Robert Goodwill
MP for Scarborough and Whitby
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
In Yorkshire, we say that a person should be judged by the company they keep. What is the Prime Minister's view of an individual who can not only bear to spend more than 10 minutes in the presence of Vladimir Putin but refers to him as a “dear friend”?
Context
Putin's illegal war in Ukraine has caused a humanitarian crisis, and the PM referred to him as a “dear friend”.
Rishi Sunak
I think our views on President Putin are well known. His illegal war in Ukraine has caused untold misery for many people. It has caused a humanitarian crisis and is still ongoing, in defiance of international condemnation and sanction.
Assessment
The PM did not directly address the question about judging someone by their association with Putin but discussed Putin's actions.
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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Back in 2004, Scarborough hit the national headlines when rumours of a new dental practice opening led to hundreds of people queuing round the block in the vain hope of registering as NHS patients. Today, while many better-off families continue to enjoy the discounted prices that the NHS offers, many children and vulnerable families still cannot register as NHS dental patients in Scarborough and Whitby. Does the Prime Minister agree that that needs fixing?
Context
Scarborough had a high demand for NHS dental registrations in the past, but today many children and vulnerable families cannot register.
Boris Johnson
Yes, I totally agree with my right hon. Friend. That is why we are investing in the NHS, and we want the NHS to be a better place for the dental profession. Would it not be a fine thing if this House of Commons voted overwhelmingly—with all Members voting—for our package of measures to support the NHS?
Assessment
The specific ask about fixing the registration issue was not directly addressed.
Session: PMQs
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One has only to look over the hedges of eastern England to agree with those who are predicting the worst harvest in living memory. What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the impact that will have on the wider rural economy? Specifically, what is being done about straw prices and potato supply?
Context
Eastern England is facing a potential worst harvest in living memory, which could affect straw availability and potato supply.
Steve Barclay
My right hon. Friend is absolutely on the money in terms of concern regarding straw prices and lower harvests this autumn. We are engaging extensively with the sector. The Prime Minister will chair the Farm to Fork summit next week, indicating how seriously we take this.
Session: Farmers
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Does the Minister share my concerns that a perfect storm may be brewing in agriculture? With grain prices on the floor, a third of the wheat crop either not being drilled or flooded out, and rape increasingly difficult to establish, some long-term, multi-annual stewardship options are becoming more attractive. Does he share these concerns?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the UK's agricultural policies potentially leading to perverse incentives, especially regarding land management and environmental stewardship.
Mark Spencer
We review the balance between food production and environmental protection, including whether long-term stewardship options might lead to perverse incentives. Given weather challenges this season, we are assessing whether current policies support both farming needs and environmental goals.
Session: UK Food Security
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What recent assessment has been made of UK food security? With grain prices on the floor, a third of the wheat crop either not being drilled or flooded out, and rape increasingly difficult to establish, does the Minister share my concerns about a potential crisis?
Context
The MP is concerned about the recent challenges facing UK agriculture, including low grain prices and weather-related issues affecting crop planting.
Mark Spencer
Food security is a top priority. The Government aims to grow 60% of our food domestically and will introduce an annual food security index. The Department reviews the balance between food production and environmental protection, especially regarding weather challenges affecting cereal crop planting.
Session: UK Food Security
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The recent report highlights significant issues with hitting environmental targets including restoring waterways. What will the Government do to improve their performance?
Context
A report from the Office for Environmental Protection suggests that the Government are off track with their environmental targets, particularly those related to waterway restoration.
Steve Barclay (Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The report was based on a short period of data within a 25-year plan. The Government has legally binding targets to reverse nature decline, and more proposals have been set out.
Session: Topical Questions
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The key element of Scarborough's successful town bid is the station gateway project, but getting permission from Network Rail to knock a new entrance into the back of the station is proving slow and bureaucratic. Can the Secretary of State gently lean on Network Rail a bit, please?
Context
The key element of Scarborough's successful town bid is the station gateway project, but obtaining permission from Network Rail to create a new entrance has been slow.
Mark Harper
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that question. I am sure that Network Rail will have heard that. I will take it away, raise it with Network Rail, and get back to him to let him know whether we can make that go faster.
Session: Topical Questions
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We have already heard today an example of how the people of Northern Ireland are disadvantaged by the lack of a functioning Executive. I would add to that list the deployment of the apprenticeship levy and the reform of the renewable heat incentive. Does the Secretary of State agree with me that civil servants in Northern Ireland face an almost impossible job in trying to steer the ship of state without co-ordinates set by the politicians elected there?
Context
Concerns about the challenges faced by civil servants in Northern Ireland due to a lack of political guidance.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question and his obvious popularity in the House. I agree with him. He is completely correct that there are a whole host of issues that require elected Ministers in Northern Ireland to take their place. I would like to place on record my thanks to the Northern Ireland civil service for the work they have been doing in such circumstances with the limited guidance we have given them, because they have been doing a sterling job on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland.
Session: Power Sharing
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What recent discussions has he had with political parties in Northern Ireland on the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive?
Context
Discussions about restoring the Northern Ireland Executive and addressing local governance issues.
Chris Heaton-Harris
Our focus remains on delivering for the people of Northern Ireland, who expect and deserve locally elected decision makers to address the issues that matter to them. I will continue to engage regularly with the party leaders, and believe there is genuine willingness on all sides to re-establish the conditions for the devolved institutions to go back to work and to thrive.
Session: Power Sharing
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Given that the share of young people not in full-time employment or education rose last year, what more is the Minister doing to make sure that young people in places such as Denton and Reddish get the life chances they deserve?
Context
The latest figures show a 7% youth unemployment claimant count in the constituency of Denton and Reddish.
Mims Davies
I absolutely agree that it is right that young people get the opportunities they deserve. Since September 2020, the DWP's youth offer has seen over 600,000 starts. Our comprehensive support for young people now encompasses those from age 16.
Session: Youth Unemployment
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I thank the Minister for that answer. Regional airports such as Leeds Bradford have an important role to play in delivering the levelling-up agenda, with more point-to-point destinations. However, does the Minister agree that to deliver true global connectivity, we need more slots from regional airports into our national hub, which will ultimately mean more tarmac on the ground at Heathrow?
Context
The MP highlights the role of regional airports like Leeds Bradford in delivering the levelling-up agenda but also questions whether true global connectivity necessitates more slots from these airports into Heathrow, implying a need for ground space at Heathrow.
Jesse Norman
Regional airports are vital to the UK, supporting thousands of jobs across the regions and acting as gateways for international opportunities. As Heathrow considers its expansion plans, it should bear regional connectivity in mind when deciding how to proceed.
Session: Heathrow Third Runway
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What is his policy on delivery of a third runway at Heathrow Airport; and if he will make a statement.
Context
The question addresses the policy stance regarding the expansion of Heathrow Airport, a topic with significant environmental and economic implications.
Jesse Norman
Parliament has voted in principle to support a third runway at London Heathrow, but the Government have always been clear that expansion remains a private sector project. To proceed, it would need to meet strict criteria on air quality, noise and climate change, as well as being privately financed.
Session: Heathrow Third Runway
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Will the Minister take a personal interest in the work of the taskforce convened by North Yorkshire Council to address the problem? The questioner notes that discharges come from multiple sources including sea birds, dogs, and ruminants.
Context
The hon. Member highlights issues with Scarborough's South Bay not having a blue flag due to complex sources of pollution.
Rebecca Pow
My right hon. Friend highlights that the issue is complex. That is why our plan takes a holistic approach and launched a £34 million slurry fund to help farmers reduce pollution from watercourses.
Session: Water Companies Water Pollution and Overflows
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Why has the price of bread in our supermarkets not fallen, too?
Context
The price of wheat has fallen, but the price of bread in supermarkets remains high.
Mark Spencer
I declare my interest in these matters. I recognise the fact that global wheat prices have now come back down. We work closely with retailers, processers and the hospitality sector to make sure that there is not extra profiteering in the marketplace. We will continue to have discussions with those representatives and will work with the sector to make sure that food is reasonably priced for our constituents.
Session: Food Production Costs
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How is the progress on having enough highly skilled people for the roll-out of extended childcare provision?
Context
The MP inquired about the progress of childcare provision extensions announced in the spring Budget.
Claire Coutinho
The Government has taken steps by consulting on flexibilities to ensure that the right people are in place for the roll-out starting April 2024. Additional funding is also going into the system this year.
Session: Weekly Childcare Costs
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I was appalled to read in this week's Farmers Weekly that food labelled as British has actually come from South America or even Africa, and that meat not fit for human consumption has been going into the food chain. The Food Standards Agency's report makes it clear that it has been misled and hoodwinked by these operators. Is there a case to bring the FSA within DEFRA rather than the Department of Health and Social Care, where it is now?
Context
The Farmers Weekly reported cases of food labelled as British coming from South America or Africa, with meat not fit for human consumption entering the food chain. The Food Standards Agency's report highlights it has been misled by operators.
Therese Coffey
The Select Committee Chair is right that the Farmers Weekly has provided an interesting investigation.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned that the inquiry into food security has revealed that British farmers who wish to produce more food face difficulties due to lack of nitrogen fertiliser. In light of this, can Ministers review across Government what additional measures we can take to ensure farmers have access to the necessary fertilisers?
Context
The Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs identified a critical issue where British farmers do not have adequate access to nitrogen fertiliser needed for food production.
Oliver Dowden
My right hon. Friend raises an important point, and while I am not as knowledgeable about farming as he is, I believe we have already relaxed some regulations concerning fertilisers. However, it may be necessary to do more.
Session: Topical Questions
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What work has been done across Government to look at the temperatures at which public buildings are heated this winter, and what longer-term improvements can be made?
Context
Concern about the temperatures at which public buildings are heated this winter and whether more can be done to improve their energy performance.
Jeremy Quin
I will have to get back with details of the work done. He raises a valid point about considering costs of energy and ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
Session: Public Spending Value for Money
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The situation for farmers requiring around 2.2 million tonnes of nitrogen fertiliser is extremely serious. About 1 million tonnes was provided by the Ince and Billingham plants, now affected due to North sea gas reliance. When will ammonia arrive at Billingham for production restart?
Context
Concerns over the UK's nitrogen fertiliser requirements, with significant supply dependency on the Ince and Billingham plants. The Ince plant is closed while the Billingham plant awaits ammonia delivery.
Mark Spencer
We take seriously the challenge to UK agriculture and other sectors. We recognise the dependence on AdBlue, also derived from similar products. Solutions may involve looking back at historical agricultural practices like nitrogen-fixing crops to address challenges.
Session: Fertiliser Costs
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Will the Minister publish all toxicology data available for sediment, sea water, and dead crustaceans to independent scrutiny? Is it true that recent extensive River Tees dredging is based on just one silt sample?
Context
The MP addresses a previous year's significant decline in lobster catches off the Yorkshire coast, citing potential reasons including algal bloom and dredging.
Victoria Prentis
We are concerned about last year's mortality; algal bloom seems the most likely cause. I have made it clear that we will publish all available information, and academics must collaborate on this.
Session: Topical Questions
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Many people are still planning to staycation this year. Would the Secretary of State extend the scheme that worked so well during the pandemic, and allow permitted development rights to be relaxed so that pop-up campsites can allow people to have holidays in places such as North Yorkshire?
Context
Many people are planning to staycation this year.
Michael Gove
I now know what my Easter plans will be. My right hon. Friend is absolutely right that making sure, through the exercise of permitted development rights, that we can provide people with the opportunity to holiday in places as beautiful as North Yorkshire is an entirely welcome development.
Session: Topical Questions
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Sadly, the situation in Scarborough and Whitby for patients seeking a new NHS dentist is no better than that in St Ives, with thousands of UDAs going unused. Dentists tell me that it would help to have a date for the end of the UDA system so that they could start recruiting staff and, in some cases, building new premises to deliver NHS dentistry to local people.
Context
The MP noted the challenges in Scarborough for patients seeking a new NHS dentist, with thousands of UDAs going unused.
Maria Caulfield
My right hon. Friend is correct. As I said earlier, the disastrous contract of 2006 is causing disincentives for NHS dentists to take on NHS work. I assure my right hon. Friend, however, that dental services in Scarborough are currently being commissioned by NHS England following the handing back of dental regional accountability. Procurement processes are in place, and a new practice is set to be in place by the summer.
Session: Topical Questions
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In considering ministerial responsibility for the hydrogen sector, will the Minister bear in mind that 95% of hydrogen is so-called blue hydrogen derived from natural gas and that, if we really are to have a hydrogen revolution that puts Britain on the map, we need more green hydrogen derived from renewable or nuclear power?
Context
The hydrogen sector's reliance on blue hydrogen derived from natural gas is highlighted, with a call for more green hydrogen.
Nigel Adams
The strategy supports multiple production technologies including both electrolytic green and carbon capture-enabled blue hydrogen production. Following the consultation, an approach to different production routes will be developed by early this year.
Session: Topical Questions
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I recently received a letter from a local bakery which is desperate for 30 people. They have hundreds of jobs in hospitality, agriculture, social care, and food processing. Will the Minister agree that those people should come to North Yorkshire where they will receive a warm welcome and great job?
Context
The MP mentions a local bakery's job openings and invites people from Rutherglen and Hamilton West to come work there.
Mims Davies
Long-term unemployment is a devolved matter for the Scottish Government. However, I am delighted my right hon. Friend has raised this important issue. We are organising Hospitality Rocks events to bring people into the industry. People should definitely take jobs in Scarborough and beyond.
Session: Universal Credit Claimants Support
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I very much welcome the Minister's answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Andrew Jones), outlining the good news in the Budget on the delivery of more buses towards our target of 4,000 zero-emission buses. There are three manufacturers here in the UK that can deliver these buses, including one with a production line in Scarborough. Will the Minister give me a guarantee that these orders will be placed with UK manufacturers?
Context
The Minister recently announced the delivery of more buses towards a target of 4,000 zero-emission buses. The questioner seeks assurance that these orders will be placed with UK manufacturers.
Trudy Harrison
As Scarborough and Whitby is the proud home of Alexander Dennis coaches, I know that my right hon. Friend will welcome the firm acceleration that is supporting thousands of zero-emission buses, thanks to a further £355 million of funding announced in the spending review last week.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister, who is also the Rail Minister, agree that a key element of any cycling and walking plan should be better parking provision for cycles at railway stations?
Context
The MP seeks to highlight the importance of cycle parking facilities at railway stations.
Chris Heaton-Harris
Absolutely, one of the best gala dinners I have ever attended was the “cycle to rail” gala dinner, where awards were given for the best schemes of that kind. We are investing a huge amount of money in new, secure cycle parking around the country.
Session: Cycling and Walking
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This Conservative Government are investing in the Highways England strategic road network. The A64 Hopgrove roundabout upgrade is essential not only to my constituents but also to people from West Yorkshire and beyond who suffer in queues. Will you give me an indication that this project is still in the programme and of when we are likely to see spades in the ground?
Context
The A64 Hopgrove roundabout is a vital upgrade for constituents and those from West Yorkshire.
Grant Shapps
My right hon. Friend is right about the £27.4 billion we are investing in the road investment strategy 2 programme to upgrade and build roads fit for the 21st century. There was very effective lobbying on the roundabout, and I will certainly come back to him in writing to provide more of an update.
Session: Topical Questions
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In a tough year, it has been even worse for manufacturers such as Alexander Dennis Plaxton in Scarborough. We have heard of the £5 billion announced for 4,000 zero-emission British-built buses, but does the Minister agree that we need to get this money out quickly if we are to avoid a crisis on production lines?
Context
Bus manufacturing firms like Alexander Dennis Plaxton in Scarborough are struggling. The MP highlights the £5 billion funding package announced earlier but calls for urgent action to prevent production line crises.
Andrew Stephenson
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question. I completely agree with what he says, and I commend him for what he has been doing to support manufacturers in his constituency. The Government have announced over £700 million in support for the bus and light rail sector already to date, and we are also providing £50 million for Britain's first all-electric bus town and the £20 million rural mobility fund, which will support additional jobs.
Session: Support for Bus Manufacturers
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What steps are being taken to support UK bus manufacturers in Scarborough and Whitby constituency and across England? The 2020 year has been difficult for operators but worse for manufacturers like Alexander Dennis Plaxton. Despite the £5 billion funding package announced, there's a need for quick implementation to prevent production line crises.
Context
Scarborough and Whitby constituency faces challenges in the bus manufacturing industry. In a tough year, Alexander Dennis Plaxton is particularly affected.
Andrew Stephenson
We are committed to providing at least 4,000 British-built zero-emission buses through our £5 billion funding package for buses and cycling. The Government has already provided over £700 million in support for the bus and light rail sector, including a £50 million investment for Britain's first all-electric bus town and a £20 million rural mobility fund to support additional jobs.
Session: Support for Bus Manufacturers
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Does the Secretary of State agree that global free trade presents more opportunities than threats to British agriculture, such as North Yorkshire lamb and Wensleydale cheese?
Context
The Minister was asked about the opportunities for British agriculture.
Elizabeth Truss (The Secretary of State for International Trade)
I completely agree. The first cargoes of British beef will leave UK ports this summer destined for America due to the lifted beef ban, worth £66 million to the industry over five years.
Session: Topical Questions
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What discussions has the Secretary of State had with those involved in the Lough Neagh eel fishery, who face the triple challenge of an uncertain trading future with the European Union, the effect of the coronavirus on their important markets in Belgium and Holland, and the possible re-designation of the European eel under CITES regulations once we have left the European Union?
Context
The challenges faced by the Lough Neagh eel fishing industry due to uncertain trading future, impact of coronavirus on markets in Belgium and Holland, and possible re-designation under CITES regulations.
Brandon Lewis
I add my good wishes to my hon. Friend the Member for North Dorset (Simon Hoare), who is recuperating. I have been in contact with him this morning; understandably, he continues to take a keen interest in the issues of Northern Ireland. These are unprecedented and challenging times for many sectors. The Chancellor has announced a package of support for business and indicated further measures, if required, for the coming days. I will raise the issue of the specific group mentioned by my right hon. Friend the Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Mr Goodwill) with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. I assure my right hon. Friend that my hon. Friend the Minister of State has been dealing with this and met that group recently, and we will continue to take this forward.
Session: IrelandNorthern Ireland Protocol
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Does the Secretary of State think that we need to look at options such as hydrogen technology for trucks or freeing up space on our rail network by building HS2?
Context
Progress in battery technology for light vehicles, but decarbonising road freight is challenging.
Grant Shapps (Secretary of State for Transport)
Hydrogen technology is important for heavier vehicles and potentially for trains, whereas battery technology suits cars better. We are funding both technologies.
Session: Decarbonising Transport
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On 12 December, a blue wave swept up the Yorkshire coast as coastal communities put their trust in the Conservatives to deliver. The Minister agrees that the former SSI British Steel site on the south bank of the Tees would be ideal not only as a deep water terminal for polyhalite fertiliser export but Britain's first free port.
Context
Discusses the blue wave in Yorkshire and the suitability of the former SSI British Steel site on the south bank of the Tees for a free port.
Graham Stuart
My right hon Friend is correct. That blue wave allowed new thinking. The Secretary of State announced our free port policy in Teesport in August, recognising that more free ports can create jobs and rejuvenate communities. Free ports will be an important part of job creation under this Government.
Session: Free Ports
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Zero-emission Buses
05 July 2022
Responding: Trudy Harrison
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the lack of orders for the promised 4,000 zero-emission buses under the ZEBRA scheme. Bus registrations are at an all-time low due to the pandemic and there is a risk that volume production will not be sustained without immediate orders from the UK government. I also worry about the disproportionate influence China has over raw materials necessary for battery production and the threat this poses to UK manufacturers such as Alexander Dennis Ltd, Switch Mobility, and Wrightbus.']
Specific Asks
['When will the promised 4,000 ZEBRA zero-emission buses be on our streets? What can you do to ensure they are British-built rather than Chinese? After considering practicality, what would be a realistic date to phase out the sale of diesel buses?']
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2025-11-24
24 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The clause would introduce the new Schedule in NS1, which transfers to mayors of mayoral strategic authorities the power to approve a local highway authority to charge undertakers who are executing wo...
Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2025-06-09
09 June 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Checks on Goods Entering UK
29 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Food Security
21 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Teesworks Joint Venture
29 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (Implementing) Bill - Opening debate on the CPTPP Implementation Bill
29 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The UK's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership will boost trade flows, benefiting businesses and consumers by reducing tariffs and increasing market ac...
Protecting Steel in the UK
23 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Labour party recognises the need to decarbonise steel production but is concerned about the Government's plans which will result in significant job losses and risk leaving the UK without primary s...
UK-Rwanda Partnership
06 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Debate on the Address
07 November 2023
General Debate
Led by this MP
Moves the Humble Address to King Charles III, reflecting on the late Queen's reign and the significance of Yorkshire. He emphasises the importance of HS2 funds being redeployed for local development p...
Net Zero by 2050
16 October 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
2
PMQs Asked
31
Ministerial Questions Asked
52
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-46% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+127% above average
This MP:
31
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+974% above average
This MP:
52
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
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 Robert Goodwill's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.