Neil Gray

MP for Airdrie and Shotts

SNP

Questions Asked by This MP

Parliamentary questions and government responses.

Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.

What will the Prime Minister say to convince the Chancellor of the need to properly reward those who have been on the frontline during the pandemic? Will he follow Scotland's lead and fully fund a rise in public sector pay?

Context

Public sector workers have been struggling with real-term pay cuts over decades, and constituents are concerned about the need for a proper increase in public sector wages.

Boris Johnson

We have seen above-inflation increases in public sector pay. The hon. Gentleman will know of the package we have put in place for nurses. However, the single best thing we can do is support the living wage, which this Government introduced and has increased two years in a row.

Assessment

Did not address if he would follow Scotland's lead or convince the Chancellor of a proper raise for frontline workers

Mentioning Support For Living Wage

Session: PMQs View Full Session -->

Sometimes doing the right thing is essential, but it has a cost. Will the Prime Minister look at extending the furlough scheme and expanding the limited universal credit uplift to legacy benefits and making it permanent?

Context

Doing the right thing to stop the spread of covid-19 is having significant social, business, and economic impacts. The UK Government have not yet moved to ensure security for those doing the right thing.

Boris Johnson

The Government will come forward with further measures. Extending the current furlough scheme beyond October might not be sensible, but we will support businesses, those in jobs, and the self-employed.

Assessment

Did not confirm extension of furlough or expansion of universal credit uplift

Not Extending Current Scheme Will Do Everything To Support

Session: PMQs View Full Session -->

Given that public sector workers have put their lives on the line during the pandemic, does the Prime Minister commit to fully funding a package to ensure they are remunerated appropriately?

Context

The Treasury considering a public sector pay freeze to save money amidst the pandemic, despite sacrifices made by workers.

Boris Johnson

I must say that I listened carefully to what the hon. Gentleman said, but he seems to have ignored the fact that we have just had an inflation-busting public sector pay rise. As part of the package that we agreed in 2018, nurses alone have had a 12.5% pay increase since then.

Session: PMQs View Full Session -->

I have a number of cases where employers are refusing to furlough staff, either because they do not understand or are unwilling to follow the guidance. Seventeen-year-old Ben Edgar has now found himself without a job or furlough support and is classed as ineligible for social security because of his age. The employer is refusing to engage with my correspondence. For such cases, will the Prime Minister consider a furlough appeals process to assist employees, ex-employees and employers to ensure that people are treated fairly, according to the guidance, to save unnecessary redundancies or hardship?

Context

Gray mentions cases where employers are refusing to furlough staff, leaving individuals without job or financial support.

The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)

The hon. Gentleman is making an excellent point. If he could send me details, we will be very happy to take up the case that he describes.

Session: PMQs View Full Session -->

For more than two years, I have been campaigning on behalf of my constituents in Harthill and 4,000 other low-income Roadchef workers across the UK who have waited more than 20 years to receive share ownership money that is rightfully theirs. In 2018 there was a breakthrough, when Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs agreed to repay millions of pounds in wrongfully paid tax. However, I understand that it is trying now to recoup tax on every penny possible from those low-income workers. Given that the trust was set up as a non-tax employee ownership scheme, does the Prime Minister think it is fair that HMRC would seek to run roughshod over that, and will he now meet me to discuss this projected saga?

Context

Campaigns on behalf of Roadchef workers for their rightful share ownership money, highlighting a breakthrough in 2018 with HMRC agreeing to repay millions but now attempting to recoup taxes.

The Prime Minister

Yes, of course. I make a general point that we have done a huge amount to lift the burden of taxation on the low-paid, and we are lifting the living wage by the biggest ever increase, but I know that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor will welcome the opportunity to discuss the particular matter that the hon. Gentleman raises in person.

Session: PMQs View Full Session -->

If the uplift is not made permanent, how could she remain in post given the situation?

Context

Concerns over the system not only discriminating against disabled people but also having out-of-work support at its lowest level relative to wages.

Therese Coffey

The Government continues to support welfare with £7 billion and more on benefits. Encourages moving to universal credit as it helps people into work.

Session: Poverty Levels View All Questions -->

Has she suggested any action to end discrimination against those on legacy benefits who have seen support rise by just 1.7% during the pandemic?

Context

The Government dismissed a Select Committee report on the issue, questioning their evidence-based approach.

Therese Coffey

People can transfer to universal credit, final barriers lifted this Wednesday. Encourages transferring due to better off benefits.

Session: Poverty Levels View All Questions -->

This Government have followed up their sell-out of Scotland's fishing communities with this £23 million insult. The industry is losing more than four times that every day. It is losing customers with it. And this was the one industry, we were told, that would benefit from Brexit. Why will the Government not act now, act quickly, eat some humble pie and re-establish barrier-free rapid access to the European market for this industry, so it can finally supply its customers again?

Context

The MP is concerned that the UK government's actions have negatively impacted Scotland's fishing communities and questions the adequacy of current measures to ensure the survival of local seafood businesses.

George Eustice

With support given to iron out issues, goods flow is continuing. DFDS, a key distributor, has resumed groupage systems and transports 30 to 50 lorries of fish daily to the EU market.

Session: Scottish Fishing Communities EU Trade View All Questions -->

What assessment his Department has made of the effect of the UK-EU trade and co-operation agreement on Scottish fishing communities?

Context

The MP is assessing the impact of the UK-EU trade and co-operation agreement on local fishing industries in Scotland.

George Eustice

The trade and co-operation agreement establishes tariff-free trade on fisheries exports to the EU and also establishes a five-and-a-half-year multiannual agreement on access and sharing arrangements for quota. Under the agreement, there are year-on-year transfers of fishing opportunities from EU fleets to the UK fleet. Overall, the EU relinquished 25% of the quota it had previously been allowed to catch in UK waters.

Session: Scottish Fishing Communities EU Trade View All Questions -->

The majority support for independence in the last 17 polls in a row—58% this morning—is in part due to how Scotland has been treated by the Minister and his colleagues since the Brexit referendum. It is exemplified by the dictatorial United Kingdom Internal Market Bill, which rips the devolution settlement apart and is now the subject of legal challenge. Why are the UK Government unilaterally legislating without legislative consent with the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill when the required common frameworks could have been negotiated with the devolved nations, as they are still at the table?

Context

Polls indicate majority support for Scottish independence, in part due to how Scotland has been treated by the UK Government since the Brexit referendum. The United Kingdom Internal Market Bill is seen as dictatorial and breaches devolution.

Michael Gove (Minister for Implementation)

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question. As he knows, I am a great admirer of him and of his colleague Alex Neil. One of the things about the approach that we are taking is that common frameworks work alongside the internal market Bill. Indeed, the House of Lords confirmed that approach just this week.

Session: United Kingdom Internal Market Bill Strength of Union View All Questions -->

What assessment he has made of the effect on the strength of the Union of the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill?

Context

The United Kingdom Internal Market Bill has been the subject of significant controversy, particularly in Scotland where polls indicate growing support for independence.

Michael Gove (Minister for Implementation)

For centuries, the ability to trade freely without barriers across the United Kingdom has been the cornerstone of our shared prosperity, and the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill will help to maintain this integrated market to ensure the free flow of goods and services throughout the UK.

Session: United Kingdom Internal Market Bill Strength of Union View All Questions -->

The Secretary of State talks about jobs, yet just as employment is expected to reach 2.6 million, she plans to cut universal credit. A petition organised by the Disability Benefits Consortium and signed by 119,000 people was handed in to the Government, calling for the UC uplift to be extended to legacy benefits. Given that living costs have increased dramatically for disabled people during the pandemic, why have the Government not acted? Does that not just summarise perfectly the tale of two Governments: a Scottish Government extending support to those who need it while the UK Government increases disability benefits by a derisory 37p?

Context

Ahead of the spending review, a petition signed by 119,000 people called for the universal credit uplift to be extended to legacy benefits. Living costs have increased dramatically for disabled people during the pandemic.

Therese Coffey

Last week I published the benefit uprating statement, which indicated the inflation rise for benefits as well as the 2.5% for state pensions. Benefit spending on people with disabilities is up 5%. The decision to consider the temporary uplift to universal credit will be made in the new year.

Session: Spending Review 2020 View All Questions -->

Shortly, Nicola Sturgeon will outline plans to pay families who receive free school meals a £100 grant to help them through winter until the new Scottish child payment starts in January. The Secretary of State's Government had the opportunity to match Scotland's anti-poverty ambition at the spending review but failed even to make the universal credit uplift permanent or extend it to legacy benefits. Can she point to anything in the spending review that is there to address poverty?

Context

Nicola Sturgeon is set to announce a £100 grant for families receiving free school meals in her conference speech. The Scottish Government's plan aims to address poverty, contrasting with the UK government's lack of action.

Therese Coffey

The best way to get out of poverty is to work. I am very conscious that there are real challenges right now, as we see an increasing number of unemployed people. There are vacancies, but part of the Government's job is to stimulate interest, which we are doing with a multibillion-pound investment in various schemes, including kickstart, to create jobs and ensure people are ready for work. I am sure the hon. Gentleman welcomed the money that came through the Barnett consequentials to support initiatives that the Scottish Government might undertake.

Session: Spending Review 2020 View All Questions -->

Does the Foreign Secretary regret the UK's plans to cut aid spending below 0.7% as President-elect Biden's team seeks to bring aid back to the centre of foreign policy?

Context

President-elect Joe Biden's election prompts scrutiny of UK foreign policy, particularly regarding aid spending and defense cooperation.

Dominic Raab

The UK remains a leading country in aid, and we continue to show this commitment. We also indicated an increase in defence spending, which shows our reliability as an ally. The soundings with the incoming leadership indicate opportunities for strengthened relations on climate change and covid.

Session: UK-US Co-operation View All Questions -->

What recent discussions has the Foreign Secretary had with President-elect Joe Biden's transition team on future co-operation between the UK and the US? Does he regret cutting foreign aid spending below 0.7%?

Context

President-elect Joe Biden's victory prompts questions about future UK-US relations, particularly regarding international cooperation and aid spending.

Dominic Raab

We send warm congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on winning the election. UK-US relations are strong in trade, security, and defence; we see opportunities ahead. We consistently showed leadership in aid and will continue. Defence spending increases show a dependable ally for the US.

Session: UK-US Co-operation View All Questions -->

We now know, through leaked Cabinet papers, that this Tory Government hid their Brexit plans from devolved Governments, including on state aid and food supply availability. How does the Minister expect these Governments to prepare when those crucial details are blocked from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland? Does he agree that this level of ignorance and contempt is helping to deliver record levels of support for independence and a consistent majority over the last 12 polls in a row?

Context

Leaked Cabinet papers revealed that the Government hid Brexit plans from devolved Governments, affecting state aid and food supply availability.

Michael Gove (Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I have no secrets from the hon. Gentleman. We take an open-book approach to our preparations for leaving the European Union, which is why, later today, the Cabinet Sub-Committee that deals with the preparations—

Session: Transition Period UK-EU Relations View All Questions -->

What recent discussions have had with Scottish Government Ministers on preparations for the end of the transition period in the event of no agreement on the UK's future relations with the EU?

Context

Discussions on the end of transition period are crucial as no agreement has been reached yet.

Michael Gove (Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government)

I and other Ministers have regular discussions with representatives of the Scottish Government and also other devolved Administrations to ensure that we can be prepared across the United Kingdom for the challenges we face as we end the transition period and the opportunities that will follow.

Session: Transition Period UK-EU Relations View All Questions -->

Ending the furlough scheme early is going to put livelihoods at risk, so will the Secretary of State provide an update on her discussions with the Treasury about extending the covid-related increase to universal credit and ensuring that it is expanded to legacy benefits?

Context

The MP asks about extending the job retention scheme and expanding the coronavirus-related increase to universal credit.

Therese Coffey

There are multiple questions there. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor has already responded by introducing the new job support scheme, which he updated for particular sectors, thinking of tier 3 in England, to extend even further the furlough scheme. It is clear that this Government are doing what is needed.

Session: Covid-19 Support Worst-affected Sectors View All Questions -->

In addition to continuing denial of justice for WASPI women during the pandemic, will the Minister commit to a full impact assessment considering wide-reaching effects felt by 1950s-born women?

Context

The issue of underpaid pensions is compounded by the disproportionate social and economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak on women, particularly those born in the 1950s.

Guy Opperman

Cannot comment on live litigation but High Court found for the Government on all issues. Sections 24, 26, and 28 of Scotland Act give Scottish Government extensive powers to intervene if chosen.

Session: State Pension Errors Retired Women View All Questions -->

Does the Minister agree that people on legacy benefits deserve the same amount of support as everybody else; and if he does, will he put his money where his mouth is and push the Chancellor to extend the uplift and make it permanent at the upcoming Budget? Nearly 300,000 people in Scotland are missing out on the £20 per week increase as a result.

Context

The MP criticizes the UK Government's decision to exclude those on legacy benefits from the £20 a week increase in Universal Credit, affecting nearly 300,000 people in Scotland.

Justin Tomlinson

The Government are putting money where their mouth is with the £9.3 billion-worth of support, which is pretty much unprecedented across the world. I would urge all claimants, disabled or not, to talk to their work coaches and review their circumstances to see whether they could be better off moving over to universal credit.

Session: Support for Disabled People Covid-19 View All Questions -->

Why did this contract not go through a proper tender process?

Context

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster allowed a political messaging contract worth over £800,000 to be awarded without competitive tender.

Michael Gove (The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

It is difficult to know where to begin in that concatenation of invention, innuendo and mistake. I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman has completely the wrong end of the stick.

Session: Topical Questions View All Questions -->

Neil Gray notes that the Minister did not answer his question and calls on the Prime Minister and colleagues to accept recommendations from organisations such as Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Save the Children, urging them to convene a cross-party meeting to look at ways to make these recommendations happen. The Poverty Alliance's report shows that universal credit is pulling people into poverty.

Context

There is growing pressure on the UK Government to act regarding universal credit benefits. The former DWP Secretary of State has called for uprating legacy benefits.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Will Quince

For a start, the hon. Gentleman knows that that is well above my pay grade, but I gently remind him that universal credit will be over £2 billion a year more generous when fully rolled out compared with the legacy benefits system it replaces. He also fails to recognise the £6.5 billion to £7 billion that this Government have put in place to support people through covid-19. As the Chancellor has said, we will do “whatever it takes”, and this Government are doing that: we are supporting people and this Department is getting that support to those who need it quickly.

Session: Universal Credit (Reducing Poverty) View All Questions -->

In light of the report highlighting lack of action on reducing child poverty and addressing disparities among ethnic minorities, will Elizabeth Truss take ownership so her Government can step up to ensure social mobility reports and impoverished children are not ignored?

Context

The Social Mobility Commission reported that in the past seven years, there was little or no action on a third of its recommendations, including ensuring that child poverty is not exacerbated by universal credit.

Elizabeth Truss

The most vital tool in social mobility is education; thus, the government aims to get children back to school and support those unable to attend through virtual lessons. Encouragement for the Scottish Government to follow this approach was also stated.

Session: Topical Questions View All Questions -->

I want to pay tribute to the region for accommodating more than 1 million refugees and displaced people since 2014. Can you confirm that there are no delays in allocating British funding?

Context

There are issues with the allocation of British funding to the Kurdistan region, which has accommodated more than 1 million refugees and displaced people since 2014.

Andrew Murrison

I most certainly do join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the Kurdistan Regional Government and other Governments in the area, who are helping. I am not aware of any delays to the allocation to which my hon. Friend refers, but I am happy to look into the matter.

Session: Topical Questions View All Questions -->

Other Parliamentary Activity

Debates led and petitions presented.

Universal Credit: Delayed Roll-Out

04 February 2020

General Debate Led by this MP

Asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to make a statement regarding the delay to the full roll-out of universal credit. Highlighted the lack of respect shown by the UK Government towards ...

View Full Debate -->

BACKBENCH BUSINESS

17 November 2016

General Debate Led by this MP

The Government’s plans to reduce the Employment and Support Allowance work-related activity component in April 2017 will cut £30 from weekly payments for recipients with long-term health conditions or...

View Full Debate -->

PMQs Asked

Ministerial Questions Asked

House of Commons Debates Involved

Westminster Hall Debates Led

Statements / Bills

Petitions Presented

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 +36% above average

This MP:

Average:

3.7

Ministerial Questions +39% above average

This MP:

Average:

13.7

Westminster Hall Debates Led -100% below average

This MP:

Average:

2.5

Commons Chamber Debates -59% below average

This MP:

Average:

4.8

Statements / Bills Proposed -100% below average

This MP:

Average:

9.5

Petitions Presented -100% below average

This MP:

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 Neil Gray's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.