Ronnie Cowan
MP for Inverclyde
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
With plans for universal basic income pilots in England, will this Government instruct both the Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC to engage with these pilots so we can assess their pros and cons?
Context
Similar basic income pilots are being planned across the UK due to gig economy and AI developments.
Oliver Dowden
The Government are not convinced by the case for a universal basic income. We believe creating more jobs and cutting taxes is better, as this has been done under our government's rule.
Assessment
Direct question about UBI pilots not addressed; provided opinion instead.
Session: PMQs
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I have a constituent whose elderly parents are seeking refuge in the United Kingdom from Ukraine. Her parents are both in their 80s. They have made it to Hungary. They went to the visa application centre, as instructed by the Home Office hotline, and they were told, “Come back on 22 March.” Then, and only then, will their biometrics be processed. That is the harsh reality—no spin, no subterfuge. Prime Minister, when will refugees from Ukraine be welcomed into the United Kingdom?
Context
The MP discusses the difficulties faced by elderly relatives of a constituent seeking refuge in the UK from Ukraine.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Gentleman. If he would be kind enough, I would be grateful if he passed me the details of the case that he mentioned and I would be happy to give it to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. We are moving heaven and earth because we understand the value of refugees fleeing a war zone in terror.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not address expediting the process for elderly Ukrainian refugees directly but referred the matter to the Home Secretary.
Session: PMQs
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May I extend my good wishes to the Queen today in what must be a difficult time? I hope that she finds herself surrounded by friends and family and that she can find it within herself to take some time to celebrate her 95th birthday. I know that the Prime Minister is not a supporter of basic income, but given that Hull, Belfast, Norwich, Leeds, Lambeth, Guildford, Swansea, Glasgow and 24 other councils around the United Kingdom have expressed a desire to run pilot schemes that would enhance our knowledge of all the pros and cons, would he consider facilitating any pilot projects in the United Kingdom? Have the UK Government considered any research into basic income, and if so, what?
Context
Councils across the UK have expressed interest in running basic income pilot schemes to understand their pros and cons.
Boris Johnson
I am grateful to the hon. Member for his support for a UK-wide proposal. I trust that he understands the irony of that, when we consider that his party is, as I understand it, still hellbent on calling an irresponsible referendum on breaking up the United Kingdom.
Assessment
The question about basic income pilot schemes and research was not addressed; instead, the answerer brought up criticism of the SNP's policy stances.
Brought Up Unrelated Political Issues
Changed Subject To Referendum
Session: PMQs
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On 23 October 2019, I asked the Prime Minister to take up the matter personally. Medical cannabis is now available in the Netherlands and distributed around the UK free of charge. Why are these children discriminated against? Will the Prime Minister make medical cannabis available?
Context
Children suffering from rare forms of epilepsy need medical cannabis.
Boris Johnson
I am very happy to do whatever we can to meet and take the matter forward, but Dutch Government will allow continued supply of Bedrocan oil against UK prescriptions until at least summer.
Assessment
Specific commitment to make medical cannabis available for children with epilepsy
Session: PMQs
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The word is that Downing Street is taking control of the upcoming review of gambling legislation. Is this true, and if so, will No. 10 consider all the recommendations made by all-party parliamentary group on gambling related harm in our report published in June?
Context
There are rumors that Downing Street is taking control of the upcoming review of gambling legislation.
Boris Johnson
What I can certainly tell the hon. Gentleman is that I am not an enthusiast for encouraging the spread of gambling in this country.
Assessment
Specific response to whether No. 10 will control review and consider recommendations was avoided
Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister agree that protecting Scotland's care sector is more important than reducing immigration?
Context
MAC proposes a reduction in salary thresholds from £30,000 to £25,600.
Boris Johnson
We do not wish to deprive UK parts of needed labour, we have special provisions for Scotland and doubled the seasonal agricultural workers scheme.
Assessment
Specific agreement on protecting Scottish care sector versus reducing immigration
Special Provisions
Doubled
Session: PMQs
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On specific days, jobcentres have been closed due to ongoing industrial action. Can the Minister assure me that anybody who misses an appointment due to that action will not be sanctioned?
Context
The MP is concerned about jobcentres closing due to ongoing industrial action, which could impact individuals' ability to meet their obligations.
Jo Churchill
We will always take a reasonable view and make sure that unavoidable circumstances such as those the hon. Gentleman speaks of will be taken into account when talking to customers.
Session: Jobcentres South East Cornwall
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Ian Bernard, a constituent, served in RAF and witnessed nuclear tests on Christmas Island. He has not received his nuclear veteran's medal; can that be rectified?
Andrew Murrison
I am disturbed to hear this, as medals have been minted and distributed. If he writes to me with details, I will chase it up.
Session: Topical Questions
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In recent weeks, the media have carried stories of patients who were receiving medical cannabis on private prescriptions and are now having their prescriptions paid for by the NHS. However, parents of children with intractable epilepsy still face issues. Will the Home Office consider reopening the 2018 licensing scheme to enable those children already being privately prescribed medical cannabis to access it via their NHS GP?
Context
Parents have been asking for NHS prescriptions of medical cannabis, which has now become possible for some patients.
Chris Philp
Many cannabis base compounds were moved wholesale to schedule 2 a few years ago, enabling them to be prescribed. The question that the hon. Gentleman asked about NHS prescription is perfectly reasonable and fair, but prescriptions on the NHS are a matter for the Department of Health and Social Care and for the NHS, including the NHS in Scotland.
Session: Topical Questions
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To protect UK farmers and encourage UK industry, will the Minister consider giving the licensing process over to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and making the process farmer friendly?
Context
The growth of industries using industrial hemp is hindered by complicated regulations and a poor application process, leading to foreign companies taking the lead in this area.
Chris Philp
It is, of course, important to make sure that UK industry can compete globally, and a light-touch regulatory framework is important in that. We should be aware that some parts of the plant contain high levels of THC—tetrahydrocannabinol—and do need regulation, which is the Home Office's concern. I will be meeting DEFRA colleagues in the near future to make sure that our approach to regulation is as light-touch as possible, because, like him, I want to see our domestic industry flourish and I do not want any excessive regulation.
Session: Industrial Hemp Licensing
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Whether her Department has had recent discussions with the industrial hemp industry on licensing.
Context
A meeting was held on May 17 between the Department and industry representatives to discuss industrial hemp licensing. The number of licences has increased from six in 2013 to 134.
Chris Philp
The hon. Gentleman will recall that the two of us met just a few weeks ago, on 17 May, together with industry representatives, to discuss hemp licensing. I thank him for taking the time and trouble to organise that meeting. As he knows, there is a light-touch process for licensing industrial hemp. Since 2013, the number of hemp licences has increased from six to 134.
Session: Industrial Hemp Licensing
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Given that both the green ports went to the east coast of Scotland, which flies in the face of the well-known convention that west is best, can the Minister assure me that when Inverclyde Council puts together its bid for an investment zone, the Minister will balance that against the devastation caused in the area by the lack of investment over decades by consecutive Labour and Conservative Governments?
Context
The MP is concerned that previous investment went to the east coast of Scotland, which contradicts historical norms. He asks for assurance regarding an Inverclyde Council bid.
Michael Gove
Greenock and Port Glasgow are two of the most attractive communities on the west coast of Scotland, but I do have to say that pitting east against west within Scotland is as bad as pitting Scotland against the rest of the United Kingdom. Scotland succeeds when all of us work together. The new Leader of the SNP is simultaneously a Glaswegian and a Dundonian, which is one of his many achievements, and I do believe that we should work together east and west, north and south, in the interests of the whole United Kingdom.
Session: Investment Zone in Scotland
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What discussions his Department plans to hold with the Scottish Government and local authorities on proposals to create an investment zone in Scotland?
Context
Discussions about creating an investment zone in Scotland are ongoing. The question seeks clarity on how the UK government will collaborate with Scottish authorities.
Michael Gove
My ministerial colleagues and I are in constant contact with our counterparts in the Scottish Government. My officials have had positive discussions so far with the Scottish Government to co-create an approach towards investment zones in Scotland and we will continue to work together to develop an investment zone, or zones, that build on existing Scottish strengths and our shared national strategies.
Session: Investment Zone in Scotland
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I have been told that the industrial hemp sector could create 105,000 jobs and contribute £1 billion in tax if allowed to grow. I will write to the Minister with more details but would like a meeting with industry representatives so they can present their case.
Context
The industry believes industrial hemp can create jobs and generate tax revenue.
Chris Philp
The hon Member and I have had discussions on this topic. We are always willing to engage, discuss points of detail, and hear industry representations, so if he would like to meet face to face to discuss it further, I am very happy to do that.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Secretary of State think it right that Scots face the highest bills in Europe while the UK Government allow energy companies to make billions in profit?
Context
Scotland is a net energy exporter but faces higher electricity costs than other European countries. Energy companies are making significant profits.
John Lamont
The Government are putting in place tax arrangements for excessive profits made by BP, Shell, and others at 75%. I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's analysis about Scotland; this Government have put in place measures to support households during winter and will continue assessing further measures.
Session: Cost of Living
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What assessment he has made of the impact of increases in the cost of living on people in Scotland?
Context
The UK faces high inflation, affecting many countries. The question addresses the specific impact on people in Scotland due to rising costs.
John Lamont
The UK faces high inflation. The Prime Minister is prioritising tackling inflation. The Government are committed to supporting vulnerable households with £12 billion-worth of direct support in 2023-24. The energy price guarantee saves a typical household in Scotland about £900 this winter.
Session: Cost of Living
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I remember how in this place the Secretary of State for Scotland, while explaining the UK Government's lack of appetite for a referendum on Scotland's place in the United Kingdom, repeated many times that the route to a referendum in 2014 involved “consensus between both Governments.” Given that democracy is fuelled by consensus, is the Secretary of State for Scotland working towards establishing that consensus or is he content to deny the people of Scotland their democratic voice?
Context
The Secretary of State for Scotland has previously mentioned consensus between both governments as a route to a referendum. This question seeks clarification on whether efforts are being made towards establishing such consensus.
John Lamont
The Secretary of State for Scotland and the Government will continue to work with the Scottish Government to deliver on the priorities of the people of Scotland. They are: dealing with the cost of living; dealing with the NHS; and dealing with our education system, as well as a long list of other issues that the Scottish Government are completely failing to deliver on—certainly not another independence referendum.
Session: Scotland's Future
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Whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the decision of the House on 14 December 2022 on the motion on Scotland's Future.
Context
The House rejected a motion regarding Scotland's future on December 14, 2022. The question arises from concerns about how this decision affects government policies.
John Lamont
I trust the hon. Gentleman recalls that the House overwhelmingly rejected the motion to which he refers. The Government are focused on delivering for the people of Scotland. That means helping to tackle the cost of living, protecting our long-term energy security and growing our economy.
Session: Scotland's Future
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Could the Minister confirm a date for announcing successful bids?
Context
Communities are awaiting investment from the levelling-up fund, particularly in Inverclyde.
Dehenna Davison
The hon. Member will know that, in round 1 of the levelling-up fund, the amount that went to Scotland was above the Barnett formula calculations. Round 2 will be coming in due course.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
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A number of my constituents who work for the DWP have told me that they are not being given the enhanced holiday pay that they were promised in return for working overtime consistently. In response to my inquiry, the DWP has told me that current legislation provides no definition of regularity. Will the Minister please address this issue?
Context
DWP workers not being given the enhanced holiday pay promised for working overtime.
Mims Davies
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising the matter; I shall be happy to look into it if he writes to me with the details.
Session: Topical Questions
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Inverclyde has a very strong bid in, but we need maximum co-operation between this UK Government and my Inverclyde Council to ensure that we can line up all the ducks at our end and therefore get a maximum return on the investment. I heard the Minister saying that this would be announced at the end of the year, but last week I was being told that it would be at the end of November, so things seem to be slipping there, which concerns me.
Context
The MP seeks maximum co-operation between the UK Government and Inverclyde Council to ensure successful levelling-up funding bid.
Simon Clarke
I will deliver it by the end of the year. However, I cannot give him the money directly.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
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I refer hon. Members to my entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. I am asking specifically about intractable epilepsy. Three NHS prescriptions have been written for the appropriate medicine, so we have proven that that can be done and that the medicine can be provided free on the NHS. When can families and friends, who scramble every month to raise thousands of pounds to pay for private prescriptions, reasonably expect to receive this medicine on the NHS?
Context
Three NHS prescriptions have been written for the appropriate medicine, but families struggle to pay thousands of pounds monthly.
James Morris
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, and I deeply sympathise with patients and families who are dealing so courageously with the difficult conditions that he describes. The Government are taking an evidence-based approach to unlicensed cannabis-based products to ensure that treatments are safe and effective before they can be considered for routine funding within the NHS. Whether to prescribe cannabis for medicinal use must remain a clinical decision, and public funding arrangements apply, as they do for all other medicines. The Government remain committed to research and catalysing the generation of evidence to support the use of these products.
Session: Topical Questions
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As was pointed out by the hon. Member for Lichfield (Michael Fabricant), this Government promised medical cannabis on the NHS 1,183 days ago. Since then, a child with epilepsy will have experienced, at a modest estimate, 40,000 seizures. We have free NHS prescriptions, which proves that the medicine exists and is approved for use in the United Kingdom. How much longer must those children suffer?
Context
The Government promised medical cannabis on the NHS 1,183 days ago. A child with epilepsy would have experienced around 35,490 seizures since then. Free NHS prescriptions prove that the medicine exists and is approved in the UK.
Maria Caulfield
As I have said, I met the Scottish Minister on this issue. Scotland is facing exactly the same problem. Where medicinal cannabis is licensed, 9,631 prescriptions have been issued in primary care and 58,000 in secondary care, thanks to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State who changed the law at the time.
Session: Topical Questions
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Over the years, many people have been coerced, often through violence, into being filmed in pornography that has been put online for people to see for years to come. Will the Government consider making provision in the Online Safety Bill for people to withdraw their consent and have that content removed from the internet?
Context
People coerced into filmed pornography have no way to remove content.
Dominic Raab
The hon. Gentleman has raised an important point, which I will certainly convey to the Home Office in the context of the online harms Bill.
Session: Victims of Crime
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Seven out of 10 of the most deprived areas in Wales, six out of 10 in Scotland and three out of 10 in England have not received any levelling-up funding. When will the right hon. Gentleman give them that opportunity—when will he publish the timetable and the criteria for the second tranche of money?
Context
Many deprived areas in Wales, Scotland, and England have not received levelling-up funds. The timetable and criteria for the second tranche of money are awaited.
Michael Gove
It is coming in the spring statement, but I should say to the hon. Gentleman, whom I count as a friend and much admire, that he should have a word with the hon. and learned Member for Edinburgh South West (Joanna Cherry), who seems not to want this money to go to Scotland because she believes it works against devolution. The hon. Gentleman wants that money to come to Scotland; can the Scottish National party please make up its mind?
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State is on record saying: “Making medicinal cannabis available on prescription will benefit the lives of ill patients currently suffering in silence. There is nothing harder than seeing your loved ones in pain”. Since he said that, there have been three prescriptions for medical cannabis on the NHS. They are important, because they set a legal and medical precedent that it can happen, and it can happen now. Currently, however, if I can afford it, I can buy it, but if I cannot, I cannot. When will he address that anomaly?
Context
Concerns about the low number of prescriptions for medical cannabis on the NHS.
Sajid Javid
The hon. Gentleman will know that for medicines to be generally available on the NHS, they have to be deemed safe and effective by the independent medical regulator. That requires trials to take place and that is where the focus should be. Those who want those medicines to be more easily available should encourage the companies that produce them to have trials and the NHS will support them in doing so.
Session: Topical Questions
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This Sunday I shall be taking part in a walk with members of The Big Step to highlight the issue of gambling advertising in football. With a gambling Bill seemingly getting further and further away, are there any measures that will be in the final Act that could be implemented now? Will the Secretary of State meet me and other members of the all-party parliamentary group for gambling related harm to discuss the matter further?
Context
The Big Step campaign highlights the harm caused by gambling advertising in football and its impact on children. The gambling Bill's delay raises concerns about immediate measures to address these issues.
Chris Philp
I thank the hon. Member for his question and for the meetings we have had with the hon. Member for Swansea East (Carolyn Harris) and my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Sir Iain Duncan Smith). The review is getting very close now, and issues he is raising will be addressed. I am happy to meet him and other members of the APPG at any time if they get in touch.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Chancellor confirm or deny that millions of pounds of taxpayers' funds have been sunk into an online gambling company with the Government's start-up scheme? If so, is this the right time to invest in a private gambling firm, since a review of the Gambling Act 2005 is already being undertaken?
Context
The Government's start-up scheme invested millions of pounds into an online gambling company. There is a review underway for the Gambling Act 2005.
Simon Clarke
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. This relates to the future fund, a rules-based scheme that means that any firm is eligible for funding, providing it meets the required eligibility criteria for the scheme and passes the necessary checks. Neither the Government nor the British Business Bank chose specific investments; it is about helping innovative equity-backed companies to weather the economic disruption caused by covid and continue their long-term growth projection.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State cannot fail to have noticed the number of questions in this session that have centred on the White Paper. Councils around the UK want to know what the timetable is, what the criteria are and when it will be published. Inverclyde wants to apply for this levelling-up funding. Will he help me? Does he want to visit Greenock, so I can show him the projects?
Context
Councils around the UK have been inquiring about the levelling-up fund and its criteria. In particular, the questioner wants to know when Inverclyde can apply for this funding.
Michael Gove
I have spent many happy hours in Greenock and am looking forward to many more. I imagine that time there can only be enhanced, whether in Cappielow or anywhere else, with the hon. Gentleman. The key thing about the levelling-up fund is that constituencies across the United Kingdom, including in Scotland, have benefited.
Session: Topical Questions
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Has the Government looked at the possibility of subsidising the growth of hemp, which allows us to make environmentally friendly cloth and biodegradable plastics and is a very good break crop for farmers to incorporate?
Context
The question explores the possibility of subsidizing hemp growth to promote environmentally friendly products and support farmers.
George Eustice
I know that there are the benefits he mentions from growing hemp. Licenses for medical hemp is an issue led by the Home Office, but it is an interesting crop; more people are starting to look at it and grow it. The hon. Gentleman raises an important point.
Session: Environment Act 2021 Implementation
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The actions of Football Index can only be described as scandalous. The Scottish National party called for an inquiry, and that has been delivered. Can the Minister guarantee that the actions the Government take as a result of the inquiry will ensure that such shameful behaviour by the gambling firms will never be repeated?
Context
The actions of Football Index have been called scandalous by the Scottish National Party, leading to a demand for an inquiry.
Chris Philp
I thank the hon. Member for his question. We are taking this very seriously. As I said on an earlier question, a detailed review by a QC is being conducted already to make sure that the regulatory action—whether by the Gambling Commission or, in different circumstances, the FCA—is appropriate. It is important that these gambling firms are looked at very carefully, and it is our intention that the Gambling Commission do that.
Session: Topical Questions
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When will this Government's ambition and investment match their rhetoric?
Context
Comparison of UK and Scottish Government funding commitments for electric buses.
Grant Shapps
The Prime Minister has led the record-breaking funding of electric buses, which is carried over into Scotland through the Barnett formula. The Scottish Government have failed to meet their own carbon reduction targets.
Session: UK Transport Network Decarbonisation
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Scotland's active travel budget will soon amount to 10% of the transport budget, which means that at least £320 million a year—nearly £60 per person in Scotland—will be spent on walking and wheeling. The Department for Transport plans to spend less than £7 per head. Now that he has seen the proof, why is the Department short-changing active travel in England?
Context
The MP points out the significant difference in active travel budgets between Scotland (10% of transport budget) and England (£7 per head). He questions why the Department is underfunding active travel.
Chris Heaton-Harris
Spending on cycling and walking in England has doubled from a paltry £3.50 per head in 2010 to about £10 per head now, and given the massive increase in spending on cycling and walking—the largest ever in this Parliament as a result of the Prime Minister's “Gear Change” plans—that will continue to increase.
Session: Cycling and Walking
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Will the Minister exempt the £500 Scottish Government covid-19 payment to health and social care employees resident in Scotland from the Department's calculation for the payment of universal credit?
Context
In relation to the £500 Scottish Government payment to health and social care employees in Scotland, there is a concern about its inclusion in universal credit calculations.
Will Quince
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question and confirm that I have written to him on this matter previously. We are committed to recognising the efforts of health and social care workers but follow HMRC's treatment of moneys coming into universal credit, making it difficult to exempt.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister confirm that any forthcoming legislation will mandate banks to provide adequate, free cash withdrawal facilities meeting local community needs in both urban and rural areas?
Context
The recent announcement of further consultation on cash access legislation has raised concerns about the practical implementation, especially regarding free and accessible withdrawal services.
John Glen
We will carefully examine evidence for the best interventions. As of March 2020, 98% of people can access free cash within 3 km, but usage has dropped from 56% in 2009 to 17% last year. We need appropriate legislation.
Session: Access to Cash
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What steps his Department is taking to protect access to cash within local communities. The Government has committed to legislate for this and there are concerns about the impact of reducing physical cash availability on vulnerable populations.
Context
The issue of protecting access to cash within local communities is under scrutiny, particularly with the recent legislative changes in the Financial Services Act 2021.
John Glen
We recognise that cash is crucial for many individuals and businesses. Legislative changes were made in the Financial Services Act 2021 to support cashback offers without a purchase requirement. We will consult on further legislative proposals this summer to protect access to cash long-term.
Session: Access to Cash
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Patients still need to pay for their medicines despite small numbers. Can the research be expedited for free provision on NHS? Also, why is there a delay in getting updates on clinical trials and licence application?
Context
The question builds on previous discussions about medical cannabis, focusing on two issues: cost to patients and the need for an update on clinical trials from the MHRA.
Jo Churchill
Progress has been made with Dr June Raine from MHRA to discuss research evidence. A national patient registry was introduced to record data on licensed and unlicensed cannabis-based medicines, aiming for wider coverage soon. The Minister is focused on ensuring the right decisions for families but prioritises safety.
Session: Medical Cannabis
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What recent progress has been made to ensure that medical cannabis is accessible under prescription? I have discussed concerns with the hon. Member and met many families dealing courageously with difficult conditions. My immediate priority was resolving supply of Bedrocan oil from the Netherlands. Further meetings are planned for other issues.
Context
The issue of medical cannabis access is ongoing, with parents and patients facing difficulties in obtaining necessary treatment. The question arises from the Minister's meetings on this topic.
Jo Churchill
I have discussed these concerns with the hon. Member and met many families dealing courageously with difficult conditions. My immediate priority was resolving supply of Bedrocan oil from the Netherlands. Further meetings are planned to make progress on other issues in this incredibly complex situation.
Session: Medical Cannabis
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With health considerations, how does the travel regime operate under the traffic light system with countries that have emerging variants of concern or prevalent spread, and what measures will be taken to prevent transmission?
Context
The cruise industry significantly contributes to local economies. The MP inquires about the travel regime for countries with emerging variants of concern.
Robert Courts
My Department continues to work closely with the FCDO and with the Department of Health and Social Care. A framework drawn up by the cruise industry informs health protocols on board ships, recognised as good practice by the UN's International Maritime Organisation. We will see a safe restart of international cruises in accordance with those protocols.
Session: Cruises Covid-19 Travel Advice
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Councils throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have asked for support to run basic-income pilots, designed to increase our knowledge of the pros and cons of basic income. Five hundred and twenty elected politicians from across the UK sent a letter to the Chancellor on this subject and got a frankly derisory response. Does the Chancellor honestly believe that he knows everything there is to know about a basic income and would not learn from such pilots? If he does not, will he back the basic-income pilots and let us learn together and make evidence-based policy?
Context
Councils across the UK have requested support for basic-income pilots to assess their potential benefits and drawbacks. A letter signed by over 500 elected politicians was sent to the Chancellor requesting such support.
Steve Barclay (Chancellor of the Exchequer)
I am happy to learn from the 2017 Work and Pensions Committee report that said it was 'difficult to see how' a universal basic income would substantially alleviate poverty, or from the OECD, which said that a universal basic income could 'increase poverty' and negatively affect the poorest. If the hon. Gentleman is putting forward this proposal, he should set out what the specific amount is. I note that to date the SNP has refused to do that.
Session: Universal Basic Income
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Whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of introducing a universal basic income to support economic recovery following the covid-19 outbreak.
Context
Discussions around the potential merits of introducing a universal basic income to support economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak.
Steve Barclay (Chancellor of the Exchequer)
We have supported those on the lowest incomes throughout this crisis by investing more than £7 billion in the welfare system, and we are focused on helping people to get into work by making up to £30 billion available through our plans for jobs.
Session: Universal Basic Income
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Sport: Gambling Advertising — [Sir Christopher Chope in the Chair]
13 March 2024
Responding: Stuart Andrew
Main Concerns
['MP Ronnie Cowan is concerned about the pervasive nature of gambling advertising in sports, highlighting that despite spending £1.5 billion annually, only 7% of gambling logos are on the front of shirts. He mentions instances where 3,500 gambling logos were visible during a single English Premier League game and over 80,000 UK children are addicted to or at risk from gambling. Cowan emphasises that advertising normalises gambling and increases its reach among people who already have problems with their gambling.']
Specific Asks
['Cowan asks the government to ban gambling advertising in sports entirely, arguing it should be treated similarly to tobacco advertising.']
Universal Basic Income
13 October 2020
Responding: Will Quince
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the failure of the current welfare system, particularly universal credit, to adequately support individuals during times of crisis. Economic instability contributes to poor mental health, and the threat of sanctions can push some recipients to suicide. Universal basic income (UBI) destigmatises recipients and removes psychological burdens by providing a set payment on a regular basis regardless of circumstances. Pilot projects in various countries have shown promising results, yet the UK Government has not taken any steps to learn from them.']
Specific Asks
['Minister, run these pilots across the UK to prove me wrong. If we had UBI pilots for universal credit before its implementation, many of the pitfalls could have been avoided and saved people from suffering. I claim that UBI reduces crime, gives more opportunities, improves health and mental wellbeing, strengthens community relations, and contributes to a stronger local economy.']
Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
17 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
26 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Women’s State Pension Age
25 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ways and Means
12 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focused on improving productivity, a theme close to the heart of Laura Trott. She highlighted that under the current government, private sector productivity increased by an average of 0.7% ...
Antisemitism in the UK
19 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Management Culture
08 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The management culture of the Post Office, exemplified by the Horizon IT scandal, is characterised by secrecy and a lack of transparency. Despite efforts to change this culture since Nick Read took ov...
Dangerous Drugs
12 September 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The order proposes an amendment to bring nitrous oxide under the control of the Misuse of Drugs Act as a class C drug. It aims to address the increasing reports of health harms associated with nitrous...
Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva
07 September 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
FOP is a genetic condition affecting approximately 70 people in the UK, with about 30 being children and young adults. It causes traumas such as bruises to turn into bone, severely impacting mobility....
Backbench Business
13 July 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion affirms UK support for the Ukrainian armed forces in defending their country against President Putin's invasion, condemning the suppression of democratic freedoms in Russia, urging the Gove...
Road Fuel Prices
03 July 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
6
PMQs Asked
35
Ministerial Questions Asked
63
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
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+161% above average
This MP:
35
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1196% above average
This MP:
63
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 Ronnie Cowan's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.