Mark Menzies
MP for Fylde
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I held an Adjournment debate on the need for a passing loop to double hourly service on the south Fylde line. Despite initial optimism from the Rail Minister due to HS2 reallocation funds, progress has stalled. Can the Prime Minister meet me to discuss how the Government can help advance this critical infrastructure project?
Context
The Rail Minister had provided assurances about the progress of south Fylde line upgrades which have not been met, causing delays and cancellations.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is correct: local transport projects are and must be prioritised, and every region of our country will have more transport investment as a result of the decision that we made on HS2. Work is under way to consider potential upgrades to the west coast main line, including improvements at Preston station which may support additional local services from south Fylde.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to a meeting to expedite improvements for the south Fylde line.
Providing General Progress Information
Session: PMQs
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On this side of the House we have a proud record of supporting the nuclear industry, which plays an essential part in the achievement of secure, low-carbon energy. I am delighted that my right hon. Friend has given his backing to the next generation of nuclear reactors, including small modular reactors and larger projects. Will he now commit himself to ensuring that the fuel for these projects is manufactured in the UK, which will secure long-term, high-skilled employment at key sites in the north-west such as Springfields Fuels in my constituency, and a supply chain across the UK?
Context
Support for the nuclear industry in achieving secure, low-carbon energy.
Rishi Sunak
We are preserving and strengthening the UK's nuclear fuel production capacity through our £75 million nuclear fuel fund, and I know that Springfields Fuels has benefited from £30 million of funding. My hon. Friend is right to say that our domestic nuclear fuel sector has a critical role to play in supporting the UK's energy security and independence, and I know that he will continue to be a champion for the industry in the House.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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Fylde has vibrant small shops but its layout is tired, needing investment. What steps are being taken by my right hon Friend to deliver levelling-up mission in towns such as St Annes?
Context
The question addresses investment needs for reinvigorating the town centre and connecting it to seafront.
Oliver Dowden
The levelling-up fund has £3.6 billion within the towns fund to invest in high streets across the country, with third round of submissions to outline.
Assessment
No specific steps mentioned for St Annes town centre
Hedging
Session: PMQs
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The MP thanked the Prime Minister for sticking to her words on giving communities final say over fracking but questioned how such a decision would be measured independently. He requested assurance that fracking companies would not assess local consent and that local views would be respected.
Context
The MP asked about the transparency and independence of measuring local consent for fracking.
Elizabeth Truss
The PM agreed with the MP's concerns and promised a consultation on a robust system for measuring local consent. She mentioned considering regional Mayors, local authorities, parishes, and affected individuals.
Assessment
While agreeing to consult on an independent system, she did not give specific assurances regarding the independence or transparency of such a process.
Promised Consultation Without Guarantees
Session: PMQs
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Hospitality and tourism businesses on the Fylde coast are concerned about their path to long-term recovery and the infrastructure needed to support that. Central to the issue locally is the M55 link road, a project that was fully funded but had an issue with some funding allocations. Will the Prime Minister put his weight behind this issue and help me to secure the £5.7 million needed to complete this shovel-ready project?
Context
Hospitality and tourism businesses on the Fylde coast are concerned about their path to long-term recovery.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
What I can say is that we will unite and level up with infrastructure projects across our country. I congratulate my hon. Friend on his lobbying for that particular scheme and can tell him that last year we put £31 million into the Preston western distributor scheme, which is a new dual carriageway that will reduce congestion in Preston and lead directly to the creation of 3,000 houses and more than 500 jobs. As for further expansion of the M55, my hon. Friend will have to wait, but there will be further announcements in due course.
Session: PMQs
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As the Prime Minister's trade envoy to four key Latin American markets, I have seen at first hand the work that His Majesty's Government and the UK private sector are doing to help with the responsible extraction of key minerals such as lithium. With the drive to net zero accelerating, those minerals will only become more important, and competition is increasing. What diplomatic steps is the Department taking to strengthen the UK's security and its economic relations with countries in Latin America?
Context
The UK is involved with critical minerals extraction and economic relations in Latin American markets.
David Rutley
We are grateful for the outstanding work of our well-respected trade envoy—my hon. Friend does amazing work. Trade and security are two central tenets of the UK's relationship with Latin America. Joining the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership creates huge opportunities for businesses in Latin America and in the UK, and as my hon. Friend is aware, sustainable and reliable supply chains for critical minerals—including lithium—are key. I look forward to meeting the Bolivian vice-president this afternoon.
Session: Topical Questions
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New reports suggest that EU farmers are striking and causing supply chain disruptions, leading to concerns about rising food prices due to Brexit-related regulations. May I again ask the Secretary of State to commit himself to implementing food price controls if such hikes occur?
Context
The UK ended the year with food price inflation over 10%, and new Brexit red tape poses a risk of further increases. Previous discussions have not addressed these issues.
Steve Barclay (Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The hon. Gentleman seems not to have noticed the rapid review of labelling that we are conducting, which is about empowering consumers and ensuring high animal welfare standards in England.
Session: Topical Questions
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Since your last update, the Government have been delivering a plan to back British farmers with an average increase of 10% in environmental farming payments. In light of recent storms that have affected many farmers, financial support of up to £25,000 has been announced for those suffering uninsurable damage to their land.
Context
The question follows an update on the government's plan to support British farmers and their environmental farming payments.
Steve Barclay (Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
I am familiar with the Fylde and the issues there. I am always happy to meet him to discuss the issues he mentions. I am in contact with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities about new developments and some of the wider issues that my hon. Friend has been raising.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is she taking to ensure that timescales do not slip and that we can see installation under way for the second half of this year, as currently planned?
Context
The MP inquired about the difficulty of securing a Project Gigabit contract for Lancashire and sought assurance that timelines would not slip.
Julia Lopez
I thank my hon. Friend for holding me to account and I very much share his sense of urgency. His constituency has 86% gigabit-capable coverage, so it is above the average, but none the less I understand the frustration that people have when their premises are not covered. I reassure him that I raised this matter with BDUK yesterday. We expect that procurement to be sorted in the summer.
Session: Rural Connectivity
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Last month's treaty with Japan and Italy brought the global air combat programme's Team Tempest a step closer to reality. It followed news that BAE Systems is to hire 2,700 graduates and apprentices this year, including more than 500 Lancashire-based roles across the air division. What estimate does my hon. Friend make of the defence sector's impact on the economy, job prospects and opportunities for young people in places like Fylde—and, indeed, Chorley?
Context
Last month's treaty with Japan and Italy brought the global air combat programme's Team Tempest a step closer to reality. It followed news that BAE Systems is to hire 2,700 graduates and apprentices this year, including more than 500 Lancashire-based roles across the air division.
James Cartlidge
It is brilliant news, and we are delighted to have signed the treaty with Japan and Italy last month. My hon. Friend asks about the impact; it is fair to say that it will have a particular impact on his constituency, which houses the Warton site, where we have our factory of the future for the global combat air programme. I can confirm that a 2021 report by PwC estimated that the programme would contribute £26 billion to the UK economy between 2021 and 2050 and support on average 21,000 jobs per year, many of which will be in Lancashire, Mr Speaker, and particularly in my hon. Friend's constituency.
Session: Topical Questions
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As one of the Prime Minister's trade envoys, it is my pleasure to champion British business overseas. Will the Secretary of State update the House on what work the Scotland Office is doing to support whisky and satellite sectors in the international market?
Context
The MP, as a trade envoy, seeks information on the Scotland Office's efforts to assist key Scottish industries in international markets.
Alister Jack
Last month I travelled to Vietnam to strengthen Scotland's trade ties and celebrate diplomatic relations. The UK's recent entry into the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership opens new avenues for Scottish businesses in the Indo-Pacific region.
Session: Promoting Scotland's Interests Abroad
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What recent discussions has the government had with Cabinet colleagues on promoting Scotland's interests abroad? This includes fostering trade, business links, and cultural exchanges that highlight Scotland's contributions to the UK's global presence.
Context
The MP asks about recent discussions to promote Scottish economic and cultural interests on an international scale.
Alister Jack
The UK Government works diligently through our diplomatic network to promote Scottish interests abroad, engaging in business diplomacy and fostering trade opportunities. The response to the Scottish Affairs Committee's inquiry highlights extensive efforts aimed at supporting Scotland's international promotion.
Session: Promoting Scotland's Interests Abroad
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What steps is my hon. Friend taking to reform the UDA system and stop dentists from leaving NHS? The question highlights concerns about current UDA rates, their impact on practices, and the need for reforms based on accurate cost increases.
Context
UDA rates have been deemed insufficient, with significant disparities between practices based on outdated figures. Local dentists report cost increases of 10% to 15%, exacerbating financial losses.
Neil O'Brien
We have started to reform the UDA system with the introduction of a minimum UDA rate, helping constituencies like my hon. Friend's. We changed rules so commissioners can reallocate UDAs from underperforming dentists to those willing to do more NHS work, resulting in nearly 25% more NHS dentistry being done.
Session: NHS Dentistry
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What recent steps his Department has taken to increase the availability of NHS dentistry services. The issue involves reforms in contracts, UDA bands, minimum UDA values, workforce growth, and empowering clinicians and commissioners.
Context
The availability of NHS dentistry services has been an ongoing concern, with recent changes in the system aiming to improve access and attract more dentists.
Neil O'Brien
We are making NHS work more attractive to dentists. We have started to reform contracts, creating more UDA bands and introducing a minimum UDA value. Dentists can deliver 110% of their UDAs. We empower clinicians and commissioners through rule changes. Contract values are rebased in underperforming areas, and the number of dentists in training is growing by 40%, a commitment never made by the Opposition.
Session: NHS Dentistry
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What assessment has been made of the role defence manufacturing skills have played in developing diplomatic partnerships across Asia and the Pacific?
Context
AUKUS subs at Barrow and Team Tempest progressing in Warton highlight the UK's relationship with allies in Japan and Australia, defending democratic values and creating jobs.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Our world-leading defence industrial base underpins national security. The global combat air programme with Japan and Italy, AUKUS submarines with Australia and the US demonstrate the role of British ingenuity in securing better outcomes for citizens and allies.
Session: Indo-Pacific Region Diplomatic Relations
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Women face unique risks from certain types of online gambling. What work is being done to highlight these risks, reduce stigma, and support treatment?
Context
GambleAware reports a doubling in the number of women seeking help for problem gambling, with differences noted between men and women's gambling habits.
Stuart Andrew
My hon. Friend raises a really important point. We recently published the gambling White Paper, in which we address a number of those issues. Stigma is a very important one. We want people to come forward and get the treatment they need. We are also introducing a statutory levy on gambling operators to ensure that we have the prevention and treatment needed to help those suffering with gambling harm.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is my hon. Friend taking and what conversations has he had with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure that Fylde's retired residents are well protected?
Context
Older people are facing financial pressures due to inflation, prompting the questioner to seek assurance on government support.
Andrew Griffith
I and my hon. Friend work closely with colleagues in the DWP, as my hon. Friend knows, on behalf of pensioners in Fylde. More than 8 million pensioner households will receive a cost of living payment of £300 this winter, but more than 12 million pensioners have benefited from a 10.1% increase to their state pension. That is the biggest percentage rise in the state pension for more than 30 years and its biggest-ever cash increase.
Session: Inflation
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What progress has been made on reducing the rate of inflation?
Context
Inflation rates are high and impacting the economy. The questioner seeks an update on progress made by the government.
Andrew Griffith
The Government's three economic priorities this year are to halve inflation, grow the economy, and get debt falling. This will require patience and discipline. Countries around the world are facing rising prices and we will not be able to make that go away overnight, but by sticking to our plan, we will halve inflation this year and help to ease the pressures that people are facing.
Session: Inflation
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What conversations has my hon. Friend had with the Prime Minister and other Ministers about ensuring our domestic nuclear capability is the go-to choice for use in the UK and about maximising opportunities abroad?
Context
The MP highlighted Springfields' role in nuclear fuel manufacturing and medical isotope development, seeking Government support for the sector.
Paul Scully
My hon. Friend always champions industry and innovation in his area. We recognise the UK's significant capabilities in the nuclear fuel cycle and the benefit this provides to our energy security and to realising export opportunities. Through the nuclear fuel fund, the Government are investing in Springfields and other parts of the supply chain to further expand essential capabilities so we can realise benefits for the UK and abroad.
Session: Science and Technology Sector International Competitiveness
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What steps her Department is taking to support the international competitiveness of the science and technology sector.
Context
The MP inquired about steps to support international competitiveness in the UK's science and technology sector.
Paul Scully
The Government published the science and technology framework in March 2023, setting out our approach to making the UK a science and technology superpower by 2030. This will increase the UK's strategic advantage in relation to other nations. As part of that, we have a 10-point plan, having identified five critical technologies, including AI, semiconductors and quantum, which we will prioritise to deliver the framework's ambition.
Session: Science and Technology Sector International Competitiveness
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I thank the Secretary of State for the record levels of capital spending that we are seeing in Fylde's schools, most notably on the rebuilding of Lytham St Annes High School. However, the job is never done. Carr Hill High School in Kirkham, and other schools in my constituency, are seeking funds with which to modernise buildings and facilities. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss the capital requirements of those schools?
Context
The MP thanks the Secretary of State for record levels of capital spending on schools in Fylde and asks about funding for Carr Hill High School's modernisation.
Gillian Keegan (Secretary of State for Education)
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the Government's investment in school buildings. We recently announced the provision of £1.8 billion to fund improvements in the condition of schools in 2023-24, which includes about £15 million for Lancashire County Council, the body responsible for Carr Hill High School. As my hon. Friend said, we have transformed Lytham St Annes High School via the school rebuilding programme—and of course we will be happy to meet him.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my right hon. Friend commit to ensuring this Government's efforts go beyond initial disaster relief and provide long-term support for those in the region to rebuild their lives, their homes and their businesses?
Context
The British-Turkish community and individuals affected by the Syrian war are now facing new challenges due to recent earthquakes in the region.
Andrew Mitchell
Since the Syria crisis began, as my hon. Friend knows, Britain has contributed something like £3.8 billion, which is more than the whole European Union has provided added together. We will certainly focus on that. For now, the British taxpayer has found £43 million and the Disasters Emergency Committee has raised £100 million.
Session: Turkey and Syria Earthquakes
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What steps his Department is taking to support those affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.?
Context
Türkiye and Syria have been affected by major earthquakes, leading to significant humanitarian needs.
Andrew Mitchell
UK aid ranging from search and rescue to tents to medical care has helped thousands of survivors in Turkey and Syria, and more than 9,000 patients have been treated by UK medical teams as of 7 March.
Session: Turkey and Syria Earthquakes
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What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to encourage businesses to get involved in education and skills?
Context
The MP mentioned an event at Carr Hill school celebrating the Inspiring Lancashire programme by BAE Systems and CREATE Education, which has introduced digital skills to over 2,000 pupils. He asked about steps being taken to encourage business involvement.
Robert Halfon
My hon. Friend is a champion of skills as well. It is very good news that that school is promoting careers and working with BAE, which does so much for apprenticeships. Some 90% of schools and colleges are now part of our careers hub. I am very pleased that Lancashire has had 10,000 apprenticeship starts since last year and was an early adopter of T-levels.
Session: Local Skills Needs
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that education and training programmes meet local skills needs?
Context
The MP is concerned about the alignment between education and training programs and local skills needs.
Robert Halfon
We are working with colleagues across Government and put employers at the heart of local skills systems, with the roll-out of 38 local skills improvement plans. These employer-led plans will help ensure that skills provision better meets the needs of employers, and we are also ensuring that apprenticeships, T-levels and higher technical qualifications are all employer-led qualifications.
Session: Local Skills Needs
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Will the Under-Secretary commit to producing a long-term plan to relieve flooding issues after visiting the affected areas?
Context
Funding of £10 million allocated to upgrade flood defences in Fylde, a low-lying and largely flat coastal peninsula.
Rebecca Pow
She would be delighted to come back if her diary permits it to see further work being done, but no specific commitment was made for producing a long-term flood defence plan.
Session: Topical Questions
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What benefits will the removal of trade barriers have for Scotland?
Context
The MP inquired about the benefits of removing trade barriers for Scottish food and drink production, especially Scotch whisky and seafood.
Alister Jack
The latest statistics on exports of Scotch whisky and salmon underline how much demand there is for these premium products. The UK Government have an ambitious programme of free trade negotiations that will include India and the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership.
Session: Strengthening the Union
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What steps his Department is taking to strengthen the Union?
Context
The MP inquired about steps to strengthen the Union.
Alister Jack
The Government's commitment to Scotland is best demonstrated by what we are doing on the ground. We are investing more than £2 billion to level up across Scotland and working with the Scottish Government to deliver growth deals and freeports in Scotland.
Session: Strengthening the Union
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While welcoming the steps taken, I ask about ensuring reforms include residents of recently completed housing developments. What specific actions will be taken to ensure these new occupants are covered?
Context
Focus is on leaseholder issues in recent housing developments.
Lucy Frazer
The measures we bring forward will affect both new purchasers and existing leaseholders, ensuring the reforms include those living on recently completed housing developments.
Session: Leasehold and Freehold Reform
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While some rural areas enjoy great connectivity, many on the margins of commercial viability such as Station Road do not. How can we prevent our rural communities from falling ever further into a digital divide?
Context
Residents of Station Road in Singleton, Lancashire have experienced repeated delays to the installation of fibre broadband, with no completion expected before 2026.
Julia Lopez
We have increased the value of vouchers to as much as £4,500 towards installing gigabit-capable broadband. We are assessing alternative procurement approaches to Lancashire, with a plan to reopen the voucher scheme soon.
Session: Rural Broadband
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What steps her Department is taking to expand broadband coverage in rural areas. The lack of broadband connectivity affects many communities, especially those on the margins of commercial viability. Residents are experiencing repeated delays and long wait times for fibre installation.
Context
The MP is concerned about the progress of broadband expansion in rural parts of his constituency and elsewhere.
Julia Lopez
We are investing £5 billion through Project Gigabit to deliver lightning-fast, reliable broadband to hard-to-reach areas across the UK. We have increased the value of vouchers so that people can apply for as much as £4,500 towards the cost of installing gigabit-capable broadband in rural and particularly hard-to-reach areas. The voucher scheme will be reopened across Lancashire soon.
Session: Rural Broadband
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What assurance can the Secretary of State give me that we will see similar progress on the South Fylde line?
Context
The MP expressed concern about the progress of a project to double services on the South Fylde line.
Grant Shapps
I think the whole House recognises my hon. Friend's enthusiasm for the South Fylde line. We received the strategic outline business case in November 2021, we continue to review that and the next steps will be outlined in the coming months.
Session: Modernisation of the Railway
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Last year, I visited Bosnia to understand first hand the situation in the country. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure peace and stability in the western Balkans?
Context
The question discusses the importance of peace and stability in Bosnia, which is being undermined by Russian destabilisation attempts.
Elizabeth Truss
My hon. Friend is absolutely right; that is a vital issue. We are seeing attempts by Russia to destabilise the western Balkans. I recently visited Sarajevo, as has the Minister for Europe and North America, to do what we can to support the country through greater investment, so that there are alternatives to malign investment, and to make clear our support for security in the nation.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister ensure that the peace process includes civil society groups like trade unions, which have been neglected?
Context
Colombia is the most dangerous country for trade unionists, with ongoing violence against social activists and indigenous peoples.
Vicky Ford
The hon. Member raises an important point about protecting civil society. We will continue to support the Colombian Government and advocate for the peace process with FARC, acknowledging the role of President-elect Petro.
Session: Colombia Human Rights
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What steps will my right hon. Friend take to invest in domestic renewable and nuclear energy, as well as improved energy efficiency?
Context
The Chancellor took swift actions to protect consumers from rising energy prices but emergency intervention is not sustainable in the long term and undermines our need to end reliance on foreign fossil fuels.
Helen Whately
My hon. Friend has made an extremely good point. Now is the moment for us to go full steam ahead with our transition away from fossil fuels. We are investing in nuclear, we are accelerating our progress on renewables, and we are boosting energy efficiency in homes across the country.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Chancellor for his commitment of £75 million to preserve civil nuclear fuel manufacturing in the UK. As my right hon. Friend will know, Springfields site in Fylde is the only civil nuclear manufacturing site in the UK, and efforts are ongoing to diversify projects undertaken on the site to safeguard its future. Will he agree to look into proposals to support manufacturing on the site and help beat off international competition to bring those jobs and skills to Springfields?
Context
The question concerns the Springfields site in Fylde, which is the only UK civil nuclear fuel manufacturing facility and faces international competition.
Rishi Sunak (Chancellor of the Exchequer)
First, may I put on record my thanks to my hon. Friend, who raised this issue with me some months ago in the run-up to the spending review? I hope that he and his communities are pleased with the funding that was allocated, thanks to his and other interventions. I am of course prepared to work with him and the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to consider all relevant proposals and assess the right options for the taxpayer in this country.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my right hon. Friend outline what is being done to support our world-class defence manufacturing export success, and will he commit to the continuation of the Typhoon export programme?
Context
The MP welcomes the Minister for exports to BAE Systems and seeks details on supporting defence manufacturing export success.
Ben Wallace
The Government supports defence and security exports through the strategy. BAE Systems leads opportunities in Finland, with continued investment in Typhoon, including European Common Radar System Mark 2 radar and MBDA's Meteor and SPEAR weapons.
Session: Defence Industry Employment
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After securing work on the Lytham St Annes M55 link road and its commencement, can the Minister assure me that the Government are taking the resurfacing of roads seriously and not simply filling in cracks and covering potholes? What measures have been taken to address this issue?
Context
The question stems from ongoing road resurfacing complaints by constituents regarding the poor quality of many Fylde's road surfaces, following positive developments with the M55 link road.
Rachel Maclean
May I start by paying tribute to my hon. Friend for his determined campaigning over a number of years to secure the start of work on this vital road? The Government have committed £2.5 billion through the potholes fund and local highway authorities should develop a risk-based approach to asset management plans, ensuring proactive maintenance.
Session: Condition of Roads England
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I thank my right hon. Friend for the recently announced multimillion-pound rebuild of Lytham St Annes High School, but looking to the present, what steps is the Department taking to help school leavers this summer, as they transition into work or higher education following severe disruption to their final two academic years?
Context
The MP is concerned about the transition of students into work or further education following severe disruptions due to the pandemic.
Gavin Williamson
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend, who campaigned hard to get the funding to deliver the rebuilding of Lytham St Annes High School for his constituents. We will continue to work with all schools throughout the remainder of this academic year to ensure that there is as much support as possible for students, whether through the recovery premium that schools have been receiving or money made available for summer schools, so that schools can put on additional activities. The further education sector has also been supported to support its pupils, so they can get on and get the best opportunities.
Session: Topical Questions
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Shared expertise and infrastructure are key to supporting jobs across our United Kingdom. What estimates does my right hon. Friend make of the positive impact the UK Government's defence manufacturing has on job opportunities for the people of Scotland? The question refers to specific sites in Warton and BAE Systems site at Clyde.
Context
The question builds upon the previous discussion about supporting the defence sector, focusing on job creation and infrastructure sharing.
Alister Jack
The Royal Navy shipbuilding programme will provide a pipeline of work and sustain valuable jobs and skills for shipyards around the United Kingdom, including those in Scotland. The Ministry of Defence has spent £2.7 billion with Scottish industry in 2019 and 2020 alone, supporting 12,400 jobs.
Session: Defence Sector
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Measures such as the kickstart scheme are a fantastic way to help young people into work and reduce the risk of long-term unemployment. Many young people will have taken part-time or casual work to support themselves through the pandemic, such as in Fylde's hospitality and leisure sector, and may not be claiming universal credit. What steps will my right hon. Friend be taking to help young people get the skills and industry experience to help them move from casual employment and launch full-time careers?
Context
The MP is concerned about the economic challenges faced by young people in finding work and transitioning from education to employment, particularly after the pandemic.
Steve Barclay (Secretary of State for Work and Pensions)
My hon. Friend raises an important point, and that is why, as well as the fantastic kickstart scheme, which he points out, the plan for jobs also expands existing programmes with proven employment outcomes, including traineeships, sector-based work academies and incentivised apprenticeship hiring. At the spending review, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced £138 million for the lifetime skills guarantee to fund free advanced technical courses for adults without A-levels or equivalent and to expand employer-led skills bootcamps.
Session: Helping Young People into Work
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What fiscal steps his Department is taking to help young people into work. Many young people will have taken part-time or casual work to support themselves through the pandemic, such as in Fylde's hospitality and leisure sector, and may not be claiming universal credit. What steps will my right hon. Friend be taking to help young people get the skills and industry experience to help them move from casual employment and launch full-time careers?
Context
The MP is concerned about the economic challenges faced by young people in finding work and transitioning from education to employment, particularly after the pandemic.
Steve Barclay (Secretary of State for Work and Pensions)
My hon. Friend raises an important point, and that is why, as well as the fantastic kickstart scheme, which he points out, the plan for jobs also expands existing programmes with proven employment outcomes, including traineeships, sector-based work academies and incentivised apprenticeship hiring. At the spending review, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced £138 million for the lifetime skills guarantee to fund free advanced technical courses for adults without A-levels or equivalent and to expand employer-led skills bootcamps.
Session: Helping Young People into Work
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Does my hon. Friend agree that the Team Tempest project must be provided with backing to ensure certainty for its future?
Context
The BAE Systems site in Warton employs over 6,000 people and is critical to UK defence capability.
Jeremy Quin
Warton plays a key role in combat air sector and Tempest is crucial, with over 1,800 engineers involved now.
Session: Topical Questions
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He was delighted by the deal to remove export tariffs on Scotch whisky. What estimate does he make of trade and investment benefits from Scotland's continued membership of the Union?
Context
The MP is questioning the trade and investment advantages of continued Scottish union membership.
Alister Jack
This deal will be welcomed by businesses on both sides of the Atlantic because it will hopefully bring an end to harmful tit-for-tat tariffs. I agree with my hon. Friend, but to add to the point, the rest of the United Kingdom continues to be Scotland's largest market for exports. It accounts for more than 60% of all Scotland's trade.
Session: New Free Trade Agreements
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Can my right hon. Friend assure me that he will continue to monitor and work with me to ensure that local businesses get all the support they need for their continued recovery?
Context
The MP thanked the Chancellor for his engagement and measures supporting coastal hospitality businesses, asking if he will continue to monitor their needs.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend has been instrumental in providing on-the-ground information to me and my team about the particular situation facing hospitality businesses in coastal communities like his. He is an absolute champion for them and rightly so. They are an important part of his local economy and I am glad that this Budget supported them. He has my assurance that we will continue to work with him and them to get them the support that they deserve.
Session: Covid-19 Support for Business
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Blackpool Airport: Public Service Obligation Funding
06 December 2022
Responding: Jesse Norman
Main Concerns
["Mr. Menzies is concerned about the decline of Blackpool airport since its peak in the late noughties with over 500,000 passengers and seeks to revive it through public service obligation funding. He highlights the airport's historic significance and current ownership by Blackpool Council, which provides stability and potential for growth. Mr. Menzies emphasises the airport's strategic location, connecting regions across the UK, and its potential role in sustainable aviation technology. He also points out that Blackpool has advantages over other airports like Manchester and Liverpool due to cost savings and proximity to key infrastructure such as the M55 motorway."]
Specific Asks
['Mr Menzies asks for changes to PSO rules to allow flights connecting regions beyond London, suggesting routes from Blackpool to Belfast and Londonderry. He also proposes targeted relief on air passenger duty for regional airports, which he claims would be cost-neutral to the Treasury. This move is seen as essential for stimulating flight restarts at Blackpool Airport.']
Nuclear Fuel Manufacturing — [Mr Clive Betts in the Chair]
07 September 2021
Responding: Amanda Solloway
Main Concerns
["Springfields nuclear fuel manufacturing plant in Fylde is the UK's only nuclear fuel manufacturing site, employing over 800 people directly and supporting thousands more jobs through its supply chain. With 70% of the site income related to advanced gas-cooled reactor fuel manufacture, a drop-off in demand due to early closure risks redundancies and loss of irreplaceable skills. The uncertainty around Dungeness B, Hinkley B, and Hunterston adds to the challenge."]
Specific Asks
['The Government needs to affirm their backing for UK nuclear by approving proposals for new reactors like Sizewell C. They should also consider a regulatory framework and site proposals for future SMR projects, and hold meaningful discussions with EDF and US investors on manufacturing fuel in the United Kingdom.']
Valedictory Debate
24 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
In her concluding remarks, Harriet Harman reflected on her 42-year tenure in the House of Commons, thanking her constituents for their support and expressing pride in being a Labour MP. She emphasised...
Farming
04 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government understands that farming drives rural Britain, generating jobs and growth. The debate aims to support British farming by investing in farmers through a £2.4 billion annual budget, shift...
South Fylde Line
18 October 2023
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Mr Deputy Speaker acknowledged Mark Menzies' efforts to improve services on the South Fylde line. He discussed the history of the rail network, highlighting improvements made over the years and emphas...
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
18 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Shale Gas Production
15 March 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Nuclear Energy Bill - Clause 7 - Licence modifications: relevant licensee nuclear companies
10 January 2022
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The lead MP, Alan Brown, moves that Clause 7 be read a Second time. The clause pertains to licence modifications for relevant licensee nuclear companies, and the amendments seek to enhance transparenc...
Integrated Rail Plan: North and Midlands
18 November 2021
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
16 November 2021
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Welcomed the record research and development settlement for the Department of Health and Social Care, emphasising the importance of life sciences in defending against future pandemics and reducing rel...
Ways and Means - Budget Resolutions and Economic SituationWays and Means
09 March 2021
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
COP26
24 February 2021
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government must take substantial steps to promote climate action and a green recovery from the pandemic. Specifically, public transport infrastructure needs urgent investment to support more peopl...
5
PMQs Asked
59
Ministerial Questions Asked
22
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+340% above average
This MP:
59
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+353% above average
This MP:
22
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 Menzies's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.