Marion Fellows
MP for Motherwell and Wishaw
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Does the Prime Minister acknowledge the NFU Scotland president's concerns about the UK-Australia deal being rushed through without parliamentary scrutiny or consent from affected parties?
Context
The UK's new trade agreement with Australia has sparked concerns among the National Farmers Union Scotland, who fear adverse impacts on Scottish agriculture and industries due to lack of consultation.
Boris Johnson
The Prime Minister dismissed SNP criticisms and highlighted opportunities for Scottish industries under the trade agreement. He did not specifically address concerns about consultation and consent.
Assessment
Did not address concerns over lack of consultation or consent
Different Type Of Mp
Missed Point
Session: PMQs
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A senior Government figure told a reporter for that the UK Government will end the job retention scheme even if the Scottish Government decide to continue with the lockdown to save lives in Scotland. This would be an act from the UK Government that undermined devolution and the Scottish Parliament by slashing incomes to force Scots back to work when it is potentially unsafe. Will the Prime Minister agree to extend the job retention scheme in Scotland for the length of time that Scotland's Government and Parliament deem a lockdown necessary?
Context
Concerns that the UK government might end the job retention scheme even if the Scottish government decides to continue a lockdown, potentially undermining devolution.
Boris Johnson
Perhaps I can just say that I continue to be very happy with the level of co-operation, in spite of what we sometimes hear in this Chamber, between the Governments of all four nations, particularly Scotland. I just remind the hon. Lady, of course, that Scotland has benefited from about £1 billion of coronavirus funding in the last period and will get about £3 billion overall.
Assessment
Did not address extending job retention scheme based on Scottish decisions
Level Of Co-Operation
Coronavirus Funding
Session: PMQs
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In the last 12 months, one in five households, or one in four young households, in energy debt have turned to illegal money lenders to help pay for bills and everyday essentials. The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has stated that the crisis could mean that young households spend years at the mercy of these loan sharks. What assessment has the Minister made of the merits of working with Ofgem and energy suppliers in order to introduce support to alleviate this record-high energy debt?
Context
The question discusses the high number of households turning to illegal lenders due to high energy debts and asks about government support.
Amanda Solloway
The hon. Member makes an incredibly important point, and I have had many conversations with her on this matter. I can reassure her that I meet Ofgem regularly to discuss this, as the issue is very close to my heart—hence the call for input. To give her further reassurance, I can tell her that earlier this week, I met energy suppliers, and I also have ongoing meetings with Citizens Advice and other stakeholders.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assurance can the Minister give that the extra charge will be passed on to indebted customers to alleviate their debt burden?
Context
Households face additional costs to help energy companies cover bad debts, raising concerns about passing on these costs to indebted customers.
Laura Trott
It is good news that energy prices are set to fall. The hon. Lady will know that the Chancellor abolished the surcharge in one of his first Budgets.
Session: Cost of Living
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Adjustments are often vital for helping disabled people in their job, but Scope says that disabled workers face many issues with the Access to Work scheme, including a long wait for an assessment, a cap on costs, and low awareness of the scheme among disabled people. Only 40% of them know about it. Will the Minister work with her Cabinet colleagues to improve the Access to Work scheme and prevent the disability employment gap from widening?
Context
The question addresses issues faced by disabled workers with the Access to Work scheme, such as long wait times, cost caps, and low awareness. Only 40% of disabled individuals are aware of this scheme.
Mims Davies
The Access to Work scheme is a demand-led personalised discretionary grant, but working with employers, looking around occupational health and other interventions to support people are equally as important. I can assure the hon. Lady that I met my officials yesterday about the Access to Work scheme. I am looking at any delays, any impacts and any changes every couple of weeks to ensure that people who want to work and need support can get it in a timely fashion.
Session: Workplace Inclusivity and Accessibility
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Following recent events in Ukraine, what steps have been taken to speed up the process of releasing funds from the sale of Chelsea football club to support all victims of the war in Ukraine, wherever they are in the world?
Context
The question stems from the prolonged process of releasing funds from the sale of Chelsea FC, intended to aid Ukrainian war refugees.
Andrew Mitchell
The hon. Lady is quite right that releasing those funds is taking far too long. There are significant complications addressing the release, which involve the European Union and Portugal, as well as Britian. I can tell her, however, that there is renewed energy in the Foreign Office to try to bring this matter to a head as swiftly as possible.
Session: Topical Questions
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With National Energy Action estimating that there will be 6 million UK households in fuel poverty, when will the Government take meaningful action on an energy social tariff?
Context
Constituents in Motherwell and Wishaw face dire fuel poverty, with national estimates showing 6 million households in fuel poverty post-price cap.
Amanda Solloway
Last winter, this Government delivered £40 billion for households and businesses. We also have the warm home discount, the winter fuel payment and the disability cost of living payment. We are committed to ensuring that affordability is top of our list in relation to energy security.
Session: Fuel Poverty
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What steps is the Minister taking, with her Cabinet colleagues, to ensure that disabled people are not forced into jobs that are not suited to them?
Context
Scope has noted that changes to the work capability assessment might force disabled people into unsuitable employment, causing concern about huge numbers of people being forced into inappropriate jobs.
Mims Davies
The Department for Work and Pensions will always ensure that we listen to the wants and needs of disabled people, ensuring they are never forced into anything not suitable for them.
Session: Topical Questions
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The two-year fixed mortgage rate is more than double the level from December 2021, leading to monthly payments increasing by £500 or even £1,000 for many. Given that Government Ministers are having to step down over rising mortgage costs, how does the Chancellor expect people in Scotland to manage these increased rates?
Context
High monthly payment increases for mortgage holders, with over 900,000 borrowers facing significant rises and government resignations due to these issues.
Bim Afolami
Firstly, the best way is to support cost of living rather than increasing taxes as proposed by the SNP. Secondly, we maintain our backing for the Bank of England in reducing inflation and subsequently interest rates.
Session: Homeowners with Mortgages Support
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Will the Government urgently reverse their decision to downgrade the dedicated disabilities Minister's role?
Context
The dedicated disabilities Minister's role has been downgraded. The MP seeks an urgent reversal and reinstatement of the role.
Mel Stride
The responsibilities of the previous disability Minister have been taken over by the current one, who is extraordinarily capable and understands the issues.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the Minister to his place. This financial year, active travel spending is £1.91 per head in England and £30.10 per head in Scotland—a 1,400% difference between Scottish and UK Government priorities. Decarbonisation needs transformational investment in active travel, which particularly supports accessibility, and it simply is not happening for folk in England. Will he undertake to begin the long process of finally getting England on the road to matching Scotland's ambition?
Context
The MP notes the disparity in active travel spending between England and Scotland, questioning the UK Government's commitment to decarbonisation through transformational investment.
Anthony Browne
I thank the hon. Member for that question. We are actually spending more money on active travel than any other Government in history. As she says, active travel is an important part of decarbonisation and the route to net zero. Her figures do not take into account the regional spending within England, which should be added to the total. I would be happy to write to her with the actual figures for spending in the UK.
Session: Transport Decarbonisation
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What steps his Department plans to take following COP28 to support transport decarbonisation.
Context
Following COP28, the MP asks about steps to support transport decarbonisation.
Anthony Browne
Our transport decarbonisation plan is probably the most advanced of any country in the world, and we continue to implement it. Just yesterday, King Charles approved the zero-emission vehicle mandate, which requires 80% of new vehicles to have zero emissions by 2030. Petrol and diesel cars, vans and trucks weighing up to 26 tonnes will be banned by 2035. We have introduced the sustainable aviation fuel mandate, under which 10% of aviation fuel should be sustainable by 2030. Similarly, we are pushing ahead in all the different sectors.
Session: Transport Decarbonisation
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A successful healthy and sustainable food system requires a number of factors, including a consumer base that can afford it. Recent surveys show that 25% of people have removed healthy and organic food from their diet to save money. How does the Secretary of State plan to cultivate a consumer base that will enable people to buy good, healthy food?
Context
Recent surveys show that 25% of people have removed healthy and organic food from their diet to save money, raising concerns about the affordability of a healthy food system.
Steve Barclay
My right hon. Friend the Chancellor has set out a whole range of methods to support consumers with the cost of living—[Interruption.] Just as the hon. Lady raises her hands on that, it is also worth remembering that, under the Barnett consequentials, Scotland receives more per head than those consumers in England. So those in Scotland are better able to meet those cost-of-living pressures—[Interruption.] SNP Members do not seem to like the facts, but it is a fact that under Barnett consequentials the funding in Scotland is higher per head that the funding in England, which allows consumers to meet those cost of living pressures and to make those choices, should they so wish.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State's predecessor took a strong interest in the deaths that took place in the Essex mental health trusts, and a statutory inquiry is now taking place. Will she meet me and our Essex colleagues, and the families, to discuss that important inquiry, so that they can have justice for the loved ones they have lost?
Context
A statutory inquiry is currently underway to investigate deaths in Essex mental health trusts.
Victoria Atkins
I would be very pleased to meet my right hon. Friend, the families and other Essex MPs to discuss that important inquiry.
Session: Topical Questions
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Concerns have been raised regarding the UK Government's new back-to-work plan, particularly around applying benefit sanctions or coercing people into seeking jobs. These measures may adversely affect claimants with mental health challenges. Does the Minister share these concerns? Has she made any representations to her Cabinet colleagues about the mental health impact of such measures?
Context
The Centre for Mental Health, British Psychological Society warned the UK government about negative impacts of increased sanctions and job-seeking pressure on individuals with mental health issues.
Maria Caulfield
The SNP's approach differs from that of the Conservatives, who believe in supporting people with mental health issues to secure employment. We assert that individuals should have opportunities for career advancement and not just job acquisition.
Session: Cost of Living Impact on Mental Health
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The recent Centre for Mental Health, the British Psychological Society, and others raised serious concerns about the UK Government's new back to work plan. They warned that applying more benefit sanctions or coercing people into jobseeking would be detrimental to claimants struggling with mental health issues. Does the Minister share my concern about this, and has she made any representations to her Cabinet colleagues about the mental health impact of these measures?
Context
The Centre for Mental Health and the British Psychological Society have expressed concerns about increased pressure on claimants' mental health due to benefit sanctions or job-seeking coercion.
Maria Caulfield
We support people with mental health issues to get into work. We believe that these individuals should have opportunities for good jobs and careers, as supported by Mind, which states that employment provides a sense of identity and structure, enhancing support, confidence, and ambition.
Session: Cost of Living Impact on Mental Health
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My priority as Secretary of State is to reform our NHS and social care system to make it faster, simpler and fairer. Since my appointment, we are making progress. To make our system faster, we have hit our manifesto target to recruit and retain 50,000 more nurses for our NHS, and to deliver 50 million more GP appointments, achieving both commitments months ahead of time.
Context
The question arises from concerns about meeting manifesto commitments and improving healthcare services.
Victoria Atkins
As I said earlier, careful thought has gone into the announcements that were made in the autumn statement, and of course I will work with the Secretary of State and the Chancellor to ensure that the commitments we already have to people living with disabilities are maintained, and that we have their wellbeing at the heart of all our policy making.
Session: Topical Questions
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Has the Minister considered piloting £1,000 grants for women who leave violent relationships?
Context
Almost a quarter of homelessness among women and children is due to violence or abusive relationship.
Laura Farris
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 includes a legal duty on tier 1 local authorities to provide wide-ranging support, including refuges. £377 million has been allocated by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Legislation
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The proposals in the work capability assessment activities and descriptors consultation will mean some claimants will lose £390 a month if they are reassessed, pushing them even further into poverty. Will the Minister or the Secretary of State please explain this huge financial impact on low-income people with disabilities or a serious health condition?
Context
Proposals for work capability assessments will impact claimants losing £390 a month.
Tom Pursglove
No final decisions have been made. We have had the consultation and we will respond appropriately in the normal way.
Session: Topical Questions
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What are the Government doing to provide support for addressing occupation segregation leading to more women accessing STEM careers?
Context
Scottish Government aims to address lack of women in STEM occupations from an early age.
Maria Caulfield
One key route is through apprenticeships. We have 22,000 degree apprenticeships and seven masters degree apprenticeships with an increase of 14%. In STEM subjects, we have 360 employer design apprenticeships including level 3 cyber-security, level 4 software development and level 6 civil engineering.
Session: Women in STEM Jobs
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Despite Cabinet colleagues denouncing its effectiveness, what recent discussions has he had with the Scottish Government on advancing this pilot scheme?
Context
The Minister did not answer a previous question about discussions on advancing the pilot drug consumption scheme. The Scottish Government are ready and willing to work with the UK Government.
Alister Jack
Drug consumption rooms are not the easy solution hon. Members may think they are. There is no safe way to take illegal drugs. Drugs devastate lives, ruin families and damage communities. The UK Government believe that the police and the Procurator Fiscal Service should fully enforce the law. However, I say to the hon. Lady that if the Scottish Government and the Lord Advocate decide to proceed with a pilot on DCRs, the UK Government will not intervene.
Session: Devolution of Drugs Policy
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What discussions he has held with Cabinet colleagues and the Scottish Government on the devolution of drugs policy to Scotland.
Context
The issue of devolving drug policies from the UK Government to the Scottish Government has been raised due to regional differences and local expertise.
Alister Jack
Illicit drugs destroy lives and devastate communities. The United Kingdom Government's 10-year drug strategy sets out ambitious plans, backed by a record £3 billion over three years, to tackle the supply of illicit drugs and build a world-class system of treatment and recovery. This is a UK-wide strategy, and there are no plans to devolve drugs policy to the Scottish Government.
Session: Devolution of Drugs Policy
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Can the public have confidence that sensitive personal data will be protected given the expansion of automated decision making under the Data Protection and Digital Information (No. 2) Bill?
Context
The question is about public confidence in data protection as Government's use of AI expands.
Chloe Smith
Yes, because the legislation focuses on protecting sensitive personal data. The White Paper sets out principles such as safety, transparency, explainability, fairness, accountability and governance, contestability, and redress to ensure protection.
Session: Artificial Intelligence
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Whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to regulate the use of artificial intelligence. Researchers at Robust Intelligence recently discovered that AI could bypass privacy protections within hours of use, raising concerns about sensitive personal data protection as Government's use of AI grows.
Context
The question arises from the need to regulate AI given its rapid development and impact on various sectors.
Chloe Smith
Our White Paper sets out how we will regulate AI through a flexible framework underpinned by five principles, including safety, transparency, explainability, fairness, accountability, governance, contestability, and redress. The Government will come back with proposals in the autumn following the White Paper consultation.
Session: Artificial Intelligence
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The Fresh Produce Consortium recently noted that post-Brexit import charges will hit SMEs hardest, driving up food prices. Does the Minister acknowledge this impact on producers struggling with high operating costs?
Context
The Fresh Produce Consortium warned that post-Brexit import charges are hurting small and medium-sized enterprises. Food prices have risen due to these changes.
Nigel Huddleston
The UK conducts trade deals in its economic interests. These include opportunities for SMEs to trade globally, particularly with south Asia, Africa, and South America.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does he really believe that an asylum seeker will be able to participate effectively in a judicial review if they are already in Rwanda? The Bill would prevent UK courts from granting an interim remedy to delay the removal of an individual while their judicial review claim is heard. Is that not a fundamental attack on the rights of an individual to access the courts?
Context
The MP is concerned about provisions in the bill that prevent UK courts from granting interim remedies to delay removal while a judicial review claim is heard.
Alex Chalk
This is a fair country and we will always take what proper steps we should to ensure that individuals' rights are upheld. I respectfully say this: as well as considering those migrants who come across the channel, the hon. Lady needs to think about those migrants on the north coast of France who are thinking about whether to put their lives into the hands of people traffickers.
Session: Asylum Seekers’ Access to Justice Illegal Migration Bill
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What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the Illegal Migration Bill on access to justice for asylum seekers?
Context
The MP is concerned about discussions regarding the impact of the Illegal Migration Bill on asylum seekers' rights.
Alex Chalk
The Illegal Migration Bill will break the business model of people-smuggling gangs, deter migrants from making dangerous channel crossings and restore fairness to our asylum system. The Bill will provide a robust but fair legal framework to remove illegal migrants swiftly while ensuring that proper opportunity to appeal remains.
Session: Asylum Seekers’ Access to Justice Illegal Migration Bill
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According to the House of Commons Library, this Westminster Government plan to spend £3 billion on renewing nuclear weapons for 2023-24. When we see reports of service people and their families using food banks, does the Minister think that is a wise use of public funds?
Context
The question stems from a House of Commons Library report indicating that the Government plans to spend £3 billion on nuclear weapons this year, while there are reports of service people and their families using food banks.
Andrew Murrison
I fully support the continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, which has kept us safe for years. As long as there are Conservative Governments, this will continue. The Minister expresses disappointment that her party does not back the armed forces in supporting the deterrent.
Session: Armed Forces Cost of Living
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What recent assessment has his Department made of the potential impact of increases in the cost of living on the armed forces' (a) morale and (b) recruitment?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the financial burden on military personnel and its effect on morale and recruitment.
Andrew Murrison
We have introduced measures to support personnel and mitigate cost of living impacts, including capping accommodation charges, freezing food charges, increasing travel allowances, rebating council tax contributions, and introducing childcare services. Over the past five years, armed forces pay has increased by 11%, with a significant percentage uplift in 2022.
Session: Armed Forces Cost of Living
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I can now say this without being told off, as was the case a year ago this month: the disgraced, dishonest and serial-lying Boris Johnson should categorically not be given any resignation honours list—period. What steps is the Minister taking to rescind this democratic outrage? If he is not taking any, does he agree with Parliament's judgment on Monday, given that he chose to abstain on the vote?
Context
MP questioned the Minister about steps to rescind Boris Johnson's resignation honours list and whether he agrees with Parliament's judgment on Monday.
Alex Burghart
The list is not being rescinded. It has gone to the sovereign and has been approved.
Session: Resignation Honours Lists Impact
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Whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the publication of the resignation honours lists of the right hon. Member for South West Norfolk and the former right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip on public trust in (a) politicians and (b) political institutions.
Context
MP raised concerns about the publication of resignation honours lists and their potential to erode public trust in politicians and institutions.
Alex Burghart
My Cabinet colleagues and I have frequent conversations about a range of issues, with a range of colleagues. To the question that the hon. Lady is pushing on, she will have heard me say that there is a long-standing convention, under successive Governments, that outgoing Prime Ministers can draw up a resignation list.
Session: Resignation Honours Lists Impact
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Expanding free school meals to all children in universal credit households is not controversial. New data from the Food Foundation shows that 80% of the English general public support it. The Scottish Government have already committed to providing universal free school meals for all primary children. Why is the Secretary of State's Department fuelling the poverty cycle and failing to give deprived children the very best start in life?
Context
A study by the Food Foundation shows that 80% of the English public support universal free school meals. The Scottish Government have committed to providing these meals.
Gillian Keegan
I take my role of giving children the very best start in life incredibly seriously. This Government spend more than £1 billion annually delivering free school meals to pupils in schools. More than one third of pupils in schools in England receive a free meal, which, incidentally, compares with one sixth under Labour in 2010. We must also ensure that students are supported in school holidays; that is why we have introduced the holiday activities and food programme.
Session: Financial Support for Students
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Whether she has had recent discussions with her counterparts in the devolved Administrations on financial support for (a) school and (b) higher education students in the context of increases in the cost of living.
Context
Increases in the cost of living have raised concerns about financial support for school and higher education students. The question arises from discussions with devolved administrations on this issue.
Gillian Keegan
This is a timely question, as just last Thursday I met representatives from across the UK to discuss that very topic. In England, we have put in place significant support to help students and families alike with the cost of living. This year alone, the Government will spend around £37 billion on cost of living support. We provide free school meals to more than one third of children in education and we have boosted our student premium this year, spending £276 million.
Session: Financial Support for Students
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Current regulations on hydrogen transport and storage are preventing world-leading renewables innovators such as the European Marine Energy Centre in Scotland from using surplus energy from tidal turbines to produce green hydrogen and export it off-island? Will the Department work with the Competition and Markets Authority to review these regulations and ensure that Scotland's green industrial revolution is not hampered by Westminster's regulatory dead hand?
Context
The MP is concerned about restrictive regulations hampering the use of surplus energy from tidal turbines to produce green hydrogen.
Jesse Norman
As the hon. Lady will know, I have already outlined the support that we have been giving and the warm interest we take in hydrogen, so I am very interested to hear what she says. If she could bear to send me the details, I will make sure that I or the relevant Minister responds to her.
Session: Topical Questions
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According to research from the Resolution Foundation, the disability income gap is still at 44%, leaving disabled people hugely exposed to the rising cost of essentials in the context of the cost of living crisis. What steps is the Department taking with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure that work coaches and disability advisers understand the barriers to employment faced by disabled people? Will the Department urge DWP colleagues to consider what additional specialist support could be offered to disabled jobseekers?
Context
The disability income gap remains at 44%, leaving disabled individuals highly vulnerable to rising costs of living.
Mims Davies
Our disability employment adviser is there to understand exactly those needs and support. I point people to the benefits calculator on gov.uk, and say that there will be further cost of living payment support.
Session: Topical Questions
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In her previous resignation letter, the current Home Secretary wrote that pretending to not have made mistakes is not serious politics. Was she right? Has she made a mistake? Will she accept responsibility and resign?
Context
The Home Secretary previously resigned citing serious mistakes made by the government, raising questions about her own responsibility for these issues.
Suella Braverman
As I said earlier, in the summer of last year I was speeding. I regret that I was speeding. I paid the penalty and I accepted the points. At no time did I seek to avoid any sanction or consequence.
Session: Topical Questions
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Dr Nikhil Datta from Warwick Economics noted that £5.84 billion in increased food prices since 2016 hit low-income households hardest, as they spend more of their income on food. Does the Secretary of State or UK Government accept this?
Context
The MP cites a study by Warwick Economics that suggests increased food prices due to Brexit hit the poorest households hardest.
Kevin Hollinrake
We aim to halve inflation, which will also affect food prices. Direct support for low-income households includes over £2,000 per household this year and £900 in additional support specifically targeting these groups.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Chancellor claims that the UK Government's windfall tax is set to generate £40 billion over six years, and taxes on Scotland's oil and gas sector covered half of the UK energy bill last winter. Until now, however, this Government have failed to support the Acorn carbon capture project in north-east Scotland. Do they accept that windfall taxes from Scottish oil and gas should be used not just to pay short-term bills but to invest in Scotland's transition to a net zero economy?
Context
UK Government's windfall tax expected to generate £40 billion over six years. Support for the Acorn carbon capture project in north-east Scotland.
John Lamont
The energy profits levy strikes the right balance by funding cost of living support while encouraging investment in order to bolster UK energy security. The levy is helping to hold down people's energy bills across the United Kingdom, including Scotland, by partly funding a generous cost of living package worth £96 billion or £3,300 per household.
Session: Renewable Energy
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What recent discussions has he had with the Scottish Government on support for renewable energy in Scotland?
Context
Discussions about support for renewable energy in Scotland, including the leading role that Scotland can play in delivering energy security and jobs.
John Lamont
The UK Government remain firmly committed to the renewables industry across the United Kingdom, including the leading role that Scotland can play in delivering energy security and jobs. Over the past year, we have worked closely with the Scottish Government through the offshore wind acceleration taskforce to bring forward the deployment of offshore wind projects in the UK.
Session: Renewable Energy
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What is being done to invest in the maritime security of Scotland and its waters?
Context
There are concerns about maritime security for Scottish territorial waters.
Oliver Dowden
Of course the maritime security of the United Kingdom is the utmost priority for this Government. We ensure that Royal Naval vessels are available to patrol waters at all times.
Session: National Resilience
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Last month, a report showed that Post Office has a greater economic impact on the UK than Heathrow airport. Could he also look at “drop and collect” locations?
Context
A report by London Economics highlighted the economic impact of post offices in the UK.
Kevin Hollinrake
Drop and collect locations offer important services, counted towards the 11,500 branches commitment. Access criteria ensure core services remain within reach of citizens.
Session: Post Office Network
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The Refugee Council estimates that if 65,000 people crossed the channel this year, it would cost £219 million to detain them for 28 days or £1.4 billion to detain them for six months. Are figures such as those the reason for the Home Secretary's refusing to share the economic impact assessment of the Illegal Migration Bill with the House?
Context
The cost of detaining migrants is estimated to be very high, raising questions about why economic impact assessments are not shared.
Robert Jenrick
The hon. Lady makes a powerful case for deterrence, which is exactly what the Illegal Migration Bill does. It will deter people from crossing the channel and break the model of the people smugglers.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Global Intergenerational Week 2024 — [Clive Efford in the Chair]
09 May 2024
Responding: Stuart Andrew
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the perception that intergenerational work is merely nice rather than essential. The ageing population presents both challenges and opportunities, but it often leads to negative stereotypes. Intergenerational activities are crucial for building age-friendly communities as defined by the World Health Organisation, which optimises health, participation, and security. Barriers such as communication difficulties, rural deprivation, poor transport, and financial issues prevent intergenerational integration, affecting younger people's ability to afford homes and raise families."]
Specific Asks
['Will the Minister discuss how intergenerational work can be an essential practice in social care, education, urban planning, and development? Will he encourage more joined-up thinking across departments to promote positive attitudes and break down stereotypes?']
Energy Social Tariffs
23 November 2023
Responding: Amanda Solloway
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the significant impact of high energy bills on disabled and low-income households this winter. With many constituents and disability organisations expressing genuine worry, stress, and anxiety due to rising costs, there is a pressing need for immediate support. The autumn statement failed to address these concerns adequately, with Ofgem's new price cap representing a £94 increase per household. This means that the typical annual bill of £1,928 has risen to £2,023 based on previous criteria. Additionally, 61% higher energy bills compared to 2021 levels and rising debt are causing severe financial strain for those most vulnerable."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to urgently commit to a consultation on an energy social tariff in the coming months. If this is not possible, I request that they reinstate the £400 rebate on energy bills and expand eligibility criteria for cost of living payments to include disabled households receiving contribution-based or new-style employment and support allowance.']
Post Office Ltd: Management Culture
13 July 2023
Responding: Kevin Hollinrake
Main Concerns
['Marion Fellows expressed deep concern about the management culture at Post Office Ltd, citing numerous scandals including the Horizon IT scandal and compensation schemes that are unfair to sub-postmasters. She highlighted issues such as inadequate compensation for sub-postmasters, secrecy, cover-ups, and incompetence in the management of Post Office Ltd. The lead MP also criticized the ongoing bonus payments to executives despite unresolved cultural issues and recent racial categorization practices by POL.']
Specific Asks
['Marion Fellows called on the Government to provide assurances that scandals will cease, for a proper support system for sub-postmasters, and asked for a detailed plan regarding the post office network. She also requested information about when the Government was made aware of disclosure issues and what discussions have been had with Post Office Ltd.']
People with Disabilities: Cost of Living
16 May 2023
Responding: Tom Pursglove
Main Concerns
["The Government have failed disabled people, their carers, and families during the cost of living crisis. Scope's report shows that the cost of being disabled in 2023 is £975 per month for a disabled household, with an increase of £300 from 2016-17. The personal independence payment is now inadequate to offset additional costs associated with disabilities. More than half of food bank users are disabled people and their households have lower incomes compared to non-disabled counterparts despite incurring higher costs."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should provide funding for a social energy tariff that discounts energy bills by 50% for disabled people, carers, and those on low incomes. They should also reverse the warm home discount eligibility criteria changes, uprate benefits in line with inflation, and ban all forced installations of prepayment meters.']
Child Maintenance Service: Reform
19 May 2022
Responding: David Rutley
Main Concerns
["The MP expressed deep concern about the Child Maintenance Service's failure to support single parents and their children. She highlighted that millions of relationships break down, but some parents evade responsibilities towards their children, leading to child poverty in rich nations. The service is criticized for failing to help families, creating huge debts, and inadequately enforcing payment. Arrears have worsened due to the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, with 32% of paying parents not contributing maintenance as required. Parents experience poor customer service, long delays, incorrect calculations, and unresolved technical issues."]
Specific Asks
['The MP called on the Government to reduce income charge thresholds to ensure low-income non-resident parents are not disproportionately charged; introduce trauma-informed service delivery for domestic abuse survivors; improve customer service by having dedicated caseworkers for individual cases; include unearned income in maintenance calculations when possible; and take effective enforcement action against those who avoid or minimize child support payments.']
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
24 February 2022
Responding: Mims Davies
Main Concerns
["Disabled people's rights in the UK and globally are being consistently ignored by the UK Government. Marion Fellows highlights that around the world, 1 billion people live with a disability, and according to World Vision, 20% of the world's poorest live with a disability. In the UK, nearly half (49%) of disabled people live in poverty. The UNCRPD was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2006 and ratified in the UK in 2009 but has seen glacial progress since then. The latest global summit on disability saw only 18 commitments made, which Fellows believes are insufficient to address real needs."]
Specific Asks
["Fellows calls for the UK Government to enshrine the UNCRPD in law and commit to incorporating the convention into legislation to allow domestic remedies for breaches. She also asks the Minister to follow Scotland's lead by publishing a new disability equality plan, properly engaging with disabled people, consulting them adequately, and committing to tripling the number of aid projects that have disability inclusion as their primary objective by 2023."]
Post Office Closures
19 October 2021
Responding: Paul Scully
Main Concerns
["The closure of post offices causes inconvenience and hardship for communities. In Motherwell and Wishaw, there have been both temporary and permanent closures. Many sub-postmasters are earning less than the minimum wage due to poor remuneration, leading them to retire or postpone retirement. There has also been an over-reliance on franchise postmasters, such as SPAR's decision to close 31 counters in Scotland. Since 2015, over 4,300 bank branches and building societies have closed, with post office branches now representing 60% of all the UK's branch-based cash access points."]
Specific Asks
["The Government should guarantee a minimum income for every sub-postmaster to make running a post office an attractive opportunity. They must also confirm their support for a private Member's Bill that mandates banks to provide banking services through local post offices and ensures they pay for the outreach and banking services provided by the network."]
Post Office Horizon
30 July 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Postal Services Bill - Clause 2: Meaning of ‘relevant offence’
23 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Minister Kevin Hollinrake moves the amendment, describing it as an historic day for overturning convictions following a significant miscarriage of justice. He acknowledges the support from all parts o...
Disabled People on Benefits: EHRC Investigation
23 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill - Instruction to the Committee on the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill that it has power to make provision in the Bill for it to extend to Northern Ireland.
29 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Buckland Review of Autism Employment
25 April 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion moves to consider the Buckland Review, an independent review that highlights the opportunities for businesses and the economy in supporting autistic individuals. It emphasises that only abo...
Backbench Business
18 April 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls for the Government to address fragmented and inconsistent redress landscapes by creating statutory guidance with common principles. The speaker highlights examples of failures in comp...
Women’s State Pension Age
25 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sub-postmasters Miscarriages of Justice Act (England and Wales) - Clause 1
20 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill will quash convictions for those affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal in England and Wales, aiming to right past wrongs by restoring good names automatically upon Royal Assent. It incl...
Post Office Legislation
13 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ways and Means
12 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focused on improving productivity, a theme close to the heart of Laura Trott. She highlighted that under the current government, private sector productivity increased by an average of 0.7% ...
2
PMQs Asked
90
Ministerial Questions Asked
119
House of Commons Debates Involved
7
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
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+571% above average
This MP:
90
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+178% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2349% above average
This MP:
119
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 Marion Fellows's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.