Sam Tarry
MP for Ilford South
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Over 391 deaths have occurred at our borders in the past 25 years, with an estimated cost of £800 million for the current policy. Will he now show understanding that asylum seekers are human beings and provide safe routes instead of deterrence?
Context
Since 1999, at least 391 people have died attempting to cross UK borders. The estimated cost of the failed border regime and Rwanda plan is over £800 million since 2014.
Rishi Sunak
It is criminal gangs exploiting vulnerable people, leading many to lose their lives. We want to do something about it by getting a deterrent up and running. The hon. Gentleman's party opposes this.
Assessment
The specific ask was not addressed, instead blaming Labour for opposing the policy.
Criminal Gangs
Labour Opposition
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Last October, a promising young footballer in my constituency called Kamran Khalid, a former winner of Chelsea FC's Asian Star scheme who had played for Senrab FC in Wanstead, was on his way home to see his mum after finishing at the gym, and he was stabbed 24 times—murdered just yards from his front door. One of the alleged perpetrators was as young as 15. I hope that the Prime Minister would agree with me that far more needs to be done to stamp out the scourge of knife crime, including addressing the underlying causes. Will he agree to meet me and Kamran's mother Samina to discuss what more can be done to make our streets safer?
Context
A young footballer, Kamran Khalid, was murdered in Samina's home after being stabbed 24 times. One of the perpetrators is as young as 15.
Boris Johnson
We must crack down on knife crime, put more police out on the streets, round up county lines drugs gangs, recruit many more police officers, and give them powers they need to come down hard on those gangs.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
SAGE suggested a circuit breaker over six weeks ago, but the Prime Minister has ignored this advice. What will he say to families expecting 12,000 deaths due to his inaction?
Context
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies recommended a circuit breaker more than six weeks ago. The Prime Minister is criticised for not listening to scientific advice, with SAGE forecasting 12,000 deaths by Christmas.
Boris Johnson
We are considering a balanced approach that takes into account both mental health, livelihoods, and protecting lives while supporting schools.
Assessment
Acknowledging SAGE's recommendation and taking action to prevent further deaths from the pandemic
Balanced Approach
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The TUC has found that since 2020 about 10% of all workers have had to reapply for their job due to fire and rehire practices. In 2020, British Airways tried to sack 36,000 staff through fire and rehire but was stopped by strikes; in 2021, Go North West threatened similar actions which were averted; in 2022, P&O Ferries unlawfully sacked 786 staff before replacing them with agency workers. The Government took no action in these cases.
Context
Incidents of fire and rehire practices have occurred in various companies, with British Airways attempting to sack staff and P&O Ferries unlawfully dismissing seafarers.
Anthony Browne
After the P&O incident, we introduced a range of measures including the Seafarers Wages Act 2023 to ensure minimum wage for seafarers operating in UK waters. The code of practice on dismissal and re-engagement will come into force before summer recess giving workers up to 25% extra compensation if employers do not abide by it.
Session: Fire and Rehire
View All Questions -->
I am concerned about the steps being taken with Cabinet colleagues to prevent the use of fire and rehire practices in the transport industry. The TUC found that since 2020, about 10% of all workers have had to reapply for their job due to fire and rehire. British Airways tried to sack 36,000 staff through this practice but was stopped by strike action; Go North West threatened similar actions which were averted; and P&O Ferries unlawfully sacked 786 staff before replacing them with agency workers. I urge the Government to outlaw this practice rather than just issuing best practice guidelines.
Context
Concern about widespread use of 'fire and rehire' practice affecting employees, especially incidents like British Airways trying to sack staff and P&O Ferries unlawfully sacking 786 staff.
Anthony Browne
The Government published a statutory code of practice on dismissal and re-engagement addressing fire and rehire. This aims to ensure it is only used as a last resort with proper employee consultation and fairness. After the P&O incident, we introduced measures including the Seafarers Wages Act 2023, coming into force this summer, and the seafarer charter which P&O has now committed to.
Session: Fire and Rehire
View All Questions -->
Last week the former Prime Minister, the right hon. Member for South West Norfolk (Elizabeth Truss), shared a platform with an extremist, far-right, climate change-denying conspiracy theorist called Steve Bannon, who claimed that man-made global warming is a “manufactured crisis”. Will the Secretary of State condemn those crazy comments and perhaps distance herself from the former Prime Minister?
Context
The former Prime Minister shared a platform with an extremist, far-right figure denying man-made global warming.
Claire Coutinho
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. What he should look at carefully is that the UK is the first country in the G20 to halve emissions. If he wants to look at our record, he should look at that. It is absolutely extraordinary that no one on the Opposition Benches has welcomed that news today.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Does the Chancellor agree that what we need is enhanced regulation to mitigate excessive risk taking in the square mile? That could require, beyond merely capping bonuses, a move toward an alignment of interests focused on the form of bonus payments, share allocations and deferred amounts, and robust clawback mechanisms for those who have behaved maliciously, in order to deter misconduct in the square mile more effectively?
Context
Concerns persist about how removing the cap on bankers' bonuses impacts risk-taking behaviour in financial institutions.
Jeremy Hunt
I suspect that when the hon. Gentleman tabled his question, he was not expecting that the biggest supporter of abolishing the bankers' bonus cap was not the Chancellor but the shadow Chancellor. I hear what he says, and indeed those are some of the reasons we abolished it, because it was not working.
Session: Bankers’ Bonuses Removal of Cap
View All Questions -->
If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of removing the cap on bankers' bonuses on the financial sector. The cap on bankers' bonuses might have been a great newspaper headline, but it did little to tackle the City's excesses. Financial institutions quickly changed remuneration packages and structures so that risk takers still receive substantial pay-offs, sometimes even taking them through offshore mechanisms.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the effectiveness of a cap on bankers' bonuses in regulating risk-taking behaviour within financial institutions.
Jeremy Hunt
Removing the bankers' bonus cap was a decision made by the independent Prudential Regulation Authority, which has long said that the cap was completely ineffective; it did not limit pay or make banks safer. I suspect that when the hon. Gentleman tabled his question, he was not expecting that the biggest supporter of abolishing the bankers' bonus cap was not the Chancellor but the shadow Chancellor.
Session: Bankers’ Bonuses Removal of Cap
View All Questions -->
The gap in clean investment required to reach net zero is vast, with estimates ranging from £81 billion to £111 billion. Given the importance of public investment in reaching net zero goals, will Ministers consider increasing the capacity of the UK Infrastructure Bank?
Context
Research shows a significant funding gap between £81 billion and £111 billion is needed to meet UK's net zero targets. Public investment needs to be increased.
Andrew Griffith
The Government are leading the way with the recently published green finance strategy, but that stands as part of a broader piece of work, unleashing productive finance into all parts of the economy and in particular funding the transition, which is capital intensive.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Local rugby clubs play a vital role in encouraging a healthy lifestyle, bring communities together and provide young people with an opportunity to develop friendships and skills for life. The pandemic has proven ruinous for many local clubs facing closure or significant difficulties; recent rule changes have compounded this issue. Funding will be ongoing and RFU support needed.
Context
Local clubs face closure, some have already closed. Recent rule changes regarding tackle height were made without consultation.
Stuart Andrew
Rugby union makes significant contributions in communities; thousands of volunteers ensure club survival. Constantly working with RFU and Sport England for best assessment of needed support.
Session: Grassroots Club Rugby Recovery after Covid-19
View All Questions -->
What recent steps her Department has taken with the Rugby Football Union to help support the recovery of grassroots club rugby following the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
Local clubs face financial difficulties and may close due to the pandemic. A local president expressed concerns about losing whole teams.
Stuart Andrew
Supporting grassroots sports is a key Government priority. Rugby union received £160 million to ensure club survival during the pandemic, designed specifically for grassroots clubs. Sport England offered £23 million in additional support.
Session: Grassroots Club Rugby Recovery after Covid-19
View All Questions -->
My team heard countless brutal stories of people being murdered while on the phone to my casework team. The FCDO must do more to ensure that people do not die at the hands of the Taliban. Only four Afghans have been resettled under the ACRS; I want to know what support is offered to Afghan refugees in Pakistan and how the Foreign Secretary will work with Home Office colleagues to sort out this resettlement mess promptly.
Context
The MP expressed deep concern over the harrowing experiences of his casework team, dealing with stories of murder and fear from Afghanistan. He noted that only four Afghans have been resettled under the ACRS and asked about support for those stuck in Pakistan.
James Cleverly
I have to correct the hon. Gentleman. He said that only four people had been settled under the ACRS. Around 6,300 eligible people have been granted indefinite leave to remain under the referral pathways of the ACRS. We will continue to work across HMG and with our international partners to resettle at-risk Afghans.
Session: Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme
View All Questions -->
What humanitarian support is his Department providing to Afghan people (a) in and (b) fleeing Afghanistan. The UK has a responsibility towards those affected by the ongoing crisis and the MP seeks details on specific measures taken to assist them.
Context
The MP inquired about the humanitarian aid and resettlement efforts provided by the UK government to Afghans, both within Afghanistan and those fleeing the country.
James Cleverly
The UK has already resettled more than 6,300 people through various resettlement schemes. In the first phase of the Afghan resettlement scheme pathway 3, we will offer up to 1,500 places. We have received 11,400 expressions of interest and are working through those quickly. We have disbursed £228 million since April 2022, on top of £286 million in aid for Afghanistan last financial year.
Session: Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme
View All Questions -->
Last week the RMT voted overwhelmingly for strike action. Last night the Secretary of State said he would be prepared to meet the leader of the RMT. Some 50% of the public and passengers support those rail strikes. They should not just have been shaking hands last night, but they should be shaking hands today on a deal. The Secretary of State knows full well that he sets the flexibility and parameters for both Network Rail and train operating companies on the financial offer they can put forward. It is in his hands to end those strikes, and to do so today.
Context
The RMT voted overwhelmingly for strike action, affecting public support and service disruption. The Secretary of State mentioned willingness to meet the RMT leader but has not taken decisive action.
Mark Harper
As I set out at the start of topical questions, I very much want the strikes not to take place. I have set out my ambition for the rail sector and I will be meeting trade union leaders in the coming days, including later today. In order to pay for a better offer for rail staff, we need to deliver reform. That is why I want trade union leaders to get back around the table with the employers and hammer out the detail of those reforms. Then a better offer can be put on the table and we can end the need for these strikes, which cause enormous damage to passengers and businesses across the country.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I welcome the Minister's words, because this is a moment of real political upheaval amid one of the worst humanitarian disasters in Pakistan's history—more than 30 million people are now displaced or impacted. I would like us not only to press all diplomatic channels for a fair and transparent process regarding the former Prime Minister of Pakistan but, more importantly, to increase the paltry £1.5 million of aid that we have committed to help Pakistan at a time of such disaster.
Context
Pakistan is experiencing one of its worst humanitarian disasters, with over 30 million people displaced or impacted by floods. The UK has committed £1.5 million in aid.
Vicky Ford
This is a terrible tragedy with massive humanitarian consequences for the people of Pakistan. The UK was the first country in the world to announce its own financial assistance, and of course we increased that significantly in our announcement of a further £15 million on Friday. This means that the UK is already supplying more than 10% of the immediate assistance that the Pakistan Government and the United Nations have called for, and a further appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee was launched on Friday.
Session: Pakistan Former Prime Minister Imran Khan
View All Questions -->
Whether she has had discussions with her counterpart in Pakistan on the charging of former Prime Minister Imran Khan under terrorism legislation in that country.
Context
The former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, is facing charges under terrorism legislation. The British High Commission in Islamabad is monitoring the situation.
Vicky Ford
The British High Commission in Islamabad is closely monitoring the situation regarding the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, but any decision to progress charges would be a matter for Pakistan's judicial system. At this time of terrible tragedy for the people of Pakistan, we do welcome the call from all across the political spectrum and divide to set aside their differences and work together on the flood response.
Session: Pakistan Former Prime Minister Imran Khan
View All Questions -->
Throughout this, the Secretary of State has been missing in action. He refused to meet the Mayor of London to agree a long-term funding deal for Transport for London and did nothing to halt last week's rail strikes, instead attacking workers with legitimate grievances. Will the Minister get a grip on the transport chaos?
Context
The Government has allowed supply chains to deteriorate, leading to business closures and impacts on families due to the cost of living crisis. The Secretary of State has not met with the Mayor of London to agree a long-term funding deal for Transport for London.
Robert Courts
This Department has taken 33 measures praised by Logistics UK. We have a firm grip on the transport network, and we are seeing results.
Session: UK Supply Chains
View All Questions -->
Bus drivers worked tirelessly during the pandemic but now facing reduced pay and poor working conditions leading to a mass exodus from the industry. What steps will be taken by operators to reward these efforts and improve conditions?
Context
During the pandemic, bus drivers faced considerable health risks to keep vital services running. Now a Unite survey reports that 99% of garages face driver shortages due to low pay and poor conditions.
Andrew Stephenson
My grandfather was a bus driver, so I stand in solidarity with them. The Government has supported buses with record funding, doubling it compared to previous spending reviews. We also announced an additional six months of the covid-19 support package for £150 million.
Session: Bus Driver Shortages
View All Questions -->
The Government's piecemeal funding for TfL is short-sighted, impacting thousands of jobs across the country. For every £1 spent on London transport infrastructure, 50p is spent outside London. Given the recent news about £9 billion wasted on PPE, is it not time to invest in TfL infrastructure to save jobs?
Context
Criticism of the Government's piecemeal approach to TfL funding and its impact on job security. Mentions specific projects supporting jobs in various regions.
Grant Shapps
We have spent £4.5 billion propping up TfL due to pandemic and earlier decisions such as a four-year fare freeze, despite criticism about waste on PPE and lack of job support through piecemeal funding.
Session: Transport for London Financial Settlement
View All Questions -->
The Government's VIP lane for personal protective equipment contracts has been ruled by a judge to be unlawful. The judge found that the operation of the High Priority Lane was in breach of the obligation of equal treatment… Will the Minister agree to release details of the financial checks done on PPE Medpro, including its connections to a Conservative party peer?
Context
A judge has ruled that the government's VIP lane for PPE contracts was unlawful, raising concerns about corrupt processes involving Conservative party cronies.
Steve Barclay
The court found that it is highly unlikely that the outcome would have been substantially different. The House considered properly the judgment yesterday.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
How many of those 4,000 zero-emission buses are currently on order from bus manufacturers? When will any of these buses be on the road and when will all 4,000 be on the road?
Context
The Transport Secretary confirmed to the committee that only 121 zero-emission buses are on the road in England, less than half outside London. The Scottish order book is full.
Trudy Harrison
We already have 50 buses operating now with support from various schemes. As for more detailed information requested, I will endeavour to write to him.
Session: Zero-emission Buses
View All Questions -->
As the Rail Minister in 2018, long before covid, I remember that my negotiations with the Mayor of London resulted in a loan of more than £2 billion for TfL. I am aware of further loans and bail-outs since. Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is simply wrong to say that TfL has not been supported by the Government?
Context
TfL has received substantial loans and bailouts since 2018, raising questions about government support.
Grant Shapps
My hon. Friend, a former Transport Minister, is absolutely right. There has been about £9.6 billion of waste in TfL finances since 2016. Crossrail is £5.2 billion over—it was on time and on budget when the Mayor took office; there is the pensions cost of £828 million; the failure to raise the fares while the rest of the network had to, which cost £640 million; and another £400 million of combined fare dodging.
Session: TfL Funding Discussions with Mayor of London
View All Questions -->
I welcome the Minister to Transport orals for what I believe is her first set of questions. In April, I raised the devastating impact of Government cuts on rural transport networks, which has led to what CPRE calls “transport deserts”. Six months on, rural communities are still bearing the brunt of the Government's failure to act. Many of the funding announcements in the Budget were nothing more than rehashed and repackaged initiatives that will do nothing to tackle the transport deserts that blight the lives of ordinary people in so many rural communities, towns and villages. I ask again: will the Minister offer rural bus networks the tangible and significant investment that they so desperately need? Will she offer a firm deadline for when that will be done?
Context
The MP raises the issue of Government cuts affecting rural transport networks and asks for significant investment to support these communities.
Trudy Harrison
As the hon. Member will know, in last week's spending review, we set out an unprecedented level of support for buses, including zero-emission vehicles. This Government are supporting the bus network through manufacturing and through the infrastructure required as we decarbonise, as set out in our transport decarbonisation plan.
Session: Bus Services
View All Questions -->
Does the Chancellor agree with Mohamed Amersi's claim about Tory donors' involvement in an access capitalism scheme and corruption? Given this context, can he bring forward the Registration of Overseas Entities Bill?
Context
A Conservative donor allegedly claimed that the party was involved in an access capitalism scheme for donors, while also being associated with a £162 million bribe.
John Glen
The Government are committed to making the UK a hostile place for illicit finance and economic crime, ensuring all donations comply with legislation. We have taken tough action through our No Safe Havens strategy and 2019 economic crime plan. We will continue to work on these matters.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Back in July, speaking about the Prime Minister's pledge to buy 4,000 UK zero-emissions buses by 2025, the Secretary of State said that there are 900 buses in production right now. Allegedly, this is the Government's flagship policy, yet the roll-out of these buses seems to be little more than rhetoric. Will the Secretary of State now tell the House exactly where those buses are being made right now?
Context
The Secretary of State previously claimed that there are 900 zero-emission buses in production as part of the Government's commitment to buy 4,000 UK zero-emissions buses by 2025. However, manufacturers say they have no knowledge of any orders.
Grant Shapps (Secretary of State for Transport)
I will tell you what I will do, Mr Speaker: not only will I write to the hon. Gentleman, but I will publish a copy of the letter in the House, for the House's greater benefit. He will be interested to see that those buses are not just ordered or in production; some are actually on the road.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Residents and teachers are concerned about lack of clarity and delays. Will the Secretary of State provide clear guidance and a contingency plan for exams in case disruptions occur?
Context
The MP is seeking assurances that the Government will provide clarity on exam adaptations and contingency plans.
Nick Gibb
Exams will go ahead if possible. Adaptations to ensure fairness have been announced. Contingency plans with Ofqual are being developed and will be published shortly.
Session: GCSE and A-level Examinations
View All Questions -->
What steps will be taken to ensure that GCSE and A-level exams are equitable for all students, especially those with limited access to online learning?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of limited access to online learning on student performance in exams.
Nick Gibb
Ensuring fairness is at the core of every decision regarding 2022 exams. Consultation on adaptations was launched and will result in announced decisions shortly, taking account of education disruption.
Session: GCSE and A-level Examinations
View All Questions -->
Given that light rail networks produce no pollution at point of use, what assurances will the Minister give to support projects incorporating light rail, tram trains, and electric or hydrogen buses such as the mass transit system proposed by West Yorkshire Combined Authority?
Context
The MP is concerned about air pollution and congestion on the A13, advocating for light rail systems as a solution. This follows discussions on effective public transport solutions like Tyne and Wear metro and Tramlink.
Rachel Maclean
Government investments are being made in green transport innovations across England, including light rail systems. The Government aims to build back greener post-pandemic and create thousands of skilled jobs through these efforts.
Session: Transport Decarbonisation
View All Questions -->
The past decade of government cuts has seen significant losses in bus coverage. There needs to be proper funding for manufacturers like Mellor in Rochdale, which produces state-of-the-art low emission vehicles. The rural mobility fund totals just £19.4 million compared to the £120 million ZEBRA funding. What assurances will the Minister give that companies like Mellor receive greater support?
Context
Recent research by the Campaign to Protect Rural England found that Government cuts have led to a loss of 134 million miles of bus coverage.
Andrew Stephenson
There can be no greater champion of buses than the Prime Minister, who has committed us to bus back better following the pandemic. £5 billion in funding was announced for buses, cycling and walking, with £3 billion allocated to buses. The roll-out of 4,000 zero emission buses is crucial. We are keen to work with all manufacturers, large and small.
Session: Rural Transport Connections
View All Questions -->
I am pleased to hear the Minister talk about electric vehicles, but the reality is that we have seen little in the way of concrete measures from this Government. We were promised 4,000 zero-emission buses by 2025, but we have heard little more about that—or, indeed, about the national bus strategy, which was expected months ago and has still yet to materialise.
Context
Disappointment with the lack of concrete measures from the government regarding electric vehicles, including zero-emission buses.
Rachel Maclean
Let me politely disagree strongly with the hon. Gentleman on the Labour Front Bench. I would need longer than this one simple question to answer the allegations that he has put to me. Shall we start with the Prime Minister's 10-point plan? Shall we also refer to the transport decarbonisation plan, which, as I have now said three times, we will publish in the spring. The national bus strategy, as my colleagues have reminded me, will be brought forward very shortly.
Session: Electric Vehicles
View All Questions -->
The UK has spent more than £7 million through its conflict, stability and security fund to assist the Sri Lankan police and military. Will the Minister commit to publishing the full overseas security and justice assistance assessments for activities under this programme?
Context
There are reports of widespread use of torture by the Sri Lankan police, leading to concerns about UK assistance.
Nigel Adams
Our engagement with the military in Sri Lanka is designed to support a modern, effective and human rights-compliant military. Engagement with the police is focused on community policing, increasing women's representation, and improving responses to sexual and gender-based violence. Our engagement is subject to ongoing overseas security and justice assessments.
Session: Sri Lanka
View All Questions -->
Instead of levelling up the north, where this Government have cut £4 million from Transport for the North, the Minister and his Government clearly intend to level down London's transport network. This is not the first time we have had to come to the House to ask about the Government's support for TfL because it did not go far enough in the first place. At a time when public transport ridership has collapsed and we are still a long way off recovering to pre-pandemic ridership levels, we must think about redistribution. That is clearly the right approach. Vehicle excise duty, which raises £500 million from drivers who live in London, is invested almost exclusively in roads outside the city. Keeping it in the capital would enable TfL to continue to be a world-class transport provider and boost our nation's economy, so will the Transport Secretary commit to looking at this as a way to support TfL?
Context
The Government cut £4 million from Transport for the North, while TfL faces financial strain. Public transport ridership has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Grant Shapps (Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government)
The Government have provided £3.3 billion and counting to TfL to keep it afloat. The hon. Gentleman now wants to give the Mayor responsibility for collecting vehicle excise duty in addition, considering an over £31 band D increase in council tax this year and additional boundary taxes.
Session: Transport for London Budget
View All Questions -->
According to leading civil servants, the building safety fund will cover less than a third of the buildings that require external remediation, and it does not even cover the interim safety measures and costs that may unscrupulous freeholders have been pushing on to leaseholders, including at Raphael House in my constituency. My constituents and I are wondering whether the Government could increase the budget for that fund so that all buildings are covered, including the cost of the expensive interim safety measures, and extend the application deadline beyond April so that freeholders can act responsibly in the best interests of leaseholders and tenants.
Context
The building safety fund is estimated to cover less than a third of the buildings that require external remediation, and it does not even cover interim safety measures and costs.
Christopher Pincher
The objective of the £1 billion fund is to target those properties that most need help, where there is no other immediate means of helping them. £1 billion is not a small amount of money and it is important that we get that money out of the door first to help those places that need it.
Session: Dangerous Cladding Residential Buildings
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to ensure that dangerous cladding is removed from residential buildings of all heights?
Context
Concern about the safety risks posed by dangerous building cladding, especially for residents in high-rise and multi-storey buildings.
Christopher Pincher
We are taking action with the biggest reforms of building and fire safety in nearly 40 years through the Building Safety Bill. To tackle the most urgent problems, we have already made available £1.6 billion to remove unsafe cladding systems, and appointed expert construction consultants to review aluminium composite material remediation timescales and to work at increased pace.
Session: Dangerous Cladding Residential Buildings
View All Questions -->
A week before the election in Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated he would move forward with the expansion of the illegal settlement at Efrat—an additional 3,500 homes. That plan had been previously frozen for years. It would cut off the north and the south of the west bank and is particularly problematic. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that the suspension of annexation plans should be made permanent and should not be substituted for the massive settlement expansion such as the 5,000 homes that are planned in E1 zone, which represent—in my view and that of my constituents—annexation in all but name?
Context
The Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement a week before the Israel election regarding expansion plans for an illegal settlement in Efrat, which is seen as problematic and contrary to international law.
Dominic Raab
I agree with the hon. Gentleman that settlements are both contrary to international law and counterproductive to peace. It is hugely welcome, first, that Israel has taken the plans off the table for the foreseeable future, coupled with the UAE deal, which is a substantial step forward in the wider process of reconciliation and peace between Israel and its Arab neighbours.
Session: Israel
View All Questions -->
Ilford South has a diverse population with 60% coming from heritage communities or immigrant backgrounds. An Oxford University study found that immigrants contributed £25 billion to the UK economy between 2001 and 2011. Given this context, does the Minister agree it was wrong for the Government to act slowly on implementing the exemption policy for NHS workers? Should they offer an apology to those working in Ilford South's NHS who are fearful and risking their lives without adequate support?
Context
Discusses the impact of delayed policy implementation on NHS staff in Ilford South, referencing an Oxford University study showing net fiscal gains from immigration.
Kevin Foster (Minister of State for Immigration)
The people of Ilford South working in the NHS will have been pleased to see measures taken, including prioritising those coming to work for the NHS under a new visa system. The Minister emphasises ongoing efforts to implement policies supporting NHS workers.
Session: Immigration Health Surcharge Exemption
View All Questions -->
Sam Tarry mentioned that his trust had a high percentage of ambulance handover delays this winter, averaging 38% over at least 30 minutes compared to the national average of 14%. He asked how the Government could explain these poor performance metrics despite fewer arrivals and highlighted the significant number of additional handover delays.
Context
The NHS saw an increase of 1 million attendances at A&E in 2019 compared to 2018, with significant variations among trusts. Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust experienced major delays during winter.
Edward Argar
The hon. Gentleman will know that the London ambulance service serves the whole of London; His trust faces increased demand and challenges during winter; The trust received £1.2 million of winter capital in 2018 to prepare for winter; St George's site is part of a 20 hospital upgrades programme including health and wellbeing centre which will ease pressures
Session: A&E Waiting Times
View All Questions -->
Over the last few weeks, the good residents of Ilford South have been writing to me in greater and greater numbers because they are concerned about the sectarian violence we are seeing in some of our Commonwealth partners in certain regions of the world. Can the Minister reassure me and the residents of Ilford South by telling us what steps he will take to ensure that the Government's trade strategy always promotes human rights abroad and does not embolden or reward regimes or Governments who oppress communities that are a minority in number?
Context
Residents of Ilford South are concerned about sectarian violence and the impact on human rights in Commonwealth countries. The MP is seeking reassurance that the Government's trade strategy promotes human rights abroad.
Graham Stuart
The hon. Gentleman is quite right to highlight the issue of trade's role in parts of the world where human rights are being breached. Right across the Department, we seek to ensure that all such considerations are taken into account, while recognising the need to engage with regimes that may have less than perfect Governments, for the benefit of the people there. It is a balance that we take very seriously, and I look forward to further discussion with him to get it right.
Session: Trade Strategy
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Government's trade strategy?
Context
No specific incident or context is mentioned, but the question focuses on a broad assessment of trade strategy effectiveness.
Graham Stuart
UK exports are at a record high, with the latest figures showing exports of £689 billion—up 5% on 2018. We are committed to doing even more, building on the measures in our export strategy. Just last month, we launched a new business support campaign, helping businesses of all sizes to fulfil their exporting potential.
Session: Trade Strategy
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made of the financial effect on individuals in London due to the delays in Crossrail? The speaker also criticizes the decision to remove an operating grant of £900 million per year from Transport for London and points out that this is indicative of a wider issue with government infrastructure projects.
Context
Crossrail has experienced significant delays and Sam Tarry expresses concern about the impact on Londoners.
The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Paul Maynard)
No recent assessment has been made regarding the financial effect on individuals due to Crossrail delays. The department works closely with TfL and the Mayor of London to ensure the project's successful completion.
Session: Crossrail Delays
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Rail Manufacturing: Job Losses
16 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
19 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Extremism Definition and Community Engagement
14 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% ...
Ceasefire in Gaza
21 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
19 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Autumn Statement
22 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
14 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Economic Growth
14 November 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
23 October 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
3
PMQs Asked
37
Ministerial Questions Asked
74
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+176% above average
This MP:
37
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1423% above average
This MP:
74
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 Sam Tarry's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.