Rob Butler
MP for Aylesbury
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Key to the regeneration of Aylesbury are new link roads to cut congestion. Money from the cancelled part of HS2 is meant to be paying towards them, but the cash has not arrived yet. Can my right hon. Friend assure my constituents they will get the roads they need?
Context
Funding from the cancelled part of HS2 was meant to pay for new link roads in Aylesbury but the money has not yet arrived.
Rishi Sunak
Last autumn we announced the Government's vision to redirect £36 billion of savings from HS2 to invest in hundreds of transport projects across the country, including possible increased funding for two projects—the south-east Aylesbury link road and the Aylesbury eastern link road. The details of how these funding uplifts will be allocated will be decided very shortly.
Session: PMQs
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The latest route update for East West Rail shows no connection to Aylesbury. I have raised this issue multiple times, citing economic stimulus, reduced congestion, and air pollution reduction. With stakeholders' help, costs have been significantly reduced. Can my right hon Friend solidify the dotted line into a railway for Aylesbury?
Context
The question focuses on the lack of a solid railway link for Aylesbury and its potential benefits.
Oliver Dowden
The Department for Transport is working with Network Rail and East West Rail on feasibility of lower-cost railway links on the Aylesbury spur. My hon Friend will continue making this case.
Assessment
No commitment to change dotted line into solid line was made
Hedging
Session: PMQs
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Alongside the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine there are real fears of China invading Taiwan. On Sunday, Beijing staged the largest incursion into Taiwan's airspace since October. Does my right hon. Friend agree that military aggression and threat of occupation are never acceptable anywhere in the world, and will he confirm that under this Conservative Government the UK will always be at the forefront of standing up forcefully for freedom and democracy, security and stability?
Context
There are real fears about a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine and Chinese aggression towards Taiwan. The question asks for confirmation that the UK will stand up forcefully against these threats.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend. The Chinese military flights that have taken place near Taiwan in recent days are not conducive to peace and stability in the region. What we need is a peaceful and constructive dialogue by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. I know that that is what my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and all colleagues are working for.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not confirm a firm stance against military threats but referenced ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Referencing Existing Commitments
Session: PMQs
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Last week, members of the armed forces parliamentary scheme from across the House attended our excellent Defence Academy. What is striking is the number of service personnel from overseas who come to the UK to benefit from its world-class professional defence and security education. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this is a further illustration that, far from being a fifth wheel on the carriage, the UK is at the heart of ensuring global security, and that the AUKUS pact is one of the best ways to meet emerging threats, particularly in the South China sea?
Context
The AUKUS partnership, including the free trade agreement negotiations, promotes stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Dominic Raab
My hon. Friend is bang on. The AUKUS partnership is incredibly important for our security. It builds on what we said in the integrated review about promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific. It builds on our free trade agreement negotiations, including the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership.
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend ensure that the Aylesbury spur of East West Rail is approved, given its strong business case and advantage over HS2?
Context
New houses mean new infrastructure, and the growing population in Aylesbury needs better transport links.
Boris Johnson
I confirm the Department for Transport's review looks at design and construction of the Aylesbury spur, but caution that costs are currently high and we need to look at numbers.
Assessment
Did not commit to approval despite reviewing it
Session: PMQs
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Many over-80-year-olds in Aylesbury have been frustrated with delays in receiving vaccinations. Can my right hon. Friend assure them that everybody in the Aylesbury area, including those in the most vulnerable groups, will be vaccinated by the middle of February?
Context
Over-80-year-olds in Aylesbury have only recently been able to receive their first jabs. Constituents are concerned about delays and want assurance that everyone in the most vulnerable groups will be vaccinated by mid-February.
Boris Johnson
I can confirm we are on track to deliver our pledge, although supply constraints make it very hard. We aim to vaccinate everyone in the top four cohorts by mid-February, including Aylesbury residents.
Session: PMQs
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People the length and breadth of the country have made many sacrifices over the last few months to try to suppress covid-19, but infection rates are increasing fast and Buckinghamshire may soon find itself in tier 2. Can my right hon. Friend tell the people of my Aylesbury constituency how long we would be expected to stay there, what additional help there would be for local businesses, and, crucially, what the route out would be?
Context
Buckinghamshire may soon enter tier 2 restrictions due to rising infection rates. Local businesses are concerned about the impact.
Boris Johnson
I hope I can reassure my hon. Friend by telling him that the incidence in the Vale of Aylesbury is in fact less than half the England average. The way forward for constituents in the Vale of Aylesbury and everywhere else is for everyone to keep following the guidance, observing the new restrictions and, obviously, washing hands, wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and keeping a sensible distance.
Assessment
The question asked about specific help for businesses and duration of tier 2, but the answer was generic advice to follow guidance.
No Specifics
Session: PMQs
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My constituents in Wendover will be worst affected by the construction of phase 1 of High Speed 2, according to the House of Lords. The best mitigation for the village would undoubtedly be a bored mined tunnel, but that has been refused. Does my right hon. Friend agree with that decision? If so, will he ensure that HS2 Ltd and its contractors works constructively with the Wendover HS2 Action Group to minimise noise pollution and avoid damaging the aquifer by other means?
Context
The House of Lords report suggests that the constituents of Wendover will be worst affected by phase 1 of High Speed 2.
Boris Johnson
As the Prime Minister, I totally support HS2 and the ambition of linking up our country better. As a local MP, I feel my hon. Friend's pain and I understand exactly where he is coming from. I have been assured in my conversations with HS2 that it is having extensive engagement with the Wendover group. I know Wendover well, as he knows. I will ask the relevant Minister to make contact with him.
Assessment
The specific ask about agreement on a bored mined tunnel was not directly addressed; instead, the PM discussed engagement with the Wendover group and assurances of extensive engagement.
Working With Partners
Extensive Engagement
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking the teachers and will he agree that it is right to have increased funding for all pupils, providing them with the best prospects?
Context
Schools have done a tremendous job balancing online learning with physical classes.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Yes, proud of fulfilling manifesto promise. School funding has been levelled up across the country.
Session: PMQs
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Many market traders and independent business owners appreciate the tremendous help they have received from the Government. However, many people will lose their jobs in the future. Will the Prime Minister ensure that Government Departments work together to provide necessary resources for learning new skills?
Context
Independent business owners in Aylesbury have received significant help from the Government during the coronavirus crisis, but many face potential job losses.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Yes, indeed. Investing in people's skills during economically difficult times is vital. The Government is investing through the £2.5 billion national skills fund and encouraging as many in-work placements as possible to get people live experience.
Session: PMQs
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Can my right hon. Friend assure the people of Aylesbury, and everybody in the country, that the Government will take whatever action is needed and spend whatever money is needed to save lives and protect livelihoods?
Context
The MP acknowledges constituents' concerns about the pandemic and expresses gratitude to healthcare workers.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the staff at Stoke Mandeville and to all the staff in our fantastic NHS for the way they are coping at this extremely difficult time. We not only put another £5 billion into the NHS last week, as he heard from my right hon. Friend the Chancellor, but we will certainly do whatever it takes and provide whatever funding is necessary to help our NHS through this crisis and, indeed, to support the whole country with Government-guaranteed loans, as he will have heard yesterday.
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend highlight to Aylesbury residents the benefit that this investment will now bring to my constituents?
Context
The questioner highlights the £240,000 investment from the Government to improve facilities at an ageing leisure centre.
Stuart Andrew
I congratulate my hon. Friend on campaigning hard on behalf of his constituency and securing that £240,000 for a leisure centre that was feeling its age—I think I know how it feels. We know how important pools are for our communities, which is why we are providing this funding. At Aqua Vale, the installation of solar panels will improve energy efficiency and contribute to significant savings, ensuring that leisure centre for the people of Aylesbury to stay fit and healthy.
Session: Swimming Pools and Leisure Facilities
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What assessment she has made of the impact of the swimming pool support fund on local pools and leisure facilities?
Context
The questioner is concerned about the impact of the swimming pool support fund on local pools and leisure facilities.
Stuart Andrew
Responding to concerns that we heard from the sector, in 2023-24, the Government have awarded more than £60 million to address cost pressures facing public swimming pools and improve energy efficiency in the long term.
Session: Swimming Pools and Leisure Facilities
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My constituents and I are extremely concerned about Arriva's sudden proposals to close its depot in Aylesbury, with no warning that it was even being considered. The company admitted that it would mean ending the vast majority of its services in our area, causing huge problems for those who rely on its buses to get to school, work and hospital. I have demanded an urgent meeting with its senior management, but what can the Department do to help hold Arriva to account and ensure Aylesbury residents have the bus services they need and deserve?
Context
The MP is concerned about Arriva's plans to close its depot in Aylesbury, which would lead to the majority of services being ended. This poses a significant issue for residents who rely on these buses.
Guy Opperman
I am aware of this problem, which has recently come to light. I would certainly encourage a meeting between the local authority, the bus company and my hon. Friend, and I will assist him in any way in that respect. I am aware that some local operators, in the form of Carousel Buses and the Oxford Bus Company, are running some of the services, but I accept that there is an issue in Aylesbury and I will help him on an ongoing basis.
Session: Local Bus Services
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Will the Minister look again at the proposals I put forward with the Centre for Social Justice for an ICRO, to be served in the community but under strict conditions including GPS tags and compulsory courses?
Context
Prisons are full, meaning they cannot focus on rehabilitation. There is a proposal for an intensive control and rehabilitation order (ICRO) to be served in the community under strict conditions.
Gareth Bacon
Officials have reviewed and considered ICROs. In June last year, we began a pilot involving intense supervision courts which divert offenders with complex needs away from short custodial sentences.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Minister provide an update on the status of UK's accession to CPTPP?
Context
The UK is set to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Greg Hands
Royal Assent has been given for the Trade (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) Act 2024, and we are looking forward to UK ratification in coming weeks.
Session: Topical Questions
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I visit many small businesses in my Aylesbury constituency, and I am always incredibly impressed by their spirit of entrepreneurship and the huge effort and hard work that they put in to succeed. They want to be able to devote as much of their skill and time as possible to finding new customers, selling more of their products and creating jobs, not to bureaucracy, admin and onerous regulation.
Context
The MP emphasizes the importance of reducing bureaucratic burdens on small businesses to allow them to focus more on growth. He highlights government initiatives already in place but seeks further details.
Kevin Hollinrake
We have made progress by offering access to finance through Start-Up Loans Company, growth guarantee scheme, equity investment schemes, seed enterprise investment scheme, and enterprise investment scheme. We also provide supportive advice through our Help to Grow management suite, including a newly launched “Help to Grow: Management Essentials” course for small businesses.
Session: Small Businesses Non-financial Reporting Requirements
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What steps her Department is taking to reduce non-financial reporting requirements for small businesses?
Context
The MP notes that non-financial reporting requirements can be burdensome for small and medium-sized enterprises. He references the need for companies to focus on growth rather than administrative tasks.
Kevin Hollinrake
We have raised the monetary thresholds that determine company size, reclassifying around 13,000 medium-sized companies as small and 100,000 small companies as micro-companies. This will save approximately £145 million annually for these businesses.
Session: Small Businesses Non-financial Reporting Requirements
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Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the recent announcement on increasing defence spending will benefit the whole country, whether at RAF bases or military establishments in Scotland?
Context
The MP is seeking confirmation that the announced increase in defence spending will bring benefits across the country, including at military establishments in Scotland.
Alister Jack
The Conservatives are trusted to defend and protect the entire United Kingdom. The SNP has proposed abandoning our nuclear deterrent, which contradicts their desire for NATO membership.
Session: Defence Spending
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What recent discussions has the Secretary of State for Defence had on the level of defence spending in Scotland?
Context
The MP wants to know about recent discussions regarding defence spending levels in Scotland.
Alister Jack
Scotland Office Ministers have regular discussions with the Ministry of Defence on all matters relating to defence. Defence spending contributes significantly to delivering thousands of high-skilled jobs and investment in Scotland. The Prime Minister announced that we will increase our defence spending to 2.5% of GDP.
Session: Defence Spending
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Many people in the Aylesbury constituency are understandably concerned about the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. They condemn the appalling actions of Hamas, but at the same time want the UK to do everything possible to get more aid in. Can my right hon. Friend let them know what further plans he has to provide more aid directly, especially with our friends in the region, including Egypt, Qatar and Jordan?
Context
Many people in Aylesbury are concerned about the plight of Palestinians in Gaza and want the UK to provide more aid.
Andrew Mitchell
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his thoughts and ideas, which he came and spoke to me about last week. He was conveying the views of the mosques in Aylesbury. We are pursuing many of the ideas that he set out, as he knows, especially on meeting the evident humanitarian needs that have rightly preoccupied the House today.
Session: Topical Questions
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Aylesbury is a wonderful place to live, work, visit and invest in, but sadly we have some areas of economic deprivation. Opportunity Bucks, run by Buckinghamshire Council, has identified Aylesbury north and Aylesbury north-west as areas for extra attention, where we could improve education, training and skills. How can my hon. Friend's Department assist such initiatives in getting more Aylesbury residents into work?
Context
Opportunity Bucks, run by Buckinghamshire Council, identified Aylesbury north and Aylesbury north-west as areas needing extra attention for improving education, training, and skills.
Jo Churchill
We are working with employers and jobcentres on the sector-based work academies programme and boot camps, but I am more than happy to visit my hon. Friend in Aylesbury, and to talk to his jobcentres and employers, to see how we can provide more encouragement.
Session: Topical Questions
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Farmers require support against diseases such as African swine fever. The Port Health Authority in Dover has been seizing contaminated meat regularly. However, next month, DEFRA will cut its funding by 70%, moving checks inland. Why are the Conservatives risking farmers and national security?
Context
Farmers need protection from diseases like African swine fever, but DEFRA funding cuts and border check changes may compromise this security.
Steve Barclay
I met with the chief veterinary officer yesterday to discuss bluetongue disease, a future risk. I am actively involved in discussions and planning roundtables next week.
Session: Support for Farmers
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Theft from small shops causes significant issues for shop owners and employees. Will my right hon. Friend set out how the Government plan to tackle such thefts and threats?
Context
Stealing from small convenience stores is causing concern due to financial impacts on owners and the threat of violence towards staff.
Chris Philp (Minister of State at the Home Office for Policing, Fire and Criminal Justice)
The Government have a retail crime action plan agreed with police. This includes ensuring police attendance when suspects are detained or violence occurs, running footage through facial recognition databases to identify criminal gangs.
Session: Topical Questions
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I started my career as a BBC reporter, and I firmly believe in the importance of our national broadcaster being both independent, particularly at moments and eras such as this, and completely impartial. However, every year, many people complain that the BBC is not as impartial as it should be, even that it is biased, and the BBC then dismisses the vast majority of those complaints. Does my right hon. and learned Friend think that the public would perhaps have more confidence in how those complaints are investigated if they were investigated independently from the outset?
Context
Concerns raised by the public that the BBC is not as impartial as expected, with many complaints dismissed.
Lucy Frazer
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The public rightly expect the BBC to be an exemplar of impartiality. Our review highlighted issues in relation to both impartiality and complaints. As a result, the BBC will undertake significant reforms on both impartiality and complaints. At the charter review, as I have already said, we will examine whether the BBC first process remains the right complaints model.
Session: BBC Mid-term Review
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Whether she has had recent discussions with the BBC board on the implementation of recommendations in the BBC mid-term review.
Context
Discussions on the implementation of recommendations in the BBC mid-term review.
Lucy Frazer
The BBC is a hugely valued institution, and the mid-term review seeks to ensure that it continues to provide an outstanding service by improving its processes in relation to both impartiality and complaints. I regularly meet the BBC's chair and director-general, and I will continue to use those meetings to raise these important issues.
Session: BBC Mid-term Review
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I am encouraged by my right hon. Friend's comments about the number of additional prison officers recruited. I have seen many of them and the fantastic work they do, both at HMP Aylesbury and across the prison estate. Will he say a little more about how we can ensure that we retain them once they have been trained and they go on to the wings?
Context
Discussion about retaining newly trained prison officers to ensure they can implement rehabilitation activities effectively.
Edward Argar
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that. He is absolutely right about the importance of not just recruiting new prison officers, but retaining experienced ones in our prisons. That is why the pay deal done last year with HMPPS staff was hugely important, in recognising the important work that prison officers do day in, day out.
Session: Time Spent in Cells Reoffending Rates
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Given concerns that we have heard about the current coverage of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, does my hon. Friend agree that the BBC needs to work consistently, constantly and visibly to enforce that requirement on impartiality?
Context
Concerns have been raised about the BBC's coverage of conflicts, particularly regarding Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and the need for consistent enforcement of impartiality.
Julia Lopez
The Government have been clear that the BBC should reflect on its coverage of events in Israel and Gaza and learn lessons for the future, but we again emphasise impartiality and the highest editorial standards. This is a strategic priority of the BBC's leadership.
Session: BBC Current Affairs Coverage Impartiality
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Whether she has had recent discussions with the BBC Board on the impartiality of the BBC's current affairs coverage. As a former BBC journalist myself, I completely believe in its editorial independence from the Government, but, just as strongly, I consider it essential that the BBC, across all its programming and from all presenters, should be absolutely and unequivocally impartial.
Context
Rob Butler raises concerns about the impartiality of BBC's current affairs coverage, referencing specific incidents and raising questions about governance.
Julia Lopez
The Government have been clear that the BBC should reflect on its coverage of events in Israel and Gaza and learn lessons for the future, but we again emphasise impartiality and the highest editorial standards. This is a strategic priority of the BBC's leadership.
Session: BBC Current Affairs Coverage Impartiality
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I know the Minister understands that open access can provide better, cheaper and more resilient rail services. In the next few weeks or months, how much rail network capacity does he expect to make available for open-access from unused slots?
Context
The Minister understands the benefits of open-access rail services. The MP seeks details on upcoming capacity for such services.
Huw Merriman
I have today written to the Office of Rail and Road and Network Rail's chief executive asking them to review unused access rights and agree a timeline so that we can get decisions made more promptly.
Session: Topical Questions
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Yesterday, I met former prisoner LJ Flanders who devised a fitness regime that can be conducted in a cell with no special gym equipment. He has just run a two-week training programme in HMP Aylesbury to train other prisoners to provide coaching and mentoring of a similar style. Will my right hon. Friend please encourage everybody in His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service, particularly governors, to facilitate such courses to reduce reoffending?
Context
Rob Butler met with a former prisoner, LJ Flanders, who developed a fitness regime suitable for prisoners without gym equipment. The programme was recently run at HMP Aylesbury to train other prisoners as coaches and mentors.
Edward Argar
I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who knows about what he speaks. He highlights an example that sounds extremely interesting. I would be happy to meet him to hear more about it and to see where we can take things from there.
Session: Topical Questions
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Since my election, I have met many new recruits during visits with the armed forces parliamentary scheme, and I have always been incredibly impressed by their sense of duty, their commitment to serve their country and their recognition of the great careers that lie before them, but we know that there are still shortages in recruitment. How can my right hon. Friend ensure that all parts of the armed forces recruit the right number of people, with the right mix of skills and experience to keep our nation safe in these increasingly dangerous times?
Context
The MP notes personal meetings with new recruits through the armed forces parliamentary scheme and acknowledges their dedication. However, there are still shortages in recruitment.
Andrew Murrison
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that recruitment to the armed forces is mixed—some of it is good, some of it less good—across the western world. We are struggling to recruit people into our armed forces, and we must redouble our efforts. That is why we have had the Haythornthwaite review and the tri-service recruitment model, which I am convinced will plug the gaps that we have in skills and overall numbers.
Session: Armed Forces Personnel Recruitment
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What steps his Department is taking to recruit armed forces personnel?
Context
No specific background or incident was mentioned. The general concern is about the steps being taken by the Department to recruit armed forces personnel.
Andrew Murrison
We remain committed to maintaining the overall size of the armed forces and recognise the importance of recruitment to achieve that. We are responding to immediate challenges with a programme aimed at increasing the breath of potential candidates and driving efficiencies in recruitment. Meanwhile, the services continue to meet all their operational commitments, keeping the country and its interests safe.
Session: Armed Forces Personnel Recruitment
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The cost of living payments from the Government are undoubtedly bringing real benefits to my constituents, but what support is available for those who are not eligible for that specific support?
Context
Government cost of living payments are bringing benefits but not all are eligible.
Mims Davies
I thank my hon. Friend for the opportunity to mention the household support fund, providing local authorities with further funding which is discretionary for those most in need, particularly those ineligible for cost of living payments. The latest year-long extension in England runs to March next year. Buckinghamshire Council received nearly £4.8 million in its latest extension.
Session: Topical Questions
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In my constituency of Aylesbury we have some absolutely fantastic GPs and some brilliant services being delivered, thanks in part to many of the policies that have been introduced under this Government. I thank my right hon. Friend for continuing with that. However, there are still challenges for constituents to get through to their GP surgery to make an appointment in the first place. He has just mentioned digital telephony. Could he update the House on the progress that is being made on rolling out this technology to health centres to end the incredibly frustrating waits that people have, sometimes being on hold on the phone for hours at a time?
Context
Concerns about frustrating waits on the phone to make an appointment led to a request for progress updates.
Steve Barclay
Through that £240 million, we have 100% adoption from GP practices that want to take part in receiving those funds and putting digital telephony in place if they have not already done so. This includes call-back, which allows people to know where they are in the queue, and links to online booking, which allows us to maximise the 31,000 additional roles that we have put into primary care so that people can see the specialist that they need.
Session: Access to Primary Care
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What steps he is taking to improve access to primary care services. I am concerned about the 8 am rush for appointments and the difficulties patients face in seeing their GPs when needed.
Context
The question arises from concerns about accessibility of GP services and patient wait times.
Steve Barclay
Our primary care recovery plan supports GP practices in addressing the 8 am rush for appointments, cutting bureaucracy for GPs and expanding community pharmacy services. We have recruited over 31,000 additional primary care staff and have over 2,000 more doctors working in general practice, compared with before the pandemic.
Session: Access to Primary Care
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Members of the public and media only take interest in prisons when there is an escape. Will my right hon Friend join me in hoping to see a calm and measured public debate about the role of prisons, not least working out ways to improve rehabilitation?
Context
The MP is seeking a calm public debate on the role of prisons, especially regarding rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.
Damian Hinds
My hon Friend is exactly right. He has a long history with this issue since before he reached this House, ultimately it is about rehabilitation, reducing reoffending, and keeping the public safe.
Session: Topical Questions
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I recently visited Aylesbury Prison where I was impressed by the work done transforming it. One issue is the prevalence of psychoactive drugs such as spice. What progress is being made on combating this substance?
Context
Aylesbury Prison has transformed from a young offenders institution to a category C adult jail. There is a challenge with psychoactive substances like spice.
Damian Hinds
I am grateful for the interest and using experience across the system. Investment has been made in drug trace machines, now over 100 are installed.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am grateful to my right hon. and learned Friend for the progress that he is making in the removal of Albanian prisoners from our jails. I know from my time in his Department that they make up a sizeable proportion of the foreign national offenders whom we have in custody here. Does he agree that, at a time when our prisons are so close to capacity, the return of foreign prisoners to their own countries is important to ensuring that our hard-working and skilled prison officers can focus their work on the rehabilitation of offenders who will eventually be released into their local communities here in the UK?
Context
The question focuses on the importance of prisoner transfer agreements to allow prison officers more time to focus on the rehabilitation of local offenders.
Alex Chalk
My hon. Friend is entirely right. I am glad that he has raised the issue of rehabilitation because, as he says, when prisons can run a full regime, the opportunities for rehabilitation are optimised. I recently visited HMP High Down to see prisoners being trained in a brand new, purpose-built warehouse. They are learning the skills that they need for life on the outside and that work is bearing fruit. The percentage of prisoners in work six months after release has doubled in the last year, and that means a better chance for them to go straight and a better chance for the community not to have to suffer from crime.
Session: Prisoner Transfers Albania
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What recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of arrangements on prisoner transfers agreed with Albania?
Context
The question relates to the assessment of the prisoner transfer agreement with Albania which aims at returning foreign national offenders.
Alex Chalk
Our prisoner transfer agreement with Albania came into force in May 2022. Between January 2021 and December 2022, 1,441 Albanian foreign national offenders were returned to their home country from custody and the community. To build on that, we announced a new arrangement with the Albanian Government in May 2023 to speed up prisoner transfers, with an additional 200 of the most serious offenders able to be sent back to serve their sentences in Albania—good news for the rule of law and good news for the British taxpayer.
Session: Prisoner Transfers Albania
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What progress has the Department made in assessing the feasibility of such courses, which would provide the qualifications, employment skills and work experience that are so important to today's economy?
Context
A proposal has been made to introduce UTC-style courses in mainstream schools for some pupils who are better suited to that type of education at key stage 4.
Robert Halfon
My hon. Friend is a champion of UTCs, and he knows that they are equipping students with the skills that employers need. I congratulate Aylesbury UTC on the new health and social care suite it is opening later this month. As he mentions, Baker Dearing Educational Trust has proposed a pilot for a technical curriculum in a small number of existing schools, and the Department will take a decision on that shortly.
Session: Technical Education at Secondary Schools
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Antisocial behaviour is a blight on the lives of too many of my constituents, and their frustration is often exacerbated because it is not always clear whether it is the local council or the police who can resolve their problem. How can my right hon. Friend ensure that people are not passed from pillar to post, and that when they make complaints about bad behaviour it is tackled swiftly?
Context
Many constituents face difficulty in knowing whether to approach the local council or the police for help with antisocial behavior, leading to frustration.
Chris Philp
My hon. Friend raises an important issue. The Government recently published our antisocial behaviour action plan.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my right hon. and learned Friend join me in congratulating prison officers on their recognition during the coronation parade? I note HMP Aylesbury is recruiting.
Context
Prison officers were recognized during the coronation parade, raising their profile as a career choice.
Alex Chalk
My hon. Friend is an excellent recruiting sergeant for HMP Aylesbury. Prison officers are remarkable people who do a difficult job, and through a £100 million scheme, every prison officer has body-worn video to ensure accountability.
Session: Topical Questions
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Could he give the House more detail on the potential scope of the legislation, and reiterate what a difference it will make for press freedom?
Context
The questioner is the chair of an all-party parliamentary group on media freedom globally and a former journalist. He is concerned about the scope of proposed anti-SLAPP legislation.
Alex Chalk
We have to take care with this legislation. There is a balance between speed and ensuring it is sufficiently comprehensive to achieve the policy aim. We are proceeding carefully but quickly, with all due diligence and expedition, to ensure it achieves its aims.
Session: Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation
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What steps he is taking to bring forward legislative proposals to tackle strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs).
Context
SLAPPs involve using the legal process to shut down legitimate investigations and criticisms. The questioner is concerned about steps being taken to address this issue.
Alex Chalk
We will introduce a new statutory definition, an early dismissal process to strike out SLAPP litigation and protections against excessive legal costs. We are looking closely at a number of legislative avenues to pursue that.
Session: Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation
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Even in affluent areas like Buckinghamshire, health inequalities exist, with figures from Opportunity Bucks showing a significant disparity in life expectancy. Despite similar funding levels, what steps is the government taking to ensure deprived communities get additional help and support?
Context
In Buckinghamshire, there is an eight-year difference in life expectancy between residents of Aylesbury North West ward and Ridgeway East ward. Despite this disparity, both areas receive similar funding.
Steve Barclay
My hon. Friend highlights a crucial issue. Practical examples include lung cancer check vans that have improved early diagnosis rates in deprived areas, leading to better survival rates.
Session: Health Inequalities
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I was lucky enough to visit the Falkland Islands a few weeks ago with the armed forces parliamentary scheme, and from meeting local people there it was clear that they powerfully and passionately stand by the referendum result of exactly 10 years ago, when more than 90% voted for the Falklands to remain a British overseas territory. That makes Argentina's recent unilateral decision to abandon the joint communiqué all the more outrageous. What are the Government doing to make it clear to the Argentines that the Falkland Islanders have the unequivocal right to self-determination and how the UK will protect that in practice?
Context
The questioner visited the Falklands recently and noted that local people strongly support the referendum result from 10 years ago, where more than 90% voted to remain a British overseas territory. He is concerned about Argentina's unilateral decision to abandon the joint communiqué.
David Rutley
It would be remiss of me not to welcome the 10th anniversary of the referendum on the future of the Falkland Islands. It is only for the people of the Falkland Islands to decide their own future. We consistently make clear to Argentina and to international partners our unbending support for the Falkland Islanders and their self-determination rights.
Session: Argentina 2016 Joint Communiqué on the Falklands
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What assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of Argentina's decision to withdraw from the 2016 joint communiqué on the Falklands?
Context
Argentina has withdrawn from the 2016 joint communiqué concerning the Falkland Islands, leading to concerns about its implications for UK policies and bilateral cooperation.
David Rutley
The Argentine Government's decision is disappointing for the Falkland Islands, for the UK and for Argentina. There are many areas in which our countries stand to gain from working together positively, including on the humanitarian effort to identify fallen Argentine service personnel from the 1982 conflict. The joint communiqué covers all these areas and more. The Argentine Government's decision hurts our mutually beneficial bilateral co-operation, and it further damages the Falkland islanders' confidence in their intentions, which is why Argentina should reconsider its decision. We are working closely with the Falkland islanders to identify next steps.
Session: Argentina 2016 Joint Communiqué on the Falklands
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What discussions is he having with Treasury colleagues about ensuring that tax policy, especially on pensions, does not stand in the way of people who have skills and experience staying in, or returning to, the workplace?
Context
The question addresses the importance of removing tax disincentives to encourage working-age people back into the workforce.
Mel Stride (Financial Secretary to the Treasury)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important matter, which of course is well known to the Chancellor and Treasury colleagues. We have a variety of discussions with the Treasury on those kinds of matters and others. Of course, tax policy is a matter for the Treasury.
Session: Economic Inactivity Working-age People
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JCL Glass, a really successful family business in my constituency, wants to offer apprenticeships, but its directors tell me that there is no scheme in the glass manufacturing industry. Will my right hon. Friend set out what efforts are being made to create apprenticeships in sectors that do not yet have them, and how companies that want to be involved, such as JCL Glass, can help to develop them?
Context
A family business, JCL Glass, wants to offer apprenticeships but there is no scheme for the glass manufacturing industry.
Robert Halfon
Employers have developed 660 high-quality apprenticeships, including 150 in the engineering and manufacturing sector. Where employers identify the need for new and emerging skills, including in green jobs, they can work with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, which stands ready to work with employers to introduce new apprenticeships. I would encourage JCL Glass to speak to the institute about this.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can he assure me and my constituents that the UK is doing everything we can to support Pakistan in the face of both natural disasters and human atrocities. The questioner references the terrorist attack on a mosque in Peshawar and seeks assurance about comprehensive support from the UK.
Context
Following the terrorist attack on a mosque in Peshawar, constituents express concern over UK's response to both natural disasters and security challenges.
Leo Docherty
Our thoughts are with those affected by the terrorist attack in Peshawar, and condolences have been passed on to the Government of Pakistan. The UK continues to work closely with Pakistan to address security challenges including the terrorist incident.
Session: Pakistan Flooding
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
BBC Charter: Regional Television News
12 July 2022
Responding: Matt Warman
Main Concerns
["Mr Butler is concerned about the BBC's decision to close regional TV news programmes in Oxford and Cambridge. He cites that these changes are not due to financial savings but a shift towards online content, despite evidence suggesting older viewers prefer television for local news. The MP highlights that many local newspapers have closed since 2005 and commercial radio stations like Mix 96 in Aylesbury have also ceased operations, leaving a gap in local journalism."]
Specific Asks
['Mr Butler asks the Government to intervene and ensure that the BBC complies with its charter requirements by providing regional news through television channels as it was previously done. He requests that dedicated TV bulletins for Oxford be maintained.']
Education and Opportunity
24 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Phillipson opened the debate by welcoming her new counterpart, expressing appreciation for education workers, announcing a review of post-16 qualification reform, emphasising Labour's commitment to tr...
NHS
23 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Crime (Overseas Production Orders etc) Bill - Clause 30 - Child sex offences: grooming aggravating factor
15 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I move that the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to ensure that child sex offenders who engage in online grooming receive additional punishment, reflecting the severe nature of this a...
End of Custody Supervised Licence: Extension
08 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK Trade Performance
01 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Prisons and Probation: Foreign National Offenders
12 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
School Attendance (Support and Guidance) Bill - Clause 1 & Clause 2
02 February 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the bill to ensure all schools, trusts, local authorities follow best practice guidance on school attendance. It makes it mandatory for bodies to adhere to the detailed guidance published by the...
Terminal Illness (Support for Terminally Ill Recipients of Occupational Pensions) Bill - Clause 1
02 February 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment seeks to extend the definition of 'terminally ill' from six months to twelve months for recipients of occupational pensions whose pension schemes have become insolvent. This change will ...
The Joint Enterprise (Significant Contribution) Bill - Second Reading of the entire Bill
02 February 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Kim Johnson moved that the Joint Enterprise (Significant Contribution) Bill be read a Second time. She emphasised that the bill seeks to correct an injustice in which individuals are sentenced for joi...
Agriculture Bill - New clause 3
30 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
To be filled in based on the content of George Eustice's speech.
11
PMQs Asked
118
Ministerial Questions Asked
150
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
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
+200% above average
This MP:
11
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+780% above average
This MP:
118
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2987% above average
This MP:
150
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 Rob Butler's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.