Philip Hollobone
MP for Kettering
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Two talented individuals have put together an ambitious £2 million bid to repurpose the Gala Bingo hall in Kettering. Will my right hon. Friend facilitate a meeting with relevant Ministers to discuss funding options?
Context
Two individuals from Kettering, Beccy Hurrell and Lindsey Atkins, have proposed a £2 million bid to transform the redundant Gala Bingo hall into a community hub.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting this initiative. He will know that our £150 million community ownership fund and the cultural development fund are available. I will ensure he gets a meeting with relevant Ministers to discuss further.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The £400 million redevelopment of Kettering General Hospital is the No. 1 investment priority for local residents. The first part is a £50 million new energy plant to power the expanded and improved hospital. Will my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister please do all he can to ensure that the Department of Health gets spades in the ground on time next spring, so that we can get the construction of our redeveloped, much loved local hospital fully under way?
Context
The redevelopment of Kettering General Hospital, which includes a £50 million new energy plant to power the expanded and improved hospital, is the No.1 investment priority for local residents.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my hon. Friend for continuing to champion the new hospital in Kettering. We are absolutely committed to delivering the scheme for Kettering General Hospital. As my hon. Friend will be aware, the new energy centre is vital to the delivery of the new hospital, and we expect that work to begin in the first quarter of next year. The new hospital programme is working closely with the trust to ensure that the plans are deliverable.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Slava Ukraini! President Zelensky, we salute you. This year a start will be made on the rebuilding of Kettering General Hospital; the strength of Northamptonshire police will reach 1,500 officers, the highest number in its history; and Kettering is set to become one of the best-connected towns for ultrafast broadband in the country, thanks to CityFibre's investment. Given those developments and given the Prime Minister's pledge to halve inflation and tackle the NHS backlogs, is it not time also to tackle head-on the doom and gloom peddled by those who want this country to fail, and to be far more optimistic about the many good things that are happening in Kettering and across the country?
Context
Hollobone highlights positive developments in his constituency including hospital redevelopment, police strength increase, and broadband infrastructure.
Rishi Sunak
I am glad to hear of all the successes in my hon. Friend's constituency, especially the redevelopment of Kettering General Hospital, for which I know he has been campaigning tirelessly for years. He is absolutely right: this Government will continue to focus on delivering the country's priorities.
Assessment
Did not provide a direct commitment or timeline regarding optimism and tackling negative rhetoric
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Will the Minister for sport join me in congratulating Kettering resident Kyren Wilson on becoming the new world snooker champion, and in hoping that his success will encourage people to take up snooker?
Context
Kyren Wilson, a Kettering resident, has become the new world snooker champion.
Stuart Andrew
My hon. Friend is right to pay tribute to the success of Kyren Wilson. The people of Kettering must be incredibly proud of him, and I hope that he will inspire more people to take up snooker.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
In its January report on the NHS supply chain, the National Audit Office made seven recommendations to improve the efficiency of the NHS's £8 billion annual procurement programme. Will it use the mechanism of twice-yearly reports to monitor progress?
Context
The National Audit Office reports twice a year on the implementation of its recommendations by Departments, and it has made seven recommendations to improve the efficiency of the NHS's £8 billion annual procurement programme.
Richard Bacon
I am sure the Comptroller and Auditor General and his staff at the National Audit Office will want to listen very carefully to what my hon. Friend has said, although I must tell him that the inability of the NHS to use its huge spending power more successfully on behalf of taxpayers and patients has been a hardy perennial throughout my entire 23 years in Parliament. While I wish him well in his endeavours, I would advise him not to hold his breath.
Session: NHS Procurement
View All Questions -->
If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of National Audit Office resources to undertake analysis on the efficiency and effectiveness of NHS procurement. The report established that the NHS supply chain has great potential to secure further savings by aggregating the NHS's spending power, but so far it has not fulfilled that potential.
Context
The National Audit Office's January report highlighted the potential for the NHS supply chain to secure further savings by aggregating spending power, but noted that this potential has not been fulfilled.
Richard Bacon
In its January report, the National Audit Office established that the NHS supply chain has great potential to secure further savings by aggregating the NHS's spending power, but that so far it has not fulfilled that potential.
Session: NHS Procurement
View All Questions -->
Does my hon. Friend agree that a key priority must be counter-drone technology to defend our forces? Does he also agree that directed energy weapons will play a crucial role in this regard?
Context
Concerns about counter-drone technologies are growing, particularly in relation to the effectiveness of such technologies in defending armed forces.
James Cartlidge
My hon. Friend raises two excellent points: our drone strategy must include a focus on defending against drone threats, and directed energy weapons will be key in this regard. We have announced the procurement of laser weapon DragonFire to defend our forces quickly.
Session: Defence Drone Strategy
View All Questions -->
Lieutenant General Pavliuk recently stated that medium and short-range strike drones now kill more soldiers than any other weapon. Given this, what specific steps is the UK taking to master drone technology and support Ukraine?
Context
Lieutenant General Pavliuk confirmed that drones now cause the most casualties in the conflict. The MP seeks clarification on Britain's role.
Grant Shapps
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is one reason why this country has been at the forefront of providing drones. Indeed, we have made an enormous £325 million contribution to the drones coalition and provided 4,000 drones in the latest package.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Given the loss of lives in Kharkiv and the ongoing conflict, how does the government plan to ensure continued support for Ukraine?
Context
The situation in Kharkiv, Ukraine is concerning as Russia attempts to make territorial gains. The MP wants to discuss the government's response.
Grant Shapps
We are very mindful of the situation in Ukraine, particularly in Kharkiv where Russia is making, or trying to make, inroads. This is an existential battle for all civilised countries that believe in democracy and freedom, and it is the case that we must ensure that the world continues to keep up the efforts. It is not right for there to be pauses in our support.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What progress has been made on the delivery of the UK defence drone strategy? I am concerned about how effectively this strategy is being implemented, especially after launching it in February. Specifically, what steps have been taken to build a sovereign industrial ecosystem for uncrewed procurement?
Context
There are concerns about the progress and implementation details of the UK's defense drone strategy.
James Cartlidge
We are making excellent progress on implementing the defence drone strategy. Our priority is to build a sovereign industrial ecosystem for uncrewed procurement at scale for the British armed forces. We have delivered 4,000 drones to Ukraine and many more will be sent in the coming months.
Session: Defence Drone Strategy
View All Questions -->
Junction 10A on the A14 is a crucial piece of future roads infrastructure to support Kettering's housing expansion. Should North Northamptonshire Council approve the relevant planning application this coming Monday, will my hon. Friend the roads Minister reconfirm his commitment to give the proper direction this project needs to proceed at pace, to visit the site with me and to arrange for me to meet with National Highways to ensure progress?
Context
Junction 10A on the A14 is crucial for Kettering's housing expansion. North Northamptonshire Council will consider a relevant planning application next week.
Guy Opperman
Yes, yes and yes.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
He welcomed the phased introduction of the bi-mode Class 810 Aurora trains on the midland main line through Kettering next year. Can my hon. Friend confirm that these new trains will be faster, quieter, more environmentally friendly, have more seats and luggage space, and better mobile phone signal reception?
Context
The phased introduction of the bi-mode Class 810 Aurora trains is scheduled for next year, prompting questions about their performance and passenger amenities.
Huw Merriman
I can confirm to my hon. Friend that these fantastic new trains will be not only faster but quieter and more environmentally friendly, as they will be able to take advantage of the increasing extent of electrification that we are delivering on the midland main line. They will have 19% more seats per five-car train, and they are designed for greater comfort and more luggage space. Bearing in mind that my hon. Friend is one of the hardest-working MPs for his constituents, he and they will be delighted that there will be enhanced wi-fi and mobile phone reception, making his productivity even greater.
Session: Bi-mode Trains
View All Questions -->
What recent discussions has he had with Network Rail on the timeline for introducing bi-mode trains on the midland main line?
Context
Discussions about the introduction of bi-mode trains are ongoing, with monthly meetings between Network Rail, East Midlands Railway, and government officials.
Huw Merriman
A monthly meeting is held with Network Rail and East Midlands Railway to discuss the introduction of the new bi-mode trains. Those meetings include notification of the latest delivery timescales that Hitachi has provided to the operator, and an update on mobilisation plans and related infrastructure upgrades. The aim is for the new trains to be phased into passenger service throughout 2025.
Session: Bi-mode Trains
View All Questions -->
Will my right hon. Friend please facilitate a meeting in Kettering with the Department's regional director for the east midlands, me, the local educational authority, the Orbis academy trust and the Hanwood Park developers so that together we can ensure that the school build is co-ordinated as best as possible?
Context
The new Hanwood Park Free School is planned to be part of the Hanwood Park housing development, which includes 5,500 houses and is one of the largest developments in the country.
Damian Hinds
I would be very pleased to convene such a meeting as he requests.
Session: Hanwood Park Free School
View All Questions -->
When does the proposed Hanwood Park Free School in Kettering constituency expect to open?
Context
The Hanwood Park Free School is planned for Kettering and the local MP has been supportive of its establishment, particularly regarding provisions for both boys and girls.
Damian Hinds
We are working with his council and sponsoring trust to agree a provisional opening date for Hanwood Park Free School as soon as possible.
Session: Hanwood Park Free School
View All Questions -->
The Kettering-based company In2tec is the only company in the world that can manufacture and completely recycle circuit board technology. The potential for it and for the UK is huge. Will the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation be kind enough please to visit In2tec in Kettering to see this groundbreaking innovation for himself?
Context
The Kettering-based company In2tec is the only company in the world that can manufacture and completely recycle circuit board technology, offering huge potential.
Andrew Griffith
In2tec is indeed a great example of innovation in sustainable electronics. I am pleased that it has benefited from £250,000 in UK support. It would be my pleasure to visit my hon. Friend's constituency in Kettering, and I believe we have a date soon.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The CPRE's rooftop solar campaign calls for far greater emphasis on the installation of solar panels on our nation's rooftops rather than ground-mounted solar which harms the natural environment and imperils UK food security. Would the Minister be kind enough to read the CPRE's 'Lighting the way' report, which highlights international best practice on this issue?
Context
The question is a follow-up on the initial query regarding steps to encourage rooftop solar installations, with specific reference to CPRE's campaign and report.
Andrew Bowie
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and his recommended reading. I was aware of the CPRE's rooftop campaign, and I am keen to understand the findings of its latest report. As set out in the British energy security strategy and the energy security plan, we are aiming for 70 GW of solar capacity by 2035 which would be more than quadruple our current installed capacity.
Session: Rooftop Solar Panel
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to encourage the installation of rooftop solar panels. The CPRE's rooftop solar campaign calls for far greater emphasis on the installation of solar panels on our nation's rooftops rather than ground-mounted solar which harms the natural environment and imperils UK food security.
Context
The question arises from a consultation on future homes and buildings standards that explore how to drive on-site renewable electricity generation, such as solar panels.
Andrew Bowie
The Government recently consulted on the future homes and buildings standards exploring how we can drive on-site renewable electricity generation such as solar panels in new homes and buildings. In December we simplified planning processes for larger rooftop installations by removing the 1 MW cap for non-domestic arrays in permitted development rights.
Session: Rooftop Solar Panel
View All Questions -->
What steps is the Minister taking to make the system more robust and protect vulnerable people who come here to work in our care system?
Context
The former chief inspector of borders and immigration reported that a company used forged documents to obtain 275 certificates of sponsorship, putting vulnerable workers at risk.
Tom Pursglove
We responded within the eight-week deadline to that ICIBI report and accepted the recommendations made to us. We are working through them, but work was already in train, particularly in collaboration with the Care Quality Commission.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will my right hon. Friend the Farming Minister join me in specifically congratulating Morrisons, Aldi, Sainsbury's and Ocado, which all now have the 'buy British' button online so that consumers can easily find British food to buy?
Context
British food is good for the environment, reduces food miles, and improves food security by reducing imports. Supermarkets like Morrisons, Aldi, Sainsbury's, and Ocado have introduced a 'buy British' button online.
Mark Spencer
Consumers want to buy top-quality British food. I congratulate those supermarkets and encourage others to consider introducing a 'buy British' button for online sales.
Session: British Produce
View All Questions -->
Kettering is the beating heart of the east midlands economy, so will the Secretary of State be kind enough to facilitate a visit from her ministerial team to Ball Corporation in Burton Latimer? It has the newest, largest and most modern aluminium can manufacturing plant in Europe and a fantastic example of the very best of successful foreign direct investment into the UK economy.
Context
Kettering is home to the largest aluminium can manufacturing plant in Europe operated by Ball Corporation. It supports more than 2,800 jobs across the east midlands.
Kemi Badenoch
I commend the Ball Corporation in Burton Latimer for all it is doing. I also thank my hon. Friend for what he is doing to promote inward investment, which supported more than 2,800 jobs across the east midlands in 2023. He has spoken to me before about the importance of the Ball Corporation to Kettering, and I am happy to confirm that either myself or one of my Ministers would be delighted to visit when diaries allow.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Two remarkably talented and enthusiastic individuals from Kettering, Beccy Hurrell and Lindsey Atkins, have put together a really ambitious £2 million bid to repurpose the former Gala Bingo hall in Kettering High Street, changing it into a community arts, music and family hub, which will be transformative for Kettering town centre. Expressions of interest in the Department's cultural development fund must be submitted by 15 March. Is there no way that I, Beccy, Lindsey and the council can meet the relevant Minister before 15 March to see whether our bid might be appropriate?
Context
Two individuals from Kettering have submitted a £2 million bid to repurpose the former Gala Bingo hall into a community arts, music and family hub.
Julia Lopez
I congratulate the two women who are putting forward such an exciting and interesting bid for that important building on Kettering High Street. I spoke to my noble Friend Lord Parkinson, as his ministerial brief covers this topic. He is happy to meet and look into the issue, but there is a question about the appropriate timing for that meeting.
Session: Gala Bingo Hall Kettering
View All Questions -->
If she will meet promoters of the bid to the cultural development fund to restore the Gala Bingo hall in Kettering.
Context
A bid has been submitted to the cultural development fund for restoring the former Gala Bingo hall in Kettering, which aims to transform it into a community arts and music hub.
Julia Lopez
I welcome my hon. Friend's interest in the cultural development fund. As the application process for its fourth round is live, unfortunately Ministers are unable to meet bid promoters at present.
Session: Gala Bingo Hall Kettering
View All Questions -->
Recent inward investment into the Kettering constituency includes the Ball Corporation from the US building Europe's largest and most modern aluminium drinks can manufacturing plant in Burton Latimer, creating 200 new jobs. Will my right hon Friend congratulate and thank Ball for its confidence and investment in north Northamptonshire's manufacturing economy, and encourage others to see Kettering—with its superb connectivity and motivated workforce—as an ideal location for further investment?
Context
The MP highlights recent inward investment into the Kettering constituency by Ball Corporation, which is building Europe's largest and most modern aluminium drinks can manufacturing plant in Burton Latimer, creating 200 new jobs.
Kemi Badenoch
I am extremely pleased to be able to do so. I congratulate and thank Ball Corporation for placing its investment in Kettering. That is exactly the sort of investment that we want to see all around the UK: it is the levelling-up agenda writ large. I also thank all the officials in my Department, but especially my Ministers, who travel all around the world—including to the US—to promote the UK. We never talk this country down; we let people know that this is a great place to do business, and we are seeing the benefits of that strategy.
Session: Foreign Direct Investment North Northamptonshire
View All Questions -->
What recent steps her Department has taken to help increase foreign direct investment into north Northamptonshire?
Context
The MP is seeking information on recent steps taken by the Department for Business and Trade to attract foreign direct investment into his constituency.
Kemi Badenoch
The Department for Business and Trade has done a lot to bring foreign direct investment into the UK. Just last November, we raised £30 billion at our global investment summit. Specifically for north Northamptonshire, my hon Friend will be pleased to know that his constituents can take advantage of the DBT national and regional investment teams, which work with local partners to provide support for foreign investors who wish to invest and set up in the region.
Session: Foreign Direct Investment North Northamptonshire
View All Questions -->
Thousands of new homes are being built across the Kettering constituency. What is my hon. Friend doing, together with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to decarbonise the future housing stock and improve energy efficiency in new build housing?
Context
Thousands of new homes are being built across the Kettering constituency, and there is a need to decarbonise future housing stock.
Andrew Bowie
We recently announced further details of the £6 billion extension that will be allocated from 2025 to 2028. This will support an extra 500,000 homes—prioritising those who need it most, but including new build—and is on top of support for 700,000 families to install improvements through the Great British insulation scheme and the energy company obligation by March 2026.
Session: Home Energy Efficiency Measures
View All Questions -->
Kettering is one of the greenest constituencies in the country, because the wind turbines and solar panels in the constituency generate enough electricity to power all 45,000 homes. For the country as a whole, what percentage of our electricity was generated from renewables when the Conservatives came to power in 2010, and what is the percentage now?
Context
Kettering's green energy production and overall UK renewable generation from 2010 to 2022.
Andrew Bowie
I thank my hon. Friend for that question. He will be delighted to learn that renewable generation has increased fivefold from 2010 to 2022. It has gone from a risible 26 TWh to 135 TWh. Some 40 GW of renewable energy has connected to Great Britain's electricity networks since 2010. Since 2010, the UK has seen a more than 500% increase in the amount of renewable electricity capacity in the grid thanks to this Conservative Government.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Does this not demonstrate why we need urgent reform of asylum system and human rights laws to allow rapid deportation?
Context
An Albanian-speaking migrant successfully claimed inability to be deported to Serbia due to language issues.
Alex Chalk
My hon. Friend is right that those who betray this nation's trust should not expect a warm welcome. We signed a prisoner transfer agreement with Albania to ensure deportation of illegal migrants, avoiding £49,000 annual cost for accommodation.
Session: Human Rights Legislation
View All Questions -->
Is a feasibility study underway to explore the possibility of direct aid delivery into Gaza via ships to shore if security allows?
Context
Suggestions are being made for more direct and efficient methods of delivering humanitarian aid, including from ship directly to shore.
James Heappey
The Defence Secretary is working internationally, including with Cypriot Ministry of Defence, on ideas for ship-to-shore deliveries but these need agreement from all parties.
Session: Gaza UK Aid
View All Questions -->
A Museum of London report has bizarrely concluded that black people were more likely to die from medieval plague. Will the Minister for Women and Equalities ensure such sensationalist research findings have no impact on current health and pandemic policy?
Context
A Museum of London report concluded black people were more likely to die from medieval plague, which may impact current health and pandemic policies.
Kemi Badenoch
I agree with my hon. Friend that this type of research is damaging to trust, social cohesion, and even trust in health services. I have written to the director of the Museum of London to express concern.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Some 14 million people live with a disability. They are statistically less likely to have a job or any qualifications or to own their own home, and sadly, their children are twice as likely to become victims of crime. Will the Minister ensure that the disability action plan addresses all those issues?
Context
14 million people live with disabilities in the UK. They are less likely to have jobs, qualifications, or own homes and their children are more likely to be victims of crime.
Mims Davies
I thank my hon. Friend for his typical care in this area. I assure him and the House that significant work is taking place across Government in those areas where disabled people have told us that their outcomes must be a priority, whether that is in education, employment or care. We are focused on that, and the disability action plan will complement that work. We are using the insight from the 12-week consultation to deliver improvements in all the areas that matter most to disabled people, in order to improve their daily lives.
Session: Disability Action Plan
View All Questions -->
What discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues on the effectiveness of the disability action plan?
Context
The consultation for the disability action plan closed on October 6, and there is concern about its effectiveness.
Mims Davies
The disability action plan's accessible 12-week consultation closed on 6 October. Since then, officials have been carefully considering all the consultation responses and working closely with other Government Departments. We have led discussions with the cross-Government ministerial disability champions before we publish the final disability action plan.
Session: Disability Action Plan
View All Questions -->
The Minister is being a little shameless with his figures. We really ought to look at what is continuing to happen in England. In England, industry and other bodies warned that the supposed changes to onshore planning restrictions that were announced in September were far too timid to make any real difference to the dearth of new onshore wind. I recently visited the site in Leighton Buzzard of the only turbine that has been put in place onshore in England since those supposed restrictions were lifted. It turns out that it has been in the planning process since 2014, and is not on a new site anyway. The Department's renewable energy planning database shows that there are precisely zero new schemes in the pipeline in England. Should the Minister not go away and reconsider the remaining planning and funding restrictions on onshore wind so that it really can get going again?
Context
Industry and other bodies warned that the changes announced in September were too timid. The site in Leighton Buzzard has been in the planning process since 2014.
Graham Stuart
As I have said, I share the enthusiasm on both sides of the House for onshore wind. The Government have set regulations that require onshore wind developers to consult communities in advance of submitting a planning application, as well as having it consulted on post-submission. We make no apology for rolling out this transformation in renewable technologies in concert with communities, rather than seeking to ride roughshod over them.
Session: Onshore Wind Farms
View All Questions -->
The health of our nation is critical to the health of our economy, but after 13 years of this Government, both are in a dire state. The Secretary of State should know that the number of young people out of work due to long-term sickness has doubled on the Government's watch, predominantly driven by poor mental health. Labour's plan will recruit 8,500 more mental health staff, with support in every school and hubs in every community to tackle these problems early on.
Context
The question is prompted by concerns about the state of the nation's health, particularly regarding long-term sickness among young people.
Mel Stride
The reason for that—I am feeling rather less generous—is that we have seen Labour's plans in the past, and no Labour Government have ever left office with unemployment anything other than higher than when they came to office. Under the last Labour Government, we saw 1.4 million people parked on long-term benefits for over a decade, with many of them exactly as the hon. Lady described: long-term sick and disabled. Under this Government, we have near-record low unemployment, and we have 4 million more people on payroll employment than we had in 2010.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
In its 2021 census, the Office for National Statistics estimated that there are 260,000 transgender people in the UK. Does the Minister agree with the separate Office for Statistics Regulation that, due to skewed methodology, this number is likely to have been a huge overestimate?
Context
The Office for National Statistics estimated that there are 260,000 transgender people in the UK.
Kemi Badenoch
The Minister shares concerns raised by OSR. She asked officials to explore census methodology due to a lack of understanding of terminology like transgender and gender identity.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Secretary of State meet Ball Corporation to explore her plans to support drinks can producers against potentially unfair market distortions due to the exclusion of glass from the DRS?
Context
Ball Corporation has invested £200 million to create Europe's largest and most modern aluminium drinks can manufacturing plant in Burton Latimer. The company is concerned about potentially unfair market distortions as a result of the decision to exclude glass from the deposit return scheme.
Therese Coffey
I decided not to proceed with glass in the DRS because of the complications that would bring to its introduction; I would have thought his local company would benefit from that. However, I know that the chief executive recently had a constructive and useful meeting with the recycling Minister, the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton Deane (Rebecca Pow), who will take away the comments from that for further consideration as we finalise our policy.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities, noting that the Met Office has issued various warnings for potentially significant storms, leading to the Environment Agency's actions and encouragement for households to register for flood alerts and take appropriate action.
Context
The Met Office has issued warnings about significant storms. The Environment Agency is mobilising emergency operations and lining up temporary defences in various parts of the country.
Therese Coffey
The Met Office has issued various warnings. Indeed, as the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton Deane (Rebecca Pow), pointed out, we are preparing for potentially significant storms, which is why the Environment Agency has mobilised its emergency operations centre and why temporary defences are being lined up in different parts of the country. We continue to encourage households to register for flood alerts and warnings and to take action, where appropriate.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The Secretary of State has seen for himself the dilapidated steam generators at Kettering General Hospital. The new £34 million net zero energy plant designed to replace them faces challenges from rising costs and new design requirements. Will he ensure that the final business case approval process for this new power plant is completed as soon as possible, so that spades can hit the ground on time in spring 2024?
Context
The Secretary of State has seen for himself the dilapidated steam generators at Kettering General Hospital.
Steve Barclay
Yes I will. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the way he has championed this issue. I have visited the hospital; I have seen it for myself. As he will be aware, the full business case was received by the Department this morning. While the cost has increased, it is still within the wider funding envelope for the scheme on that site and I will do everything I can to expedite the process as he asks.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Parliament passed a law in 2015 that offenders convicted of a second or subsequent knife offence should go to prison, yet in the year to March, 16,000 such offenders—37% of the total—dodged a jail sentence altogether. That is the highest total since the law was introduced. Will Ministers ensure that the courts now hand down the sentences legislated for in this House eight years ago?
Context
A law was passed in 2015 requiring offenders convicted of a second or subsequent knife offence to receive prison sentences. However, only 63% received jail time in the last year.
Edward Argar
My hon. Friend highlights the scourge of knife crime and need for tough sentences. Sentencing is a matter for the independent judiciary, which considers individual circumstances. However, average sentences are up from 6.5 months in 2010 to 8.1 months in 2020.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
A key question from the Ukrainian theatre is about the effectiveness and lethality of emerging drone technology. What steps are being taken to ensure that NATO has world-class compatible, deployable drones to meet emerging threats?
Context
There is concern about the effectiveness and lethality of emerging drone technology in NATO operations.
James Cartlidge
My hon. Friend asks an excellent question. It must be clear to everyone just from what is available on social media that uncrewed air systems, as they are called, have an extraordinary impact in theatre. I reassure him that we are working on a strategy to look at how we can make the most of this capability to ensure that, above all, we have our own cutting-edge sovereign capability.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I understand that nearly three quarters of a million civil service working days were lost due to alleged stress and mental health reasons, and that this figure is 40% up on the year before. Given these circumstances, what steps are the Government taking to ensure only those with genuine mental health conditions receive leave?
Context
The question highlights a significant increase in working days lost due to stress and mental health reasons, raising concerns about genuine need versus abuse of leave.
Jeremy Quin
There has been a spike in all sickness absence this year, both in private and public sectors, due to comparative data from the pandemic period. The most recent figures show lower sickness absence rates for central Government Departments compared to the private sector. We work with occupational health and employee assistance programs to ensure those unwell get support while aiming to reduce overall numbers of people off for ill health.
Session: Mental Health Civil Servants
View All Questions -->
How many days of sick leave due to mental health were taken by civil servants in 2022?
Context
The question concerns the amount of sick leave taken by civil servants due to mental health issues, which is a growing concern for public sector employment.
Jeremy Quin
Civil service sickness absence data are published annually. The latest data indicate that an average of 2.3 working days were lost per staff year due to mental ill health for the year ending 31 March 2022.
Session: Mental Health Civil Servants
View All Questions -->
What measures are being taken to improve HMRC's customer service?
Context
10 million calls went unanswered at HMRC last year, and four out of five staff work from home.
Victoria Atkins
HMRC received 38 million calls last year, with 3 million for simple tasks that could be done digitally. Moving people to digital channels will free up at least 500 staff to handle more complex tax affairs.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Gypsy and Traveller Sites
15 May 2024
Responding: Lee Rowley
Main Concerns
['Philip Hollobone is concerned about the planning system around Gypsy and Traveller provision, which he believes has many holes and does not work effectively. He highlighted specific issues such as unauthorised development where land is bought over a bank holiday weekend, with no immediate action to stop it due to legal wrangles through the planning process that can last three to four years or more. Hollobone also mentioned the difficulties in identifying landowners, especially when individuals operate outside normal deed exchanges and land registration.']
Specific Asks
['Hollobone requests changes to discourage unauthorised development, including accelerating the process for issuing stop notices, making it a criminal offence not to comply with temporary stop notices, changing planning regulations regarding topsoil removal, aligning the planning system with caravan licensing regimes, and introducing fit and proper person tests under the Mobile Homes Act 2013.']
A14: Junction 10A
21 February 2024
Responding: Guy Opperman
Main Concerns
["Philip Hollobone expressed concern about the delay in funding for junction 10A on the A14, which is crucial for Kettering and surrounding areas. He highlighted that without the junction, traffic congestion would increase significantly, affecting existing residents' quality of life and potentially halting the development of up to 2,000 new homes, including affordable housing. Hollobone also emphasised the importance of the Hanwood Park development, which is expected to create an estimated 8,100 local jobs."]
Specific Asks
["Hollobone asked for a firm commitment from the Government to include junction 10A in the Department's road investment strategy 3 (RIS3) and provide definite funding. He urged for expedited progress on the scheme to ensure continued housing delivery, employment opportunities, and economic growth."]
Kettering Bingo Hall: Community Ownership Fund
13 December 2023
Main Concerns
['The former Gala Bingo hall in Kettering has been vacant for over five years and was once home to a cinema, orchestra pit, restaurant, theatre space, and even hosted legendary bands. The building was found to have over 2,000 cannabis plants inside, potentially worth £3 million. Beccy Hurrell and Lindsey Atkins of the BHVA Axis Hub CIC are seeking to transform this site into a community hub with various facilities like theatres, performance spaces, music studios, hot desks, and more. The proposal aims to boost local economic outcomes, create jobs, improve social cohesion, and enhance wellbeing among residents in Kettering.']
Specific Asks
["The lead MP asks the Government to allocate £2 million from the Community Ownership Fund for the redevelopment of the former Gala Bingo hall site, which is anticipated to have a transformative impact on Kettering's town centre and align with the levelling-up objectives of the current government."]
A14: Kettering
21 February 2023
Responding: Richard Holden
Main Concerns
['Junction 10A on the A14 at Kettering is critical infrastructure necessary for delivering phase 2 of the Hanwood Park development, which includes an eventual 5,500 dwellings and employment land covering 328 hectares. The cost of Junction 10A is estimated at £40 million with financial contributions split between the Department for Transport (DFT) and the developer. Local land values will not allow funding without government intervention, making public funding necessary. Currently, just over 1,000 dwellings are occupied, and there is a significant risk that development could halt in three years without the new junction.']
Specific Asks
["I ask His Majesty's Government to include junction 10A in the DFT's road investment strategy 3 (RIS3) as a definite commitment. This would ensure detailed planning approval and procurement can commence with confidence, avoiding adverse impacts on local people's quality of life."]
Kettering General Hospital Redevelopment
26 October 2022
Responding: Neil O'Brien
Main Concerns
["Mr Philip Hollobone is concerned about the urgent need for redevelopment of Kettering General Hospital due to the rapidly growing local population and outdated infrastructure. He mentioned that the area expects an 84,000 increase in population over the next ten years, leading to a projected rise in A&E attendances by 30,000 cases annually within a decade. Additionally, 70% of the hospital's buildings are more than 30 years old and require significant maintenance with a backlog of £42 million."]
Specific Asks
['Mr Hollobone asks for the Government to support Kettering General Hospital Trust with £400,000 capital in this financial year to progress critical enabling works. He also requests that the Minister encourages the new hospital programme team to work closely with the trust on the full business case for the energy centre to minimize inflation risks.']
Kettering General Hospital — [Derek Twigg in the Chair]
02 February 2022
Responding: Edward Argar
Main Concerns
['The redevelopment of Kettering General Hospital is critical for addressing the healthcare needs in Northamptonshire. The hospital, which turned 125 this year, has been promised £46 million for an urgent care hub and a total investment package of £563 million from various funding streams. However, the hospital has not yet received the cash required to proceed with initial enabling works. There are three main risks: delays in receiving feedback on business case submissions, insufficient funds for essential site preparations, and potential loss of slippage money due to larger hospital development schemes.']
Specific Asks
["The MP asks the Government to provide immediate provision of the £46 million sustainability and transformation partnership wave 4b funding. He also requests confirmation that NHS's new hospitals programme team will approve Kettering hospital's strategic outline case for redevelopment, so an outline business case can be submitted by May 2022. Additionally, he seeks clarity on eligibility for £53 million slippage from other hospital development schemes."]
Planning System: Gypsies and Travellers
29 January 2020
Responding: Luke Hall
Main Concerns
['Mr. Philip Hollobone is concerned about the preferential treatment within the planning system for Gypsies and Travellers, which he believes is inflaming tensions between them and the settled community. He cites specific instances where unauthorised encampments have been established on privately owned land without permission. According to his figures from July 2018, there are around 3,100 caravans on unauthorised sites, with over 2,100 of these on land bought by Travellers and the remainder on land they do not own. He also points out that Gypsies and Travellers have lower levels of work and educational attainment compared to other ethnic groups.']
Specific Asks
['Mr. Hollobone asks the Government to ensure someone in breach of an enforcement notice cannot apply for retrospective planning permission until the initial breach is remedied, and to change rules on trespassing by lowering the number of vehicles needed to trigger police action from six to at least two.']
International Health Regulations
14 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Covid-19: Response and Excess Deaths
18 April 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls for the covid-19 inquiry to investigate vaccines and therapeutics, citing concerns over untested medical treatments, hidden data, and excess deaths. Andrew Bridgen argues that these v...
Kettering General Hospital: Redevelopment
22 March 2024
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair, Mr Deputy Speaker. I thank the Minister for her attendance and I thank Mr Speaker for granting me permission to hold this special debate. This is my 12th spec...
NHS Dentistry: Recovery and Reform
07 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NHS Winter Update
08 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Illegal Migration
24 October 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Work Capability Assessment Consultation
05 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Illegal Migration Update
05 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Education, Employment and Training: Young People
04 September 2023
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The MP for Kettering highlighted the issue of youth unemployment among NEETs in his constituency and across the UK, noting that approximately 788,000 young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, e...
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete in Education Settings
04 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
3
PMQs Asked
171
Ministerial Questions Asked
148
House of Commons Debates Involved
8
Westminster Hall Debates Led
23
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
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+1176% above average
This MP:
171
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+218% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2945% above average
This MP:
148
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+143% above average
This MP:
23
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 Philip Hollobone's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.