Mark Fletcher
MP for Bolsover
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Two weeks ago the Government announced that the Bolsover School's bid for a sixth form in my constituency has been successful. Across the country, some 52% of school leavers at 16 years old go on to a sixth form, but in Bolsover it is 23%, in Clowne it is 22%, and in Shirebrook it is 7%. Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking the Redhill Academy Trust, Matthew Hall, the headteacher of Bolsover School, and all those who have helped to bring a sixth form to Bolsover?
Context
Two weeks ago, the Government announced that Bolsover School in Mark Fletcher's constituency had been successful in its bid to establish a sixth form.
Rishi Sunak
I congratulate Redhill and everyone involved with the successful bid for the new sixth form in Bolsover. I am delighted that the bid was successful. I know that my hon. Friend shares my desire to ensure a world-class education for every single one of our young people across the country, because that is the best way to provide them with the opportunity for a better life. The new programme of sixth forms will deliver that in his constituency and many others across the nation.
Session: PMQs
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One of my most important campaigns is to secure provision of quality post-16 education within the Bolsover constituency, where there is currently none. Young people in my constituency have to travel long distances at considerable cost to access their education. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss how we can right this wrong for the young people of the Bolsover constituency and give them the education that they deserve?
Context
There is currently no post-16 educational provision within the Bolsover constituency, requiring young people to travel long distances at considerable cost.
Boris Johnson
Free and subsidised travel is provided to Bolsover students travelling, so far, to two of the three excellent colleges that are going to be offering T-levels from 2023, but I will make sure that he gets a meeting with my right hon. Friend the Education Secretary to discuss further what we can do.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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Conservative colleagues across Derbyshire have been working very hard on our bid for community testing to help us tackle covid. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that the bid from Derbyshire County Council receives the resources and attention we need to help us in our fight to get out of tier 3?
Context
Conservative colleagues have been working on a bid for community testing to help tackle the spread of covid.
Boris Johnson
Yes, and just this morning I was discussing Derbyshire's bid for a big community testing programme. We will obviously do everything we can to support them, and I thank my hon. Friend and local leaders for what they are doing to promote community testing.
Session: PMQs
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As we come out of lockdown, it is vital that we get our economy firing on all cylinders. In Bolsover, to level up we need more skilled jobs, so will my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister meet me to discuss my proposal for Bolsover to lead the country with a green enterprise zone so that we can bring low-carbon manufacturing and research to our region?
Context
The MP proposes establishing a green enterprise zone in Bolsover to promote low-carbon manufacturing and research, aiming at economic recovery.
The Prime Minister
My hon. Friend has exactly the right vision for Bolsover. Indeed, it is the vision that I have for the whole country. The green recovery will be essential to this country's success in the next few years. I am happy to meet him to discuss it.
Session: PMQs
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What is being done to bring together extra work and career paths so that those with nuclear skills can transition between the private sector and the military?
Context
Rolls-Royce and the military face challenges in retaining nuclear skills, prompting a need for better integration between the two.
Johnny Mercer
We have introduced several mechanisms, including Operation Fortitude, Operation Courage, Operation Restore, and Operation Nova for accelerating veterans with specialist skills into jobs. Veteran employment is at 87%, but there is more to do.
Session: Topical Questions
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During the pandemic, the Government rightly got support out to people as quickly as possible, but that inevitably meant that errors were made and some people took advantage of the situation. What is being done to clamp down on fraud and errors in universal credit?
Context
The MP inquires about measures to address the increase in universal credit fraud and errors due to quick distribution during the pandemic, affecting public trust in benefit systems.
Mel Stride
A huge amount, including the targeted case review, which over the next five years will review hundreds of thousands of universal credit claims to look for fraud and error. Of course, we use emerging new technologies for that purpose as well.
Session: Benefit Fraud
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What recent progress has the Department made on tackling benefit fraud?
Context
The MP asks about recent progress in tackling benefit fraud, a persistent issue that affects public finances and trust in social welfare systems.
Mel Stride
We continue to bear down on fraud and error. It decreased by 10% in 2022-23. There is of course still more to be done, which is why we are investing £900 million to reduce that figure still further by £2.4 billion by 2024-25.
Session: Benefit Fraud
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Our domestic nuclear sector and our military are struggling to recruit and retain enough nuclear engineers. What discussions is the Minister having with the sector and the Department for Education to create a long-term workforce plan?
Context
The domestic nuclear sector is struggling with recruitment and retention of nuclear engineers.
Andrew Bowie
Since day one, the skills challenges that we face have been a top priority for me, which is why my Department is working closely with the Ministry of Defence, the DFE and the sector to tackle them. With the employer-led Nuclear Skills Strategy Group, we have deployed a joint plan of skills actions to support the civil and defence programmes, but I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that further.
Session: Topical Questions
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With the West Burton spherical tokamak for energy production plan, we have the opportunity to further solidify the east midlands as the home of the UK nuclear sector. What assessment has my right hon. Friend made of the economic benefits to the east midlands of that plant?
Context
The MP asks about the economic impact and job creation potential of a proposed nuclear fusion power station in the east midlands.
Grant Shapps
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and the importance of that plant to the east midlands could be tremendous. The spherical tokamak for energy production—STEP—programme could support a large number of jobs. When I launched “Powering up Britain” with the Prime Minister at Culham, we stood next to the tokamak—the hottest place in the solar system.
Session: Nuclear Fusion Energy Provision
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The Minister is aware that BUPA recently closed the dental practice in Bolsover, leaving a severe shortage of NHS dentistry in the constituency. I met the ICB yesterday to discuss the various options for the constituency, but will the Minister commit to meeting me and the ICB to talk through those options and see what we can do to maintain NHS dentistry in Bolsover?
Context
BUPA recently closed the dental practice in Bolsover, leading to a severe shortage of NHS dentistry.
Neil O'Brien
I have already met my hon Friend, but I am very happy to meet him and his ICB to make sure that we commission the services that are so needed locally.
Session: Topical Questions
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What consultations have the Department had with victims and their families, to ensure that the right balance is achieved?
Context
The question addresses the need for power to be in the hands of victims and their families, emphasizing the complexity and sensitivity of legacy issues.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The Government are determined to deliver mechanisms for better outcomes for those affected by the troubles. Over 60, nearly 70, engagements with groups and individuals have been conducted, including regular meetings with stakeholders.
Session: Troubles-related Crime
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What steps is his Department taking to support people affected by troubles-related crimes? Legacy is an extremely complex and sensitive issue. In setting up an effective information recovery process, we must ensure that power is in the hands of victims and their families rather than the perpetrators. What consultations have the Department had with victims and their families, to ensure that the right balance is achieved?
Context
The question pertains to the steps being taken by the government to assist individuals impacted by Northern Ireland Troubles. It specifically mentions the complexity and sensitivity of legacy issues.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill will establish an independent body for reviews. The Government have had over 60, nearly 70, engagements with groups and individuals, meeting people regularly to ensure mechanisms deliver better outcomes for those affected by the troubles.
Session: Troubles-related Crime
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While we continue to make progress on this front, could the Minister remind utility companies, particularly British Gas, that not everybody has access to a computer and the internet? It would be helpful if its services reflected that.
Context
N/A
Julia Lopez
I thank my hon. Friend for raising his concerns about British Gas. As the digital infrastructure Minister, I want to ensure that everyone has great access to the internet, but he might be interested to know that suppliers with more than 50,000 customers must allow people to pay energy bills in cash or on prepayment, and talk to them over the phone.
Session: Internet Access Low-income Families
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help low-income households access the internet.
Context
N/A
Julia Lopez
We want fantastic connectivity in every part of the UK. We have worked to ensure that a range of low-cost social tariffs are available in 99% of the UK for as little as £10 a month, which is highlighted in our Help for Households campaign and in our work with the Department for Work and Pensions, to make them easier for low-income households to access. We are also working on digital skills with the Department for Education.
Session: Internet Access Low-income Families
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The roads Minister is aware of my campaign to upgrade junctions 28 and 29 of the M1. Will he commit to visiting both junctions and meeting local stakeholders?
Context
The MP has been campaigning to upgrade M1 junctions 28 and 29, which face regular traffic congestion issues.
Richard Holden
I would be absolutely delighted: I regularly drive on that road and it almost feels as if I have been meeting them, given the slowness of the traffic, particularly at junction 28. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend and other hon. Members in the area to discuss the matter further.
Session: Topical Questions
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Some 23% of school leavers from the Bolsover School go on to study at a sixth form, which is 16% below the national average. Does the Secretary of State agree that our free school bid for the heart of Bolsover—an extension to the Bolsover School—will help to increase those numbers, and increase skills levels locally?
Context
School leavers from Bolsover School have a lower rate of attendance in sixth forms compared to the national average. A free school bid for an expansion is pending.
Gillian Keegan
Obviously I cannot comment on bids, but I thank my hon. Friend for meeting me to discuss his ongoing campaign to open a new sixth form in Bolsover. I share his passion for wanting every young person to have a wide range of opportunities to fulfil their potential, whether that is through T-levels, apprenticeships or higher technical qualifications. The next generation must have the skills to thrive.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned about the upcoming cessation of the Help to Buy scheme. It has helped my young constituents get onto the housing ladder. Can you assure me that the Chancellor is being urged to extend this vital programme?
Context
The Help to Buy scheme has assisted many young constituents in securing homeownership, yet its scheduled end poses concerns.
Michael Gove
We will secure an extension to the Help to Buy scheme. The newly appointed Minister of State, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is already working on this matter to benefit constituents.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Secretary of State for that answer. A constituent recently raised with me concerns about registered sex offenders being able to change their names while in prison, which causes immense concern to the families and loved ones of victims. What steps are being taken to ensure that, in such cases, offenders are not able to walk away from their crimes?
Context
A constituent raised concerns about registered sex offenders changing their names while in prison, causing concern for victims and families.
Dominic Raab
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I can tell and reassure him that governors are under no obligation to accept requests for a change of name. Public safety is the most important consideration. When a change of name is recognised, probation records are updated, police are notified, and victims and others affected would also be notified.
Session: Support for Rape Victims
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Will the Minister give us an update and confirm if the Help to Buy scheme will continue beyond its current end date?
Context
The Help to Buy scheme is set to expire in March, prompting concern among potential homebuyers.
Lucy Frazer
We do not currently have plans to do so, but we will keep that under review. Since 2010, more than 819,000 households have been helped to purchase a home through Government-backed schemes. That includes how we cut stamp duty land tax and extended the mortgage guarantee for a further year to maintain the availability of mortgages to buyers with only a 5% deposit.
Session: First-time Buyers
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What steps his Department is taking to help first-time buyers. The Help to Buy scheme has been an invaluable way of getting on the housing ladder for so many people. A constituent—a young nurse—is desperate to use the scheme but worried that it runs out in March. Will we be able to keep this invaluable scheme?
Context
The Help to Buy scheme is set to expire in March, prompting concern among potential homebuyers.
Lucy Frazer
There are currently no plans to further extend or replace Help to Buy, but all options to increase home ownership are kept under review. Since 2010, more than 819,000 households have been helped to purchase a home through Government-backed schemes. That includes how we cut stamp duty land tax and extended the mortgage guarantee for a further year to maintain the availability of mortgages to buyers with only a 5% deposit.
Session: First-time Buyers
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I thank my right hon. Friend for his response regarding regular conversations with colleagues. Does he agree that the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill will offer certainty to veterans who served in Northern Ireland, ending cycles of reinvestigation?
Context
The question follows up on the previous answer, focusing on a bill that aims to provide certainty for those affected by the troubles.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I concur with my hon. Friend's view that the Bill aims to deliver better outcomes for all affected parties, reflecting widely consulted opinions in its legislative framework.
Session: Veterans
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Yesterday marked the 75th anniversary of the Enniskillen bombing. My thoughts are with those who lost loved ones and others directly impacted by this tragedy. What steps are you taking to support veterans in Northern Ireland?
Context
The question follows the 35th anniversary of the Enniskillen bombing, a significant event in Northern Ireland's history that affected many families.
Chris Heaton-Harris
My Department and I hold regular conversations with Cabinet colleagues, including the Office for Veterans' Affairs, to ensure that veterans can access support no matter where they live in the United Kingdom. We meet regularly to discuss these issues.
Session: Veterans
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Effective dental provision is essential for quality of life, nutrition, confidence, and future health. Nine out of ten dentists do not accept NHS patients; my constituents cannot afford dental care due to the rising costs. What will the Minister say to them and what actions will be taken to address this issue?
Context
The MP notes that nine out of ten dentists are not accepting NHS patients, exacerbated by the soaring cost of living, affecting constituents' ability to afford necessary treatment.
Neil O'Brien
We are thinking about reforms from this summer, including next dental contract ideas like incentives for poor area work; we review GDC processes to ease NHS care entry for overseas dentists; considering the UK's internal market to facilitate inter-regional dentist practice.
Session: Local Dental Provision
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What steps has the Department taken to help improve local dental provision? The Minister is aware that recent Local Government Association analysis showed Bolsover has some of the worst dentist provision in the UK; constituents struggle with access and registration issues, daily highlighted by them. Will the Minister meet me to discuss further actions for dentistry in Bolsover?
Context
The MP notes the significant challenge in local dental services, highlighted by a £1.7 billion support package during the pandemic.
Neil O'Brien
The Department provided £1.7 billion during the pandemic, and we now pay dentists more fairly with extra weekend activity for practices; 530 additional dentists did NHS work last year. Seven Derbyshire dental providers will deliver extra weekend activity to improve access this winter; we explore incentivising dentists in challenging areas.
Session: Local Dental Provision
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What assessment have the Minister and the Department made of the sustainability of the haulage sector given the current uncertainties?
Context
The questioner is concerned about the impact of rising fuel prices on the road haulage industry and its sustainability under current uncertainties.
Robert Courts
We recognise that increased operating costs due to global factors affecting fuel prices are impacting businesses. We have taken steps such as cutting fuel duty by 5p in the spring and instructing the Competition and Markets Authority to review competition in the fuel retail market.
Session: UK Supply Chains
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I recently met Rick Bromley, who runs a road haulage business in my constituency. He is concerned about the impact of rising fuel prices on the industry and the uncertainty that such prices are creating. What assessment have the Minister and the Department made of the sustainability of the haulage sector given the current uncertainties?
Context
The questioner met with Rick Bromley, who runs a road haulage business in his constituency, expressing concerns about the impact of rising fuel prices on the industry.
Robert Courts
We recognise that increased operating costs due to global factors affecting fuel prices are impacting businesses. We have taken steps such as cutting fuel duty by 5p in the spring and instructing the Competition and Markets Authority to review competition in the fuel retail market.
Session: UK Supply Chains
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How have liberalised tariffs on Ukraine supported trade flow, and what is the effectiveness of UK sanctions against Russia?
Context
Liberalising tariffs on Ukrainian goods and introducing severe economic sanctions against Russia are part of the UK's response to support Ukraine.
Ranil Jayawardena
On 10 May, Britain laid legislation to liberalise all tariffs on imports of Ukrainian origin. Those measures have reduced barriers faced by Ukrainian businesses and consumers in their time of need, making it easier to obtain essential goods and aid from Britain. In lockstep with our allies, we are introducing the largest and most severe economic sanctions that Russia has ever faced, with up to 60% of Russian foreign currency reserves frozen.
Session: UK Exports to Ukraine
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Last week I received an email from a parent on Holbeck Avenue in Bolsover saying there is no 6th form available at The Bolsover School and pupils have expensive bus rides to other schools. Does my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State share my passion for ensuring post-16 education in the Bolsover constituency?
Context
A parent from Holbeck Avenue expressed concern about the lack of sixth form provision at The Bolsover School, leading to high costs for students wishing to study A levels elsewhere.
Nadhim Zahawi
My hon. Friend and I met on 9 May to discuss access to the full range of post-16 education in his constituency. I asked my officials to look into the matters raised at that meeting. I know my hon. Friend is a champion of this issue and has looked at the evidence, and I will write to him very shortly.
Session: Topical Questions
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities, noting the UK's education export is valued at over £25 billion and the Education World Forum has attracted significant international interest with 132 Education Ministers in attendance from around the world.
Context
The UK's education export was estimated at over £25 billion in 2019. The Education Minister announced that 132 Education Ministers from 110 countries are participating in the Education World Forum.
Nadhim Zahawi
The United Kingdom's education export was estimated at over £25 billion in 2019. I am delighted that 132 Education Ministers from 110 countries around the world are in town today to join us at the Education World Forum this week.
Session: Topical Questions
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We have all seen the disturbing scenes in Shanghai recently. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this shows how dangerous a zero covid strategy is and that we were right to open up this country and to rely on our vaccines as the safest way out of the covid situation?
Context
Recent events in Shanghai highlight the dangers of a zero-covid strategy.
Sajid Javid
Like many across the House I have been deeply disturbed by the reports we have all seen from Shanghai and my thoughts are with the people affected. It shows what a dangerous fallacy this whole idea of zero covid was, and it also shows that we are the most open country in Europe and that we have got the big decisions right. We did not listen to the Opposition when they said we should not open up in the summer, and we did not listen to them when they again called for restrictions in the winter. We are showing the world how to live with covid.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is the Department taking to plan for future support that the Ukrainians may need as the conflict evolves?
Context
The MP welcomed the recent announcement about additional missile aid to Ukraine and inquired about future planning.
James Heappey
The Secretary of State and I both speak to our counterparts in the Ukrainian MOD numerous times each week. It is apparent, as I am sure it would be if we were in these circumstances, that the thing that starts every conversation is resourcing the fight tomorrow. The great advantage of the partnership and trust between the UK and Ukrainian MODs is that we are able to do some of the thinking about what they might need next week, the week after and in three months' time, and we are working hard to ensure that we are cueing up industry to deliver those capabilities as quickly as we can.
Session: Support to Ukraine’s Military
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What support is his Department providing to Ukraine's military?
Context
The MP inquired about the Department's support for Ukraine's military efforts.
James Heappey
Britain was the first European country to supply lethal aid to Ukraine. The UK has so far delivered more than 4,000 next-generation light anti-tank weapons, as well as Javelin anti-tank systems, and is committed to providing Starstreak missiles. We have also delivered non-lethal aid in the form of body armour, helmets, boots, ration packs, rangefinders and communications equipment.
Session: Support to Ukraine’s Military
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Does my right hon Friend agree that if the Welsh Government really cared about the people of Ynys Môn, they would support efforts to deliver a freeport, bringing more jobs and investment?
Context
Discussion on the east midlands freeport's success with investment and jobs. Questioner asks about Welsh Government support for a freeport in Ynys Môn.
Simon Hart
My hon Friend makes an interesting point. This scheme will create long-lasting sustainable jobs across the whole UK. The decision process is nearly at an end, so the residents of Ynys Môn do not have long to wait.
Session: Freeports
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A number of residents in Bolsover have written to me to ask why there is not a specific vaccination centre in the town. Given that the booster roll-out has slowed locally and given our poor bus connections, could the Minister—as my former Whip, I know that she is incredibly persuasive—look into having a specific site in Bolsover?
Context
Residents of Bolsover have asked for a specific vaccination centre in their town.
Maggie Throup
There are now six vaccination sites in the Bolsover district. A regular pop-up clinic was also set up in Shirebrook to address and identify the shortfall in uptake. A new roving vaccination van will visit Bolsover and surrounding villages, providing extra capacity for booster jabs.
Session: Covid-19 Vaccination Sites
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What steps his Department is taking to provide additional covid-19 vaccination sites?
Context
The MP inquired about the steps being taken to provide additional covid-19 vaccination sites.
Maggie Throup
There are now more than 3,000 sites delivering vaccines and boosters, including hundreds of walk-in sites. Opening times have been extended to seven days a week. GPs and community pharmacies have been asked to do more vaccinations, and 750 armed forces personnel and 41 military planners have been brought in to every region to help co-ordinate the national effort.
Session: Covid-19 Vaccination Sites
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Can my hon. Friend give me the Christmas present that so many residents are looking for, and lift the safeguarding on land across dozens of villages in the constituency?
Context
Residents in the Bolsover constituency are seeking relief from HS2 safeguarding measures.
Andrew Stephenson
We have committed £100 million to working on HS2 trains to Leeds, but must wait for the outcome of this work before lifting any safeguarding.
Session: Topical Questions
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Increasing employment opportunities is key to supporting independent living for disabled people and people with health conditions. Will the Minister reaffirm our commitment to supporting 1 million disabled people into work by 2027?
Context
The MP is focused on the Government's goal of supporting disabled people into work, noting progress made since 2017.
Chloe Smith
I certainly will. The Government remain absolutely committed to that. There is more to do but progress has been made since 2017. The number of disabled people in employment has increased by 850,000, and the disability employment gap has closed by about five percentage points since 2013.
Session: National Disability Strategy
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure cross-Government delivery of the national disability strategy?
Context
The MP is concerned about the cross-Government delivery of initiatives for disabled people.
Chloe Smith
The entire Government are committed to transforming the everyday lives of disabled people through the national disability strategy because we want to build back better and fairer. A number of commitments have already been delivered. I chair quarterly meetings with the ministerial disability champions to drive progress.
Session: National Disability Strategy
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Does she agree that it is vital to access full suite of educational choices locally?
Context
Lack of post-16 educational opportunities is a concern for the next generation of young people.
Michelle Donelan
Three general further education providers serve Bolsover. The hon. Friend will work on this issue urging Derbyshire authority to use published process to bring it to ESFA's attention.
Session: Topical Questions
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More than 300 of my constituents have already signed my petition backing plans to improve junction 28 of the M1. It has been a constant bottleneck; residents of Pinxton and South Normanton are so often stuck there for a very long time. Will the Minister commit to working with me to make sure that we can deliver plans to improve that junction?
Context
The question addresses a petition signed by constituents regarding persistent traffic congestion at junction 28 of the M1 in Pinxton and South Normanton.
Trudy Harrison
Yes, of course. I congratulate my hon. Friend on his petition. I can reassure him that National Highways has now submitted information on the scheme to the evidence base that will help to inform the next stage of road investments. Thanks to his effective lobbying for his constituents in Bolsover, I can confirm to the House that National Highways has commenced a further study to assess the long-term future of junction 28 of the M1 to consider how planned growth may affect current and proposed schemes.
Session: Roads
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What steps his Department is taking to improve the condition of roads in England.
Context
The question concerns the steps being taken by the Department to improve road conditions across England, following an announcement in the spending review.
Trudy Harrison
As announced in the spending review on 28 October, the Government are investing more than £5 billion over this Parliament in highways maintenance, enabling local highway authorities to fill in millions of potholes a year, repair bridges and help to resurface roads up and down the country. The spending review has also fundamentally protected the Government's plans for RIS2, the second road investment strategy, while adjusting for schemes that are now progressing to a different timetable.
Session: Roads
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How can the granting of those licences be reconciled with any meaningful commitment to improve human rights in these countries?
Context
The FCDO published a human rights report listing 31 priority countries; 23 of them receive arms licences from the UK.
Dominic Raab
We take our responsibilities on such issues seriously, regularly reviewing our stringent export control regime. We introduced an autonomous sanctions regime to hold violators accountable.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can my right hon. and learned Friend outline what kind of solutions the taskforce is looking at?
Context
The taskforce is looking into solutions to deal with the black market in animal trade and prevent incentives for such crimes.
Robert Buckland
My hon. Friend is right to reflect the views of his constituents in Bolsover and the wider community. We are looking at not just the consequences of pet theft, but ways in which the black market in the trade in animals can be dealt with. Lots of ideas and initiatives merit serious consideration as to how we can prevent the incentives for this sort of despicable crime from occurring in the first place. That is the work that is being carried out now.
Session: Pet Theft
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What steps his Department is taking to improve transport connections in rural areas. Next month, I will launch a bus survey across the Bolsover constituency, because many of my villages—particularly the rural villages—have either lost services or are completely isolated, such as Hilcote. Will he commit to coming to meet some of the residents who have been most eloquent in their arguments about what this loss of services has done to their communities?
Context
The MP wants to improve transport services for rural communities facing service losses or isolation, particularly mentioning the village of Hilcote.
Andrew Stephenson
I am sure that my hon. Friend's survey outputs will assist his local authority in the development of the bus service improvement plan over the coming months and help to ensure that we bus back better from covid-19. My noble Friend Baroness Vere, the Minister for roads, would be happy to meet my hon. Friend and his residents to coincide with the launch of his survey.
Session: Rural Areas Transport Connections
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Post-16 Education: Bolsover
07 March 2023
Responding: Robert Halfon
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the lack of post-16 education opportunities in Bolsover. Currently, only 21% of people have a degree-level or higher qualification compared to the national average of 42.8%, and 9% hold no formal qualifications at all. The constituency is ranked as the most deprived area in Derbyshire with high rates of child poverty. Students at The Bolsover School face limited options for post-16 education within a reasonable distance, and many existing providers are over-subscribed or poorly rated.']
Specific Asks
["I ask the Government to support the Redhill Academy Trust's application for a sixth form in Bolsover to improve educational opportunities, reduce travel times and costs, and better prepare students for higher education or technical careers. This will help level up the area by providing the necessary skills for green technology jobs and closing the skills gap between advantaged and disadvantaged populations."]
M1: Junction 28
11 January 2023
Responding: Richard Holden
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the poor condition and safety of junction 28 on the M1, which has led to numerous delays, accidents, and environmental issues. He mentions that around 29% of local residents consider the junction very unsafe, with 41% considering it simply unsafe, highlighting a serious issue with air quality due to stationary traffic causing an 'environmental disaster'. Furthermore, he notes significant economic costs from daily traffic delays estimated at over £4.5 million annually."]
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Government to urgently consider funding improvements for junction 28 as part of the Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), or ideally, to approve it immediately due to its clear benefits and alignment with levelling up objectives.']
UK Modern Industrial Strategy 2025-06-23
23 June 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Storm Babet: Flooding
23 October 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
HMPPS Update
07 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Victims' Rights (Amendment) Bill - Clause not specified
15 May 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill aims to enhance victims’ rights and ensure they are treated as core participants in the criminal justice system rather than mere spectators. It builds on past successes, such as a case in Bir...
Gambling Act Review White Paper
27 April 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ukraine
27 April 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
27 April 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focuses on the need for reform in NHS dentistry, highlighting the severe crisis caused by a lack of access and funding over the past decade. Judith Cummins cites the Beveridge report to arg...
HS2: Revised Timetable and Budget
14 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
AUKUS Defence Partnership
14 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Illegal Migration Bill
07 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
4
PMQs Asked
61
Ministerial Questions Asked
58
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+355% above average
This MP:
61
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1093% above average
This MP:
58
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 Fletcher's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.