Mike Amesbury
MP for Weaver Vale
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
In May, part of Northwich station in my constituency collapsed. I have asked the Transport Secretary to intervene and build back better and fairer to allow access for people with disabilities. He has declined my kind offer, so I ask the Prime Minister to intervene: no bluster, substance, build back better and fairer Northwich station—it is in the north of England.
Context
Part of Northwich station in the MP's constituency collapsed, and he has asked for intervention to build back better and fairer.
Boris Johnson
I am tempted to invite the hon. Gentleman to wait and see what we do for rail funding tomorrow, but I will certainly look at what he had to say about Northwich station with keen interest.
Assessment
The PM did not provide any direct intervention or commitment for Northwich station.
Session: PMQs
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Welcomed PM back and praised Halton and Cheshire West and Chester councils for essential services. Raised issue of financial support shortfall for councils, both locally and nationally. Inquired about fulfilling the promise of full compensation to prevent return to austerity measures.
Context
Concern over shortfall in funding promised by Government to compensate councils for expenses incurred due to coronavirus.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Acknowledged concern; assured no intention of returning to austerity. Noted £3.2 billion allocated for supporting councils and vulnerable individuals. Emphasised importance of suppressing virus and restarting economy to ensure better chances of funding reaching those in need.
Session: PMQs
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Prime Minister, is the BBC a mortal enemy of the Conservative party, or a cherished British institution that will be funded by the licence fee?
Context
The questioner is inquiring about the status of the BBC under the Conservative government.
Boris Johnson
I can certainly say that it is a cherished British institution, and not a mortal enemy of the Conservative party.
Session: PMQs
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I welcome the efforts of the Cabinet Office and other Government Departments—unlike the previous Government, who sat on their hands—to resolve this dispute in the not-too-distant future. I urge Ministers to double their efforts with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury.
Context
Discussion about pay awards for Royal Fleet Auxiliary staff who are in a dispute with their employers.
Pat McFadden
Government officials are in negotiations with the trade unions. We want to see an end to the dispute that results in a fair pay offer for the workers involved and delivers value for money for the taxpayer.
Session: Royal Fleet Auxiliary Pay Awards
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What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on pay awards for employees of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary staff do excellent work on behalf of the Royal Navy and for our national security, and I welcome the efforts of the Cabinet Office and other Government Departments to resolve this dispute in the not-too-distant future.
Context
Discussion about pay awards for Royal Fleet Auxiliary staff who are in a dispute with their employers.
Pat McFadden
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary staff do excellent work on behalf of the Royal Navy and for our national security, and I have been in contact with the Secretary of State for Defence on this issue. Government officials are in negotiations with the trade unions to resolve the dispute that results in a fair pay offer for the workers involved and delivers value for money for the taxpayer.
Session: Royal Fleet Auxiliary Pay Awards
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Last week's announcement on carbon capture and hydrogen in my constituency demonstrates that we now have a Government of substance, not of hollow slogans. What discussions have the Secretary of State and Ministers had with the trade unions to ensure that we build those facilities with unionised labour?
Context
The Government have announced carbon capture and hydrogen projects, raising questions about unionised labour involvement.
Sarah Jones
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. After 14 years of failure and inaction, we now have a Government who believe in working with our trade unions, who have the backing of our trade unions, and who want to work to create good jobs in the industries of the future.
Session: Topical Questions
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Mike Amesbury thanked Mr Speaker and expressed that he met farmers who requested support to curtail the industrial thefts of GPS systems. He asked whether the Minister would meet him to discuss this issue with representatives of the National Farmers Union.
Context
Farmers in Frodsham part of Mike Amesbury's constituency have been facing industrial theft of GPS systems, and they are seeking support from the Minister.
Emma Hardy
Emma Hardy stated that it is always a pleasure to meet her hon. Friend and she would be delighted to talk about this in more detail.
Session: Support for Farmers
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I welcome the ministerial team to their places. Business rates are a broken system that has hollowed out many high streets up and down the country. We are rightly committed to radically reforming that. What recent discussions have Ministers had with the Treasury to make sure that we do that at pace? Will a Minister meet me so that I can establish a banking hub in my Runcorn and Helsby constituency?
Context
The MP is concerned about the current state of business rates and wants to establish a banking hub in his constituency.
Gareth Thomas
I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the question about a banking hub in his constituency. As he will have heard in answers that I gave earlier, reform of the business rates system to tackle some of the egregious disincentives in respect of the need to invest in our high streets and the competition from online giants is something we took seriously in opposition and continue to take seriously in government.
Session: Topical Questions
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When can we expect the response to the ombudsman's report?
Context
The ombudsman's report has been laid before Parliament and it is under consideration.
Mel Stride
The report was complex, taking five years to complete. We are looking at it extremely carefully.
Session: State Pension Age Changes Compensation
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In light of recent arrests and the IS Committee's findings, when will the Minister develop a comprehensive strategy to address the serious threat posed by China?
Context
Following arrests in Germany and the UK related to spying for China, a report by the Intelligence and Security Committee concluded that there is no government strategy or whole-system approach to address this threat.
Oliver Dowden
We dealt with this in both the integrated review and its refresh, which outlined a co-ordinated approach. We are taking actions such as directly attributing attacks to China and imposing sanctions on them.
Session: National Security
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What steps his Department is taking to strengthen national security. The Prime Minister recently announced a fully funded plan to increase our defence spending by £75 billion over six years, building on existing resilience frameworks and integrated review to address evolving threats.
Context
The question stems from a context where the government has announced increased defence spending to strengthen national security.
Oliver Dowden
Protecting national security is our first duty. We are increasing defence spending by £75 billion over six years, bringing forward a national defence and resilience plan, building on the resilience framework and integrated review to respond to evolving threats. The Cabinet Office co-ordinates strategy through Cobra, resilience directorates and the National Security Council.
Session: National Security
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With plans to criminalise rough sleepers, it is clear that the target for ending rough sleeping by 2024 will not be met. Rough sleeping remains visible with tragic consequences. Will Ministers end no-fault evictions and build homes for social rent at scale?
Context
The question addresses the failure of Government policies in ending rough sleeping and proposes concrete actions to address homelessness.
Felicity Buchan
Abolishing section 21 and building affordable homes are Government priorities. Affordable homes, however, are not being built in London where the need is high.
Session: Rough Sleeping
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Did the former Energy Minister leave because he is worried about losing his seat to Labour at the next election, or because he could no longer bear to support the woeful energy policy of this Government?
Context
The former Energy Minister left the post. Question about whether it was due to losing his seat or dissatisfaction with energy policy.
Claire Coutinho
I direct the hon. Gentleman to the letter of my right hon. Friend the Member for Beverley and Holderness.
Session: Topical Questions
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My sincere condolences. A hotel used in my constituency should no longer be housing asylum seekers, as previously promised. Could the Minister give me an assurance of a managed closure?
Context
A hotel in the questioner's constituency was promised to no longer house asylum seekers, but it remains open and almost permanent. Concerns exist about managed closure.
Tom Pursglove
While I cannot make commitments about specific hotels on the Floor of the House, I am willing to meet the hon. Gentleman separately to discuss this matter further.
Session: Asylum Seekers Accommodated in Hotels
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Why do the Government not follow Labour's lead and strengthen the law on this?
Context
Two in three small businesses are suffering from late payments, according to the Federation of Small Businesses.
Gareth Davies
We are acutely aware of this issue, and I have had meetings with the FSB. That is why the Chancellor has announced plans to improve the situation for small businesses. I am happy to outline that in writing to the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Support for Small Businesses
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The last Labour Government lifted 1 million children out of poverty. After 14 years of Tory Government, we have 1 million children in destitution. What has gone wrong?
Context
Labour Government lifted 1 million children out of poverty but after 14 years of Tory Government, there are now 1 million children in destitution.
Mel Stride
I have to take issue with the hon. Gentleman. He needs to look more closely at his party's record in government. Fact No. 1 is that the Labour party always leaves office with higher unemployment. Fact No. 2 is that economic inactivity in our country is lower than in any year in his party's time in office. Fact No. 13 is that absolute poverty has declined in our country since his party was in office. Fact No. 4 is that there were more children in workless households on his watch than there are on ours. During his party's time in office, over 1 million people languished on long-term benefits for almost a decade.
Session: Topical Questions
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I listened carefully, as I always do, to what the Minister said regarding calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, but it is now time to step up. It requires all warring parties to stop the rockets, the bombs and the bullets—exactly right—and for the hostages to be released. Surely it would send a very strong signal if the UK Government now called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
Context
Calls are made for all warring parties to stop rockets, bombs, and bullets and release hostages.
Andrew Mitchell
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for what he has said. He will have heard the five key priorities that the British Government have put on the table, and I am grateful to him for his agreement. Cross-party support is extremely helpful in driving forward an imperative about which Britain feels very strongly.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given that rough sleeping has increased by 75% since 2010, should we not focus on providing support and building houses rather than criminalising people for being homeless?
Context
The MP noted the significant increase in rough sleeping since 2010, raising concerns about current legislation's effectiveness.
Chris Philp
The Government are offering comprehensive packages to address homelessness. Rough sleeping has decreased by 35% since 2017 and by 28% before the pandemic in 2019. The provisions in the Bill aim to be narrowly defined, using criminal sanctions only as a last resort where rough sleeping disrupts business operations.
Session: Policing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping
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Rather than levying fines of £2,500 on the most vulnerable people sleeping rough, as is proposed in the Criminal Justice Bill, will the Minister commit to building a new generation of social housing? The current levels are pitiful and are an embarrassment, are they not, Secretary of State?
Context
The questioner criticizes proposed fines for rough sleepers and suggests building more social housing instead. They also mention the current levels are pitiful, questioning if it is embarrassing.
Michael Gove
No, absolutely not. Our record on building social homes is significantly better than that of the last Labour Government. It is under our Administration that local authorities have been given the chance to take 100% of the receipts from right to buy and to reinvest them in social housing. It is this Government, spending £11.5 billion through the affordable homes programme, who are capable of delivering social homes.
Session: Social Rented Housing
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What assurances has he had from the inquiry chair that there will be no further delays in the publication of the report?
Context
The MP is concerned about delays in the publication of the phase 2 report and seeks assurances from the inquiry chair.
Alex Burghart
Further to what was read out, the newsletter states that rule 13 of the inquiry rules requires giving those who might be subject to criticism fair time to respond. The process is proving time-consuming but dates have been provided for the report's publication.
Session: Grenfell Tower Inquiry
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Given that homelessness among veterans has gone up by 14% and that it is a cross-departmental issue, what more are Ministers doing to ensure that all our veterans are housed?
Context
Homelessness among veterans has increased by 14%, raising concerns about cross-departmental efforts to address this issue.
Andrew Murrison
As I said in answer to a previous question, homelessness remains a Government priority, whether or not someone is a veteran. In general, the experience of our veterans, when they return to civilian life, is a positive one and we should celebrate that.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why has there been a significant increase in the number of young people on long-term sickness benefits, and what are the government measures addressing this issue?
Context
The number of 16 to 24-year-olds on long-term sickness and health benefits increased from 117,000 in 2010 to 235,000. The MP seeks an explanation and actions by the Government.
Mel Stride
Measures such as universal support, talking therapies within the NHS, WorkWell programme have been introduced. 400,000 additional places for talking therapies were announced by the Chancellor at the autumn statement.
Session: Topical Questions
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Despite my private Member's Bill on statutory guidance to reduce the cost of school uniforms—the Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021—far too many schools require a plethora of logos and branded items. When can we expect more robust intervention from Ministers to deal with this issue?
Context
Private Member's Bill to reduce the cost of school uniforms was introduced.
Damian Hinds
Schools should be reasonable in what they do and that is what our guidance sets out.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister regret handing back £1.9 billion of unspent departmental money to the Treasury last year, given that we are in an urgent housing crisis? Why not adopt Labour's plan to get Britain building again, with 1.5 million homes over that parliamentary period?
Context
The Government figures show that a record 139,000 children are in temporary accommodation with only 9,500 homes for social rent built last year.
Felicity Buchan
I remind the hon. Gentleman that our target is 300,000 homes per year which, when multiplied by five, equals 1.5 million. In the autumn statement we had three measures to address the challenges of temporary accommodation: we uprated the local housing allowance to the 30th percentile; there is a new £120 million for a homelessness fund; and an extra £450 million for the local authority housing fund.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that these sorts of opportunities in the mining industry are just the sorts of opportunities that young people need to grasp with both hands?
Context
Anglo American and its contractors have just announced 70 new job opportunities at the Woodsmith mine near Whitby.
Mims Davies
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question, which goes back to the point about knowing what jobs are just down the road for young people so that the labour market comes closer to home for them. That is what our youth employability work coaches do and we saw with the kickstart programme: 163,000 jobs were created by employers who want young people in their businesses.
Session: Youth Unemployment
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James, a 14-year-old lad from my constituency, has been passed from pillar to post by schools that simply cannot deal with his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism. Will the Minister meet me on that specific case?
Context
James, a 14-year-old from the constituency, struggles with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism. He has been passed between multiple schools without proper support.
David Johnston (Minister for Children and Families)
I would be delighted to meet with the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Topical Questions
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More than six years on from the Grenfell disaster, where 72 people lost their lives, Sam, a disabled resident in a Galliard Homes building, is one of the hundreds of thousands of people still trapped in buildings that have not been remediated. Is this the new “do nothing” approach from the Department to building safety that was highlighted in The Guardian today, an approach that forced the resignation of a senior civil servant from the Department?
Context
The question addresses the approach taken by the Department of Building Safety, following criticism in The Guardian about a 'do nothing' approach.
Lee Rowley
I think that question is somewhat beneath the hon. Gentleman, but let me state clearly what the Government are doing. They have recognised that there is an issue and have legislated to resolve that. They are working extremely hard to ensure that developers are held to account for that, and over the past few months, they have had success in ensuring that that process takes place.
Session: Leaseholders Residential Building Remediation
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The CAB informed me that 75% of those appealing PIP assessments win. Why does the Minister not get it right initially, and what is he doing to address this?
Context
Citizens Advice Bureau in Cheshire reports that 75% of PIP assessment appeals are won.
Tom Pursglove
Appreciate CAB's work but refer back to earlier points about steps being taken.
Session: Topical Questions
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Despite statutory guidance to reduce the costs of school uniforms, far too many schools are requiring four and up to five branded items. What more will the Minister do to intervene to ensure that schools abide by the law?
Context
Schools are requiring multiple branded items despite guidance to reduce costs, affecting affordability for students.
Nick Gibb
I thank the hon. Member for his private Member's Bill that, with the Government's support, enabled us to put the guidance on a statutory footing. About 61% of headteachers are aware of that guidance and are taking action to implement it. If parents are still concerned that the school uniform is too expensive, they can raise it with the school and go through the school's complaints process.
Session: Topical Questions
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Eighteen community pharmacists in my constituency are reporting challenges on medicine supplies. What more is the Minister going to do to get a grip of this situation?
Context
Pharmacists in the MP's constituency are facing difficulties with medicine supplies.
Steve Barclay
We have a long-standing team in the Department focused on medical supplies, which are a continual issue; as a matter of routine business, there are often challenges in that area. If the hon. Gentleman has specific issues he wishes to raise, we would be happy to look at them, but we have a dedicated team in the Department that focuses on that exact point.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State said that he had the noble aim of abolishing the feudal leasehold system. Could he update the House on his progress on the abolishment of that feudal system?
Context
The Secretary of State previously stated his aim to abolish the feudal leasehold system.
Michael Gove
It will be in the King's Speech, God willing.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Home Secretary meet members of the all-party parliamentary group to look at the recommendations in their report? I refer to the publication today, on Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week, of a report by the all-party parliamentary group on antisocial behaviour and the charity Resolve ASB. This demonstrates that 1.7 million people experience antisocial behaviour daily and that 58% believe the Government are not doing enough.
Context
The all-party parliamentary group on antisocial behaviour has published a report demonstrating that 1.7 million people daily experience antisocial behaviour and 58% believe the Government are not doing enough.
Suella Braverman
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his work on the all-party parliamentary group and I am sure that the Policing Minister and/or I will meet him to learn more about the vital work he has led. There is a record number of police officers in Cheshire, with over £3 million-worth of safer streets funding received, resulting in a 26% fall in neighbourhood crime and a 17% fall in drugs offences.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
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Louise and her family are experiencing significant delays with the local coroner's service. This seems to be happening frequently. What more can Ministers do to expedite this process?
Context
Louise and her family are facing delays in the local coroner's service, which is a recurring issue.
Mike Freer
As coroners are independent judicial office holders, we raise particular cases to identify issues holding back those cases. The hon. Gentleman should write to me with case details so I can ask the Chief Coroner to investigate.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Department of Education announced that it will not proceed with proposed cuts. Will the Minister confirm whether direct action was taken by the Northern Ireland Office to advise on guidance interpretation?
Context
Community groups welcomed the Department of Education's decision to not proceed with proposed cuts to early years, extended schools and youth service programmes.
Steven Baker
We are always willing to work closely with the Northern Ireland civil service, but decisions during this governance gap are formalised through an Act of Parliament. I am open to discussing specific concerns and agree that restoring devolved Government is preferable for decision-making on education funding.
Session: Education Funding Community Groups
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What recent discussions has the Minister had with community groups on the potential impact of changes in the level of funding for education in Northern Ireland?
Context
Community groups are concerned about changes in education funding levels. Recent reports suggest a cost of division in education amounting to £226 million per year.
Steven Baker
We are always willing to work closely with the Northern Ireland civil service, but decisions during this governance gap are formalised through an Act of Parliament. I am open to discussing specific concerns and agree that restoring devolved Government is preferable for decision-making on education funding.
Session: Education Funding Community Groups
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Last year seven-year-old Ibrahim was abducted by his estranged father from a school in my constituency. His mother is naturally distraught. Will the Foreign Secretary, or another Minister, meet me to discuss this matter and help to move things forward? Ibrahim was taken to Saudi Arabia.
Context
A seven-year-old child was abducted by their estranged father from a school in Mike Amesbury's constituency and taken to Saudi Arabia.
James Cleverly (Foreign Secretary)
I will ensure that the hon. Gentleman has access to either a Minister or the most appropriate officials in the consular department.
Session: Topical Questions
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What measures will Ministers take to ensure that all schools apply the new guidance?
Context
Despite the introduction of legislation to help reduce school uniform costs, many schools still require excessive branding and logos.
Nick Gibb
The guidance is now statutory. Headteachers ultimately decide, but parents can use formal complaints procedures if they feel schools are not adhering.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Government took £15 billion from local authorities—local communities—and set them a “hunger games” competition to fight over £3 billion. How is that levelling up?
Context
The MP criticizes the government's approach to levelling up by questioning the fairness and effectiveness of their allocation methods.
Michael Gove
I do not recognise that characterisation. Once again, I smile at the way in which “hunger games” trips from the lips of Labour MPs. Only this Administration have been responsible for devolution in England outside London.
Session: UK Levelling Up
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The Aston Grange energy project in my constituency, which intends to provide solar, has been told it cannot connect to the grid until 14 years from now, in 2037. What decisive action are the Government taking to intervene and speed things up?
Context
The Aston Grange energy project in Mike Amesbury's constituency has been told it cannot connect to the grid until 14 years from now, in 2037.
Andrew Bowie
I have already set out exactly what the Government are doing. We are working with Ofgem and others. We commissioned Nick Winser to provide a report on how we can speed up connection times and build our network to the position it needs to be in, but I am happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to speak about the specific project he has raised.
Session: Topical Questions
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In 1969, 74 US personnel perished after the USS Frank E. Evans sank. Two Royal Navy personnel from my constituency were present and they have just been invited to a commemoration, but they are struggling to get there. Can a Minister meet me to look at options to help them get there?
Context
Two Royal Navy personnel from Mike Amesbury's constituency are struggling to attend a commemoration for the USS Frank E. Evans incident in 1969.
Ben Wallace (Minister of State for Defence)
I will be delighted to try to do that, either personally or through the Veterans Minister.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why are the Prime Minister and Government Ministers so keen to protect non-dom status while not investing sufficiently in our NHS as compared to what Labour would do?
Context
The questioner questions the government's focus on protecting non-doms while not sufficiently investing in the NHS, contrasting with Labour's stance.
Victoria Atkins
We are mindful of the very real impact that non-doms make on our revenues and we have managed to tighten the rules around non-dom status. We also spend record amounts on the NHS.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last week, I visited Leftwich Community Primary School in my constituency. The joint head teachers raised the desperate attempts that are made to secure NHS dentists for children and families in the community. Aside from publishing a plan, will Ministers intervene and make sure that this happens in Cheshire and Merseyside, and throughout the country?
Context
The head teachers at Leftwich Community Primary School in the constituency raised concerns about accessing NHS dentists for children and families. This is a widespread issue affecting dental care access.
Neil O'Brien
Absolutely. We have already taken action to increase the provision of dentistry, and that has begun to have an effect. Activity—the number of people seen—is up by a fifth over the past year as a result of the reforms that we have begun to make by reforming the old contract, but we must go further.
Session: Topical Questions
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What are the Government doing about individuals unable to receive end-of-life care at home due to resource constraints? What reforms are being made to address the social care workforce crisis?
Context
A constituent's grandfather could not spend his last days at home due to insufficient resources. There is a significant recruitment and retention crisis in the social care sector.
Helen Whately
Supporting end-of-life care through hospices, investing up to £7.5 billion in social care over two years, taking forward reforms for the adult social care workforce, and expanding virtual wards to provide hospital-level care at home by next winter.
Session: In-home Health and Social Care Services
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Future of Social Housing — [Ian Paisley in the Chair]
19 April 2023
Responding: Rachel Maclean
Main Concerns
["Mr Amesbury is concerned about the insufficient scale of social housing construction in the UK. He cites statistics such as 1.2 million people in housing need, 100,000 families living in temporary accommodation, and 300,000 children sharing bedrooms with siblings. He notes that only a few hundred affordable homes have been built under the Government's first homes scheme while many councils are unable to build at scale due to planning constraints."]
Specific Asks
['Mr Amesbury asks the Minister to recognise the need for significant investment in building genuinely affordable social homes, increase funding through Homes England and council borrowing powers, reform planning laws to reduce land costs for public housing, and abolish section 21 notices.']
Careers Guidance in Schools — [Christina Rees in the Chair]
13 July 2022
Responding: Andrea Jenkyns
Main Concerns
["In 1985, Mike Amesbury received poor career advice that limited his options. He is concerned about the disparity in quality of careers advice between schools and how it disproportionately affects pupils from poorer backgrounds. The Social Market Foundation's report suggests levelling up careers provision to make the country fairer, but this aspect has not been included in the levelling-up agenda. According to recent research by the Sutton Trust, 75% of teachers in state schools reported a negative impact on their ability to deliver career advice due to the pandemic, with disadvantaged students being disproportionately affected. Currently, only 17% of year 13 students report learning about local careers opportunities through school."]
Specific Asks
["Mike Amesbury asks the Minister whether all schools will be subject to statutory guidance rather than just maintained and some academies and free schools. He also inquires about plans for a new careers strategy post-pandemic, given the challenges faced by schools. Additionally, he advocates for better access to work experience with a statutory duty and resources to support it, ensuring that placements are relevant to students' future ambitions."]
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
17 November 2021
Responding: Gillian Keegan
Main Concerns
['COPD impacts many constituents but lacks the clinical priority it should have, with 3 million people in the UK suffering from COPD and 2 million undiagnosed. The disease is primarily caused by smoking and other factors such as air pollution and workplace dust exposure. Early signs of COPD include shortness of breath and chronic cough, yet diagnosis often occurs only when the condition has significantly progressed. During the pandemic, diagnosis rates plummeted by 51%, resulting in nearly 50,000 people missing out on a diagnosis.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should ensure that people with COPD receive early diagnosis and adhere to NICE guidelines for care. This includes ensuring everyone has access to written management plans, pulmonary rehabilitation, smoking cessation support, vaccination against flu and pneumonia, and effective management of co-existing medical conditions. Additionally, the Minister should outline how her Department will promote greater public awareness of lung disease and improve COPD care in the UK.']
Retail Workers: Protection
11 February 2020
Responding: Kit Malthouse
Main Concerns
['Retail workers in the UK face increasing violence and threats from members of the public. According to the British Retail Consortium, up to 115 retail workers are attacked each day, while USDAW estimates around 280 shop workers are assaulted daily. Despite retailers spending nearly £1 billion on crime prevention last year alone, assaults continue to rise. Many retail workers suffer panic attacks and anxiety after experiencing violence at work, with some being too traumatised to return. Retailers need legally set standards of behaviour from the public, and there is a lack of sentencing for cases where clear video footage of an assault exists. 115 retail workers have been attacked daily since the call for evidence closed, totalling 24,000 attacks. The Association of Convenience Stores estimates that 300,000 retail workers have faced either attacks or threats during this period. Police numbers have declined by 21,000 under this Government.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should review how assaults on retail employees are handled and ensure that staff challenging shoplifting or age-related sales are protected. A separate offence of assaulting someone serving the public would send a message that violence against retail workers is not acceptable. The Minister needs to commit to including measures in an upcoming Bill to protect English and Welsh retail workers, similar to what has been done in Scotland. The Government should legislate to protect shop workers and create a specific offence for assault on retail workers. They should also review the £200 shoplifting limit and consider the role of organised crime gangs in attacks on shops.']
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
24 October 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
23 October 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations are essential for delivering compensation to victims of contaminated blood products, as recommended by Sir Robert Francis KC's study and the infected...
Sentencing Review and Prison Capacity
22 October 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill
15 October 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
VAT: Independent Schools
08 October 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government has decided to impose Value Added Tax (VAT) on independent school fees, a move that many critics believe undermines educational provision and parental choice. This policy is particularl...
Building Safety and Resilience
11 September 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I rise to open this debate on the critical issue of building safety and resilience, following last week’s publication of the Grenfell inquiry’s final report. Sir Martin Moore-Bick’s findings on an ent...
Social Security
10 September 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Labour party promised integrity and transparency during the general election but has broken its promise regarding winter fuel payments. Millions of pensioners will lose up to £300, with two-thirds...
Bus Franchising
09 September 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report
04 September 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ofsted
03 September 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
92.0%
23 of 25 votes
Aye Votes
7
28.0% of votes
No Votes
16
64.0% of votes
Abstentions
2
8.0% of votes
17 Dec 2024
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 100
Noes: 351
Failed
17 Dec 2024
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 206
Noes: 353
Failed
17 Dec 2024
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 196
Noes: 352
Failed
17 Dec 2024
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 353
Failed
17 Dec 2024
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 354
Noes: 202
Passed
11 Dec 2024
VOTED AYE
Draft Movement of Goods (Northern Ireland to Great Britain) (Animals, Feed an...
Ayes: 375
Noes: 9
Passed
11 Dec 2024
VOTED AYE
Finance Bill Committee: Clause 47 stand part
Ayes: 338
Noes: 170
Passed
11 Dec 2024
VOTED AYE
Finance Bill Committee: Clause 48 stand part
Ayes: 332
Noes: 170
Passed
11 Dec 2024
VOTED NO
Finance Bill Committee: New Clause 8
Ayes: 167
Noes: 329
Failed
11 Dec 2024
VOTED NO
Finance Bill Committee: New Clause 6
Ayes: 105
Noes: 314
Failed
11 Dec 2024
VOTED NO
Finance Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 104
Noes: 313
Failed
10 Dec 2024
VOTED NO
Finance Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 105
Noes: 340
Failed
10 Dec 2024
VOTED NO
Finance Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 74
Noes: 350
Failed
10 Dec 2024
VOTED NO
Finance Bill Committee New Clause 3
Ayes: 184
Noes: 359
Failed
10 Dec 2024
VOTED AYE
Draft Home Detention Curfew and Requisite and Minimum Custodial Periods (Amdt...
Ayes: 424
Noes: 106
Passed
09 Dec 2024
VOTED NO
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill: New Clause 1
Ayes: 89
Noes: 340
Failed
06 Dec 2024
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 49
Failed
04 Dec 2024
VOTED NO
Opposition day: UK Farming and Inheritance Tax
Ayes: 181
Noes: 339
Failed
04 Dec 2024
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Increase in employers' National Insurance Contributions
Ayes: 165
Noes: 334
Failed
03 Dec 2024
DID NOT VOTE
Elections (proportional representation): Ten Minute Rule Motion
Ayes: 138
Noes: 136
Passed
03 Dec 2024
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill: Reas...
Ayes: 186
Noes: 330
Failed
03 Dec 2024
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill: Seco...
Ayes: 332
Noes: 189
Passed
29 Nov 2024
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 330
Noes: 275
Passed
27 Nov 2024
VOTED NO
Finance Bill: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 112
Noes: 333
Failed
27 Nov 2024
VOTED AYE
Finance Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 332
Noes: 176
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
93
Ministerial Questions Asked
153
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
2
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
25
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
+594% above average
This MP:
93
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3048% above average
This MP:
153
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-79% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+33% above average
This MP:
92.0
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 Mike Amesbury's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.