Peter Bone
MP for Wellingborough
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Human trafficking is when people are moved legally from one place to another, often with the promise of a job, and are then forced into prostitution or labour exploitation. It has nothing to do with people who come illegally here on small boats. That is smuggling. A third of all human trafficking in the United Kingdom occurs wholly within its borders. When I was chairman of the all-party group against human trafficking, we campaigned for an independent commissioner. One was appointed in 2014, but since April last year we have not had one. That is unacceptable. Will the Prime Minister use his good offices to get one appointed urgently?
Context
The question is about the urgent need for an independent commissioner to tackle human trafficking in the UK.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my hon. Friend for all his work in this important area and I am happy to look into the particular position that he mentions. I know he is proud, as I am, of our modern slavery legislation, which is world leading, thanks to the former Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May). We are an example in how to tackle this, but I will make sure that we have someone in place to do the job.
Assessment
Did not commit to appointing a commissioner urgently
Happy To Look Into It
Session: PMQs
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If migrants who crossed the channel from France illegally were immediately returned to France, it would stop illegal migration to this country, break the economic model of the people smugglers and, perhaps more importantly, stop thousands of people descending on northern French cities, which would benefit the French. When the Prime Minister spoke to the French President, was a returns policy discussed? If so, what was the President's response?
Context
The questioner believes that immediate returns of illegal migrants to France would stop illegal migration, break the economic model of smugglers, and benefit northern French cities. The Home Secretary has a deal with her French counterpart.
Dominic Raab
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this issue. I cannot tell him the precise read-out from the meeting—I have not seen it yet—but I can tell him that the Home Secretary's deal and agreement with her French opposite number means a 40% increase in officers patrolling beaches in northern France; UK officers embedded with their French counterparts for the first time; investment in port security infrastructure; more technology; and more wider European co-operation.
Assessment
Did not provide information on returns policy or President's response
Under Review
Working With Partners
Session: PMQs
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This Friday, my private Member's Bill, the BBC Licence Fee (Abolition) Bill, gets its Second Reading. It will abolish the BBC licence fee and require the BBC to be funded by subscription. In this day and age it is ridiculous to have a state broadcaster, it is ridiculous that people are forced to pay a fee just because they have a television. Will the Prime Minister, if he is free on Friday, come along and support the Bill?
Context
Peter Bone's private Member's Bill, the BBC Licence Fee (Abolition) Bill, is scheduled for its Second Reading on Friday. The bill aims to abolish the BBC licence fee.
Boris Johnson
I have the highest respect for the media judgment of my hon. Friend. Though I understand some of his strictures about the BBC, I would also say that it is a great national institution. But I will study what he has to say with interest.
Assessment
The specific request for support was not addressed; instead he expressed mixed views on the proposal.
Session: PMQs
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At this time of national emergency, many people are being forced to use their bank overdrafts, yet the banks are charging 20% interest per year, which they are going to increase to 40% in July. At the same time, they are offering savers a pathetic interest rate of 0.1%. Yet these are the same banks that were saved by billions and billions of pounds of taxpayers' money. What on earth is going on? When are the banks going to act in the national interest?
Context
Concern over high bank interest rates for overdrafts and lack of support for savers.
Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Justice)
I thank my hon. Friend for his question; I am pretty sure I got the gist, and he is right to refer to the support that banks need to be providing to customers. Thanks to the work of the Chancellor, the major banks and building societies have provided relief to those impacted by coronavirus, including deferring mortgage and other loan repayments, increasing overdraft limits and increasing credit card limits. By the first week of April, 1.2 million mortgage payment holidays had been granted.
Session: PMQs
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What did you learn from your secret nighttime listening visit to Kettering General Hospital?
Context
The PM visited the hospital secretly at night to listen to staff and patients.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
I learned about the wonderful NHS staff. Kettering General Hospital will receive £3.7 million for redevelopment and £46 million for urgent care hub.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Illegal Migration Bill be amended so that people forced into prostitution or slave labour are still protected by the convention? The questioner demands a clear yes or no answer regarding potential amendments for protecting trafficking victims.
Context
The questioner criticizes the Attorney General's approach to answering questions and seeks a direct response on whether amendments will be made to protect trafficking victims under international conventions.
Victoria Prentis
My hon. Friend is a staunch defender of the procedures and the propriety of our activities in this House. I know that he will agree that it is important that the Law Officers convention is upheld. As I have said, I cannot share my advice with this House; I would very much like to do so, but I am unable to.
Session: Illegal Immigration Bill ECHR Compatibility
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Kettering General Hospital serves my constituency, and work has already started on building a new hospital—one of the Boris hospitals—so I do not know what all the fuss is about. The Government are getting on and doing the job. Is that correct?
Context
The MP inquired about the progress on a new hospital project, noting that enabling works have already started.
Steve Barclay
It is. As my hon. Friend will know from another of my visits, which was with him to Kettering, the enabling works are progressing. That is in no small part a tribute to the work that he and neighbouring MPs have done to strongly make the case for Kettering. I know that he will continue to do so, and I look forward to working with him on that.
Session: New Hospitals
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We started the sitting with a non-party political point, so may I continue in that mode? I absolutely agree that those on the Opposition Benches want to reduce the level of unemployment. Unfortunately, their policies do not follow. Does the Minister agree that every single Labour Government have left unemployment higher than when they came to office?
Context
The MP raised a non-political point about reducing unemployment, challenging the opposition's policies and questioning whether every Labour Government left unemployment higher than when they came to office.
Guy Opperman
Yes.
Session: Unemployment Levels Towns and Cities
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Can the Secretary of State give the House an undertaking that no NHS or social care facility will be decommissioned and used to house asylum seekers in Northamptonshire or the rest of the country?
Context
There is a concern that NHS or social care facilities might be used to house asylum seekers in Northamptonshire.
Steve Barclay
I am not aware of any proposal on those lines. On my hon. Friend's earlier point, as I said, I am happy to meet him to discuss the issue of step-down care and I am sure that there will be an opportunity to discuss any other concerns that he has at the same time.
Session: Topical Questions
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How can the situation where beds remain occupied unnecessarily and funding goes to an empty building for seven years due to a PFI deal be addressed?
Context
Northampton General Hospital has around 150 patients who could be medically discharged but are not. West Northamptonshire Council is closing Spinneyfields, a step-down facility with a private finance initiative contract.
Helen Whately
I will take away the example from my hon. Friend's constituency and look into it; £500 million discharge fund is available to help increase capacity and address workforce challenges, ensuring those who do not need hospital care can receive proper care.
Session: Social Care Workforce
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During this hour of International Trade questions, we have had participation from SNP Members, independent Members, Democratic Unionist party Members and Liberal Democrats, but the official Opposition, for most of the period, have had two Back Benchers here. Does the Secretary of State agree that that must mean that the official Opposition approve of what we are doing so much—
Context
During International Trade questions, participation from various parties was noted but limited from the official Opposition.
Kemi Badenoch
Yes. [Laughter.]
Session: Topical Questions
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Before I came to this place, I ran a manufacturing company and did a lot of exporting, in particular to the United States of America. In relation to the second part of this question, when dealing with a big contract one buys the currency forward. However, is it not a fact that the fall in the value of the pound against the dollar has made Scottish exports much more attractive, because they are cheaper in America, and made imports more expensive? Is that not a good thing?
Context
The MP discusses the impact of the fall in value of pound against dollar on Scottish and British exports.
Andrew Bowie
The Government are committed to stabilising the economy, driving down inflation and increasing British exports around the world. My hon. Friend is a great champion for his constituency and I know he will join us in those efforts moving forward.
Session: Scottish Export Supply Chains
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How will the Government approach getting the EU to reconsider and resolve the Northern Ireland protocol?
Context
The Northern Ireland protocol is seen as a barrier to resolving issues affecting Northern Ireland.
Conor Burns
The Government are straightforward in their stance that goods moving within the UK internal market pose no risk to the EU single market and they continue to negotiate, with Vice-President Šefčovič needing a broader mandate to reach an agreement.
Session: Cost of Living
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Will the Brexit Minister tell us which Departments are co-operating with him wholeheartedly and which are dragging their feet? Does he plan to report, perhaps quarterly, on the progress that each Department has made?
Context
There are concerns about Departmental cooperation and progress in handling post-Brexit legislation.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
My hon. Friend tempts me, but I remind him that the Government speak with one voice. What I will say is that yesterday there was a meeting between Ministers and the Secretary of State for Transport. His Department has, I think, 375 bits of retained EU law, and he is tackling those with great enthusiasm. We need to ensure that people know what the rules are, so that they can point to one and ask, “Is this really necessary?” and I am working with all Departments to do that.
Session: Topical Questions
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In my constituency, Weatherbys developed an e-passport for thoroughbred movements. If linked with government systems, this would provide a significant Brexit opportunity. Will the Government urge DEFRA to be courageous, cut red tape, and expedite its implementation?
Context
The MP continues to ask about concrete economic benefits of leaving the EU, focusing on a specific business case in his constituency involving Weatherbys and their e-passport.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
DEFRA's equine identification team has been in contact with Weatherbys during passport development; merits of the e-passport will be considered alongside June 28 consultation responses.
Session: Brexit Economic Opportunities
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What progress his Department has made on identifying potential economic opportunities arising from the UK having left the EU. In my constituency, Weatherbys has developed an e-passport for thoroughbred movements. If the Government links this passport to the system, would they put pressure on DEFRA to cut red tape and expedite its implementation?
Context
The MP is asking about the economic benefits that have arisen since the UK left the EU and seeks specific actions to reduce regulatory burdens.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
The Government is committed to economic growth post-Brexit, including reducing EU regulations such as solvency II and clinical trials directive. For the Weatherbys e-passport, DEFRA has been in contact with them during development; it will consider its merits along with responses from a June 28 consultation.
Session: Brexit Economic Opportunities
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Will the Attorney General look at expanding the victim navigator scheme to Wales in association with Justice and Care?
Context
The MP highlights the lack of successful prosecutions for modern slavery victims in Wales and asks about expanding a scheme to help.
Suella Braverman
Grateful for raising issue. Hon. Friend is a doughty campaigner on this subject; commits to looking more into what can be done.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Prosecutions
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If the approach of having victim navigators, which is being piloted, could be spread further, more people would be kept in the court system and more evil gangs would be taken off our streets. How can we ensure this approach is expanded?
Context
The MP discussed the challenges faced by victims of modern-day slavery and suggested that victim navigators could keep them engaged with the justice system.
James Cartlidge
My hon. Friend makes a very good point. The roll-out of section 28 will support those cases, and there is a significant increase in funding for ISVAs who provide support for dealing with issues such as attrition and ensuring victims are supported throughout the process.
Session: Court Backlog Sexual and Violent Crime Victims
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In north Northamptonshire, integration is getting on very well, with Councillor Helen Harrison heading the adult social services. However, going back to what my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton South (Andrew Lewer) said, there is the worry that because the NHS is so big it will overwhelm local government. I have told the Secretary of State that they do not want to mess with Helen Harrison, but can he ensure that there is a mechanism for reviewing that?
Context
In north Northamptonshire, integration is progressing well under Councillor Helen Harrison's leadership. However, there are concerns that the NHS might overwhelm local government in such partnerships.
Sajid Javid
I know that my hon. Friend knows Helen Harrison extremely well, but he is right to talk about the importance of the NHS and the adult social care sector and local authorities working together. We must make sure that it is a true partnership, where one does not overwhelm the other and they work together towards their shared interests.
Session: Health and Care Integration
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In 2019 Kettering General Hospital, which serves my constituency, was promised £46 million for a major upgrade. Three years later the hospital still has not got the money. Secretary of State, will you go out and buy a very big pair of scissors, cut through the red tape and get it sorted?
Context
Kettering General Hospital was promised £46 million for a major upgrade in 2019 but has not received the money.
Edward Argar
No one, with the possible exception of my hon. Friend the Member for Kettering (Mr Hollobone), is more passionate than my hon. Friend the Member for Wellingborough (Mr Bone) about seeing improvements delivered in their local hospital, and I had the pleasure of visiting. As my hon. Friend will know, the £46 million was allocated originally for an urgent treatment centre; the hospital asked that that be changed and it folded in with the overall programme. It has yet to submit a business case for the enabling works; when it does, I will make sure that it is expedited.
Session: Topical Questions
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Sometimes the Government get criticised over rail, but in my constituency, we have had electrification, more trains and more capacity going to Wellingborough, and we are now getting it going north to the great cities. Is this an example of what the Government are going to do elsewhere?
Context
The MP highlights improvements made in his constituency and asks if this is an example of the government's broader plans.
Robert Courts
My hon. Friend raises a very good point. Under the previous Labour Government, 63 miles were electrified, whereas we, up to the end of the relative period, have electrified 1,221 miles.
Session: Transport Connectivity
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The proposal to relocate Great British Railways headquarters from London to the East Midlands is significant for levelling up. Considering Wellingborough's railway history, recent electrification, station development potential, and council support, will you announce today that the GBR HQ should be in Wellingborough?
Context
Proposed move of GBR headquarters to the east midlands is seen as a levelling-up opportunity. Wellingborough, with its rich rail heritage and newly electrified railway, is suggested.
Wendy Morton
While tempted by the suggestion, competition for the GBR headquarters has closed. We are reviewing fantastic bids from local authorities and will announce the shortlist soon.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I say in passing how wonderful it is when we have a question session in which the people who reply are succinct and to the point. Perhaps we should get Ministers here for a lesson in how it is done. Will the Second Church Estates Commissioner tell us more about the plans to let this House know what the Church of England is doing in regard to the celebrations?
Context
The Church of England is organizing celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee.
Andrew Selous
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that compliment. I repeat that there will be a national service of celebration at St Paul's cathedral organised by the Church of England. That will probably be the focal point, but I know that there will be enormous celebrations in his constituency, in mine and, indeed, in every constituency across these islands, and I hope that the Church of England, churches and all faith groups will be at the heart of them.
Session: Platinum Jubilee
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Does the hon. Gentleman believe that the new chair of the Electoral Commission can get the same widespread support for the impartiality and fairness of that Commission?
Context
The former Speaker faced criticism for being mean and unfair, and there are concerns about the current chair of the Electoral Commission. The new chair has been appointed by a panel including Chris Matheson.
Chris Matheson
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. He is a regular attender and participant in these question times. I was part of the panel that appointed the current chair, and his appointment was endorsed unanimously by the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission. There is confidence that he understands the challenges laid down for the Commission to meet. The Commission will also soon have a new chief executive, and they all understand the challenges.
Session: Impartiality
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To ask the hon. Member for City of Chester, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, if the Committee will make an assessment of the impartiality of the Electoral Commission.
Context
The Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission scrutinises the Commission's functions. There are concerns about the impartiality and fairness of the Electoral Commission.
Chris Matheson
The Commission is statutorily accountable to the Speaker's Committee for its functions. The Committee scrutinises the Commission's financial, operational and strategic planning regularly. Yesterday, it took evidence from the Commission in public on its annual estimate and five-year corporate plan. As of yesterday, the Committee has no plans to make an assessment, and the Commission has impartiality.
Session: Impartiality
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Will the Government support a private Member's Bill to ensure more victims see perpetrators behind bars?
Context
Human trafficking cases are under-reported with low conviction rates.
Rachel Maclean
We are already supporting victims of trafficking through modern slavery legislation and the national referral mechanism. We should be proud of our work in protecting and supporting these individuals, which is leading the world in this area.
Session: Sexual Offences
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Would that not all be unnecessary if the French just controlled their own border? Our forces could then be redeployed, not protecting things in the channel. Are the French not at fault?
Context
Questioner suggests that France should control its own borders, allowing the UK to redeploy resources.
James Heappey
In the interests of bonhomie I will refrain from using such forthright language, but my hon. Friend certainly has a point.
Session: Tackling Illegal Migration
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Lord Agnew resigned as a Government Minister because the Treasury appears to have no knowledge of, or little interest in, the consequences of fraud to our economy or society. The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy should resign for saying that fraud is not a crime people experience in their day-to-day lives, but what about the Law Officers' culpability? Will the Solicitor General tell us why, according to the latest figures we have obtained from his Department, the Crown Prosecution Service has cut the number of specialist fraud prosecutors by more than a quarter in the past six years, from 224 at the end of 2015 to 167 at the end of 2021?
Context
Criticism over Lord Agnew resigning due to the Treasury's lack of interest in fraud consequences, and questioning the Secretary of State for Business about fraud not being a daily life crime. Also points out the reduction in specialist fraud prosecutors.
Alex Chalk
I send our best wishes to the shadow Attorney General as she recovers. The hon. Gentleman is not right in the way he characterises the Government's approach. He did not mention, as I respectfully suggest he ought to have, the £100 million that was invested in the taxpayer protection taskforce. That is 1,200 staff who have dealt with 13,000 inquiries in respect of fraud and recovered £500 million already and expect to recover significantly more. It is not just about the CPS; what about the National Cyber Security Centre, which took down 73,000 scams last year? I am pleased to note that the CPS has received an additional 12% in funding over the course of this spending review period. It is ramping up its capability and taking the fight to fraudsters.
Session: Financial Crime
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My hon. Friend is right about the upcoming opening of a super-prison in Wellingborough, despite plans to close it years ago due to local efforts to save it. Does the Under-Secretary have any knowledge of that?
Context
The best new prison will be opened in Wellingborough on the site of an old prison that was planned to close years ago. A councillor's community group saved it.
Tom Pursglove
I am grateful for my hon. Friend's innovative questions, I remember well his campaign, and it is good that we changed our minds and are opening a new super-prison which will employ constituents.
Session: Topical Questions
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Is this an opportunity to split the role of the Electoral Commission so that one body handles election administration and another enforces regulations? This would separate powers and potentially enhance governance efficiency.
Context
The MP proposes a structural change within the Electoral Commission, separating its administrative functions from enforcement duties.
Chris Matheson
The Government have not taken that decision. They have listened to recommendations from the Committee on Standards in Public Life, and appointed new leadership at the commission. The hon. Gentleman is known for challenging its position; let's give the new team time to settle.
Session: Elections Bill Costs
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The Secretary of State says the NI protocol is not working. Why don't we scrap it?
Context
The MP believes the protocol is not working and asks why it should not be scrapped.
Brandon Lewis
We are determined to resolve issues for Northern Ireland sustainably and in agreement with the EU, focusing on delivering solutions.
Session: Balance of Trade with Great Britain and the EU
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Does the Minister agree that genuine victims of human trafficking should not be lumped together with asylum seekers and that quicker removals of bogus asylum seekers would help genuine victims?
Context
Genuine victims of human trafficking are sometimes lumped together with asylum seekers.
Tom Pursglove
The Nationality and Borders Bill focuses on returning those with no right to be here while ensuring genuine victims get support as quickly as possible.
Session: Removal of Failed Asylum Seekers
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Does the Minister agree that the Nationality and Borders Bill helps protect the fight against human trafficking?
Context
The bill is being scrutinised for its potential to combat human trafficking.
Suella Braverman
I support this Government's attempts to end people trafficking, as it is immoral for criminal traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals and put their lives at risk. The Government aims to disrupt the illegal business model of traffickers.
Session: Nationality and Borders Bill Compatibility with International Law
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While the Minister is absolutely right to say that we lead Europe on modern-day slavery, the question asked by the hon. Member for Swansea East (Carolyn Harris) goes very much to the heart of the matter: if we want more prosecutions, we need more victims to come forward. The way to do that is that if they are coming into this country irregularly they need a year of leave to remain here so that we can get at these—please excuse this if it is not parliamentary—evil bastards. Will the Minister reply to the hon. Lady's question: can we have that year?
Context
The MP emphasizes the importance of victim support for prosecutions.
Rachel Maclean
I can reassure my hon. Friend and all Members in the House that those victims who are working closely with the police and the Crown Prosecution Service are looked at on a case-by-case basis. Where they are assisting the police and the criminal justice system with their inquiries, they are permitted to stay in this country, and our legislation that we are bringing forward will clarify that further.
Session: Modern Slavery Offences
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Will the Government look at extending support for Justice and Care, which helps provide evidence to secure more prosecutions?
Context
Only 91 prosecutions and 13 convictions for specific modern slavery offences last year. Charity Justice and Care provides victim navigators to help prosecute evil gangs.
Dominic Raab
Happy to look carefully at providing more support for victims. Victim navigators from the charity help in prosecuting cases, dovetailing with independent sexual violence advisers supporting victims.
Session: Rape and Violence against Women and Girls Prosecutions and Convictions
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With the Government's own data showing that the vast majority of the UK public would not support a trade deal with Saudi Arabia, will the Government confirm that they will not be seeking trade agreements with countries with poor human rights records?
Context
Government data shows that a majority of the UK public would not support a trade deal with Saudi Arabia due to its poor human rights record.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
As I have said, we have been clear that trade never comes at the expense of human rights, but we will always make use of the many relationships we have, including a very strong and long-standing relationship with Saudi Arabia, to work with partners not only to get mutual trading benefit but to help to make improvements on the issues that we consider to be important.
Session: Trade Deals Human Rights
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While welcoming the recent announcements on social care funding, is it true that all additional money goes to the NHS in the first three years? Will this alleviate current workforce pressures and needs? The £86,000 cap on costs may not prevent home sales for care expenses; most will never reach it due to high lifetime costs.
Context
Criticism of the government's social care investment announcement, stating that funds may not reach social care and will not address immediate workforce pressures.
Gillian Keegan
Acknowledging the importance of addressing social care issues, emphasizing £34 billion allocated to NHS this year with a £5.4 billion investment in social care over three years. The cap on costs aims to reduce financial burdens for families through deferred payment agreements.
Session: Social Care
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People were misled into schemes based on HMRC's initial approval and regularisation of payments through contracts. How can it be right to pursue people for things they were led into?
Context
HMRC provided misleading information and signed off on schemes that are now being pursued retroactively. The chief executive tried to obtain legal analysis but with little success, raising questions about the legality.
Jesse Norman
HMRC ended relationships with contractors using disguised remuneration when discovered. There is no evidence of HMRC signing off on or approving any schemes positively, though they may have signed off tax years.
Session: Loan Charge Bankruptcy
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I thank the most excellent Secretary of State for that response. Is he as fed up as I am with doom and gloom from those on the Opposition Benches when our farmers do such a good job? Coming out of the EU allows them to turbocharge their exports. Get rid of that lot and concentrate on the good stuff that we are doing.
Context
The question comes after the initial query, focusing on addressing negative perceptions of agriculture post-Brexit.
George Eustice
My hon. Friend makes a very important point. British agriculture in many sectors is world-beating, world-leading, competes internationally and can export internationally. We will be announcing plans to increase the support that we offer to exporters, and there are important opportunities for our goods in some of the Asian markets.
Session: Leaving the EU Agriculture and the Food Industry
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What recent assessment he has made of the effect of the UK's departure from the EU on agriculture and the food industry.
Context
The question arises from concerns about how leaving the EU has impacted UK's agricultural sector and food industry.
George Eustice
Farm incomes are heavily influenced by exchange rates, and in the aftermath of the 2016 referendum there was an immediate boost to farm profitability and that has remained the case since. For the first time in 50 years, we are also free to create an independent agriculture policy that works for our own farmers. Our future agriculture policy will support farmers to farm sustainably, to make space for nature in the farmed landscape, and to improve their profitability.
Session: Leaving the EU Agriculture and the Food Industry
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A new hospital will be built on the site of Kettering General Hospital, starting with an accident and emergency department and expected to be completed by 2027. However, there may be substantial delays due to red tape and bureaucracy. Will the Secretary of State use his skills to address these issues? Will he meet the three hon. Members representing north Northamptonshire to discuss this matter?
Context
The MP is concerned about potential delays to the construction of a new hospital in Kettering due to red tape and bureaucracy. He requests a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss this issue.
Matthew Hancock
Nothing gives me greater pleasure than making stuff happen, so I would be very happy to meet my hon. Friend and the nearby colleagues who represent the people served by Kettering General Hospital to make sure we can get this project moving as soon as we can.
Session: New Hospital Construction
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What recent assessment has been made of the progress of the construction of new hospitals. Specifically, what is known about the 40 new hospitals to be built by 2030 and how many are currently under way?
Context
The MP is concerned about the progress of constructing new hospitals, particularly Kettering General Hospital.
Matthew Hancock
In October, the Prime Minister confirmed a £3.7 billion funding allocation over the next four years to support the delivery of 40 new hospitals by 2030, including Kettering General Hospital. We have since confirmed that there will be 48 new hospitals built by 2030 and six projects are under way.
Session: New Hospital Construction
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This year, more than 3,500 men, women and children have illegally crossed the channel, after paying thousands and thousands of pounds to evil human trafficking gangs. If the Home Secretary were the President of France, would she not be totally embarrassed by the complete failure of the French Government to properly look after asylum seekers in France, to such an extent that they risk their lives to flee France to get to England?
Context
This year, over 3,500 men, women and children have illegally crossed the channel after paying traffickers. The questioner is critical of French government's handling of asylum seekers.
Priti Patel
My hon. Friend makes a very important point. We are working with our French counterparts—I will be very clear about that—and we should recognise that upstream migration flows into France are a serious issue.
Session: Topical Questions
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Yesterday, Mr Cummings said the Prime Minister was not fit for office and had been lying. I believe and support the Prime Minister. Does the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster agree that the Prime Minister is right, or Mr Cummings?
Context
The question is about support for the Prime Minister, with reference to recent comments made by Dominic Cummings. The issue of whether the Prime Minister or Cummings are correct in their statements.
Michael Gove
I think the Prime Minister is absolutely right. I think my right hon. Friend has been doing a great job as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister give an assurance to this House—in fact, prejudge the review if you like—and promise that, whatever happens, there will be promotion and regular relegation between the different football leagues?
Context
The supplementary question discusses the American model of football, focusing on its differences from the UK system regarding promotion and relegation.
Nigel Huddleston
I thank my hon. Friend for those comments. I know that he shares my passion for American football, but it is not necessarily a model that we would wish to emulate. It has strengths and weaknesses, but, at heart, football—in fact, all sport—is about competition and fairness, and those should underlie the sport. We are conducting the fan-led review. I am afraid that I cannot pre-empt the conclusions of that review, but I think that we are all looking forward to the work that my hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Tracey Crouch), a highly regarded and respected Member of this House, will be conducting over the coming weeks, and I am sure that he will contribute to that debate.
Session: Football Super League
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
29 March 2023
Responding: Sarah Dines
Main Concerns
["The hon. Member for Wellingborough is concerned about the increasing cases of human trafficking, noting that in 2022, almost 17,000 potential victims were referred to the national referral mechanism—an increase of 33% on the previous year. The average number of days a victim waited for a conclusive grounds decision was 543 last year, up from 560 previously. He highlights that around 80% of UK nationals referred are children and that many go missing from local authority care after being trafficked. Additionally, he criticises the current system's failure to properly support child victims compared to adult victims. The MP is also concerned about low prosecution rates for modern slavery offences, with an average custodial sentence of just four years and one month, which he believes does not deter offenders."]
Specific Asks
["The hon. Member calls on the Government to ensure that confirmed victims of human trafficking receive temporary leave to remain under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, without this being overridden by the Illegal Migration Bill. He requests a meeting with the Minister before the Bill's Report and Third Reading to discuss these concerns."]
Storm Bert
25 November 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Recall of MPs Act 2015: Member for Wellingborough
08 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Planning Bill - Clause 2
26 April 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to streamline planning processes and reduce bureaucratic delays that hinder economic development and housing construction. It ...
Illegal Migration Bill
07 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Civil Service Impartiality
06 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Covid Pandemic: Testing of Care Home Residents
01 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Electoral Commission Committee
26 January 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Asked whether the committee has had recent discussions with the commission on the strength and transparency of electoral law regarding political donations and donors. He welcomed steps to improve tran...
Finance Bill - New Clause 3
10 January 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment proposes that the Chancellor of the Exchequer publishes an annual report on the impact of the Act on the number of second or subsequent homes in National Parks and Areas of Natural Beaut...
NHS Winter Pressures
09 January 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Replacement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer
17 October 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
5
PMQs Asked
51
Ministerial Questions Asked
133
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
12
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+280% above average
This MP:
51
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2637% above average
This MP:
133
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+27% above average
This MP:
12
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 Peter Bone's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.