Maria Miller
MP for Basingstoke
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The Prime Minister says that no one is going to listen to us—who is going to listen to him? The winter fuel allowance? U-turn. WASPI women? U-turn. The two-child benefit cap? Uturn. Grooming gangs inquiry? U-turn. The family farms tax? U-turn. Digital ID? U-turn. Jury trials?
Context
The MP is criticising the PM for frequent changes in government policies, citing multiple examples of such reversals.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Here is the difference: I changed my party, and that is why we stand here with a majority Labour Government. The Leader of the Opposition sits there with her party that lost two thirds of its MPs at the last election, and she is losing more every week.
Assessment
Avoided discussing any specific policy U-turns or their impact; instead criticized the opposition.
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister did not answer the question about business rates. It sounds like he does not know what his policy is. On Monday, the Business Secretary said that the Chancellor did not even realise the impact of her business rates policy—no surprise there—and yesterday the tax office said that it did tell the Government what the impact would be. Can the Prime Minister be clear? Did he understand the impact of his own policy on pubs?
Context
The issue of the government's business rates policy and its impact on pubs has been widely discussed, with criticism from various sides about its effectiveness and clarity.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
We are working with the sector. The right hon. Lady has not explained why she said nothing about the 7,000 pubs that closed on her watch. We are doing other things on the cost of living to help people and to make sure that they can get out and spend money in pubs and hospitality.
Assessment
Did not directly address whether he understood the impact of his policy on pubs or provided a clear answer about business rates. Instead, focused on previous pub closures under her watch.
Shifting Blame
Session: PMQs
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Why is the PM not addressing public anger when his own Back Benchers are angry at him?
Context
Public anger towards UK Government over Rwanda Bill, with MPs criticising the Prime Minister's approach.
Rishi Sunak
SNP making Scotland highest taxed part of UK, average worker in Scotland paying more tax than England.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not address public anger but criticised the SNP's fiscal policy.
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister agree that this is a once-in-a-lifetime investment and must not just modernise NHS healthcare, but support his plan to double medical training places by 2031?
Context
The Prime Minister has given £900 million for Hampshire Hospitals NHS foundation trust to build a new hospital.
Rishi Sunak
I am pleased that through our new hospitals programme Hampshire Hospitals NHS foundation trust will receive significant investment. We look forward to delivering the project as quickly as possible.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to doubling medical training places by 2031 or build faster.
We Look Forward
Session: PMQs
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Can my right hon. Friend ensure that levelling up remains central to his vision for our country for every single year of his premiership?
Context
Friday is the first anniversary of Boris Johnson becoming Prime Minister and he has focused on record funding for NHS, schoolchildren, and police officers.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Yes, can absolutely give her that guarantee. Now is the time to double down on levelling up and will roll out a colossal programme of investment in infrastructure.
Session: PMQs
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Can I commend my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister for recognising the significance of these events? As well as scrutinising the health impact of c-19 on ethnic minority groups, can he look again, using the Race Disparity Audit, for any persistent and systemic racism in all Government Departments—from the treatment of BAME people in the judicial system through to how we teach children about these issues in our education system?
Context
Following events in the US, anti-racism protests occurred across the UK.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
I thank my right hon. Friend. I completely agree with the need for all political leaders to promote these issues—to recognise how important they are in people's hearts. I am very proud of what I did as Mayor to encourage the promotion of young BAME officers in our Metropolitan police; we had a system to move them up. I want to see that kind of activity across the government of this country. It is the right way forward for the UK.
Session: PMQs
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As a result, Wiltshire has cut its house building by 9,000, North Somerset has reduced its house building plans by 29%, and Three Rivers and others are doing likewise, to ensure that local plans better reflect their communities. Does my hon. Friend expect all local authorities to consider whether the new rules apply in their communities?
Context
To help local authorities finalise their local plans, my hon. Friend and his ministerial colleagues have made significant changes to the planning rules.
Lee Rowley
It is vital for local councils to follow what is in the national planning policy framework. We know that where local plans are in place councils build more houses, but, most important, they build more houses in the right places, so that communities can be confident that they are being built where they are needed.
Session: Local Plans
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Nine out of 10 of the schools in my constituency are good or outstanding. Special schools, however, have struggled to achieve this status. How is my right hon. Friend helping them improve?
Context
The question addresses the challenge faced by special schools in Maria Miller's constituency, which have struggled to achieve good or outstanding ratings despite overall improvement.
Gillian Keegan
Basingstoke's schools have been transformed from 52% rated good or outstanding under Labour, with two of our strongest specialist multi-academy trusts now responsible for driving improvement in special schools. Solent Academies Trust is now responsible for Dove House School and Chiltern Way Academy Trust will take over three local underperforming special and alternative provision schools, with significant capital investment to support vulnerable children.
Session: Ofsted Ratings
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What progress has her Department made on ensuring that more schools achieve good and outstanding ratings by Ofsted? Under the last Labour Government, only 68% of schools were rated good or outstanding. Now it stands at nearly 90%, with 214,000 more children attending such schools.
Context
The question addresses the progress made in ensuring that more schools achieve good and outstanding ratings from Ofsted, following a significant improvement under the current government.
Gillian Keegan
Under the last Labour Government, only 68% of schools were rated good or outstanding. This number now stands at nearly 90%, with 214,000 more children attending such schools. The Lord Derby Academy in Knowsley is one example of a school that has improved under this government.
Session: Ofsted Ratings
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Can we ensure that supporting children with special needs is a mainstream part of teacher education?
Context
One in 10 children in education receives special educational needs support. A new special school and significant increases in budgets have been achieved.
Gillian Keegan
We are developing a new NPQ for SENCOs, which will launch in autumn 2024, and inputting into the standards for teacher training to ensure that everybody has an understanding of how best to support children. There are now many children with special educational needs.
Session: Pupils with SEN and Disabilities
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Strong parliamentary democracy is crucial to the Commonwealth, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has a central role as one of the oldest Commonwealth institutions, with you as one of our co-presidents, Mr Speaker. My right hon. Friend's Department acknowledges that new legislation is needed to recognise the CPA as an international interparliamentary organisation, to keep it headquartered here in the UK. When does he plan to have that new legislation in place?
Context
The speaker notes the importance of parliamentary democracy in the Commonwealth and calls for legislation to recognise CPA.
Andrew Mitchell
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right about the extraordinary contribution that the CPA makes around the world. We are very anxious to address the issue she has raised and to find a mutually acceptable solution. I hope that this can be done by legislation once parliamentary time allows, but if it is not possible to place it in the King's Speech, she will know that there are other ways of pursuing the matter.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will he give us an indication of when the Government intend to bring forward further legislation, not only to deal with non-consensual sharing but also for constant review?
Context
The Minister has previously worked on amendments to the Online Safety Bill that will make it a criminal offence to post intimate images online without consent.
Edward Argar
It has been a pleasure to work with my right hon. Friend on those amendments to the Online Safety Bill, which returns to the Commons today. She is right to highlight the need for constant review of legislation given the rapidly changing environment we are legislating for.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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I pay tribute to all the staff and teachers at my local FE college, Basingstoke College of Technology for all the work they do to ensure that young people in my constituency are ready for work. The reform of BTECs is causing some uncertainty when it comes to staffing for the future in the college. Will my right hon. Friend join me and headteacher Anthony Bravo for a meeting to discuss those concerns, so that we can continue to ensure that the young people of Basingstoke are work-ready in large numbers?
Context
The reform of BTECs is causing uncertainty about future staffing in the local FE college, Basingstoke College of Technology.
Gillian Keegan
Yes, I am always happy to meet my right hon. Friend and her college. I have had many meetings on this subject. We are focused on ensuring that high quality T-levels are introduced across the country in all colleges, so that young people can access them. We are also looking, side by side, to see what BTEC qualifications will sit alongside A-levels as part of our level 3 offer.
Session: Recruitment and Retention
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What is my right hon. Friend doing to ensure that public services exemplify race equality in the workplace?
Context
Concerns about racial discrimination in the workplace are raised by local residents and addressed through initiatives with employers, education authorities, and healthcare providers.
Kemi Badenoch
Our 'Inclusive Britain' strategy focuses on promoting racial equality in the public sector through fair and transparent measures, adhering to the Equality Act 2010. We welcome collaboration with local initiatives for specific actions.
Session: Gender and Racial Inequality in the Workplace
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The question focuses on the progress of the STEM ReCharge pilot designed to support individuals returning to STEM careers.
Context
The question pertains to a government programme supporting parents and carers back into STEM roles.
Kemi Badenoch
In February this year, we announced the STEM ReCharge pilot to support parents and carers back into science, technology, engineering and mathematics roles. Since then, we have recruited and trained the first cohort of engineering and technology returners in the midlands and the north of England. They have received personalised training and support to help to get them back into the workforce, and we are now recruiting a second cohort, who will use insight and lessons learned from the pilot to develop new guidance, so that STEM employers across the UK can benefit from the full wealth of the returning STEM group.
Session: Topical Questions
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I warmly welcome the Government's commitment to investing £645 million to enable pharmacists to provide for far more common conditions. Surely, more surgeries should be doing the same, involving pharmacists with enhanced roles in order to cut waiting times?
Context
Welcoming government investment and asking for more surgeries to involve pharmacists.
Neil O'Brien
My right hon. Friend is completely correct. That £645 million, of course, comes on top of the £100 million that we have already put in. We have grown the pharmacy workforce hugely—there are 82% more pharmacists now than in 2010—and we are also enabling those people with their high-end skills to do more by reforming regulations.
Session: Pharmacy Services
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We need to increase power storage, but the potential fire risks associated with lithium-ion battery storage facilities are now becoming widely acknowledged. What is my hon. Friend doing to ensure those facilities are not built in inappropriate locations, such as Basing Fenn in my constituency, which is a site sandwiched between a rare north-flowing, salmonid chalk stream and a hospital?
Context
There is concern about the potential fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, especially in specific locations like Basing Fenn.
Andrew Bowie
I thank my right hon. Friend for her question and her tireless campaigning on this important issue. As I discussed in that very positive meeting that I had with her yesterday, I have been working with colleagues across Government to establish the appropriate treatment of these facilities in planning and environmental regulation. Every site should be considered on its own merits and is a decision for our local authorities.
Session: Lithium-ion Battery Storage Facilities Regulation
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What assessment has been made of the adequacy of regulations for industrial lithium-ion battery storage facilities?
Context
The adequacy of regulations for new energy infrastructure is under scrutiny due to potential safety risks.
Andrew Bowie
It is a priority for this Government that all net zero energy infrastructure is built, operated and maintained in an appropriate and safe way. My officials work closely with the industry-led electricity storage health and safety governance group to ensure an appropriate, robust and future-proofed health and safety framework is sustained as storage deployment increases.
Session: Lithium-ion Battery Storage Facilities Regulation
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Could he outline what more is being done to speed up the time taken to get a case to court?
Context
The MP acknowledged increased case numbers and asked about speeding up the time taken to get a case to court.
Alex Chalk
Rolling out section 28s ensures that individuals can record their account on tape. Independent sexual violence advisers and independent domestic violence advisers provide critical support. Victims' services offer court familiarisation visits, victim personal statements updates from officers.
Session: Rape Charge Rates
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Will the Government review existing fire and environmental regulations to address these deep concerns over risks associated with lithium-ion battery storage systems?
Context
National Fire Chiefs Council expresses concerns about the use of lithium-ion storage facilities for renewable energy distribution.
Andrew Bowie
Grid-scale lithium-ion batteries are covered by robust regulatory frameworks, ensuring product safety before and after market placement. I am meeting my right hon. Friend this week to discuss these issues further.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State for Business and Trade welcomed a trade delegation of more than 40 women who run technology and science businesses in Canada at a business event at Lancaster House yesterday. Does my right hon Friend agree that support for women in tech across the globe should be an important part of all our international trade work?
Context
A trade delegation of more than 40 women who run technology and science businesses in Canada visited Lancaster House yesterday.
Michelle Donelan
I absolutely agree, and I believe that the event yesterday went very well. It is also important that we look at our global role models who are British, such as Professor Dame Angela McLean, Dr Nicola Fox and Rosemary Coogan.
Session: STEM Jobs Women
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Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is waiting for Treasury allocations to be made that would allow the start of a public consultation on our new hospital in Basingstoke, funded by the Government's flagship hospital infrastructure plan. Can my right hon. Friend confirm when Basingstoke might be getting news on those allocations—perhaps even an early Christmas present?
Context
The MP seeks an update on Treasury allocations for a public consultation on the new Basingstoke hospital, funded by the Government's flagship hospital infrastructure plan.
John Glen
I am sorry that I cannot give an early Christmas present. Allocations from that funding are the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. I encourage my right hon. Friend to speak to the Health Secretary, who is working hard with the Treasury and other parts of Government to look at capital projects across the whole of health. Announcements will be made in due course, early in the new year, I hope.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my right hon. Friend agree to meet me and Lord Goldsmith to effect that change?
Context
MP discusses issues with CPA headquarters' charity status and requests a meeting to resolve it.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
I am happy to commit to that. I know that the Foreign Secretary and you, Mr Speaker, have also discussed this important issue, and I will make sure it is picked up as soon as possible.
Session: Commonwealth Countries
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To support more women in work, will my hon. Friend look at rolling out more widely the Education Secretary's successful campaign to stamp out the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in universities?
Context
The question is prompted by a Government survey from 2020 which showed that half of those reporting sexual harassment at work were asked to sign NDAs, effectively silencing victims.
Maria Caulfield
I thank my right hon. Friend for her work on this issue. I will of course speak to my colleague in the Department for Education about it, but I want to reassure my right hon. Friend that specific legislation about sexual harassment in the workplace is going through the House with Government support.
Session: Women in the Workplace
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The Government funded 128 new special educational needs places at the Austen Academy in Basingstoke, which opened about a year ago, but a new, permanent academy trust is needed to operate the school. Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss the importance of making that appointment swiftly?
Context
The MP noted that the Government funded new special educational needs places at a school in Basingstoke.
Claire Coutinho
I would be delighted to meet my right hon. Friend. She is an incredible campaigner on these issues, which are also important to the Government.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Secretary of State agree that this is unacceptable and measures must be taken to prevent it?
Context
Concern about a local case where an offender was given permission to go abroad on holiday while awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to sexually abusing two girls.
Dominic Raab
I cannot comment on individual judicial cases, but I understand the concern. If he writes with details, I will look at this carefully.
Session: Criminal Justice System Support for Victims
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Crown dependencies and overseas territories are an important part of the Commonwealth. The UK Commonwealth Parliamentary Association provides essential services to these regions but there are gaps. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss how we can tackle that, because those territories and countries deserve the best?
Context
The UK Commonwealth Parliamentary Association provides essential services for Crown dependencies and overseas territories, including audits, scrutiny, and election observation.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
I would be delighted to meet my right hon. Friend. We are committed to deepening our ties with all our Commonwealth partners.
Session: Topical Questions
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A constituent recently contacted about an NHS dentist possibility received information that no dentists in Southampton are taking on patients; no one within 25 miles is doing so either. What does the Minister have to say to my constituent with no immediate prospect for a dentist?
Context
A constituent reported no NHS dentists accepting patients within 25 miles of Southampton, highlighting the severe lack of dental provision.
Neil O'Brien
There were 1,255 active dentists in NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB last year; however, there is an issue as highlighted by the MP. The Minister is happy to talk more about this important problem offline.
Session: Local Dental Provision
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The Government have a strong record on tackling crime against women, including by introducing the new revenge pornography laws. Rather than just talking about it, can we please act now and either include this in the Online Safety Bill or have a standalone Bill, as the Government recently did to tackle upskirting?
Context
The Law Commission highlighted gaps in the law on online intimate image abuse, indicating that harmful behavior is not adequately criminalized and victims lack effective recourse.
Rachel Maclean
My right hon. Friend has a hugely impressive track record of campaigning on all these issues, to enable women and girls to live safely both online and in the real world. She points to some of our previous work. Of course, technology is always changing, and the Government always keep this under review. It is right that we take time to consider the Law Commission's recommendations, but I would be happy to meet her to discuss it in more detail.
Session: Intimate Image Abuse
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If he will hold discussions with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the potential merits of including the recommendations by the Law Commission on intimate image abuse published in July 2022 in the Online Safety Bill.
Context
The Law Commission published a report in July 2022 recommending measures against online intimate image abuse. This issue has significant implications for legal protections and victim support.
Rachel Maclean
The Government welcome the Law Commission's review, and we are carefully considering its recommendations. As my right hon. Friend will expect, the Lord Chancellor is working very closely with his counterpart in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Session: Intimate Image Abuse
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Thanks to the work of the Home Office, British Transport police are working alongside Hampshire Constabulary to help tackle the appalling problems we have with county lines in north Hampshire. Can my hon. Friend tell me whether that is a project that he continues to see moving forward?
Context
There is an initiative involving the Home Office, British Transport police, and Hampshire Constabulary to tackle county lines issues. Maria Miller seeks confirmation on its continuation.
Tom Pursglove
I thank my right hon. Friend for the way she approaches this issue and her positive advocacy for that initiative, which we are committed to. It is about continuing to roll out the county lines programme, with £145 million over the next three years, to tackle what is the most violent and exploitative distribution model yet seen. It is about safeguarding vulnerable people from being exploited, arresting and charging those running the lines, and stopping them exploiting people.
Session: County Lines Drug Gangs
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How will the Government ensure compliance with the provisions of the International Labour Organisation convention on preventing and enforcing laws against workplace violence and harassment?
Context
The UK Government ratified the International Labour Organisation convention to prevent violence and harassment in the workplace, particularly affecting women.
Chloe Smith
The Minister for Women and Equalities will write to my right hon. Friend to provide a fuller update on the Government's commitment to these matters.
Session: Women in the Workplace
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What action is my hon. Friend taking to address that really worrying issue, particularly given the Online Safety Bill that is currently going through the House?
Context
The Home Office consultation linked viewing violent pornography to aggressive attitudes towards women.
Rachel Maclean
I thank my right hon. Friend for her continuous involvement in and advocacy on these issues. She will know that the Online Safety Bill includes a range of measures to make the internet much safer for everybody. Everybody should have a right to view the internet without coming across this disgusting material.
Session: Violence Against Women and Girls
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My hon. Friend the Minister is right to talk about the contracts with dentists, but should she not also look at how dentistry is structured and the regional nature of the contracting? It sits outside our clinical commissioning groups, which reduces co-ordination and accountability in respect of something that is central to our health. Should this not change?
Context
Dentistry contracts sit outside clinical commissioning groups reducing coordination and accountability.
Maria Caulfield
My right hon. Friend is right. Health Education England is addressing the overall system of where dentists are training and where the gaps in provision are filled in its “Advancing Dental Care” review. It is also working with commissioners at a local level to develop more opportunities in those places that we term dental deserts, where there is currently a lack of provision.
Session: NHS Dentistry Backlog
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Would the Minister agree that getting more information about who stands for election published might help ensure our electoral system is as fair and open as possible?
Context
Local authorities have a duty to provide information about who stands for election, and more information could help ensure the electoral system is fair.
Kemi Badenoch
Agrees that more information could help ensure a fair electoral system. Local authorities carry out this work, but if there are specific suggestions for improvement, the Minister is willing to look into them.
Session: Equality Act 2010 Implementation by Local Authorities
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Will the Minister include those changes in the Online Safety Bill through Government amendments before it reaches the Lords, or will she look for others to do that on her behalf?
Context
The Law Commission will publish recommended changes to criminal law addressing intimate image sharing without consent.
Victoria Atkins
The Minister acknowledges the complexity of the law and refers to efforts made by the government, including outlawing cyber-flashing. She notes that they await results from the Law Commission's advice and will look carefully at implementing any such changes recommended in summer.
Session: Violence Against Women and Girls
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Thousandsof electric car charging points have been installed in Basingstoke. What support does the government offer to people without off-street parking access to residential charging points?
Context
Thousands of electric vehicle charging points are being installed in Basingstoke town centre, but there is no off-street parking for many residents.
Trudy Harrison
£2.5 billion has been committed since 2020 to support transition to zero emission vehicles, offsetting higher up-front costs and accelerating transport infrastructure roll-out. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's work is being spread across the country.
Session: Topical Questions
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Four in 10 young women in this country have received an unsolicited naked image of a man's genitals. This sort of abuse has absolutely no place in our society. Will my hon. Friend please ensure that this is made a sex offence in the online safety Bill?
Context
A significant number of young women have received unsolicited naked images, a form of abuse that needs to be addressed legally.
Rachel Maclean
I thank my right hon. Friend for her consistent campaigning against this disgusting form of abuse against women and girls. I can do no more than refer to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, who is sitting behind me and who has himself committed to introducing cyber-flashing as an offence as soon as possible.
Session: Topical Questions
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What plans does the Minister have to address cyber-flashing and deep fake pornography, which are currently legal?
Context
Cyber-flashing and deep fake pornography are forms of online violence against women that are not illegal.
Victoria Atkins
The Government is looking for a legislative vehicle to outlaw cyber-flashing. On deep fake imagery, advice from the Law Commission is sought to update general laws to better reflect modern practices.
Session: Violence Against Women and Girls
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What specific support is being given by my hon. Friend to help Afghan refugees in north Hampshire who now want to get back into employment?
Context
Afghan refugees in north Hampshire have been supported through the DWP's Jobcentre Plus and other organisations. Many of them now want to get back into work.
Mims Davies
There is incredible work going on across DWP, including the launch of Jobs First. We are in every bridging hotel, our work coaches are at the forefront of helping people into work, and we have great news and great stories every day.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister look to Ofsted to do further work on how schools are implementing relationship and sex education?
Context
Ofsted's inquiry into the Everyone's Invited campaign highlighted issues related to sexual harassment and safeguarding in schools.
Robin Walker
I know from discussions with Her Majesty's chief inspector that this is a priority for Ofsted, and we continue to work together on it. We are also supporting teachers to build their confidence in teaching this newly required subject.
Session: Education Settings Safe Learning
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Compared to other communities, Basingstoke has built far more new homes in recent years. What advice can you give my local council on ensuring that future projections for housing reflect specific needs?
Context
Basingstoke has built 50% more new homes over the past two decades. Residents are concerned about future projected house-building levels not reflecting special circumstances.
Christopher Pincher
I commend my right hon. Friend and her council for their work on building homes in Basingstoke. To ensure future projections reflect needs, local plans must be up-to-date and agreed upon with the Planning Inspectorate.
Session: Topical Questions
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What specific actions can be taken to support political prisoners such as Mikita Zalatarou who was arrested at age 16, allegedly tortured and kept in solitary confinement?
Context
Over 30,000 people have been detained since the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus with many facing torture and ill-treatment. Mikita Zalatarou is one of those arrested.
Vicky Ford
We are appalled by reports that there are now over 850 political prisoners in Belarus, and we strongly urge their unconditional release. We support mechanisms through the UN, OSCE and NGOs to investigate human rights violations and hold those responsible accountable.
Session: Belarus
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that having women themselves around the policy-making table is crucial for entrenching change? What will she be doing to support more women into those sorts of roles in countries where sexual violence is a reality for so many?
Context
Ensuring women are involved in policy-making is crucial for creating lasting change and addressing issues such as sexual violence.
Elizabeth Truss
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. We are restoring the development budget for women and girls back to its previous levels, and will shortly be allocating funding for such projects. She is right that we need to ensure that we are using all the talents available on parliamentary benches around the world, and I am delighted that we now have a record number of female Conservative MPs in this House.
Session: Rape and Sexual Violence in Conflict
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What steps the Government are taking to protect women and girls around the world from the use of rape and sexual violence in conflict.
Context
Sexual violence is used as a weapon of war, but it is treated less seriously than other forms of warfare such as chemical weapons or landmines.
Elizabeth Truss
It is grotesque that sexual violence and rape is used as a weapon of war. It is wrong that it is treated less seriously than chemical warfare or landmines. That is why we are working to build a new consensus with friends and allies across the world to condemn it as a red line.
Session: Rape and Sexual Violence in Conflict
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I have seen at first hand how assistive technology can change the lives of young people with disabilities at Treloar School and College in Alton in Hampshire. Can my hon. Friend update the House with any further details on the national centre for assistive and accessible technology, which could do so much to support adults with a learning disability and other disabilities to get into employment?
Context
The MP highlights the importance of national centre for assistive and accessible technology to support adults with disabilities.
Chloe Smith
I am really pleased that my right hon. Friend has raised that point, and I agree on the centrality of assistive and accessible technology. That is why our national disability strategy contained a commitment to invest up to £1 million in 2021-22 to develop a new centre for assistive and accessible tech, reporting on progress by next year. I look forward to working with her to do that.
Session: Disabled People Support in Work
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme
30 November 2023
Responding: Amanda Milling
Main Concerns
['The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS), established in response to the #MeToo movement, is grappling with issues of bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct. The scheme has faced challenges including a backlog of cases, with serious complaints taking an average of 184 working days to resolve. Only about 10% of contacts to the helpline are related to harassment, indicating that the ICGS is being overburdened by non-relevant complaints due to a lack of alternative HR support for staff. The lead MP is concerned about the implementation of the ICGS, noting that not all original proposals have been implemented or adhered to. She highlighted issues such as training and HR processes that have not yet come to fruition.']
Specific Asks
["The Government should implement recommendations from the Speaker's Conference on employment conditions for Members' staff, including expanding the budget for an HR department and establishing induction courses. The review must prioritize improving investigation timeliness, setting up an HR pathway, and implementing initial ICGS proposals to support a culture change where all workers feel valued. She urges the review to consider how many of the current issues could have been avoided if they had been put in place as designed, advocating for the full package to be implemented to give the ICGS a proper opportunity to work as originally envisaged."]
Non-disclosure Agreements in the Workplace — [Rushanara Ali in the Chair]
05 September 2023
Responding: Kevin Hollinrake
Main Concerns
['The use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence employees who face workplace wrongs, including sexual abuse and discrimination. NDAs prevent victims from seeking medical support, taking action through employment tribunals, or reporting criminal wrongdoing to the police. The issue disproportionately affects women and minority groups. Statistics show that 48% of those who reported workplace sexual harassment were asked to sign confidentiality agreements, with women signing NDAs at six times the rate for men.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should look into providing safeguards against NDAs in all workplaces across Britain. The Minister is urged to support an amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill recognising people who have signed NDAs as victims, ensuring consistency. It is time to turn advice into law so that legal clauses cannot be used by anyone to cover up illegal wrongdoing at work.']
Elected Women Representatives: Online Abuse
20 April 2021
Responding: Caroline Dinenage
Main Concerns
['Online abuse is a significant deterrent for women entering politics and can cut short the careers of those who do enter. According to research, almost 70% of respondents cited abuse or harassment as a reason not to pursue a career in politics, with the increase in hate and abuse towards women being nearly double that experienced by men over the past three general elections. This abuse often includes threats of rape, murder, stalking, and physical violence.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should introduce legislation specifically addressing online abuse as part of their upcoming online harms Bill. They should also ensure there is a cohesive plan to tackle intimidation in public life with Parliament and the Government working together.']
Crime (Overseas Production Orders etc) Bill - Clause 30 - Child sex offences: grooming aggravating factor
15 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I move that the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to ensure that child sex offenders who engage in online grooming receive additional punishment, reflecting the severe nature of this a...
The Criminal Justice Bill - Programme Motion
15 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Bill
26 April 2024
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
The Bill aims to recognise the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the International Committee of the Red Cross as international organisations in the UK, granting them legal capacities similar ...
High Streets (Improvement) Bill - Third Reading
26 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the Third Reading of the High Streets Improvement Bill, expressing gratitude to colleagues and organisations for their support. Highlights the importance of local government co-ordination in pre...
Proposed Hospital: North Hampshire
26 April 2024
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The issue at hand is the strategic placement of a new £700-900 million hospital in north Hampshire, with critical consideration for its impact on emergency care and patient outcomes. Maria Miller high...
Childcare Entitlements
23 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Hospice Funding
22 April 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls on integrated care boards to urgently address the funding for hospice-provided palliative care. Emphasises the importance of end-of-life care as a legal right, highlights financial pressures fac...
Security of Elected Representatives
29 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
29 February 2024
General Debate
Led by this MP
Moves that the House considers the use of language in politics, especially regarding respectful language and its importance for a strong and inclusive democracy. Raises concerns about women's represen...
Revised National Planning Framework
23 January 2024
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke, highlighted the significant changes made by the Government to the national planning policy framework (NPPF), granting local authorities greater autonomy in setting ho...
6
PMQs Asked
54
Ministerial Questions Asked
108
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
16
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
+303% above average
This MP:
54
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2122% above average
This MP:
108
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+69% above average
This MP:
16
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 Maria Miller's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.