Scott Benton
MP for Blackpool South
Ind
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Tackling illegal immigration is a crucial issue for my constituents, many of whom will be extremely disappointed by this morning's judgment from the Supreme Court. Is the Prime Minister able to update the House on what that decision means for the Government's plan to tackle illegal immigration?
Context
The MP asks about the implications of this morning's Supreme Court judgment regarding the Government's plan to tackle illegal immigration.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. I know he has championed this issue, and that it matters to his constituents. As I said, the judgment confirms that the principle of removing asylum seekers to a safe third country is lawful. The Government have already been working in advance on a new treaty with Rwanda, which we will finalise in the light of today's judgment to address the challenges that were raised.
Session: PMQs
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Since 2019, this Government have provided well over £300 million in extra funding for projects in Blackpool. However, there is always room for more. The Bond Street and Revoe areas in my constituency are among the most deprived in the country, and have been long forgotten by the Labour-led council. The Government have already provided £600,000 in funding for a feasibility project, with a view to delivering a £30 million regeneration package for those areas. Will they look closely at the business case to see how this transformational project can be delivered to the local communities?
Context
The Bond Street and Revoe areas in Blackpool are among the most deprived regions, lacking investment despite existing initiatives.
Dominic Raab
There is no more tenacious a campaigner for Blackpool than my hon. Friend. I saw that at first hand when I visited his constituency with him. I am pleased that we delivered, with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the £40 million of funding to relocate the magistrates court and allow the county court complex to be moved, and I know that the Secretary of State will want to work with my hon. Friend on regeneration aspirations for the future.
Assessment
The business case review and £30 million regeneration package are not directly addressed.
Session: PMQs
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Blackpool is due to benefit from a £300 million private sector-led regeneration project that will deliver thousands of new jobs for my constituents over the years ahead. To deliver this ambitious new project, we need support with a £40 million package to relocate the existing court complex that currently occupies the site. Various Secretaries of State have been supportive of the project so far, so can the Prime Minister give me an update on when we can receive some good news on how we can get this project off the ground?
Context
The MP mentioned a £300 million regeneration project for Blackpool that requires relocation of an existing court complex.
Rishi Sunak
May I join with my hon. Friend in recognising the importance of the Blackpool Central regeneration project to the town's levelling-up ambitions? I can tell him that my right hon. Friend the Justice Secretary and the Housing Secretary are in the process of resolving this issue for him and how best we can relocate the court complex.
Assessment
Did not provide a specific timeline or update on support for the project
Session: PMQs
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Why did the government publish plans for an Erasmus replacement without consulting devolved Governments? The new scheme offers less support than Erasmus. Why are they taking opportunities away from young people?
Context
The Prime Minister announced an Erasmus replacement without consultation with devolved Governments, offering lower living and travel support.
Boris Johnson
The Turing project is designed to help students across all income groups, unlike Erasmus which benefited those from better-off homes. The SNP is failing Scotland in education, crime, and the economy.
Assessment
Reconsideration of funding levels or rejoining Erasmus
Criticized Opposition
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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In the past few weeks, Blackpool has been inundated with visitors, and the images of people not social distancing and leaving our beach strewn with litter have angered my constituents, at a time when they are doing the right thing and following the Government's advice. The fact that Blackpool has one of the highest local infection rates in the nation has only served to heighten these fears. What assistance are the Government providing to areas such as Blackpool to deal with the influx of visitors, at a time when local services are already under pressure?
Context
The question concerns the influx of visitors in Blackpool, an area with a high local infection rate, and how the Government is providing support.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
My hon. Friend well represents Blackpool and his constituents, sticking up for the interests of Blackpool. In addition to the £3.2 billion we are already giving to local councils to help combat corona, Blackpool is receiving another £9 million, as well as the funding from the high street funds and the town fund to deal with the particular problems he rightly identifies.
Session: PMQs
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Will the planned review of diversity policies seek to address those concerns? Media reports suggest that white men have been actively discriminated against in recruitment, security checks may be relaxed for ethnic diversity promotion, and senior military figures warn about ideology threats to national security.
Context
Concerns about discrimination against white men in recruitment, relaxed security checks due to diversity promotion, and the impact of ideological pressures on national security.
Andrew Murrison
I do not recognise the situation described. Security is taken seriously; personnel have appropriate clearance based on their job roles. Commonwealth candidates can accrue residency while serving but cannot take up higher vetting roles.
Session: Army Size
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What steps he is taking to increase the size of the Army. The latest figure for the full-time strength of the Army is 73,520. There are no plans to change this target of 73,000 regular and 30,000 reserve personnel.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the current size of the Army and potential steps to increase it.
Andrew Murrison
The latest figure for the full-time strength of the Army is 73,520. The Army is continuing to work towards its “Future Soldier” structure of 73,000 regular and 30,000 reserve personnel. There are no plans to change this target.
Session: Army Size
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Blanket 20 mph zones lack widespread public support and are widely ignored. The roll-out of the scheme in Wales has proved to be a farce. Does my right hon. Friend share concern that Labour would impose similar policies in England?
Context
Blanket 20 mph zones lack public support, are unenforceable, and do not improve road safety or air quality.
David Davies
My hon. Friend is correct that not only has the Welsh Labour Government ignored the largest petition in Senedd history, but also it is inevitable they would pursue anti-motorist policies such as 20 mph speed limit, ban on new roads, congestion charges and emission zones.
Session: Speed Limit Residential Roads
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Whether he has had discussions with the Welsh Government on the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit on residential roads and pedestrian streets in Wales. The policy is damaging communities and businesses across Wales, creating a £4.5 billion hit to the economy according to the Welsh Government's figures.
Context
The Welsh Government has introduced a blanket 20 mph speed limit on residential roads and pedestrian streets across Wales.
David Davies
The policy is damaging communities and businesses across Wales, creating a £4.5 billion hit to the economy according to the Welsh Government's figures.
Session: Speed Limit Residential Roads
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Does the Minister agree that any proposed changes to Royal Mail services must protect small businesses and customers' rights, given recent fines by Ofcom?
Context
Concern over inadequate postal service impacting small business models relying on the six-day service.
Kevin Hollinrake
The service has not been satisfactory, but Royal Mail has employed 3,000 more postal workers to address problems. We are seeing some improvement, but agree that six-day service is vital for magazines and greeting card industries.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps are the Government taking to reduce the number of civil servants in order to achieve value for money for the taxpayer?
Context
Query about reducing civil servants to achieve value for money.
John Glen
I am looking carefully at where we are with the plans for this year—obviously, there is a half-way point in that cycle—and at what policies we can put in place. At the beginning of October, the Chancellor announced a freeze on recruitment.[Official Report, 11 December 2023, Vol. 742, c. 5MC.] I will be looking at what we need to do now to ensure that, as we move into future financial years, we use the benefits of efficiencies that exist and different ways of delivering services, which we can learn from across the globe and the private sector, so that we get value for money for all those who are employed and do a good job in the civil service.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the delivery of 20,000 additional prison places, as well as plans to deport some foreign criminals rather than jail them here. That will free up spaces and deliver considerable savings to the taxpayer. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to work with the Home Office to mitigate the risk of legal challenges as we seek to deport some of those who may pose a risk to the public?
Context
The MP welcomed the delivery of additional prison places and deportation plans, asking about steps to mitigate legal challenges.
Alex Chalk
My hon. Friend makes an important point. Between January 2019 and March 2023, 14,700 foreign national offenders were served with deportation orders and removed. As he has indicated, we have expanded the early removal scheme to allow for the removal of FNOs up to 18 months before the end of the custodial element of their sentence, so that we can bring forward the deportation of criminals who should not be here. On his specific point, we work closely with the Home Office to ensure that the right people and processes are in place to resist legal challenges.
Session: Prison Capacity
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Does my hon. Friend agree that residents across Wales and my constituents in Blackpool will see real improvements in their local transport infrastructure as part of their share of this £36 billion investment?
Context
The MP inquires about the real improvements expected for residents and constituents from the recently announced railway electrification project.
James Davies
I completely agree with my hon. Friend. North Wales often feels overlooked by the Welsh Government, but it is a Conservative Government who are investing further in the infrastructure and prospects of north Wales and north-west England.
Session: Economic Links Wales and the North-west
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What steps are being taken by the Government to improve economic links between Wales and the north-west?
Context
The MP wants to know about specific steps being taken by the Government to improve economic ties.
James Davies
This Government is committed to strengthening the economy of north Wales and north-west England. We have recently announced an investment of £36 billion in Network North, including £1 billion to electrify the north Wales main line, which will improve connectivity across the region.
Session: Economic Links Wales and the North-west
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Is the Minister able to provide an update on the suicide prevention grant, and particularly on when the money is expected to reach the successful organisations?
Context
The MP asks for an update on the suicide prevention grant and expected funding reach.
Maria Caulfield
We have had a huge response to the opening of the grant, with over 1,800 applications from voluntary groups and organisations. We are assessing those bids and hope to make an announcement before the end of the year.
Session: Suicide Prevention
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What steps he is taking to help prevent suicide?
Context
The MP is concerned about steps to prevent suicide.
Maria Caulfield
Last month, we published a cross-Government five-year suicide prevention strategy. It sets out our pledge to reduce England's suicide rates within two and a half years, with over 100 measures aimed at saving lives and providing early intervention for those at highest risk of suicide, including new mums and middle-aged men.
Session: Suicide Prevention
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Is the Secretary of State able to provide an update on further housing-led regeneration plans for Bond Street and Revoe areas?
Context
Blackpool has received significant levelling-up funding. Further housing-led regeneration is planned.
Jacob Young
I look forward to my Department's saying more about that in the future.
Session: Topical Questions
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Surely abolishing the licence fee altogether has to be one of the options considered?
Context
The BBC licence fee is seen as outdated and regressive by many. A formal review of the BBC's funding model will take place in the autumn.
John Whittingdale
The Government have made it clear that the licence fee will remain in place for the remainder of this charter period, but my hon. Friend is right that there are challenges going forward. He may be aware that the number of people paying the licence fee has fallen by 1.9 million in the past five years, and it is therefore right that we look at possible alternative sources of funding for the BBC in the longer term. That will be the focus of the funding review.
Session: Topical Questions
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A strong and stable family unit undoubtedly provides the best environment in which to raise children. What steps is the Church of England taking to provide relationship support and guidance to those families who need it to help them to stay together?
Context
The question focuses on the steps taken by the Church of England to provide support and guidance for families in need, with emphasis on stability and unity.
Andrew Selous
That is a really important question. The Children's Commissioner has pointed out that almost a quarter of UK families are headed by a lone parent; that compares with an average of an eighth of families in Europe. The Bishop of Durham, who co-chaired the commission, wants to see every deanery in the Church of England offering the very best marriage preparation to all couples, and for the Church to support their relationships at every life stage.
Session: Family Relationships, Parenting and Marriage
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To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent steps the Church of England has taken to help support family relationships, parenting and marriage.
Context
The question arises from the need to understand how the Church of England is supporting family relationships, parenting and marriage.
Andrew Selous
The Archbishop's recent “Love Matters” commission on family issues made 36 recommendations for the Church of England and 29 for the Government. They included supporting family hubs, developing high-quality marriage preparation, and building relational capability at all life stages and not just for couples who are preparing for marriage. I will place a copy of that report and the previous ones in the Library.
Session: Family Relationships, Parenting and Marriage
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A passing loop on the South Fylde rail line would double the number of trains coming into my constituency every hour, facilitating the millions of people who come to Blackpool every year. Following the award of feasibility moneys to look at the project, will the Minister meet me to appraise the options?
Context
A passing loop on the South Fylde rail line would double train capacity and facilitate millions of visitors to Blackpool every year. Feasibility money has been awarded for the project.
Huw Merriman
I would be delighted to meet the hon. Member. He is right that the Government have committed half a billion pounds to deliver more railways under the restoring your railway projects. The strategic outline business case on the project that he has worked so hard for is with the Department, and I am happy to meet him to discuss it.
Session: Topical Questions
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What discussions are the Government having with other NATO members to ensure that every member of the alliance meets the 2% spending targets? He referenced the Prime Minister's commitment to maintaining support and asked if it was time to accelerate this support.
Context
The Prime Minister told last week's Ukraine recovery conference that “we will maintain our support for Ukraine's defence and for the counter offensive”. With recent developments, there is a need to accelerate military support.
Ben Wallace
As the Vilnius summit approaches, it is very important that we recommit, and get other nations to recommit, to the 2% target. It is regrettable that only seven to eight nations in NATO are reaching this target. Britain is above the 2%. This is very important because freedom is not free; we have to pay for it.
Session: Topical Questions
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. He noted the success of Ukraine in recapturing approximately 300 sq km, more than Russia has seized in its winter offensive. He asked about tactical progress and the situation across Bakhmut to the eastern bank of the Dnieper river.
Context
The UK's summer campaign for Ukraine is focused on reclaiming illegally occupied territory.
Ben Wallace
As part of its summer campaign, Ukraine has already recaptured approximately 300 sq km. That is more territory than Russia has seized in its whole winter offensive. Ukraine continues to make gradual but steady tactical progress, undertaking major offensive operations on three main axes in the south and eastern Ukraine.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps are the Government taking to improve the co-ordination and collaboration between different Departments on addressing the mental health needs of our veterans?
Context
There are ongoing efforts to improve mental healthcare for veterans, with concerns about interdepartmental collaboration.
Johnny Mercer
This Prime Minister made the conscious decision to take veterans out of the MOD and set up the Office for Veterans' Affairs in the Cabinet Office, with a Cabinet Minister responsible for this. For the first time, that aligned us with our Five Eyes allies. That has allowed us to produce things such as Op Courage, the UK's first dedicated mental healthcare pathway for veterans. It costs £22 million a year, with that rising every year. We had 19,000 referrals in its first year and a massive unmet need in this country is now being met by government. We are very proud of that and we look to do more in the future.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is he taking to eliminate wasting taxpayer money on so-called woke projects and ensure every penny is well spent?
Context
Concern over taxpayer funds being used on 'woke' projects such as the Arts Council programme, instead of frontline services like NHS.
Alex Burghart
The hon. Gentleman makes an excellent point about the need for us to ensure every pound of taxpayers' money is spent appropriately, and he will have heard or read the Health Secretary's comments in March, when he wrote to the health community saying: 'I would ask that you, as a member of the wider health family, now review whether your organisation is getting value for money from your diversity and inclusion memberships and, if not, consider any steps that you could take to address that'.
Session: Public Spending Value for Money
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The cut to air passenger duty was a welcome boost for domestic aviation and for facilitating the growth of regional airports, such as Blackpool. Following this success, will the Government consider introducing public service obligation routes from destinations such as Blackpool to support tourism and economic growth?
Context
The MP is questioning the introduction of public service obligations for regional airports to support tourism and economic growth.
Jesse Norman
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. We had a Westminster Hall debate on this a few months ago. As he will know, the UK policy on public service obligations is to protect existing routes in danger of being lost, and the DFT jointly funds routes into London from Newquay, Dundee and Derry/Londonderry. Lord Hendy's independent Union connectivity review has now been lodged. We have welcomed it, and we will continue to consider the ways in which PSOs can help the Government to achieve regional connectivity needs.
Session: Topical Questions
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What action is being taken by the CPS to reduce knife crime offending both in Blackpool and across Lancashire as a whole?
Context
Concerns over recent knife crime incidents in Blackpool have led to this question. The MP notes a specific case involving the arrest of an individual carrying a large machete.
Michael Tomlinson
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for his interest and knowledge in this area—not least because he seems to be drawn for these questions, week in, week out. Of course the CPS has been instrumental in the pilots of serious violence reduction orders, which are aimed at reducing knife crime, and it is right to say that those orders will provide an extra tool to help to crack down on violent crime.
Session: Serious Violent Crime Prosecutions
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What plans does my right hon. Friend have to use prisoners to help to fill labour shortages, and what assessment has he made of the extent to which that may drive down reoffending rates and help to improve the employability of prison leavers?
Context
Employing former prisoners can help reduce reoffending rates and fill labour shortages.
Damian Hinds
Getting offenders and ex-offenders into work has a material impact on reducing reoffending rates. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State explained that there is an opportunity to maximise this due to the tightness of the labour market.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that by extending cost of living support and taking measures to deliver long-term sustainable growth while reducing inflation, the Chancellor's Budget strengthened the Union?
Context
The MP questions if the Chancellor's Budget strengthened the Union by delivering for all parts.
Alister Jack
The Secretary of State confirms the cost of living support package totals £94 billion, an average of £3,300 per household in the UK. He does not explicitly agree or disagree with the MP's assessment about strengthening the Union.
Session: Strength of the Union
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What recent assessment has he made of the strength of the Union?
Context
The MP asks for an assessment of the current state and support for the Union.
Alister Jack
The Secretary of State believes the Union is strong with high support. He emphasizes that people want their governments delivering on issues such as levelling up, cost of living, and working with the Scottish Government to deliver freeports, investment zones and city and region growth deals.
Session: Strength of the Union
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What discussions have the Government had to secure further memorandums of understanding with individual US states? When visiting Nebraska last year, I spoke to the Governor of that state. There is huge enthusiasm, especially among Republican-led states, to strike further deals, so it would be brilliant if we could get some of them over the line.
Context
The Government are working on securing memorandums of understanding with individual US states. There is enthusiasm for further deals.
Nigel Huddleston
I thank my hon. Friend, because while the US may not be interested in a free trade deal at the moment, we are working with individual states to develop memorandums of understanding. We have already concluded them with Indiana, North Carolina and South Carolina, and are in discussions with California, Texas, Utah and Oklahoma.
Session: Topical Questions
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Many of the tourism and leisure businesses in Blackpool are energy-intensive. The world-famous illuminations and pleasure beach now pay hundreds of thousands of pounds more for their energy than previously. Will the Minister meet me to discuss the specific challenges around energy consumption facing the tourism industry, ahead of a busy summer season?
Context
The MP notes the increased energy costs faced by tourism and leisure businesses, especially during a busy summer season.
Nusrat Ghani
Once again, my hon. Friend is a stout campaigner for his constituency, and for the tourism and leisure businesses in Blackpool. He will know that the decision about which businesses fall within the EII scheme is for the Treasury; I am not sure whether the £63 million for leisure centres falls within that catchment or not, so of course, I will meet with my hon. Friend to make sure he has the absolute clarity that he needs.
Session: Energy-intensive Industries
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Even if a significant number of MLAs object to a proposal, the decision to veto it will still rest with the UK Government. Given the possible retaliatory actions from the EU, it is unlikely that the brake will ever be used. How does this situation affect UK-EU relations and trade?
Context
Discussion on whether the UK Government would use the veto mechanism due to potential retaliatory action from the EU and its likely impact on trade relations.
Chris Heaton-Harris
With respect, my hon. Friend underestimates the power of this mechanism. The Government will be under a legal obligation to trigger the brake where the conditions under the Windsor framework are met. Compared with the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, this is a significant advancement because the remedial measures he talks about, should the EU choose to take them, would be proportionate and would have to relate to NI-to-EU trade.
Session: Stormont Brake
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What are the criteria for using the Stormont brake?
Context
Discussion on criteria and conditions under which the UK Government can use the Stormont brake to veto EU regulations affecting Northern Ireland.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I encourage my hon. Friend to attend today's debate, in this Chamber, on the regulations implementing this powerful democratic mechanism. In short, 30 Members of the Legislative Assembly from two political parties may use the brake if there is anything significantly different about a new rule, whether in its content or scope, and if its application will have a significant impact on everyday life that is liable to persist in Northern Ireland.
Session: Stormont Brake
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Will the Minister continue lobbying the Treasury for additional funding to maintain local roads ahead of the Budget?
Context
The MP requests assurances on future budget allocations for local roads in England.
Richard Holden
I will continue to campaign for sustainable funding for our highways, reflecting that more money is important but how it is spent matters. I visited a site near the MP's constituency where significant investment is going into road links between Windy Harbour and Skippool.
Session: Road Condition
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What steps are being taken to improve road conditions?
Context
The MP seeks steps to enhance road maintenance and quality.
Richard Holden
During this Parliament, the Government are investing over £5 billion in highways maintenance for local authorities across England outside London. That is in addition to the sustainable transport settlements provided to eligible mayoral combined authorities. It is up to each local highway authority to decide how best to spend that funding.
Session: Road Condition
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Does my right hon. Friend share my concern that the glorification of martyrdom within Palestinian society remains a key obstacle to any future lasting peace agreements? That includes the payment of salaries to convicted terrorists by the Palestinian Authority, with higher salaries going to those who have killed more Israelis.
Context
The glorification of martyrdom within Palestinian society remains a key obstacle to any future lasting peace agreement, including the payment of salaries to convicted terrorists by the Palestinian Authority.
James Cleverly
If there is to be any chance of a sustainable peace in Israel and the OPTs, it is incredibly important that people recognise the importance of tolerance and of working and living together. When I first became a Minister in the Department, I raised with the then Palestinian Education Minister the situation relating to textbooks being used in Palestinian schools. We will continue to work to encourage greater understanding and co-operation, rather than allowing this divisive narrative to be imposed on young Palestinian children.
Session: Topical Questions
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Blackpool's historic piers show signs of significant deterioration. Although the Department is providing £12 million for coastal erosion, the measures needed around the piers are not included. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how they can be amended?
Context
Blackpool's historic piers are deteriorating due to coastal erosion.
Rebecca Pow
Within our budgets, we have the coastal erosion fund, of which my hon. Friend is aware. The pier is a very specific case. Of course, I would be happy to meet him to discuss this.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Gulf region offers huge opportunities for British businesses and their export potential? Is he able to update the House on his Department's work in supporting trade to the region?
Context
The MP highlights the export potential of British businesses in the Gulf region.
Greg Hands
My hon. Friend is always looking for opportunities for Blackpool businesses and his constituency. He is right: the UK is negotiating an ambitious trade deal with the Gulf Co-operation Council, and an FTA is expected to boost trade between our economies by at least 16%. We also engage bilaterally with GCC countries. For example, a key recent success was being able to get Holland & Barrett vitamin and food supplements into Qatar, which was worth an estimated £250,000.
Session: Trade Barriers
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What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Crown Prosecution Service in reducing the backlog of cases in the criminal justice system?
Context
The question arises from ongoing concerns about the backlog of cases in the criminal justice system and the effectiveness of measures taken by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to address this issue.
Michael Tomlinson
I recently met frontline prosecutors in Bristol, Devon and London to see at first hand the work being undertaken to tackle the backlog. The CPS has created a national surge team that could be deployed to any region in England and Wales to relieve casework pressures.
Session: Criminal Justice Backlog CPS Effectiveness
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Will the Minister consider funding subsidies to underprivileged areas such as Blackpool to attract new dentists? The changes made last week were steps in the right direction but are insufficient. Constituents lack access to dental care.
Context
The MP is concerned about the estimated 25,000 constituents who do not have an NHS dentist and seeks a more comprehensive solution.
Neil O'Brien
Absolutely; my hon. Friend and I have talked about this. We are looking urgently at payment models and measures to address struggling areas. Commissioning of dentistry will come down to a more accountable local level in April, and we need to build on that.
Session: NHS Dental Contract
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What progress has been made on negotiating a new NHS dental contract? The number of dentists doing NHS work last year increased by 2.3%, but more needs to be done to address the issue.
Context
The MP is concerned about the progress in negotiating a new NHS dental contract to improve access and quality of care.
Neil O'Brien
In July, we made some initial changes to the reformed system to support NHS dentistry. We have invested an extra £50 million, reformed the contract to create more UDA bands to better reflect fair costs of work, and introduced a minimum UDA to help practices with low levels.
Session: NHS Dental Contract
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What discussions has the Minister had with the Premier League and English Football League to encourage fair money distribution across the football league pyramid?
Context
There is support for a fairer financial distribution throughout the football league pyramid.
Stuart Andrew
Discussions have been held with both organisations, but reform commitment is firm at this stage.
Session: Topical Questions
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We cannot get a grip on the small boats crisis without reforming the Human Rights Act. What is the Government's plan?
Context
There is a crisis with small boats attempting to enter the UK, leading to significant reforms being proposed. The question asks what plan the government has in this regard.
Gareth Johnson
The Government can tackle that significant problem within the current law. We believe our proposals are within the law, despite pending judicial reviews.
Session: Topical Questions
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Creating a passing loop on the South Fylde line would double the number of trains coming into south Blackpool every hour, assisting businesses such as Blackpool Pleasure Beach to create new jobs and investment. Will the new Minister meet me and my hon Friend the Member for Fylde (Mark Menzies) to discuss the opportunities that could deliver?
Context
Creating a passing loop on the South Fylde line would double the number of trains coming into south Blackpool every hour, benefiting businesses such as Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Kevin Foster
Yes.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Blackpool: Levelling Up
29 November 2022
Responding: Felicity Buchan
Main Concerns
["Scott Benton is concerned about the persistent regional disparities in Blackpool, which ranks highest on multiple deprivation indices and has the lowest life expectancy among local authorities in England. He cites high rates of drug-related deaths, crime, obesity, teenage pregnancy, and a significant learning gap for children. The MP highlights the town's struggle with housing conditions in grot-spots and the private rental market."]
Specific Asks
['Benton asks for £30 million to address housing-led regeneration projects and £63 million from the levelling-up fund. He also requests support for upgrading the South Fylde line to double train capacity and restoring commercial passenger flights at Blackpool airport.']
Human Rights Legislation Reform — [Yvonne Fovargue in the Chair]
24 October 2022
Responding: Gareth Johnson
Main Concerns
["More than 230,000 people have signed the petition for human rights legislation reform. Scott Benton is concerned that the current 'rights culture' is contrary to common sense and has provided a platform for criminals to escape punishment or delay natural justice. He cites specific cases where individuals with criminal records have used article 8 on the right to respect for private and family life to avoid deportation, leading to abuse of the asylum system."]
Specific Asks
['Benton requests that the Government update the Human Rights Act to bring clarity to human rights standards without scrapping fundamental human rights. He seeks a proper balance between protecting individual rights, national security, and effective government while ensuring that serious foreign national offenders can be deported and the asylum system is not abused.']
Blackpool Airport and Levelling Up
15 March 2022
Responding: Robert Courts
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the challenges faced by Blackpool airport, including the loss of commercial passenger flights in 2014 due to financial difficulties. The airport's closure has affected local residents and businesses who rely on air connectivity for tourism and economic opportunities. Despite efforts to modernise the airport infrastructure, the Labour council voted against restoring commercial flights citing high costs. I also worry about the environmental impact of flying, particularly as we move towards net zero emissions."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to seriously consider the recommendations made in the Union connectivity review regarding public service obligation routes and their potential expansion to support regional airports like Blackpool. Additionally, I request the creation of a bespoke funding pot for capital investment in regional airports, which would enable them to modernise and invest in green technologies.']
UK Casino Industry
07 July 2021
Responding: John Whittingdale
Main Concerns
["The UK's gambling laws, particularly the Gambling Act 2005, have not been updated to reflect modern practices. The outdated rules limit gaming machine numbers in casinos to just 20 for most establishments, which is far lower than international standards and leads to inconvenient long queues during peak hours. Additionally, many casinos are unable to offer cashless payment options, despite the trend towards electronic transactions in other industries."]
Specific Asks
["The Government should modernize gambling legislation by allowing more gaming machines per casino based on a machine-to-table ratio determined locally, enabling cashless payments and providing sports betting services. Casinos need these changes to compete with modern customer expectations and prevent further decline in the sector's economic contribution."]
UN Human Rights Council: UK Voting Record on Israel
17 March 2021
Responding: James Cleverly
Main Concerns
["The UK's voting record at the UN Human Rights Council singles out Israel for disproportionate condemnation, with over half of condemnations targeting Israel compared to only 10 against Iran. This bias undermines the Council's credibility and hinders peace efforts in the region. The existence of a permanent agenda item dedicated solely to criticism of Israel further illustrates this bias."]
Specific Asks
['The UK should vote against all anti-Israel resolutions, including those moved outside of the scope of item 7 at the current session of the Human Rights Council. It is crucial that the Government honour their pledge and take action to support a fair treatment of Israel in international forums.']
Reporting Ministerial Gifts and Hospitality
14 October 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK Economy
19 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Funded Childcare
22 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Net Migration Figures
28 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Autumn Statement
22 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Illegal Immigration
15 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
14 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
South Fylde Line
18 October 2023
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Deputy Speaker acknowledged Mark Menzies' efforts to improve services on the South Fylde line. He discussed the history of the rail network, highlighting improvements made over the years and emphas...
Zero-emission Vehicles, Drivers and HS2
16 October 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government are making decisions to improve the journeys that matter most to the British public, focusing on zero-emission vehicles with ambitious but proportionate targets. They will back Britain’...
West Coast Main Line Franchise
19 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
5
PMQs Asked
114
Ministerial Questions Asked
167
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+751% above average
This MP:
114
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3336% above average
This MP:
167
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 Scott Benton's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.