Richard Thomson
MP for Gordon
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Can I echo the Prime Minister's comments on International Holocaust Memorial Day? My constituents rely on the Royal Mail to deliver important items of mail and packages. They will be alarmed to learn of Ofcom's proposal for Royal Mail to cut its service days. Will the Prime Minister commit that there will be no reduction in postal services provided by Royal Mail in Scotland or elsewhere?
Context
Thomson raises concerns about Ofcom's proposal that Royal Mail might reduce its postal services, affecting constituents' businesses and mail delivery in Scotland.
Rishi Sunak
I agree with the hon. Gentleman about the importance of the Royal Mail's universal service obligation. We remain absolutely committed to ensuring that it remains as it is.
Assessment
The answer does not provide specific details on preventing service reductions or commitments to action beyond a general statement.
Session: PMQs
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When the Prime Minister took office, he promised to lead a Government marked by “integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level.” What is it about the judgment of David Cameron and his relationship with Lex Greensill, or his lobbying for Chinese state interests, that made the Prime Minister consider him a suitable candidate to be Foreign Secretary?
Context
The MP questions the judgment about David Cameron's suitability for Foreign Secretary given his past involvement with Lex Greensill and Chinese state interests.
Rishi Sunak
I am delighted that the former Prime Minister has rejoined the Government as Foreign Secretary. He brings unrivalled experience and relationships across the world, and will do a fantastic job championing British interests everywhere he goes.
Assessment
The specific judgment about David Cameron's relationship with Lex Greensill and Chinese state interests was not addressed.
Brings Unrivalled Experience And Relationships Across The World
Session: PMQs
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With fiscal and social policy tools available, how will the Prime Minister set a course to close the gender pensions gap over his premiership?
Context
Research by Scottish Widows showed significant disparities in pension funds between men and women, with a woman retiring today needing to work until age 81 to achieve parity.
Rishi Sunak
The Government has delivered reforms like automatic enrolment which increased women's pension participation in private sector from 40% to 87%. They remain committed to further progress.
Assessment
Specific measures or timelines for reducing the gap were not detailed
Session: PMQs
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In Monday's confidence vote, the Prime Minister secured the support of just two Scottish MPs. Given this lack of support, should he resign as Prime Minister or write a letter of resignation to himself?
Context
In a recent confidence vote, the Prime Minister received minimal support from Scottish MPs. The SNP is advocating for Scotland to break away from the United Kingdom.
Boris Johnson
I redirect the hon. Gentleman to what I said to my friend the leader of the SNP, the right hon. Member for Ross, Skye and Lochaber (Ian Blackford). The more SNP Members campaign, in the current circumstances, for breaking up our United Kingdom—with all its strength and all its merits—the more damage they do to their own case.
Assessment
Directly avoided question about resignation by shifting focus to SNP's stance on Scotland
Redirecting
Session: PMQs
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On 26 February, a private charter flight to Moscow was allowed to take off from Inverness airport in an apparent breach of UK sanctions. Will the Prime Minister commit to informing the House at the earliest opportunity who was travelling on that flight? Why, despite being informed in advance of the flight, was no attempt made by the UK Government to prevent the plane from taking off?
Context
A private charter flight to Moscow was allowed to take off from Inverness airport despite a UK ban on such flights that had come into effect the previous night. The question arises due to air traffic control transcripts revealing no attempt by authorities to prevent the plane's departure.
Boris Johnson
I do not know the answer to the hon. Member's question, but as soon as we can get some information about that, I will make sure that the House is properly informed.
Assessment
Did not commit to informing the House of specific individuals or reasons for inaction.
Session: PMQs
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Despite criticisms from the Prime Minister, the SNP secured 48% of votes and 51% support for independence referendum parties in Scotland's elections. Why did they perform so well while Conservatives performed poorly?
Context
The SNP won the most seats in the recent Scottish election, securing a majority in the parliament. The questioner challenges the PM to explain this success given his criticism of the party.
Boris Johnson
I totally reject what the hon. Gentleman just said. The SNP actually did less well than under Alex Salmond in 2011, and people of Scotland are disappointed by record of Scottish Government in fighting crime, improving education and making Scotland great place to live and invest.
Assessment
Explanation for SNP's electoral success
Criticizing Opposition
Session: PMQs
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Will the PM match the £500 bonus scheme for healthcare workers in Scotland with an equivalent scheme in England? Will he instruct the Chancellor to ensure these bonuses are tax-free?
Context
The Scottish Government announced a £500 bonus scheme for health and social care workers during the pandemic, while the UK government is responsible for England. The question asks if the Prime Minister will match this initiative in England.
Boris Johnson
On the last point, that is a matter for the Scottish Government. I thank health and social care workers in Scotland and across the UK; we have invested 12.8% over three years, with a pay rise for 1 million NHS staff.
Assessment
Scottish Government responsibility vs funding for England
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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When does the Secretary of State expect to deliver this alleged Brexit benefit and what will arrive first—a trade deal or pints of champagne?
Context
In 2017, Boris Johnson claimed the UK would be 'first in line' for a post-Brexit trade deal with the US. Despite negotiations opening in May 2020, progress has stalled.
Kemi Badenoch
The US is not currently pursuing free trade agreements, so we are negotiating with individual states. Our relationship with the US is good and exports have increased to £311 billion. We will continue to pursue a free trade agreement.
Session: Topical Questions
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A key sector of the manufacturing economy is the plastics industry, which employs 155,000 people and has an annual turnover of £28.7 billion. In July 2023, the UK Government began a consultation on the plastic packaging tax and the methodology behind it. In February, some 14 organisations signed a joint letter to the Government urging the swift publication of that consultation. When exactly do the Government expect to be able to respond to that long-overdue consultation?
Context
The question was prompted by a consultation on the plastic packaging tax and methodology, which some organisations have urged for swift publication.
Alan Mak
The hon. Gentleman is right: the UK plastics industry is highly important and contributed £8.2 billion to the economy last year. I am aware of the consultation, which is led by the Treasury, and I will ensure that he gets a reply.
Session: Manufacturing Sector
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Anyone in Scotland watching this will be incredibly disappointed with the responses that we have had from the Minister to date. In March 2021, the hon. Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine (Andrew Bowie) said on BBC Scotland that young people were not reaping the benefits of Brexit. I do not often agree with my constituency neighbour in the south, but he was absolutely right then and he is still absolutely right now, is he not?
Context
In March 2021, the hon. Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine criticised that young people were not reaping the benefits of Brexit. The questioner agrees with this statement.
John Lamont
The biggest obstacle to opportunities for young people in Scotland is the SNP Government. By restricting the number of places for Scottish students at Scottish universities so heavily, the Scottish Government seem intent on driving young people out of our country.
Session: Youth Mobility European Commission Scheme
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The return of devolved government is welcomed across this House. Will the Government reaffirm their commitment to the principle of consent in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales? The peoples should be able to choose the form of government best suited to their needs, inside or outside the UK.
Context
Devolved government has been restored in Northern Ireland, and the speaker pays tribute to Frank Field for his long service. The question addresses the principle of consent in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The Secretary of State welcomes the restored institutions and respects referendum results, including the one in Scotland. No further details were provided.
Session: Devolved Institutions Northern Ireland
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What is the Secretary of State going to do about the severe food insecurity issues reported by the Trussell Trust?
Context
Mentions a Trussell Trust report indicating that 55% of people receiving universal credit in Wales have run out of food last month and nearly 40,000 needed to use a food bank.
David Davies
The focus of this UK Government is on ensuring that people can work and do not have to live on benefits, but we recognise that there are those in need. That is why pensions, benefits and the living wage have all risen in line with inflation, and why we have ensured that additional payments are made to pensioners, those living on benefits and households where there has been disability.
Session: Cost of Living
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What recent assessment has been made of the impact of increases in the cost of living on people in Wales?
Context
Discusses the challenges posed by cost of living pressures due to the covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
David Davies
The UK Government fully recognise the challenges posed by cost of living pressures as a result of the covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, which is why we have provided £96 billion since 2022 to support households and individuals across the United Kingdom — an average of about £3,400 per household.
Session: Cost of Living
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While the UK Government struggle to support small and medium-sized enterprises exporting to Europe, they are providing a £600 million export guarantee to INEOS so that it can build the largest chemical plant in Europe for 30 years in Antwerp, Belgium. Why can the UK Government find £600 million to support that investment, but not match the £500 million that the Scottish Government are investing in domestic energy transition at home?
Context
The Scottish Government are investing £500 million in domestic energy transition, but the UK Government is providing a £600 million export guarantee to INEOS for a chemical plant in Antwerp.
Kemi Badenoch
UK Export Finance does not give the money; it provides guarantees to loans that are being provided by banks. There is quite a significant distinction: we have not given that money; we have guaranteed a loan. The reason why we provide those guarantees is that they guarantee jobs to British businesses. There is a big difference between a loan guarantee and giving money. If he would like more of an explanation on that, we are happy to provide one to him.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister recognise that the TCA has disproportionately damaged the competitiveness of SMEs? What support can the Government offer SMEs to recapture the market share they have lost in Europe since then? The trade and co-operation agreement has hit small and medium-sized exporters the hardest, as most do not individually have the capacity to deal with the additional bureaucracy and paperwork created by that trade deal.
Context
The MP is concerned about how the TCA has disproportionately affected small and medium-sized exporters.
Nusrat Ghani
There has not really been a loss in the market share. I have talked about what is happening internationally. We appreciate that small and medium-sized enterprises may not have the resources they need to export into new markets. That is why we have the UK Export Academy, international trade advisers, Help to Grow and the export support service. We are also looking at what trade barriers we can break down and bust to make it even easier for SMEs to access new markets through the trade deals secured by the Secretary of State.
Session: Exports Small and Medium-sized Businesses
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The East-West Council, as proposed, is something that I am personally very enthusiastic about, because it potentially opens up a space in which Scotland and Northern Ireland can co-operate, along with other parts of the UK, on all that they have in common economically, socially and culturally. Will the ministerial team at the Northern Ireland Office agree to meet me, so we can discuss how Scotland could play a positive role in that?
Context
The East-West Council potentially opens up a space for co-operation between Scotland and Northern Ireland on common issues.
Steven Baker
Yes, of course. We would be delighted to meet the hon. Member to discuss those matters.
Session: East-West Business Council
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Will the Secretary of State confirm that this Government have no plans to alter legislation on the marketing of infant formula?
Context
Concern over potential changes to legislation regarding the marketing of infant formula and other breastmilk substitutes.
Kevin Hollinrake
The hon. Gentleman raises an interesting point, I am very happy to write to him about it.
Session: Topical Questions
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I would like to give the Minister another chance because that was pretty dismal stuff even by his standards. India has one of the poorest human rights records in the world when it comes to child labour. To give the Minister an opportunity to get us to a position where we could potentially support a deal, will he explain how Ministers and the Government are engaging with negotiators in India to tackle child labour there and to ensure that the United Kingdom does not become complicit in that exploitation?
Context
The proposed UK-India trade deal is criticised for potential human rights violations, particularly regarding child labour.
Greg Hands
Of course the UK has a very proud record on labour standards and on raising these issues with counterparts at all levels. Lord Ahmad was in India just a couple of weeks ago raising specific human rights issues, including a case that the SNP has raised frequently. The Government are proud of our record on labour protections and have been clear that an FTA with India does not come at the expense of labour standards.
Session: Proposed Trade Deal with India Human Rights
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Given the risks of missing deadlines, will he consider extending the deadline as part of his review?
Context
There is a risk that many eligible individuals might miss out due to delays in gathering evidence and pressures on the payments board.
Chris Heaton-Harris
Yes, that is actually part of the review and one of the questions we are looking at.
Session: Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme
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The director of Universities Scotland, Alastair Sim, has expressed concern that changes to the Government's visa income threshold could affect universities' ability to attract global talent. International students and academics make a contribution in excess of £5 billion annually to the Scottish economy. If the Government recognise the contribution of international students and academics, as they say they do, why are they introducing a policy that threatens to prevent future cohorts of them from making a similar contribution?
Context
Director of Universities Scotland, Alastair Sim, has expressed concern that changes to the Government's visa income threshold could affect universities' ability to attract global talent. International students and academics contribute £5 billion annually to the Scottish economy.
Tom Pursglove
Individuals will still be able to make a valid contribution in the years ahead, but in a sustainable and managed way. There are no immediate plans to introduce further exemptions to the increased salary threshold, but the salary discounts remain in place. We will continue to engage as the measures are introduced. At every opportunity, we should be trying to support domestic recruitment wherever we can.
Session: Visa Income Thresholds Universities
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of proposed changes to visa income thresholds on the university sector?
Context
The proposed changes to visa income thresholds are being assessed for their potential impact on the university sector, particularly in attracting international talent.
Tom Pursglove
We have balanced economic growth, labour market needs with reducing immigration levels. Analytical work across government supports our decisions. A regulatory impact assessment will be developed in due course.
Session: Visa Income Thresholds Universities
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According to research from the Bevan Foundation, nearly one in four Welsh children have reported having recently been worried about being cold, and around one in eight have worried about being hungry. What are the Government going to do about that?
Context
Recent research highlights that nearly one in four Welsh children are worried about being cold and almost one in eight are worried about being hungry, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current government policies.
David Davies
The UK Government have spent £96 billion on measures to help the least well off across the United Kingdom throughout the difficult times brought about by the covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine. On top of that, in the autumn statement we were able to announce a cut in national insurance, which will put more money into people's pockets.
Session: Impact of Autumn Statement
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Import tariffs on egg products allow us to recognise the higher cost of UK egg production because of safety, welfare and environmental considerations. Can the Secretary of State give an assurance that eggs and egg products will be afforded sensitive product status by the UK in future free trade agreement negotiations, and that import tariffs will remain in place on those products?
Context
The MP asks about the status of tariffs on eggs and egg products during ongoing negotiations.
Greg Hands
It is difficult to comment on tariffs in live negotiations, but I would say two things to the hon. Gentleman: first, this country imports very few eggs from abroad, and secondly, anything that happens with imported eggs would not change our standards on food imports, food safety and animal welfare in this country.
Session: Topical Questions
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Financial transparency and accountability are essential components of economic stability. Given that the Government has been promising legislation for three years with no delivery, how can they justify leaving the audit and governance Bill out of the King's Speech when it is supported by many?
Context
The Government has promised legislative improvements on financial checks for three years but have not delivered. The Financial Reporting Council's effectiveness is questioned by businesses, regulators, and auditors.
Kevin Hollinrake
We work very closely with the Financial Reporting Council. The FRC has changed its approach completely under Sir Jon Thompson and is now a more effective regulator, following up on this good work.
Session: Audit and Corporate Governance Reform
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May I associate myself with the Secretary of State's remarks on the anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings? Our thoughts continue to be with all who are affected by that tragedy to this day. The UK Government are holding back levelling-up funding for Northern Ireland, ostensibly because of the lack of a functioning Executive. However, the UK Government are seemingly content to bypass the views of the Governments in place in Edinburgh and Cardiff in allocating levelling-up funding. Is the point of consistency not about a desire to level up, but just that there is a shortage of Conservative MPs in Northern Ireland who need to shore up their re-election prospects with public cash?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the UK Government's decision to hold back levelling-up funding for Northern Ireland, despite the fact that funds are being allocated in Scotland and Wales without issue.
Steven Baker
It is easy to throw out a cheap political line like that, but as the hon. Member has heard me say to my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for South Swindon (Sir Robert Buckland) and the hon. Member for Putney (Fleur Anderson), the reality is that that levelling up money will be spent in Northern Ireland. I can certainly assure him that none of that money has appeared in my marginal seat of Wycombe—even though the whole House will know it is undoubtedly the most deserving and most beautiful constituency in the nation.
Session: Public Services Budgetary Constraints
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Instead of the Government's Rwanda policy, would it not be better to allow asylum seekers to work and support themselves? Would allowing access to work also adequately resource the Home Office and legal aid system to meet international obligations?
Context
There are approximately 175,000 people trapped in the current asylum backlog.
Mike Freer
The question about the Home Office is one the hon. Member may want to raise with Home Office Ministers themselves. On access to legal aid, I would not say that £2 billion of legal aid means this is under-resourced. This year alone, we have continued to increase levels of legal aid across the board, and specifically in specialist areas such as immigration.
Session: Legal Aid Immigration Cases
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What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of legal aid for immigration cases?
Context
The adequacy of legal aid for immigration cases has been brought into question.
Mike Freer
Legal aid is available for asylum cases, for victims of domestic abuse and modern slavery, for separated migrant children, and for immigration cases where someone is challenging a detention decision. Through the Illegal Migration Act 2023, individuals who receive a removal notice under the Act will have access to free legal advice in relation to that notice.
Session: Legal Aid Immigration Cases
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We are no longer imposing SPS checks on food coming in from the EU. Is the Minister proud that, under the guise of taking back control, she is part of a Government who have given away control instead?
Context
The MP criticises the lack of SPS checks on food coming from the EU, questioning the Government's claim to 'taking back control'. This is causing concerns about food safety and security.
Nusrat Ghani
I referenced in my previous response the SPS controls; they were not in place when we were in the EU so I am not sure exactly what the hon. Gentleman's anxiety is.
Session: Trade Policies Cost of Food
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Given that Ministers were saying as recently as April that those checks will begin on 31 March, can the Minister explain how businesses are expected to get to grips with all this turmoil in Government policy given their tendency to keep kicking the can down the road over border checks?
Context
The MP discusses uncertainty regarding border checks for imported food from the EU, highlighting delays and lack of clarity over SPS controls. Businesses are concerned about these changes.
Nusrat Ghani
Food inflation is a global issue: it is not a problem just here in the UK. Many factors influence food prices globally, notably energy costs. Global wholesale food prices have been falling since March and sometimes that can take time to reach consumers. In July, UK food inflation was just over 14%, down from 17%. The hon. Gentleman did not specify which issue he was touching on, but if it was to do with sanitary and phytosanitary controls for goods from the EU, that will be introduced and in place by 31 January 2024.
Session: Trade Policies Cost of Food
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With footfall at stores falling by 5% throughout August, what steps is the Department taking to enable people to take full advantage of Northern Ireland's economic status and market access?
Context
The question is prompted by a decline in footfall at stores across Northern Ireland. The MP seeks to understand the steps being taken to enable full advantage of economic status and market access.
Steven Baker
Next week we have the Northern Ireland investment summit. We are determined to attract private sector investment into Northern Ireland and to promote inclusion in that growth. Northern Ireland has a fantastically vibrant economy, and I very much hope that the least well-off will have opportunities through our investment in skills to develop themselves and to secure more better paying jobs in Northern Ireland.
Session: Cost of Living
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Do Ministers believe it is right that Integrated Debt Services should profit significantly from people's financial difficulties?
Context
The company set up by the UK Government to recover personal debt has seen a significant increase in profits, raising concerns during the cost of living crisis.
Victoria Atkins
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point regarding the regulated company working with Crown Commercial Service on debt recovery, and I will be making inquiries.
Session: Topical Questions
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A recent study by the University of York found that the two-child limit and the benefit cap had contributed to rising child poverty, impacting larger families disproportionately. Given the growing weight of evidence showing real harm from welfare policies, will the Government finally acknowledge this and reverse them?
Context
A University of York study suggests that the two-child limit and benefit cap contribute to rising child poverty. The MP challenges the government to acknowledge this evidence and reverse these policies.
Guy Opperman
Families on benefits should face similar financial choices regarding family size as those who support themselves through work. A benefit system that adjusts automatically based on family size is unsustainable.
Session: Two-child Limit Child Poverty
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This week, the European Council adopted the EU's free trade agreement with New Zealand, which includes dedicated sustainable food systems chapters, a dedicated trade and gender equality article, and a provision on trade and fossil fuel subsidies reforms. Can the Secretary of State explain why our trade deal with New Zealand, if it is so good, fell so far short on those issues?
Context
The EU has adopted a free trade agreement with New Zealand that includes provisions on sustainable food systems, gender equality, and fossil fuel subsidies reforms.
Kemi Badenoch
I think the hon. Gentleman will find that, actually, the trade deal we negotiated with New Zealand makes things cheaper for our consumers, not more expensive, it is less protectionist and it is helping to improve relations between us and New Zealand. I disagree with his assessment of the EU-New Zealand free trade agreement: we looked at it and were actually quite pleased with what we got.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does she accept that the form of Brexit chosen, particularly the divergence in sanitary and phytosanitary matters, is adding significant costs to Scotland's seafood sector?
Context
The MP raises concerns about increased costs due to new regulations post-Brexit affecting Scotland's seafood industry.
Kemi Badenoch
No, I do not accept that at all. The increase in costs is due to the Scottish Government's deposit return scheme and their attempts to split the UK single market.
Session: Scottish Trade and Culture
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Given the severe terror threat and current police numbers at their lowest since 1978, what steps will the UK Government take to ensure the police can meet security challenges while serving the community?
Context
The Police Service of Northern Ireland faces a £141 million budget shortfall, necessitating further cuts to an already understaffed force.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The police budget is devolved, but additional funding of £32 million per year is provided by the UK Government for security measures.
Session: Public Services Budget
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Will the Chancellor admit that leaving the single market has had a significant impact on inflation and household finances?
Context
US Treasury chief described UK's economic policy as flawed.
Jeremy Hunt
The UK economy is growing faster than France or Italy since we left the single market, according to the IMF.
Session: Cost of Living
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What recent assessment has been made regarding the potential effects of policies on inflation and the cost of living?
Context
Households are experiencing cost of living pressures due to inflation.
Jeremy Hunt
We know the pain households are going through due to cost of living pressures, and have announced a support package worth around £3,300 per household this year and last.
Session: Cost of Living
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What steps are being taken by the Electoral Commission to evaluate the success of voter ID roll-out and what findings have been published?
Context
The Under-Secretary of State claimed the roll-out was successful based on anecdotal feedback, but the Electoral Commission warned about delaying it.
Cat Smith
The Electoral Commission will publish responses and findings from the local election roll-out in May. A report focusing specifically on voter ID will be available shortly, with a full protocol report due in September covering evidence gathered by returning officers across England.
Session: Voter ID
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What recent discussions has the Committee had with the Electoral Commission on the implementation of voter ID in Scotland, Wales and England ahead of national elections?
Context
The Committee seeks to understand the discussions with the Electoral Commission on voter ID implementation in different regions.
Cat Smith
The Committee discussed the Commission's work to support the implementation of voter ID at its public evidence session in March. The Commission supported voters, campaigners and electoral administrators ahead of local elections in England in May. Its research shows that public awareness increased from 22% in December 2022 to 87% in April 2023.
Session: Voter ID
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Since the early 1990s cases of skin cancer have doubled, with nearly 16,000 new cases diagnosed each year leading to 2,300 avoidable deaths annually. If some products were more affordable, more constituents might use them and bring those numbers down. Will the ministerial team make representations to their Treasury colleagues about the Sun Protection Products (Value Added Tax) Bill, a private Member's Bill promoted by my hon. Friend the Member for East Dunbartonshire (Amy Callaghan) which would remove VAT from some sun protection products?
Context
Cases of skin cancer have doubled since the early 1990s, with nearly 16,000 new cases diagnosed each year leading to 2,300 avoidable deaths annually.
Neil O'Brien
As the hon. Gentleman knows, tax matters are for the Treasury, but we are absolutely committed to providing cost of living support. By the end of June the Government will have covered nearly half a typical household's energy bill since October, so we are providing one of the most generous packages in Europe.
Session: Sun Protection Products Affordability
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If he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of increasing the affordability of sun protection products on levels of skin cancer. Since the early 1990s cases of skin cancer have doubled, with nearly 16,000 new cases diagnosed each year leading to 2,300 avoidable deaths annually. If some products were more affordable, more constituents might use them and bring those numbers down.
Context
Cases of skin cancer have doubled since the early 1990s, with nearly 16,000 new cases diagnosed each year leading to 2,300 avoidable deaths annually.
Neil O'Brien
As the hon. Gentleman knows, tax matters are for the Treasury, but we are absolutely committed to providing cost of living support. By the end of June the Government will have covered nearly half a typical household's energy bill since October, so we are providing one of the most generous packages in Europe.
Session: Sun Protection Products Affordability
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The SNP-led Scottish Government have continued to announce more support for energy transition in Scotland, this month pushing on with investment in green hydrogen that will deliver 5 GW of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030. The Minister says that the UK Government are supporting that, but they are certainly not putting any money on the table up front as the Scottish Government have through their £500 million energy transition fund for the north-east of Scotland.
Context
There is ongoing debate about the need for additional funding from the UK Government to support Scotland's energy transition, particularly in comparison to the substantial investment made by the SNP-led government.
Andrew Bowie
I thank the hon. Member for his predictable question. He was obviously not listening to the answer I gave to his first question: 52 of the 178 projects awarded contracts for difference are in Scotland, and we are also supporting green technologies to the value of £80 million.
Session: Energy Transition Projects Scotland
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What steps he is taking to support energy transition projects in Scotland. The SNP-led Scottish Government have continued to announce more support for energy transition in Scotland, this month pushing on with investment in green hydrogen that will deliver 5 GW of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030.
Context
The question is prompted by ongoing discussions about energy transition in Scotland, with a focus on the need for financial support from the UK Government.
Andrew Bowie
We are supporting Scotland's energy transition through the North sea transition deal. Additionally, 52 of the 178 projects awarded contracts for difference for renewable electricity are in Scotland. We are also supporting the clean technologies of the future with over £80 million-worth of funding through our net zero innovation portfolio to 81 locations within Scotland.
Session: Energy Transition Projects Scotland
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I accept that we might be facing similar problems to mainland Europe, but we are certainly not getting the same degree of action from the Government to tackle prices in supermarkets. Does the Minister accept that by voting against my party's motion on Tuesday calling on them to put pressure on supermarkets to pass on falling food prices to consumers, the UK Government sent an extremely clear signal to families in Scotland that they are not on their side?
Context
The UK Government voted against a motion calling for supermarkets to pass on falling food prices to consumers.
Nigel Huddleston
Again, I and my colleagues continually engage with industry about how it can help support consumers. That is precisely why we had the summit this week, which I am sure the hon. Member is well aware of.
Session: Food Prices
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If we take the Minister at his word that tariffs are coming down, that does not seem to be making much difference to the prices that people are paying at the supermarkets. Do Ministers accept that action to protect consumers from corporate greed is necessary and urgent?
Context
Food price inflation has risen sharply in the UK. Governments across Europe are taking action to tackle soaring food prices.
Nigel Huddleston
Food inflation is very similar in the UK and Europe, because we are all facing very similar challenges. That is precisely why we provided support to consumers to the tune of about half their energy costs this winter. About a third of business energy prices have been covered by Government support.
Session: Food Prices
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What further guidance will be issued to exporters of seed potatoes? What is being done to enable Northern Irish consumers to access high-quality Scottish seed potato exports, and what efforts are planned for replicating market access in other parts of Europe?
Context
The British Potato Trade Association sees the Windsor framework as a step towards reopening seed potato trade with the EU.
Steven Baker
I see no practical reason why [sending seed potatoes to all of Europe] should not happen. My right hon. Friend the Member for Chipping Barnet mentioned the TCA review. I would love to be able to deliver seed potatoes to all of Europe way before that, and I very much hope that the hon. Gentleman will support us as we seek to do so.
Session: Shipment of Goods Great Britain to Northern Ireland
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There is a real willingness across the House and the European Union for the UK once again to participate in Erasmus and Erasmus Plus, so that answer is incredibly disappointing. If the Minister genuinely believes that we are better together, surely our academic and scientific communities would be even better together if we were back exactly where we belong: at the heart of those hugely beneficial European programmes.
Context
The question arises from discussions about the UK's educational opportunities post-Brexit, specifically regarding its participation in European Union initiatives.
Leo Docherty
Many students are, of course, still going to receive an education in Europe. The Erasmus programme was financially unbalanced on our side, and the advantage of the Turing scheme is that these opportunities are now global.
Session: Erasmus and Erasmus Plus
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Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The MP opens debate by moving that the House disagrees with Lords amendment 9, which pertains to secondary ticketing features. He highlights concerns about the balance struck in previous debates and t...
Port Talbot Steelworks
30 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Not specified in this excerpt - New Clause 12
19 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The lead MP proposes New Clause 12 to require an impact assessment of the effects on UK performers' rights. The amendment aims to ensure that the bill considers and protects the interests of performer...
Ways and Means
12 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focused on improving productivity, a theme close to the heart of Laura Trott. She highlighted that under the current government, private sector productivity increased by an average of 0.7% ...
Welsh Affairs
29 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Crabb opened the debate by expressing disappointment about the scheduling of the annual St David’s day debate, and emphasised its importance for Welsh Members to raise matters of significance. He h...
Post Office Board and Governance
28 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland
26 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves a Humble Address to welcome the restoration of the devolved government in Northern Ireland, emphasising the importance of upholding the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and recognising the Acts o...
United Kingdom Internal Market
01 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government view the Union not just as a matter of law or constitution but as an economic, cultural and political union. The Windsor framework enhances this by ensuring the smooth flow of trade wit...
Northern Ireland
01 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
7
PMQs Asked
105
Ministerial Questions Asked
132
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
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
+91% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+683% above average
This MP:
105
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2616% above average
This MP:
132
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 Richard Thomson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.