Pauline Latham
MP for Mid Derbyshire
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Belper Mills in my Mid Derbyshire constituency are in a state of disrepair. The community is hugely worried about their future. It matters not just for my constituents but for the whole country, because the mills are part of a UNESCO world heritage site. If appropriate redevelopment is not agreed soon, the site risks losing its world heritage status. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the Government will pay close attention to this case to ensure that we do not lose our world heritage status? Will he come with me to visit the mills and discuss potential solutions with local people?
Context
The community in Belper Mills, a UNESCO world heritage site in Mid Derbyshire, is worried about the mill's disrepair and potential loss of its world heritage status.
Dominic Raab
I thank my hon. Friend for her campaigning on this. Yes, we will of course continue to monitor the condition of Belper Mills and the planning applications. The best I can say is that we strongly encourage all the local bodies—whether it is the council or the applicant—to continue to work together because, above all, her constituents will want to continue to celebrate the proud and rich tradition represented by Belper.
Assessment
Did not confirm specific government action or commitment beyond encouraging local bodies to cooperate
Session: PMQs
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I asked my right hon Friend about increased research funding for aortic dissection as called for by the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust. Will he update me on progress? Also recognise the value of patient awareness videos featuring Bob Harris, survivors and relatives?
Context
The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust has called for increased research funding and support. The MP raised this issue in March.
Boris Johnson
The National Institute for Health Research is looking at what more we can do to support research on aortic dissection. My hon Friend will be meeting the Health Secretary shortly.
Assessment
Did not provide specific updates or recognition for patient awareness videos.
Session: PMQs
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My son Ben died of an aortic dissection at age 44, leaving a wife and two young children. It is a condition that kills 2,000 every year needlessly—more than those who die on the roads—yet most people do not know anything about it until it devastates their family, as it did mine. So many of these cases are preventable by identifying those at risk and through early and accurate diagnosis. Will the Prime Minister commend the work of the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust in working with all aspects of the patient pathway for this condition? In particular, will he commit to public funding for research into the diagnosis of aortic dissection and into genetic screening for it?
Context
The MP's son died from an aortic dissection, highlighting the lack of public knowledge about this condition which claims 2,000 lives annually.
Boris Johnson
May I first say to my hon. Friend how very sorry I am, as I am sure the whole House is, for the loss of her son Ben? She is a passionate advocate for this work, and I also thank the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust. She is completely right that accurate and fast diagnosis and treatment is crucial, which is why I am pleased that the National Institute for Health Research is looking to do further work in this area, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care will meet her at his earliest convenience.
Assessment
Did not commit to public funding for research into diagnosis or genetic screening specifically
Session: PMQs
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The importance of levelling up to constituencies like mine is critical as we look to build back better from covid. With that in mind, can the Prime Minister commit to delivering the eastern leg of HS2 in full, creating 150,000 jobs and billions of pounds of investment in the midlands and the north, as well as unlocking the capacity for local transport schemes in Derbyshire, in which cycling and walking must play a crucial part?
Context
The eastern leg of HS2 is crucial for job creation in the Midlands and North, with potential to unlock capacity for local transport schemes.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and she is right to be militating for the eastern leg of HS2. We will be publishing the integrated rail plan early this year, and I am delighted that the £161 million from the transforming cities fund for Nottingham and Derby includes £10 million for a new cycle route between Nottingham, Derby and East Midlands airport.
Session: PMQs
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I am concerned about businesses in my constituency that have difficulties expanding because they do not have the required skills. Could you explain what measures the government is taking to address this skills shortage?
Context
Businesses in the constituency are struggling to expand due to a lack of necessary skills, affecting local economic growth.
Kevin Hollinrake
We are investing £3.8 billion in skills training for people working in businesses, which includes improving skills for entrepreneurs through our Help to Grow management programme—a 12-week mini-MBA that is 90% funded by the Government. We also have 'Help to Grow: Management Essentials', offering two hours of free online training.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituents are concerned that outdated laws are allowing child sexual predators and offenders to enter or leave our country while in possession of illegal material on their digital devices because Border Force does not have the power to access them. Will my right hon. Friend work with his colleagues in the Ministry of Justice to consider the merits of a new offence of wilful obstruction, under which an individual could be prosecuted if they fail to unlock their devices to allow them to be properly searched?
Context
Outdated laws allow child sexual predators to enter or leave the country with illegal material on their devices. Border Force lacks the power to access these devices.
Laura Farris
I thank my hon. Friend for her work in this area. The issues that she raises are of direct importance to intelligence gathering and child protection. My officials have been working closely with Border Force to ensure that its powers keep pace with the digital age. When the next legislative opportunity arises, if not before, we will carefully consider giving Border Force powers to compel individuals to submit to searches of their devices, if they are suspected of holding child sexual abuse material.
Session: Topical Questions
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We face a complex range of security threats and challenges in our rapidly changing world. Cyber-attacks are increasingly common and nations across the world are preparing to become combat ready for space warfare. What assessment has the Minister's Department made of supporting defence jobs to assist the UK's efforts against cyber and space warfare?
Context
We face a complex range of security threats and challenges in our rapidly changing world. Cyber-attacks are increasingly common and nations across the world are preparing to become combat ready for space warfare.
James Cartlidge
I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who asks a second excellent question, given the growing importance of the cyber and space domains. On cyber, I can confirm that the 2022 national cyber strategy highlights the Government's commitment to growing the UK cyber-ecosystem and that new cyber-career structures are being developed across Defence, with new ways of training, upskilling and rewarding our people. On space, we have created a space academy for Government, industry and academia and are supporting cross-Government work to develop a space workforce action plan for 2024.
Session: Topical Questions
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Has the Minister considered how the Government can work with Rolls-Royce to further the UK's nuclear skills capacity?
Context
The MP mentions a visit by the Secretary of State and Australian Prime Minister to Rolls-Royce Raynesway in her constituency, highlighting its role in training apprentices.
James Cartlidge
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her excellent question and I would be delighted to visit Raynesway. Last August, I was pleased to announce the launch of the nuclear skills taskforce, jointly with the Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, my hon. Friend the Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine (Andrew Bowie). The taskforce will drive activity through a coherent action plan, bringing together Government, academia and employers, crucially from across both civil and defence nuclear sectors, including from Rolls-Royce.
Session: AUKUS
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What recent progress his Department has made on the AUKUS partnership?
Context
The MP inquires about recent progress made by the Department on the AUKUS partnership.
James Cartlidge
I am pleased to confirm that we have made significant progress in developing the AUKUS partnership. The AUKUS defence ministerial meeting last month announced a range of tri-national activities taking forward advanced capabilities, including our deep space advanced radar capability, DARC. Australian personnel are training in the UK and the US, and £4 billion-worth of contracts have been awarded to UK companies building SSN-AUKUS. Finally, Congress passed legislation to enable AUKUS to facilitate frictionless trade between partners, including the reform of the international traffic in arms regulations.
Session: AUKUS
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Estimates suggest that 70% of the hairdressing industry is currently using a self-employed model to avoid paying pay-as-you-earn tax, national insurance, and VAT. According to HMRC guidelines, these salons might be engaging in disguised employment practices. Since 90% of hairdressers are trained through apprenticeships which require proper payment, how can we ensure that future hairdressers receive appropriate training?
Context
The hairdressing industry is estimated to have 70% of its workforce operating under a self-employed model, often as a way to avoid PAYE, national insurance, and VAT. This model may amount to disguised employment according to HMRC guidelines.
Victoria Atkins
We recognise the role of hairdressing salons in apprenticeship training. Funding for employer-led apprenticeships will grow to £2.7 billion by 2024-25, aiding costs associated with training and assessment. Strict employment rules must be followed.
Session: Hair and Beauty Sector Disguised Employment Practices
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of disguised employment practices in the hair and beauty sector on tax revenues? The rented chair model allows businesses to avoid PAYE, national insurance, and VAT. This affects apprenticeships as 90% of hairdressers learn through apprenticeships which require proper payment.
Context
Concerns about employment practices in the hairdressing industry where many operate under a self-employed model to avoid PAYE, national insurance, and VAT. 70% of the hairdressing industry is estimated to be operating under this model which could amount to disguised employment according to HMRC guidelines.
Victoria Atkins
The Government recognise the role of hairdressing salons in training apprenticeships. Funding for employer-led apprenticeships will grow to £2.7 billion in 024-25, helping pay for the cost of training and assessment. Strict criteria exist for employment status.
Session: Hair and Beauty Sector Disguised Employment Practices
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I invite him to come to the Derwent valley mills world heritage site. We need funding for tourism recovery in Belper. How can he help with some funding?
Context
The Derwent valley mills world heritage site and other historic sites in Derbyshire face disrepair issues.
Stuart Andrew
Happily accept invitation to visit Derbyshire, highlighting the opportunities for tourism from around the globe, including London and other counties such as Yorkshire.
Session: Tourism Sector and Visitor Economy
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Derby's bid to be the headquarters of Great British Railways has huge support: more than 20 right hon. and hon. Members, 40 local authorities, and the businesses forming the largest rail cluster in the country, and maybe even in Europe. Will the Minister confirm when the announcement will be made to confirm which of the six shortlisted locations has won the bidding process?
Context
Derby has significant support from local authorities, businesses and Members of Parliament to be the headquarters of Great British Railways.
Huw Merriman
We have had six excellent shortlisted bids, one of which of course is Derby. The Government remain committed to reform of the railways. We will be looking at all the options, and that includes looking at bringing forward legislation to make this happen and revealing the winning bid at that time.
Session: Topical Questions
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My Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 comes into effect next month. Will the Minister confirm that cross-departmental work with relevant Departments has been taking place to ensure proper training for teachers, social workers, police officers, Border Force staff, and others?
Context
The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act will come into force in February. Cross-departmental work is required to ensure that relevant departments are prepared.
Mike Freer
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend's dedicated efforts. The law will take effect in February, and I can confirm that cross-departmental work has been underway to ensure all relevant departments are prepared.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is the Minister taking to improve health outcomes and early diagnosis for people with aortic dissections?
Context
MP asked about steps being taken to improve health outcomes and early diagnosis for people with aortic dissections.
Helen Whately (Department of Health)
I know that my hon. Friend has a real understanding of this particular challenge. In March 2022, NHS England launched an aortic dissection toolkit to support the implementation of robust clinical pathways to identify and manage type A and type B aortic dissection.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does she agree that having the headquarters of Great British Railways in Derby would support the Government's ambition to level up the country?
Context
The east midlands has the lowest concentration of civil servants in the UK, with Derby being particularly underrepresented. Pauline Latham is campaigning to bring Great British Railways headquarters to Derby.
Heather Wheeler
The national headquarters of Great British Railways will be outside London, demonstrating our commitment to levelling up. A shortlist of six exceptional applications, including Derby, will compete to be chosen. A public vote will run until 15 August for people across Great Britain to make their voice heard.
Session: Public Sector Workforce Derby
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Whether he is taking steps to move parts of the public sector workforce to Derby. The east midlands has the lowest concentration of civil servants of any UK region, and Derby is right at the bottom. I have been campaigning to bring the headquarters of Great British Railways to Derby, which would help to solve this problem and would connect this country's private and public sector rail industries. Does she agree that having the headquarters of Great British Railways in Derby would support the Government's ambition to level up the country?
Context
The east midlands has the lowest concentration of civil servants in the UK, with Derby being particularly underrepresented. Pauline Latham is campaigning to bring Great British Railways headquarters to Derby.
Heather Wheeler
The national headquarters of Great British Railways will be outside London, demonstrating our commitment to levelling up. A shortlist of six exceptional applications, including Derby, will compete to be chosen. A public vote will run until 15 August for people across Great Britain to make their voice heard.
Session: Public Sector Workforce Derby
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. Last month, I took the Minister to see Belper Town football club, which is a true grassroots football club. However, Derby County is in danger, and this could have a huge knock-on effect on grassroots football in the region. Please will he confirm when the full recommendations from the fan-led review of football governance, which could have helped Derby County avoid administration and all the pains of the past six months, will be brought into force?
Context
The question addresses the potential negative impacts of a football club entering administration and seeks confirmation on when full recommendations from a fan-led review will be implemented to prevent such situations.
Nigel Huddleston
It was a pleasure to visit Belper Town football club. My hon. Friend is making valid points, and she knows that I have met the English Football League and the administrators about the situation at Derby County. We will be bringing more information forward about the response to the fan-led review very shortly.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for his answer. The Government have committed to considering extending the time limits for Equality Act claims in employment tribunals. Currently, a three-month time limit means that pregnant women have to bring a case in the first months after birth, and sexual harassment victims have to do so while they are still incredibly traumatised. That is unconscionably restrictive, and because it forces people down the litigation route before mediation is finished, it is probably also very inefficient. Will the Department deliver an extension so that those who are subject to workplace harassment and discrimination can access justice?
Context
The MP questions the restrictive three-month time limit for Equality Act claims, citing pregnancy and sexual harassment cases as examples.
Tom Pursglove
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this issue. The tribunal already has the discretion to provide the extension that she is seeking, where it considers it to be just and equitable to do so. This is a Government Equalities Office lead, and as the Ministry of Justice we are happy to engage with the GEO and to look at this closely.
Session: Equality Act 2010 Time Limits for Claims
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If he will consider the potential merits of extending the time limits for claims under the Equality Act 2010 from three to six months.
Context
The MP is questioning the merits of extending the three-month claim period to six months under the Equality Act.
Tom Pursglove
The Government continue to look closely at extending time limits for these Equality Act cases. However, these decisions must take account of wider impacts across the justice system. The pandemic has put additional pressure on the entire Courts and Tribunals Service, and restoring existing service levels needs to be prioritised before additional loading is added.
Session: Equality Act 2010 Time Limits for Claims
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My private Member's Bill, the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Bill, has its Third Reading on 25 February. We are approaching a crucial time for young people at risk of child marriage. Many child marriages happen when children are taken abroad, generally in the summer holidays and often to someone they have never met. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can raise awareness of this issue in schools so that children know they can speak out if their parents or other relatives intend to take them abroad to be married in the school holidays and so that teachers know how to report children they consider to be at risk?
Context
The MP's private Member's Bill on child marriage is approaching its Third Reading. Many child marriages occur during summer holidays when children are taken abroad to marry someone they have never met.
Will Quince
'Keeping children safe in education' is clear that all school and college staff should offer early help to children at risk of forced marriage or who are missing from education. It also signposts to detailed information developed by the forced marriage unit that outlines how schools and colleges should handle any concerns relating to forced marriage. My hon. Friend has campaigned long and hard on this issue, and of course I would be very happy to meet her.
Session: Forced Marriage and Child Marriage Information in Schools
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What steps he is taking to provide information in schools for at-risk children on forced marriage and child marriage.
Context
The MP seeks information on steps being taken for at-risk children regarding forced marriage and child marriage.
Will Quince
The “Keeping children safe in education” statutory guidance provides a strong safeguarding framework for schools. It sets out the role that all school staff have to play in safeguarding children, including information for staff on what forced marriage actually is, as well as signposting to further help from the Government's forced marriage unit.
Session: Forced Marriage and Child Marriage Information in Schools
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Does he agree that that combination of pedigree and potential would make Derby an excellent location for the new headquarters of Great British Railways?
Context
The MP references Derby's historical significance and recent investment in rail technology, including the development of hydrogen trains.
Chris Heaton-Harris
My hon. Friend knows my affection for Derby, which I represented for 10 years in the European Parliament. She is right that Derby has played an important role in the history of rail in this country. I have heard her sales pitch this time and previous times loud and clear, but I have to say that the location of GBR's headquarters will be considered in due course.
Session: Great British Railways Headquarters
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If he will outline the process for selecting the location of the headquarters of Great British Railways.
Context
The question arises from the early stages of Great British Railways' formation and seeks information on how its headquarters location will be chosen.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The formation of Great British Railways is still in its early stages. The location of its headquarters will be considered in due course.
Session: Great British Railways Headquarters
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What practical steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that children, young people, and staff in educational settings have access to appropriately qualified people to help with mental health issues?
Context
Children, young people, and staff in educational settings need access to appropriately qualified mental health professionals.
Vicky Ford
Support for the mental health and wellbeing of our young people is important, and the Government are making a major investment in such support. We recently announced a further £79 million boost for mental health services for children, which will accelerate the provision of mental health support teams in schools and colleges. That is on top of the £2.3 billion a year that we have committed through the NHS long-term plan. Since September, our Wellbeing for Education Return scheme has linked schools with local mental health experts in 90% of local authorities.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am told that a couple of individuals have left the trade because it is not worth their while. The export of bulbs in growth, which have soil on them, is now prohibited except under specific conditions, sometimes leading to 1,000 boxes needing inspection. What plans does my hon. Friend have to discuss with her EU counterparts the prospect of simplifying the trade in flowering bulbs?
Context
The bulb organisation reported that people have left the trade due to difficulties, including prohibitions on exporting bulbs with soil and extensive inspections.
Victoria Prentis
The plant-health requirements for dormant bulbs differ from those for bulbs in growth, leading to complexities in export processes. My officials and I are willing to discuss directly with my hon. Friend's constituents the specific issues raised. We continue to have discussions with our counterparts in EU about simplifying these export processes.
Session: EU Flowering Bulb Imports
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I am concerned that physical inspections of high-priority plants, including flowering bulbs from the EU, have taken place at their destination since 1 January. However, this has caused delays and difficulties for businesses involved in the trade. What steps is he taking to improve the domestic inspection process?
Context
The question arises due to concerns about biosecurity and trade facilitation issues following changes in import regulations on 1 January.
Victoria Prentis
It is true that the plant-health requirements for dormant bulbs are different from those for bulbs in growth, leading to complexities in the export process. My officials and I are willing to discuss directly with my hon. Friend's constituents the specific issues raised. We continue to have discussions with our counterparts in EU about simplifying export processes.
Session: EU Flowering Bulb Imports
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that, as restrictions are eased and many organisations reopen, it is vital that children's sport is prioritised?
Context
The MP highlights the impact of the past year on young people and advocates for prioritising children's sport as restrictions ease.
Oliver Dowden
Yes, my hon. Friend is absolutely right. We all of course in this House know how important sport is for young people's physical and mental health. That is why all outdoor sports can resume from 29 March, and I would note that that is the first significant easing after schools. In addition, the Education Secretary and I are working closely with sports' national governing bodies and Sport England on an extensive offer of activities in schools over the summer period.
Session: Covid-19 Culture and Entertainment Industries
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What steps are being taken to support the reopening of the culture and entertainment industries as COVID-19 restrictions ease?
Context
The MP is concerned about the reopening of cultural and entertainment sectors post-COVID-19 restrictions.
Oliver Dowden
The Government's road map provides a step-by-step plan to safely reopen culture, entertainment and sport. This includes an events research programme which will consider how restrictions can be lifted at step 4 through piloting major events such as the FA cup final and the world snooker championships. Funding announced at the Budget, including a further £390 million for culture and £300 million for sport, will support these industries as they reopen.
Session: Covid-19 Culture and Entertainment Industries
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My right hon. Friend the Chancellor said the day after the comprehensive spending review that the Government were looking at when they will bring forward legislation on the 0.7% of gross national income target. Can he update us? What is the Government's timescale for bringing forward the legislative proposals to reduce the annual target of spending 0.7% of GNI on aid to 0.5%?
Context
The Chancellor previously said legislation would be brought forward to reduce the annual target of spending 0.7% of GNI on aid.
John Glen
The Foreign Secretary is continuing to look very carefully at the legislative requirements and will set out further detail in due course on how the Government intend to proceed.
Session: Topical Questions
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Because of the nature of the industry, many performers organise their business in such a way that they sometimes fall through the cracks of Government support. What support is the Minister making available to performers who are not in an eligible organisation for the purposes of the culture recovery fund?
Context
Many self-employed performers may fall through the cracks of Government support schemes.
Nigel Huddleston
The Government have supported self-employed persons through a number of pan-economic schemes, including the self-employment income support scheme. Over two thirds of self-employed people are eligible for this scheme, and tens of thousands within the culture sector have claimed during its first, second and third phases.
Session: Culture Recovery Fund
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What plans there are to improve accessibility at Duffield railway station in the immediate future, because work on the A38 is starting very soon?
Context
The MP is concerned about accessibility issues at Duffield railway station due to ongoing improvements on the A38.
Grant Shapps
I am delighted that we are upgrading the A38. She will be pleased to know that there will most likely be further rounds of the Access for All funding, which has done so much to improve access to railway stations throughout the country. I look forward to receiving an application from my hon. Friend.
Session: Delivery of Transport Infrastructure Projects
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I am sure that, like me, my hon. Friend has received a lot of ill-informed and abusive emails and posts on social media about the school lunches. Please will she confirm how many complaints about food parcels the newly established hotline has received?
Context
The Department for Education (DFE) has established a hotline for complaints about school lunch parcels. A number of unacceptable photos have surfaced.
Vicky Ford
DFE helplines have been giving support to schools and others on a wide range of matters. By the end of last week, we had received a total of seven calls in relation to unacceptable lunch parcels. Each has been fully investigated.
Session: Topical Questions
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Derbyshire is great to live and work in. Will the Minister tell us what steps he is taking to increase the proportion of the civil service based outside London and when they will be coming to Derbyshire?
Context
Derbyshire has a diverse economy and strong culture, prompting the question of civil service decentralization.
Michael Gove
We will announce early in the new year steps towards moving more jobs and responsibilities out of Whitehall into locations such as Derbyshire, Lancashire, and Teesside.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the purposes of sentencing include public protection as well as punishment, and that is important for the unduly lenient sentence scheme?
Context
The question is prompted by the ongoing debate on ensuring public safety through appropriate sentencing measures.
Michael Ellis
My hon. Friend is entirely right about public protection. It is one reason why, exceptionally, I will refer a case involving a dangerous offender, for example. In two separate cases this year—one involving a stabbing, and the other involving rape, where both the victims were lone females—the offenders had their original sentences extended following my reference to the Court of Appeal to properly reflect the dangerousness of their offending.
Session: Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme
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What recent sentences has she extended through the unduly lenient sentence scheme?
Context
The question arises from the need to address cases where sentences are deemed insufficiently severe by public standards.
Michael Ellis
The Court of Appeal has this month increased sentences referred by me for a range of offending. Those have included the supply of drugs in one of Her Majesty's prisons, the possession of firearms, and the rape of a victim who was asleep combined with the making of indecent images and recordings.
Session: Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme
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In my constituency, the Derwent Valley Trust is trying to create a traffic-free cycleway along the beautiful Derwent valley, increasing tourism and enabling people to cycle to work safely. Will the Minister join me in commending their efforts and consider visiting the site with me to see the work that has been completed so far and how he can help to fund its continuation?
Context
The MP commends the Derwent Valley Trust for their efforts in creating a traffic-free cycleway along the beautiful Derwent valley.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I commend the efforts of the Derwent Valley Trust and encourage it to work in partnership with Derbyshire County Council through the local cycling and walking infrastructure plan. As my hon. Friend knows well, Derbyshire has received more than £1.6 million in tranche two of the active travel fund, and decisions for the allocation of that are made locally, but I would be more than happy to meet her.
Session: Walking and Cycling
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What support his Department is providing to local authorities to increase levels of cycling and walking?
Context
The MP is concerned about the support provided to local authorities to increase levels of cycling and walking.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The Government are investing £2 billion in active travel over the next five years, which is the biggest ever boost for cycling and walking.
Session: Walking and Cycling
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Young people are particularly at risk of being left behind as a result of this pandemic. Will my hon. Friend assure me that as we get our economy moving again, she will ensure that younger people have the chance to develop the skills that they need for future employment?
Context
Young people are at risk due to the pandemic. The MP wants to know if the Kickstart Scheme will provide young people with skills for future employment.
Mims Davies
The Secretary of State and I are determined that the kickstart scheme will provide for young people a vital springboard to gain vital skills and experience in fully subsidised six-month roles, which will help to build their networks and their future opportunities before they move into long-term employment, apprenticeships, traineeships or further training. I was delighted to be in Derbyshire earlier this year to see exactly how the scheme will work on the ground.
Session: Kickstart Scheme Business Participation
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What recent steps has the Secretary of State taken with Cabinet colleagues to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services for young people during the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
Requesting information on steps taken to improve access to these services.
Kemi Badenoch
Sexual and reproductive health services have remained open during the pandemic. Services are maintaining access through scaling up of online services, local pathways for urgent referral including via young people's outreach should be maintained according to guidance from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that UK armed forces will not be complicit in sexual exploitation and abuse by international peacekeepers in Mali?
Context
Concerns about UK armed forces' involvement in sexual exploitation and abuse by international peacekeepers in Mali.
Johnny Mercer
Everyone deploying to Mali will receive mission-specific training. The country has rigorous standards against such behaviour.
Session: Topical Questions
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How will the Minister encourage young women to pursue further education or training to maximise their earning potential and career prospects, rather than feeling pressurised to start a family while still in their teenage years? A recent report highlighted that many young women are dropping out of school due to pregnancy pressures.
Context
The question addresses the need to support young women in pursuing further education or training, aiming to increase their earning potential and career prospects rather than prematurely starting a family. This follows concerns raised about early pregnancies among teenage girls.
Kemi Badenoch
My hon. Friend is rightly championing the importance of education and has done a lot of work to raise these issues. Where a young woman has been identified as taken out of school, the local authority has a responsibility to locate and contact that young woman and work with her to find a suitable place in post-16 education. The Government also provide targeted support through the 16-to-19 bursary fund to help young people overcome financial barriers to participation.
Session: Women’s and Girls’ Health
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What fiscal steps he is taking to improve the health of women and girls. The NHS has reported increasing inequalities affecting women and girls in areas such as maternal mortality and stillbirth rates.
Context
The question addresses the need for fiscal steps to improve healthcare specifically targeted at women and girls, following a series of reports highlighting gender disparities in health outcomes.
Kemi Badenoch
The Government are providing an extra £33.9 billion to the NHS to deliver its long-term plan, which includes actions to tackle inequalities affecting women and girls. This involves commitments such as 50% reductions in stillbirth, maternal mortality, and neonatal mortality by 2025, increasing access to perinatal mental health services, and expanding human papillomavirus vaccination to protect against cervical cancer.
Session: Women’s and Girls’ Health
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The recent report by the all-party group on sexual and reproductive health in the UK found that women are increasingly having difficulty accessing contraception because of cuts to budgets and complex commissioning arrangements. The past president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Professor Dame Lesley Regan, has pointed out that Viagra was made available to men over the counter and without a prescription within a year of being licensed, but the safe progestogen-only pill has been licensed for more than 60 years and we still do not trust women to get it over the counter at the chemist. What is the Minister going to do about this blatant discrimination against women?
Context
A recent report found that women face difficulties accessing contraception due to budget cuts and complex commissioning arrangements.
Elizabeth Truss
I thank the hon Lady for her question. I will take the issue up with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Homes for Ukraine Scheme: Potential Extension — [Mr Virendra Sharma in the Chair]
06 February 2024
Responding: Tom Pursglove
Main Concerns
['The main concern is the provision of education for Ukrainian students in the UK. Masha, a student sitting her GCSEs and wanting to continue her studies beyond March 2025, faces uncertainty due to visa expiration. There are also concerns about homelessness as sponsorship expires, with 4,890 households at risk by August last year, representing 8% of those helped under the scheme. Additionally, local authorities need certainty regarding ongoing support for Ukrainians who may face homelessness or require additional services.']
Specific Asks
["The Government should guarantee home fee status and access to student finance loans for Ukrainian students applying to universities in the UK until the completion of their courses. They should also extend 'thank you' payments for sponsors to prevent homelessness, provide support for local authorities dealing with homeless Ukrainians, and publish intentions for visa scheme extensions beyond March 2025."]
Digital Devices: Search Powers at the UK Border
05 December 2023
Responding: Laura Farris
Main Concerns
["The UK has 835,000 individuals who represent a sexual risk to children. The proliferation of online child sexual abuse material poses an increasing threat to children. Currently, Border Force lacks the statutory power to search digital devices for such materials due to outdated legislation from 1979 that does not accommodate modern technology like smartphones and tablets. This leaves potential predators undetected at entry points, despite evidence suggesting they may be carrying illegal child abuse material. The hon. Member for Mid Derbyshire is concerned about the gap in law enforcement's ability to search digital devices of individuals entering or leaving the UK, which allows potential perpetrators of child sexual abuse to avoid detection and prosecution. She cites statistics from the Office for National Statistics that estimate 7.5% of children in England and Wales will experience some form of sexual abuse before age 16, equivalent to over 3 million people. Additionally, she highlights the rapid increase in online child sexual abuse imagery involving seven to ten-year-olds, which has more than doubled since 2010."]
Specific Asks
['I am asking the Government to grant Border Force the power to search digital devices for prohibited goods such as child sexual abuse and exploitation materials. Additionally, I propose a new criminal offence of obstruction where individuals refuse to co-operate with reasonable digital searches by Border Force. The hon. Member for Mid Derbyshire requests that the Government review and amend legislation to grant Border Force the power to search digital devices at the border when there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity related to child sexual abuse.']
Ukrainian Holodomor and the War in Ukraine
07 March 2023
Responding: Leo Docherty
Main Concerns
["The hon. Member Pauline Latham expressed deep concerns over the historical genocide of Ukrainians during the Holodomor, which she considers to be a clear case of genocide based on Raphael Lemkin's definition and international law. She highlighted that millions died due to Stalin's policy in 1932-1933, while Ukraine was not facing a natural famine. She also noted parallels with the current Russian aggression against Ukraine, stating that Putin aims to eradicate the concept of Ukraine, resembling genocide."]
Specific Asks
['The hon. Member Pauline Latham asked the Government to reconsider its position on recognising the Holodomor as a genocide without waiting for court recognition, given the evidence and unique circumstances. She also requested that if this is not possible, the Minister arranges a debate and meaningful vote in Parliament to show support.']
Aortic Dissection: Patient Pathways and Research Funding
13 December 2022
Responding: Helen Whately
Main Concerns
['Pauline Latham is concerned about the high mortality rate of aortic dissection, which affects approximately 4,000 people annually in the UK, with half dying soon after diagnosis. She cited her personal experience with losing her son Ben to this condition due to misdiagnosis at an emergency department. The charity she co-founded aims to improve patient pathways and increase survival rates through education, research, and better data collection.']
Specific Asks
['Latham requests the Minister to commit to increasing data collection on aortic dissection, improving diagnosis training for emergency departments, launching toolkits for diagnosis in addition to treatment, funding long-term treatments, implementing specialist nurses for follow-up care, facilitating genetic screening guidelines, and allocating more research funds.']
Derby County Football Club
28 June 2022
Responding: Nigel Huddleston
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the administration of Derby County Football Club since September 2021, with nine months of pain and uncertainty for fans. Multiple deadlines set by administrators Quantuma and the English Football League were missed or delayed. The preferred bidder Chris Kirchner pulled out after 65 days of exclusivity, a period that could have been used to find more credible buyers. Derby now has only seven players contracted for next season, with challenges such as the transfer ban imposed by the EFL and financial strain from selling season tickets.']
Specific Asks
["I ask the Sports Minister to update us on how to hold Quantuma accountable and ensure effective communication with fans during a sale process. I also request that the minister takes a close interest in ensuring that Derby's fans are represented as Clowes Developments Ltd is hopeful to finalise its deal by tomorrow."]
Great British Railways Headquarters: Derby’s Bid
27 April 2022
Responding: Wendy Morton
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the potential benefits of hosting the Great British Railways headquarters in Derby. Derby is at the centre of the UK's rail network, has a rich history in rail innovation and engineering, houses over 11,000 rail sector employees, and is home to many rail engineering companies with an international reputation for excellence and innovation. The city continues to lead in rail decarbonisation efforts and offers extensive opportunities for apprenticeships and skills development."]
Specific Asks
['I urge the Minister to choose Derby as the headquarters location based on its unique strengths and capabilities within the rail industry, which would foster closer collaboration with private sector businesses and contribute significantly to levelling up initiatives in the region.']
Trophy Hunting Imports Ban: Endangered Species
03 November 2021
Responding: Jo Churchill
Main Concerns
['Ms Latham is concerned about the impact of trophy hunting on endangered species, stating that it damages conservation efforts and threatens populations of animals such as African lions. She mentions specific examples like Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe where hunting moratoriums led to increased survival rates for lions, and the Addo elephant national park where 98% of female elephants are tuskless due to trophy hunting practices.']
Specific Asks
['Ms Latham asks the Minister to assure the House that legislation banning trophy hunting imports will be imminent, demonstrating global leadership in conservation. She also requests clarification on why the Animals Abroad Bill has not been brought forward and urges the Government to push for stronger commitments on animal welfare and conservation.']
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
04 November 2020
Responding: James Cleverly
Main Concerns
['Pauline Latham is concerned about the ongoing issue of sexual exploitation and abuse by international peacekeepers and overseas aid workers. She highlights historical cases from Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Namibia, Thailand, and the Democratic Republic of Congo where victims were often unable to obtain redress due to lack of knowledge on reporting mechanisms and legal complexities. She also mentions how perpetrators can resign quietly and continue their abusive behaviour elsewhere, causing a continuous cycle of abuse.']
Specific Asks
['Pauline Latham asks the government to implement measures such as requiring Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for frontline aid workers, establishing an aid worker registration scheme, encouraging regular reporting of safeguarding data, and setting up an ombudsman to simplify legal systems for victims.']
Asylum Policy 2025-11-17
17 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sir David Amess Adjournment Debate
12 September 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Honoured to open the debate in memory of Sir David Amess, Mark Francois highlighted three main topics: animal welfare, local NHS services, and a story about Sir David's campaign for Basildon in the 19...
Child Sexual Abuse Material (Digital Devices)
15 May 2024
General Debate
Led by this MP
The scale of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online is alarming, with up to 835,000 individuals in the UK representing a risk to children. The digital age has made it easier for predators to carry ...
Rail Manufacturing: Job Losses
16 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
25 May 2023
General Debate
Led by this MP
The House should recognise the Holodomor as a genocide against the Ukrainian people. The motion highlights the historical context of Stalin's campaign to destroy Ukrainian identity, including forced a...
Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh
02 May 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr. Yasin moved the debate on support for Rohingya refugees, emphasising the need to address their dire living conditions and lack of basic human rights in Bangladesh's refugee camps. He highlighted t...
Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories
20 April 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
23 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
02 March 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I am grateful to have the opportunity to lead this debate on the loophole that allows registered sex offenders to change their names without notifying the police, leading many to go missing and reoffe...
Ukraine
20 February 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Foreign Secretary emphasised the illegal and unprovoked nature of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, highlighting that President Putin could stop the war at once by withdrawing his forces from Ukrainia...
4
PMQs Asked
47
Ministerial Questions Asked
59
House of Commons Debates Involved
8
Westminster Hall Debates Led
4
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+251% above average
This MP:
47
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+218% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1114% above average
This MP:
59
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-58% below average
This MP:
4
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 Pauline Latham's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.