Nicola Richards
MP for West Bromwich East
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I would like to express gratitude for the Speaker's support of the Holocaust Educational Trust's exhibition and his commitment to remembrance. As we approach Holocaust Memorial Day, will the Prime Minister join me in commending the trust for its work with holocaust survivors? With antisemitism on the rise, does he agree that all Members should sign the book of commitment?
Context
As Holocaust Memorial Day approaches, there has been a rise in antisemitic incidents on British streets. The Holocaust Educational Trust works to combat such occurrences through educational programs.
Rishi Sunak
I pay tribute to the Holocaust Educational Trust for its work, thanking my hon. Friend for her efforts on this issue. I will be signing the book of commitment today during a meeting with Lily Ebert and encourage Members from both sides to do so in order to combat antisemitism.
Session: PMQs
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Thanks to the Government's efforts, we aim to be the first country to end new HIV cases by 2030. Given our opt-out testing programme success in high prevalence areas, will the Prime Minister meet me and Terrence Higgins Trust to discuss extending this programme to other areas?
Context
The UK aims to end new HIV transmissions by 2030, partly due to the opt-out testing programme. The questioner seeks commitment for expanding this programme.
Rishi Sunak
The Government remains committed to ending new HIV transmissions by 2030. Provisional data shows success of opt-out testing programme. The Department is evaluating impact with a view to expansion. Ministers will update the House on progress.
Assessment
While acknowledging commitment and programme success, did not commit directly to meeting the questioner or Terrence Higgins Trust.
Highlighting Existing Commitments Without Specific Action
Session: PMQs
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Against economic improvements, people in west midlands are disappointed by Labour-run Birmingham City Council going bankrupt. Does the Prime Minister agree this shows Labour incompetence?
Context
A Labour-run Birmingham City Council has gone bankrupt, prompting a question about the competence of the opposition party.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is right; Labour in London are charging hard-working people with ULEZ, and now we see failures in Birmingham losing control of taxpayers' money and driving finances into the ground.
Assessment
Did not address PM's view on bankruptcy due to incompetence
Labour Incompetence
Session: PMQs
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May I echo my right hon. Friend's comments on the importance of Holocaust Memorial Day and welcome his renewed commitment today regarding the holocaust memorial and learning centre? Will he join me in encouraging Members from across the House to sign the Holocaust Educational Trust's book of commitment, which will be in Parliament today and tomorrow, and pledge to remember the holocaust, fight antisemitism and support the important work of the Holocaust Educational Trust?
Context
Welcoming the importance of Holocaust Memorial Day and the commitment to build a learning centre.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my hon. Friend. We will legislate to help build the holocaust memorial and learning centre next to Parliament to serve as a powerful reminder of the holocaust, its victims and where prejudice can lead if unchallenged. I also join her in thanking the Holocaust Educational Trust for its fantastic work and in encouraging all Members to sign the book of commitment.
Session: PMQs
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Many constituents were celebrating the Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, an important figure for equality and selfless service. The Midland Langar Seva Society and the Guru Har Rai Gurdwara are among organisations contributing positively to communities. Will my right hon. Friend thank the community for their ongoing contributions?
Context
The Sikh community celebrates Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Dominic Raab
At this important time of year, I join her in what she has said about the Sikh community making an outstanding contribution to her constituency and to the whole country through organisations like the Midland Langar Seva Society and the Guru Har Rai Gurdwara.
Session: PMQs
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May I start by wishing the Prime Minister and his family a happy Christmas? Last Christmas, I joined the charity Sewa Day in wrapping Christmas presents at Durga Bhawan Temple. I delivered a small number of the thousands of gifts the Hindu community had donated for children and adults across Sandwell. Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking Sewa Day, Deepak, Madhu and Reena, who I will be joining again this Friday at West Bromwich Shree Krishna Mandir?
Context
The questioner mentions her participation in Sewa Day, a charity event for distributing Christmas gifts to local communities. She seeks the Prime Minister's support and recognition.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend for raising the work of Sewa Day and all the people of the West Bromwich Hindu community, who make an incredible contribution to this country. I am delighted that the charity is again distributing donated gifts. Thank you to everyone involved, particularly my hon. Friend for her efforts.
Session: PMQs
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Bins left uncollected, council tenants being forced to live in damp and cold homes, £22 million lost on the Providence Place land deal and a £10 million overspend on special educational needs and disability transport contracts that were almost awarded to Labour councillors' friends—today, our council's external auditors released a damning report that surprises none of us. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that 47 years of Labour control in Sandwell has done nothing but level down my constituency of West Bromwich East, and that my constituents in West Bromwich, Friar Park and Great Barrington deserve better?
Context
The local council's external auditors released a critical report about the Sandwell Council's management, detailing issues such as uncollected bins, damp homes, financial mismanagement, and overspending on transport contracts.
Boris Johnson
Yes, I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Friend because the instinct of Labour councillors up and down this country is, yet again, to level down rather than to level up.
Session: PMQs
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Families across West Bromwich East who have been affected by cancer, just like my own, know all too well that early diagnosis and treatment can save a life. According to research by Macmillan Cancer Support, there are over 70 people in my constituency and 50,000 across the UK with a missing cancer diagnosis. Cancer has not stopped during the pandemic, so with that in mind, will the Prime Minister commit to making the resurgence of cancer diagnosis services a top priority as restrictions begin to ease?
Context
Macmillan Cancer Support research indicates there are over 50,000 missing cancer diagnoses across the UK due to the ongoing pandemic.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend; I know that this issue is very close to her heart, and she is right to raise it. Of course there are pressures from covid, but we are also worried that some people may not be coming forward for the cancer treatments that they need.
Assessment
Commitment to top priority post-restrictions
Session: PMQs
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Next week, we mark Holocaust Memorial Day, remember the 6 million Jewish men, women and children murdered by the Nazis, and pay tribute to the extraordinary survivors. Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking the Holocaust Educational Trust for organising a live webcast so that students throughout the country can tune in on 26 January to hear the testimony of survivor Eve Kugler? Will he join me in asking all Members to encourage their local schools to join Q3 Academy Great Barr, from West Bromwich East, in taking part?
Context
The question is about commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day by inviting schools to participate in a live webcast organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to warn us of the need to continue to inoculate our populations and ourselves against the wretched virus of antisemitism, which has a tendency to recur and re-infect societies, including, tragically, our own. I am very happy to join her in encouraging all Members to ask all schools to do what the excellent Q3 Academy in Great Barr is doing and to tune in to the event that she mentions.
Assessment
null
Session: PMQs
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Acknowledging government efforts, Nicola Richards asks for an update on the progress made in bringing back British nationals from India.
Context
Around 100 constituents are currently in India amid the pandemic.
Dominic Raab (The First Secretary of State and Leader of the Commons)
No direct answer is provided, as Dominic Raab does not respond specifically to Nicola Richards' question.
Assessment
Specific progress update on repatriation scheme from India
Didnotrespond
Session: PMQs
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The United Nations recently reported confirming that sexual violence was used against Israeli women on 7 October. Last week I raised concerns with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office that women did not feel they could trust the UN enough to speak about their experiences. What can my right hon. Friend do to encourage the international community to unite in calling out sexual violence and those who deny it happens?
Context
A UN report confirmed that Israeli women were subjected to sexual violence on 7 October, and there are concerns about whether victims can trust the UN enough to discuss their experiences. The previous question highlighted the need for a voice and respect for these victims.
Kemi Badenoch
Following calls from the UK, Lord Ahmad attended the UN Security Council last week to express deep concerns about the findings of the UN special representatives on their recent visit. The UK leads work internationally through the preventing sexual violence initiative and has dedicated £60 million to prevent conflict-related sexual violence.
Session: Israeli Victims of Sexual Abuse by Hamas
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What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for Israeli victims of sexual abuse by Hamas. I am concerned about the reports of sexual violence since 7 October in Israel and Gaza, where many hostages face daily threats of rape, assault, and violence. The families of these hostages have been meeting government officials recently.
Context
Israeli victims are facing sexual violence and abuse since 7 October, causing concern about their safety and the support they receive from the government. Families of hostages have been meeting with government officials.
Kemi Badenoch
This Government are appalled by reports of sexual violence since 7 October in Israel and Gaza. I am working closely with Cabinet colleagues on the issue. We have been meeting with families of hostages, both male and female, who face daily threats of rape, assault, and violence.
Session: Israeli Victims of Sexual Abuse by Hamas
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What will my right hon. Friend the Minister do to urge the UN to rebuild trust with victims and document sexual violence against Jewish women?
Context
The UN published a report indicating systematic rape, gang rape, and genital mutilation of Israeli women and girls. Survivors distrust the UN enough to speak about their experiences.
Andrew Mitchell
We will do everything we can as a leading member of the United Nations to try to improve that relationship. We seek to document atrocities so people can be held accountable, no matter how long it takes.
Session: Israeli Hostages in Gaza
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Given the immense challenges Israel faces but also its status as a start-up nation, will my right hon Friend update Parliament shortly via a written ministerial statement on what steps are being taken to advance negotiations for an enhanced free trade agreement?
Context
Israel is known for its tech sector and ongoing challenges in the conflict with Hamas. The question stems from these points, focusing on the opportunities a bespoke FTA offers to the UK.
Kemi Badenoch
We held a virtual negotiating round in February focusing on services and will update Parliament shortly via a written ministerial statement. We want to modernise our relations, as highlighted by the UK-Israel tech sector collaboration.
Session: Free Trade Agreement Negotiations Israel
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Last week, I co-hosted an event here in Parliament with a delegation from Israel who have first-hand experience of the aftermath of 7 October. They described innocent women, dead or alive, who had been raped by terrorists. Hamas desecrated their bodies and even booby-trapped them. Those acts of sexual violence must be condemned by every institution and individual who cares about women's rights.
Context
The MP is discussing the sexual violence against women perpetrated by Hamas during their attacks on Israel, specifically referencing the event she co-hosted at Parliament.
Kemi Badenoch
I thank my hon. Friend and her co-chair for organising what was for attendees an extremely difficult meeting. We heard the harrowing accounts of witnesses and family members of young girls who were kidnapped on 7 October, and we heard from the first responders who found the bodies of women and girls of all ages with obvious signs of sexual violence. Female soldiers were found naked with nails and sharp objects shoved into their vaginas. One told of a mother he found with her hands tied behind her back, naked and bleeding from the waist down, shot in the back of the head, and with a live grenade left in her hand for whoever found her body.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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What recent steps she has taken with Cabinet colleagues to help tackle violence against women and girls?
Context
The MP is asking about recent steps taken to tackle violence against women and girls, which has been a key focus of the Government.
Kemi Badenoch
Tackling violence against women and girls is one of the Government's key priorities. We are making progress in delivering various cross-Government workstreams, including the tackling violence against women and girls strategy and the rape review action plan.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Residents living in Cobham Road, Friar Park, in my constituency have recently experienced fly-tipping in the alleyway behind their properties. Despite this being reported by councillors four months ago, Sandwell Council has still not removed that rubbish. Apart from telling my constituents to vote Conservative in May, what further steps can the Minister take to ensure that councils fulfil their duty to remove rubbish quickly? My constituents in West Bromwich East deserve better.
Context
The MP highlighted ongoing fly-tipping issues reported by councillors four months ago that Sandwell Council has failed to address.
Robbie Moore
I am disappointed to hear once again about the fly-tipping that my hon. Friend's constituents are experiencing for the first time in Friar Park. We are giving councils extra powers to crack down on fly-tipping, but of course it is up to councils to use the powers we are giving them, and it is important to note that the Labour administration at Sandwell Council is once again the worst performing council in the country, with zero prosecutions for fly-tipping last year. That is despite this Conservative Government raising fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping from £400 to £1,000, and the Government enabling those councils—
Session: Fly-tipping
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What steps his Department is taking to tackle fly-tipping. I know what a blight litter and fly-tipping can be on local communities, which is why we have provided nearly £1 million to help councils purchase new bins and almost £1.2 million to combat fly-tipping, while a further £1 million will be awarded in the spring. We have more than doubled the maximum fines that councils can issue, with all income from fly-tipping fines to be reinvested in enforcement and cleaning up our streets from April.
Context
The MP raised concern about the blight of litter and fly-tipping on local communities.
Robbie Moore
I know what a blight litter and fly-tipping can be on local communities, which is why we have provided nearly £1 million to help councils purchase new bins and almost £1.2 million to combat fly-tipping, while a further £1 million will be awarded in the spring. We have more than doubled the maximum fines that councils can issue, with all income from fly-tipping fines to be reinvested in enforcement and cleaning up our streets from April.
Session: Fly-tipping
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Can the Minister build on her answer by reassuring businesses that we will do all we can to maintain the flow of goods?
Context
Recent developments in the Red sea are causing concerns due to potential security issues and increased shipping costs, which could lead to inflation.
Nusrat Ghani
The UK stands up for free navigation and takes seriously threats to shipping vessels. We note a 124% increase in freight rates, hence producing a strategy and setting up a council to work with industry for resilient supply chains.
Session: Houthi Attacks Supply Chains
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What steps her Department is taking to help protect supply chains in the context of the disruption to trade in the Red sea?
Context
Global shipping traffic and trade volumes are heavily reliant on the Red sea, which is facing disruptions. This has potential impacts on UK supply chains.
Nusrat Ghani
My Department is monitoring the impact closely. We published the world's first ever critical imports and supply chains strategy, making the UK Government the centre for supply chain analysis and risk assessment to support reliable and secure supply chains vital for national security and essential services.
Session: Houthi Attacks Supply Chains
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In 2021, two police officers were attacked with machetes in West Bromwich town centre. In the same year, a 19-year-old boy was stabbed and killed in Great Barr. In 2022, a teenager from my constituency was stabbed on his way to college in Birmingham. While the Minister said we have already banned the sale of zombie knives, that has not stopped people purchasing these dangerous weapons, so I thank the Government for taking the next steps to close the loophole. Will this change be brought forward as soon as possible?
Context
The MP referenced specific violent incidents in her constituency and noted the ongoing sale of zombie knives despite previous bans.
Chris Philp
The change certainly will happen as soon as possible. Some of it requires primary legislation, but other elements require secondary legislation and we are definitely going to do that as soon as we can. Once the Online Safety Bill passes Parliament, sales of these knives via online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Amazon will also be prohibited.
Session: Knife Crime
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What steps her Department is taking to reduce knife crime. The question arises due to increasing concerns over violent incidents involving knives, such as machete attacks and fatal stabbings in her constituency.
Context
The MP asked about government actions to tackle the rising rates of knife crime.
Chris Philp
This Government are determined to fight knife crime. We have invested over £110 million in 2023-24 to fight knife crime, including investing in 20 violence reduction units, and funding hotspot policing in the most seriously affected areas.
Session: Knife Crime
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The west midlands is particularly vulnerable to congestion caused by roadworks. Please outline what steps have been taken to ensure that these works are completed as soon as possible?
Context
Roadworks on the M42 are causing significant delays for commuters in the west midlands.
Richard Holden
National Highways aims to complete the barrier replacement work quickly by keeping lanes open, utilising daytime hours, and good weather conditions. The new barrier will require less maintenance, further reducing future disruption.
Session: Roadworks Disruption
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Will she join me in thanking Mayor Andy Street for spearheading that massive effort? Will the Secretary of State outline how the Government plan to help the west midlands plant even more trees?
Context
Since January 2020, the west midlands has planted 350,000 trees which have removed an estimated 62 tonnes of air pollution.
Therese Coffey
I thank Mayor Andy Street and the people of the west midlands for their work. We continue to support tree planting through our national forest in the Midlands and by working closely with the Forestry Commission on grant schemes such as the nature for climate fund.
Session: Tree Planting
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What steps is she taking to increase tree planting? Since January 2020, 350,000 trees have been planted in the west midlands. An estimated 62 tonnes of air pollution have been removed as a result in the Black Country alone. More than 320,000 of those trees have now been registered with the West Midlands Combined Authority's virtual forest. Will she join me in thanking Mayor Andy Street for spearheading this effort?
Context
The question arises from the England trees action plan and its targets for increasing tree planting.
Therese Coffey
I am pleased that the England trees action plan has set out more than 90 actions to increase tree planting. Since its publication, we have rolled out the England woodland creation offer grant scheme; added two new community forests; invested in nursery capacity; launched a training and apprenticeship scheme for forestry skills.
Session: Tree Planting
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Will the Minister join me in welcoming this investment in renewable energy, and outline how the Government are supporting energy-from-waste facilities across the country?
Context
Enfinium is building a new energy-from-waste facility that will process nearly 400,000 tonnes of waste annually to generate electricity.
Graham Stuart
I thank my hon. Friend, and I am delighted to join her in welcoming this new investment, which will be a huge asset to her community as well as having positive national implications. Energy from waste with combined heat and power is supported through pot 1 of the contracts for difference scheme—our auction system. We expect to announce the results of the latest round in early September, and I hope the House will watch that announcement with great interest.
Session: Clean Energy Technology Private Sector Investment
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Can the Minister update the House on the Department's progress on the trade aims outlined in the 2030 road map for UK-Israel bilateral relations, including the establishment of a free trade agreement and related initiatives?
Context
The UK's trade with Israel increased by 42% in 2022 compared to 2021, and it is valued at £7.2 billion. The question arises from the need for further strengthening of trade ties.
Nigel Huddleston
The benefits of the trade agreement are obvious. We have successfully concluded the second round of negotiations in London last month and look forward to further talks.
Session: Israel Free Trade Agreement
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What progress has been made on negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement with Israel?
Context
No specific background event, but the context is about progress on negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement with Israel.
Nigel Huddleston
We are continuing to make progress towards an upgraded UK-Israel free trade agreement, focused on services, procurement and innovation. The second round of negotiations concluded on 17 May.
Session: Israel Free Trade Agreement
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Will the Minister join me in welcoming JLR's £15 billion investment, and does he agree that it shows that we are emerging as a world leader in clean technology?
Context
The MP welcomes Jaguar Land Rover's £15 billion investment and asks for the Minister to join her in welcoming it.
Jesse Norman
I was delighted to see JLR's commitment. Through our policies and investments, the Government are accelerating electrification and unlocking industry investment. This is a vote of confidence from the UK's largest carmaker.
Session: Electric Vehicles
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What steps he is taking to help improve the market share and availability of electric vehicles?
Context
The MP is concerned about the market share and availability of electric vehicles in the UK.
Jesse Norman
The Government are committed to accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles. We will introduce a world-leading zero-emission vehicle mandate supporting future supply by setting minimum percentages of manufacturers' new car and van sales to be zero emission from 2024.
Session: Electric Vehicles
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Will the Minister congratulate Chai Cancer Care on its dedication to patients and families? And will she ensure that the major conditions strategy goes as far as possible to offer better, more joined-up care to women across the country?
Context
Chai Cancer Care has developed a blueprint for supporting breast cancer patients and their families, raising questions about the extent of NHS support.
Maria Caulfield
I thank my hon. Friend for her work in this space. She is a vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on breast cancer, and she also has first-hand experience of the impact of breast cancer. I congratulate Chai Cancer Care and all the charities supporting women who are going through breast cancer.
Session: Major Conditions Strategy Women
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Will the Minister agree to do as much as possible to prevent this exploitation of UK courts?
Context
Russian oligarchs have used Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation to frustrate journalists from exposing their actions. Catherine Belton and her publisher faced a £1.5 million bill after libel actions were brought against them.
Alex Chalk
The Government are committed to preventing exploitation of UK courts by legislating against SLAPPs at the earliest opportunity, and we are considering that in legislation already before Parliament.
Session: Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation
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Does the Foreign Secretary acknowledge the urgency of proscribing the IRGC? The IRGC has been responsible for over 582 executions last year and chemical attacks on girls' schools. Vahid Beheshti is in a dangerous hunger strike and was recently supported by 125 cross-party parliamentarians.
Context
Vahid Beheshti is on a 69-day hunger strike, supported by cross-party parliamentarians to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) due to its human rights abuses.
James Cleverly
Mr Beheshti has met ministerial colleagues. We worry about his health and urge him to stop his hunger strike. The UK responded to Iran's unacceptable behaviour by sanctioning the IRGC entirely and certain leaders specifically, keeping options under review.
Session: Iran Human Rights Abuses
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What diplomatic steps is the government taking to help tackle human rights abuses in Iran? Human rights issues remain a critical concern with recent protests and crackdowns. More than 70 new sanctions were announced, but there are calls for more action from parliamentarians.
Context
Human rights abuses in Iran have been escalating, prompting international concern.
James Cleverly
We raise violations at all appropriate opportunities and via our embassy. We have announced more than 70 new sanctions in response to recent crackdowns on protests, and we continue to work with partners to hold Iran accountable at the UN Human Rights Council and General Assembly.
Session: Iran Human Rights Abuses
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I thank my right hon. Friend for the support he has provided to the campaign to confront the ownership of West Bromwich Albion, working with Andy Street and supporters groups. We have seen the huge step of the release of the football governance White Paper. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that he will continue to monitor the situation at clubs such as West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City, and ensure that the new regulator will have the ability to take action to protect the clubs that support grassroots sport in the west midlands?
Context
The MP thanked the Minister for supporting a campaign to confront the ownership issue at West Bromwich Albion.
Stuart Andrew
May I praise my hon. Friend and her colleagues for the tremendous amount of work she has done in standing up for the fans of the clubs she has worked with so closely? Frankly, too many clubs face financial troubles, and we continue to monitor situations across the football pyramid. We have set out the reforms that will protect football clubs so that they can meet their day-to-day liabilities and preserve the clubs for the future. That will include sanctions, where necessary. We will introduce new owners' and directors' tests, including a fitness and propriety test and enhanced due diligence of owners' sources of wealth, and we will require owners to demonstrate robust financial plans to provide people like her constituents with the assurances they need.
Session: Grassroots Sport
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Does my hon. Friend agree that communities like mine in Yew Tree and Tame Bridge cannot be left without a long-term secure bus route?
Context
The No. 45 bus route in Yew Tree and Tame Bridge is vital for residents but only secure until June, with support from the Government amounting to £1.8 billion since March 2020.
Richard Holden
I thank my hon. Friend for her work on this matter. The Government have provided significant help to support our bus sector, with over £1.8 billion in 2021-22 alone and over £7.3 million since March 2020 to West Midlands Combined Authority to protect bus services. We are also considering further support for the sector from July onwards.
Session: Bus Services
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The announcement of a Government-backed trial in Wolverhampton to introduce a Better Health: Rewards app is welcome. How will the Minister monitor the success of this pilot? Will he consider extending it to other areas such as West Bromwich East?
Context
The question arises from the announcement of a Government-backed trial in Wolverhampton for Better Health: Rewards app and seeks details on its monitoring and potential expansion.
Neil O'Brien
The Better Health: Rewards pilot in Wolverhampton has more than 10,000 residents registered. The Government will monitor lessons learned closely and look at how they can apply these broadly.
Session: Childhood Obesity
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What steps is the Government taking to help reduce childhood obesity? The announcement of a Government-backed trial in Wolverhampton for Better Health: Rewards app is welcome, but my constituency also suffers from poor health outcomes including excessive levels of childhood obesity, with one in three year 6 children being overweight or obese. How will the Minister monitor the success of the trial and consider extending it to other areas?
Context
The question arises from the increasing rates of childhood obesity and seeks specific measures being taken by the government to address this issue.
Neil O'Brien
The Government have introduced calorie labelling for on-the-go food, brought in a sugar tax, are spending £330 million annually on school sport through the PE premium, investing £300 million in new facilities through the youth investment fund and £150 million per year on healthy food schemes like school fruit and vegetables. Cooking and nutrition are part of the national curriculum from key stages 1 to 3 aiming to teach children how to cook and apply principles of healthy eating. The Better Health: Rewards pilot is closely monitored, more than 10,000 residents have already registered, and lessons learned will be applied broadly.
Session: Childhood Obesity
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Will my right hon. Friend bring forward the Government's response to the Fan-Led Review and introduce a regulator to give fans the power to stop owners abusing the club's assets in this way and to penalise owners whose business decisions are not in the best interests of the football club?
Context
Thousands of West Bromwich Albion fans are concerned about the owner's actions, including a £5 million loan from the club and a high-interest £20 million loan secured against the club's name and stadium.
Stuart Andrew
We will set out our plans for reform in the White Paper, which will be published in the next few weeks and will include strong action on owners and directors to ensure that they are suitable custodians for clubs and to avoid harm to fans and local communities such as she has described.
Session: Ownership Structure of Football Clubs
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What steps she is taking to review the ownership structure of football clubs. The Government do not assess the ownership arrangements with individual clubs.
Context
No specific event mentioned, but a broader concern about football club governance and sustainability.
Stuart Andrew
The Government response to the recommendations made in the independent Fan-Led Review of Football Governance sets out our view that tests of new owners and directors are needed to ensure the future sustainability of football clubs and the stability of the game in total.
Session: Ownership Structure of Football Clubs
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The average cost of a full-time nursery place for a child under 2 when there is no Government support is about £14,000 a year, and it is much more in London. Can the Minister get her Government to put in the investment needed to fix the broken childcare system so that more mothers can return to work, particularly those who are single parents and struggle to return to work because of the lack of affordable childcare?
Context
Affordable childcare is a significant issue, particularly for single parents.
Kemi Badenoch
This is, as I mentioned earlier, an issue that the Government are working very hard on. I will raise it with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education, who can write to the hon. Lady and address those concerns more fully.
Session: Topical Questions
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OnSide's youth centres do an incredible job of transforming people's lives, and I think young people in my constituency deserve that opportunity too. Will the Chancellor support my calls for the levelling-up fund to be spent on that important project in West Bromwich?
Context
OnSide's youth centres do an incredible job of transforming people's lives, and the hon. Member is seeking support for a similar project in her constituency.
John Glen
I am aware of the outstanding bid from my hon. Friend's constituency. I cannot reveal the outcome of the deliberations on that competitive process, but I will be looking carefully at her bid and liaising with other Ministers on the outcome of that round.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister please look at the case for investment in Weston Park, so that it can continue to provide outstanding cancer care? I met two previous Secretaries of State and the outgoing Minister to press the case for funding.
Context
Weston Park Cancer Centre provides outstanding care for patients from South Yorkshire and beyond. It has been 50 years since the site was established.
James Morris
We are investing further money in diagnostics, addressing backlogs caused by the pandemic. I am very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Cancer Outcomes
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What steps is the Government taking to improve early diagnosis and overall cancer outcomes? I have lost my mum to a sudden diagnosis of secondary breast cancer, understanding the impact on families. Our constituency's cancer outcomes are worse than the national average. When will the 10-year cancer plan be published with confirmed investment levels?
Context
In April, the MP lost her mother to secondary breast cancer in the liver. The constituency of West Bromwich East has significantly poorer cancer outcomes than the national average.
James Morris
The Government remain committed to tackling inequalities and levelling up outcomes through the NHS Long Term Plan. Approaches like increasing accessibility for the cancer quality of life survey, targeted lung health checks in high mortality areas, and other initiatives are embedded throughout the programme.
Session: Cancer Outcomes
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The Boxer programme in Telford has a positive effect throughout the Midlands, with over 60% of its value flowing into UK supply chains. Can my right hon. Friend confirm how certain we can be of future jobs and investment from defence land equipment?
Context
The MP is concerned about future job security in the context of defence land equipment.
Ben Wallace
The Army will invest £41.3 billion in new capabilities over the next decade, including Boxer, Challenger 3 and two new major programmes, which will increase production and employment base, putting UK land manufacturing back at the forefront of the international defence sector.
Session: Defence Jobs
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What steps his Department is taking to support defence jobs. The Boxer programme in Telford has a positive effect throughout the Midlands, with over 60% of its value flowing into UK supply chains. Can my right hon. Friend confirm how certain we can be of future jobs and investment from defence land equipment?
Context
The MP raises concerns about steps needed to maintain defence jobs in their constituency.
Ben Wallace
The Army will invest £41.3 billion in new capabilities over the next decade, including Boxer, Challenger 3 and two new major programmes, which will increase production and employment base, putting UK land manufacturing back at the forefront of the international defence sector.
Session: Defence Jobs
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Could my right hon. Friend spell out what steps his Department is taking to support all young people in the Ukrainian army during this terrible conflict?
Context
A constituent of Nicola's met a young member of the European Solidarity party in Ukraine who shared stories about frontline conditions.
Ben Wallace
The UK has sent over 200,000 pieces of non-lethal aid including body armour, range finders, and medical equipment. Training is also a priority to ensure proper survival chances on the frontline for young Ukrainian soldiers.
Session: Support for Ukraine’s Military
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My constituents in West Bromwich East have been raising concerns with me about their ability to access face-to-face GP appointments at local surgeries. Given the significant £250 million winter funding package for general practice announced towards the end of last year, what assessment has the Minister made of whether that support is making a real difference on the ground?
Context
The MP has constituents who face difficulties accessing face-to-face GP appointments and is seeking an assessment by the Minister about whether the £250 million winter funding package is making a tangible difference.
Maria Caulfield
I thank my hon. Friend, who is pushing me constantly to improve access for her constituents, but can I reassure her that the announcement, the funds and the support are making a difference? In November last year, there were on average 1.39 million general practice appointments per working day, compared with 1.31 million in November 2019, but crucially, 62.7% of those appointments were face to face, so this is really making a difference for patients.
Session: Face-to-face GP Appointments
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What steps his Department is taking to reduce waiting times for face-to-face GP appointments?
Context
The MP is concerned about the long waiting times for patients to get face-to-face consultations with their GPs. She seeks clarity on actions taken by her Department to address this issue.
Maria Caulfield
In October last year, the Government announced a plan to improve general practice capacity, backed up by £250 million of winter access funds to help GPs and their practices. That can be used to fund more sessions from existing staff, or indeed increase the physical premises at a practice.
Session: Face-to-face GP Appointments
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My constituency of West Bromwich East boasts great skills and is only 30 minutes away from the Telford production hub for the British Army's Boxer fighting vehicle. What is the Minister going to do to ensure that UK small and medium-sized enterprises, including our fantastic businesses in the Black Country, get proper access to contracts in defence supply chains?
Context
The MP seeks information on measures that will be taken to ensure small and medium-sized enterprises have better access to defence procurement opportunities.
Jeremy Quin
MOD spending on equipment and support with SMEs exceeded 21% last year. We are determined to push that proportion higher and I will publish a revised SME action plan later this year. On Boxer, to which my hon. Friend referred, over 60% of the contract is expected to benefit UK suppliers. Following the integrated review, we are considering expanding the purchase, which will create even more opportunities for SMEs, including those in the Black Country.
Session: Defence Sector Jobs
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Antisemitic Offences — [Valerie Vaz in the Chair]
09 January 2024
Responding: Lee Rowley
Main Concerns
['Since the Hamas massacre on October 7, there has been a significant rise in antisemitic incidents worldwide. In the UK alone, over 2,098 antisemitic incidents were recorded from October to December 2023 by the Community Security Trust (CST), surpassing previous records. This includes violent assaults, threats, and desecration of Jewish property. The CST also logged at least another 1,288 potential incidents involving suspicious or hostile activity near Jewish locations.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should clarify how they are addressing rallies that promote antisemitism and support terrorism, highlighting the need for police to communicate effectively about these risks. Additionally, there is a call for action from social media platforms to address the surge in antisemitic content, including measures by Ofcom against high-risk platforms like 8kun and Rumble.']
HIV Action Plan Annual Update 2022-23 — [Dame Caroline Dinenage in the Chair]
18 July 2023
Responding: Neil O'Brien
Main Concerns
['The annual update revealed that more than 2,000 people were diagnosed with HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C in the past year. The number of people who have fallen out of the HIV care system since 2015 is estimated to be 22,670 by UK Health Security Agency. Without finding and providing treatment to those lost to care, the ambition of ending new cases of HIV by 2030 cannot be realised.']
Specific Asks
['The Minister should confirm that a national expansion of opt-out hepatitis C testing will include HIV and hep B testing. The Department should outline when an innovation in PrEP delivery to improve access for key groups will start, and the Government should consider making PrEP available directly from pharmacies.']
Cancer Care
14 March 2023
Responding: Helen Whately
Main Concerns
['Nicola Richards expressed concern about the rising number of cancer cases projected to reach 506,000 between 2038 and 2040. She highlighted disparities in cancer survival rates across regions, noting that individuals diagnosed with lung cancer in the west midlands are less likely to survive than those elsewhere in England. Richards also pointed out that only 54.5% of people starting treatment after an urgent referral do so within the 62-day target and approximately 2,100 people wait more than 104 days for their treatment.']
Specific Asks
['Richards asked the Government to ensure necessary funding is provided to meet commitments outlined in the NHS long-term workforce plan. She also requested that the major conditions strategy incorporate views from Cancer Research UK and other organisations, laying groundwork for a longer-term cancer strategy addressing inequalities.']
Stop and Search: West Midlands — [Christina Rees in the Chair]
17 November 2021
Responding: Kit Malthouse
Main Concerns
["Nicola Richards is concerned about the impact of the West Midlands police and crime commissioner's comments on stop and search, which could undermine officers' efforts to protect communities. She highlights a case where behavioural detection officers stopped individuals carrying machetes in New Square, West Bromwich, avoiding potential harm to bystanders. She cites data from Sandwell showing 751 searches conducted with a 29.8% positive outcome rate over six months and emphasizes the use of body cameras and training programmes like GOWISELY. Richards also mentions that complaints against police officers in Sandwell regarding stop and search are few, indicating high levels of proportionality and public trust."]
Specific Asks
['Richards urges the government to invest more in behavioural detection officers (BDOs) and expand internal training opportunities for officers to use stop and search effectively. She calls for further engagement with scrutiny committees to promote best practices across the region.']
Imprisonment of Craig and Lindsay Foreman in Iran
21 May 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Craig and Lindsay Foreman were arrested in Iran for conducting espionage during a motorcycle trip. The trial was unfair, and they are being held in Evin prison under harsh conditions. Tony Vaughan urg...
Business of the House 2026-01-08
08 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The MP expressed dissatisfaction with the Government’s practice of making significant policy announcements when Parliament is not sitting. He cited several examples of U-turns on policies related to i...
School Accountability and Intervention 2025-02-03
03 February 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sport: Team GB and ParalympicsGB
10 October 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The House debates the remarkable achievements of Team GB and ParalympicsGB at the Paris 2024 games, with a third highest medal haul in history. The Minister highlights the importance of continued gove...
Iran-Israel Update
15 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPP) Bill - Clause 1
23 February 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the Bill, arguing that it is crucial to tackle SLAPPs in all their forms. The Bill aims to protect freedom of speech and public interest by providing a framework to counteract strategic litigati...
Holocaust Memorial Day
25 January 2024
General Debate
Led by this MP
The hon. Member for Glasgow North West, Nicola Richards, opened the debate by discussing the scale of the Holocaust and the recent events in Israel on October 7th, emphasising that while these two inc...
The Licensing Act 2003 (Special Occasions) - Clause 1 and Clause 2
19 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. The hon. Member highlights that pubs are not just places for drinking but also serve as community hubs where people come together to socialise a...
Building Societies (Amendment) Bill - The entire bill for Second Reading
19 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill aims to amend the Building Societies Act 1986 by introducing flexibility in funding sources and modernising governance, enabling building societies to compete more fairly with banks. It will ...
The Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill - Third Reading and amendment to decline Third Reading
10 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr. Gove opened the debate on the Third Reading of the Economic Activity of Public Bodies Bill, emphasising its timeliness in addressing antisemitism and upholding a united foreign policy approach for...
10
PMQs Asked
55
Ministerial Questions Asked
45
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+173% above average
This MP:
10
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+310% above average
This MP:
55
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+826% above average
This MP:
45
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Nicola Richards's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.