Selaine Saxby
MP for North Devon
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that towns such as Barnstaple—the main transport hub in North Devon, serving hundreds of square miles—should have a fully functioning bus station? The Liberal Democrat-run North Devon Council has not reopened ours since the pandemic, leaving residents out in the cold with no public facilities. Does my right hon. Friend agree that, as people start to feel the difference as a result of tax cuts and falling inflation, we should be making it easier for people to use the bus, come to town and support Barnstaple's local economy? Will he join me in calling on the Lib Dems to get on with reopening the bus station?
Context
The Liberal Democrat-run North Devon Council has not reopened the Barnstaple bus station since the pandemic.
Rishi Sunak
We know how vital bus services are for communities right across the country. That is why we are providing Devon with £17 million to deliver better bus services, and we introduced the £2 fare bus cap. I know that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport recently visited my hon. Friend and saw the benefits of reopening Barnstaple bus station, and it is clear that the local Liberal Democrats should just get on and do it.
Assessment
Did not explicitly commit to joining the MP in calling on the Lib Dems to reopen the bus station
Changed Subject To Government Actions
Session: PMQs
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The No. 1 reason for children's hospital admissions in my constituency is dental treatment, but we have no NHS capacity and no orthodontist in Barnstaple. Our dentists cannot recruit, even with a large golden hello. The emergency dental plan seems to have been stuck at the Treasury forever. Might my right hon. Friend use his spare set of keys and pop round to rescue it for us? My constituents and I would be ever so grateful.
Context
The MP's constituency experiences a high number of children's hospital admissions due to lack of NHS dental care and recruitment issues.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend has rightly championed the provision of dentistry in her area. We are investing £3 billion a year, and the reformed contracts in dentistry from the NHS have improved access while ensuring fairer remuneration for dentists. We are also providing more financial support for those who need it the most—about half the courses of treatment last year were delivered to those who are non-paying, both adults and children—but yes, more needs to be done, and that is why our dentistry recovery plan will be published shortly.
Assessment
The questioner asked for immediate action on an emergency dental plan, but the answer discussed general NHS funding without specifying timelines or actions for the specific plan.
Investing £3 Billion
Nhs Recovery Plan
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister pay tribute to and congratulate my constituent Max Woosey, best known as the boy in the tent, whose three-year adventure camping outside is drawing to a close? To date, he has raised more than £750,000 for the excellent North Devon Hospice. Will my right hon. Friend wish everyone taking part in his final adventure, a camping festival at Broomhill Estate, great success?
Context
Max Woosey, a constituent of Selaine Saxby known as 'the boy in the tent,' has been camping outside for three years to raise £750,000 for the North Devon Hospice. His final camping festival is set to take place at Broomhill Estate.
Rishi Sunak
I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to Max and everyone else taking part in this fantastic initiative. I congratulate them on raising such a considerable sum of money for a very worthy local cause, and I look forward to hearing how the rest of it goes. Very well done.
Session: PMQs
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The recent report on levelling up the rural economy highlighted many areas where more work is needed in small rural and coastal communities to ensure they also benefit from our levelling-up agenda. Does the Prime Minister agree that we need to ensure that levelling up reaches into rural and coastal Devon? Will he meet me and Helen Hurford, our excellent candidate in Tiverton and Honiton, to agree how we can progress our plans for Devon?
Context
There is a need to ensure that small rural and coastal communities benefit from levelling-up initiatives, as highlighted by recent reports.
Boris Johnson
Yes, of course. My hon. Friend is a fantastic advocate for Devon and rural communities, and I will ensure that both she and Helen Hurford get a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss her ideas further.
Session: PMQs
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I welcome what the Government are doing to help, where they can, with the cost of living crisis, but in North Devon and across the south-west we have a housing crisis that needs urgent action. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to better understand the severity and complexity of our housing shortage and steps that the Government may take?
Context
There is a serious housing crisis in North Devon and the south-west, requiring urgent action from the government.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the need to provide local homes for local people. We are building a record number of homes despite difficulties, and have introduced higher rates of stamp duty on second homes, removed the second home discount.
Assessment
Did not commit to meeting or specific steps.
Meeting To Discuss
Session: PMQs
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I am sure that my right hon. Friend is not surprised that people are keen to move to my North Devon constituency, but we, like much of the south-west, are experiencing severe housing shortages. Local government need urgent help and support now. Might he consider, as part of planning reforms, binding covenants being applied to a proportion of new-build housing, so it is used as a primary residence and not a holiday let or second home, and that existing homes must register for a change of use if they become a holiday let, to ensure vibrant coastal communities do not become winter ghost towns?
Context
The south-west is experiencing housing shortages and coastal communities becoming winter ghost towns due to conversions from primary residences to holiday lets.
Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is a massively effective advocate for the people of North Devon. She has made these points to me before, and I know that she is right. As she knows, we have put higher rates of stamp duty on the buying of additional property, such as second homes, but we also have to make sure that young people growing up around our country—contrary to the instincts of the previous Labour speaker, the hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Cat Smith)—have the chance of home ownership in the place where they live. That is what our first home scheme will help to do, with a new discount of at least 30% prioritised for first-time buyers.
Assessment
Specific binding covenants were not committed to
Massively Effective Advocate
Session: PMQs
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My right hon. Friend has always highlighted the importance of gigabit connectivity, and digital infrastructure has been vital in keeping us connected throughout the pandemic. Could he update the House on the Government's progress towards the roll-out of gigabit broadband across the country, and in particular whether the £5 billion of Government funding is being used to connect hard-to-reach areas like those in my North Devon constituency?
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of gigabit connectivity, noting its vital role during the pandemic. She referenced a £5 billion government funding for digital infrastructure.
Boris Johnson
Yes, I can. We are rolling out full-fibre broadband to the North Moor area, investing £10 million in partnership with the local authority and gearing up to invest over £30 million across Devon and Somerset to target 70,000 premises in her constituency that do not have good enough connectivity.
Session: PMQs
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Coronavirus has underlined the importance of improving broadband. Does the PM agree that extending business rate relief for new full-fibre infrastructure could help level up rural areas? Will he thank telecommunications workers for their efforts during the pandemic?
Context
Improving broadband infrastructure is essential for the UK's economic recovery.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. That is why we have provided 100% business rate relief for all new fibre investment. I am very happy to join her in thanking telecommunications workers for their amazing work. Many of them have kept going throughout the pandemic to put in that broadband infrastructure.
Session: PMQs
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I thank my hon. Friend for his response, but given that affordable housing is such a concern across North Devon, can the Church do any more to assist?
Context
North Devon faces significant challenges with affordable housing, prompting questions about the Church's involvement and potential support.
Andrew Selous
Unfortunately, the Church Commissioners themselves do not have any land in North Devon for housing at the moment. However, I will put the hon. Friend in touch with the diocese of Exeter to see whether it has opportunities in its own land portfolio.
Session: Affordable and Sustainable Housing
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Whether the Church of England is taking steps to provide affordable and sustainable housing on its land, considering the urgent need across many regions in England.
Context
The Church of England's land usage is under scrutiny for potential contributions to affordable housing. The question arises from the need to address housing shortages and affordability issues.
Andrew Selous
The Church Commissioners are bringing forward substantial new amounts of housing across England, including affordable homes, in accordance with local planning policy. Where possible, they also seek to provide a higher proportion of affordable housing than required by using rural exception sites.
Session: Affordable and Sustainable Housing
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My constituency has seen an increase from 3% gigabit-capable broadband access to 54% as of March. What can my hon. Friend do to address the shortfall in coverage in the hardest-to-reach areas, and to expedite those awaiting a type C procurement contract?
Context
The MP noted her constituency's progress but sought more information on addressing the shortfall in coverage.
Julia Lopez
My hon. Friend has probably been one of the strongest and toughest broadband champions in this House. I think of her and my hon. Friend the Member for Banff and Buchan always when I have meetings with Building Digital UK. Let me reassure her that we are making very good progress on type C. We have named a preferred supplier for that contract, and hope to have more news soon.
Session: Internet Connectivity
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What recent steps have been taken by her Department to improve internet connectivity?
Context
The MP noted that internet access is crucial for economic and social development. She referenced the government's commitment to improving broadband coverage.
Julia Lopez
More than 82% of UK premises can now access gigabit-capable broadband, up from just 6% in January 2019. The National Infrastructure Commission reported we are on track to meet our target of 85% gigabit coverage by 2025. Through Project Gigabit, 31 contracts have been signed, with another this week, to bring fast, reliable connectivity to hard-to-reach communities across the UK. Investment in fixed networks increased by 40% from 2019 to 2022.
Session: Internet Connectivity
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Will the hon. Friend consider additional support for high turnaround bases such as RM Chivenor, perhaps including access to dental services where families face issues registering with local providers?
Context
Chivenor sees personnel stationed there for shorter periods of time than many other military bases, causing challenges with local providers.
James Cartlidge
MOD dental healthcare provides dentistry for our armed forces personnel, ensuring they are dentally fit. NHS provides care for civilians, including families of service personnel. The Minister is willing to arrange a meeting between the hon. Friend and MOD dental healthcare.
Session: Service Accommodation 2024-05-20 (2)
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What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to attract long-term landlords back to small coastal towns?
Context
Long-term landlords are needed in small coastal towns for housing stability.
Lee Rowley
My hon. Friend has been a campaigner for balance within coastal communities, keen on reforms on short-term lets and changes to the planning system.
Session: Topical Questions
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The White Cross project in the Celtic sea has a cable due to come ashore in my constituency, and it advises me that it is unable to agree compensation to businesses disrupted by these works due to a lack of Government guidance. Will my right hon. Friend meet me—and, ideally, come to see where the project is due to make landfall—to find an alternative cable route, and if not, will she ensure that White Cross is in a position to fully compensate the businesses that will be hugely impacted if the planned cable route proceeds?
Context
The White Cross project in the Celtic sea is set to come ashore in Selaine Saxby's constituency. The project advises that it cannot agree on compensation due to a lack of government guidance.
Claire Coutinho
I thank my hon. Friend, who is a doughty campaigner for floating offshore wind. I am unable to comment on any specific concerns about a particular planning decision, but I am sure the relevant Minister will be happy to meet her to discuss how the Government can provide better guidance on compensation. People whose land is acquired compulsorily should not be left worse off financially, and compensation should be offered in line with the statutory compensation code.
Session: Floating Offshore Wind
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Would my hon. Friend agree that MOD procurement from small British companies in rural areas such as North Devon can significantly increase defence-related jobs there, and enhance the local economy, especially when those jobs are in high-wage research and development and manufacturing industries? Will he commit to ensuring that the additional high-skilled jobs and economic benefits resulting from contracts are considered in future procurement decisions?
Context
The MP highlights the potential for MOD procurement to enhance employment in small British companies, particularly those involved in high-wage research and development and manufacturing.
James Cartlidge
That is an excellent point from my hon. Friend, who is a champion of defence small and medium-sized enterprises in her constituency. As to procurement rules supporting SMEs such as those in North Devon, our new integrated procurement model will ensure that UK industrial capability and exportability considerations are included in procurement evaluation criteria for items such as the new medium helicopter. However, to ensure that we absolutely maximise opportunities for British industry, on Friday, I announced that we will undertake a rapid review of how Cabinet Office social value rules impact on the development of sovereign capability.
Session: Defence Jobs
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My young disabled constituent Ella Wakley in Braunton goes to college, but her blue badge is accepted on buses only after 9.30 am, which is too late, so she has to pay for herself and her travel assistant. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that improve accessibility for people such as Ella, who are trying to get on with their everyday lives?
Context
A constituent faces difficulties accessing bus services due to time restrictions on the use of a blue badge.
Kemi Badenoch
As ever, my hon. Friend is a great advocate for her North Devon constituents. In the national bus strategy, the Department for Transport committed to conducting a wholesale review of the English national concessionary travel scheme. That will include reviewing eligibility and extensions to travel times for older and disabled people.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am pleased to announce that the independent inclusion at work panel has launched their report on achieving fairness and inclusion for all in the workplace. What statement will she make on her departmental responsibilities?
Context
The question follows an announcement regarding the independent inclusion at work panel report.
Kemi Badenoch
I am pleased to announce today that the independent inclusion at work panel has launched their report on achieving fairness and inclusion for all in the workplace. The report, part of our inclusive Britain agenda, sets out how employers can do away with ineffective, divisive and poor-quality diversity and inclusion practices. It notes that the UK employs almost twice as many diversity and inclusion workers per head as any other country. Instead, we should focus resources on interventions backed by evidence, which will benefit all people. I thank the panel for their hard work and thoughtful consideration on this issue.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is the Department taking to support rural primary schools, which often have a vast catchment area and difficult buildings?
Context
Rurality imposes challenges on primary schools with vast catchment areas.
Damian Hinds
I recognise what my hon. Friend says about rurality. Of course, the lump sum element in the funding formula is important for small schools. We have more than doubled the national funding formula sparsity funding in three years, with £6.5 million for Devon in 2024-25.
Session: Topical Questions
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High-quality early years education can be transformational for children with special educational needs, helping to ensure that they are identified and supported at the most important time for their development. But last year fewer than one in five local authorities in England reported having enough childcare places for disabled children. That is a shameful failure. Is the Minister confident that families with a disabled child will be able to access the childcare to which they are entitled from April?
Context
Only one in five local authorities reported having enough childcare places for disabled children last year, a situation the MP deems as shameful.
David Johnston
We are doing two things in this regard. First, we are reviewing the special educational needs inclusion fund as we roll out the new entitlements to ensure that it is working appropriately. Secondly, we have provided a contractor. Local authorities have a statutory duty to provide places for all children, including those with special educational needs, and the contractor will work with local authorities to ensure that is done.
Session: SEND Support
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How can we ensure that North Devon's tourist economy fully benefits from these changes?
Context
The government announced a mandatory national registration scheme for short-term lets in England.
Julia Lopez
My hon. Friend is a real champion for her local Devon tourist economy, and she is aware of the challenges that tourism can present in local communities, especially when it comes to short-term lets, which can make it too expensive for people working in the tourism industry to live near their job. This is a difficult issue, and we are trying to strike the right balance between people being able to have second homes and ensuring that hotels have a level playing field and that the local community has the right accommodation.
Session: Short-term Lets National Registration
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What consideration has been given to reducing employer national insurance contributions to help small businesses sustain employment post-national living wage hike?
Context
The question pertains to the impact of national living wage increase on employment in sectors like tourism and hospitality, seeking policy adjustments.
Nigel Huddleston
The employment allowance allows businesses with £100,000 or less in employer national insurance contributions bills to claim up to £5,000 off those bills. The smallest 40% of businesses are already exempt from paying these contributions due to this relief, many of which operate in hospitality and leisure.
Session: Small Businesses Support
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Can my hon. Friend confirm that, given all the questions about carbon accounting, sustainability and value for taxpayers' money, the Government will not be guaranteeing Drax billions more in subsidies?
Context
The MP raised concerns over carbon accounting, sustainability, and value for taxpayers' money regarding subsidies to the Drax power station.
Andrew Bowie
As my hon. Friend knows, we will shortly be consulting on potential support arrangements to help facilitate the transition of large-scale biomass generation to power bioenergy with carbon capture and storage. Power bioenergy with carbon capture and storage could deliver negative emissions to support our climate change targets and the UK's energy security.
Session: Topical Questions
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I have seen for myself how successful the Government's safer streets fund was in Barnstaple, and I am delighted that it will be extended into Ilfracombe this year. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that councils have the funding to help support those schemes?
James Cleverly
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting that point. I am proud of the fact that, since 2010, neighbourhood crime is down by 51% because of the kind of interventions that she highlighted. I reassure her that we will continue to look at what works, to fund and support, and to make every effort to drive down neighbourhood crime even further.
Session: Neighbourhood Crime
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Changes to landlord tax relief have excluded holiday lets, contributing to a significant decline in residential landlords in tourist areas. The lack of affordable rental properties has priced out workers, particularly in the hospitality sector, resulting in businesses reducing their opening hours and therefore their tax contribution to the Treasury. Can my hon. Friend provide any hope of levelling the tax playing field to encourage long-term landlords back to the market?
Context
The MP notes the decline in long-term residential landlords due to tax changes, affecting affordable housing availability for workers in sectors like hospitality.
Nigel Huddleston
The Government want to ensure a diverse and sustainable visitor accommodation offer while protecting local communities, including ensuring the availability of affordable housing to rent or to buy. That is why we are introducing a registration scheme for short-term lets in England.
Session: Taxation of Long and Short-term Lets
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Whether his Department is taking fiscal steps to reduce differences in the levels of taxation between long and short-term lets. The changes to landlord tax relief have excluded holiday lets, contributing to a significant decline in residential landlords in tourist areas like North Devon. This has resulted in reduced affordable rental properties for workers, particularly in hospitality.
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of tax changes on residential landlords in tourist areas, leading to a decline in affordable rental properties for workers.
Nigel Huddleston
The Government want to ensure a diverse and sustainable visitor accommodation offer while protecting local communities, including ensuring the availability of affordable housing to rent or to buy. That is why we are introducing a registration scheme for short-term lets in England. The Government keep the tax treatment of property landlords under review.
Session: Taxation of Long and Short-term Lets
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My North Devon constituency is in the lower quartile for social mobility. What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to improve social mobility outcomes for remote, rural and coastal communities?
Context
North Devon constituency is in the lower quartile for social mobility.
Stuart Andrew
We have established the Social Mobility Pledge consortium with businesses, and 120 have signed up. There are 12 community renewal fund projects serving her constituency and £1.2 million from the shared prosperity fund.
Session: Topical Questions
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What progress has been made on protecting the waters around the South Sandwich Islands, and improving management around South Georgia?
Context
Marine protected areas around South Georgia are reviewed every five years.
David Rutley
The South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands marine protected area provides comprehensive protection against the entire maritime zone. It has been rated one of the most sustainable in the world. The Government are currently undertaking their second five-year review, and a report is expected early next year.
Session: Topical Questions
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Previous offshore wind developments on England's east coast have shown that appropriate planning is needed to minimise disruption to communities. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the development of floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea should mean single-cable corridors—one to his side of the water, and just one to the north coast of Devon or Cornwall—to reduce environmental and societal disruption?
Context
The MP highlights the importance of appropriate planning to minimize disruption to communities from previous offshore wind developments on England's east coast.
David Davies
I know that the electricity systems operator is currently reviewing the design of connections for offshore wind projects. I have been meeting National Grid to discuss some of the issues around cabling and the reconfiguration of the grid. The decision as to where the cables will go and how many of them there will be is a fairly technical one, but the Crown Estate and National Grid would be more than happy to talk to her about that.
Session: Floating Offshore Wind Celtic Sea
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What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on expediting the development of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea?
Context
The MP is concerned about the need for discussions and plans to expedite the development of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.
David Davies
I have regular—in fact, frequent—conversations with Cabinet colleagues and stakeholders to support the floating offshore wind industry. The Government fully supports plans for up to 4 GW of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, and we are working to bring forward an additional 12 GW through the 2030s, with the potential to bring forward £20 billion-worth of investment.
Session: Floating Offshore Wind Celtic Sea
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Recognising that money does not grow on trees but neither do teeth. How soon will my constituents be able to see the desperately needed NHS dentists?
Context
There is a significant need for NHS dentists in North Devon, as many constituents struggle to see one.
Andrea Leadsom
We are working at pace on the dental recovery plan, but meanwhile NHS England has commissioned additional urgent dental care appointments via NHS 111.
Session: Topical Questions
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Whether his Department has had recent discussions with the Scottish Government on supporting productive forestry planting in Scotland. Conifers, which are the main species planted for productive forestry, account for just under half the area of UK woodland. Does my hon. Friend agree that there should now be a UK-wide target for 60% of new planting to be productive forestry, allowing Scotland to lead the way in delivering a secure supply of raw materials to support British manufacturing and construction?
Context
The MP asked about discussions on supporting productive forestry planting, highlighting the importance of conifers and their current low percentage.
John Lamont
I thank my hon. Friend for her excellent question. There are high ambitions across the United Kingdom to increase forestry planting. I agree that we must secure a steady supply of the raw materials needed to support Britain's construction and manufacturing industries.
Session: Productive Forestry Planting
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Whether his Department has had recent discussions with the Scottish Government on supporting productive forestry planting in Scotland. Conifers, which are the main species planted for productive forestry, account for just under half the area of UK woodland. Does my hon. Friend agree that there should now be a UK-wide target for 60% of new planting to be productive forestry, allowing Scotland to lead the way in delivering a secure supply of raw materials to support British manufacturing and construction?
Context
The MP asked about discussions on supporting productive forestry planting, highlighting the importance of conifers and their current low percentage.
John Lamont
I very much welcome this question, which is timely in National Tree Week. Reforestation is a crucial way for us all to reduce carbon emissions and improve biodiversity across the country. Although this policy is devolved, the UK Government continue to work with the devolved Administrations to deliver UK-wide change in tree planting and establishment. I thank my hon. Friend for her excellent question. There are high ambitions across the United Kingdom to increase forestry planting. I agree that we must secure a steady supply of the raw materials needed to support Britain's construction and manufacturing industries.
Session: Productive Forestry Planting
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Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking The Veterans Charity in North Devon for their Poppies to Paddington operation?
Context
The question highlights the Poppies to Paddington operation by The Veterans Charity in North Devon, which collected 231 wreaths from the Great Western Railway region for Remembrance Day.
Andrew Murrison
I absolutely will, and I add my congratulations to my hon. Friend's in thanking The Veterans Charity in North Devon. It is important to reflect on those who give so much in the service of our country.
Session: Support for Veterans
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What steps his Department is taking to support veterans?
Context
The question addresses the actions taken by the Department of Defence to assist veterans and their families.
Andrew Murrison
The Ministry of Defence delivers a range of services to veterans and their families, including the administration and payment of armed forces pensions and compensation, and tailored advice and assistance through the Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and integrated personal commissioning for veterans.
Session: Support for Veterans
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We also have rural churches in North Devon, and St Augustine's church in Heanton Punchardon is without a rector. Will my hon. Friend join me in recognising and congratulating Sharon Newcombe of Pilton on the service she has provided to that church, where she has sung in the choir for over 51 years?
Context
St Augustine's church in Heanton Punchardon is without a rector, but Sharon Newcombe has been providing service to the church through singing in the choir for over 51 years.
Andrew Selous
I am sure the whole House will join me in thanking Sharon Newcombe for her fantastic service to her local church and local community. Fifty-one years' service to her local church is extremely impressive, and we are very grateful to her.
Session: Parish Ministry
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am keen to understand better what more can be done to assist floating offshore wind in AR6 following what happened in AR5.
Context
The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme's Round 5 faced issues.
Claire Coutinho
I know my hon. Friend is a long-standing supporter of offshore wind. We have announced that AR6 will open in March 2024 and we have published that timetable. We are supporting floating wind technology through different programmes and manufacturing investment schemes too.
Session: Contracts for Difference Scheme
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What assessment has she made of the potential implications of the outcome of the contracts for difference allocation round 5 on the future development of floating offshore wind?
Context
The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme is crucial for the development of floating offshore wind in the UK.
Claire Coutinho
Our contracts for difference scheme is a UK success story, having contracted more than 30 GW of capacity, including 20 GW of offshore wind, since 2014. AR5 delivered a record number of clean energy projects, enough to power the equivalent of 2 million homes, and the Government's commitment to offshore wind remains unchanged, which is 50 GW by 2030.
Session: Contracts for Difference Scheme
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Will my right hon. Friend consider the introduction of escalating penalties for repeat traffic offences?
Context
Current penalties do not differentiate between first-timers and multiple offenders.
Edward Argar
As part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, there was an increase in the minimum disqualification periods for the serious offence of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs from two years to five years. The Department for Transport is also currently considering a broader call for evidence on motoring offences.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my hon. Friend agree that it is vital that we back British military manufacturers? What steps are being taken to speed up delayed procurement decisions? Will he visit North Devon to meet some of the innovative suppliers manufacturing here in the UK?
Context
There has been a focus on speeding up procurement decisions to support British military manufacturers.
James Cartlidge
A lot of work is going on to improve the speed of procurement. A visit has been planned to meet companies in her part of the world in a couple of weeks, which will be coordinated with her office.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my right hon. Friend join me in welcoming the new Afghan families to North Devon and thank everyone locally who is working to ensure that their resettlement is as smooth as possible?
Context
MP Selaine Saxby welcomed the new Afghan families to her constituency and thanked everyone locally for their efforts.
Johnny Mercer
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and pay tribute to all those working locally in her constituency to prepare to welcome Afghan families to the area, especially given North Devon's military history and long-standing support for veterans.
Session: Afghan Resettlement
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Unemployment in North Devon is well below the national average due to the high proportion of retired people and a lack of homes those working can afford. Businesses and the public sector alike are reporting high vacancy levels. What steps is my hon. Friend taking to ensure that we do not see further business closures because of a lack of homes that workers can afford?
Context
North Devon faces employment challenges with high vacancy levels reported by businesses and the public sector.
Guy Opperman
I visited North Devon in April to meet my hon. Friend and discuss those issues. She has my full support and that of the Department in her work to ensure that we address those problems. Clearly, those matters are being addressed on an ongoing basis by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Session: Employment North Devon
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What steps his Department is taking to increase employment in North Devon constituency. Unemployment in North Devon is well below the national average due to the high proportion of retired people and a lack of homes those working can afford. Businesses and the public sector alike are reporting high vacancy levels. What steps is my hon. Friend taking to ensure that we do not see further business closures because of a lack of homes that workers can afford?
Context
North Devon faces employment challenges with high vacancy levels reported by businesses and the public sector.
Guy Opperman
The Jobcentre teams in North Devon are working day and night to fill the vacancies in my hon. Friend's constituency. That includes inviting employers into the Jobcentre Plus each week, and having upcoming events on sector-based work academy programmes, including one that is about to happen with the NHS trust in Barnstaple. I visited North Devon in April to meet my hon. Friend and discuss those issues. She has my full support and that of the Department in her work to ensure that we address those problems.
Session: Employment North Devon
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The Institute of Physics campaign aims to increase diversity in STEM subjects. The question asks about steps taken by my hon. Friend to encourage more girls to study physics beyond GCSE.
Context
There is a significant gender gap in the uptake of A-level physics, with boys being twice as likely to study it than girls.
Maria Caulfield
Studying STEM A-levels such as physics can boost potential earnings and, with a growing demand for students with STEM qualifications in the jobs market, it is important that girls take that opportunity. We are therefore working with the Department for Education in funding the Inclusion in Schools project, which is designed to increase the uptake of A-level physics among students from under-represented groups, including girls.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that police funding reflects rurality and the huge uplift in population experienced in remote coastal locations during the summer tourist season?
Context
Remote coastal locations experience population uplift during summer tourist seasons, impacting policing needs.
Chris Philp
The Government intend to consult in due course on a new police funding formula, and part of that consultation will involve looking at the factors that should be taken into account. Those might include things such as population and crime levels, but things such as rurality, sparsity and seasonality, particularly seasonal tourism, are likely to form part of the new formula.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that there should now be a new UK-wide target that aims for 60% of new planting to be productive, allowing Scotland to lead the way for the rest of the UK?
Context
Productive forestry planting is important for the construction and manufacturing industries.
Alister Jack
My hon. Friend is a champion for this industry and it is the UK Government's ambition to increase planting across the United Kingdom. The Government aims to support the construction and manufacturing industries with productive forestry.
Session: Productive Forestry
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Whether his Department has had recent discussions with the Scottish Government on supporting productive forestry planting in Scotland. Although 50% of last year's forestry planting was for productive purposes, should there now be a new UK-wide target aiming for 60% of new planting to support construction and manufacturing industries?
Context
There is a need to support productive forestry planting that benefits the construction and manufacturing industries.
Alister Jack
Forestry is a devolved policy, but we work with the devolved Administrations to deliver a step change in tree planting. My hon. Friend is a champion for this industry and it is the Government's ambition to increase planting across the United Kingdom.
Session: Productive Forestry
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Can my right hon. Friend confirm what measures are taken for sexual assault and rape victims in remote, rural or coastal communities, where trials may take place a long way from their home?
Context
The question highlights the challenges faced by victims of sexual assault and rape living in rural or coastal communities, where attending court proceedings may require significant travel.
Edward Argar
The Government take seriously the experience of victims across the country, no matter where they live. In addition to the measures I have just set out, the Crown Prosecution Service supports victims of crime from remote and rural areas, with victims being able to claim back travel expenses when they need to travel far to attend court. We recognise the challenges of rurality, which is why the MOJ's sexual violence service design and delivery team has regular engagement with the National Rural Crime Network and is a member of the NRCN's domestic violence working group.
Session: Court Process Sexual Assault and Rape Victims
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Floating Offshore Wind and Contracts for Difference
23 May 2024
Responding: Justin Tomlinson
Main Concerns
["Selaine Saxby is concerned about the low investor confidence following AR5's failure to secure any contracts. She highlights that the UK has a large pipeline of floating offshore wind projects, including Kincardine and Hywind in Scotland, which are set to contribute significantly to energy generation by 2030 and 2050. However, she notes that port investment from FLOWMIS is crucial for scaling up these projects, and the lack of funding for critical ports like Falmouth is a major concern. Additionally, there are environmental concerns with cable routes, as seen in North Devon's White Cross wind farm project."]
Specific Asks
['Saxby asks for an increased budget for AR6 to accommodate multiple viable projects that missed out on AR5 and ensure the development of stepping-stone projects. She also requests dedicated Celtic sea funding, an integrated port and infrastructure strategy, streamlined planning processes, and support for skills development in economically deprived areas.']
Coastal Tourism and Hospitality: Fiscal Support
22 February 2024
Responding: Nigel Huddleston
Main Concerns
['The hospitality sector in coastal areas like North Devon faces significant challenges, including high VAT thresholds leading to business closures, a £8 billion bank debt burden from the pandemic, and a 17% increase in staffing costs due to the national living wage hike. The sector employs over 8,000 people in North Devon alone and contributes more than £400 million annually to the local economy.']
Specific Asks
['The Minister is asked to consider reducing VAT for hospitality businesses to 12.5%, cut employer national insurance contributions to 10%, increase the VAT threshold to reduce closures, introduce a cap on business rates increases at 3% in line with inflation, and permanently freeze alcohol duty.']
Victims of Road Traffic Offences: Criminal Justice System
30 January 2024
Responding: Guy Opperman
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the lack of escalating penalties for repeat road traffic offences, where 47% of those convicted had at least one previous conviction. The current system does not allow for increasing penalties with subsequent offences. Additionally, there is a need for compulsory retesting of offenders and a stricter interpretation of 'exceptional hardship' to avoid misuse as a loophole. There are also issues with the delay in publishing road safety strategies and calls for evidence by the Department for Transport."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to introduce escalating penalties for repeat offences, implement compulsory retesting for offenders, revisit the concept of exceptional hardship, standardise investigation guidelines for serious collisions, establish a UK commissioner for road danger reduction, and provide an update on the timeline for publishing the road safety strategy.']
Hedgerows: Legal Protection
24 January 2024
Responding: Rebecca Pow
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the loss of legal protections for hedgerows following the end of cross-compliance rules under EU legislation. Since 1984, England has lost nearly 118,000 miles of hedgerows, a decline that continues despite Government targets to plant or restore 30,000 miles by 2037 and 45,000 by 2050. The MP highlights the importance of hedgerows for biodiversity, carbon capture, water management, and food security. Despite the Environment Act 2021's measures, there is a need to update regulations to prevent harmful management practices such as ploughing too close to hedges or cutting them at inappropriate times."]
Specific Asks
['The MP urges the Government to respond to the DEFRA consultation and clarify when they will publish their response. They also request that the Hedgerows Regulations be updated to include protections against harmful management practices, introduce a landscape criterion for local authorities to protect important hedgerows, consider a closed season for removing hedgerow notices over winter, and increase the budget of environmental land management schemes by at least £400 million.']
Floating Offshore Wind
16 November 2023
Responding: Andrew Bowie
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the delays and uncertainties in floating offshore wind (FLOW) development, particularly following the lack of bids in AR5. She mentions that missing out on a year of development has put at risk £20 billion of short-term investment into the UK and increased uncertainty in the market compared to the EU and US support for FLOW. The MP notes that 70 MW of the 200 MW of FLOW deployed worldwide is currently found in the UK, but there are concerns about maintaining this position due to potential competition from other nations.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Government to provide more certainty and support for developers, ensuring that AR6 budget allocation is sufficient to not be consumed by one project. She also requests bringing forward AR6 for FLOW technology to minimise delays caused by AR5 and maximise the opportunity of being a global leader in this field.']
Radiotherapy: Accessibility
18 July 2023
Responding: Will Quince
Main Concerns
["Selaine Saxby is concerned about the accessibility of radiotherapy for her constituents in North Devon, where only 4.7% live within the recommended 45-minute travel time for treatment. She mentioned that 3 million people have been waiting over 18 weeks for cancer treatments and only 61.7% receive their first treatment within two months, far below the operational standard of 85%. In North Devon, many patients choose not to undergo radiotherapy due to the long distances required for daily treatments, impacting both patients' health and volunteer drivers. The lack of specialist staff and funding is also highlighted as a significant issue."]
Specific Asks
['Selaine Saxby asks the Government to consider bringing radiotherapy services closer to remote areas like North Devon through satellite centres or community cancer treatment hubs. She recommends trialling a new radiotherapy machine in North Devon, potentially through partnership with local fundraising efforts and the Ministry of Health. Additionally, she requests investment in modernising and supporting radiotherapy treatments to ensure equitable access regardless of location.']
Plastic Pollution in the Ocean
18 May 2023
Responding: Rebecca Pow
Main Concerns
["The speaker is concerned about the global plastic pollution crisis, noting that nearly 460 megatonnes of plastic were produced in 2019, expected to reach 1,231 megatonnes by 2060. She highlights the impact on marine species and ecosystems, mentioning trillions of pieces of plastic floating in our oceans and forming large patches like the great Pacific garbage patch. The UK's overseas territories, such as Henderson island, are also affected despite being uninhabited."]
Specific Asks
['The speaker asks the Minister to set a target for the reuse of packaging alongside recycling efforts, aiming to incentivise businesses to invest in reuse schemes that could reduce plastic pollution by 30% by 2040. She calls on the Government to provide long-term funding and support to innovative projects like the Ocean Cleanup.']
Decarbonising Rural Transport
07 March 2023
Responding: Jesse Norman
Main Concerns
["Transport is the United Kingdom's highest-emitting sector and responsible for a quarter of emissions. Public transport in rural Britain is limited due to sparsity, making it financially non-viable and impractical for expansion along urban lines. Only 1.5% of North Devon residents have fully adopted electric vehicles compared with 2.1% nationally, and the roll-out of charging points lags behind that in towns. The roads are deteriorating, especially due to the weather, enormous farm vehicles on tiny lanes, and inadequate funding for repair work. Bus patronage has recovered to about 80-90% of pre-pandemic levels but concessionary journeys have only reached around 70%. Decarbonising public transport is challenging due to longer rural routes compared with urban ones."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should find ways to extend bus routes, provide smaller vehicles or car shares, reintroduce train lines where there has been large growth in housing, and ensure that rurality is a factor in funding decisions for public transport. Additionally, the Minister needs to address the unacceptable state of roads and consider long-term funding solutions.']
Sustainable Energy Generation: Burning Trees
06 December 2022
Responding: Graham Stuart
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the sustainability of burning wood for energy, citing that it is not carbon neutral as previously thought. She mentions that Drax's biomass power station emits more CO2 than coal-fired stations per kWh. The lifecycle emissions of forest biomass are significantly higher at 1,079 grams per kWh compared to solar and wind. Additionally, the process involves exporting carbon emissions overseas through imported wood pellets, disrupting supply chains, and threatening biodiversity in logging areas. She also notes that BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage) is expensive, land-intensive, and may not be a sustainable solution."]
Specific Asks
['The MP asks for clarification on whether biomass will be eligible for future rounds of contract for difference subsidies starting from AR5 in March 2023. She also requests that the new biomass strategy avoids reintroducing tariff-based incentivisation schemes similar to the renewable heat incentive.']
Bereavement Charities
05 July 2022
Responding: Gillian Keegan
Main Concerns
['Selaine Saxby is concerned about the increasing demand on bereavement support services due to the pandemic. She highlights that around 30% of closely bereaved people need organised opportunities for grief reflection, with a further 10% requiring specialist interventions. The National Bereavement Partnership has received over 30,000 calls and provided more than 80,000 hours of helpline services, yet demand continues to outstrip supply, leading to difficulties in accessing support. She also mentions that the charity is facing funding challenges due to competition with other causes for donations and a reduction in governmental support.']
Specific Asks
['Selaine Saxby asks for government support to ensure bereavement charities can continue their work effectively without overburdening the NHS. Specifically, she requests financial assistance of £20,000 per month to meet the demand of services offered by the National Bereavement Partnership.']
Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
21 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
South West Water: Brixham Contamination
20 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Bathing Waters (Monitoring and Reporting)
14 May 2024
General Debate
Led by this MP
Proposes a Bill to make provision about monitoring and reporting of water quality in bathing water sites in coastal areas, citing the current issues with storm overflows and lack of accurate data. The...
Hospice Funding
22 April 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls on integrated care boards to urgently address the funding for hospice-provided palliative care. Emphasises the importance of end-of-life care as a legal right, highlights financial pressures fac...
Pet Animals (Protection and Welfare) Bill - Second Reading of the entire Bill
15 March 2024
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
This Bill aims to ban the import of puppies and kittens under six months, prohibit heavily pregnant animals from being imported, prevent mutilated dogs and cats from entering the country, and address ...
Petroleum Act 1998 (Amendment) Bill - Clause 1 - Duty to invite applications for offshore licences
20 February 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment proposed by Alok Sharma seeks to prevent the OGA from inviting new seaward area production application licences until a ban on flaring and venting is in place. It requires regulations to...
NHS Dentistry: Recovery and Reform
07 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
11 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
NHS Dentistry
09 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The NHS dentistry in England is at its most perilous point, with eight in 10 dentists no longer taking on new patients. Five million patients failed to get an appointment in the past two years. Tooth ...
Long-term Plan for Housing
19 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
8
PMQs Asked
152
Ministerial Questions Asked
152
House of Commons Debates Involved
14
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
+119% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+1034% above average
This MP:
152
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+457% above average
This MP:
14
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3028% above average
This MP:
152
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 Selaine Saxby's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.