Paul Girvan
MP for South Antrim
DUP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
I thank the Minister for that answer. The age-related bill on sale of tobacco products will create the first generation of smoke-free people in the United Kingdom. It is vital we have same legislation in Northern Ireland where smoking contributes to at least 1,300 smoking-related cancers per year and some 13.9% continue to smoke irrespective of guidance. Will Government engage with Northern Ireland Executive?
Context
The question follows the announcement of a tobacco and vapes Bill aimed at reducing smoking-related deaths and costs in the UK. In Northern Ireland, smoking contributes to at least 1,300 smoking-related cancers per year.
Andrea Leadsom
The Secretary of State met the Northern Ireland Health Minister yesterday. I assure the hon. Gentleman that all parts of the United Kingdom will be included in this once-in-a-generation public health intervention.
Session: Tobacco and Vaping Legislation
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When she plans to introduce a tobacco and vapes bill given that shocking figures show smoking kills 80,000 people across the UK every year and costs society £17 billion in ill health and loss of productivity. In my constituency, some 13.9% continue to smoke despite guidance.
Context
The question follows the announcement of a tobacco and vapes Bill aimed at reducing smoking-related deaths and costs in the UK, which kills 80,000 people annually and costs £17 billion. In Northern Ireland alone, smoking contributes to at least 1,300 smoking-related cancers per year.
Andrea Leadsom
The hon. Member will know that smoking kills 80,000 people across the UK every year, costing society £17 billion in ill health and loss of productivity. The Government plans to introduce the tobacco and vapes Bill shortly for the whole of the United Kingdom.
Session: Tobacco and Vaping Legislation
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Now that the Chancellor is in a position to take action, how long will it take? Will this be in place before the next election?
Context
The question follows an initial discussion and focuses on the timing of addressing compensation for those affected by contaminated blood, noting previous commitments from the Chancellor when he was Health Secretary.
Laura Trott
The Government are determined to do right by victims and those who lost loved ones. While all Governments have failed previously, interim payments have been made. The final report is expected soon, and the Government will act as quickly as possible afterwards.
Session: Infected Blood Compensation Funding
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When will businesses have the freedom to trade within their own UK without additional paperwork, given that customs declarations are still required?
Context
Businesses were misled into believing that customs declarations would not be required under the green lane.
Steven Baker
What will be shared is ordinary commercial data. The data required to go to Northern Ireland on the green lane will be no more than that required to ship within Great Britain—across, say, to Isle of Wight.
Session: Shipment of Goods Great Britain to Northern Ireland
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In light of the announcement about the Omagh bombing public inquiry, will the same focus be put on getting justice for those people who constructed, planned and planted, as opposed to a witch hunt against those who have potentially had a dereliction of duty?
Context
The announcement about the Omagh bombing public inquiry raises concerns about the approach towards justice for those involved in planning and constructing the bomb.
Chris Heaton-Harris
Everybody in this House knows that it was dissident republican terrorists who planted the Omagh bomb. Justice needs to be found there. However, a court ruling identified four areas where the Government were lacking and led to the establishment of a public inquiry.
Session: Troubles-related Crime
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What progress is being made to remove this injustice from Northern Ireland, as we feel we are being punished for leaving the EU?
Context
The question is about the impact of the Northern Ireland protocol, focusing on its effect on trade between east and west and how it affects local businesses.
Brandon Lewis
Thank you, Mr Speaker. As I said earlier, some of the tension that we have seen over the last few weeks is multi-faceted, with a number of issues involved. On the hon. Gentleman's points about the protocol, that is something that we are working through. We are working intensively with our partners in the EU.
Session: Leaving the EU Peace in Northern Ireland
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Many pet owners travel frequently between GB and NI, facing excessive vet bills and paperwork. What measures are being taken to address this injustice caused by the protocol?
Context
Pet owners face significant costs and bureaucracy due to the EU's veterinary standards and the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Michael Gove
The hon. Member raises an important point. We are working with EU and Irish Governments to ensure travel for citizens with pets in the common travel area.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank all those teachers who are going over and beyond to ensure that their pupils can access education, virtual or otherwise. What measures is the Department taking to ensure that children can continue to go through the statementing process for educational needs while our schools are closed due to covid restrictions, and after they open?
Context
There is a need to ensure that children can continue to go through the statementing process for educational needs while schools are closed due to COVID restrictions and after they open.
Vicky Ford
We have kept our schools open to those with the most severe special needs and disabilities and those with an education, health and care plan. We continue to back up and support local authorities to improve their special educational needs and disabilities provision, to make sure that those young people who need an EHC plan can get one as soon as possible. We are working with councils all across the country.
Session: Topical Questions
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With the positive news that the UK will commence covid-19 vaccinations from 14 December, will the Secretary of State commit that if logistical support from Her Majesty's armed forces is required in Northern Ireland, it will be provided speedily and with the same resources as the rest of our nation?
Context
A request to ensure the rapid and equitable provision of military assistance for vaccine distribution.
Robin Walker
We want to ensure that it is rolled out effectively across the whole United Kingdom, and we shall certainly make representations to ensure that that includes Northern Ireland.
Session: Covid-19 UK-wide Response
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Can the Secretary of State assure me that the farming and agri sector in Northern Ireland can take part in and take the advantages of any trade deals that are made on the same terms and conditions as any other part of the United Kingdom?
Context
Northern Irish farmers seek equal benefits from trade deals as the rest of the UK.
Elizabeth Truss
I can absolutely assure the hon. Gentleman of that. I was delighted that the first cargo of British beef to leave for the United States of America for 24 years left from Northern Ireland.
Session: Topical Questions
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Concerns have been raised about the possible requirement for pet passports after the transition period. People from Northern Ireland want to know that, as part of the United Kingdom, they will have the same right to travel to the UK with their dogs, particularly guide dogs, without additional documentation or pet passports.
Context
Concern about potential requirement for pet passports after the transition period.
George Eustice
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point. We are aware of this, and it is one of the issues that we are seeking to address at a technical level and through the Joint Committee process for resolving how these finer details of the Northern Ireland protocol will work.
Session: Topical Questions
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In relation to Northern Ireland tourism, may I say that it has to compete not only on a world stage but with the market from the Republic of Ireland and its predatory actions? What can be done in relation to using APD as a tool to help our tourism industry?
Context
The MP is concerned about the competitive pressure from the Republic of Ireland due to state aid and lower air passenger duty, affecting Northern Ireland's international trade.
Robin Walker
The Treasury is looking into what can be done on APD front, taking on board views of Northern Ireland businesses. Competitive pressure recognised.
Session: Tourism Industry
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Patrick Finucane Murder
11 September 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
21 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ukraine and Georgia
15 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK Trade Performance
01 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
United Kingdom Internal Market
01 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government view the Union not just as a matter of law or constitution but as an economic, cultural and political union. The Windsor framework enhances this by ensuring the smooth flow of trade wit...
Northern Ireland
01 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Executive Formation
31 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Bill
24 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland moved the Second Reading of the Bill, emphasising its importance in facilitating the return of devolved institutions and upholding the Belfast/Good Friday a...
Justice and Security Bill - Clause 18
06 September 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I propose this amendment to Clause 18 to ensure that individuals who have provided crucial evidence to the state are granted immunity from prosecution. This is essential for protecting whistleblowers ...
Northern Ireland (Opportunities for Peace) Bill - Lords amendment 20, Government amendments (a) and (b)
18 July 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to disagree with Lords amendment 20, proposes government amendments (a) and (b) in lieu of Lords amendment. Highlights the need for balance between justice for victims and protection for veteran...
0
PMQs Asked
12
Ministerial Questions Asked
27
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
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
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-10% below average
This MP:
12
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+454% above average
This MP:
27
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 Paul Girvan's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.