazil. I will be seeking to reinforce his efforts on my forthcoming trip to Brazil because it is an important and influential country with huge natural resources.
Session: Strategically Important Non-aligned Countries
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Despite the Welsh Government receiving £1.20 for every £1 spent on public services in England, they spend only £1.05 of that money. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Welsh Government should spend less time and money on expanding the Senedd and putting tampons in men's toilets, and focus on delivering a proper service for the people of Wales?
Context
The Welsh Government receives more funding per head than England but spends less effectively, leading to concerns about prioritizing proper healthcare services.
David Davies
I agree completely with my hon. Friend. I am sure that the 50,000 people who are in pain and on waiting lists at the moment would far rather see the £100 million that will be spent on expanding the Senedd being spent on delivering healthcare and reducing waiting lists in Wales.
Session: Healthcare Provision
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What discussions have been had with the Welsh Government on the adequacy of healthcare services in Wales?
Context
The Welsh Government has control over healthcare services, and there are concerns about the adequacy of these services.
David Davies
Health is a devolved matter and we therefore have no control over how the National Health Service is delivered in Wales—that is a matter for the Welsh Labour Government—but improving health outcomes for people across the UK is, of course, a priority for this Government, and we have made sure that the devolved Administrations have the funding to enable them to deliver the same high standards of care that have been delivered in England by this Conservative Government.
Session: Healthcare Provision
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Can the Chancellor please describe any relationships, or plans for them, to deliver the United Kingdom as a global financial hub, especially given the lack of equivalence with the EU?
Context
The question is prompted by the need for specific relationships or plans that will aid in establishing the UK as a leading global financial center, particularly noting the lack of equivalence with EU regulations.
Jeremy Hunt
The flexibilities from leaving the EU mean we can do Solvency II reforms, leading to £100 billion of extra investment for UK companies. The Edinburgh reforms give us a chance to rethink regulatory structures so that we become more competitive and not just second to others.
Session: Financial Services Sector Support Post Brexit
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What steps has he taken to help support the financial services sector since the UK's departure from the EU?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the impact of Brexit on the UK's financial services sector and its international competitiveness.
Jeremy Hunt
In December, I announced the Edinburgh reforms which aim to make the UK the world's most innovative and competitive global financial centre. These reforms include Solvency II reforms that could lead to £100 billion of extra investment going into UK companies.
Session: Financial Services Sector Support Post Brexit
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When hypocritical wealthy lefties cut off motorways, they are not just damaging people's jobs and damaging the economy; they are potentially killing people by not allowing ambulances and other blue-light services to pass. Does the Minister agree that we may be able to help them save the environment by locking them up, perhaps with the gas and electricity switched off?
Context
Left-wing protesters are accused of causing significant disruption to motorway traffic, potentially endangering lives and the economy.
Mark Harper
We are working closely with council and Home Office officials to ensure that we can follow all legal avenues to pursue those who are arrested for protest activity. The injunctions mean that we can take swifter action. 13 Insulate Britain protesters received immediate custodial sentences ranging from 24 days to six months, and evidence from the gantry protests is being reviewed to support committal proceedings against more than 50 additional protesters.
Session: Protesters Motorway Disruption
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What steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce disruption on motorways caused by protesters?
Context
Protesters disrupted motorways last year, causing significant travel disruption and safety concerns for police, motorists, and National Highways staff.
Mark Harper
Irresponsible action last year by a number of protesters put the lives of police, motorists and National Highways staff at risk and caused travel disruption for thousands. That is completely unacceptable, which is why my Department worked with National Highways to secure injunctions allowing a prompt and effective response. The police and National Highways continue to look at lessons that can be learned to deter similar protests. On Monday the Prime Minister announced an amendment to the Public Order Bill giving the police more flexibility and clarity in respect of when to intervene to stop the disruptive minority who use tactics such as blocking roads and slow marching to inflict misery on the public.
Session: Protesters Motorway Disruption
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Does she agree that producing our own food is key, but that resilience can be improved with stronger trading relationships with many more countries, such as Brazil?
Context
Recent events have highlighted the importance of resilience across core areas like food, water, and energy. Producing our own food is key to this, but stronger trading relationships can also improve resilience.
Therese Coffey
There are foodstuffs we enjoy that cannot be produced in this country. It is important to continue world trade, especially with Brazil which is an important partner for the Government.
Session: Food Security
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The Secretary of State has mentioned Brazil a few times today, and we know that she recently visited Brazil for the inauguration of President Lula. While acknowledging her brief time there, does she agree that Brazil represents a huge export market for our farmers and our food sector, as well as being a potential source of food that we currently import from elsewhere?
Context
The MP inquired about the importance of trade with Brazil, including its export market potential for UK farmers and its potential as a source of imported food.
Therese Coffey
Brazil already produces a significant amount of foods that are not produced in this country, so we welcome any imports. My hon. Friend highlights the importance of trade and how we can export to Brazil. In any potential future trade agreement with Mercosur, of which Brazil is a member, we would want to make sure that we uphold our standards on food safety, animal welfare and environmental protection.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Heritage Pubs — [Martin Vickers in the Chair]
16 November 2023
Responding: Simon Hoare
Main Concerns
['Mr Marco Longhi is concerned about the decline of heritage pubs in the UK and highlights the case of The Crooked House pub as an example. He notes that many heritage pubs do not have listed protection, leading to issues such as rapid sales to developers who do not wish to maintain the building as a pub, often resulting in its demolition. Mr Longhi also mentions the challenges local authorities face in managing risk and protecting these buildings.']
Specific Asks
['Mr Marco Longhi calls for local authorities to be required to hold and review annual registers of heritage pubs, develop their own risk register systems, and provide immediate temporary listing protections upon an application being made. He suggests restricting the sale of heritage pubs initially to buyers intending to continue running them as pubs for a period of 12 months.']
Passport e-Gates Network Outage
08 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Heritage Public Houses
24 April 2024
General Debate
Led by this MP
Mr. Marco Longhi argues for the protection of heritage public houses through legislation, highlighting the destruction of the Crooked House and calling for local authorities to maintain registers of h...
Defence Spending
24 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Venezuela: Threat to Guyana
14 December 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The urgent threat posed by Venezuela to Guyana is a matter of great concern, especially as it relates to the integrity and security of Guyana. The speaker emphasises the importance of supporting Guyan...
Immigration and Asylum Bill - Clause dealing with Rwanda
12 December 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government are implementing measures to reduce illegal immigration, noting that small boat arrivals across the Channel have decreased by a third while they increased in other European regions such...
Net Migration Figures
28 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Illegal Migration Bill: Economic Impact Assessment
27 June 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Illegal Migration
05 June 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Buses: Funding
17 May 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Powering Up Britain
30 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
6
PMQs Asked
109
Ministerial Questions Asked
127
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+713% above average
This MP:
109
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2513% above average
This MP:
127
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Marco Longhi's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.