Peter Gibson
MP for Darlington
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Will my right hon. Friend join me in wishing Nancy well as she takes to the skies this Saturday?
Context
Nancy Spencer, an 80-year-old constituent from Darlington, has raised £35,000 for St Teresa's Hospice in the last 25 years and is planning a wing walk.
Rishi Sunak
May I join my hon. Friend in thanking Nancy for all her fantastic fundraising work, and of course I wish her the best of luck for Saturday? I pay tribute to all the staff and volunteers working in palliative and end-of-life care.
Session: PMQs
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Twenty-two years ago this month, a good friend of mine died from AIDS. Had he been tested for HIV, I am confident that, with the medical advances we have made, he would still be alive today. As my right hon. Friend will know, this week is HIV Testing Week. I welcome the Government's ambition to end new infections by 2030. Will he thank the Terrence Higgins Trust for its incredible work? And will he look to extend opt-out HIV testing to more areas of high prevalence so that we can help to discover more undiagnosed cases?
Context
The question relates to the impact of early HIV testing and the efforts to end new infections by 2030.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my hon. Friend for his incredibly thoughtful question, express my sympathies to him on the loss of his friend and join him in paying tribute to the work of the Terrence Higgins Trust, as I know the whole House will. The Terrence Higgins Trust does fantastic work and I look forward to talking to my hon. Friend about what more we can do to spread HIV testing and prevent more people from needlessly suffering.
Assessment
Did not commit to extending opt-out HIV testing
Look Forward To Discussing Further
Session: PMQs
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Darlington station is receiving £105 million thanks to this Government's plans to make it HS2 ready. I want to make sure that Darlington benefits from high-speed rail, so will my right hon. Friend meet with me and regional colleagues to discuss the eastern leg of HS2 and the reopening of the Leamside line to allow the full region to be better connected?
Context
Darlington station is receiving £105 million from the government's HS2 ready plans.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend for everything that he has done for Darlington. He should wait for the interim rail plan to come out, but, in the meantime, we are upgrading Darlington station. There are plans in place and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced £310 million of funding over the next five years to transform local transport networks in the Tees Valley.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to meeting to discuss HS2 plans specifically.
Upgrading Darlington Station
Interim Rail Plan
Session: PMQs
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A rising tide must float all ships; will my right hon. Friend deliver the northern link road for Darlington? Will he also stop LNER's train service reduction from our station?
Context
The levelling-up agenda aims to invest in the north, including providing the northern link road for Darlington and supporting local services.
Boris Johnson
Yes, my hon. Friend is right to support Ryan Stephenson in his campaign for Batley and Spen tomorrow. I believe that Ryan will offer a strong local voice for change and progress.
Assessment
The questioner asked about the northern link road for Darlington and stopping LNER's train service reductions, but the PM did not address these issues directly.
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs
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May I draw my hon. Friend's attention to the efforts by Darlington building society, along with other companies in the region, supporting the North East Autism Society to help create 1,000 jobs for people with autism? Can my hon. Friend highlight the work being done by the fantastic team at Darlington jobcentre, with their health and welfare roadshow this Wednesday to help people get back into work?
Context
The MP highlights local initiatives by companies and the jobcentre in Darlington to support employment of individuals with autism.
Mims Davies
I thank my hon. Friend for bringing to the attention of the House important initiatives going on in Darlington which have a huge impact in helping autistic people into work and tackling stigma. Once established, I am sure that the Buckland review task group will be interested to hear direct details of the work being done in his area.
Session: People with Autism Employment
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What steps his Department is taking to support people with autism into employment?
Context
The MP seeks information on initiatives to help individuals with autism find employment.
Mims Davies
We are continuing to run programmes such as local supported employment, Disability Confident and Access to Work to support autistic people into employment. The Department for Work and Pensions will be working with stakeholders to carry forward the recommendations of the Buckland review.
Session: People with Autism Employment
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Do banks need to offer more discretion when dealing with victims of such fraud, and will the Minister meet me to discuss this specific case further?
Context
Victims of Legacy funeral directors selling fake plans are struggling to pay for proper funerals due to inability to reclaim funds.
Gareth Davies
I am sorry for the circumstances described. The Economic Secretary will meet with Emma Hardy regarding this issue.
Session: Regional Economic Inequality
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that voters should back Ben Houchen on 2 May?
Context
Ben Houchen has saved the local airport, overseen redevelopment of Teesworks and secured new jobs. There is a campaign to vote for him on 2 May.
Michael Gove
It is an easy one! You are right, Mr Speaker: everyone should back Ben Houchen—
Session: Topical Questions
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Happy St Cuthbert's day. I congratulate my right hon. Friend on the ongoing fight against HIV. However, to reach our 2030 goal of zero transmissions, we require a four-pronged approach: improved sex education, expanded opt-out testing, better PrEP availability, and locating the 13,000 undiagnosed individuals with HIV.
Context
The MP acknowledges government work on HIV but emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy including sex education, testing, and PrEP availability.
Stuart Andrew
My hon. Friend's suggestions are right. Through opt-out testing, we have identified 1,000 cases of undiagnosed and untreated HIV. We have expanded that testing to a further 47 emergency rooms. On PrEP availability, we are gathering evidence on why some population groups benefitting from it are not accessing it.
Session: HIV Action Plan
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I thank my hon. Friend for her answer, and may I be the first in the Chamber to wish her a very happy birthday? In addition to the issues that she has highlighted, may I highlight the wonderful work that Darlington jobcentre has done in setting up its Facebook page? Does she agree that it is a template for others to follow, and will she come to Darlington and meet my fantastic work coaches?
Context
The questioner highlights the successful Facebook page set up by Darlington jobcentre and expresses interest in a visit from the Minister.
Jo Churchill
I thank my hon. Friend—it is seemingly quite a large number on my birthday cards today. My hon. Friend has been a fantastic champion of his local jobcentre, and has campaigned vigorously to ensure that Darlington is at the forefront of innovation. I will be meeting his team in April.
Session: Jobcentres Darlington
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What steps his Department is taking to increase the support offered by Jobcentres in Darlington. The team are working tirelessly with Darlington Borough Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority and other partners to deliver through job fairs, SWAPs and skills bootcamps.
Context
Darlington Borough Council and Tees Valley Combined Authority are collaborating with the Department to improve local employment support.
Jo Churchill
The team are working tirelessly with Darlington Borough Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority and other partners to deliver through job fairs, SWAPs and skills bootcamps.
Session: Jobcentres Darlington
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that, in order to see Palestinian self-determination, we need an end to human rights abuses, antisemitism and the glorification of violence, and we need Palestinians free from Hamas?
Context
Human rights abuses, antisemitism, and glorification of violence are issues in Palestine. Palestinians need to be free from Hamas.
Andrew Mitchell
We certainly agree with my hon. Friend's last point about a Palestine free from Hamas. There is no place for Hamas in the future Government of Palestine. On the point he makes about how we proceed further, the Government are absolutely clear that there is no place in our society, or anywhere else for that matter, for Islamophobia or antisemitism.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can my hon. Friend tell me how many staff are now employed across the eight Departments based at the Darlington Economic Campus? What progress is being made on naming the new building “William McMullen House”?
Context
Inquiry about staffing numbers and naming of a new building at the Darlington campus.
Gareth Davies
I can tell my hon. Friend that 750 staff are employed across all Departments at the Darlington Economic Campus. The Treasury's aim is to reach 355 full-time staff by March 2025, and we are on track to meet that target. The official name of the campus will be decided closer to the 2025-26 delivery date and will be consulted on by the Government Property Agency, but we have heard very clearly his suggestion of William McMullen House, and we will consider that in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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I put on record my thanks to my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman) for his work to establish the Jobcentre Plus Facebook pages, of which Darlington's was the first. Will my hon. Friend the Minister outline how successful that page has been and what further plans she has to develop accessible social media job advertising?
Context
Darlington's Jobcentre Plus Facebook page was established to help job seekers.
Jo Churchill
We know that social media helps, and that 40 to 50-year-olds in particular enjoy engaging with a digital platform when they are looking for work. We have had instances in the past of people thanking us when they have been given interviews online. It is important that posts are accessible and we are working to ensure that this is the case.
Session: Helping People into Employment Cumbria, Cheadle and Darlington
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What steps he is taking to help fill job vacancies in Darlington constituency?
Context
Darlington constituency faces job vacancy challenges.
Jo Churchill
Across the country our fantastic work coaches are supporting people to secure and progress in work. In Kendal, Cheadle and Darlington, jobcentres are working with local and national employers to match jobseekers with vacancies through job fairs, sector-based work academy programmes and apprenticeships.
Session: Helping People into Employment Cumbria, Cheadle and Darlington
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Can my right hon. Friend draw attention to Ben Houchen's decision to deliver the £250 million Darlington northern link road with Network North funds? Is this not a fantastic example of Ben delivering for Darlington and Teesside?
Context
Ben Houchen, the Tees Valley Metro Mayor, is delivering the £250 million Darlington northern link road using Network North funds.
Michael Gove
Ben Houchen is using all his powers to deliver investment for Teesside, which no one has done before. This is why he faces criticism from the Labour party.
Session: Topical Questions
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We are all mindful of the need to control public finances and slim the civil service, but can my right hon. Friend reassure my constituents that the Darlington Economic Campus will receive the jobs that were promised, and will he give consideration to my proposal to name their permanent home of DEC William McMullen House, in recognition of the sacrifice William made for people of Darlington?
Context
The Darlington Economic Campus has been promised jobs, but there are concerns about their delivery.
Laura Trott
My hon. Friend is a brilliant advocate for his constituency. I hear what he has to say and I am happy to meet him to talk about it.
Session: Topical Questions
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Brexit broke Britain and it is continuing to wreak havoc on supply chains. The shortage of ADHD medication is now set to drag on into next spring. The shortage has seen 70% of patients forced to ration their supply of ADHD drugs, with 62% reporting an increase in suicidal thoughts. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that supplies of these vital medications are reaching pharmacies across the UK?
Context
The shortage of ADHD medication is impacting patients, with many forced to ration their supply and reporting increased suicidal thoughts.
Maria Caulfield
The shortage of ADHD medication is a global issue; it is not Brexit-related. We are hoping to have some positive news over the coming weeks.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Exchequer Secretary agree that Darlington Economic Campus is a fantastic levelling-up project ensuring people can stay local but go far?
Context
The Exchequer Secretary visited Darlington, where he opened a new branch of Darlington Building Society. The visit highlighted the impact of Treasury jobs locally.
Gareth Davies
The Darlington Building Society visit was important, and the Darlington campus is an integral part of our Treasury levelling-up agenda.
Session: Topical Questions
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What advice can the Minister give to ensure that Darlington secures £160 million for the northern link road and £10 million for the North Road station?
Context
MP welcomes the £1 billion allocated to Tees Valley under Network North.
Mark Harper
The hon. Friend is a champion for transport schemes in his constituency. I encourage him to raise these issues with the Tees Valley Combined Authority, which can focus on important transport projects across the region, particularly in Darlington.
Session: Network North and HS2 Phase 2 Comparative Assessment
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I welcome the Minister's news on those figures. He will have seen the impact of opt-out testing—detecting more people, treating them earlier and saving the NHS money. However, if we are to meet our 2030 target on no new infections, we cannot delay a further roll-out of opt-out testing. Will he commit the resources needed to expand it in time for World AIDS Day on 1 December?
Context
Opt-out testing has been effective in detecting and treating more people earlier, saving NHS money. To meet the 2030 goal of no new HIV infections, resources need to be committed to expand this programme.
Neil O'Brien
We will assess all the evidence and reply before the end of the year. Opt-out testing is not the only thing we are doing to drive down HIV transmission. We have had a 40% rise in the number of people getting pre-exposure prophylaxis, and we have increased the number of people testing, with 20,000 free testing kits handed out this year.
Session: HIV Emergency Department Opt-out Testing
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What recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of emergency department opt-out testing for HIV?
Context
There is interest in assessing the impact and effectiveness of opt-out testing for HIV in NHS emergency departments.
Neil O'Brien
Provisional NHS data shows that opt-out testing has found around 700 cases of HIV during its first year. In total, it has found more than 2,000 cases of blood-borne diseases, including hepatitis B and C.
Session: HIV Emergency Department Opt-out Testing
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Given the Archbishop of Canterbury's concern over the Ugandan Act, what can the Church say to Anglicans in the UK who oppose any death penalty for crimes and to those in the LGBT community horrified by events in Uganda?
Context
Following the initial question about the Church of England's response to Uganda's Anti-Homosexibility Act, the MP seeks further clarification regarding the Church's position against capital punishment for crimes and its support for LGBT community members.
Andrew Selous
Each province of the Anglican communion is autonomous, but in 2016, primates reaffirmed rejection of criminal sanctions against same-sex-attracted people and committed to respecting every person's dignity. It is difficult to reconcile the Ugandan Church's position with this agreement.
Session: Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Act
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What discussions has the Church of England had with churches in Uganda following the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 that criminalises homosexuality?
Context
Following the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in Uganda, which includes provisions for the death penalty for certain homosexual acts, the questioner seeks to understand the stance of the Church of England on this matter.
Andrew Selous
The Archbishop of Canterbury has written directly to Archbishop Kaziimba of Uganda reminding him of the commitment made by the Anglican communion to treat every person with care and respect, opposing the criminalisation of LGBT+ people. The Act was seen as a fundamental departure from these commitments.
Session: Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Act
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Can my hon. Friend update the House as to when we will see spades in the ground on the Brunswick site in Darlington for the Darlington economic campus?
Context
The Brunswick site in Darlington is a critical part of the local economic campus project.
Gareth Davies
My hon. Friend is a great champion of Darlington, and Darlington's economic campus is a critical part of levelling up. The Government Property Agency has been working hard to finalise commercial negotiations. I would be happy to write to my hon. Friend when I have a more substantive update.
Session: Topical Questions
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Whether she is taking steps with the Secretary of State for Transport to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the passenger railway. I thank my right hon Friend for his answer highlighting Darlington's contribution to the world. Darlington is indeed the birthplace of the passenger railway, and the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington railway in 2025 is of huge importance to my constituents, celebrating Darlington's gift to the world.
Context
The Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world's first public railway, is set to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2025. The event holds significant historical importance for the constituents of Peter Gibson.
John Whittingdale
My hon Friend is a fantastic champion of his constituency and in particular its railway heritage. A number of different initiatives are planned. My noble Friend the Minister for arts has been talking to Network Rail about its plans to celebrate the 200th anniversary, and the Department for Transport is championing the bicentenary celebrations across Government.
Session: Passenger Railway 200th Anniversary
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Whether she is taking steps with the Secretary of State for Transport to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the passenger railway. I thank my right hon Friend for his answer highlighting Darlington's contribution to the world. Darlington is indeed the birthplace of the passenger railway, and the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington railway in 2025 is of huge importance to my constituents, celebrating Darlington's gift to the world.
Context
The Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world's first public railway, is set to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2025. The event holds significant historical importance for the constituents of Peter Gibson.
John Whittingdale
My hon Friend is a fantastic champion of his constituency and in particular its railway heritage. A number of different initiatives are planned. My noble Friend the Minister for arts has been talking to Network Rail about its plans to celebrate the 200th anniversary, and the Department for Transport is championing the bicentenary celebrations across Government.
Session: Passenger Railway 200th Anniversary
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Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda are charging more for road fuel in my constituency than they are in neighbouring towns. Can my right hon. Friend explain what he is doing to help my hard-working constituents secure cheaper fuel?
Context
Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda are charging more for road fuel in Peter Gibson's constituency than in neighbouring towns.
Graham Stuart
We share my hon. Friend's concerns. That is why we asked the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate. It is doing an inquiry. It came up with an interim report in recent days, and it will come back with a full final report and recommendations for 7 July, addressing the very issue that my hon. Friend rightly brings to us.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that this £80 million investment will unlock new opportunities for my region? Can he outline a timescale for when we will see things start to happen?
Context
The MP welcomes the Government's announcement for the Tees valley investment zone and asks about its benefits for Darlington.
John Glen
The Government want to make rapid progress on delivering investment zones. We are engaging with partners to ensure that we can support those with the ambition to move at speed, and we intend to have all proposals agreed by the end of the financial year, and sooner if at all possible.
Session: Investment Zones
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I welcome the £12 million from the social housing decarbonisation fund and the home upgrade grant for Darlington, which will help cut heating costs and carbon emissions, and reduce fuel poverty for my constituents. May I invite the Minister to visit the fantastic Darlington economic campus, where some of his team are situated?
Context
The MP welcomed the £12 million from the social housing decarbonisation fund for Darlington, which will help cut heating costs and carbon emissions and reduce fuel poverty among constituents.
Andrew Bowie
I am very glad to hear about the successful funding bids in my hon. Friend's constituency. These schemes will improve homes up and down the country, improving their energy efficiency and lowering energy bills. I am delighted to accept the invitation to visit the Darlington economic campus, although I can confirm that I have already visited it and was incredibly impressed by the calibre of the individuals working there to drive forward our ambition—
Session: Topical Questions
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I refer the House to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests, including my co-chairing of the all-party parliamentary group for hospice and end-of-life care. Now that integrated care boards have a duty to commission palliative care, what steps is my right hon. Friend taking to assess delivery? Will he join me in calling for the North East and North Cumbria ICB to listen to the hospices in the Tees Valley, which would save our hospices and save the NHS money?
Context
ICBs have a duty to commission palliative care.
Steve Barclay
My hon. Friend is right to draw the House's attention to the extremely important work of hospices and to the fact that commissioning decisions are devolved to the integrated care boards so that they can target funding in the way that best serves local communities.
Session: Topical Questions
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Retrofitting older homes can reduce carbon emissions, cut energy bills, make homes warmer, reduce reliance on gas and bring new green jobs to the north. However, the costs associated with retrofitting are currently prohibitive to achieving it on a large scale. What more can my right hon. Friend do to ensure that we bring down the cost of retrofitting homes?
Context
Retrofitting older homes can reduce carbon emissions, cut energy bills and bring new green jobs to the north. However, the costs are currently prohibitive.
Grant Shapps
My hon. Friend is right about the cost of doing this. I have described how we are getting towards half of homes having been improved, but he will be pleased to hear about the £4 billion extension of the energy company obligation through its fourth phase, ECO4, along with ECO+, which involves another £1 billion to assist with some of the economics of ensuring that all homes can be improved.
Session: Household Energy Efficiency Measures
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What steps he is taking to encourage households to install energy efficiency measures.
Context
The question arises from the government's efforts to encourage households to install energy efficiency measures.
Grant Shapps
The Government have made good progress, with 47% of homes in England now having reached the Government's 2035 target of achieving energy performance certificate level C and above, which is up from 14% in 2010.
Session: Household Energy Efficiency Measures
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May I draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the fantastic Reading Lobster scheme at Skerne Park Academy, encouraging wider reading that is broadening horizons and achieving better outcomes? What steps are the Secretary of State and her Department taking to encourage wider reading in our primary schools?
Context
The Reading Lobster scheme at Skerne Park Academy aims to encourage reading.
Nick Gibb
I congratulate my hon. Friend on his commitment to reading and congratulate Skerne Park Academy on its Reading Lobster scheme, which I am keen to learn more about. Anything that promotes a love and habit of reading for pleasure can only be a good thing—and, as I say, the world's your lobster.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my right hon. Friend commit to ensuring that broadcast TV and radio will be supported well into the future, so that everyone can enjoy these services?
Context
Terrestrial broadcast TV and radio serve as a lifeline for vulnerable communities. There are concerns about the future support of these services.
Julia Lopez
My hon. Friend is right to highlight the importance of terrestrial, particularly to the most vulnerable communities. We have committed to ensuring that it is in place until at least 2034, and we are supporting the continued use of spectrum for that purpose. We have also commissioned a study to ensure that we are fully aware of how TV habits are affecting this.
Session: Topical Questions
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If we are levelling up, and trying to recruit and train more teachers in the north-east, why has Carmel College been stripped of its accreditation to train teachers, destroying 20 years of hard work and leaving the north-east worse off?
Context
Carmel College in Peter Gibson's constituency lost its accreditation to train teachers, affecting teacher recruitment and the 'levelling up' initiative.
Nick Gibb
The initial teacher training reforms are a key part of the Government's commitment to levelling up. Following an expert review, a robust accreditation process was undertaken to approve 179 providers, including those in the north-east. I would be happy to meet with Peter Gibson to discuss his concerns.
Session: Topical Questions
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Levelling up is not just about jobs and infrastructure; it is about healthcare too, and dentistry is a key part of that. However, Darlington faces the potential closure of its surgery, which serves 7,000 patients, because the current system of NHS dentistry makes the business case for that surgery unviable. What will my hon. Friend do to ensure that we level up dental services so that my constituents can get the services that they need?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the potential closure of a dental surgery in Darlington, affecting 7,000 patients due to systemic issues within NHS dentistry.
Neil O'Brien
My hon. Friend and I have discussed this, and we are due to meet again shortly. I repeat my offer to speak both to that practice and to local partners so that we can tackle this crucial problem.
Session: Health Inequalities
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Does my right hon. Friend understand the LGBT community's anxiety when it comes to the ban? It has appeared in multiple Queen's Speeches, yet we are still to see any draft legislation.
Context
The issue of banning conversion practices has appeared in multiple Queen's Speeches but draft legislation is yet to be seen. The questioner addresses the LGBT community's anxiety over this delay.
Kemi Badenoch
My hon. Friend asks a good question. I do understand the anxiety. One of the things that I am trying to do is take a lot of the heat out of the debate. Questions such as that from the hon. Member for Livingston (Hannah Bardell), which seek to inflame anxiety and make people worried about what we are doing, are not helpful. This is something that I am committed to doing.
Session: Conversion Therapy Legislation
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May I thank the Government for all that they are doing to improve connectivity at Darlington, including the £135 million invested in Bank Top station? However, my constituents in places such as Harrowgate Hill and Whinfield still suffer from congestion and emissions on the roads. Can my hon. Friend guide me on what more I can do to ensure that we ease this gridlock by delivering a northern link road?
Context
The government has invested £135 million into Bank Top station, yet constituents still suffer from congestion and emissions on the roads. A northern link road is proposed to address this issue.
Richard Holden
I thank my hon. Friend for his question; he and I have worked closely together on many local transport issues. National Highways and Tees Valley Combined Authority have worked closely on developing proposals for the Darlington northern link road, connecting the A66 and junction 59 of the A1. The work to date will form part of a body of evidence informing the investment plans for RIS3—the third road investment strategy—for future roads between 2025 and 2030.
Session: Topical Questions
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Following a recent unannounced inspection by the Care Quality Commission, some services at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys mental health trust have improved, but the trust's overall rating remains “requires improvement.” Can my right hon. Friend assure me and my constituents in Darlington that his Department will keep a laser-like focus on the trust and that he will do everything in his power to ensure the trust carries out the improvements that are so desperately needed?
Context
Following a recent unannounced inspection by the Care Quality Commission, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys mental health trust has an overall rating of “requires improvement.”
Maria Caulfield
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue. I understand he recently wrote to the Secretary of State, and we will respond shortly. NHS England and the North East and North Cumbria integrated care board have commissioned an intensive support team review of the trust, and I will keep him updated.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last year an estimated 1 million people of working age were receiving carer's allowance. A constituent of mine, after three and a half years of caring for his father full time—his father passed away recently—is now unable to access jobseeker's allowance because he is not considered to have been employed. What is my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State doing to rectify the position?
Context
A constituent unable to access jobseeker's allowance after caring for a parent.
Guy Opperman
If my hon. Friend writes to me giving the specific details, I will ensure that the ministerial team and the civil servants involved look into it as a matter of urgency.
Session: Topical Questions
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Thousands of people with unsafe cladding and other fire-safety defects still live insecurely. What is the Secretary of State's current assessment of the total number of properties needing remediation?
Context
The MP inquires about the status of remediation efforts for unsafe buildings, highlighting ongoing issues faced by residents.
Simon Clarke
There are 24 buildings over 18 metres that still need to be remediated. The Secretary of State will meet developers soon to ensure they sign the contract, and pre-action notices have been served on building owners who declined to remediate.
Session: Home Ownership Government Support
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What steps are being taken by the Government to support home ownership? My right hon. Friend will know that 836 families in Darlington have benefited from Help to Buy in the past year, and 715 of them were first-time buyers. Given the success of the scheme what consideration has he given to extending it beyond March 2023?
Context
The MP asks about government measures for home ownership, focusing on the success of Help to Buy in his constituency.
Simon Clarke
We have cut stamp duty land tax and expanded first-time buyers' relief. Over 800,000 households have been helped through Help to Buy since spring 2010. However, it was never designed as a permanent intervention; the scheme will close at the end of March 2023, which has allowed the market to respond with alternative support products for first-time buyers.
Session: Home Ownership Government Support
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What can be done to rectify nutrient neutrality issues and unblock bureaucratic backlogs between Homes England, Treasury, and the Department?
Context
Nutrient neutrality guidance from Natural England is causing delays for developers, including those in the Burtree garden village project.
Michael Gove
We are working with DEFRA and Natural England on nutrient neutrality. On the bureaucratic backlog, I will apply appropriate pressure.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Off-road Biking — [Mrs Pauline Latham in the Chair]
20 February 2024
Responding: Chris Philp
Main Concerns
["Mr. Peter Gibson expressed concern about the misuse of off-road bikes and quad bikes in Darlington, where reckless bikers cause terror and fear among residents. He mentioned that there have been debates, parliamentary questions, and a private Member's Bill on this issue previously. The MP highlighted instances of antisocial behaviour such as driving through red lights, riding on pavements without lights, and wearing balaclavas to evade police detection. Mr. Gibson also noted the financial burden caused by vehicle thefts, with the National Farmers Union estimating costs at £3 million in 2022."]
Specific Asks
['Mr. Gibson asked the Minister for Home Office to consider ways of registering off-road bikes to deter misuse and make identification easier for law enforcement. He urged the introduction of compulsory insurance for these vehicles, mandated immobilisers by manufacturers, and investment in technology such as drones to track perpetrators more effectively.']
Illegal Vapes
16 January 2024
Responding: Andrea Leadsom
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the availability of vaping products to children and non-smokers. The latest figures show that some 20% of children have tried vaping, despite not having smoked before. The flavours, packaging and design of vapes are attractive to children, and these products are often visible in shops. I have met parents whose children are addicted to vaping and highlighted the issue of disposable vape litter on streets. Additionally, one out of every three vapes sold in the UK is estimated to be illicit, with much higher concentrations of nicotine than legal alternatives. The sale of illegal vapes is concentrated in pop-up mini-markets that sell illegal tobacco products as well.']
Specific Asks
['I ask for a nationwide awareness campaign on illegal vapes for both adults and children, increased school education about the risks to young people, plain packaging for vape products like tobacco, a robust licensing system for both vapes and tobacco, collaboration between trading standards departments and police forces, on-the-spot fines for selling illegal products at punitive rates, and swifter premises closure orders.']
Home Energy Efficiency: North of England — [Mr Laurence Robertson in the Chair]
06 July 2022
Responding: Greg Hands
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the high percentage of older properties in the north of England, which are difficult to insulate due to solid walls and planning constraints. Twenty-six percent of the region's carbon emissions come from homes, with Darlington having some of the highest levels of fuel poverty. Insulating homes better can save residents money on heating costs and improve health outcomes. However, North Star Housing estimates that decarbonising a two-bedroom Victorian terraced house would cost £45,500, including £12,000 for solid wall insulation alone, which is not financially viable without targeted support."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to outline what more can be done to ensure continued delivery of retrofitting schemes and address the skills gap in green jobs. I also inquire about the commencement date for the new energy company obligation scheme (ECO4).']
Great British Railways HQ: Darlington Bid — [Sir Gary Streeter in the Chair]
07 December 2021
Responding: Chris Heaton-Harris
Main Concerns
['The hon. Member for Darlington is concerned that despite losing out on major railway-related developments in the past, such as the National Railway Museum and a new museum site, his constituency retains its connection to railways through local businesses like Railpen and the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust. He highlights the historical significance of the town as the birthplace of the Stockton and Darlington railway, noting that it was here where locomotion No. 1 was first conceived and built. The hon. Member also expresses worries over potential changes to train services from London North Eastern Railway which might reduce connectivity for his constituents.']
Specific Asks
['The hon. Member for Darlington asks the government to consider locating the headquarters of Great British Railways in his town, citing its unique history and current improvements such as the development of Bank Top station, a freeport along the River Tees, and plans to restore railway heritage sites.']
SMEs: Access to Finance
09 November 2021
Responding: Paul Scully
Main Concerns
['The UK faces a significant funding gap of £22 billion for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Research shows that finance is too concentrated in London and the south-east, with these regions receiving 67% of all equity deals and 75% of invested funds between 2011 and 2017. This imbalance hinders regional economic growth and stifles local business opportunities. The current financial system dominated by large shareholder-driven banks is not serving SMEs well due to high rejection rates and insufficient focus on qualitative assessments.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the government to support community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and regional mutual banks, which prioritize local growth over profits. I also urge reforming regulations for challenger banks and non-bank lenders to create a level playing field. Additionally, we need Government initiatives to unlock patient capital from pension funds using social usefulness criteria and to ease the finance application process by funding business support services like the British Business Bank.']
Football (Amendment) Bill - Clause 1
23 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Hospice Funding
22 April 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls on integrated care boards to urgently address the funding for hospice-provided palliative care. Emphasises the importance of end-of-life care as a legal right, highlights financial pressures fac...
Dog Abduction Bill - Clause 6 (Commencement)
19 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Building Societies Act 1986 (Amendment) Bill - Clause 1 - The funding limit: funds to be disregarded
19 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
This amendment changes the procedure that applies to an SI containing regulations under new subsection (9B) of section 7 of the Building Societies Act 1986 so that it is subject to the affirmative pro...
Off-Road Vehicles (Compulsory Registration) Bill
19 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill aims to introduce a compulsory registration scheme for off-road vehicles, such as quad bikes and motorbikes, to reduce antisocial behaviour and improve safety. It is in honour of Davie Gow wh...
Zoological Society of London (Leases) Bill
19 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Rail Manufacturing: Job Losses
16 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
British Products Public Procurement Bill - Proposed amendments to encourage the uptake of British products in UK Government contracts
15 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms. Champion moves that the Bill be read a Second time, focusing on minor amendments to both the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 and the Procurement Act 2023 to promote British products in UK ...
Pet Animals (Protection and Welfare) Bill - Second Reading of the entire Bill
15 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
This Bill aims to ban the import of puppies and kittens under six months, prohibit heavily pregnant animals from being imported, prevent mutilated dogs and cats from entering the country, and address ...
NHS Dentistry: Recovery and Reform
07 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
4
PMQs Asked
78
Ministerial Questions Asked
116
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+482% above average
This MP:
78
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2287% above average
This MP:
116
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Peter Gibson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.