Patricia Gibson
MP for North Ayrshire and Arran
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
When important matters of life and death are voted on in this House, does the Prime Minister think MPs should vote according to their party Whip or according to their conscience?
Context
There is a vote on the situation in Israel and Gaza.
Rishi Sunak
This afternoon the House will have an opportunity to consider its approach to the situation in Israel and Gaza. Our position is crystal clear: we have called, and will always call, for an immediate humanitarian pause.
Assessment
Did not directly address whether MPs should vote according to their conscience or party Whip.
Session: PMQs
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The Scottish surcharge on energy means, according to Ofgem, that people in Scotland pay 50% more in standing charges than Londoners do, despite exporting 3.2 million hours of electricity to England in the past two months alone. Meanwhile, Scottish green energy producers pay higher charges than English power companies to connect to the grid.
Context
Scottish consumers pay higher energy standing charges compared to London, despite exporting electricity.
Rishi Sunak
I refer to my previous answer about the considerable support we are providing to families across the United Kingdom with their energy bills. The hon. Lady mentions Scottish businesses, and it would be good if the Scottish National party realised that it should support the 200,000 people employed in Scotland's North sea oil and gas industry.
Session: PMQs
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The industrial dispute at the Defence Equipment and Support, Ministry of Defence site at Beith in my constituency is dragging on, as workers engage in strike action for parity and fairness in the workplace. These workers are critical to ensuring that necessary supplies to Ukraine are uninterrupted, but all attempts by the workers to resolve this dispute have proved to be unsuccessful in the face of management intransigence. Will the Prime Minister personally and urgently use his influence to ensure that a meaningful offer is made to these workers, so that the matter can be resolved, further strike action can be averted, and supplies to Ukraine can continue without disruption?
Context
Industrial dispute at the Ministry of Defence site in Beith, impacting critical supply lines to Ukraine.
Rishi Sunak
I thank the hon. Member for highlighting the critical role played by non-craft support operatives at Defence Munitions. Different rates of pay for workers with different skills and qualifications are entirely normal practice in both the public and the private sector. This year, as part of DE&S pay 2023, a generous pay award was delivered which significantly improved the base pay of workers engaged in the dispute. I am told that officials continue to be open to talks on a constructive basis with the GMB to resolve the situation.
Assessment
Personal intervention by Prime Minister not explicitly committed to
Session: PMQs
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Given that inflation continues to outstrip pay awards, and given that we expect to see the 13th consecutive rise in interest rates tomorrow, will the Prime Minister tell us by how much living standards have fallen during his eight months in office?
Context
Inflation continues to outstrip pay awards, expected rise in interest rates tomorrow.
Rishi Sunak
I have always been clear about the fact that inflation is putting pressure on family budgets. The UK Government have taken decisive action to support families through this difficult time, including households in Scotland, who are receiving considerable support—not just help with energy bills, but help for the most vulnerable as well.
Assessment
Did not specify by how much living standards have fallen
Support Families Through Difficult Time
Session: PMQs
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As Tory MSP Murdo Fraser points out, Scotland has a third of Britain's land mass, half its territorial waters, over 60% of UK fishing zones, 98% of oil reserves, 63% of natural gas, a quarter of Europe's offshore wind resources, and 90% of the UK's fresh water. Will the Deputy Prime Minister explain whether his opposition to Scottish independence is because he fears the loss of those invaluable resources?
Context
The question mentions Scotland's land mass, territorial waters, fishing zones, oil reserves, natural gas, wind energy, and fresh water.
Dominic Raab (Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
The hon. Lady is absolutely right in what she just said. There are huge assets right across Scotland, and that is why we think we are stronger together in delivering for the people of Scotland.
Assessment
Specific fears about resource loss were not addressed
Stronger Together
Session: PMQs
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A cornerstone of the last Conservative manifesto was a guarantee that the basic state pension would rise by 2.5%, the rate of inflation, or earnings growth, whichever was the highest. Instead, from April the state pension will rise by less than half of the current inflation rate. How does the Prime Minister explain this abject betrayal of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, who are squeezed by rocketing energy and food prices on the one hand and the miserliness of this Government on the other?
Context
The previous Conservative manifesto guaranteed a state pension rise of 2.5%, but the current increase is less than half of the inflation rate.
Boris Johnson
Actually, what we have done is protected pensioners so that their incomes are £720 higher than they would have been had we just relied on inflation.
Assessment
Did not justify the specific lack of a 2.5% increase, only mentioned overall income protection.
Session: PMQs
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The increase in employers' national insurance payments will place a huge burden on the public sector from local government to police and fire services. Can the Deputy Prime Minister tell the House what the financial impact of this will be both north and south of the border and if additional funding will be provided to ensure that there are no cuts to our vital public services?
Context
Concern over the impact of increased employers' national insurance payments on public services, especially in Scotland.
Dominic Raab
Of course the Treasury assesses these measures very carefully. We are supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs for young people under our kickstart scheme. We are taking a range of other measures, including the restart scheme. Of course we look at the tax burden, but I would just remind the hon. Lady that we are the ones who have taken—[Hon. Members: “Answer the question!”] We are the ones who have saved the average worker £1,200 every year. We doubled the free childcare for working parents. Frankly, I say to the hon. Lady that we are of course mindful of the pressure on public services, as with the private sector, and we are doing everything we can, but the SNP opposed coming out of lockdown. The SNP opposed—
Assessment
Financial impact on Scotland and additional funding for public services
Treasury Assessments
Kickstart Scheme
Session: PMQs
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Will the Minister confirm whether the Government have dropped their commitment to consulting on a social energy tariff? If they have not, can we have an update on progress, given that a social energy tariff would lift 2.2 million households out of poverty?
Context
A social energy tariff could lift 2.2 million households out of poverty according to projections.
Amanda Solloway
A social tariff means lots of different things to different people, but what it ultimately means is ensuring that we support all vulnerable people. The hon. Member will be aware that the Government are doing many things to support people; there is the warm home discount, the cost of living payment, which is £900, and a variety of other measures.
Session: Topical Questions
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With these conditions, who does the Minister think believes that this plan is working to ease the cost-of-living crisis?
Context
The UK faces the highest level of G7 inflation and lowest rate of economic growth in the OECD, with GDP per capita declining.
Laura Trott
It is important to note that inflation has more than halved since the Prime Minister took office, and is now at 3.2%. That will have a material impact on cost of living pressures on households. In addition, support this year includes cutting national insurance rates across the UK and raising the local housing allowance.
Session: Cost of Living
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What assessment has been made on the potential impact of increased costs on households in 2024?
Context
The UK faces significant cost-of-living pressures, with inflation and economic growth concerns.
Laura Trott
The Office for Budget Responsibility expects UK living standards to grow in all years of the forecast period.
Session: Cost of Living
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The proposed EU-UK youth mobility scheme would have allowed 18 to 30-year-old UK citizens to work and study in the EU without barriers that the Government's Brexit have created, yet the Tories and the Labour party immediately rebuffed the offer. What is the message to young people across the UK who are watching opportunities being blocked by Westminster?
Context
The proposed EU-UK youth mobility scheme would allow UK citizens aged 18-30 to work and study in the EU without barriers.
Nusrat Ghani
The EU scheme requires people between the ages of 18 and 35—I did not realise that you were still a young person at 35—to have absolutely free movement.
Session: Topical Questions
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Levelling-up funding for upgrading the B714 road in my constituency, awarded three years ago, has still not been delivered despite inflationary pressures reducing its real value. Can I have an explanation from the Secretary of State as to how approved projects can proceed when funding is insufficient due to inflation?
Context
Funding was awarded three years ago by the UK Government to upgrade B714 in Patricia Gibson's constituency, but it has not been delivered. The hon. Member raised concerns about insufficient funding due to inflation.
Michael Gove
I am grateful for the hon. Lady's point and offer her, and also the MSP for North Ayrshire, a meeting so that we can deliver this project effectively.
Session: Topical Questions
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SHiFT works to ensure that young people at risk of engaging with the criminal justice system are diverted to better outcomes through intervention programmes opening in Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland, supported by £3.9 million from the department. Can you explain how this programme is expected to proceed?
Context
The SHiFT programme, run by Sophie Humphreys and aimed at diverting young people from criminal justice system involvement, is set to open new interventions in Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland with £3.9 million funding.
Michael Gove
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for making that point and offer her a meeting with me, so we can deliver this project effectively in her constituency.
Session: Topical Questions
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Three years ago, levelling-up funding for the upgrade of the B714 in my constituency was announced. So far no funds have been forthcoming. If and when the funding is finally allocated, what support can the Secretary of State provide to help ensure that this funding is sufficient to fulfil the upgrade, given that the cost of labour and materials are now much higher than they were three years ago?
Context
Funding for the B714 upgrade was announced three years ago, but funds have not been forthcoming.
Guy Opperman
That is a matter for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. I will take it up with the Department and make sure that it writes to the hon. Lady.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Solicitor General understand that modern slavery protections for vulnerable children and adults appear to be expendable under his Government, given the defeat of the Rwanda Bill?
Context
The Prime Minister's flagship Rwanda Bill was defeated 10 times in the House of Lords, with concerns about protecting victims of modern slavery from being removed to Rwanda without their consent.
Robert Courts
The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill will be debated further when it returns to the Commons next week. The treaty between the UK and Rwanda includes provisions for protecting trafficking victims, addressing their safety and preventing re-trafficking.
Session: People Trafficking
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Will the Secretary of State explain how his Government's £1,600 million cut to Scotland's capital budget over the next three years will impact infrastructure projects such as roads, hospitals, schools, housing, digital connectivity, and economic growth?
Context
The MP inquired about the impact of recent budget cuts, specifically £1,600 million reduction over three years, on various sectors including roads, hospitals, schools and digital connectivity.
Alister Jack
It is nice to see that the hon. Lady and her colleagues have turned up for work today, even if that is in defiance of the deputy Leader of the SNP, who thought they should not bother coming. Let me be clear on resource spending and the capital budget: the Scottish Government are able to divert their resource spending for capital infrastructure investments; and they can also borrow to enhance capital investments if they so choose.
Session: Financial Settlement for Scotland
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What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of the financial settlement for Scotland? This includes the block grant and capital budget, which are critical to Scotland's economy and infrastructure development.
Context
The MP inquired about an assessment of the adequacy of financial support provided to Scotland by the UK government.
Alister Jack
Contrary to what we hear from the Scottish National party, the Scottish Government are well-funded. This UK Government have provided a record block grant, averaging £41 billion a year, with an additional £2.4 billion across the last three fiscal events. Scotland also continues to benefit from the Barnett formula, under which the Scottish Government receive around 25% more funding per person than equivalent spending across the United Kingdom.
Session: Financial Settlement for Scotland
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The Royal Navy carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales entered service six and seven years late respectively, with their cost rocketing to over £8,000 million—more than 20 times that of Scotland's ferries—while being plagued with problems and a lack of aircraft. What assurances can we have that these hugely expensive carriers will provide the defence capability for which they were designed?
Context
HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales entered service significantly late with costs far exceeding initial estimates. There are concerns about their effectiveness.
Grant Shapps
The whole House recognises the irony of an SNP Member talking about ships being delivered late. The whole House will want to welcome the extraordinary work done by those on HMS Prince of Wales who got the ship ready to leave not at 30 days' readiness, which is what they were ranked for, but in eight days.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Joseph Rowntree Foundation's report on poverty in the UK in 2024 reiterates that, consistently, the demographic with the highest poverty rates is children. Although 29% of the children in my constituency live in poverty, the Scottish Government are doing what they can with their limited powers via the Scottish child payment. Will the Chancellor and his team use their powers to make a concerted and determined effort to tackle the scourge of poverty, which is so damaging to our children?
Context
The MP referenced a report on child poverty rates and asked for the government's commitment to tackle this issue.
Laura Trott
I reiterate: we have 400,000 fewer children in poverty now than in 2010. In addition, the national insurance contributions cut that we have introduced has been shown to cut child poverty dramatically.
Session: Cost of Living
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What steps his Department is taking to support households with the cost of living.
Context
The MP inquired about the steps taken by the Department to assist households facing financial difficulties.
Laura Trott
The Government stand by households, with one of Europe's largest support packages, worth on average £3,700 per UK household. The key to reducing cost of living pressures is to bring down inflation, which we have more than halved, delivering on the Prime Minister's promise.
Session: Cost of Living
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Food price inflation remains twice as high as general inflation in the UK, and the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit warns that it could rise even higher next year. What assessment has the Secretary of State made, with his colleagues, of the impact of soaring food prices on those we represent?
Context
Food price inflation is currently twice as high as general inflation in the UK, with warnings of further increases next year.
Mark Spencer
Of course, we continue to monitor food price inflation and work with the sector to reduce it as much as possible. We co-operate with not only farmers, processors and retailers, but all those involved in the sector to try to make sure that we provide a reasonably priced food basket for our constituents. The good news is that the cost of our food basket in the UK is lower than that found in many parts of the European Union.
Session: Topical Questions
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Journalists and bloggers who criticise the Government are arrested, threatened and put on trial, with allegations of torture, disappearances and suspicious deaths. Those are just some of the issues that Human Rights Watch and Amnesty have reported on in Rwanda. When asking Parliament to disregard established legal principles such as the burden of proof and the need for evidence, is the Attorney General genuinely comfortable in passing the Rwanda Bill?
Context
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty have reported issues such as arrests, threats, and allegations of torture against journalists and bloggers who criticize the Government in Rwanda.
Victoria Prentis
It is constitutionally proper for Parliament to legislate in response to a decision of the Supreme Court. We do it all the time in the finance and tax space. Lord Reed was careful to point out to the Constitution Committee in the other House that we did it following the Burmah oil case in the War Damage Act 1965. In this case, I urge the hon. Lady to look hard at the evidence that the Government put before the House on 11 January. If the Bill passes, everyone must treat Rwanda as generally safe for the transfer of individuals under the treaty.
Session: Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill ECHR
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Expanding free school meals has a direct impact on children's health, promoting cognitive development and improving test scores and concentration. The Scottish Government are rolling out universal free school meals for primary school children. What additional financial efforts will the Minister make to address educational inequality, such as supporting and following the example of the Scottish Government to improve outcomes for all pupils?
Context
The Scottish Government are rolling out universal free school meals for primary school children, aiming to promote cognitive development and improve test scores and concentration. This initiative addresses educational inequality.
Damian Hinds
We await the Scottish Government's full programme, but I will say that, in recognition of the benefits of free school meals and targeting them where they can have most effect, one in every three pupils in England are now eligible for free school meals, compared with one in six when Labour was in Government.
Session: Cost of Living Support Devolved Administrations
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Whether she has had recent discussions with her counterparts in the devolved Administrations on the potential merits of providing additional financial support for school pupils in the context of increases in the cost of living.
Context
The cost of living has increased, prompting discussions on additional financial support for school pupils. The UK Education Ministers Council last met in June the previous year.
Damian Hinds
I agree that, given all that the UK has in common, it is vital that we talk about policy issues frequently, including on devolved matters. The UK Education Ministers Council last met in June last year, when it was hosted by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in Liverpool. I understand it is for the Scottish Government to issue the invitation for the next one—we await their missive with anticipation.
Session: Cost of Living Support Devolved Administrations
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Why have the UK Government left households out in the cold this winter, given increased energy costs and colder temperatures?
Context
The UK is experiencing a record drop in living standards.
Steven Baker
Further cost of living support through the winter period was announced, including £900 payments to eligible households across the UK. The Minister emphasizes the need for prosperity in Northern Ireland and points out that disposable incomes there are particularly squeezed.
Session: Cost of Living
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As the Secretary of State will be aware, charities are facing an extremely challenging fundraising environment and, at the same time, are trying to respond to increased demands due to the cost of living crisis. Will she explain why the Government continue to impose sales restrictions on charity lottery fundraising, the removal of which would not cost the Treasury a single penny, but would ensure much-needed additional funds for charitable causes? That would hugely benefit communities in my constituency and across the whole UK.
Context
Charities are facing a challenging fundraising environment and increased demands due to the cost of living crisis.
Stuart Andrew
As probably one of the few Members of this House who have actually set up a charities lottery, I understand the importance of them. It is right to say that we did a significant review of them not so long ago. I know the hon. Member is probably referring to one particular lottery, and I have written to that lottery with suggestions, having consulted with the Gambling Commission, of ways it may be able to expand within the current remit. But, as a Department, we are extremely busy at the moment dealing with the gambling White Paper—that has to take priority. Once we have done that, we will consider what further work may need to be done on society lotteries.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Electoral Commission share my party's concern that this government is opening up UK democracy to even greater influence by hostile nations? The Russian state attempted to interfere with the 2019 general election and current regulations make it easier for overseas donors, including Russians, to donate to UK political parties.
Context
The parliamentary National Security Strategy Committee revealed that the Russian state attempted to interfere with the 2019 general election. This Government have made it easier for overseas donors, including those living in Russia, to donate to UK political parties.
Cat Smith
It would be a matter for security services rather than the Electoral Commission to assess whether unlawful foreign money was used in 2019 elections. Political parties must report and return unlawful donations, and the commission conducts permissibility checks on donations and can sanction parties that accept impermissible foreign donations.
Session: Election Finance from Overseas Transparency
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Whether the committee has had recent discussions with the Electoral Commission on the adequacy of the transparency of election finance from overseas. The commission publishes information about donations to ensure transparency but also highlights vulnerabilities in the political finance system regarding unlawful foreign influence.
Context
The Electoral Commission has highlighted that the UK political finance system is vulnerable to unlawful influence from foreign donations, both from abroad and within the UK.
Cat Smith
The committee has not had any recent discussions with the commission on the matters raised. The commission publishes information about donations to ensure transparency, and it highlights that the political finance system is vulnerable to unlawful influence from foreign donations both overseas and in the UK.
Session: Election Finance from Overseas Transparency
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The long-running industrial dispute at Defence Equipment and Support in Beith started last July and looks set to continue as workers fight for equality. Given the importance of this facility, will the Secretary of State personally intervene to break the stalemate?
Context
An industrial dispute has been ongoing for over a year, with workers fighting for free and equal treatment. This is important work that ensures vital equipment dispatched to Ukraine.
James Cartlidge
I know how important this issue is. Differing rates are paid for workers with different skills and qualifications, which is normal practice. A generous pay offer remains on the table, significantly improving base pay beyond recent awards. DE&S officials continue to be open to constructive talks.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last week, the former Health Secretary admitted at the covid inquiry that sick pay across the UK is “far too low”. It is far lower than the European average and encourages people to go to work when they should be getting better. Does the Secretary of State agree with her predecessor? What discussions will she have with her Cabinet colleagues to improve the inadequate sick pay system?
Context
The former Health Secretary admitted sick pay is too low during the COVID inquiry. The current system encourages unhealthy individuals to work, risking public health.
Victoria Atkins
I will not comment on evidence from the covid inquiry, given that it is an independent inquiry. However, on the general principle of encouraging people back into work, we have the plans set out by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and the Chancellor at the autumn statement. We want to encourage people back into work and to support them when they fall ill and need help from the state.
Session: Topical Questions
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When veterans and their families are compensated for the detrimental impact their service has had on their lives, that is unjustly classed as income when applying for means-tested benefits, rendering veterans and their families ineligible for welfare support under UK Government control. Will the Minister pledge his support for the Royal British Legion's Credit their Service campaign?
Context
The question concerns the issue of veterans losing out on nearly £6,000 annually due to their compensations being classed as income when applying for means-tested benefits.
Andrew Murrison
Of course the MOD works with the DWP on a range of issues. Compensation is set in the full knowledge of how it will be dealt with under the benefits system in the UK. By most measures, the armed forces compensation scheme and the war pension scheme are felt to be sound and appropriate for awarding significant amounts of money to those who have served our country.
Session: Support for Veterans
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What is the Secretary of State's new prediction for rail passenger numbers making the journey between Scotland and London after abandoning the HS2 project?
Context
Previous HS2 plans claimed significant increases in rail passenger numbers and reduced air travel emissions, but the government has made a different choice.
Huw Merriman
I will write to the hon. Lady with the details she requires, but I restate our choice to proceed with transport projects across the country that deliver better benefits and have a stronger business case.
Session: Topical Questions
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In less than a decade, the proportion of female pensioners in the UK living in poverty has risen by 6%, which means that one in every five female pensioners are below the breadline, despite the fact that the number of female pensioners has fallen due to the rise in state pension age, which disadvantaged tens of thousands of older women. Does the Minister for Equalities share my concern that in the UK today 20% of female pensioners are living in poverty, and what action will she take to address that?
Context
The number of female pensioners living below the poverty line has increased, despite a decrease in the number due to rising state pension age.
Mims Davies
In 2021-22, there were 200,000 fewer female pensioners in absolute poverty than in 2009-10, after housing costs. The Barnett consequentials of the household support fund in Scotland are available for distribution by her Government.
Session: Topical Questions
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What recent assessment has she made of the adequacy of the Crown Prosecution Service's written responses to complaints?
Context
The CPS Inspectorate recently conducted an investigation into the response to complaints from victims of crime.
Michael Tomlinson
Although progress has been made, the CPS acknowledges that there is more to do to ensure that every complaint gets a high-quality response in a timely manner. I will be discussing this very issue with the Director of Public Prosecutions at our next meeting.
Session: Russia International Accountability
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Polling of 2,000 people by Public Health Wales found that about eight in 10 Welsh citizens are either worried or very worried about the rising cost of living, with almost half saying that it will have a negative impact on their mental health. Similar concerns have been expressed in Scotland. What consideration have the Secretary of State and his Cabinet colleagues given to the SNP's call for a £400 energy rebate as winter approaches?
Context
Polling indicated widespread worry about rising costs affecting mental health in Scotland and Wales.
David Davies
As I said, in addition to the Government's priority on supporting the least well-off and the fact that the Government paid around half of people's energy bills during the last winter, we will continue to prioritise those who are having difficulties. If the hon. Lady is really worried about a cost of living crisis and the impact on energy, she will do well to revisit her party's policy of getting rid of the oil and gas industry in the UK, including in Scotland—something that would cost 200,000 jobs and have a terrible impact on energy prices for homeowners across the United Kingdom.
Session: Cost of Living
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What assessment has been made of the impact of increases in the cost of living on people in Wales?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of rising costs, particularly on Welsh citizens.
David Davies
I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues, including the cost of living. The Government have made certain that the state pension, benefits and the minimum wage have all risen in line with inflation. Last winter, the Government's energy support schemes saw them paying about half the average fuel bills for homeowners across the United Kingdom.
Session: Cost of Living
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Trust in politics has never been lower, and this has been worsened by the grubby reality that the former right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip handed out peerages to his pals and covid partygoers. The other former Prime Minister was the shortest-serving Prime Minister in history but still managed to crash the economy, and she will also enjoy the privilege of ennobling pals and cronies. Do the Cabinet Office, the Prime Minister and the Cabinet feel this is inappropriate in any way? Does the Minister think such a spectacle will help to restore trust in politics?
Context
The question addresses the current low level of public trust in politics, exacerbated by controversies surrounding previous Prime Ministers' peerage appointments. It questions whether these practices are appropriate and if they contribute to restoring trust.
Alex Burghart
We discussed this at length on 22 June, when it was said that if the hon. Lady were to look at the resignation honours list of the former right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, she will see many people who conducted a great deal of public service and deserved to have that service recognised. We have not yet seen the list of the right hon. Member for South West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss), but it is worth remembering that people who are honoured in our system have often contributed greatly to our country.
Session: Resignation Honours Lists
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Whether he has held recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the publication of the resignation honours lists of the right hon. Member for South West Norfolk and the former right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip on public trust in (a) politicians and (b) political institutions.
Context
The question arises from the publication of resignation honours lists for former Prime Ministers, which has raised concerns about their impact on public trust in politicians and political institutions.
Alex Burghart
It is a long-standing convention, under successive Governments, that outgoing Prime Ministers can draw up a resignation honours list. Any names proposed are subject to the usual propriety checks.
Session: Resignation Honours Lists
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To combat this, when will the UK Government match the offer made by the Scottish Government, which will see most Scottish teachers' pay rise by 14.6% by January 2024, delivering a starting salary of £39,000?
Context
Headteachers in England are struggling to recruit teachers due to feelings of being undervalued and underpaid. The Scottish Government has offered a significant pay increase.
Nick Gibb
In England, standards are rising. We have a record number of teachers in our profession: 468,000 teachers, which is some 27,000 more than in 2010.
Session: Topical Questions
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We cannot talk about attainment at any level without also taking into account child poverty. The link between undernourishment and lower reading standards and therefore attainment across the board is irrefutable. When children are hungry, they cannot focus on learning. The Scottish Government are currently rolling out free school meals for all primary school children. When will the Minister take decisive steps to combat child poverty and emulate the actions of the Scottish Government?
Context
The Scottish Government are rolling out free school meals for all primary school children, while undernourishment is linked to lower reading standards.
Nick Gibb
Under this Government, the number of children receiving free school meals has increased hugely. About a third of children are now eligible for either benefits-related free school meals or universal infant free school meals. However, the hon. Lady should be careful when talking about reading and education standards as they have risen significantly in England.
Session: Reading Standards Primary-age Children
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Why does the UK Government refuse to admit what others have known for over 30 years—that rail privatisation is a disaster? Despite nationalising more lines, they still hold onto an ideological view that privatisation has not failed. Why?
Context
Despite nationalising twice as many lines, the UK Government maintains that privatisation has not failed. This contradicts widespread recognition of privatisation's negative impact on passengers and taxpayers.
Mark Harper
Facts do not support the contention that privatisation has failed. Pre-pandemic passenger numbers doubled, services increased by a third, investment doubled, including £1 billion private sector funding, with one of Europe's best safety records. Challenges due to the pandemic necessitate reform towards public-private partnership without ideological bias.
Session: Rail Privatisation
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What recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of rail privatisation? The UK Government have nationalised twice as many rail lines as the Scottish Government but still maintain that privatisation has not failed rail services, despite widespread recognition of its negative impact on passengers and taxpayers. Why continue clinging to this ideological stance?
Context
Railway services have seen significant changes over the past quarter-century, including nationalisation of twice as many lines by the UK Government compared to Scotland. There is a debate on whether privatisation has improved or hindered railway services.
Mark Harper
The private sector has played an integral role, doubling passenger journeys and expanding services since privatisation. However, the current industry structure needs simplification and reform. The UK Government aims for a revitalised public-private partnership to deliver customer-focused railway services with an enhanced private sector role alongside Great British Railways.
Session: Rail Privatisation
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Will the Minister commit to extending the examination of food supply chains to poultry meat and engage with retailers?
Context
Chicken producers are facing significant challenges in terms of profitability, leading to a reduction in bird production.
Mark Spencer
I was on a poultry farm yesterday talking to poultry producers. The SNP cannot have it both ways; it cannot ask one question about suppressing prices for consumers and another about increasing the prices for farmers—those things are diametrically opposed. What we are doing as a Department is supporting those farmers through the £2.4 billion-worth of subsidy, helping them to invest in new technology and talking to retailers and producers to make sure we get fairness in the supply chain, so everybody gets a fair return for their hard work.
Session: Food Production Costs
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In addition to what the Attorney General has already said, what further practical steps will she take to support the centre, and assist and support international efforts to gather evidence of war crimes committed in Ukraine? The International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression was launched in The Hague this week with the backing of the EU, the US and the International Criminal Court, collecting data, interviewing victims and building evidence files to assist both international and national prosecutors to bring criminals to justice for the invasion of Ukraine.
Context
The MP is concerned about practical steps to support the International Centre for the Prosecution of Crime of Aggression and gather evidence of war crimes committed in Ukraine.
Victoria Prentis
I thank the hon. Lady for her question. I would be delighted to pick this up with her outside the Chamber if she would like more detail on the work we are doing. I work very closely with the Ukrainian prosecutor general, Andriy Kostin. His team are currently investigating and prosecuting 92,000 open war crimes cases during a conflict—something that is unprecedented. We are providing help at every level, including prosecutorial and evidence-gathering help. We are a keen part of the atrocity crimes advisory group. We have been training judges. We are keen to help with the wider accountability question on the international stage as well. At all levels, we are absolutely determined to help our friends in Ukraine.
Session: War Crimes Trials Ukraine
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Whether she has taken recent steps to support Ukraine's judiciary in its conduct of war crimes trials. We have sent our most experienced international judge, Sir Howard Morrison, to train more than 100 Ukrainian judges. I met some of them earlier this year in Kyiv with him. Next week, we have a delegation of Ukrainian officials in the UK for prosecutorial training.
Context
The MP is concerned about the need for support to ensure fair and effective trials for war crimes committed against Ukraine.
Victoria Prentis
We have sent our most experienced international judge, Sir Howard Morrison, to train more than 100 Ukrainian judges. I met some of them earlier this year in Kyiv with him. Next week, we have a delegation of Ukrainian officials in the UK for prosecutorial training.
Session: War Crimes Trials Ukraine
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Polling on Welsh independence has found that young people, aged 16 to 34, are far more likely than any other group to vote by a majority for independence for Wales to secure the change they feel their nation needs. That mirrors the views of young people in Scotland, who believe Scotland can and will prosper outside this broken Union. Why does the Secretary of State think that so many young people have so little faith in the Union?
Context
Polling indicates that young people in Wales are increasingly supportive of independence.
David Davies
Contrary to what the hon. Lady posits, young people want and welcome the right to be able to live, study and work in all parts of the United Kingdom, which is why the Conservative and Unionist party has consistently polled far higher in every kind of election than parties that seek independence for Wales.
Session: Strength of the Union
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Whether he has made a recent assessment of the strength of the Union. Recent years have highlighted the strength of our United Kingdom. The successful covid vaccine roll-out was just one example of the strength of our Union; the ability to spend £94 billion during the cost of living challenges caused by the covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine was another.
Context
The question arises from concerns about growing support for Welsh independence, particularly among young people.
David Davies
Recent years have highlighted the strength of our United Kingdom. The successful covid vaccine roll-out was just one example of the strength of our Union; the ability to spend £94 billion during the cost of living challenges caused by the covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine was another.
Session: Strength of the Union
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Hospice Sector: Fiscal Support and Cost of Living
02 March 2023
Responding: Neil O'Brien
Main Concerns
['The hospices across the UK are facing significant challenges, including fivefold increases in energy costs. Hospices cannot pass on these increased costs to customers as private businesses can and rely heavily on public donations for funding. The current level of financial support is inadequate, threatening their very existence during the cost of living crisis. Hospices receive only about 30% of their funding from statutory sources, with two-thirds of adult hospice income raised through fundraising, which is becoming increasingly fragile due to rising costs and reduced charitable contributions.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should ensure that the Chancellor delivers support for hospices in the spring statement on April 1st to cover energy costs and other expenses. A more sustainable funding model must be developed to secure the future of hospice services, which provide essential care and reduce pressure on the NHS.']
[Sir Graham Brady in the Chair]
12 January 2023
Responding: Kevin Hollinrake
Main Concerns
['Patricia Gibson is concerned about the labour and skills shortages affecting every sector of the UK economy, leading to productivity issues and reduced public services. She cites specific shortages in healthcare, agriculture, construction, and cybersecurity, with estimates suggesting a shortage of up to 12,000 doctors and over 50,000 nurses in the NHS alone. The shortages are also causing an economic loss of £39 billion annually from 2024 according to some studies.']
Specific Asks
['Gibson urges the government to allow businesses to recruit more easily from abroad for all skill levels and requests details on a review of workforce participation issues that was promised by the Chancellor. She also suggests establishing a Scottish visa scheme and allowing asylum seekers to work to address the shortages.']
Cost of Living
25 January 2022
Responding: David Rutley
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the rising cost of energy, food, fuel, clothes, and consumer borrowing. The energy price cap is predicted to reach £2,000 a year or £165 a month in April, representing a 45% increase, which will push 6 million households into fuel poverty. Wages are not keeping pace with the cost of living, leading to regressive tax hikes and inflation, pushing more people into poverty. The cut to universal credit is imposing the biggest overnight cut to welfare in 70 years, taking £460 million out of Scotland's economy. Alison McGovern is concerned about the ongoing cost of living crisis that has been exacerbated by a decade of slow economic growth and rising prices. She highlights the issue of food banks, with 2.5 million citizens, including half a million children, relying on them due to financial struggles. The MP criticises the lack of progress in tackling poverty and the repeal of the Child Poverty Act 2010 by the Conservative Government."]
Specific Asks
["The Government must introduce an emergency financial package to support vulnerable families, rule out a rise in the energy price cap, and reintroduce the £20 per week uplift in universal credit. The Chancellor could also cut VAT on energy bills, provide emergency loans to struggling energy companies, increase statutory sick pay, and replicate Scotland's child payment across the UK. McGovern asks what the Minister has done to improve reporting by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) regarding inflation faced by those with the least. She also questions why a £9 billion job retention grant was cancelled and expresses disappointment in the failure of the kickstart programme to provide jobs for young people."]
The Economy
22 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
16 May 2024
General Debate
Led by this MP
The debate urges the UK Government to deliver prompt compensation to women born in the 1950s who had their state pension age raised. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report highlights th...
Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill - Instruction to the Committee on the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill that it has power to make provision in the Bill for it to extend to Northern Ireland.
29 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Inquiry
23 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Women’s State Pension Age
25 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
27 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Horizon Scandal
10 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Inquiry: Government Response
18 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Veterans Welfare Services
21 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Baby Loss Awareness Week
19 October 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms Morgan moved a debate on Baby Loss Awareness Week, emphasising the importance of preventing avoidable baby deaths. She highlighted that in 2021, there were 13 babies per day who were stillborn or d...
VAT on Sunscreen
21 July 2021
The petition requests that sunscreen be reclassified as an essential healthcare item and exempted from VAT, citing the high cost of sunscreen which may deter people from using it regularly, thereby in...
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Voter ID
20 July 2021
The petition addresses concerns over proposed voter ID requirements, arguing that such legislation is unnecessary due to the rarity of voter fraud and could disproportionately affect lower-income, eth...
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Gambling regulation
14 April 2021
The petition addresses significant concerns about the collapse of Football Index, a betting firm that operated as a "football stock market", leaving customers with over £90 million trapped in the comp...
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Extension of statutory paid bereavement leave
02 February 2021
The petition calls for the extension of statutory paid bereavement leave to all employees upon the loss of a close family member or partner, highlighting the financial and health impacts on individual...
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7
PMQs Asked
156
Ministerial Questions Asked
152
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
4
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+90% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+1042% above average
This MP:
156
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3040% above average
This MP:
152
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+64% above average
This MP:
4
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 Patricia Gibson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.