Mark Eastwood
MP for Dewsbury
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his commitment to improve transport links in the north. However, to ensure that a complete strategic approach to rail links is achieved across the region, it should include the much-needed upgrade to the Penistone line running from Huddersfield, through my constituency, to Sheffield—an upgrade that my hon. Friends the Members for Colne Valley (Jason McCartney) and for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Miriam Cates), who are sat with me, would also like to see delivered. With that in mind, will my right hon. Friend commit to including the Penistone line in the Network North plans?
Context
The Penistone Line is in need of an upgrade to improve transport links.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is a fantastic campaigner for the Penistone line rail upgrade. I know that my right hon. Friend the Transport Secretary is conducting a corridor development study given the new commitments to services on the Sheffield to Leeds and Sheffield to Hull lines, and, as part of that exercise, will consider enhancing the service on the Huddersfield to Penistone and Sheffield line, and I know that my hon. Friend will discuss this further when he meets the rail Minister.
Assessment
Commitment to including the Penistone Line upgrade in Network North plans
Conducting A Corridor Development Study
Session: PMQs
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On behalf of the people of Dewsbury, I would like to pay tribute to Dewsbury's greatest daughter, Betty Boothroyd. She will be sorely missed. This week, I visited Ravenshall School in Dewsbury and Hollybank School in Mirfield, which both do amazing work teaching children with special educational needs and disabilities. However, there is a disparity in SEND standards in mainstream schools in my constituency. Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking the teachers and staff at Ravenshall and Hollybank for everything they do? Will he outline how we can ensure that all our children are given the best chance in life, regardless of which school they go to?
Context
The MP paid tribute to Betty Boothroyd and visited two schools in Dewsbury working with children with special educational needs. There is a disparity in SEND standards across mainstream schools.
Dominic Raab
I pay tribute to the teachers and staff at both schools, Ravenshall and Hollybank, for the amazing work they do. It is a very difficult and challenging job and it is incredibly important for the life chances of the children affected. My hon. Friend will know that in March we published the SEND and alternative provision improvement plan, with new national standards. That is backed up by increased specialist provision locally, with £2.6 billion going into it. That includes opening 33 new special schools, with a further 49 in the pipeline.
Assessment
The specific ask about thanking teachers and staff was not directly addressed; instead, general improvements were outlined.
Changing Subject To Broader Plans
Session: PMQs
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Last week, I visited worried year 3 and year 6 pupils to hear their suggestions to tackle road safety following a number of serious road accidents outside Boothroyd Primary Academy in Dewsbury. They suggested that the council should do more to help, that their parents should walk them to school to reduce traffic and that commuters should slow down. Does my right hon. Friend agree with me and with them that we all have a part to play in ensuring road safety outside our schools?
Context
Year 3 and year 6 pupils at Boothroyd Primary Academy have suggested measures to improve road safety after a number of serious accidents.
Rishi Sunak
It is fantastic that my hon. Friend is engaging with his younger constituents at Boothroyd Academy on such an important issue, and I know that they will welcome his commitment to supporting them. I agree that there are various things that we can do. There is an updated highway code that strengthens pedestrian access; local authorities can introduce lower speed limits; and we are increasing the number of school streets, which restrict motorised traffic at busy times.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that rather than action being taken after people have been killed or seriously injured in collisions, prevention is better than cure and the Department for Transport circular 2007 needs a long overdue review?
Context
The MP received complaints from constituents about speeding in Shepley, Dewsbury, Mirfield, Kirkburton, and Denby Dale. The Department for Transport circular 2007 needs a review.
Boris Johnson
The Department for Transport is updating the circular on the use of speed and red-light cameras, and I urge the MP to get in touch with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking NHS staff and volunteers for making the vaccine roll-out a success in Dewsbury, Mirfield, Kirkburton, and Denby Dale?
Context
Recognition of NHS workers, volunteers, and pharmacists for their role in the successful vaccine distribution.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend for his representation of his communities and all involved in the roll-out in Dewsbury, Mirfield, Kirkburton and Denby Dale. It was an extraordinary national effort with pride seen in every vaccine centre.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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While I am pleased that localised data has allowed local restrictions to be lifted in parts of my constituency—Mirfield, Kirkburton and Denby Dale—will the Prime Minister reassure the people of Dewsbury that if infection rates continue to reduce, Dewsbury will be lifted out of local restrictions sooner rather than later?
Context
Localised data allows for lifting of local restrictions in some areas, but the questioner is seeking reassurance for Dewsbury.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend, and I thank the people of Dewsbury for their fortitude in doing what they have done and the local action that they are taking to defeat the virus. Of course, as soon as we see results in the case of a local lockdown, we do take that area out of lockdown. I have no doubt that the same will happen in Dewsbury and elsewhere.
Assessment
specific reassurance
Session: PMQs
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While it is important that we support renewable energy sources, does the Minister agree with me that solar panels should go on rooftops, not on farmland?
Context
The question discusses the importance of renewable energy sources while questioning the government's policy on placing solar panels.
Andrew Bowie
As my hon. Friend has heard me say already today, solar power is important, and we remain committed to our 70 GW target. However, food security is as important as energy security when it comes to national security. That is why we are protecting the best and most versatile farmland in the United Kingdom. Unlike the Opposition, we respect the views of communities up and down the country; we will ensure that our countryside is not industrialised, and incentivise companies, individuals and organisations to invest in rooftop solar, and solar on brownfield, not greenfield, sites.
Session: Topical Questions
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According to the ABHI, it takes on average 17 years for new technologies to be adopted. What steps is my right hon Friend taking to speed up this process so more lives can be saved?
Context
The Association of British HealthTech Industries claims it takes an average of 17 years for lifesaving and life-enhancing technologies to be adopted in the NHS.
Victoria Atkins
I dispute the 17-year figure, but my right hon Friend raises an important point. We have a plan to prioritise the acceleration of patient access backed by funding, reforming the medical technology regulatory framework, introducing the IDAP pilot and launching frameworks to increase innovative products availability.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned that over 10 million 'not fit for work' fit notes were issued last year and most were repeats without any new advice. What steps is my right hon Friend taking to reform this system so people can remain in work?
Context
Over 10 million fit notes were issued last year, many of which are repeat issues without advice. This raises concerns about the current process.
Victoria Atkins
We know that people in work lead happier, healthier lives. We are launching a reform of the fit note process to create a new system focusing on what people can do rather than cannot do. The Government will consider shifting the responsibility for issuing fit notes away from GPs.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Belarusian company Alutech has somehow managed to circumvent sanctions and set up in the UK, in direct competition with its business partner, Dewsbury-based Alunet, whose turnover has been halved from £30 million to £15 million and has shed jobs as a result of that unfair competition. Will the Minister agree to meet with me and directors of Alunet to discuss how we can resolve this terrible situation?
Context
Alutech, a Belarusian company, is operating in the UK despite sanctions. This affects Dewsbury-based Alunet's business.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue. As he knows, some of our officials have met representatives of the company concerned, and we are continuing to take action to close gaps between our Russian and Belarusian sanctions—we keep them under constant review. I would be very happy to meet with my hon. Friend to discuss the Belarusian sanctions further.
Session: Topical Questions
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I recently held my third annual skills and apprenticeships fair at the iconic Pioneer House Kirklees College building in Dewsbury. Will my right hon. Friend visit the college and meet some of the apprentices, employers and college staff who helped make that event a great success?
Context
The questioner held a successful skills and apprenticeships fair at Kirklees College.
Robert Halfon
I would be absolutely delighted to visit Kirklees College, and I congratulate my hon. Friend on his apprenticeship fair. Overall at Kirklees since 2010, there have been something like 12,300 apprenticeship starts in my hon. Friend's constituency.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister thank Tim Bamford, a local councillor for Denby Dale, and all volunteers at the Yorkshire Aid Convoy for their work in delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine?
Context
Recognition of local councillor Tim Bamford's efforts in delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Leo Docherty
Delighted to join hon. Friend in thanking Tim and Tina Bamford for their remarkable response and generous actions, along with the commendable work of the Yorkshire Aid Convoy.
Session: Ukraine
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Once again, I thank the Minister for the £48 million of levelling-up funds to upgrade the Penistone line, which will significantly improve the service and bring much-needed improvements to Shepley, Stocksmoor and Denby Dale stations. However, to achieve the ultimate goal of getting trains to run a half-hourly service, more investment is required, and that needs to come through the West Yorkshire Mayor and Network North. Does my hon. Friend agree that the Mayor should make that a priority, and announce the extra investment to ensure a full upgrade of the Penistone line?
Context
The MP noted £48 million of levelling-up funds to upgrade the Penistone railway line, but more investment is needed for a half-hourly service.
Jacob Young
We were delighted to provisionally award Kirklees Council with £48 million from the levelling-up fund to upgrade the Penistone railway line. I thank my hon. Friend and others, particularly Conservative Members, for their dedicated support, and I look forward to seeing the benefits that the funding will bring to people travelling between Huddersfield and Sheffield. As my hon. Friend says, Network North will see additional devolved funding provided to the West Yorkshire Mayor. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport and I will work with him and the Mayor to ensure that this new and unprecedented level of investment addresses local priorities, and supports towns, cities and rural areas across West Yorkshire.
Session: Regional Mayors Accountability
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Will the Minister advise when full clarification will be sent to councils regarding their investment in food waste recycling?
Context
Kirklees Council is looking to invest in its food waste recycling strategy, but it still awaits full clarification and details from the legislation.
Rebecca Pow
That clarification will be coming very soon and within it the new simpler recycling approach will include mandatory collection of food waste.
Session: Topical Questions
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In light of Labour-run Kirklees Council's past financial issues and failure to deliver regeneration projects on time or within budget, how can we ensure that the Towns Fund money is used effectively in Dewsbury?
Context
The MP highlighted that Kirklees Council has a history of financial mismanagement, raising concerns about the effective use of additional funding for Dewsbury.
Jacob Young
My officials are monitoring the town deal closely, working with Kirklees Council and the town deal board to ensure that Dewsbury's projects are delivered quickly. An additional £20 million was announced for Dewsbury as part of our long-term plan for towns.
Session: Towns Fund Project Delivery
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I am concerned about the delivery of projects in my constituency. What steps are you taking to help ensure the delivery of projects supported by the Towns Fund?
Context
The MP noted that his constituency, Dewsbury, is set to receive £25 million from the Towns Fund.
Jacob Young
We are supporting 101 towns through our £6.1 billion towns fund, helping to level up across the country. My Department proactively engages with local authorities through monitoring and evaluation processes to determine delivery support needs, including specialist support from the Department.
Session: Towns Fund Project Delivery
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I am concerned about the rehabilitation of offenders, which is important in reducing crime after release from prison. Could you outline any schemes that help them get skills and access companies willing to give them a second chance?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of support for offenders to re-enter society successfully.
Damian Hinds
My hon Friend is so right. In topical questions, I do not have time to unpack all things, but brilliant companies are providing training opportunities.
Session: Topical Questions
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Following the wonderful news that the Leslie Sports Foundation has been awarded £318,456 from the community ownership fund, will Minister visit the foundation to view its existing facilities and discuss its exciting plans for the newly funded one?
Context
The Leslie Sports Foundation in Shelley Community football club received £318,456 from the community ownership fund.
Michael Gove
I congratulate my hon. Friend on being a brilliant advocate for that project. I have no doubt that the work of the Leslie Sports Foundation will make a huge difference to the lives of people in his constituency. The Minister for Levelling Up, my hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland (Dehenna Davison), would be delighted to visit.
Session: Topical Questions
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Dewsbury-based Alunet, a supplier of aluminium doors and windows, is being crippled due to unfair competition and sanction circumvention by its Belarus-based former supplier. To help save a £20 million business in my constituency, may I request that my right hon. Friend urgently looks to impose increased tariffs on aluminium products from both Russia and Belarus?
Context
A local business, Dewsbury-based Alunet, is struggling due to unfair competition and sanction circumvention by its former supplier in Belarus. The company's survival is at stake.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
The import of aluminium originating from Belarus and Russia attracts an additional duty already of 35 percentage points, which we brought in last year. The import of iron and steel products and of some articles of aluminium from Russia is prohibited. The import of iron and steel products from Belarus is also prohibited. Of course, we keep our sanctions under review, as the Foreign Secretary has said.
Session: Sanctions Russia and Belarus
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Could my right hon Friend please provide an update on the current political situation in Pakistan? When we see political instability and sporadic escalations of violence, it is concerning. We continue to work both directly at political level and through our high commission in the country to seek to de-escalate the tension.
Context
The MP is seeking an update on the current political situation in Pakistan and efforts to stabilize it.
James Cleverly
Pakistan remains a close partner with strong bilateral relationship. We see instability and violence as concerning issues. We continue to work directly at political level and through our high commission in Pakistan to de-escalate tension and ensure future elections are not marred by violence.
Session: Topical Questions
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. We have concluded our successful evacuation operation in Sudan and of course continued to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom. Ministers from the Department have travelled extensively around the world, including my right hon Friend the Development Minister, who overnight returned from the G20 in India.
Context
The MP is seeking an update on the Foreign Secretary's recent activities and departmental responsibilities.
James Cleverly
Since the last oral questions, we have concluded our successful evacuation operation in Sudan and continued to support Ukraine. Ministers travelled extensively around the world, including my right hon Friend who returned from G20 in India. I visited Latin America and Caribbean, chaired Foreign Ministers' meeting of OECD for first time in decades.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assessment do you have of the impact of sanctions on (a) Russia and (b) Belarus? The government's programme fails to recognise the severe implications for organisations across Q15. I am concerned about this oversight.
Context
There has been a growing concern about the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia and Belarus in economic terms, as well as their impact on businesses.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Sanctions have isolated Russia and Belarus from western financial markets and services, undermining their long-term growth, starving Russia's military of key western components and technology and restricting Russia's ability to fight a modern war. The Government remain committed to increasing pressure on Russia and Belarus and have recently introduced further sanctions targeting Putin and Lukashenko's regimes.
Session: Sanctions Russia and Belarus
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Will the Minister agree to visit my constituency to meet with community groups and road safety campaigners and discuss how best we can tackle this problem?
Context
Speeding is a major road safety issue causing collisions, serious injuries, and fatalities. It remains prevalent in Dewsbury, Mirfield, Kirkburton, and Denby Dale.
Jesse Norman
The Government are committed to ensuring that roads are safe for drivers. The Minister would be delighted to visit my hon. Friend in his constituency and talk to community groups about this important issue.
Session: Speeding on Roads
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What steps he is taking to tackle speeding on roads?
Context
Speeding is a major road safety issue causing collisions, serious injuries, and fatalities. It remains prevalent in Dewsbury, Mirfield, Kirkburton, and Denby Dale.
Jesse Norman
Traffic law enforcement for speeding is an operational matter for the police, including policy and procedures for using police powers and resources. The Government are committed to ensuring roads are safe for drivers.
Session: Speeding on Roads
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Will the Minister agree to meet me to discuss how we can provide local authorities with funding for more disabled facilities in parks?
Context
There is a lack of disabled facilities in parks across Hyndburn and Haslingden, noted after the successful 'Let's Move Hyndburn' event.
Michael Gove
I am very grateful for raising this issue. We need to support people living with disabilities, and I will make sure that a meeting happens quickly, whether with myself or another Minister.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that we should continue pursuing harm reduction strategies such as swap to stop to ensure we maintain our position as a world leader in public health?
Context
The question builds on the announcement of measures to help achieve the Smokefree 2030 target.
Neil O'Brien
I absolutely agree and congratulate the hon. Friend on quitting smoking using nicotine patches. The swap to stop scheme is based on strong local evidence and has proven successful.
Session: Smoking Cessation
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What steps his Department is taking to encourage people to stop smoking. The smoking rate has decreased from 21% in 2010 to 13% now, partly due to measures like minimum excise tax on cheap cigarettes and double duty on cigarettes.
Context
The question addresses the ongoing efforts by the government to reduce smoking rates in England.
Neil O'Brien
We have introduced significant new funding to help a million smokers quit through the swap to stop scheme, and we are consulting on new pack inserts similar to those in Canada. We also introduced a financial incentive for pregnant women.
Session: Smoking Cessation
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After being inundated with complaints about TP service quality, does my right hon. Friend agree that it is no longer fit for purpose?
Context
Inundated with complaints from Dewsbury, Mirfield, Kirkburton and Denby Dale regarding TransPennine Express.
Mark Harper
The Minister agrees that the current TransPennine Express service is unacceptable, but improvement requires cooperation from trade unions. Weekly meetings are held, and a recovery plan aimed at building back a reliable service has been delivered by TP.
Session: Rail Modernisation
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What steps he is taking to help ensure efficient and reliable rail services?
Context
No specific event mentioned, but concerns about rail service efficiency and reliability are raised.
Mark Harper
The railway needs fundamental reform, and this Government will deliver it by moving towards a more customer-focused and commercially led industry through Great British Railways. The Government continues to hold both train operators and Network Rail accountable for punctual and reliable service delivery.
Session: Rail Modernisation
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What action does my hon. Friend intend to take to reduce tariff barriers with developing countries, such as Pakistan?
Context
The questioner is interested in reducing tariff barriers with Pakistan.
Nusrat Ghani
Pakistan already has a preferential trading relationship with the UK through our generalised scheme of preferences. This will be replaced by the developing countries trading scheme, and Pakistan will continue to benefit from duty-free exports to the UK and the removal of tariffs on 156 products.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last month, I co-hosted the first successful export academy in association with the Department for International Trade and UK Export Finance. Will the Minister outline how local DIT officers and UKEF can assist SMEs to export their goods and services across the world?
Context
The MP is seeking details on how local DIT officers and UK Export Finance can assist SMEs to export their goods and services globally.
Nusrat Ghani
UK Export Finance offers a range of trade, finance, and insurance products to help SMEs fulfil export contracts. UKEF works with over 100 private sector partners and has unlocked almost £250 million in working capital loans last year through the innovative general export facility. Additionally, face-to-face support for exporters is provided via a network of around 200 international trade advisers.
Session: Export Opportunities for SMEs
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What steps her Department is taking to help increase export opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses?
Context
The MP is inquiring about steps the Department has taken to boost export opportunities for SMEs, focusing on recent growth trends and specific initiatives.
Nusrat Ghani
UK exports have grown by 24% year on year, with a landmark 12-point export strategy aiming for £1 trillion-worth of exports annually. The export support service has been created to provide a one-stop shop for UK exporters facing challenges in exporting to the EU, and we are delivering through international trade advisers and programmes like the UK Export Academy.
Session: Export Opportunities for SMEs
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One way the Government could level up low-income families with young children is through healthy start vouchers. This year, I have tabled four written questions asking what the take-up rate of that scheme has been since digitisation in April, but the Government have been unable to give me an answer, despite the fact that we are eight months on and in the middle of a cost of living crisis. How do the Government know what the take-up rate of the scheme is and whether it is working in balancing out inequalities?
Context
Concern over the take-up rate of healthy start vouchers, particularly since their digitisation in April during a cost of living crisis.
John Glen
I obviously cannot answer that specifically, but I can say that the Government have, over recent weeks, shown the commitment to helping the most vulnerable across the United Kingdom. But I take the hon. Lady's question seriously, and I am very happy to look into that and to work with colleagues across Government to find an answer.
Session: Levelling Up Communities Fiscal Steps
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What fiscal steps his Department is taking to level up communities. The decision on the £47 million Penistone line levelling-up fund bid is due to be announced shortly. Can my right hon. Friend assure me that this important round 2 category 1 bid will be subject to the same financial considerations and eligibility as bids submitted in round 1?
Context
The Treasury's fiscal measures to level up communities across the UK, with a specific focus on Dewsbury.
John Glen
The Treasury is making significant investments to level up communities across the UK—101 towns, including Dewsbury, will benefit from more than £3.2 billion from the towns fund, supporting long-term economic and social regeneration. Of course, communities will also benefit from the £4.8 billion levelling-up fund, the £2.6 billion shared prosperity fund and the £250 million community ownership fund. I can absolutely reassure my hon. Friend that all round 2 bids are undergoing a robust and thorough assessment through that decision-making process.
Session: Levelling Up Communities Fiscal Steps
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May I ask the Minister to meet me to discuss how rail seating could be extended to other clubs, which would financially viable and give supporters a better viewing experience?
Context
Leeds United is converting an area to rail seating, raising questions about the potential for other clubs to adopt similar measures.
Stuart Andrew
Clubs may apply for licensed standing areas provided they meet stringent criteria set by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority. I welcome Leeds United's initiative and should be happy to meet my hon Friend later in the new year after meeting the SGSA to discuss this.
Session: Topical Questions
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Having completed the course, I thank Sergeant Richard Neeves and West Yorkshire police for organising my participation in the parliamentary police and fire service scheme. Does the Minister agree that Members from across the House should be encouraged to take part in the scheme if they want to gain a greater understanding of the pressures and challenges our police officers face day-to-day?
Context
The parliamentary police and fire service scheme is designed to provide MPs with a greater understanding of the pressures and challenges faced by police officers daily.
Chris Philp
I join my hon. Friend in thanking Sergeant Richard Neeves for the work he did encouraging and helping my hon. Friend to participate in the parliamentary police and fire service scheme. Yes, I do agree: Members from right across the House should engage in that scheme.
Session: Topical Questions
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It has been an exception year for Mirfield in Bloom, winning regional and national Britain in Bloom awards as well as being presented with the Queen's award for voluntary service. Will my hon. Friend join me in congratulating Christine Sykes, Ruth Edwards and the Mirfield in Bloom team on receiving recognition for their amazing work and does she agree that Britain in Bloom competitions are vital in transforming the visual appearance of our towns?
Context
Mirfield has won regional and national Britain in Bloom awards, as well as the Queen's award for voluntary service.
Dehenna Davison
I thank my hon. Friend for bringing the issue to the attention of the House. I join him in congratulating Christine, Ruth and the Mirfield in Bloom team. The Britain in Bloom competition is a fantastic way to bring communities together.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am pleased that the Government have offered aid support to Pakistan following last week's tragic events. What action is being taken right now to assist the flood relief effort and what future support can be expected? Will she join me in thanking the people of Dewsbury, who are rallying around in huge numbers to support the humanitarian effort?
Context
As trade envoy to Pakistan, I am pleased that the Government have offered aid support following last week's tragic events. The people of Dewsbury are rallying around in huge numbers to support the humanitarian effort.
Vicky Ford
I absolutely join my hon. Friend in thanking the people of Dewsbury, and I thank him for his work as trade envoy championing Pakistan. The UK Government have contributed £16.5 million to the joint UN-Government of Pakistan emergency appeal, which is 10% of total appeals. The DEC appeal has raised over £11 million from public donations, ensuring that immediate needs such as water, sanitation, shelter, and protection for women and girls are met.
Session: Pakistan Flood Relief
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The announcement in the levelling up White Paper that Kirklees has been allocated £100 million of extra funds as an education investment area is welcome news for Dewsbury. Will the Minister explain what that extra funding will mean for further education students and children with special educational needs and disabilities?
Context
The announcement that Kirklees has been allocated £100 million as an education investment area is welcome news for Dewsbury. The question seeks to understand what this extra funding will mean for further education students and children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Alex Burghart
It is great to hear how our education investment areas are starting to change the game in areas of great need across the country, including my hon. Friend's. This is aimed at building a stronger schools system that works to improve outcomes for all pupils, including those with SEND. Our investment will mean improved teacher retention, more pupils in stronger trusts that can offer SEND support effectively, and better connectivity so that schools can use new technology to support learning needs.
Session: SEND Review Further Education
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Reductions in rural bus services in the Dewsbury constituency continue to be a major problem, particularly in villages without nearby rail access such as Grange Moor, Flockton and Emley, leaving many local people unable to access GP surgeries and local amenities. Does my hon. Friend agree that private bus companies and the West Yorkshire Mayor need to look at ways of improving and increasing bus services across rural areas, rather than just focusing on major towns and cities?
Context
The MP notes reductions in rural bus services, especially affecting villages like Grange Moor, Flockton and Emley, impacting access to healthcare and amenities.
Trudy Harrison
That is totally right. That should absolutely be the focus. The Government are determined that great bus services should be available to everyone, everywhere. We have recently announced that we will provide funding to improve bus services in a wide range of areas, and I am delighted with the £70 million that is being made available to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Session: Local Transport
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Will the Minister agree to urgently bring forward legislation to protect Northern Ireland veterans?
Context
Northern Ireland veterans face potential vexatious legal claims.
Leo Docherty
We are grateful to all veterans of Operation Banner and seek to give them closure with honour and finality. I am pleased that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will in due course bring forward the requisite Bill.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps has her Department taken to reduce barriers to global trade for British businesses? Since being appointed the trade envoy to Pakistan, I have encountered a number of issues that hinder potential trade opportunities such as exporting meat and poultry to help our farmers and importing high quality granite and marble that is important to the UK burial industry, and difficulties for businesses gaining access to UKEF. Will the Minister outline what he is doing to overcome those and other barriers so that trade can be open not just to Pakistan but across the globe?
Context
The MP asked about overcoming specific trade barriers for UK businesses trading with Pakistan, including issues related to exporting meat and poultry and gaining access to UKEF. He also mentioned the importance of simplifying trading arrangements.
Ranil Jayawardena
We are aware of challenges to exports in the farming sector posed by costly market access barriers, which is why we engage trading partners to remove them where possible. We have secured British poultry market access in Japan worth up to £13 million a year and lifted the ban on British lamb exports to the US estimated at £37 million over five years. UKEF has a £1.5 billion risk appetite to support UK businesses of all sizes in Pakistan, with a specialist team available to discuss options.
Session: Barriers to Global Trade
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What steps has her Department taken to reduce barriers to global trade for British businesses? Since being appointed the trade envoy to Pakistan, I have encountered a number of issues that hinder potential trade opportunities such as exporting meat and poultry to help our farmers and importing high quality granite and marble that is important to the UK burial industry, and difficulties for businesses gaining access to UKEF. Will the Minister outline what he is doing to overcome those and other barriers so that trade can be open not just to Pakistan but across the globe?
Context
The MP inquired about steps taken to reduce global trade barriers for UK companies. He highlighted the work of the trade envoy to Pakistan and mentioned specific issues such as exporting meat and poultry, importing granite and marble, and difficulties accessing UKEF.
Ranil Jayawardena
We are aware of challenges to exports in the farming sector posed by costly market access barriers, which is why we engage trading partners to remove them where possible. We have secured British poultry market access in Japan worth up to £13 million a year and lifted the ban on British lamb exports to the US estimated at £37 million over five years. UKEF has a £1.5 billion risk appetite to support UK businesses of all sizes in Pakistan, with a specialist team available to discuss options.
Session: Barriers to Global Trade
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I appreciate the support given to our TV industry. However, a big question remains on the viability of the BBC licence fee in today's modern society. With hundreds of commercial and subscription channels currently available, I urge the Minister to look at the possibility of phasing out this outdated payment model and to consider other options for the BBC to be able to fund itself.
Context
Concerns about the sustainability and relevance of the current funding model for the BBC in light of the availability of numerous commercial and subscription channels.
Julia Lopez
The current licence fee funding model is fixed for the rest of the charter, until 2027, but we will be reviewing the model well in advance of the next charter period. We are considering all options.
Session: UK Film and Television Industry
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What steps her Department is taking to help support the UK film and television industry. I am concerned about the viability of current funding models and their ability to sustain the industry in today's modern society.
Context
The question arises from the need to ensure that the UK's film and TV industry continues to thrive post-pandemic, building on existing recovery efforts.
Julia Lopez
The Government's actions helped the film and TV industry bounce back from the pandemic, with production now stronger than ever. Our support includes the £500 million production restart scheme, supporting over 88,000 jobs, and the cultural recovery fund, supporting over 200 independent cinemas. We have also built on the UK global screen fund. The current licence fee funding model is fixed for the rest of the charter, until 2027, but we will be reviewing the model well in advance of the next charter period.
Session: UK Film and Television Industry
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Will the Minister agree to meet me and the Minister for Exports, my hon. Friend the Member for Finchley and Golders Green (Mike Freer), to discuss setting up a similar UK-wide scheme that could potentially open up millions of pounds' worth of exports for our farming industry?
Context
New Zealand exports £4.8 billion-worth of meat annually, including £1.8 billion to the Muslim world through a national scheme.
Victoria Prentis
The Minister would be delighted to meet the hon. Friend, as they have in the past. He works closely with Ministers in DIT and sees significant opportunities for British agriculture in markets like US, Japan, India, and the middle east.
Session: Food and Drink Exporters
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Smoking Reduction and Tobacco Control Bill - Clause 1
16 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the Bill, stating its purpose is to prevent future generations from starting smoking. Argues that the only product that kills two thirds of its long-term users if consumed as intended is tobacco...
Safety Cameras
05 July 2023
General Debate
Led by this MP
Moves a Bill to require the Secretary of State to publish revised guidance on the deployment, visibility and signing of speed and red-light cameras for traffic enforcement. Emphasises that speeding mo...
Co-operative and Mutual Societies (Capital) Bill - Clause 1
24 February 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The object of my Bill is to help ensure the best business environment for co-operatives and mutuals, which means three things: a good policy understanding across Government, legislative reform to mode...
The Prison Release Timing Bill - Clause 1: Varying the date of release for vulnerable people by up to two eligible working days
02 December 2022
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves an amendment allowing prison governors or equivalent officials to bring forward the release date of offenders who are at risk of reoffending due to Friday releases. He argues that this change wi...
Papers Relating to the Home Secretary
08 November 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Confidence in Her Majesty’s Government
18 July 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister argued that despite the opposition, his government has delivered on its promises. He highlighted significant achievements such as winning the largest Conservative victory since 1987...
Shark Fin Control Bill - Clause 1 - Ban on import and export of detached shark fins
15 July 2022
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I welcome the new Minister, the hon. Member for St Austell and Newquay (Steve Double), to his place. I thank all Members across the House for their support. Sharks are truly incredible animals that ha...
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
06 July 2021
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
25 May 2021
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
23 March 2021
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
6
PMQs Asked
54
Ministerial Questions Asked
21
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+303% above average
This MP:
54
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+332% above average
This MP:
21
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 Mark Eastwood's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.