Margaret Ferrier
MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Shockingly, one in six women in the UK has experienced economic abuse, which goes beyond money control to restrict access to other resources like food, housing or work. It affects constituents across all districts. What plans does the Prime Minister have to review government departments and policies for potential loopholes that abusers exploit?
Context
One in six women in the UK has experienced economic abuse. This is not just about financial restrictions, but also about limiting access to resources such as food, housing, and work.
Rishi Sunak
The Government is committed to tackling violence against women and girls. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 was passed, introducing new offences such as coercion and coercive control, stalking, and others.
Assessment
Plan to review government policies for any vulnerabilities exploited by abusers
Committed
Session: PMQs
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With fewer than 100 days until Christmas, many of our constituents will be choosing to shop for children's toys online. There have, unfortunately, been incidents of young children swallowing small parts, such as batteries and magnets, that require invasive medical intervention. With rogue traders out there, how can consumers be satisfied that the toys they purchase via online marketplaces are safe, marked as age-appropriate and meet the required safety standards?
Context
Concern over the safety of toys purchased online as Christmas approaches, including incidents of young children swallowing small parts.
Dominic Raab
I have young children, and I know what it is like at Christmas when, as well as being a time of great happiness, there is also a certain degree of trepidation when they go for the presents in the way the hon. Lady describes. I reassure her that manufacturers and distributers must provide information on the age-appropriate use of toys. The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards will take action to remove products online that pose any risk, and our product safety framework is being reviewed to ensure that it is fit for purpose, that it is updated in line with new products going on to the market and—above all—that it protects consumers.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister clarify whether the UK Government intend to take any steps to ensure that lenders and others adhere to RICS guidance on EWS1 forms?
Context
A constituent attempted to sell a house but the surveyor and estate agent required an external wall system certificate despite the RICS guidelines stating no such form is expected for properties under 18 metres high.
Boris Johnson
My right hon. Friend the Housing Secretary will make a statement later setting out more about how we propose to ensure lenders and valuers do not ask for EWS1 forms on buildings below 18 metres.
Session: PMQs
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Ross, a Hamilton resident starting paramedic training this September, has been invited to sit his theory test in Oban, 100 miles away. This follows two previous cancellations in November and February. Will the Prime Minister meet with me to discuss these delays?
Context
A constituent faces repeated cancellations of his driving theory test and is concerned about delaying start of university studies in paramedic science.
Boris Johnson
The Prime Minister acknowledged the issue and confirmed efforts are underway to address it by increasing numbers of driving instructors and testers.
Session: PMQs
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My constituent applied for the EU settlement scheme in September 2019 for her and her son. Fifteen months on, she is still waiting for a decision on her application. With the end of the transition period just a few short weeks away, will the Prime Minister give a cast-iron guarantee that my constituent's application and all other outstanding applications to the scheme will be concluded before 31 December 2020?
Context
A constituent's EU settlement scheme application has been pending for fifteen months. The end of the transition period is approaching, creating urgency.
Boris Johnson
I understand that the case is now under urgent review and a decision will be made shortly.
Assessment
Cast-iron guarantee was not given, only an urgency statement was provided.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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Alongside the Minister's Sri Lankan counterparts, what steps is she taking to promote free expression in Sri Lanka? Human Rights Watch has highlighted issues with intimidation and banning orders against Tamil families commemorating the dead from the civil war. The questioner seeks specifics on actions taken to address these concerns.
Context
Human Rights Watch reports that Tamil families are subject to intimidation and banning orders when attempting to memorialize those who died during Sri Lanka's civil war.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
As I said, we all understand and see that long history of impunity and broken commitments. We will continue to encourage the Sri Lankan Government to create that climate of recognition for all parties and communities, making sure that no one is left out of that process.
Session: Sri Lanka Alleged War Crimes
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I welcome the funding made available to the space systems engineering degree apprenticeship and the opportunities that will provide young people in the UK's growing space industry. What plans do Ministers have to fund similar apprenticeships in other emerging sectors?
Context
The question arises from the funding provided for space systems engineering degree apprenticeships in the UK's growing space industry.
Gillian Keegan
It was a great pleasure to go to the space park in Leicester to launch the space systems engineering level 6 degree apprenticeship, on top of the level 4 space engineering apprenticeship. Any employers or employer groups wishing to develop an apprenticeship standard could work with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. We have worked with more than 5,000 employers in the past few years, and we have built more than 670 apprenticeship standards.
Session: Skills and Apprenticeships Funding
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Current legislation requires all public facilities to have sanitary bins in female and gender-neutral toilets. However, as highlighted by the Boys Need Bins campaign, hygiene bins need to be provided in men's toilets. What steps is the Minister taking to introduce legislation that addresses that issue?
Context
Current legislation mandates sanitary bins in female and gender-neutral toilets, but not in male toilets. The Boys Need Bins campaign highlights the need for hygiene bins in men's restrooms.
Maria Caulfield
I reassure the hon. Lady that work is going on in that space. My ministerial colleagues from the Department for Work and Pensions are looking at this, and will be updating the House shortly.[Official Report, 17 July 2023, Vol. 736, c. 9MC.]
Session: Government Equalities Office Policy Relating to Men
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Will Ministers negotiate to delay stricter rules of origin affecting the UK's transition to electric vehicles to protect our automotive sector from potential tariffs on car exports?
Context
Large global car manufacturers are concerned that stricter rules of origin for electric vehicle transitions might add tariffs on UK car exports, impacting the UK's automotive industry.
Kemi Badenoch
We are actively working on this issue, and both sides are interested in resolving it. Officials from Germany also discussed the need for investigation.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps are Ministers taking to ensure serving military personnel and veterans have access to tailored mental health support?
Context
Data from 2022 shows high prevalence of mental health disorders among serving military personnel and veterans, particularly depression and alcohol misuse.
Johnny Mercer (Minister of State for Defence People and Veterans)
Op Courage provides £22 million annually with 19,000 referrals in its first year, addressing unmet need. Message is always: 'Come forward, help is available.'
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to fast-track national adaptation planning?
Context
There are calls to fast-track national adaptation plans due to climate risks.
Oliver Dowden
Our efforts in that area are led by relevant Government Departments. Through the Cabinet Office, I chair the Cabinet Committee on net zero and energy security designed specifically for co-ordinating all areas of Government to deliver on our national and international commitments.
Session: National Resilience
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With many women and young people involved in entrepreneurship within the hair and beauty sector, there's a significant risk from disguised employment. How are Ministers ensuring self-employed individuals understand their tax obligations so these groups can continue to thrive?
Context
The hair and beauty industry has a high percentage of female entrepreneurs and young people. However, this workforce is at risk due to disguised employment practices that may be affecting their financial stability.
Victoria Atkins
We provide guidance for customers to help them understand employment status, and we have agreed guidelines specifically with the National Federation of Hairdressers.
Session: Hair and Beauty Sector Disguised Employment Practices
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Following the adoption of the global women and girls strategy, how is it being promoted and operationalised in Saudi Arabia, particular in terms of advocating for women's and girls' rights and amplifying the work of local women's organisations in the region?
Context
The UK has adopted a global women and girls strategy.
Andrew Mitchell
Progress is being made on women's rights in Saudi Arabia, with 37% of all those employed now women. I can tell her that our excellent embassy team in Riyadh is running leadership and skills development programmes to help women, particularly those in the cyber sector and those who engage in sport.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Rugby Football Union has announced groundbreaking policies on maternity, pregnant parent and adoption leave, which have been said to normalise motherhood in sport. Will the Minister encourage more sporting bodies to introduce similar inclusive policies?
Context
The Rugby Football Union has introduced inclusive policies on maternity, pregnant parent, and adoption leave to normalise motherhood in sport.
Stuart Andrew
The hon. Lady is absolutely right to raise this. One of the key elements that we will be looking at in the sporting strategy is how we increase opportunities for women and girls in sport. I am pleased to say that we have made significant announcements about equal provision in our schools—but yes, we absolutely push the governing bodies to do all they can to increase opportunities in the way the hon. Lady suggests.
Session: Topical Questions
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The United Arab Emirates recently warned Ministers against raising concerns about human rights issues in Gulf Co-operation Council countries if we want to negotiate strong trade deals. That goes completely against our trade principles. Can Ministers confirm that they will not be held to ransom and will not sign trade agreements where human rights are a key concern?
Context
The MP raised concerns about trade negotiations with GCC countries where human rights are a key issue, citing the UAE as an example.
Kemi Badenoch
In everything we do, we ensure that we continue to promote and assert British values. That includes within the trade agreements that we are signing with all countries.
Session: Topical Questions
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What discussions has the Minister had with the Chancellor about the urgent need for a long-term, local-scale economic plan to support high streets?
Context
Businesses in high streets face significant challenges due to competition from online shopping, impacting local and small businesses the most.
Kevin Hollinrake
The hon. Lady is right to raise this issue. We have put in place £13.6 billion of business rates support to help businesses over the next few years, but we are also improving access to finance, improving business support through our growth hubs and cutting red tape, making it easier for businesses to start up and scale up in the UK.
Session: Support for SMEs
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Given that industry stakeholders seek long-term solutions, what steps will Ministers take to address rising household energy costs over time?
Context
Energy stakeholders stress the need for long-term solutions to support high energy costs through improved home efficiency.
James Cartlidge
The hon. Lady is correct; we have measures in place to help with immediate challenges but also plan a 15% target for reducing energy consumption, alongside increasing UK energy supply.
Session: Topical Questions
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Many pubs and breweries are locked into energy bill contracts that are staggeringly high, and they are calling for an opportunity to renegotiate them. What further support will Ministers offer the sector with its energy bills, particularly recognising the financial impact that the increase in alcohol duty will have?
Context
Pubs and breweries are struggling with high energy costs due to locked-in contracts and the increase in alcohol duty.
Jeremy Hunt
We are doing a great deal. As the hon. Lady will know, we set up a new scheme, the energy bills discount scheme, to help businesses in the coming year. As I mentioned to my hon. Friend the Member for York Outer (Julian Sturdy), we are also giving them 75% relief on their business rates. We will continue to do everything we can for this very important sector.
Session: Cost of Energy
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Figures show that 50% of female spouses of serving personnel aged 30 to 49 experience loneliness, in contrast to 27% of women of the same age in the general population. What steps are Ministers taking to ensure adequate emotional support services for these families?
Context
Female military spouses aged 30 to 49 experience significantly higher rates of loneliness compared to the general population.
Johnny Mercer
This is a question for the Minister for Support Personnel, my right hon Friend Dr Murrison. Groups such as Recruit for Spouses have been working in this space and the Ministry of Defence is actively engaged with these efforts.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister reinstate the cap and instead focus on the internal development of skills?
Context
The question addresses the lifting of caps on consultancy spending by Government Departments.
Jeremy Quin
There is a difference between a cap and a control, and it is up to Departments to ensure that they are getting value for money in what they spend. Cutting bureaucracy and cutting exercises that take up a lot of civil service time but that are not productive is a good thing. There is a role for consultancy, alongside growing and nurturing the resources inside the service.
Session: Government Projects Cost to Public Purse
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I thank the Minister for that answer, but President Kais is seeking to impose one-man rule in Tunisia, including with a sham Parliament and the arrest of critics. He now appears to be looking for scapegoats, such as black Africans, to distract attention from the dire economic and social situation. Will the Minister condemn what is happening now in Tunisia and support those working for democratic and tolerant governance in the country?
Context
President Kais is imposing one-man rule in Tunisia with arrests of critics and racial discrimination against sub-Saharan African migrants.
David Rutley
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Minister for north Africa, publicly commented on this matter on 16 February. He has also raised the issue with the Tunisian chargé d'affaires, and G7 ambassadors in Tunisia have also made a number of joint statements since July 2021. We are also aware of reports of racially motivated discrimination and violence towards perceived sub-Saharan African migrants, and we encourage Tunisia to comply with the international convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination.
Session: Tunisia Human Rights
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What recent assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the human rights situation in Tunisia?
Context
Tunisia has experienced a series of wide-ranging arrests, including political figures and media representatives. The country is facing issues with human rights.
David Rutley
We are concerned by the recent wide-ranging arrests in Tunisia, including those of politicians, former civil servants, businesspeople and media representatives. The UK underlines the importance of due legal process and respect for human rights, especially freedoms of expression and association. Tunisians should have the space for legitimate political opposition, civil society and independent media activity.
Session: Tunisia Human Rights
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What plans does the Secretary of State have to undertake a rigorous research project on the positive societal benefits of community boxing clubs, such as those across my constituency?
Context
The question relates to community boxing clubs across the constituency.
Stuart Andrew
The hon. Lady is right to raise the issue of community boxing clubs. I was very pleased to visit one in Bradford very recently. These clubs are often run by superb volunteers, and that will be a feature in our sporting strategy.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given that figures published by Public Health England show significant costs attributed to gambling harm, when will the Secretary of State publish the long-awaited White Paper? Will she commit to including a statutory levy and stringent affordability checks?
Context
Public Health England figures estimate the total cost of gambling harm to public health ranges from £754.4 million to £1.475 billion, affecting suicide, depression, homelessness and alcohol dependence among adults.
Lucy Frazer
The hon. Lady rightly highlights the impact of gambling on vulnerable people, and we are conducting the most thorough review since 2005 with over 16,000 submissions to our call for evidence. We will publish our findings very shortly.
Session: Gambling-related Harms
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What recent discussions has the Minister had with gambling industry representatives to tackle gambling-related harms?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of gambling on individuals and communities, especially in light of recent discussions with industry representatives.
Lucy Frazer
I have met the Betting and Gaming Council, the British Amusement Catering Trade Association and the Bingo Association, as well as those with lived experience of gambling harms, including the Gambling Commission's lived experience advisory panel. All this will support our evidence-led gambling review, and we will publish a White Paper setting out our conclusions shortly.
Session: Gambling-related Harms
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Can my hon Friend provide an assessment of how personal independence payment appointments are being administered? Many constituents have contacted me to say that they are still having claims processed over the phone rather than at an in-person appointment. I am sure he agrees that in-person appointments are vital to ensuring that our constituents get the right level of support.
Context
Many constituents are concerned about PIP assessments being conducted over the phone rather than in-person.
Tom Pursglove
Regardless of form taken by PIP assessments, structure is same. Evidence suggests both forms equally effective, but I hope can reassure my hon Friend that individuals wanting in-person assessment can have it.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Secretary of State or one of his Ministers meet me to discuss the increased restrictions on the movement of special types of general orders and abnormal loads, which are having a hugely detrimental effect on companies such as Cadzow Heavy Haulage in Blantyre?
Context
The government's increased restrictions on the movement of special types of general orders and abnormal loads are affecting businesses such as Cadzow Heavy Haulage in Blantyre.
Richard Holden
Yes.
Session: Topical Questions
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Analysis by E3G has found that a third of the funding pledged for this Parliament to make buildings energy-efficient and to decarbonise heat has not been spent by the Government. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that that money is allocated and spent, and that leaky buildings are addressed swiftly?
Context
Analysis by E3G has found that a third of the funding pledged for this Parliament to make buildings energy-efficient and to decarbonise heat has not been spent by the Government.
Grant Shapps
As I said at the beginning of questions, we are working continuously to try to upgrade all buildings in this country, both domestic and non-domestic. We have a range of programmes; I will write to the hon. Lady with the full set of programmes that apply in non-domestic situations.
Session: Topical Questions
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YouGov polling published today shows that 40% of workers want to learn a new skill to get a better job, and almost as many want to see more investment in skills. The Conservatives have had 13 years to deliver, yet almost 4 million fewer adults are taking part in training now than in 2010 and part-time study has plummeted by 50%. Given their pitiful record on this important agenda, is it not finally time for a Labour Government to take the reins?
Context
The MP highlighted that almost 4 million fewer adults are taking part in training now than in 2010, part-time study has plummeted by 50%, and the Conservatives have had 13 years to deliver.
Robert Halfon
I am surprised by the hon. Gentleman's question; he is a thoughtful shadow spokesman. As I have already highlighted, we have a proud record on skills in this country. We have had more than 5 million apprenticeship starts since 2010 and we are developing high-level, prestigious vocational qualifications in the T-levels and higher technical qualifications.
Session: Adult Upskilling
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Given the Secretary of State's view that the financial sector must invest in projects to prevent biodiversity loss, what steps are the Government taking to incentivise businesses to play their part?
Context
The Secretary of State acknowledges that financial sector investment is crucial to prevent biodiversity loss. The question arises from the need to incentivise businesses to contribute.
Trudy Harrison
We are working across Government, including with the Treasury, to identify opportunities for green finance. We absolutely recognise that in this country, but also all around the world, nature-based solutions and reducing the harm caused by public subsidies are a priority, as set out at COP15 in Montreal by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.
Session: Topical Questions
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Around one in 10 owners relinquishing animals to the Dogs Trust cites housing issues as the reason. Can the Minister confirm that planned measures to protect pet ownership in the renters' reform Bill will be maintained to prevent further pets from being given up unnecessarily?
Context
Around one in ten owners relinquishing animals to Dogs Trust cite housing issues as the reason.
Michael Gove
Yes.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps has the Chancellor taken to ensure the Financial Services and Markets Bill does not cause economic mayhem when passed?
Context
The question stems from concerns that deregulating the financial sector could lead to economic instability, with specific worries about rules on commodity trading being revoked.
Jeremy Hunt
We have ensured our Edinburgh reforms package learns lessons from the 2008 financial crash. The reforms will benefit Scotland, where 21,000 people work in financial services, making it clear that these changes are positive for London and beyond.
Session: Financial Services Sector Support Post Brexit
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Aviation is crucial for the UK economy but the Government have not recognised the shortage of skilled workers. Does the Home Secretary plan to include aviation in the skilled worker visa shortage occupations list?
Context
The question concerns the shortage of workers in the UK aviation sector and its impact on the economy.
Robert Jenrick
We work with the Migration Advisory Committee and DEFRA to review the skilled worker list annually. The seasonal agricultural worker scheme has been extended this year, increasing permitted numbers.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assessment have Ministers made of the recommendation by the Institute for Government to publish more policy advice from officials, and will it be implemented?
Context
The Institute for Government has suggested publishing more policy advice from officials to improve transparency and ministerial engagement.
Jeremy Quin
Ministers rely on good advice from our officials. It is up to Ministers to determine how that policy is then prosecuted, and I believe we need to preserve privacy between advice received and decisions made.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Minister provide an update on the work undertaken by the Defence and Security Accelerator on behalf of the Office for Veterans' Affairs on veteran health innovation? What progress has been made to support mental health in the community?
Context
The MP inquires about updates on the work of the Defence and Security Accelerator under the Office for Veterans' Affairs, focusing specifically on veteran health innovations and progress made to support mental health in communities.
Johnny Mercer
This year we established Op Courage and Op Fortitude and we are looking at designing a clear physical healthcare pathway for veterans. We are building pillars of support across the United Kingdom. We have put £5 million into a health innovation fund. A lot of individuals came back from Afghanistan and Iraq with injuries that would have been unsurvivable 10 or 15 years ago, with a level of complexity that we had not dealt with before. We are putting money into understanding the science behind that to ensure they have prosthetics for the rest of their lives not just the next two or three years. There is a commitment from the nation under the armed forces covenant to special care for those who are seriously injured.
Session: Veterans Government Services
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Thousands are unjustly imprisoned in Egypt, including many lawyers. Will the FCDO ensure continued representations for the release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah's lawyer and human rights defender, Mohamed el-Baqer?
Context
Many remain unjustly imprisoned in Egypt, including lawyers like Mohamed el-Baqer.
David Rutley
We are working closely on this case. I will ensure that the hon. Lady's views are relayed to Lord Ahmad.
Session: Topical Questions
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How do Ministers expect that will impact on the RAF's technological capabilities, particularly around digital and artificial intelligence?
Context
The MP inquires about the impact on the RAF's technological capabilities following a recent MoU with Imperial College London.
Alex Chalk
Digital and artificial intelligence are central to RAF capability. Significant investment has taken place in Lincolnshire to ensure that when those aircraft take to the skies, they have the weapons systems but also the battlefield management plans that they require to ensure that they can take the fight to the enemy.
Session: Defence Technology
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What steps will Ministers take to ensure that cultural attractions in tourist spots offer full disability awareness training?
Context
The questioner wants to ensure that cultural attractions offer full disability awareness training for their staff.
Stuart Andrew
The hon. Lady is right: when we talk about access for all, we mean it. The disability unit has launched an enhanced programme of disability and access ambassadors to drive progress in increasing accessibility.
Session: Accessibility of Cultural Attractions
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What discussions has the Minister had with her colleagues in the Government Communication Service about ensuring that BSL interpretation is provided for Government announcements and media events, and about the importance of not relying on written documents as an adjustment for deaf people?
Context
The question concerns the provision of BSL interpretation for Government communications and events.
Mims Davies
I thank the hon. Lady for her interest. The British Sign Language advisory board is being established to advise the Government on that implementation. Among the people giving advice will be BSL signers, and the majority of the members will be deaf BSL users who have lived experience and want Government communications to be accessible.
Session: British Sign Language
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism are severely underdiagnosed in women and girls, and are often misdiagnosed as mood disorders. What discussions have Ministers had with the Health and Social Care Secretary about the impact this is having on women's ability to access and maintain employment, and what steps will be taken to support them?
Context
ADHD and autism are underdiagnosed in women, often misdiagnosed as mood disorders. This affects their ability to access employment.
Tom Pursglove
Ministers from the Department for Work and Pensions meet with Ministers in the Department of Health and Social Care. We are appointing new ministerial disability champions to take a lead on deep dives into particular issues.
Session: Topical Questions
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With DWP struggling to recruit in under-resourced areas such as personal independence payments and child maintenance services, along with a significant number of staff taking voluntary redundancy, how will Ministers ensure that the Department can continue to effectively support its public responsibilities?
Context
There is concern over the Department for Work and Pensions' ability to recruit in under-resourced areas, coupled with high voluntary redundancy rates.
Guy Opperman
It is our intention to have jobs fairs, sector-based work academies and local recruitment on an ongoing basis. I am happy to discuss with the hon. Lady, whom I have worked with many times in the past, how we can do things in her patch.
Session: Universal Credit Recipients
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In Scotland, peak time rail fares on specific routes are being disbanded in 2023 to ease commuting costs and encourage use of services. Have Ministers discussed rolling out a similar scheme with operators in England, as increased affordability could reduce fare evasion?
Context
Peak time rail fares on specific routes in Scotland are being disbanded to ease commuting costs and encourage use of services, which could potentially reduce fare evasion.
Huw Merriman
I have a real passion for reducing fare evasion. It is important that we learn from all parts of the United Kingdom how we can do this. At a time when we are experiencing issues with financing, it is vital that we do everything we can to ensure that passengers pay their way, so I am happy to meet the hon. Lady to share those ideas. If they are good ideas, I would like to see them rolled out.
Session: Rail Fare Evasion
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The Government take the safety of schools very seriously, as the Minister said in response to an earlier question, so will Ministers reconsider mandating the fitting of sprinklers in new-build schools to minimise the risk posed by fires to buildings, equipment, pupils' school work and people?
Context
The Government takes the safety of schools seriously, but does not mandate sprinkler installation based on risk factors.
Nick Gibb
The hon. Lady will know that there is revised guidance; the new buildings bulletin has been issued after wide consultation and makes some changes to requirements for when sprinklers are to be installed in schools, particularly when the risk factor of the students in the school is high—for example, for children with special educational needs or residential schools.
Session: Topical Questions
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What discussions have Ministers had with colleagues about monitoring and restricting plants brought into the UK from overseas by the public to protect biodiversity and food production?
Context
Concerns about alien plant species entering the UK.
Therese Coffey
The hon. Lady raises an important question. It is critical that we have that information for the public at our borders, as well as the targeted information focused on nurseries. We will continue to inform the public that bringing alien species into this country is bad news for nature in the UK.
Session: Topical Questions
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What discussions has the Secretary of State had with his Cabinet colleagues about tailored energy support for Scottish victims of the green deal scam? The hon. Lady's constituent was mis-sold something by Home Energy and Lifestyle Management Ltd.
Context
A constituent contacted the MP before Christmas struggling to keep up with her home energy costs, related mostly to the green deal.
John Lamont
As the hon. Lady knows, the green deal was designed to ensure that people were able to make their households more energy efficient, but we have always been clear that the repayments should not have been greater than the savings delivered. If her constituent has been mis-sold something, it is important that a complaint is made to the loan provider, and ultimately to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Session: Energy Bill Support
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
International Human Rights Day
08 December 2022
Responding: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the continued prevalence of authoritarian regimes and governments that commit serious human rights violations. The situation in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bahrain, Egypt, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe remains challenging with issues such as arbitrary detention, unfair trials, torture, executions for non-violent crimes, and persecution of political prisoners and human rights defenders. Over 50% of those executed in Saudi Arabia were convicted on the basis of their participation in pro-democracy demonstrations; Iran continues to implement the death penalty for various offences including insulting the Prophet and same-sex relations; and in Egypt, thousands are unjustly imprisoned with poor conditions. In Tunisia, there is democratic backsliding following a coup by President Saied, who suspended Parliament and took wide-ranging powers. In her speech, Fiona Bruce highlighted the ongoing persecution and imprisonment of individuals across the world due to their religious beliefs. She cited cases such as Zhang Zhan in China, Shamil Khakimov in Tajikistan, Hanna Abdirahman Abdimalik in Somalia, Mubarak Bala in Nigeria, Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Emmanuel in Pakistan, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu in Nigeria. Bruce also raised concerns over blasphemy laws and death penalties for such offences, stating that there are still 12 countries where individuals can be sentenced to death for blasphemy.']
Specific Asks
["I ask the Government to resume publishing their annual human rights report and releasing updates on human rights cases. The reports provide a useful summary of action undertaken by the FCDO and demonstrate the UK Government's ongoing commitment to international human rights frameworks. Bruce asked the Government to support efforts at the UN General Assembly to call for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty for blasphemy offences. She also urged the Government to facilitate an immediate response to atrocity crimes, including genocide, and recommended that time be given for the Genocide Determination Bill to be considered."]
Liver Disease and Liver Cancer: Diagnosis
11 October 2022
Responding: Caroline Johnson
Main Concerns
["Margaret Ferrier highlighted the high mortality rates for liver disease and cancer in Scotland, which is the highest in the UK. She cited that around 6,200 new cases of liver cancer occur annually in the UK with approximately 17 diagnoses per day and 5,800 deaths. Noting that only 13% of patients survive more than five years after diagnosis, she pointed out that liver disease mortality has more than doubled since the 1970s while other diseases' outcomes have improved or stabilised. Ferrier also mentioned that Scotland's chronic liver disease death rate rose by 11% in 2020 compared to the previous year."]
Specific Asks
['Ferrier urged for a full review of adult liver services by NHS England, routine inclusion of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease assessment in the NHS health check programme, and establishment of a new nationally endorsed pathology pathway. She called on the government to commit to addressing disparities in access to care through policymaking.']
Backbench Business
20 July 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Called for the Sir David Amess summer Adjournment debate, acknowledged the late honourable Friend, and requested speakers to keep their contributions under 10 minutes.
Tata Group Gigafactory Investment
20 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Veterans Update
19 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Contest: UK Strategy for Countering Terrorism 2023
19 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
18 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Command Paper Refresh
18 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Horizon IT Scandal: Compensation
18 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Afghan Resettlement Update
18 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NATO Summit
13 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Public Sector Pay
13 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
5
PMQs Asked
159
Ministerial Questions Asked
199
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+36% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+1064% above average
This MP:
159
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-21% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+4011% above average
This MP:
199
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
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 Margaret Ferrier's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.