Rachel Maclean
MP for Redditch
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Thanks to this Conservative Government, the Alexandra Hospital has received nearly £19 million of investment. Does the Prime Minister agree that it is time to back my campaign to bring back services so local mums can give birth locally?
Context
The question pertains to the investment and training places at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.
Rishi Sunak
I welcome the investment that the Alexandra Hospital has had in recent years, but reconfigurations of services are clinically led decisions following engagement with patients and stakeholders.
Session: PMQs
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After 8,000 signatures on my petition for chemotherapy in Redditch, the local trust changed their mind. Does the Prime Minister agree it is right that trusts can change decisions on provision of maternity and paediatric services so women can give birth locally?
Context
8,000 residents of Redditch signed a petition to bring back chemotherapy at the Alex Hospital. The local acute trust reversed its decision on maternity and paediatric services.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend has been a fantastic advocate for her constituents and local hospital. £10.5 million was awarded, some of which is being used to improve maternity and paediatric services at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
Assessment
Specific agreement not addressed
£10.5 Million Awarded
Session: PMQs
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I hope that it is in order for me to thank all the ministerial team for when they have been absolutely courteous to us and when we have been able to work together on matters. I particularly pay tribute to the Under-Secretary of State, the right hon. Member for Pudsey (Stuart Andrew), who is not only a gent, but a champ. However, we have two music venues closing every week; British artists prevented from touring in Europe; the UK art market falling from second to third in the world; A-level music students down by 45%; museums and galleries struggling with the cost of living; ballerinas told to retrain; theatre and opera touring slashed; and an apprenticeship levy that does not work for the creative industries. Was that all part of the plan? Or, in the words of RuPaul, is it not time for this appalling Government to sashay away?
Context
The MP acknowledges past courteous interactions but highlights issues affecting the creative industries, such as venue closures and cost-of-living struggles.
Lucy Frazer
There are tax reliefs for every subsector of the creative industries. Whether it is film, studios, independent film or grassroots support, we have supported the creative industries at every level. We have a plan from the first day of primary school to the last day of work. That is what we are doing for our sectors.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does she agree that significant representations have resulted in a meaningful commitment to level up Redditch within this Parliament? Does she agree that mental health and wellbeing are a key part of that?
Context
The questioner thanks the Department for £382,000 funding to level up swimming pools in her constituency, adding that this comes after other investments.
Stuart Andrew
My sex has obviously changed, but I certainly agree with my hon. Friend. I pay tribute to her for the enormous campaigning she has done on behalf of her constituents in Redditch in securing that significant investment. I agree that getting people active is vital to improving their physical and mental health.
Session: Swimming Pools and Leisure Facilities
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I thank the Secretary of State for all her work with my team in Redditch. Can she confirm that, despite the tight timelines, we can ensure that the £5 million in funding is able to be made use of by as many local groups as possible before we break for the general election?
Context
The MP is concerned about the £5 million in funding allocated to her area at the spring Budget and wants to ensure its timely use before the general election.
Lucy Frazer
My hon. Friend is a huge campaigner. She was awarded £5 million at the spring Budget to support the development of cultural projects in her area. It is a matter for each council to identify the most suitable project to be funded in their area, and I am sure she will work very closely with them to ensure that funding will be distributed appropriately.
Session: Topical Questions
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I know the Secretary of State understands the importance of safeguarding good agricultural land for food production. Will she update my constituents in Inkberrow and Stock Green on what more she is doing to ensure that solar panels are placed on car park and warehouse rooftops, which we have an ample number of in my constituency?
Context
The question pertains to the placement of solar panels on rooftops, car parks, and warehouses in Inkberrow and Stock Green.
Andrew Bowie
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that we need to protect the best and most versatile agricultural land in this country. Unlike the Opposition, we respect the views of communities up and down this country, and we will not countenance the industrialisation of our countryside. However, solar power remains very important. We are committed to our 70 GW target. In our forthcoming solar road map, we will set out exactly how we will incentivise the development of rooftop solar, and development on brownfield and other sites.
Session: Topical Questions
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Are there criminal offences that could be used for prosecutions? Will the Minister reiterate his calls for prosecution?
Context
An extreme and antisemitic slogan was projected onto Big Ben last week, calling for the destruction of Israel.
Chris Philp
The Member's view is shared. The former Attorney General pointed out that police could have acted under multiple bases to prevent this projection.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am grateful to the Minister for all the work that her Department is doing, but my constituents in Inkberrow have contacted me because they are really concerned that the infrastructure for their much-needed broadband is being put in using poles in the street rather than underground as they were promised. We must upgrade our infrastructure, but we must not damage our beautiful countryside in the process, so what can she do to support my constituents in Inkberrow to ensure that this much-needed infrastructure is buried underground?
Context
The MP's constituents in Inkberrow are concerned about the installation of broadband infrastructure using poles rather than underground.
Julia Lopez
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this point, and I agree that we want to build underground where possible. It is important that she is advocating on behalf of her constituents, because we have had issues relating to poles. We encourage sharing, but that is not always happening. It seems to be an issue in particular pockets of the country, and we are talking to Ofcom about this to see what more we can do.
Session: Rural Connectivity
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Recently, after some storms, residents in Hanbury and other rural parts of my constituency were without broadband for three weeks. The problem was fixed only when I, the local MP, got involved. What can the Minister do to make sure that these providers restore services much more quickly? Three weeks is a completely unacceptable delay.
Context
Residents in Hanbury and other rural parts of the constituency faced three weeks without broadband due to storms, which was resolved only after involvement by the local MP.
Julia Lopez
I am sorry to hear of the problems that my hon. Friend's constituents experienced. Telecommunications companies are under certain obligations to Ofcom to keep networks up and running. We are testing those resilience measures. Thankfully, gigabit broadband is a much more resilient network which, has withstood floods in York recently for example, but we hope to be able to have a much more resilient network in future.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for that answer. In Worcestershire, we warmly welcome the £2.6 million that has been allocated as our share of the discharge fund. Will the Minister set out when my constituents who use the Alexandra will start to see these changes flowing through? What practical changes will they see and what impact will there be on waiting times and waiting lists?
Context
Worcestershire has received £2.6 million from the NHS discharge fund, and constituents of Alexandra Hospital in Redditch are eager to see practical changes.
Helen Whately
I thank my hon. Friend for her excellent and important question about her local share of the £750 million of extra funding for discharge this winter. I can tell her that, in Worcestershire, money is already going into extra placements in homecare, community care and care homes, and into providing practical support to help people when they get home from hospital, in partnership with the voluntary sector. I assure her that we will publish the spending plans for her area and the rest of the country shortly.
Session: NHS Beds Alexandra Hospital
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What steps his Department is taking to increase the number of NHS beds available in the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch?
Context
The Alexandra Hospital in Redditch faces a shortage of NHS beds, prompting the MP to ask what steps are being taken to increase bed availability.
Helen Whately
Right now, we are putting an extra £750 million into our health and social care system to free up beds in hospitals. Looking ahead, we will shift the dial on the decades-old problem of delayed discharge by properly planning for discharge, making more care available at home, and joining up health and social care in a way that has never been done before. That is how we are freeing up beds in hospitals such as the Alexandra in Redditch.
Session: NHS Beds Alexandra Hospital
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Robert Brown murdered his partner Joanna Simpson. He battered her to death before burying her in a pre-dug grave. This dangerous man is due to be released from prison in November after serving only 13 years of his sentence. Will the Lord Chancellor urgently review that decision? The family and friends of Joanna Simpson are terrified for their lives.
Context
Robert Brown murdered his partner Joanna Simpson, is due to be released from prison in November after serving only 13 years. The family and friends are terrified for their lives.
Dominic Raab
I thank my hon. Friend for raising the matter. I pay tribute to her and to the family, who are very much in my thoughts. She will know that we have an extra power, which we introduced in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022; it is quite a confined power, but I will undertake to look at it in this case.
Session: Topical Questions
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I have asked Treasury Ministers three simple questions: whether the Chancellor has considered abolishing non-dom status; whether the Prime Minister was consulted about doing so; and whether, when the current Prime Minister was Chancellor, he recused himself from discussions on the matter. Will the Minister finally show that they have nothing to hide by answering my questions today?
Context
The MP is asking for clarity on previous decisions regarding non-dom status and whether the current Prime Minister was consulted.
Victoria Atkins
Non-doms paid £7.9 billion in UK taxes last year, a significant sum of money that helps pay for public services. Although we keep the scheme under review, we must recognise their contribution towards public service funding.
Session: Tax System Fairness
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I warmly welcome the legal ruling on the Rwanda plan, and also the reforms to the modern slavery system as part of the overall work to deter those involved in small boat crossings. Does the Home Secretary agree that another way of tackling the backlog would be to speed up the local authority pilot programme for processing claims relating to child victims of modern slavery, many of them vulnerable county lines drug gangs children? Would that not improve support for those children as well as helping to clear the backlog?
Context
Reforms to the modern slavery system aim to deter small boat crossings and clear backlog.
Robert Jenrick
My hon. Friend has been an eloquent and knowledgeable campaigner on this issue. She has spoken to me about how we can better ensure that young people who are exploited by criminal gangs are looked after properly. We will take forward more pilots with local authorities next year.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Opposition are wrong in their characterisation and narrative of this issue, and the Justice Secretary and his colleagues across the Home Office are to be commended for the leadership that they have shown in driving up rape prosecutions across the whole system, holding independent partners to account. Will the Justice Secretary update the House on how the data are trending in the latest reports? What is he doing to hold the independent court system to account to tackle backlogs in the system, so that rape prosecutions do not have to wait longer than they should to see their day in court?
Context
The question follows an initial statement by the Secretary of State about measures to tackle violence against women and girls.
Dominic Raab
I thank my hon. Friend and pay tribute to her for the incredible work she did at the Home Office. She was involved in the meetings on this, and I know how committed she was and how much impact she had. On the results—those are what female victims of crime and the whole country want to see—between April and June 2022, police referrals were up by 95% from the 2019 figure. The number of suspects charged was up by 65% compared with 2019 figures, and Crown court receipts were up 91% from 2019 figures.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Reform of the Criminal Justice System
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I commend the Home Secretary's extensive and robust work to tackle the number of Albanian economic migrants arriving in small boats. However, what more can she do to keep our country safe?
Context
The MP acknowledged the Home Secretary's work on reducing Albanian economic migration via small boats, but requested further details.
Priti Patel
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for her diligent and professional work in the Home Office, where she championed the safety of women and girls. She is absolutely right about the safety and security of our great country, and when it comes to the checking of illegal migrants, she is well aware of the detailed work taking place, much of which we cannot speak about publicly for security reasons. That robust work will continue.
Session: Topical Questions
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The NHS is a precious asset that is just as important to people in Scotland as it is to my constituents in Redditch. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Scottish Government's obsessive attraction to independence detracts from their focus on the NHS? They should focus first on the people of Scotland who are missing the 12-week treatment target, which the Scottish Government have never met.
Context
The NHS is a precious asset for people in Scotland, but the Scottish Government's obsession with independence detracts from their focus on the NHS.
Alister Jack
Yes, my hon. Friend makes a good point. Today's The Herald highlights the fact that accident and emergency waiting times have deteriorated in Scotland to a record low, with record numbers of patients now waiting more than 12 hours to be treated.
Session: “Scotland’s Right to Choose”
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
West Midlands: Transport
08 May 2024
Responding: Huw Merriman
Main Concerns
['Ms. Maclean highlighted the importance of transport in Redditch and its role in economic development, including road quality issues with 52% dissatisfaction reported by constituents. She pointed out that roads managed by Worcestershire County Council are underfunded despite receiving £4 million for repairs over two years, and traffic congestion was also a major concern with 43% of respondents mentioning it as an issue. Additionally, she raised concerns about bus services with only 11% satisfaction among respondents and the need to maintain reliable train connections to Birmingham.']
Specific Asks
["Ms. Maclean asked for details on how quickly the £4 million can be spent on Redditch's roads, whether noise cameras will be rolled out in Worcestershire, steps to support motorists during high cost of living times, measures to ensure bus services are viable and sustainable without long-term subsidies, and actions being taken to promote active transport options for people with disabilities."]
Deportation of Foreign National Offenders
07 February 2024
Responding: Michael Tomlinson
Main Concerns
['Ms Maclean is concerned about the increasing number of foreign national offenders (FNOs) in the UK, citing a rise to nearly 12,000 FNOs from just over 4,000 in 2012. She highlights that while the number of FNOs has increased, the number of enforced returns has decreased significantly. Ms Maclean also mentions the issue of asylum seekers claiming religious conversion as a reason to avoid deportation and cites specific cases where individuals have exploited this loophole.']
Specific Asks
['Ms Maclean asks the Minister to explain why there is a downward trend in FNO deportations, what steps are being taken to address it, how many FNOs have been granted asylum after sentencing for crimes, and whether current arrangements allowing those sentenced for less than twelve months to claim asylum should be reconsidered.']
Domestic Homicide Sentencing Review
30 November 2022
Main Concerns
["The hon. Member is concerned about the sentencing disparity in domestic homicide cases, particularly highlighting that sentences for male perpetrators are often seen as insufficiently reflective of the severity and impact of their crimes on victims and families. She mentions specific cases such as Poppy Devey Waterhouse and Ellie Gould's killers receiving comparatively lighter sentences than what would be given if a weapon was taken to another location. The hon. Member also notes that overkill is overlooked in sentencing, adding trauma for bereaved family members."]
Specific Asks
["The hon. Member asks the Government to publish the Clare Wade review and respond to its recommendations swiftly. She enquires about specific actions regarding premeditation issues, rough sex as a defence, and training provisions for those involved in the criminal justice process. The hon. Member also requests consideration of her colleague's private Member's Bill that seeks to amend sentencing codes."]
Children's Rights In Police Custody
28 June 2022
Main Concerns
['The debate focused on the rights and protection of children in police custody. The speaker acknowledged ongoing incidents involving substandard or unsatisfactory practices by police officers, although she emphasized that the majority of officers perform their duties well under challenging circumstances. She noted the importance of balancing the rights of the child with those of crime victims.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP called for a continued focus on ensuring trust and confidence in policing while addressing any incidents of poor practice by police forces, highlighting the need to follow recommendations from oversight bodies and to ensure appropriate investigations are carried out independently.']
A14: Junction 10a — [Derek Twigg in the Chair]
04 November 2020
Main Concerns
["Junction 10a of the A14 does not exist, but it is crucial for Kettering's future development. There are plans to build up to 5,500 new houses east of Kettering which will require adequate infrastructure, including a new junction on the A14. Local land values do not allow funding without government intervention and developer contributions can only cover half the project cost, with Homes England providing £60 million in loans for initial development phases."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should commit to funding half the cost of the new junction now rather than waiting until 2025. This commitment is necessary to ensure that the full housing development can proceed without risk to local infrastructure and economic stability, avoiding gridlock in Kettering.']
Holocaust Memorial (Centre) Bill - New Clause 1
22 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Building Safety
26 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ways and Means
07 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Chancellor's Budget proposal is criticised for rising taxes, falling living standards, stalled growth, unfunded tax cuts, and overall economic mismanagement. Rachel Reeves highlights the increased...
Building Safety Bill - New Clause 35
27 February 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I move the inclusion of New Clause 35 to ensure that notifications are made in connection with insolvency for higher-risk and relevant buildings. This amendment aims to safeguard residents' safety by ...
Leasehold Reform Bill
11 December 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities opens the debate by thanking predecessors and stakeholders for their work on leasehold reform. He highlights the unfairness in leasehol...
Legal Migration
04 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Care Bill - Clause 5
04 December 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. The specific content or context of Clause 5 is not detailed here; however, Edward Argar, as the Conservative MP for Melton and Syston, has called ...
Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill - Clause 87 (National development policies: meaning)
24 October 2023
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
Moves to disagree with Lords amendment 22B and insists on disagreement to Lords amendment 45, proposing Government amendment in lieu. Emphasises the importance of maintaining local discretion while ad...
Local Government Bill - Lords amendment 117 and related amendments
17 October 2023
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
The Member moved an amendment to Lords amendment 117, proposing several adjustments including the waiving of Commons financial privilege. She outlined that this would involve considering multiple amen...
Voter Identification Scheme
14 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
2
PMQs Asked
15
Ministerial Questions Asked
48
House of Commons Debates Involved
6
Westminster Hall Debates Led
4
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+12% above average
This MP:
15
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+139% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+888% above average
This MP:
48
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-58% below average
This MP:
4
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Rachel Maclean's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.