Michael Fabricant
MP for Lichfield
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Mr Speaker, you will know that I fought hard to bring back Boris. In '97, I campaigned for Kenneth Clarke and then for Michael Portillo, so I cannot always get it right—but I do know about the west midlands. I know that the West Midlands Mayor very much welcomes the reappointment of the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and looks forward to working with our new Prime Minister. May I ask the Prime Minister what his vision is for levelling up?
Context
The question follows Michael Fabricant's history of political campaigning in the west midlands and his support for previous Prime Ministers. It references the reappointment of the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Rishi Sunak
Our desire is to ensure that wherever people live in our fantastic country, they have enormous pride in the place they call home and have every opportunity to succeed—and you know what? It is the fantastic Mayor Andy Street who is delivering that for his constituents in the west midlands.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not provide a detailed vision or specific commitments on levelling up, focusing instead on general principles and praise for the mayor of West Midlands.
General Principles Stated Without Concrete Details
Session: PMQs
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My constituents in Lichfield and Burntwood, and those in the rest of the country, have had a torrid year with the covid pandemic. We have this very small break over Christmas. People must use common sense: do not start hugging granny; do not go wild over Christmas; let us be jolly careful over Christmas. I want to say to my Prime Minister that it would not be helpful if some smarmy lawyer, or somebody now at this late stage, were to argue for a change in the laws. May I ask my right hon. Friend here and now who is neither smarmy nor a lawyer?
Context
The question arises from the ongoing concerns about the spread of COVID-19 during Christmas gatherings.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We must remember that transmission takes place asymptomatically in so many cases: one in three people are currently asymptomatic with covid. That is why my hon. Friend is absolutely right that we should exercise extreme caution in the way we celebrate Christmas. We can celebrate it sensibly but we have to be extremely cautious in the way we behave.
Assessment
The MP asked for a confirmation on no change in laws, which was not directly addressed.
Change Of Subject
Session: PMQs
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When will we see the line being completed so that people can go to the National Memorial Arboretum, which has half a million visitors a year, by rail instead of always having to use road?
Context
The Birmingham to Lichfield rail line is currently used only for freight and has the potential to be upgraded for passenger traffic at a cost of about £10 million. The extension passes through the National Memorial Arboretum which sees half a million visitors annually.
Mark Harper
I know that my hon. Friend is a long-standing champion of that scheme and takes every opportunity to raise it with us. It is for local authorities to promote schemes for transport in their areas. I am pleased to tell him that, following our decision to cancel the second phase of High Speed 2, we have been able to make significant funds available, so Staffordshire County Council—his local authority—will get just under £260 million from the local transport fund. I urge him to talk to the council to see if it can fund the very modest bid that he has just set out for that scheme.
Session: Local Transport West Midlands
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What steps he is taking to help local authorities improve local transport in the west midlands?
Context
Local authorities across the West Midlands are facing challenges to improve local transport services and infrastructure.
Mark Harper
In total, local transport authorities across the west midlands have been allocated around £5 billion to improve local transport services and infrastructure through the city region sustainable transport settlement, bus service improvement plan funding, and our recently announced local transport fund. One thing that would of course hugely help local transport in the west midlands is for voters in the combined authority to re-elect our fantastic Mayor, Andy Street.
Session: Local Transport West Midlands
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Is he aware that the Senedd has banned GB News and what is his policy on that?
Context
The Senedd has decided to ban GB News, leading to questions about policy on this matter.
David Davies
It may save a small amount of electricity, but it is disappointing that Welsh Labour Government are preventing legitimate viewpoints from being heard by Members of the Senedd who should listen to dissenting opinions.
Session: Electricity Transmission and Distribution
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Does he agree with the statement made by August Hanning, former director general of German intelligence, that NATO security and British troops had their existence in Ukraine compromised due to a security lapse by Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz?
Context
Concerns have been raised by the head of the German Air Force, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, regarding security lapses that may compromise NATO security and British troop presence in Ukraine.
Leo Docherty
I appreciate my hon. Friend's motivation in asking that question. We should keep in mind that our relationship with Germany on supporting Ukraine is strong, united and deeply co-operative. Together we are delivering the fighting edge that our friends in Ukraine need.
Session: Ukraine
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The International Atomic Energy Agency has recently made an assessment that enough uranium has been enriched in Iran to produce three atomic warheads. If that is true, what is the Government's consideration regarding snapping back sanctions on Iran?
Context
The International Atomic Energy Agency has assessed that Iran has enough enriched uranium for three atomic warheads, prompting the question about potential sanctions.
David Rutley
These enrichment levels have no credible civilian justification. We are working with partners to ensure that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon, are prepared to use all diplomatic options, including triggering UN snapback if necessary, and will continue to monitor the situation very closely.
Session: Topical Questions
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What recent discussions has he had with his German counterpart on the war in Ukraine?
Context
The question arises from regular diplomatic discussions between UK and German officials concerning the war in Ukraine.
Leo Docherty
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I regularly speak to our ministerial counterparts on a range of issues, including the war in Ukraine. He met Foreign Minister Baerbock at the UK-German strategic dialogue on 7 March in Berlin to reaffirm our commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Session: Ukraine
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Were there any lessons to be learned from the French authorities about more co-operation that can go on to stop the boats even further?
Context
The MP inquires about lessons learned from a recent visit to France by the Minister and suggests that more cooperation is needed.
Michael Tomlinson
My hon. Friend is right: I was in France nine days ago. Even while I was there, a boat was seized, but he is right to say that more needs to be done. Personnel, equipment and technology are key to breaking the business model of the criminal gangs.
Session: Illegal Migration Co-operation with France
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What recent progress has been made with French counterparts on tackling illegal migration?
Context
The MP is concerned about the progress made in tackling illegal migration through joint efforts with French authorities.
Michael Tomlinson
Joint working with our French partners is crucial to stopping the boats. Thanks in no small part to that joint working, small boat crossings were down by 46% last year.
Session: Illegal Migration Co-operation with France
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Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that individual sports clubs have a role to play in providing youth services? Can I thank the Government for funding Lichfield sports club and Chasetown football club, which have both received grants for the work they do—grants that reach up to £2.5 million?
Context
MP Michael Fabricant thanks the Government for funding Lichfield sports club and Chasetown football club, which have both received grants.
Lucy Frazer
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. He is a fabulous champion for Lichfield, and I am pleased that young people in Lichfield are getting the benefit of Government funding.
Session: Topical Questions
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One of the most insidious forms of domestic abuse is conversion therapy. It is cruel and it does not work. Could my hon. Friend give me some indication of when legislation will come forward to ban it?
Context
The question addresses a specific form of domestic abuse, conversion therapy.
Laura Farris
The Government will publish a draft Bill on banning conversion therapy in due course.
Session: Domestic Abuse
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Will my hon. Friend join me in congratulating Network Rail and its subcontractors on completing the repair works on the longest wooden rail bridge in Europe across the Mawddach estuary in Gwynedd?
Context
The completion of repair works on the longest wooden rail bridge in Europe across the Mawddach estuary in Gwynedd was completed by Network Rail and its subcontractors.
Fay Jones
I certainly will join my hon. Friend, and I am delighted that he takes such keen interest in Welsh rail infrastructure and raises it here on such a regular basis. He is right to flag that project, which is an example of this Government's record investment in rail infrastructure in Wales. I was pleased to visit the project and give it my full support.
Session: Rail Infrastructure
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My right hon. Friend has already mentioned the article in , but is she aware that it is comparing apples and oranges? British students go straight into a degree course in the first year, but these overseas students referred to are foundation year students who are not on the degree course. They are doing the equivalent of A-level exams.
Context
The article in mentioned a comparison between British students and overseas foundation year students.
Robert Halfon
Of course I agree that, on entry requirements, we should ensure that we are comparing like for like and being fair to our brilliant domestic students. I was appalled to see the reporting over the weekend, which clearly showed bad practice in the use of agents. That is not acceptable. As I have said, I met Universities UK and the vice-chancellors yesterday and we are going to sort this out. There is an investigation by the Department for Education.
Session: Topical Questions
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What advice is my hon. Friend giving to people such as Andy Street about what can be done to support businesses in the west midlands to overcome temporary difficulty?
Context
The UK is the eighth largest manufacturer, with Birmingham being a key centre. The question concerns advice to Andy Street about supporting businesses in overcoming difficulties.
Nusrat Ghani
I am happy to discuss supply chain reporting with the Mayor. We have worked with industry, including in automotive, to ensure flexibility and resilience in supply chains. Concerns about extended routes from that part of the world into Europe are noted.
Session: Houthi Attacks Supply Chains
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I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for her answer. She will know that there is now more studio space for feature film production in the home counties than there is in Hollywood. However, there is a vulnerability. We found that out at the time of the American writers and actors' strikes, when a number of my friends, and many other people who are not my friends, were made redundant temporarily because film production halted. How can we make the British film industry more independent of the American production machine?
Context
The MP is concerned about the vulnerability of the UK's film industry due to American strikes, causing temporary job losses.
Lucy Frazer
Our film industry is world leading. The strikes caused disruption, but we work closely with partners in other jurisdictions. For example, 'Barbie' was filmed in the UK, supported 750 jobs, added £80 million to our economy and earned over £1.1 billion at the global box office. We are continuing to support the industry with tax incentives, funding pots and developing a skills pipeline.
Session: Film and Television Industry
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My hon. Friend will know that cathedral schools, such as Lichfield Cathedral School, play an important part in providing young choristers for cathedrals, but they are very concerned that if they have to charge 20% on their fees, and possibly lose their charitable status, they may no longer be viable and will go bust. What assessment have the commissioners made of the effects of such a change?
Context
Cathedral schools like Lichfield Cathedral School play a crucial role in providing choristers for cathedrals but are facing financial difficulties due to potential increases in fees and loss of charitable status.
Andrew Selous
There is concern that cathedral schools may not be able to afford to pay business rates. If the payment of business rates and the addition of VAT on fees cause choir schools to close, that would be an issue for a number of cathedrals.
Session: Choral Music Cathedrals
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What steps her Department is taking to support the growth of the film and television industry?
Context
The MP is concerned about supporting the growth of the UK's film and television industry, which has seen significant growth.
Lucy Frazer
We have seen significant growth in the film and TV industries. The support that we have taken includes reforms to audiovisual tax reliefs, uplifts for animation and children's TV, and £28 million of investment in the UK global screen fund.
Session: Film and Television Industry
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Whether the Commissioners are taking steps to support choral music in cathedrals during the pandemic.
Context
During the pandemic, there was a concern about the impact on cathedral choirs and their ability to continue performing.
Andrew Selous
The Church Commissioners provided £1 million to support music in cathedrals during the pandemic, which was match funded by the Cathedral Music Trust. The commissioners are extremely grateful to the trust for helping ensure that worship in our cathedrals remains of the highest calibre.
Session: Choral Music Cathedrals
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My hon. Friend has already acknowledged the importance of women in the armed forces. Will he join me in expressing belated thanks to retired Air Marshal Sir Baz North, who helped me get someone into the Royal Air Force, and will he join me in praising that person, Lowri Simner, who has just been promoted to squadron leader?
Context
The question addresses a specific case involving Air Marshal Sir Baz North and a service member named Lowri Simner.
Andrew Murrison
Absolutely. I join my hon. Friend in congratulating them both.
Session: Topical Questions
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First, I welcome my hon. Friend to the Dispatch Box; it is a pleasure to see her there. A little while back, a friend of mine from Rouen, Thierry Fontenay, came over to Tywyn in Gwynedd. I asked myself, “How can I amuse him?” I took him on the Talyllyn railway, and we went from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn. He was over the moon—he took photographs of the engine and went on to the footplate. He told me that there are no narrow gauge railways like that, if at all, in France. What can we do to promote in Europe these wonderful narrow gauge railways that we have in Wales?
Context
The MP highlights a personal experience where a friend from France was impressed by the narrow gauge railway in Tywyn, Wales. He enquires about promoting these unique Welsh narrow gauge railways in Europe.
Fay Jones
My hon. Friend is, of course, right: Wales's narrow gauge railways are part of our unique tourism offer, so it is vital that they are marketed to the world. That is why Visit Britain works to ensure that Wales's brand values are reflected in the broader GREAT campaign. Let me do Visit Britain and Visit Wales's job for them and warmly invite Monsieur Fontenay to come and see the premier narrow gauge railway—the Brecon Mountain railway.
Session: Narrow Gauge Railway Tourism
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Whether he has had discussions with the Welsh Government on promoting and supporting narrow gauge railway tourism in Wales.
Context
The MP enquires about promoting narrow gauge railway tourism, which is an important aspect of the UK's tourism sector. The government has previously shown support for this industry.
Fay Jones
Narrow gauge and heritage railways are important for our tourism sector. Although tourism is, of course, devolved, the UK Government have demonstrated their support for the sector. The Secretary of State saw that at first hand on 2 June, when he opened Corwen station, which was partly funded by the UK Government's levelling-up fund.
Session: Narrow Gauge Railway Tourism
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My hon. Friend may have heard that news is emerging from China of yet another respiratory disease spreading through that country. What mechanisms are in place to learn from the covid inquiry when it finishes its work, so that if mistakes were made, we do not make them again in the event that, God forbid, we have another pandemic?
Context
The MP is concerned about mechanisms to learn from the ongoing covid inquiry and prevent similar mistakes in future pandemics. He references news emerging from China of a new respiratory disease.
Maria Caulfield
First, early indications show that the respiratory illnesses in China are likely to be due to increasing levels of endemic infection. These are normal infections but at a higher level. Secondly, we are not waiting for the covid inquiry before we implement lessons learned. One of the key changes we have already made is the introduction of the UK Health Security Agency, which carries out surveillance on both national and international threats.
Session: Future Pandemic Preparedness
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What recent steps have been taken to help prepare for a future pandemic? I am concerned about the government's readiness and the measures in place based on the lessons learned during the covid-19 crisis.
Context
The MP is concerned about the government's readiness for future pandemics following the lessons learned from the covid-19 pandemic.
Maria Caulfield
Lessons from covid-19 have been incorporated into our planning for any future pandemics across a range of areas. That includes the need to prepare for infections through all five routes of transmission, and for the health and social care sectors to have flexible capabilities that can adapt to a range of health threats.
Session: Future Pandemic Preparedness
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If I were to say, “Hey, Siri, can I have GB News radio?” or “Alexa, play GB News radio”—[Interruption.] Of course I would say GB News radio. It is the most successful news channel now, pulling in a bigger audience at most times of the day than either the BBC News channel or Sky—TalkTV cannot even be measured.
Context
The MP inquires about the ability to access commercial radio channels, specifically GB News, through voice-activated devices like Alexa or Siri.
Lucy Frazer
The measures in the Media Bill will protect the position of radio in relation to voice-activated smart speakers, ensuring that listeners can find their favourite radio stations on request. In particular, when a listener requests a specific station, they should receive that station.
Session: Commercial Radio and Television
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I thank my hon. Friend for his answer. It is the 20th anniversary of MusicShare, which started in Lichfield. Over 150 schools are engaged each year. I went to the anniversary concert in Lichfield cathedral last Saturday and saw “Noye's Fludde”, which was written by Benjamin Britten. It was a spectacular occasion, with all the schoolchildren taking part. What more could Lichfield do to advise other cathedrals on how it ought to be done?
Context
The questioner notes the 20th anniversary of MusicShare at Lichfield cathedral and its impact on local schools. He asks what more could be done to advise other cathedrals.
Andrew Selous
As so often, where Lichfield leads others follow. My hon. Friend is right that the choral tradition in our cathedrals is one of the glories of our country. Lichfield's MusicShare programme has, I understand, reached 25,000 children, with participants of all ages, including people up to their 90s. That is, no doubt, why it has won a national award from The Times Educational Supplement.
Session: Lichfield Cathedral Summer School
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If the Church Commissioners will take steps to share good practice from the work of the Lichfield cathedral summer school, which is an inspiration for supporting children on free school meals and helping them socialise before a new term starts with county council support and the Government's holiday activities programme.
Context
The Church Commissioners are being asked about the potential to share good practices from the summer school at Lichfield cathedral.
Andrew Selous
I thank my hon. Friend and the cathedral chapter at Lichfield for their warm welcome on my recent visit, which I greatly enjoyed. The Lichfield cathedral summer school is indeed an inspiration to the wider Church in supporting children, many of whom are on free school meals, to socialise and learn before the new school year begins. It has expanded with county council support and the Government's holiday activities and food programme.
Session: Lichfield Cathedral Summer School
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What steps her Department is taking to support commercial radio and television in the context of the development of new transmission platforms.
Context
The MP is inquiring about the steps being taken to support the development of commercial media on new digital platforms.
Lucy Frazer
The Government introduced the Media Bill into Parliament last week. The Bill will ensure that our world-leading TV and radio sectors are able to compete in the new digital world, so that they can continue to produce great content for the audiences of the future.
Session: Commercial Radio and Television
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Will the initiative announced by the Secretary of State in Manchester mean that British students will not have to make this early choice?
Context
The MP is concerned about the narrow curriculum choices made by students at age 16 in comparison to American universities, which do not require early specialization.
Nick Gibb
Increasing the number of subjects under the Advanced British Standard means that students will have the benefits of the greater breadth of study he references from his own experience. The intention is that majors will have comparable depth and rigour to A-levels so that they can support progression, including to university.
Session: Multi-disciplinary Subjects
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Whether her Department is taking steps to increase the number of multi-disciplinary subjects taught to students before university. I was a student and a bit of a surfer dude at the University of Southern California, where Americans do not have to choose between arts and sciences when they go to university. Will the initiative announced by the Secretary of State in Manchester mean that British students will not have to make this early choice?
Context
The MP is concerned about the narrow curriculum choices made by students at age 16 in comparison to American universities, which do not require early specialization.
Nick Gibb
I share my hon. Friend's view about the importance of a broad curriculum, which is why the English Baccalaureate combination of core GCSEs is so important. The proportion of pupils entered for the EBacc has increased from 22% in 2010 to 39% in 2022. Increasing the number of subjects under the Advanced British Standard means that students will have the benefits of the greater breadth of study he references from his own experience.
Session: Multi-disciplinary Subjects
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What steps is the Attorney General taking at international judicial level to ensure the rule of law is upheld?
Context
The Attorney General has appeared before the International Court of Justice concerning the case against Russia.
Victoria Prentis
At the end of last month, I was honoured to appear personally before the International Court of Justice in The Hague. I made the UK's submissions in the case against Russia concerning the genocide convention. It was an important moment for the international rule of law. I fear this will be a long process, but we will pay our full part.
Session: Russia International Accountability
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As chairman of the all-party parliamentary group for waterways, I share concerns about our canal network's future but am aware that when the trust was set up 15 years ago, self-financing was the aim. Richard Parry has discussed with me and Ministers the possibility of receiving a lump sum rather than over ten years. What progress has been made on this?
Context
Concerns exist over the future of Britain's canal network with the aim of self-financing since the trust was established in 2018. Previous discussions have taken place regarding a lump sum funding approach.
Rebecca Pow
I thank my hon. Friend for his work and acknowledge that the subject is still under discussion.
Session: Canal & River Trust Funding
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Will there be an indication of what sort of timescale there is for the next round of applications?
Context
The MP asked about the timeline for the next round of levelling-up fund applications.
Michael Gove
Levelling-up fund round 3 will be brought forward just before the autumn statement, ensuring Staffordshire's voice is heard.
Session: Levelling Up across the UK
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I notice that the Americans refer to it as the trans-Pacific partnership. Have there been any discussions with the US Administration about them eventually rejoining this partnership?
Context
The question arises from discussions about trade agreements and partnerships involving the United States.
Kemi Badenoch
The hon. Friend is right; it was initially called the TPP, and Canada added 'comprehensive and progressive'. The US has stated that it will not sign free trade agreements like the one we had under consideration. Instead, the Atlantic declaration by the Prime Minister and President Biden serves as a new vehicle for forming a trade partnership. My Department works actively across Government with counterparts in the US to ensure this delivers for the UK.
Session: Topical Questions
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How can we use the nine trade representatives in the United States at our embassy and consulates even more to encourage bilateral trade, given that Britain has overtaken France as a manufacturing country?
Context
The MP notes that Britain has recently overtaken France in manufacturing output and asks how the nine trade representatives stationed across US embassy and consulate locations can be better utilized to encourage more bilateral trade between the two nations.
Kemi Badenoch
Our trade ambassadors and envoys are working to maximize the opportunities in our US relationship. Our envoy is currently assisting with a memorandum of understanding with Florida, and we would be happy to meet the MP to discuss further engagement that could facilitate UK-US trade.
Session: Business Exports US
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What steps her Department is taking to support business exports to the US. The US is our largest trading partner with over £290 billion in trade annually. However, issues like section 232 tariffs and bans on UK lamb have affected this relationship.
Context
The MP is inquiring about steps taken by the Department to support UK businesses exporting goods and services to the United States, highlighting existing trade barriers such as section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum.
Kemi Badenoch
We have succeeded in resolving section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium and lifted the ban on UK lamb. Yesterday, I spoke with President Biden's special envoy about increasing trade and investment opportunities for Northern Ireland. An SME dialogue is scheduled next month to support UK-US businesses.
Session: Business Exports US
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I thank the Minister for his answer. Chris Pincher and I have been working very closely to ensure that the police act strongly and swiftly in Shenstone near Lichfield over constant demonstrations at an Israeli company that supplies arms to the British armed forces. Two people went to trial at a magistrates court in Walsall and they were acquitted. It is reported—we do not know for sure because it is not a court of record—that the judge said 'on the principle of proportionality…their action was proportionate in comparison to the crimes against humanity which they were acting to stop' by the Israelis. I think that, if it were true, is outrageous. What can be done within the judicial system to ensure that that sort of thing does not happen, if indeed it did?
Context
This question stems from a reported statement by a judge during a trial involving demonstrations against an Israeli company that supplies arms to the British armed forces. The concern is about the impartiality of judicial decisions.
Mike Freer
My hon. Friend raises an important point about the independence of the judiciary. We must be cautious with third-party reports, as these cases are not officially reported. However, if he wishes to discuss points of law for an appeal from the prosecuting authority, I am willing to guide him on how that may be taken up with the Attorney General. For any complaints about judicial behavior, there is a clearly defined process we can discuss after today's session.
Session: Magistrates Training
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What training is provided to magistrates to help ensure impartial decision making?
Context
The question arises from the need to ensure that magistrates are well-equipped to make fair and unbiased decisions.
Mike Freer
The Lord Chief Justice has a statutory responsibility under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 to train the judiciary, including magistrates and their legal advisers. Induction training is completed before hearing cases, and continuation training is provided on regular cycles, emphasizing impartial decision making.
Session: Magistrates Training
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Was my right hon. Friend reassured by the comments made by Nick Clegg this morning, representing Meta, that AI at present is not capable of individual thought?
Context
The question is about reassurance regarding comments made by Nick Clegg on AI's limitations.
Chloe Smith
We are drawing on the benefit of a range of experts in our work. I thank Ian Hogarth and those who have stepped up to form our Foundation Models Taskforce, which is looking closely at safety requirements for models at the very frontier.
Session: Artificial Intelligence
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Indeed, we have world-class universities in the west midlands. What plans does my right hon. Friend have to support regional innovation clusters?
Context
The MP inquires about plans to support regional innovation clusters.
George Freeman
My hon. Friend makes an important point. We are investing heavily in regional innovation clusters all around this country. We have three: one in Manchester, one in Glasgow and one in the west midlands, where the excellent Mayor, Andy Street, is driving a genuine innovation economy.
Session: Topical Questions
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What work is the Foreign Secretary doing with our counterparts in those countries to ensure that there is a united and concerted effort to support Hongkongers in those countries in the face of China's repression? We work closely with our allies and friends and we are very proud, as the UK, to have made available British national overseas visas.
Context
Many Hong Kong residents have sought refuge in the UK, Canada, and Australia due to China's repression.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
We work closely with allies and friends. Over 166,000 have taken up the opportunity for British national overseas visas.
Session: Hong Kong Nationals Living Overseas Arrest Warrants
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What can the CPS do to demonstrate to people in the west midlands that it will have a zero tolerance attitude and take action against serious violent crime?
Context
The question stems from concerns about the prevalence of serious violent crimes outside Lichfield, specifically in the broader west midlands. The questioner wants to know how the CPS will address these issues.
Michael Tomlinson
The sale and use of drugs is driving serious and violent crime. Last year, for drugs offences the CPS in the west midlands had a conviction rate of over 90%. I agree with my hon. Friend's zero tolerance approach.
Session: Serious Violent Crime West Midlands
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
UK Canals and Waterways
22 November 2022
Responding: Rebecca Pow
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the future of the UK's canals and waterways, which run through around half of all constituencies and are a national treasure. He highlights that the Canal & River Trust receives only about a quarter of its funding from the Government, with the grant declining in real terms to over £50 million per year. The trust is facing significant financial challenges as it maintains an aging network of 10,000 individual assets, many dating back 250 years, and deals with growing risks due to climate change. He also points out that half of the trust's planned asset spend is now on reservoir safety."]
Specific Asks
["The MP asks for a funding announcement from the Minister and clarification on the revised timelines for the review decision concerning Canal & River Trust's grant beyond March 2027. He calls for stable and sufficient investment to make these assets more resilient and reduce possible threats to lives, homes, and businesses."]
Political Violence and Disruption: Walney Report
22 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Situation in the Red Sea
26 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Church Commissioners
22 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Inquired whether the Church Commissioners have issued recent guidance to church parishes on securing buildings to prevent theft, highlighting that insurance demands churches be locked unless someone i...
Pharmacy First
31 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
High Speed 2 Compensation
18 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Clarke called for the Government to provide fair compensation to individuals affected by HS2, citing numerous examples of residents and farmers who have faced delays and inadequate payouts. He emphasi...
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...
LGBT Veterans Independent Review
13 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
High Speed 2
18 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Veterans Update
19 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Privileges Committee Special Report
10 July 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
2
PMQs Asked
164
Ministerial Questions Asked
65
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-46% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+1100% above average
This MP:
164
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1243% above average
This MP:
65
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 Michael Fabricant's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.