Martin Docherty
MP for West Dunbartonshire
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Given that a Lord was appointed contrary to MI5 recommendations, does the Prime Minister agree with MI5 or his predecessor on this peer's appointment?
Context
A Member of the House of Lords was appointed despite MI5 advising against it.
Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)
The House of Lords Appointments Commission vets nominations and seeks advice from Government Departments. It would write publicly to relevant parliamentary Select Committee were a Prime Minister to recommend a peerage against the commission's formal advice.
Assessment
Specific agreement or disagreement with MI5 or predecessor was not stated
Talking About Vetting Process
Session: PMQs
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As we approach the fourth anniversary of Jagtar's arrest with no formal charges, will you declare his detention as arbitrary?
Context
My constituent, Jagtar Singh Johal, was abducted in Jalandhar, Punjab and has been detained without charges for nearly four years.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his campaign and confirm that we continue to raise Jagtar's case with the Indian Government.
Session: PMQs
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Graham, born with cerebral palsy and unable to perform basic tasks independently, brought joy to those who knew him. After an adviser resigned when it was discovered they promoted eugenicist views that could have ended the life of my brother Graham, will the Prime Minister explain why Andrew Sabisky remained in his Government until the issue was revealed?
Context
The question arises from the resignation of a Prime Minister's advisor due to promoting eugenicist policies.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Let us be absolutely clear that I certainly do not share those views, and nor are they the views of anybody in this Government. That individual no longer works for the Government.
Session: PMQs
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To paraphrase a former Member, the Government's response has been weighed in the balance and found wanting. Given Czech Republic's profound donations of artillery and shells, as well as a commitment from EU for over 1 million shells, I hope the Minister can correct this imbalance. Can he advise how much of this new investment is in tactical armaments?
Context
Czech Republic and Denmark have made significant donations of artillery and shells to Ukraine. The questioner seeks clarification on the UK's allocation towards tactical armaments.
James Heappey
The overseas ammunition acquisition plan from previous years remains broadly as it was, amounting to about 300,000 rounds bought internationally and provided to Ukraine. The £200 million additional money focuses on providing tactical drones which are proving significant in the battle space.
Session: Ukraine Military Support
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On 17 February at the Munich conference, Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark said: “If you ask Ukrainians, they are asking for ammunition now, artillery now.” Does the Minister not agree that allies should be more like Denmark when it comes to recognising the consequences of not meeting Ukraine's needs?
Context
At the Munich conference, Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark pledged to donate all their artillery to Ukraine. The questioner seeks a stronger commitment from the UK in line with Danish contributions.
James Heappey
The UK has provided almost its entire heavy artillery capability and generous ammunition stocks while retaining necessary supplies for readiness forces. We have also catalysed local production and purchased additional ammunition globally, contributing significantly beyond our stockpiles.
Session: Ukraine Military Support
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Can the Secretary of State advise what his Government are doing to deliver the compensation scheme given that according to recent evidence presented to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, it could take more than 10 years to process the applications?
Context
Recent evidence shows it could take over a decade to process applications, delaying much-needed compensation.
Chris Heaton-Harris
Having met Judge McAlinden, I am conducting a review of the operation of the scheme which will report before August this year. The review is under way and aims to address these matters so that those who qualify for payments get them in a much more expedited way.
Session: Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme
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What recent discussions has he had with the Administration in Northern Ireland on ensuring timely payments from the troubles permanent disablement payment scheme to eligible individuals?
Context
The MP is concerned about timely payments to eligible individuals under a specific scheme in Northern Ireland.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The troubles permanent disablement payment scheme is a devolved matter delivered by the Victims' Payments Board. I met Judge McAlinden, the president of the board, last week to discuss those matters.
Session: Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme
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I am grateful for that answer. The number of households who have been unable to pay their energy bills has increased by nearly 40%. Does the Minister accept that the UK Government's failure to listen to stakeholders such as Citizens Advice, which is calling for the £400 energy bill discount to be reinstated, has led to soaring energy debt among those who can least afford it?
Context
The question comes from concerns raised by the Office for National Statistics about a nearly 40% increase in households unable to pay their bills.
Graham Stuart
The hon. Gentleman is right to highlight the issue of debt and struggling families, which is why we provide £104 billion in cost of living support between 2022 and 2025, along with measures such as increasing the national living wage and benefits by 6.7%. We are also delivering a tax cut for 27 million people.
Session: Consumer Energy Debt
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Does any attempt to overhaul ECHR and HRA from this place could have serious consequences for the communities in Northern Ireland?
Context
ECHR and HRA integral to Good Friday/Belfast agreement.
Alex Chalk
We have a human rights framework that we consider important. We are mindful of points raised but satisfied we can deliver on British people's priorities, ensuring warm hearts and open front doors within international obligations.
Session: Human Rights Legislation
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What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of human rights legislation?
Context
The adequacy of human rights legislation in the UK is under scrutiny.
Alex Chalk
The United Kingdom has a long-standing tradition of ensuring that rights and liberties are protected domestically and fulfilling international human rights obligations. We remain committed to a human rights framework that is up to date, fit for purpose, and works for the British people. Specific actions include the Illegal Migration Act 2023, the Victims and Prisoners Bill, and the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act 2021.
Session: Human Rights Legislation
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Thank you, Mr Speaker, and a very happy new year to you and to the House. The Secretary of State is right to highlight the geopolitical and economic threat from the Houthi-led attacks in the Red sea, as well as the need to participate in Operation Prosperity Guardian, but could he advise the House of how sustainable this and future joint operations will be when increasing numbers of sailors have left the service, and the intake to replace them in the 12 months to March 2023 plunged by 22.1%?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the sustainability of current and future operations given recent declines in naval intake numbers.
Grant Shapps
First, I am confident that we will be able to continue or increase our actions. We complete all our operational requirements at the moment. The hon. Gentleman is right to say that it is a very tight labour market, but I think that is a subject for celebration in this House: we are seeing such low sustained unemployment, even through some pretty turbulent times. We will redouble our efforts to ensure that all our military services can recruit the people they need.
Session: Protection of Shipping Routes
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Does the Minister recognise any semblance of truth in this statement by Dominic Cummings, “the scandal of nuclear weapons infrastructure which is a dangerous disaster and a budget nightmare of hard-to-believe and highly classified proportions” regarding the Coulport naval facility and the nuclear deterrent black hole?
Context
Dominic Cummings stated that the nuclear weapons infrastructure which is a dangerous disaster and a budget nightmare of hard-to-believe and highly classified proportions regarding the Coulport naval facility and the nuclear deterrent black hole.
James Cartlidge
As with our previous exchange, while I respect the hon. Gentleman's position, we do not comment on speculation. What I can say is that nuclear infrastructure is incredibly important to the future of our deterrent. His Majesty's naval base Clyde has developed an established management plan with a 40-year horizon that provides a strategic vision for the future that is clear and simple and that endures, and we have a £1.4 billion programme for Faslane and Coulport nuclear facilities and nuclear infrastructure.
Session: Topical Questions
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During the Vanguard transition, Whitehall made contingency plans in case of hull breakdowns. Can the Minister inform the House what discussions his Department is having regarding such contingencies for an almost 40-year-old Vanguard fleet?
Context
There are concerns about the aging Vanguard fleet and potential contingencies during its transition.
James Cartlidge
The hon. Gentleman will not be surprised that we do not comment on this beyond saying we have had a continuous at-sea deterrent since 1969 and are proud of it.
Session: Trident Nuclear Programme
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During the Vanguard transition, Whitehall made contingency plans in case of hull breakdowns. Can the Minister inform the House what discussions his Department is having regarding such contingencies for an almost 40-year-old Vanguard fleet?
Context
There are concerns about the aging Vanguard fleet and potential contingencies during its transition.
James Cartlidge
The hon. Gentleman will not be surprised that we do not comment on this beyond saying we have had a continuous at-sea deterrent since 1969 and are proud of it.
Session: Trident Nuclear Programme
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Why do not his Government support a statutory body for armed forces personnel like they have for the police?
Context
Freezing charges for accommodation, food, childcare services introduced to help with the cost of living crisis.
Andrew Murrison
The hon. Gentleman ignored my previous statements and did not mention freezing charges for accommodation, food, childcare services introduced to help with the cost of living.
Session: Service Personnel Retirement Age and Conditions for Service
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I disagree with the figures presented. The police secured nearly 50% higher pay rises compared to our uniformed public servants due to their statutory body representing them. Why does his Government not support such action for armed forces personnel?
Context
Police received a significantly higher pay rise than other uniformed public servants, raising questions about the representation body.
Andrew Murrison
The hon. Gentleman ignored my previous statements and did not mention freezing charges for accommodation, food, childcare services introduced to help with the cost of living.
Session: Service Personnel Retirement Age and Conditions for Service
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As a working-class kid from the constituency I now represent, I am not sure where I would be today if not for the opportunity I had to study for a so-called 'Mickey Mouse degree' at university. After today's media push and the Government's apparent crackdown on students, how does the Minister expect us to believe that this is not just a ruse to protect the privileges of the Timothies and Tabithas of the home counties, as opposed to working-class kids?
Context
The MP expressed concern over the government's apparent crackdown on so-called “Mickey Mouse” courses, questioning if it was a ruse to protect home counties' privileges.
Robert Halfon
The hon. Gentleman could not be more wrong. Why is it right to send somebody to a higher education institution, taking out a significant loan of £9,250 each year, to take a course that leads either to poor completion, poor continuation or poor progression? This Government are stopping that by imposing recruitment caps on such courses. I am proud that record numbers of disadvantaged students are going to university. More disadvantaged students are going to university than ever before.
Session: Institutional Partnerships Further and Higher Education
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Last week's revelation from Canada's national security adviser that the republic of India was among the most active sources of foreign interference in that country—along with China, Russia and Iran—is deeply concerning. Does the Minister know whether the Department has taken soundings from our treaty ally and fellow Five Eyes member regarding India's activities abroad, particularly its surveillance of not only Sikh activists but Members of this House in relation to the ongoing detention of my constituent Jagtar Singh Johal?
Context
Canada raised concerns about India's activities abroad, including surveillance of Members of this House.
James Cleverly (Foreign Secretary)
As the hon. Gentleman knows, I have met his constituent's family, and we continue to raise this case with the Indian authorities. I regularly meet my Canadian counterpart, who has not raised directly with me the specific concerns raised by the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Topical Questions
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A huge element of growth in the digital market is the crypto industry. The European Parliament has just signed off the Markets in Cryptoassets Regulation. That ambitious and forward-thinking law gives the European Union the first rules to govern the crypto industry. When will this Government do the same?
Context
The European Parliament has passed the Markets in Cryptoassets Regulation, providing the first rules for governing the crypto industry.
Kevin Hollinrake
We are looking at the crypto sector carefully, and there was a report yesterday from the Treasury Committee on that matter. The crypto sector is moving at pace, and it is important that regulation keeps up with that. We have regulated already on some of the promotions around cryptocurrency, and it is something we will keep under scrutiny.
Session: Digital Markets Competition
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Since last year, has the Department done anything to make sure that Mr Woods is returned not to a category D prison but to a category B prison and ensure European cooperation?
Context
Concerns about the temporary release failure of known criminal Dean Woods from Her Majesty's Prison Sudbury.
Damian Hinds
I offer to meet the hon. Gentleman to talk through that detailed case.
Session: Topical Questions
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I wonder whether the Minister agrees with Unison the trade union, which has warned that encroaching upon devolved areas to actively make lives worse for working people will damage the democratic legitimacy of the Westminster Parliament in the eyes of people in devolved nations.
Context
Unison, a trade union, has warned that the Bill may damage democratic legitimacy in devolved nations.
Mike Freer
With regard to this specific Bill, given the announcement last week, I do not believe that there is any infringement on the Scottish competency.
Session: Retained EU Law Acts of the Scottish Parliament
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A new Work and Pensions Committee report on the health assessments for disability benefits such as PIP and employment support allowance has found that “issues or errors” in the DWP health assessment system have, in some ways, contributed to the deaths of claimants. What assurances can the Minister give the House that those issues and errors will not continue to kill our disabled constituents?
Context
A new report highlights issues with the DWP health assessment system, which have led to deaths of claimants.
Tom Pursglove
We take those matters incredibly seriously, which is why we have internal process reviews in the Department to look at them. We have serious case panels constituted by senior leaders from within the Department, and the independent case examiner, for example. Where there are issues and learning that must be taken on board, that must always happen. This is structured through that. We will look very carefully and closely at the Select Committee report, and we will, of course, respond appropriately in the normal way. The hon Gentleman can be absolutely assured that these processes must always be looked at carefully, and that any learning is taken on board and acted on.
Session: Topical Questions
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Further to the negotiations for a free trade agreement with India, can the Minister perhaps update the House on the impact of the closure of the internet in the state of Punjab over the last week, and the reduction in freedom of expression for the majority of the Sikh population of that state?
Context
The MP raised concerns about internet closures in Punjab, India, affecting freedom of expression for the Sikh population.
Nigel Huddleston
As I mentioned in answer to a previous question, when it comes to other issues, including human rights and freedom of the press, these are conversations we also have with our friends and colleagues around the world. We cannot deal with all these issues with free trade agreements.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Secretary of State agree that there is still time to improve and strengthen the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill to limit opportunities for the Russian Federation to access Scottish limited partnerships?
Context
Concerns about the potential for Russian entities to use Scottish limited partnerships.
Kemi Badenoch
In co-ordination with our allies, we have implemented severe economic sanctions on Russia. If the hon. Gentleman will write to me with more detail about what he is referring to, I can look into it.
Session: Trade with Ukraine
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The average life expectancy of a woman with a learning disability is around 18 years shorter than women in the general population, so on this International Women's Day, what can the Minister say to women with learning disabilities about the disparity in their life expectancy in Britain?
Context
The question highlights the significant life expectancy gap between women with learning disabilities and those in the general population, raising concerns about mental health impacts.
Maria Caulfield
The hon. Gentleman makes a very good point and that is exactly why mental health is part of the major conditions strategy. People with mental health and learning disabilities do suffer from poorer physical health, and that is why it is crucial that we do not see—[Interruption.] If he listened to me, he would have heard that I said “learning disabilities”. It is crucial that we do not see people with a learning disability in isolation, and that we look after their physical health, as well as the conditions they suffer from.
Session: Health Disparities
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The Minister speaks about the ambitions for encouraging the over-50s to remain in the workforce. Will the Minister tear up his prepared answer, and tell the employees at the Department for Work and Pensions Clydebank office—mostly working-class women over the age of 50—how he squares that with his Government's rank hypocrisy, which has left them struggling for work during a cost of living crisis?
Context
The MP is critical of the government's hypocrisy towards older workers facing job challenges during a cost-of-living crisis.
Guy Opperman
There are now 10.7 million 50-plus workers—a figure that has gone up by 2 million in the last 10 years. Local DWP jobcentres are constantly engaging with employers to showcase the benefits of hiring older workers. I urge the hon. Gentleman to go to Halfords in St James retail park in Dumbarton in his constituency, because Halfords is one of the employers employing over 100 new over-50s apprentices on an ongoing basis. The hon. Gentleman should visit and learn something.
Session: Support into Employment Over-50s
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According to a report by the Economics for the Environment Consultancy, lower standards just in chemical regulation, water pollution, air quality and the protection of habitats will cost the British Government £83 billion over the next three decades. Does he believe it is right for Scotland to face yet another billion-pound price tag for a Brexit that it did not vote for?
Context
A report by the Economics for the Environment Consultancy suggests that lower standards in chemical regulation, water pollution, air quality, and habitat protection could cost the British Government £83 billion over 30 years.
Alister Jack
I do not recognise that analysis. We are respecting and raising environmental standards. Where matters are devolved we respect that, and the Scottish Government are able to deal with those matters under retained EU law as they see fit. Where there is overlap, we have frameworks and we will work together.
Session: Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill
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As we prepare to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement, will he recognise the extent to which the ECHR is integrated into that agreement, and the fact that leaving the convention would be a breach of his Government's obligations under the peace process?
Context
The 25th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement is approaching, raising concerns about leaving the ECHR.
Dominic Raab
No one is more committed to the integrity of the UK than this Government. I set out the position on the Bill of Rights earlier. We have made it clear that we would not rule out ever withdrawing from the ECHR in the future.
Session: European Convention on Human Rights
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The AUKUS deal was supposed to be the defining agreement for the Indo-Pacific tilt. Given today's news and the fact that historic defence cuts and inflation make high hopes harder to fulfill, will it still be the UK's aim to be the European partner with the broadest presence in the Indo-Pacific?
Context
The MP questions the feasibility of achieving the UK's aim to be the European partner with the broadest presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Ben Wallace
It is our ambition. Two of the planks of AUKUS are already in place. The US investment has lasted 70 years, and we plan another carrier strike group visit in 2025.
Session: AUKUS Submarines
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My constituent Lisa Brown has been missing, presumed murdered, in Spain since 2015, yet this morning I heard from Lisa's family that the prime suspect, who was imprisoned in Liverpool in 2020 for 12 years for drug offences and gun-running, has absconded. Can I ask the Secretary of State or their prisons Minister to assure me, Lisa's family and the House that their Department is doing all it can to return this dangerous criminal to prison, where they rightfully belong?
Context
A constituent named Lisa Brown has been missing since 2015, with a prime suspect who was imprisoned in Liverpool in 2020 for drug offences and gun-running having absconded recently.
Dominic Raab
Certainly I can give the hon. Gentleman and his constituents that assurance. Absconds are actually very rare now; they have fallen by nearly two thirds over the last decade, from 235 in 2010-11 to 95 in 2021-22. The majority are captured quickly, but he will want to know that that happens in this case and I will ensure that his concerns are passed on.
Session: Topical Questions
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Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government pointed out this month that the Human Rights Act has a 22-year record of delivering justice, including for some of the most vulnerable people in communities across the whole of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Given how the Act is woven into the very fabric of the constitutional settlements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and how it benefits us all, will the Secretary of State accept that it is not in his power or that of his Government to unilaterally unpick that on behalf of the other nations of the United Kingdom?
Context
The MP refers to the Human Rights Act's record of delivering justice over 22 years and its importance for devolved administrations, questioning if it is not within his power or that of his government to unilaterally unpick this.
Dominic Raab
What I will say to the hon. Gentleman is that this was a manifesto commitment. We are not removing the European convention on human rights—indeed, it will stay, as it was under the Human Rights Act, in a schedule to the Bill of Rights—but I do think that the idea that the Human Rights Act was the last word on human rights in UK constitutional history is daft. Actually, there is an opportunity to strengthen things such as free speech to the benefit of people across the United Kingdom, but also to deal with problems and abuses of the system, particularly things such as foreign national offenders abusing the right of article 8—the right to a family life—to avoid deportation.
Session: Strengthening Human Rights Discussions with Cabinet Colleagues
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What recent discussions have there been with Cabinet colleagues on strengthening human rights?
Context
The MP inquires about discussions on strengthening human rights.
Dominic Raab
We have introduced the Bill of Rights and look forward to bringing it forward for Second Reading shortly so that we can strengthen quintessential UK rights such as freedom of speech, as well as deporting more foreign national offenders and restoring some common sense to our justice system.
Session: Strengthening Human Rights Discussions with Cabinet Colleagues
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Why does the UK government allow cooperation with France on immigration but not bespoke policies for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to address demographic and labour issues?
Context
UK government allows co-operation with France but not bespoke policies for Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Robert Jenrick
We work together as one United Kingdom. Recent figures show Scotland's unemployment rate at 3.3% compared with the UK average of 3.5%. It is important to work as a united UK.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given the warning from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the UN rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, what will be done to prevent lives being lost due to insufficient social security uprating?
Context
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has warned about a potential real-terms cut in social security benefits that could push 200,000 children into poverty.
Mims Davies
I thank the hon. Gentleman and suggest he visit his local Jobcentre Plus, where interventions like the cost of living calculator on gov.uk can help people. The Scottish Government has powers to provide their own welfare benefits using existing reserved benefits.
Session: Cost of Living Social Security Payments
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If the Government are taking gender equality seriously in the military and have learned from the Sub-Committee's report, why do they not ensure that rape cases go to civilian courts instead of being handled by an unequal court martial system?
Context
Following a report from the Defence Sub-Committee chaired by Sarah Atherton, concerns were raised about gender equality in the armed forces, specifically regarding rape cases remaining within the court martial system.
Leo Docherty
When the hon. Member sees the formal response to the report, he will have no doubt that we are taking note of these recommendations in absolute earnest. Feedback from young women serving shows they should look forward to service life with terrific role models.
Session: Gender Inequalities Armed Forces
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Why will the Secretary of State's office not campaign for Union connectivity with the greatest booster of our economy, the European Union?
Context
Belfast harbour has reported a significant increase in turnover and profits, prompting questions about Union connectivity with the European Union.
Iain Stewart
The Government are focusing on upgrading the A75 and the A77. The Minister has been keen to meet the Scottish Transport Minister, but they have refused to do so.
Session: Union Connectivity
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Why would their Government jeopardise 25.6 million tonnes of cargo by unilaterally changing the Northern Ireland protocol?
Context
Belfast Harbour reported significant increases in trade and profits, raising concerns about the impact of unilaterally changing the Northern Ireland protocol.
Brandon Lewis
The hon. Gentleman should read the full article, because then he would realise that, between the easements, the standstill and the grace periods, we are not actually fully implementing the protocol let alone the other business that Belfast harbour takes in that has nothing to do with the protocol.
Session: NI Protocol Bill Discussions with the EU
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What recent discussions the Government has had with the EU on the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill?
Context
The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill has been introduced by the UK Government. The MP is questioning recent discussions with the EU regarding this bill.
Brandon Lewis
Our preference remains to resolve the problems with the protocol through talks. Our door remains open to discussions, but the EU has so far not been willing to make meaningful changes to the protocol, which are necessary to deliver the solutions needed.
Session: NI Protocol Bill Discussions with the EU
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The Republic of India has a respected independent legal system. What importance do the Minister and the Government place on a well-functioning legal system that respects human rights and the dignity of the individual when progressing free trade negotiations with states such as the Republic of India? The Secretary of State will be aware of my constituent, Jagtar Singh Johal.
Context
The MP questioned the importance of a well-functioning legal system that respects human rights in free trade negotiations with India, referring to his constituent Jagtar Singh Johal's case.
Ranil Jayawardena
Her Majesty's Government are committed to working with the Government of India to resolve longstanding and complex consular cases such as this. The Foreign Secretary met the hon. Gentleman and the family of his constituent on 9 June, and she committed to continuing to raise those concerns with the Indian authorities.
Session: UK-India Free Trade Agreement
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What recent assessment has her Department made of the progress of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement?
Context
The MP inquired about the progress and assessment of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.
Ranil Jayawardena
Talks with India continue to be positive, and on Monday we welcomed Indian officials to London for the fourth round of negotiations. An FTA offers the opportunity to deepen our already strong relationship, which was worth over £24 billion last year.
Session: UK-India Free Trade Agreement
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With the downward pressure on the armed forces across the board, when will his Government admit that they will never meet the target of 12,500 armed forces personnel based in Scotland?
Context
During the 2014 independence referendum, a promise was made to base 12,500 armed forces personnel in Scotland. The current figure is more than 25% below that.
Alister Jack
Recruitment remains healthy for young Scots, both as regulars and reservists. I am sure the new recruits in Scotland are absolutely buoyed by the First Minister's new love of the nuclear alliance that is NATO.
Session: Future Defence Policy and the Armed Forces
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I wonder if the Minister could advise the House on how extensively the Department is consulting through the ranks on the programme. Specifically, are serving personnel able to make recommendations or express opinions outwith the rank structure?
Context
The MP is interested in the level of consultation with serving personnel on the future soldier programme.
James Heappey
I am not sure I agree with the afterthought to the hon. Gentleman's question, but I know that the Chief of the General Staff and his team were vigorous in the way that the Future Army plans were communicated to the Army and that the Army chain of command had an opportunity to contribute to them.
Session: Future Soldier Programme
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Can the Minister advise the House on whether every jobcentre is equipped with assistive technology for disabled claimants and whether that is supported by appropriate staff training—and if not, why not?
Context
The MP inquires about the availability of assistive technology at jobcentres and staff training to support disabled claimants.
Mims Davies
We have 900 disability employment advisers who individually work with claimants to help them to progress. One of the most positive outcomes of the kickstart scheme has been the number of people with neurodiversity or disabilities getting a first start into work because they worked directly with their work coaches to understand what support they needed to get into work. There is also, of course, the Access to Work programme.
Session: Supporting Disabled People into Work
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Mortgage Prisoners
28 June 2023
Responding: Andrew Griffith
Main Concerns
['The MP expressed astonishment and anger over the situation faced by mortgage prisoners, who are unable to switch lenders due to high interest rates on standard variable rates (SVRs). He highlighted a specific case of his constituent Chris Dorman, who took out a mortgage with Northern Rock in 2003 and was forced onto an interest-only plan when the bank collapsed in 2007. Despite not falling behind on payments, Chris faced fees and increased principal owing to actions by UK Asset Resolution (UKAR) and later Heliodor, which is owned by Topaz Finance Ltd. The principal owed rose by nearly £10,000 within a few years, pushing Chris into negative equity and threatening his family home in 2029.']
Specific Asks
['The MP called for a moratorium on evictions for mortgage prisoners, a cap on SVRs offered to victims, and cross-party work to assist those trapped in closed-book prisons.']
Cryptoassets: Regulation
07 September 2022
Responding: Richard Fuller
Main Concerns
['The market has been allowed to proliferate, drawing in uninitiated small-scale investors who may fall victim to scams and fraud. The author highlights issues such as lack of regulation, environmental impact, technical imperfections, and the need for financial inclusion and accountability. He mentions that many of his constituents are at risk due to their limited access to traditional investment opportunities and the potential for economic hardship.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should enforce existing laws against fraud, better train those dealing with enforcement, and ensure the Financial Conduct Authority is properly funded. Additionally, he calls for robust debate on the Financial Services and Markets Bill to address financial inclusion in crypto regulation.']
Detention of Jagtar Singh Johal
30 June 2021
Responding: Nigel Adams
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the prolonged detention of Jagtar Singh Johal for 1,335 days without substantial charges. The case began when Jagtar was taken by unidentified men in Jalandhar, and allegations of torture have since surfaced. The family has faced immense pressure, including the impact of COVID-19 in an overcrowded prison. Reprieve and Redress assert that Jagtar's detention is a clear breach of categories 1 to 4 of the United Nations working group on arbitrary detention's definition."]
Specific Asks
["The MP asks why the UK Government does not deem Jagtar Singh Johal's detention as an arbitrary one, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. The MP also inquires about the failure to ensure an independent medical examination and the lack of private consular visits."]
Ukraine and Georgia
15 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence
07 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government have committed to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, resulting in a £75 billion cash boost over six years from a flat cash baseline. The current commitment involves sound...
Defence Personnel Data Breach
07 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Spending
24 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Hospice Funding
22 April 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls on integrated care boards to urgently address the funding for hospice-provided palliative care. Emphasises the importance of end-of-life care as a legal right, highlights financial pressures fac...
Afghan Refugees: Deportation from Pakistan
17 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
21 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Hong Kong Security Legislation
20 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Mortgages (Switching)
11 March 2024
General Debate
Led by this MP
Moves to bring in a Bill to enable mortgage prisoners to switch to new arrangements, highlighting the plight of an estimated 200,000 individuals across the UK who are trapped on high street rates sinc...
UK Armed Forces
11 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
3
PMQs Asked
57
Ministerial Questions Asked
116
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-19% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+317% above average
This MP:
57
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2296% above average
This MP:
116
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
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 Martin Docherty's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.