Robin Millar
MP for Aberconwy
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I thank the Prime Minister for his personal interest in Aberconwy. He has heard from people their gratitude for the vaccine and furlough programmes. Will my right hon. Friend now support our plan to level up Aberconwy and provide almost £20 million of funding to invest in community and cultural programmes?
Context
The question follows discussions about the Prime Minister's visit to Aberconwy and the constituency's appreciation for government programmes like vaccines and furlough.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend; we are committed to uniting and levelling up the UK. The second round of the levelling up fund announcements will be coming this autumn.
Assessment
The amount (£20 million) and specifics about community and cultural programmes were not addressed
Session: PMQs
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Spoke with young people in Aberconwy who are concerned about their futures after a year of lockdowns. They worry about job prospects and moving to new universities. Does the Prime Minister have any message for these young people?
Context
Young people in Aberconwy have expressed concerns about the challenges they've faced due to lockdown measures, including finding jobs and transitioning to university.
Boris Johnson
The Government has established a £2 billion kickstart fund and various schemes aimed at helping young people get into work after lockdowns. I thank them for their sacrifices during difficult times.
Session: PMQs
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The people of Aberconwy thank the Prime Minister for approving the vaccine early this year. Small businesses in Llanrwst have faced challenges from flooding and the pandemic since March. Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking these three female entrepreneurs for their perseverance, and does he agree that this news gives hope for a better 2021?
Context
Small businesses in Aberconwy, particularly those affected by flooding and the pandemic, are looking forward to a brighter future with the licensing of the new vaccine. The news offers hope for entrepreneurs like Y Siop Flodau, Siop Sioned, and Emma James Cakes.
Boris Johnson
I congratulate the three female entrepreneurs mentioned by my hon. Friend. They will be helped by the vaccine and allowed to do business again. Unfortunately, our programme for reopening was not supported by the Leader of the Opposition.
Assessment
The specific ask about congratulating businesses was partially addressed but then shifted to criticism of opposition.
Congratulations
Criticising The Opposition
Session: PMQs
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What is my right hon. Friend doing to ensure that levelling-up funds are being delivered effectively in Wales?
Context
The Môr i'r Mynydd—sea to mountain—active travel route in the Conwy valley received an £18.6 million boost through levelling-up funds, benefiting Glan Conwy, Betws-y-Coed and Trefriw.
David Davies
I congratulate my hon. Friend on being such a champion of levelling-up fund schemes in his constituency. The levelling-up funds have allowed us to keep our post-Brexit promise to ensure that Wales continues to be generously funded.
Session: Levelling-up Funding
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What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of levelling-up funding on Welsh communities? The Môr i'r Mynydd project received an £18.6 million boost through levelling-up funds and will positively impact communities in Glan Conwy, Betws-y-Coed and Trefriw.
Context
The Môr i'r Mynydd—sea to mountain—active travel route in the Conwy valley received an £18.6 million boost through levelling-up funds, benefiting Glan Conwy, Betws-y-Coed and Trefriw.
David Davies
I congratulate my hon. Friend on being such a champion of levelling-up fund schemes in his constituency. The levelling-up funds have allowed us to keep our post-Brexit promise to ensure that Wales continues to be generously funded.
Session: Levelling-up Funding
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Thirteen veterans advisory and pensions committees across the UK provide the Minister's Department with an important platform for hearing and helping veterans. Can the Minister tell the House what progress he has made with the VAPCs since my Bill received royal assent?
Context
The MP's private Member's Bill gives the Secretary of State greater flexibility to use VAPCs. The MP wants updates on progress.
Andrew Murrison
First, let me congratulate my hon. Friend on his work on the Bill, which should properly be called the Millar Bill. I recently met VAPC chairs to discuss next steps, and we will ensure that the MOD engages with representatives from VAPCs in a series of working groups to set the direction for secondary legislation that will clarify their future role.
Session: Veterans
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Will the Minister confirm that the offer to help reduce patient waiting lists for important medical procedures still stands and patients in Wales have not been forgotten by the UK Government?
Context
The UK government has offered to help reduce patient waiting lists in Wales, but these offers have not been accepted.
James Davies
The offer from the Department of Health and Social Care to help reduce patient waiting lists still stands. The Minister is encouraged to confirm acceptance of this offer for tens of thousands of patients.
Session: Cross-border Healthcare Welsh Government Policy
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What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of Welsh Government policy on health authorities on cross-border healthcare. The NHS worker sees stark realities of disparity, with over 27,000 patients waiting over two years for treatment in Wales versus about 280 in England.
Context
The disparity in healthcare services between Wales and England, with Welsh patients facing longer waiting times compared to those in England.
James Davies
The Health Secretary has offered to consider requests from the Welsh Government to use alternate providers in England to reduce waiting lists. The offer still stands for patients stuck on waiting lists.
Session: Cross-border Healthcare Welsh Government Policy
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Does the Secretary of State agree that Scotland benefits from the UK's membership of the G7, NATO, and diplomatic missions around the world?
Context
The UK's membership in the G7 and NATO provides advantages for Scotland as part of the UK.
Alister Jack
Yes, indeed. Membership in such organizations is an advantage for Scotland as part of the United Kingdom.
Session: Promoting Scotland Overseas
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The Government have demonstrated a swiftness of foot in responding through the pandemic and the energy crisis to support businesses and residents. The previous question notwithstanding, can my hon. Friend reassure the House that residents and businesses in Northern Ireland will continue to receive Government support with energy bills over the coming months?
Context
The previous government demonstrated quick action during the pandemic and recent energy crises.
Steven Baker
We will, of course, continue to be seized of the situation in Northern Ireland. I can tell my hon. Friend that we will keep the situation under review.
Session: Cost of Living
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The Treasury was quick to act during the pandemic when hoteliers told me that banks were directing them to premium lending products instead of the Government's coronavirus business interruption loan scheme. Now those same hoteliers are telling me they are seeing their bills tripling just as market rates drop below Government support levels, fearing unfair practices by suppliers. Can he please tell me what he is doing and can he meet me and sector representatives to bring common sense back to energy supply contracts?
Context
Hoteliers in Aberconwy are facing tripling bills despite falling market rates, suspecting unfair practices by suppliers. The Treasury had quickly acted during the pandemic but now hoteliers need support.
Gareth Davies
My hon. Friend is a great champion of businesses in his constituency; I advise businesses always to contact suppliers to discuss their contracts. We are aware that some businesses have difficulties securing benefits from falling wholesale prices. In January, the Chancellor wrote to Ofgem which has now launched an investigation into the non-domestic energy market and we await its conclusions.
Session: Energy Costs Support for Businesses
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Does the Secretary of State agree that the effectiveness of devolution arrangements was demonstrated by using section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998 to block the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, as it had adverse effects on GB-wide legislation?
Context
The question arises from the use of section 35 in the Scotland Act 1998 to block a bill that impacted UK-wide legislation.
Alister Jack
Yes. Section 35 exists to stop a Bill going for Royal Assent if it has adverse effects on GB-wide legislation, and the Secretary of State agrees that this demonstrates the effectiveness of devolution arrangements when used as intended.
Session: Devolution Settlement
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My hon. Friend the Member for Ynys Môn (Virginia Crosbie) has run a tenacious campaign for a freeport. Can my right hon. Friend confirm that the benefits of such a freeport would be felt across north Wales and comment on the benefits that students in my own constituency might feel when considering a future career in north Wales?
Context
Freeport proposals offer tax relief, simplified customs processes and business rates retention in specific areas.
John Glen
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that freeports offer tax relief, simplified customs processes and business rates retention. The evaluation process for the three bids that came in at the end of November is well under way and I hope that conclusions will be made in the very near future.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister join me in paying tribute to the work of VAPCs? Secondly, will he support my private Member's Bill on 24 February, which seeks to extend their remit?
Context
The MP asked about the support provided by VAPCs to veterans.
Andrew Murrison
VAPCs provide an excellent service. I look forward to supporting the hon. Member's private member's bill on 24 February with my wholehearted support.
Session: Veterans UK and Veterans Welfare Service
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What arrangements are there for sharing or exchanging best practice with the Welsh Government on such important areas?
Context
Community care in Wales is well-established, but formal support for early years varies. The MP asks about arrangements to share or exchange best practices.
Gillian Keegan
We have regular meetings with all devolved authorities to share ideas about our policies, ensuring we can learn from one another. We are always open to listening and sharing good ideas.
Session: Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme
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What progress has been made with Cabinet colleagues on the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme?
Context
The Family Hubs and Start for Life programme aims to support families through a network of local hubs. The MP inquires about the progress made with Cabinet colleagues.
Gillian Keegan
Family hubs are one-stop shops that make it easier for families to get the support they need. The Government is investing £300 million in the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, with 75 local authorities beginning to open hubs later this year.
Session: Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme
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I welcome my right hon. Friend's answer. In particular, I welcome the opening of a new rape crisis line offering essential support to victims. Does he agree that such a service should be made available across England and Wales, and will he ensure that it is promoted across England and Wales?
Context
Welcoming the opening of a new rape crisis line, asking if such service should be available across England and Wales.
Dominic Raab
My hon. Friend is absolutely right and I thank him for raising that. It is critical for victims of rape across the United Kingdom. The new 24/7 support line is available to victims aged 16 or over in England and Wales. There is also a steering group, working with central Government and the Welsh Government, that has oversight of the service.
Session: Support for Rape Victims
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What steps his Department is taking to improve support for rape victims in the criminal justice system?
Context
None provided, asking about steps taken to support rape victims.
Dominic Raab
We have a comprehensive package of measures under way to improve support for victims of rape, and I can tell the House that in the last year, adult rape convictions rose by 65% over the previous year.
Session: Support for Rape Victims
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Does she back the Business Secretary's calls to UK business to help the UK Government and make donations of emergency energy equipment to Ukraine?
Context
Over 40% of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed since Putin's invasion. In October, one strike left 1.5 million households without electricity.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
My hon. Friend is right that DIT and BEIS are mobilising UK industry. The DIT held an event in Manchester with UK supply chain companies encouraging them to find ways to supply Ukraine with energy equipment and services. High-voltage transformers and more generators—the UK has already provided 850—will continue to be needed through the winter.
Session: Ukraine Energy Supplies
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What assessment has he made of the impact of UK diplomatic and development support to Ukraine on the resilience of Ukraine's energy supplies?
Context
Ukraine faces significant challenges to its energy infrastructure due to Russian attacks. Since Putin's invasion, over 40% of the country's energy infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
We are supporting Ukraine on air defence to help protect its critical national infrastructure against Russian attacks and providing support to repair and restore energy infrastructure. The UK has provided £22 million to Ukraine's energy sector and a $50 million financial guarantee to their electricity operator.
Session: Ukraine Energy Supplies
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My right hon. Friend will share my surprise to hear that the Welsh Labour Minister for the Economy wrote to all council leaders in Wales on 14 June saying 'Welsh government will not help deliver UK government programmes in Wales we consider to be flawed.' Will my right hon. Friend assure the residents of Aberconwy that such directions will not be allowed to frustrate the sharing of prosperity in Wales?
Context
The questioner mentions a Welsh Labour Minister's letter stating that the Welsh Government will not help deliver UK government programmes it deems flawed. He seeks assurance from the UK Government that this stance will not hinder shared prosperity.
Michael Gove
My hon. Friend raises a very important point, and I am disappointed. Vaughan Gething is a nice guy but it is a mistake, when we are decentralising power and resources to local government in Wales, for the Welsh Government and the Senedd to take that position. It is vital that we work together in the interest of the whole United Kingdom.
Session: UK Shared Prosperity Fund
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It is regrettable that the Scottish Government refuse to engage with the UK connectivity review. It is also notable that serious concerns remain, even now, about the award management and delivery of the Ferguson ferries contract. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Scottish Government need to up their game in connecting UK residents?
Context
Concerns about Scottish Government's refusal to engage with UK connectivity review and issues with the Ferguson ferries contract.
Alister Jack
Yes, and to clarify my hon. Friend's point, the Scottish Government did refuse to engage with the Union connectivity review, in the form of Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson telling his civil servants not to communicate with Sir Peter Hendy, so my hon. Friend makes a very good point. Scottish National party MPs are only too keen to tell us when the Scottish Government are doing well, how great they are and why the UK Government should follow suit. However, when it comes to ferry contracts, the SNP has shown startling incompetence: they are five years late in delivery and £150 million over budget. Despite the Scottish Government's incompetence, this Government stand ready to work with them on improving transport links across the United Kingdom, because we believe that that is best for all.
Session: Improving Union Connectivity
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In Wales and Aberconwy, farmers have told me of their concerns that an unintended consequence of encouraging tree planting is, specifically, the creation of a new asset class by carbon capture incentives, which encourage the purchase and forestation of viable upland farms. Will my right hon. Friend reassure them that he has that under control?
Context
Farmers in Wales and Aberconwy are concerned that tree planting could create a new asset class by carbon capture incentives, which might encourage the purchase and forestation of viable upland farms.
George Eustice
I reassure my hon. Friend that we are well aware of that challenge. My noble Friend Lord Benyon is leading a piece of work on the green market, including looking at where we should allow private capital to support the development of new forestry.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Church plays a key part in many communities in Aberconwy, never more so than during the pandemic. The Church in Wales is encouraging its lay members to use their skills, time and resources to serve their communities. Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that lay workers will benefit from the levelling-up fund to aid that ministry of service to their communities?
Context
The question discusses the Church's involvement in communities, especially during the pandemic. It specifically asks for an assurance that lay workers will benefit from the levelling-up fund.
Andrew Selous
I know that my hon. Friend and many of his constituents hugely appreciate the key role that the Church plays in communities across Aberconwy. My colleagues in the Church of England are always glad for opportunities to exchange ideas for and experiences of strengthening parish ministry with the Church in Wales, with which we have a very warm relationship.
Session: Parish Ministry
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To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to strengthen its parish ministry. The Church of England is distributing £160 million between 2020 and 2022 through our lowest income communities fund and our strategic development funding.
Context
The question focuses on the financial support provided by the Church of England to sustain its ministry in low-income communities. The background context includes specific funding amounts and timeframes.
Andrew Selous
The Church of England is distributing £160 million between 2020 and 2022 through our lowest income communities fund and our strategic development funding. That funding sustains the Church's ministry in many low-income communities and that footprint, across the whole country, is incredibly precious to us and we do not want to lose it.
Session: Parish Ministry
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I thank the Minister on behalf of residents for his answer and for the UK Government's interest. The UK Government have funded a book for every schoolchild in the UK to commemorate the platinum jubilee. A bilingual version has been printed for schoolchildren in Wales. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that schoolchildren in Wales and Aberconwy—and even in Ynys Môn—will receive a copy of that book?
Context
The MP thanks the Minister and asks about the distribution of a book to commemorate the platinum jubilee, specifically in Aberconwy and Ynys Môn.
David Davies
My hon. Friend is correct. The UK Government wanted to celebrate the enormous achievement and the enormous commitment to public service that has been made by our monarch, and have produced the book bilingually to ensure that schoolchildren across Wales are able to read bilingually about the contribution made by Her Majesty the Queen. I am sure they all look forward eagerly to receiving their copy. The UK Government are working with the Welsh Government to ensure that that can happen imminently.
Session: Aberconwy
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What recent steps have you taken with Cabinet colleagues to help support people living in Aberconwy constituency?
Context
The MP is seeking information on recent steps taken to support residents in the Aberconwy constituency.
David Davies
Levelling up is all about places like Aberconwy. From our investment in a new tourism and innovation hub in Llandudno to improving digital connectivity for over 60 public buildings across Aberconwy, we will give everyone in Wales the opportunity to flourish and ensure that no place is left behind.
Session: Aberconwy
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Will the Minister meet me to discuss and perhaps reconsider that?
Context
The Hendy review recommended a UK-wide strategic transport network but the bid for funds to fill a gap in north Wales was declined.
Robert Courts
We are committed to strengthening transport bonds throughout our Union. I note that the Welsh Government published a report recently saying that they did not support key improvements to the A55 in north Wales, nor the building of new roads, but I know that the roads Minister will be keen to meet my hon. Friend as soon as possible to discuss his individual concerns.
Session: Transport Connectivity
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We all know that civil servants have a vital role in delivering and managing public services and it is essential that they can get on with that, so I welcome what has been described. However, will my right hon. Friend reassure my Aberconwy constituents by clarifying that any UK Government instruction to civil servants will also apply in Wales, where Welsh Government guidance remains to work at home?
Context
The supplementary question focuses on ensuring that any UK Government instructions to civil servants will also apply in Wales, given the continued work-from-home guidance by the Welsh Government.
Steve Barclay
We are clear, in relation to areas of reserved authority, that we are a UK Government—indeed, the Prime Minister is the Minister for the Union—and we have been clear on that in our messaging with Departments. The point is that many staff want to get back into the office, particularly those who do not have the benefit of a larger house, a garden and perhaps an office at home.
Session: Civil Servants Return to the Office
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What steps his Department is taking to support the return of civil servants to the office following the end of guidance to work from home during the covid-19 outbreak.
Context
The question addresses the guidance provided by the UK Government for civil servants to return to their offices following the end of home-working during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Steve Barclay
The Cabinet Office has followed central Government guidance to employers to reduce the risk of transmission in the workplace, so that all our buildings return to the maximum available capacity as soon as possible now that new restrictions have lifted.
Session: Civil Servants Return to the Office
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Following the reference to confidence by the hon. Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, I welcome the publication of the levelling-up White Paper, and the Government's commitment to decentralising the UK shared prosperity fund to local areas in Scotland and Wales. Does my right hon. Friend agree that that is an example of confidence in local decision-making, of real devolution and of good Union working?
Context
The question follows a reference to confidence by Mhairi Black regarding the levelling-up White Paper. The publication highlights the Government's commitment to decentralising the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to local areas in Scotland and Wales.
Alister Jack
My hon. Friend is absolutely right—I know that he is a great champion of the Union. The levelling-up paper, which will be launched today, will contain a lot of initiatives and show that we are using structural funds to practise real devolution by giving that money directly to local authorities.
Session: Strength of the Union
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I welcome the Government's intent that levelling up should be measured by more than simply spending money. Indeed, the data that is collected across the UK to measure its effect varies. What is my right hon. Friend doing to address that, and will he reassure Aberconwy residents of an effective UK-wide levelling up?
Context
The Government's intent that levelling up should be measured by outcomes not just spending, but the data to measure its effect varies across UK.
Helen Whately
Absolutely. My hon. Friend makes an important point, and we should indeed measure success in outcomes, not just inputs. The Department's delivery of levelling up ambitions will be monitored, and it will of course be held to account. I point my hon. Friend towards the levelling up White Paper, which will be published shortly.
Session: Topical Questions
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Internal trade is one of the key strengths and benefits of being part of our United Kingdom. Irish Government statistics, however, suggest a 60% increase in north-south trade with the United Kingdom. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the diversion of trade is clear evidence of the need to invoke article 16?
Context
The MP is concerned about the increase in north-south trade with the UK and its implications for Northern Ireland.
Brandon Lewis
My hon. Friend makes an important point, highlighting one of the reasons why, when we published our Command Paper in the summer, we said that, as of then, the conditions to trigger article 16 had been met. We are very clear that we do not rule that out. If we have to use article 16, we will, but we are in negotiations with the European Union. The ideal solution for us would be to come to an agreement with the EU, but that has to be one that delivers on the needs of the people of Northern Ireland.
Session: Northern Ireland’s Place in the UK
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I thank the Attorney General for her answer. Many, indeed all of our laws are crafted carefully, thoughtfully, and often after vigorous debate, and many offer important protections. Will my right hon. and learned Friend reassure the House that any devolved gender recognition legislation will not constrain or reinterpret the protections under the Equality Act 2010?
Context
The question is a follow-up to the Attorney General's initial answer, focusing on the importance of protecting single-sex spaces and ensuring that transgender adults are free to live their lives without fear.
Suella Braverman
My hon. Friend raises an important point about our devolution settlement, and the Government are clear on their position as set out in our recent response to the consultation on the Gender Recognition Act 2004. First, the protection of single-sex spaces is extremely important; secondly, we must ensure that transgender adults are free to live their lives as they wish, without fear of persecution, while maintaining checks and balances in the system. Finally—this is not directly related to the GRA, but it is important nevertheless—we must ensure that under-18s are protected from decisions that they could make that are irreversible in the future.
Session: Supreme Court Judgments Scottish Parliament Legislative Proposals
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What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the implications for the Government's policies of the Supreme Court judgments of 6 October 2021 on the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament relating to its legislative proposals on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and European Charter of Local Self-Government.
Context
The question is prompted by the Supreme Court's judgment on October 6, 2021, which declared certain legislative proposals of the Scottish Parliament as out of competence.
Suella Braverman
I welcome the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court to agree with the Law Officers that all provisions raised by virtue of our reference under section 33 of the Scotland Act 1998 were outside the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament. It is for the benefit of all citizens throughout the UK that both Governments operate within their respective powers, as set out in the Scotland Act 1988. That is why this decision is important.
Session: Supreme Court Judgments Scottish Parliament Legislative Proposals
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There is great potential for small scale renewable energy schemes in the more rural parts of Aberconwy. What discussions has my right hon. Friend had to ensure that the grid connections are in place to make them viable?
Context
Potential for small-scale renewable energy schemes in rural parts of Aberconwy.
Simon Hart
It is fair to say that they are in their early stages. I enjoyed my visit to my hon. Friend's constituency last week, where these points were raised. He is right to point out that we can come up with all the initiatives in the world, but unless there is a supportive grid to cope with that, our progress will be slower than we would like. Those conversations are in play and I look forward to sharing them with him at the earliest opportunity.
Session: Net Zero Emissions Target
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Will the Minister meet with colleagues to discuss how legislation can be strengthened further? This week I supported my hon. Friend Virginia Crosbie's Bill to amend the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 because this is a UK-wide problem.
Context
Farmers in Aberconwy have reported incidents of dogs out of control posing a threat to livestock. Dan Jones from the Great Orme recently lost five ewes in two attacks.
Victoria Prentis
I would be delighted to meet colleagues to discuss this important subject. New measures in the Bill specify that a dog will be considered to be at large unless it is on a lead of less than 1.8 metres or the dog remains in sight of the owner, who is aware of the dog's actions and confident that the dog will return if called.
Session: Livestock Worrying
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What steps are being taken to help tackle livestock worrying? Farmers in Aberconwy have been speaking about the threat that dogs out of control pose to livestock. Dan Jones from Great Orme reported just yesterday that five ewes were killed in two attacks on a single day. This week, I supported my hon. Friend Virginia Crosbie's Bill to amend the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 because this is a UK-wide problem.
Context
Farmers in Aberconwy have reported incidents of dogs out of control posing a threat to livestock. Recently, five ewes were killed by two attacks in one day.
Victoria Prentis
New measures are being introduced as part of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. These will expand species and locations covered, enhance enforcement, and provide improved powers for police to collect evidence. In serious cases, dogs can be seized and detained. I would be delighted to meet colleagues to discuss this further.
Session: Livestock Worrying
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A new free trade agreement with Australia is now in sight for the UK. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this is a tremendous opportunity for exporters of agricultural products, and food and drink producers, across Scotland and Wales?
Context
Opportunities for Scottish and Welsh exporters of agricultural products in the new free trade agreement.
Alister Jack
My hon. Friend is right about that and he is right to welcome the breakthroughs over the past few days with the Australian Government. Businesses in Scotland exported goods worth over £352 million to Australia in 2019, and reducing tariff barriers for our world-class food and drink industry could bolster Scotch whisky exports to Australia. As the Secretary of State for International Trade made clear at the weekend, this deal will be based on fair competition, maintaining our high standards and providing excellent, exciting opportunities for British products.
Session: Free Trade Agreements
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What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential opportunities for Scotland arising from new free trade agreements?
Context
Discussions on potential economic benefits of new free trade agreements for Scotland.
Alister Jack
I regularly discuss with my Cabinet colleagues opportunities for Scotland arising from the signing of trade deals. This Government have already struck deals with 67 countries around the world worth £218 billion a year, including with Canada, Japan and Singapore—with many more to come. This will create new markets for Scotland's exporters, including our world-leading food and drink sector.
Session: Free Trade Agreements
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What benefits has the Secretary of State identified that the hub will bring to exporters here in Aberconwy and across north Wales?
Context
The MP inquires about specific benefits that a trade and investment hub will bring to exporters in Aberconwy and north Wales.
Elizabeth Truss
The trade and investment hub will provide support to business across Wales. There are already 2,000 people in Aberconwy working in export-intensive industries. The trade hub will provide support, including for Welsh lamb exports, which have resumed after more than 20 years to countries such as Japan.
Session: Trade and Investment in Wales
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What recent assessment has been made of the economic effect of international trade on Wales?
Context
The MP asks about the economic impact of international trade in Wales.
Elizabeth Truss
Last month, I announced our new trade and investment hub in Wales, which will support almost 200,000 exporters and channel investment into Wales. It will play a crucial role in the export-led, jobs-led recovery for Wales.
Session: Trade and Investment in Wales
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Does he agree that such effective measures should be at the heart of any effective strategy to reduce reoffending, and will he commit to refreshing the data to ensure that the best available evidence is informing the Government's approach?
Context
The Farmer review in 2017 concluded that maintaining family contact during incarceration significantly reduces the likelihood of reoffending.
Kit Malthouse
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that maintaining strong family links has a significant impact on the likelihood of reoffending for people who have been in the secure estate. We are committed to trying to retain those links as much as we possibly can both to families and to the communities from which offenders are drawn. We have made good progress on the Farmer review in embedding that as part of our work, and we will be looking at innovative approaches to offender management in the future.
Session: Reoffending Rates
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Energy Supply Market: Small Businesses
13 September 2023
Responding: Amanda Solloway
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the impact of rising energy costs on small businesses in my constituency. According to figures, over 166,498 signatures were gathered for a petition highlighting the need for urgent support. Many businesses are struggling with unprecedented hikes, facing potential closure without immediate intervention. Tourism and hospitality businesses in Robin Millar's north Wales constituency are facing soaring energy costs, with average prices doubling between 2022 and 2023. The MP heard from Dave Faragher of Wild Horse brewery that electricity costs nearly two and a half times more than in May 2021, and gas costs three times more. Hospitality businesses also reported issues such as refusal to quote, increased prices with risk premiums, excessive deposits, inflexibility, lack of transparency, and refusal to renegotiate contracts at the peak of price spikes. I am concerned about the impact of rising energy bills on small businesses in Bath. Several companies have expressed disappointment that the Government removed energy support, with one pub's bill increasing by £35,000 and only receiving a reduction of £3,000 instead of £30,000 under the previous scheme. Suppliers note that some companies may become unsustainable without further support, as 15% fear collapse within the next year due to energy prices being a significant contributor."]
Specific Asks
["I urge the government to establish an energy hardship fund specifically for small businesses and set up a dedicated helpline where they can seek assistance in managing their costs. The fund should be operational by October. Millar urges the Government to encourage suppliers to work directly with hospitality businesses to resolve issues with high fixed prices. He also calls for Ofgem's recommendations to be implemented urgently: greater transparency for customers, timely complaint responses, wider access to the energy ombudsman, measures against sector blacklisting, and improved regulation of brokers. I urge the Government to step up and offer grants covering 80% of the increase in energy bills for one year, up to £50,000. The Government should also accelerate the review of electricity market arrangements to decouple electricity from wholesale gas prices, improve energy efficiency in buildings, and provide financial support for installing renewable sources."]
North Wales Main Line
15 November 2022
Responding: Huw Merriman
Main Concerns
['The disparity in investment in rail infrastructure over the last two decades between north Wales and other parts of the UK is clear. North Wales has seen fewer investments compared to south Wales, which benefits from significant funding for projects such as the South Wales Metro. The closure of the Menai suspension bridge and the withdrawal of through-train services highlight how north Wales communities are suffering from underfunding.']
Specific Asks
["Investment in the North Wales main line should be a priority to secure levelling up, connecting England to Wales and improving cross-border infrastructure. This includes addressing the disparity in funding for rail projects across Wales and ensuring that investments maximise returns on HS2's benefits in north Wales."]
High Speed Rail (Crewe - Manchester) Bill - Amendments (a), (b), (c) and (d)
21 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment proposes to instruct the Select Committee to amend the Bill by removing certain railway provisions between specified locations in Cheshire. This is done to focus on a high-speed railway ...
Defence Spending
24 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Football (Amendment) Bill - Clause 1
23 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Cass Review
15 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Insurance Contributions Bill - Clause 1 - Reduction in National Insurance Contributions
13 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to reduce national insurance contributions for employees and self-employed individuals. Argues that the current system is unfair as it imposes a double taxation on those who earn income through ...
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...
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...
Protest Measures
08 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland
01 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
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...
3
PMQs Asked
45
Ministerial Questions Asked
80
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
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
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+236% above average
This MP:
45
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1546% above average
This MP:
80
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 Robin Millar's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.