Shailesh Vara
MP for North West Cambridgeshire
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I, too, welcome back my hon. Friend the Member for South Thanet (Craig Mackinlay). The £8 billion made available by the Government for the repair of roads and potholes is very welcome; however, some local authorities, such as Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, which serve my constituency, sometimes use inferior material, so the works need to be done again in a few months' time. That is an issue that applies to many constituencies across the country.
Context
The question was prompted by concerns that local authorities are sometimes using inferior materials, leading to the need for repeated road repairs.
Rishi Sunak
I am proud that we have announced an additional £8 billion for roads resurfacing over the next decade—money made available through the reallocation of HS2 funding. That will mean fewer potholes and smoother, safer roads across our country.
Assessment
Tough quality specifications were not explicitly mentioned.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister meet me and Benedict's parents to discuss ways forward to ensure safer conditions for allergic children in schools, including allergy policies and adrenalin pens?
Context
Five-year-old Benedict Blythe died from anaphylaxis at a primary school. On average, two children in every class have food allergies.
Rishi Sunak
Sympathy is extended to Benedict's family. The seriousness of severe allergies is understood, and legal duty on governing bodies exists for supporting pupils with medical conditions. A meeting will be arranged between Shailesh Vara and the Health Secretary.
Assessment
null
Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister agree that it is very important that the voice of the local community is heard and that it is unacceptable that developments can take place in this circuitous way, especially when other, more suitable land is available in and around the city of Peterborough?
Context
There are efforts to include land in a revised Peterborough local plan despite previous successful community opposition.
Rishi Sunak
My right hon. Friend raises an important issue, and he is right to say that the local community should always have their voice heard. It is important that councils bring forward local plans, but this must be done in close consultation with local communities.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not provide specifics on whether they will support or oppose the revised plan.
Local Community'S Voice Heard
Session: PMQs
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If Opposition Members support illegal economic migration, they should say so. They claim young men in their 20s and 30s coming from safe countries are asylum seekers.
Context
Opposition Members claim young men from safe countries are asylum seekers despite lack of evidence.
Rishi Sunak
The Opposition lacks a plan to tackle illegal migration, voting against our stop the boats Bill over 70 times. Our bill will detain and remove those coming illegally.
Session: PMQs
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that those who seek to criticise the Conservative record on law and order should look in the mirror and ask, “Who was Director of Public Prosecutions for some of those years?”
Context
The questioner challenges the opposition to look at their own record when criticizing the Conservative Government's record on law and order.
Rishi Sunak
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. Our record is clear. We have halved crime since 2010; neighbourhood crime has fallen by 25% just in the last few years; criminals are spending longer in prison; and, crucially, we, unlike the Labour party, are giving the police the powers they need to tackle violent protests.
Assessment
null
Session: PMQs
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Burghley House in my constituency is bidding to host world eventing championships in 2026. This will provide a massive boost to local economy and coverage on global scene. Burghley has hosted two world championships and six European championships before. Does my right hon. Friend agree that Burghley would make a fantastic venue, and will he lend us his support so that we can be successful with our bid?
Context
The question is prompted by Burghley House's bid to host the world eventing championships in 2026, aiming for economic and global impact.
Rishi Sunak
We are committed to building on our track record of hosting events such as Commonwealth games, women's Euros and rugby league World Cup. Relevant UK sporting authorities are looking at location, and I am sure they will consider Burghley in my right hon. Friend's constituency.
Assessment
Specific support for the bid
Relevant Authorities Considering
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister confirm that the UK's sovereignty and its four nations will not be compromised during these negotiations?
Context
The UK Government is negotiating with the EU regarding the Northern Ireland protocol.
Rishi Sunak
I can give my right hon. Friend that assurance. The protocol is impacting communities in Northern Ireland, and we are addressing it through constructive dialogue to ensure Northern Ireland's place in our Union.
Session: PMQs
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It is standard EU practice to play for time when it cannot get its way in UK negotiations. Will the PM confirm that her preferred option is a negotiated settlement, but if this fails, we will proceed with the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill?
Context
EU tends to delay negotiations when a new UK leader takes office. The Northern Ireland protocol needs resolution.
Elizabeth Truss
I thank my right hon. Friend for his service. We need to resolve the Northern Ireland protocol issue, preferring a negotiated settlement but ensuring we have legal protections.
Assessment
Did not confirm proceeding with Bill if negotiations fail
Referred To Resolving The Issue
Session: PMQs
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This year marks the 50th anniversary of the expulsion of Asians from Uganda. Under Ted Heath's Government, people across the country opened up their homes for many of those Asians who then settled and became part of the fabric of our great nation. That British generosity is again being seen as people open up their homes for those fleeing Ukraine and coming to our country. May I urge the Prime Minister to pick up those files from 50 years ago, wipe off the dust and take on board those positive lessons so that we can ensure that the Homes for Ukraine scheme has maximum success?
Context
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the expulsion of Asians from Uganda, an event where British people opened their homes for them. This generosity is being shown again with those fleeing Ukraine.
Boris Johnson
Yes, I think the whole country can be proud of the way the UK welcomed people fleeing Idi Amin's Uganda. Several Members of the House, including the Home Secretary herself and her family, were beneficiaries of that scheme and that moment. This country is overwhelmingly generous to people fleeing in fear of their lives and will continue to be so.
Assessment
The PM did not directly address how historical lessons can improve current refugee policies for Ukraine.
Session: PMQs
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During this pandemic, I have seen a number of instances of ordinary citizens doing extraordinary work helping the elderly and vulnerable. Would my right hon. Friend take this opportunity not only to acknowledge the fantastic work that has been done by so many people, but to give a huge thank you to each and every one of these unsung heroes of our country?
Context
The MP noted instances of citizens doing extraordinary work to help the elderly and vulnerable in his constituency during the pandemic.
Boris Johnson
I thoroughly concur with my hon. Friend, and I congratulate all the volunteers for their spirit and the achievements they have delivered for the people of this country. I was delighted that we had a first chance to honour them in the birthday honours list at the weekend.
Session: PMQs
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Vara congratulated the PM and Carrie Symonds on their baby's birth. He then praised NHS staff for providing emotional support along with medical care to patients' families, asking Raab to join him in congratulating them.
Context
An NHS worker provided emotional support to a widow who lost her husband due to COVID-19.
Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State)
Raab passed on condolences, acknowledged the grim task of reading out total death tolls, thanked NHS staff for their amazing job in providing physical and emotional care. He noted that all MPs paid tribute to them during a minute's silence.
Assessment
None
Session: PMQs
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An inquiry is being conducted for the Horizon scandal. What will the Department do to hold accountable those lawyers who prosecuted sub-postmasters with contrary evidence?
Context
An inquiry is underway regarding the Horizon scandal, involving sub-postmasters prosecuted despite contradictory evidence.
Alex Chalk
Prosecutors must disclose material capable of undermining the case for prosecution. If they failed, appropriate authorities should take robust and prompt action.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Lord Chancellor update the House on the progress of virtual hearings for cases?
Context
Vara asked about the progress of virtual court hearings introduced during his tenure.
Alex Chalk
Virtual hearings were introduced effectively. Remote hearings are now default for bail applications, and a Bill will amend legislation to allow remote hearing in appropriate cases.
Session: Court Case Backlogs
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is regrettable for the Taoiseach to pander to his domestic audience rather than focus on Northern Ireland's greater good?
Context
The Republic of Ireland has taken an interstate case against the UK Government regarding the Legacy and Reconciliation Act.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The decision by the Republic of Ireland to pursue an inter-state case is unhelpful and unfortunate, affecting efforts to bring justice to victims of troubles through the Legacy Act.
Session: Restoration of Power Sharing
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Coronavirus knows no boundaries, and it is absolutely vital that the UK Government, the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Assembly work together to deal with it. Does my hon. Friend agree that it is absolutely crucial that we have effective co-operation—north-south and east-west—and a co-ordinated approach to dealing with this pandemic?
Context
A request to collaborate effectively with both Irish Government and Northern Ireland Executive on managing the health crisis.
Robin Walker
I strongly endorse the words of my hon. Friend. This Government are determined to work together with the Northern Irish Executive and the Irish Government to ensure that measures safeguard the health and wellbeing of UK and Irish citizens. There is an existing memorandum of understanding between the chief medical officers for Northern Ireland and for Ireland, which formalises co-ordination and co-operation between the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to covid-19.
Session: Covid-19 UK-wide Response
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What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on co-ordinating a UK-wide response to the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
Discussions on co-ordinating a UK-wide approach to managing the pandemic.
Robin Walker
The Government and the devolved Administrations continue to work closely together to ensure a co-ordinated approach across the United Kingdom. As set out in our joint statement of 25 September, the UK Government and the devolved Administrations hold a shared commitment to suppressing the virus to the lowest possible level and keeping it there.
Session: Covid-19 UK-wide Response
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What progress has been made on determining a new location for the Red Arrows? I am most grateful to the Minister for his comments. We in North West Cambridgeshire believe that RAF Wittering would be an ideal new home for the Red Arrows. Will he kindly agree to stay in close contact with me throughout this process and meet with me if it helps press our case further?
Context
The Red Arrows, a renowned aerobatic display team, are seeking a new home.
James Heappey (Minister of State for Defence)
Work on previously announced potential basing options is ongoing. All three potential basing options are still being considered. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with Shailesh Vara and other interested colleagues in the very near future.
Session: Red Arrows
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Sub-postmasters Miscarriages of Justice Act (England and Wales) - Clause 1
20 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill will quash convictions for those affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal in England and Wales, aiming to right past wrongs by restoring good names automatically upon Royal Assent. It incl...
Post Office Legislation
13 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK-Rwanda Partnership
06 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
G20 Summit
11 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Countess of Chester Hospital Inquiry
04 September 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Immigration and Border Security Bill - Clause 1
13 March 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for the Home Department proposes to amend the Human Rights Act by introducing the Immigration and Border Security Bill. The aim is to address illegal migration via small boats a...
Northern Ireland Protocol
27 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
The Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Bill - Various clauses and amendments to extend the Executive formation period and facilitate organ donation changes
22 February 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Chris Heaton-Harris moved that the Bill be read a Second time. The Bill aims to provide for an additional year of flexibility in the Executive formation period and facilitate organ donation changes, a...
G20
17 November 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Tributes to Her Late Majesty The Queen
09 September 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
In the hours since last night’s shocking news, we have witnessed the most heartfelt outpouring of grief at the loss of Her late Majesty the Queen. Crowds have gathered. Flags have been lowered to half...
11
PMQs Asked
6
Ministerial Questions Asked
25
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+200% above average
This MP:
11
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-55% below average
This MP:
6
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+413% above average
This MP:
25
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 Shailesh Vara's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.