Matt Warman
MP for Boston and Skegness
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Two weeks ago, I raised with the Prime Minister the issue of artificial intelligence. Just since then, we have had announcements from firms such as BT that tens of thousands of jobs are likely to be lost to this new technology, but many will be created, too. Does he agree that we need to map the jobs and the regions that will be most affected by AI so that we can target the skills to best prepare Britons for the jobs of the future?
Context
Firms such as BT have announced tens of thousands of jobs will be lost due to AI, but many new positions will also be created. The issue has been raised previously with the Prime Minister.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. Like him, I believe that AI has the potential to transform our economy and society, but of course it has to be introduced safely and securely. We are investing more in AI skills, not only in top-tier talent but in enabling those from non-science, technology, engineering and maths backgrounds to access the opportunities of AI.
Assessment
The question specifically asked about mapping jobs affected by AI, which was not directly addressed. Instead, the response focused on skills investment without committing to job mapping.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
My right hon. Friend and I share a profound optimism regarding technology's potential to revolutionise public services and private sectors. However, we both acknowledge the inherent risks of artificial intelligence. While there are unrealistic calls to pause all AI research, it is crucial for us to work with our international allies so that emerging global norms reflect our values. Does he agree?
Context
The questioner shares the PM's optimism about technology, especially AI, but raises concerns over associated risks without halting research altogether.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend speaks knowledgeably on this issue and I absolutely agree. Halting AI development would be impractical, but it's right to establish appropriate guardrails while exploiting opportunities. We are having conversations not only with companies involved but also with international allies. More progress can be expected in the coming weeks and months.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Two weeks ago, more than 350 people attended a meeting in Skegness to discuss the use of five seafront hotels to house asylum seekers. They were united in their view that there was a long-term economic impact and pressure on public services. They told me loud and clear that they think, as the Prime Minister does, that hotels are the wrong place for asylum seekers. Does he agree that the Government urgently need to lay out a plan that moves beyond the use of hotels and puts asylum seekers in the right place for them and for coastal communities such as Skegness?
Context
Community concern about the use of seafront hotels in Skegness to house asylum seekers, citing economic and social impacts.
Rishi Sunak
I completely agree with my hon. Friend. We are now spending £6 million a day housing asylum seekers—hotels are incredibly expensive. We will urgently bring forward proposals to reduce the pressure but, as he and I know, the best way to solve the problem sustainably is to reduce the number of illegal migrants coming to the United Kingdom, and that is what the Government will deliver.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
National Grid's Grimsby to Walpole project will see pylons driven across Lincolnshire's beautiful landscapes and will take major chunks of some of this country's best agricultural land out of production. Does the Secretary of State agree that it is vital that residents respond to the consultation that is currently going on, and that National Grid should be told to take into consideration food security as well as energy security when it considers such applications?
Context
The National Grid's Grimsby to Walpole project will impact local landscapes and agricultural land.
Graham Stuart
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. As he will know, I cannot comment on a specific proposal. We need to rewire this country in order to have homegrown energy. That means hosting new infrastructure, with the presumption that it is above ground and done in a way that minimises negative impacts on food security, which I am confident that any proposals that come forward will do. Let us make no mistake: we must rewire this country. We must power the UK more from this country, clean up our energy and reduce our dependence on foreign fossil fuels.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the extension of visas be automatic for the 1,000 or so graduates coming in June and August?
Context
The MP is concerned about the extension of visas for international medical graduates.
Neil O'Brien
The extension of visas will be automatic to ensure that these highly qualified GPs can work in the NHS with extra time for placement.
Session: GP Appointments
View All Questions -->
When my parents died just six weeks apart from each other, I know I would have benefited from practical and emotional support. The UK Commission on Bereavement has a number of excellent recommendations. Does the Minister agree that, among those, the idea of integrating support and information about bereavement into palliative care and end-of-life care is one that the Government should look at taking up?
Context
The questioner experienced personal loss and feels that practical and emotional support during bereavement would have been beneficial. The UK Commission on Bereavement has made several recommendations, including the integration of support and information about bereavement into palliative care and end-of-life care.
Maria Caulfield
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend, who has done so much work in this space campaigning for others to have a better experience than he had with the tragic loss of his parents. I can give him an absolute commitment that we are working with partners across health and palliative care to ensure that bereavement support is an integral part of palliative and end-of-life practice. The new Health and Care Act 2022 means that integrated care boards must commission those services, and NHS England has published new statutory guidance on palliative and end-of-life care to give ICBs the information they need, which includes giving bereavement support to those facing a loss.
Session: Bereavement
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the implications for policies of the UK Commission on Bereavement's report 'Bereavement is everyone's business', published in October 2022?
Context
The UK Commission on Bereavement published a report entitled “Bereavement is everyone's business” in October 2022, highlighting various aspects of bereavement support.
Maria Caulfield
I thank the UK Commission on Bereavement and everyone who contributed their experience of bereavement for their input into the report. We are working across Government and with the bereavement sector to consider how the wide range of findings from the report can inform future policy and make a difference to those who are bereaved.
Session: Bereavement
View All Questions -->
The Skegness Gateway project is a 1,000-home development, but it is also home—thanks to the levelling-up fund—to a new college for Skegness and, if all goes well, it could be a significant boon to local NHS services. Will the Minister join me in welcoming the huge contribution of the Sanderson family, some of whom are in the Gallery? Will she also join me in welcoming the prospect of Departments working together, breaking down the silos to deliver the maximum possible potential for such projects all in one hit and at the first opportunity?
Context
The Skegness Gateway project is a large-scale development that includes the construction of a new college and potential improvements to local NHS services. It involves significant funding from the levelling-up fund.
Lucy Frazer
I echo my hon. Friend's praise of the Sanderson family and their commitment to the local area, and I welcome them to the House of Commons today. I am delighted that Government funds are helping Skegness thrive. I know that officials in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and other Departments continue to work closely with local partners to ensure that, as the Skegness town deal programme enters its important next phase, the vision for the new local college that he mentions and the wider gateway can be realised.
Session: Mixed-use Development
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to support mixed-use developments?
Context
The question is prompted by a need to address the lack of services and infrastructure in housing projects, focusing on the importance of sustainable, active and vibrant places.
Lucy Frazer
We cannot have houses without services and infrastructure. The national planning policy framework recognises the need for mixed-use developments, including local facilities and transport networks. In addition, the national design guide and national model design recognise the importance of mixed-use development in creating sustainable, active and vibrant places.
Session: Mixed-use Development
View All Questions -->
Would the Minister join me in encouraging both the Prison Service and the Parole Board to engage with local communities so that they can understand what they do to make sure local communities are kept as safe as possible?
Context
Open prisons in constituencies such as North Sea Camp play a role but inmates often cause concern to residents. There is a need for engagement with the Prison Service and Parole Board.
Rob Butler
I am very happy to do so. Open prisons play a vital part in rehabilitation of offenders; I am more than happy to ensure they have understanding and commitment from local communities.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I support the Government's push towards net zero. Drainage boards do vital work to protect against flooding and livelihoods. As they set their budgets, will the Government provide assurance that this work will not be affected by changes to red diesel duty?
Context
Drainage boards play a vital role in protecting people from flood risk. Concerns about budgeting and impact due to changes in red diesel duty.
Helen Whately
Drainage boards do important work, and both public and private sectors need to decarbonise. The Department for Environment is working with the Association of Drainage Authorities on these points.
Session: Red Diesel Fuel Planned Tax Changes
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
National Grid: Pylons
02 May 2024
Responding: Mark Fletcher
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the approach National Grid is taking regarding proposals for pylons across beautiful parts of England, which will cause permanent damage to local economies and landscapes. My constituents in Lincolnshire are angry with the proposed Grimsby to Walpole project, which involves installing pylons over many kilometres instead of underground or offshore solutions. This proposal is part of a larger strategy that feels incoherent and short-sighted, leading to significant economic and food security concerns for areas reliant on agriculture and tourism. National Grid's consultations have been perceived as lacking transparency and meaningful engagement."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to consider pausing conflicting projects, reviewing them with a coherent strategy that prioritizes value for taxpayers, landscape preservation, and consideration of economic impact and food security. I also urge a review of the Labour approach which is explicitly pro-pylons.']
International Doctors: Visas — [Graham Stringer in the Chair]
02 November 2022
Responding: Robert Jenrick
Main Concerns
["The hon. Member raised concerns about the continuity of care disrupted due to the visa process for trainee GPs who are international medical graduates. He highlighted that 40% of GP trainees come from abroad and that some 1,200 doctors are considering not working in the health service because of the system's barriers. The hon. Member also mentioned that 30% of GP trainees are thinking about leaving the UK either temporarily or permanently due to visa-related reasons."]
Specific Asks
['The hon. Member asked for the Government to remove every barrier in the visa process for GPs and suggested lowering the five-year limit for indefinite leave to remain to three years for doctors who qualify in this country. He urged the Minister to work closely with the Department of Health and Social Care to address these challenges.']
Smoking Reduction and Tobacco Control Bill - Clause 1
16 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the Bill, stating its purpose is to prevent future generations from starting smoking. Argues that the only product that kills two thirds of its long-term users if consumed as intended is tobacco...
Not specified in the provided text - Amendment 45, page 2, line 33, leave out “a safe” and insert “an unsafe”
16 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment aims to change the classification of Rwanda from 'safe' to 'unsafe'. Alison Thewliss is advocating for this change due to concerns about human rights violations, asylum seekers’ safety a...
Immigration and Asylum Bill - Clause dealing with Rwanda
12 December 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government are implementing measures to reduce illegal immigration, noting that small boat arrivals across the Channel have decreased by a third while they increased in other European regions such...
Autumn Statement Resolutions - Rates of Tobacco Products Duty
27 November 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Illegal Migration
24 October 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
16 October 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Security Update
11 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
G20 Summit
11 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Veterans Update
19 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Migration and Economic Development Partnership
29 June 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
3
PMQs Asked
8
Ministerial Questions Asked
44
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
10
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
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-40% below average
This MP:
8
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+805% above average
This MP:
44
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+6% above average
This MP:
10
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 Matt Warman's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.