Mary Robinson
MP for Cheadle
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
With the closure of the last bank in Cheadle, my constituents have no access to cash and banking facilities, impacting businesses and the high street. Will the government support local calls for post office banking hubs?
Context
The closure of the last bank in Cheadle has left local communities without high street banking services. A banking hub was announced for another Cheadle, but not for this one.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for Cheadle in Greater Manchester. She will know that the Financial Services and Markets Bill will establish a legislative framework for protecting access to cash. Alongside that, as she mentioned, firms are already working to provide shared services such as bank hubs. I encourage her to contact Link, which can make an independent assessment of a community's cash access needs and determine if shared facilities are appropriate.
Assessment
Did not commit to supporting local calls for post office banking hubs directly
Session: PMQs
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Welcomes news about £50 million for health disparity research; would my right hon. Friend consider expanding these research schemes to other regions like Greater Manchester?
Context
The speaker welcomes the announcement of £50 million for health disparity research and seeks further expansion to other parts of the UK.
Elizabeth Truss
My hon. Friend is absolutely right; my right hon. Friend the Health Secretary is indeed considering expansion, conducting further rounds of commissioning.
Session: PMQs
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After securing funds for Cheadle's rail station and business park, will the PM agree that improving connectivity is key to economic growth?
Context
The Cheadle towns fund bid secured almost £14 million, with a new railway station and £4 million for an eco-business park. The community is eager to see improvements in connectivity.
Boris Johnson
The Government's levelling up agenda includes £650 billion investment, with a new railway station in Cheadle. Department for Transport is studying further bids from my hon. Friend.
Assessment
Did not explicitly join the MP in thanking the board or agree on connectivity's importance
General Statements
Session: PMQs
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My second AstraZeneca jab reinforced my confidence not only in normal life resuming but in the future of our life sciences industry. In Cheadle and across south Manchester and the Cheshire life sciences corridor, investment in R&D and innovation will bring high-skilled, well-paid jobs. Will the Prime Minister join me in recognising and endorsing the work of our northern universities, NHS trusts and life sciences sector, who, together with the Northern Health Science Alliance, are piloting health tech initiatives that will take us forward from jabs to jobs?
Context
The life sciences sector in Cheadle and surrounding areas has been receiving significant investment for R&D and innovation. The question asks the Prime Minister to endorse and recognize this work.
Boris Johnson
Yes, and I thank my hon. Friend, who is a great advocate for the people of Cheadle. As part of our plan to move from jabs, jabs, jabs to jobs, jobs, jobs, I am delighted to say that over £1 billion-worth of Government-funded science and innovation projects are currently taking place across the north-west, thanks largely, or at least in part, to her advocacy.
Session: PMQs
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Northern communities have been subject to restrictions for months with disproportionate effects on livelihoods. The importance of the levelling-up agenda is stark; will the Government fast-track infrastructure spending, including Northern Powerhouse Rail and a new train station in Cheadle? Will they formulate a northern economic recovery plan?
Context
Northern communities have faced restrictions disproportionately, emphasizing the need for the Prime Minister's levelling-up agenda. The MP asks to fast-track infrastructure spending in her region, including a new train station.
Boris Johnson
We are going ahead with Northern Powerhouse Rail. In addition, Cheadle will receive at least £500,000 from the towns fund to support the local high street and community.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not address fast-tracking infrastructure spending or formulating a recovery plan with northern MPs and business leaders.
Mentioning Only Specific Funds For Cheadle
Session: PMQs
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What consideration has my right hon. and learned Friend given to reducing the retirement age in line with policing?
Context
Prison officers are dealing with young and often aggressive people, raising concerns about the current retirement age of 68.
Alex Chalk
Prison officers are the absolute backbone of the system, and it is absolutely right that we should recruit and retain. I am pleased to say that in 2023 we recruited an additional 1,600 officers and, just as importantly, the resignation rate is coming down, from 10.5% to 8.5%. That is really positive. On my hon. Friend's point about retirement, it is worth knowing that the employee contribution rate to pensions for prison officers is one of the most competitive in the public sector. That is exactly as it should be.
Session: Prison Capacity
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The flooding of the Lady brook and Micker brook has devastated homes. Does my hon. Friend agree that joint working is part of the solution? Will he continue support for the upper Mersey catchment partnership?
Context
Flooding from the Lady brook and Micker brook caused devastation to homes in Bramhall, Cheadle Hulme, and Cheadle. The MP asked about joint working across the region.
Robbie Moore
I am more than happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss at speed because projects such as flood alleviation schemes are valuable in better protecting homes.
Session: Topical Questions
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To solve delay issues in prosecution processes, it was suggested that having CPS staff based inside the station would speed up the process and improve communication. What consideration has my hon. and learned Friend given to a CPS presence in police stations?
Context
There can be significant delays between sending a case to the CPS and receiving a charging decision back, suggesting the need for closer cooperation.
Robert Courts
She is right to emphasise the importance of early co-operation between the police and the CPS. There is a buddy system at Charing Cross police station, with CPS lawyers working with police officers, which improves case file quality. We are actively exploring how to ensure closer early working with the CPS and the police.
Session: Crown Prosecution Service and Police Services Joint Working
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What recent steps has she taken to increase joint working between the Crown Prosecution Service and police services?
Context
The question arises from the necessity to improve cooperation between law enforcement agencies for effective prosecution of crimes.
Robert Courts
Close and collaborative work across the criminal justice system is key to securing justice for victims, holding offenders to account and keeping the public safe. The police and the CPS have invested heavily in new ways of working, including through the national operating model for rape prosecutions.
Session: Crown Prosecution Service and Police Services Joint Working
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It is welcome news that the brand-new £30 million A&E campus at Stepping Hill Hospital is nearing completion. However, other buildings on this ageing site are failing and urgently need replacing. Will my hon. Friend ensure that Stepping Hill remains at the heart of hospital facilities in Stockport with rebuilt units, and support new hospital investment and specialist diagnostic hubs across Stockport?
Context
The MP is concerned about the ageing buildings at Stepping Hill Hospital that urgently need replacing.
Helen Whately
I am delighted that Stepping Hill Hospital will soon have a new emergency care campus, with all the benefits that that will bring to my hon. Friend's constituents. I know that she is a great campaigner for her local NHS and has already met the Secretary of State about the concern she raises. As well as making her argument so clearly in Westminster, I would encourage her to continue discussions with her local NHS integrated care board, which is responsible for local decisions on capital investment.
Session: Urgent and Emergency Care
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Cheadle Town FC have been a member of the north west counties football league since 1983. However, the oversubscribed division leaves Cheadle Town and other south Manchester clubs at risk of being moved laterally into a midlands division, meaning a significant increase in the club's travel costs and an impact on gates, breaking their identity as a northern club, and challenging their future viability. I have met the Football Association and raised the club's concerns. Will my right hon. and learned Friend join me in urging the FA to review its processes and listen to south Manchester clubs that want to keep their teams northern?
Context
The MP wants the FA to reconsider moving Cheadle Town FC and other south Manchester clubs into a midlands division.
Lucy Frazer
My hon. Friend is a massive champion for her area—she has previously raised this issue with me and with the sport Minister. As she rightly recognised, levels five to 10 of the English football league system are administered by the FA, and decisions regarding which league a team plays in at those levels are for the FA in its role as governing body. I am sure the FA is listening to my hon. Friend's concerns and will have heard her plea this morning.
Session: Topical Questions
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Speaking to Stockport jobcentre last week, I heard about the success of the movement to work scheme, which places young people with employers, including in the civil service. However, the lengthy civil service application process is delaying placements. Will my hon. Friend look into how the process could be streamlined and accelerated, and join me on a visit to Stockport jobcentre?
Context
Young people placed in the civil service face delays due to a lengthy application process.
Jo Churchill
I know that senior civil servants are engaged in piloting an initiative that will help to speed this up, because we need to place those candidates more quickly and ensure that we get them into work swiftly. I would love to visit Stockport and add its jobcentre to the growing list that I have visited.
Session: Helping People into Employment Cumbria, Cheadle and Darlington
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Post Office Horizon scandal highlights whistleblower importance. Alongside ensuring proper compensation, do we need better legislation to protect whistleblowers? Will he meet me to discuss how Government's whistleblowing framework review can support my Whistleblowing Bill?
Context
The Post Office Horizon scandal highlights the importance of protecting whistleblowers who expose malpractices.
Kevin Hollinrake
I thank Mary Robinson for her work raising whistleblowing issues. We are reviewing the effectiveness of the whistleblowing framework and will set out next steps in due course. I am happy to meet to discuss that.
Session: Post Office Horizon System Compensation for Sub-postmasters
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What steps her Department is taking to encourage sub-postmasters who were affected by the failure of the Post Office Horizon system to claim compensation. Over £153 million has been paid to 2,700 victims through three compensation schemes available.
Context
The Post Office Horizon scandal has caused significant financial and reputational damage to sub-postmasters due to the failure of the Horizon system.
Kevin Hollinrake
Over £153 million has been paid to 2,700 victims. We encourage anyone impacted to use the three compensation schemes available. We have already published the details of the up-front £75,000 fixed-sum offer for group litigation order postmasters on the gov.uk website, created a new claim form, and written to all eligible members of the GLO scheme to explain the offer further.
Session: Post Office Horizon System Compensation for Sub-postmasters
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Staff at Bramhall High School have worked extremely hard to maintain the education of students following the discovery of RAAC. I am grateful for the support given by the Department and Stockport Council to ensure that temporary classrooms will be in place in the new year. Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking the headteacher and the staff for all their hard work? Given the existing condition of the school, will he join me in calling for it to be included in a new build programme?
Context
Staff and headteacher have worked hard to maintain education following RAAC discovery.
Damian Hinds
I join my hon. Friend in thanking and paying tribute to all the staff, children and families at Bramhall High Street. She is a great advocate for them. Schools and colleges will be offered either capital grants to fund refurbishment or permanently remove RAAC, or rebuilding projects where they are needed.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister meet me to discuss this distressing case involving an unprovoked attack on my constituent's son, and consider more widely the remit and resourcing of British Transport police?
Context
A constituent's son was assaulted outside a Manchester City match and no arrests have been made despite clear CCTV footage.
Mark Harper
The Minister will raise the incident specifically with British Transport police. He also expresses willingness to meet the hon. Member to discuss the matter further.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps can we take to ensure that much-needed aid gets to the people in need rather than being diverted by Hamas?
Context
Concern about Hamas diverting and misusing aid for terrorist purposes.
Andrew Mitchell
My hon. Friend is quite right to warn about the proper use of aid. I can tell her that this is probably the most scrutinised programme of humanitarian relief and support that Britain has.
Session: Israel, Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Access and Human Rights
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We know that whistleblowers are responsible for uncovering almost half of all fraud—fraud that costs the public sector an estimated £40 billion a year—yet our laws to protect and support them are not working. If we want to tackle public sector fraud, we need to encourage more people to come forward. Will my right hon. Friend agree to meet me to discuss how we can better support whistleblowers and tackle this vast expense to the public purse?
Context
Whistleblowers uncover almost half of all public sector fraud, costing an estimated £40 billion annually. Current laws to protect whistleblowers are insufficient.
Jeremy Quin
I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend, or one of my ministerial colleagues will. We do wish to support whistleblowers and respect the information shared by them. It is part of our system, though, and we use AI to track down fraud across the public sector.
Session: Public Sector Fraud
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What steps his Department is taking to help prevent public sector fraud. I am concerned about the effectiveness of our current measures given the significant recovery of £3 billion over two years but also the ongoing challenges in fraud prevention.
Context
The question follows a year of operation for the Public Sector Fraud Authority and recent government investments in fraud reduction.
Jeremy Quin
In its first year, the Public Sector Fraud Authority is expected to exceed its initial targets as part of a £3 billion recovery over two years. The Government has invested £1 billion in fraud and error reduction since 2022. We are recognised globally for our efforts against public sector fraud.
Session: Public Sector Fraud
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What is the status of considering recruiting people with neurodiversity? Will the MOD consider running a pilot scheme for neurodiverse individuals?
Context
The MP asks about the status of considerations to recruit people with neurodiversity and suggests a pilot scheme.
Andrew Murrison
The armed forces include many neurodiverse people. The Haythornthwaite review recognises that future defence will be different, requiring a wider casting of the net for skills and attributes. However, no specific commitment to pilot schemes was made.
Session: Armed Forces Skills
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Following interventions and discussions with LINK, Bramhall was chosen as the 100th banking hub. Will interim bridging options be considered until it opens?
Context
The last remaining bank branch in the constituency is closing, leading to a community recommendation of a banking hub.
Andrew Griffith
I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss a range of options, including those for Bramhall and Vip Varsani's new hub.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my hon. Friend agree that supporting whistleblowers in the NHS is crucial to patient safety?
Context
Dr Bill Kirkup will speak at the all-party parliamentary group for whistleblowing following a 'Newsnight' programme highlighting an NHS trust with a culture of fear that stopped staff from speaking up on patient safety.
Neil O'Brien
My hon. Friend is so right. I praise her work with the APPG and I know many colleagues will want to attend. Whistleblowers can save lives and improve healthcare, as I have seen in my own constituency, and she is right to be pressing on this matter.
Session: Topical Questions
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Research by the University of Manchester adds to the significant body of evidence showing that addressing disparities in healthcare is key to levelling up. Inequalities have resulted in a 30% productivity gap in the north, which can be attributed to poorer health. Will my hon. Friend outline how the Government are working to address this and to ensure that residents of the north are not at a health and care disadvantage?
Context
The MP highlights research indicating significant disparities in health outcomes between northern regions and other parts of the UK.
Neil O'Brien
I saw that important report, and we have to tackle the problem from both the health end and the economic end. Spending on health in the north grew from £36.5 billion in 2018-19 to £52.6 billion in 2020, so there is significant investment in health and preventing ill health in the north.
Session: Health Inequalities
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What plans does he have to reduce health inequalities? The research by the University of Manchester adds to a significant body of evidence showing that addressing disparities in healthcare is key to levelling up. Inequalities have resulted in a 30% productivity gap in the north, which can be attributed to poorer health.
Context
The MP raises concerns about the persistent disparities in healthcare affecting different regions of the UK.
Neil O'Brien
I saw that important report, and we have to tackle the problem from both the health end and the economic end. Spending on health in the north grew from £36.5 billion in 2018-19 to £52.6 billion in 2020, so there is significant investment in health and preventing ill health in the north. Economic activity stops people sliding into a cycle of ill health and worklessness, and we are working jointly with the Department for Work and Pensions to roll out more disability employment advisers in jobcentres.
Session: Health Inequalities
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The renters reform Bill will make private tenancy arrangements fit for the 21st century. Will my right hon. Friend set out what steps the Government are taking to ensure that such tendencies are also up to a decent standard? How will that be backed up with monitoring and enforcement?
Context
The renters reform Bill aims to improve private tenancy arrangements.
Felicity Buchan
We are committed to legislating for a decent homes standard, which is critical. I agree that enforcement is terribly important, which is why we have strengthened councils' enforcement powers, including through penalties of up to £30,000.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituent suffered months of worry and stress because his employer failed to pay any pension contributions into his workplace scheme. Raising it with his boss made him fear for his job. The regulator gives no feedback on investigations, so will the Secretary of State consider whether the current £400 statutory penalty notice and regulatory powers are sufficient to ensure that employers fulfil their pension contributions duties?
Context
A constituent faced months of stress due to his employer's failure to pay pension contributions.
Laura Trott
The independent Pensions Regulator has robust powers in place to investigate compliance and issue fines; I urge my hon. Friend's constituent to report his concerns to it in confidence. I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the matter further.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned about clean water in the Ladybrook, the Micker brook and all streams feeding into the River Mersey. United Utilities' plan will cost up to £18 billion. I am encouraging my Cheadle constituency to join this consultation. Will the Minister support me by urging everyone to participate?
Context
United Utilities is consulting on a plan to spend up to £18 billion on water quality and sewage discharge improvements in the area.
Steve Double
My hon. Friend is right that addressing sewage discharge issues requires a combined effort from all parties. It is crucial for everyone to engage and ensure we get the best solutions.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the confirmation of the cohorts to be vaccinated against covid-19 and flu this autumn. Will my hon. Friend advise the House and my constituents whether the two vaccines will be co-administered?
Context
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advises that the two vaccines can be given at the same time.
Maggie Throup
My hon. Friend asks a really important question. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has advised that covid and flu vaccines can be given at the same time where that is operationally possible, and we will seek to maximise opportunities to co-promote and co-administer the flu and covid vaccines where it is possible and clinically advised, especially where this improves patient experience and vaccine uptake. Regardless of whether co-administration is offered, it is important that eligible people come forward as soon as they are called by the NHS for their jab, whether for flu or covid.
Session: Topical Questions
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Good broadband connectivity is vital for working from home. One street in my constituency is divided by speed disparities—one with 8 megabits per second and the other with 1,000 megabits per second. How can we address these issues? Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we deal with urban notspots?
Context
One street in the constituency has a stark disparity between broadband speeds, with one side at 8 megabits per second and the other at 1,000 megabits per second. This highlights urban notspot issues.
Julia Lopez
I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss these matters. We are trying to target public subsidy at areas not being covered, including individual premises. I will look into her particular case.
Session: Topical Questions
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Many people in Cheadle work in the tech sector, where jobs in digital, HealthTech and FinTech provide high-skilled, well-paid work. Given the high rate of northern unicorn start-ups, does my right hon. Friend agree that new trading partnerships can open up markets for future growth and for levelling up in the north?
Context
The question addresses the potential of CPTPP to open up markets for high-skilled, well-paid work in northern unicorn start-ups.
Penny Mordaunt
My hon. Friend is absolutely right; the pay for people working in those sectors is about 50% higher than the UK average, so the more jobs we can create in those growth sectors, the better. I thank her for the work she is doing to champion her local businesses and expand those opportunities for her constituents.
Session: Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
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What progress has been made on securing UK membership of the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership?
Context
The question arises from the ongoing negotiations for UK membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Penny Mordaunt
We have made good progress in negotiations and we hope to have concluded them by the end of this year.
Session: Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
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Lorry drivers such as my constituent Stewart have kept the country moving during the pandemic but now face regular threats of robbery and assault. Insufficient secure facilities force many to park in lay-bys or use inadequate ones. Will the Minister work with industry to increase secure truck stops for these critical workers?
Context
Lorry drivers face regular threats of robbery and assault, often due to inadequate break facilities forcing them to park in lay-bys.
Robert Courts (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport)
My Department will continue work started last year to engage stakeholders and encourage development of safe, secure and high-quality lorry parking.
Session: Topical Questions
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Connectivity is key to levelling up northern communities, so I welcome the Government's commitment to reversing Beeching cuts and restoring rail connections to towns across the region, including through the towns funding for a new railway station in Cheadle town centre. Delivering that connectivity is about timetabling and joined-up services, as well as the rail infrastructure itself. What is the Minister doing to work with Transport for Greater Manchester and other stakeholders to ensure that an integrated service is delivered and provides the regular connections that Cheadle and other communities in the region need?
Andrew Stephenson
Through the Manchester recovery taskforce, of which Transport for Greater Manchester is a member, we are working with organisations across the rail industry to develop the service and infrastructure options that will address the congestion and reliability issues across Greater Manchester and, I hope, improve the experience of all rail passengers across the region.
Session: North of England Transport Connections
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What steps his Department is taking to improve transport connections in the north of England.
Andrew Stephenson
Building on the £29 billion invested in northern transport since 2010, this Government are delivering improved connectivity to level up the north.
Session: North of England Transport Connections
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The International Criminal Court's announcement that it is opening an investigation into Israel sets a precedent, potentially opening the door for non-state actors in Afghanistan or Iraq to initiate proceedings against our armed forces. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to support Israel against this probe and to ensure that democratic states will not be prevented from combating terrorist threats?
Context
The International Criminal Court is opening an investigation into Israel, potentially setting a precedent.
James Heappey
My hon. Friend is right to ask about the actions of the ICC. We of course respect the independence of the ICC, but we expect it to exercise due prosecutorial and judicial discipline. We continue to engage with the ICC and international partners to make those points.
Session: Topical Questions
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Following Cheadle's successful town's fund bid, I am pulling together an industry working group to collaborate on the delivery of our new £8 million train station proposal. I look forward to working with representatives from Stockport Council, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Network Rail, and Transport for Greater Manchester to restore connectivity, and put Cheadle on the public transport map. Will the Minister agree to meet me to explore opportunities for support from his Department, and help drive that exciting transport project forward?
Context
Cheadle has a successful town's fund bid and is pulling together an industry working group to deliver the new £8 million train station.
Andrew Stephenson
The Department is considering my hon. Friend's ideas fund bid for the East Didsbury to Stockport Metrolink line. We are working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as part of the assessment process, and I am sure my hon. Friend the rail Minister would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend.
Session: Topical Questions
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Lockdown has highlighted the importance of our environment, with positive effects on good air quality, access to green spaces, and connecting with nature for health and wellbeing. Will the Secretary of State elaborate on the remit of the new independent regulator and what the interim Office for Environmental Protection will be able to do to maintain important protections as we seek to enhance and protect our natural environment?
Context
The importance of the environment during lockdown has been highlighted by improved air quality and access to green spaces.
George Eustice
My hon. Friend makes an important point. The interim OEP will be able to produce an independent assessment of the Government's progress towards their 25-year environment plan, receive complaints about failures of public authorities to comply with environmental law, take decisions on operational matters such as recruitment, accommodation and facilities; develop the OEP strategy including its enforcement policy, determine approaches to how the OEP will form and operate.
Session: Office for Environmental Protection
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Yesterday, the last case arising from Jonathan Taylor's whistleblowing concluded, with Paul Bond being sentenced to three and a half years in prison for conspiracy to give corrupt payments. Jonathan Taylor has been vindicated again, but he remains stranded in Croatia due to the Interpol red notice issued by Monaco based on a debunked allegation by his old employer in retaliation for his whistleblowing. Now that the relevant court cases are complete, will my right hon. Friend redouble his efforts to bring Mr Taylor home? Will he also speak to ministerial colleagues about the need for whistle-blowing law reform so that, in future, people like Jonathan Taylor get the support and protection they need?
Context
Jonathan Taylor is a whistleblower who has faced legal repercussions in Monaco due to his employer's retaliation. He currently resides in Croatia under an Interpol red notice.
Wendy Morton
We are providing ongoing consular support to Mr Taylor. Consular staff have been in regular contact with him and his UK lawyer. The British ambassador in Zagreb met him in December to discuss his concerns and explain the FCDO's consular functions. I spoke to the Monégasque Foreign Secretary and the Croatian Secretary of State for European Affairs in November and sought assurances that both authorities were giving full consideration to the fact that Mr Taylor is a whistleblower. The UK is a state party to a number of multilateral conventions that require adequate arrangements to be made for the protection of whistleblowers. The UK has made appropriate provisions to do so in our own law, demonstrating the seriousness with which we take our obligation, and we are encouraging our international partners to do likewise. We are, however, unable to protect whistleblowers in other jurisdictions that may not have the same law.
Session: Topical Questions
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Cheadle businesses that faced fines for failing to submit self-assessment returns by the end of this month will be relieved by yesterday's announcement of an extension until the end of February. With the original deadline only a week away, what steps will the Department take to ensure that all businesses are aware of these changes?
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend knows as an accountant herself, the fantastic job that people are doing under enormous strain at this current time. I know she warmly welcomes HMRC's announcement yesterday to waive penalties until the end of February for late filers.
Session: Support for Businesses Covid-19
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What fiscal steps his Department is taking to support businesses affected by the covid-19 outbreak. This includes various measures such as the job retention scheme, tax cuts and deferrals, government-backed loans, and cash grants.
Context
The question arises from the need to address the ongoing financial strain on businesses due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Rishi Sunak
The Government recognise the significant impact of coronavirus on businesses across every region and nation of the United Kingdom, and have put in place an unprecedented series of measures to provide support. These include the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, tax cuts and deferrals, government-backed loans, and cash grants.
Session: Support for Businesses Covid-19
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While the global focus has been on dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, other important issues also need our attention, particularly the rising rates of female genital mutilation. What measures is my right hon. Friend taking to tackle FGM internationally?
Context
Requesting information on measures being taken to tackle FGM globally.
Elizabeth Truss
My hon. Friend makes a very good point. We are continuing with UK Aid supported programmes on FGM, which have already helped 10,000 communities according to the UN Population Fund.
Session: Topical Questions
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Would the Government consider fast-tracking a specialised training course for care workers seeking to go into nursing?
Context
Care work is generally low-paid, high-turnover employment. A route into nursing would give more opportunity to progress.
Matthew Hancock
Yes, I think that is a brilliant idea. Let us work on it together.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister consider extending the reduced VAT scheme further in areas that go into tier 3 so they can benefit from it as businesses in other parts do?
Context
Cheadle's hospitality sector faces further restrictions under tier 3, despite the reduced VAT rate being beneficial. The questioner seeks an extension of the scheme in these areas.
Jesse Norman
We have extended the VAT reduction and introduced a payment process for those with VAT debt. Additionally, £465 million has been committed to local authorities through the tiering scheme to support high alert areas.
Session: VAT Tourism and Hospitality
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What recent assessment has been made of the effect of the temporary changes in VAT on businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors?
Context
The temporary reduced VAT rate for tourism and hospitality was introduced in July 2020 to support businesses and jobs, but concerns have arisen about its extension and effectiveness.
Jesse Norman
The temporary reduced rate for tourism and hospitality came into effect on 15 July 2020, helping over 150,000 businesses and protecting 2.4 million jobs. The scheme was extended to end on 31 March 2021.
Session: VAT Tourism and Hospitality
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Positive outcomes are more likely when cancer is detected early through breast screening. Women in Heald Green have missed out on local screening and been directed to Macclesfield, disrupting their three-yearly checks and potentially impacting uptake. Will the Secretary of State agree to meet me to discuss ways to address this situation?
Context
Women in Heald Green have missed out on local breast screening twice within three years, affecting take-up and potentially risking undetected cancers.
Matthew Hancock (Secretary of State for Health and Social Care)
Yes, I would be happy to meet her. The breast screening backlog from the first peak is down from 450,000 to just over 50,000, due to the hard work of the NHS.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Whistleblowing Awareness Week
23 March 2023
Responding: Kevin Hollinrake
Main Concerns
['Mary Robinson is concerned about the lack of protections for whistleblowers and the impact of a culture of fear in organisations, which leads to wrongdoing going unchecked. She cited examples such as the Metropolitan Police report highlighting a culture of cover-up and the tragic consequences faced by whistleblowers like Jonathan Taylor and Dr Chris Day. She also mentioned that 58.3% of freedom to speak up guardians believe that barriers to speaking up include concern about inaction, while 69% fear retaliation or suffering.']
Specific Asks
['Robinson asks for a comprehensive review of the existing whistleblowing framework to look at where this policy area falls and which Department should take responsibility. She also requests for reforming legislation to protect whistleblowers from retaliation and to create an office of the whistleblower, providing advice services and handling redress.']
The Economy
22 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
21 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sub-postmasters Miscarriages of Justice Act (England and Wales) - Clause 1
20 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill will quash convictions for those affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal in England and Wales, aiming to right past wrongs by restoring good names automatically upon Royal Assent. It incl...
Estimates Day
14 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Welcomes the debate on supporting children with SEND, emphasising rising needs and inadequate support systems. Highlights the importance of early identification, investment in specialist settings, and...
Hillsborough: Bishop James Jones Report
06 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Debate on the Address
07 November 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the Humble Address to King Charles III, reflecting on the late Queen's reign and the significance of Yorkshire. He emphasises the importance of HS2 funds being redeployed for local development p...
The Private Rented Sector Bill - General discussion on the Second Reading of the Bill
23 October 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove moved that the Private Rented Sector Bill be read a second time. He thanked his colleague Eddie Hughes for laying groundwork t...
High Speed 2
18 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Bill - Lords amendment 23, Government amendments (a), Lords amendment 151 and other related clauses
04 September 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The MP moves an amendment to address the costs of proceedings in civil recovery cases. The proposed amendment seeks to ensure that those who benefit from proceeds of economic crime should contribute t...
Countess of Chester Hospital Inquiry
04 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
5
PMQs Asked
44
Ministerial Questions Asked
82
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
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
+228% above average
This MP:
44
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1587% above average
This MP:
82
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 Mary Robinson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.