Shaun Bailey
MP for West Bromwich West
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
We have had flying pickets, reports of the GMB blocking ambulance workers from getting out of their depot as a result of its picket lines. I ask my right hon. Friend to convene a meeting urgently so that we can resolve this, and perhaps he will join me in telling Labour politicians—one in particular—to grow a spine and put people before their paymasters.
Context
The Sandwell Labour council's refusal workers are on strike, affecting services and causing conflicts between unions and the police.
Rishi Sunak (Prime Minister)
The Labour party is unable to stand up to its union paymasters and back our plans to introduce minimum service and safety levels in critical industries. That is the type of practical action that supports working families, and it is action that the Labour party is not strong enough to support.
Assessment
Shaun Bailey's request for an urgent meeting was not addressed
Talking About Labour'S Inability To Act
Session: PMQs
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With £60 million for better transport links from Wednesbury to the Black Country, £4 million for the high street, and £22.5 million for Tipton's town centre, my communities are receiving investment after 50 years of neglect. Will my right hon. Friend ensure timely delivery using his good offices?
Context
Investment in transport links, high street regeneration, and town centre upgrades have been announced.
Rishi Sunak
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend's campaigning and am delighted about investments in places like Wednesbury and Tipton, working with local councils, Transport for West Midlands and the Combined Authority to deliver these projects.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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My community in Tipton came together on Sunday to commemorate the 100 years since the devastating explosion at the Dudley Port munitions factory and the 19 girls who were recklessly murdered by the owner of that factory. In the Black Country, it is vital that we acknowledge both the pride and the pain of our industrial heritage. May I ask my right hon. Friend, therefore, to reaffirm his commitment today to the Black Country to ensure that we honour the legacy of those girls from that factory in Dudley Port 100 years ago? The one way that he can do that for my community in Tipton is to come to Tipton to see that beating heart of the Black Country, and we will welcome him with open arms.
Context
The MP seeks reaffirmation on the government's commitment to honouring a tragic industrial accident from Dudley Port in Tipton.
Boris Johnson
Long ago, when I was a reporter, Tipton was on my beat—many years ago—and wild horses could not keep me away from Tipton. I'll be back.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not reaffirm his commitment to honouring the industrial heritage tragedy but instead made a vague statement about returning.
Session: PMQs
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It was great to have my right hon. Friend in the Black Country announcing his new vision yesterday. I was recently contacted by two students from Sandwell Academy and Q3 Academy Tipton who want reassurance that his announcement means that our communities will finally get the recognition they deserve.
Context
The Prime Minister visited the Black Country and announced a new vision for the area.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
I am trying to stick off the pies at the moment, but my hon. Friend can tell his communities in Tipton that we are investing massively not just in education, with £14 billion more into our schools, but in infrastructure that will reach every corner of the country, particularly the west midlands.
Session: PMQs
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Will the PM reaffirm his government's commitment to invest in the police and impose harsher penalties on offenders, unlike a Labour PCC who is closing down a local police station?
Context
The Government committed to recruit more police officers and enforce stricter sentences.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
My Home Secretary aims to recruit 20,000 more officers and enhance stop-and-search powers. We also plan to build new prisons and keep violent offenders incarcerated longer.
Session: PMQs
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Families across Tipton and Wednesbury are still struggling to get an initial assessment for children with SEND. What work is my right hon. Friend doing to hold organisations such as child and adolescent mental health services to account, so that we ensure that these assessments are done quickly?
Context
Families across Tipton and Wednesbury are still struggling to get an initial assessment for children with SEND.
David Johnston
My hon. Friend is right to raise this issue. We are working with all local authorities, through our SEND and alternative provision improvement plan, to make sure that assessments happen a lot quicker, and that children get the support they need.
Session: Topical Questions
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My life peaked last month when I finally got to cut the ribbon on the Poundland in Owen Street, Tipton, which was opening after years of negotiation. A high streets strategy will be an important part of our levelling-up agenda. Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss how we can make the most of the true beating heart of the Black Country, including the high streets in Tipton and Wednesbury?
Context
The MP has recently cut the ribbon on a new Poundland store in Tipton, and is seeking to make the most of local high streets through a high streets strategy.
Dehenna Davison
My hon. Friend has been a fantastic champion for his constituency. I congratulate him on his ribbon cutting, which I am sure was a moment of real joy. I should be delighted to meet him to discuss how best we can move forward with our high streets strategy.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her response. Unfortunately, antisocial behaviour continues to blight my residents in Wednesbury, Oldbury and Tipton, nowhere more so than in the Laburnum Road area of Tipton which has seen a spike in reports. Will my hon. Friend touch a little more on the cross-working that she is doing, particularly with stakeholders in the Black Country, such as West Midlands police and Sandwell Council, to ensure we really do have a community-led approach to tackling antisocial behaviour?
Context
Antisocial behaviour in the Laburnum Road area of Tipton has spiked. The question addresses how cross-agency work is being done to tackle this issue.
Rachel Maclean
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that this is a multi-agency and community approach. Yes, of course, the police are responsible for tackling and dealing with antisocial behaviour, which is why we are providing £695 million funding to West Midlands police, an increase of £40 million. The force has also been able to recruit over 1,000 additional officers.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
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Will the Minister meet to discuss clear guidance on applying and perhaps visit the school?
Context
St. Paul's C of E Academy in Tipton applied unsuccessfully for condition improvement funding.
Robin Walker
I am always happy to meet my hon. Friend.
Session: Topical Questions
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Local government procurement is an important part of ensuring that we get vital services to the most vulnerable in our communities. My right hon. Friend will be aware of the disgraceful procurement practices at Labour-led Sandwell Council, which has seen contracts handed to mates, dodgy land deals, and finally commissioners bashing down the doors to deal with these problems. Can he assure the House that as part of his reforms to local government procurement, he will prioritise value for money, and, more importantly for my constituents in Wednesbury, Oldbury and Tipton, prove to them that the actions of Sandwell Council are not the norm?
Context
The question is prompted by issues of procurement malpractice at the Labour-led Sandwell Council, raising concerns about value for money in local services.
Steve Barclay
My hon. Friend raises an extremely important point. It would be great to hear voices from the Labour Benches showing their commitment to tackling these issues. I can reassure him as to the Government's support on the issue that he raises, and he is right to bring it to the attention of the House.
Session: Topical Questions
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How many cases have been delayed in total over the past five years due to crumbling courts that the Government failed to fix?
Context
Sheffield magistrates court roof collapsed, delaying cases. Toilet water leaked into a courtroom at Maidstone Crown court.
James Cartlidge
The Minister will write with details and highlights measures such as legislation to increase magistrates' sentencing powers, £477 million funding, increased judicial capacity, recruitment campaigns, and volunteer judiciary expressions of interest over 20,000.
Session: Court Cases Backlog
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Given President Xi's reaffirmation of China's desire to join the CPTPP, can the Minister clarify whether Britain would have the right to veto China's accession?
Context
The Government has not shown significant progress in trade performance to date, including joining the CPTPP. China's interest in joining could pose a challenge.
Mike Freer
Issues are very complex; first in queue for joining CPTPP, after which all things will be up for review.
Session: Topical Questions
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Businesses in Wednesbury, Oldbury and Tipton are excited about the prospect of a trade deal with India. Can I ask my right hon. Friend what work she is doing with businesses with existing links to India to ensure that we can really leverage those connections and make sure that areas such as the Black Country—which I know my right hon. Friend is going to visit very soon to see some of those businesses—make the most out of a trade deal with India?
Context
The question relates to leveraging the connections of UK businesses that already have ties to India to maximise potential economic gains from a proposed free trade agreement.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
I thank my hon. Friend, and I am always happy to stop in and meet some of the amazing businesses in his constituency, for which he is such a great champion. All UK sectors and regions stand to benefit from a trade deal with India, improving access to one of the fastest growing and most dynamic markets in the world. Its GDP is predicted to grow by 8.5% next year and imports into the UK by 8.2%. I want to make sure that, as the trade deal comes together, we are providing both the tools and the liberalising opportunities for all our great businesses.
Session: Free Trade Agreement India
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What recent progress her Department has made on securing a free trade agreement with India?
Context
The question arises from the Department's efforts towards securing a free trade agreement with India.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
I met my Indian counterpart, Minister Goyal, at the G20 in Italy last week to discuss final preparations for the launch of negotiations before the end of this year. My officials have concluded a series of bilateral working groups with Indian colleagues, and we will publish our negotiating aims, the response to the public consultation and an economic assessment of the FTA in the coming weeks.
Session: Free Trade Agreement India
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Of course, this is not just about the national league. I am proud to represent two fantastic football clubs, Tipton Town and Tividale, which are at real risk of closure as a result of covid-19. Can my right hon. Friend reassure my clubs that the Government will do whatever they can to support them?
Context
The MP is concerned about the closure risks faced by smaller football clubs due to financial challenges caused by the pandemic, focusing on specific clubs like Tipton Town and Tividale.
Oliver Dowden
I would be delighted to visit my hon. Friend's constituency when that is permitted. Of course, I am immensely disappointed by the current situation and the position that we are in, but I know that football clubs large and small make a huge contribution to their community on and off the pitch, and I can assure my hon. Friend that they will not be forgotten.
Session: National League Football Covid-19 Support
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What steps his Department is taking to support National League football. Our football clubs are the bedrock of their local communities, and it is vital that they are protected from covid-19.
Context
The MP is concerned about the financial challenges faced by local football clubs due to the impact of COVID-19, particularly focusing on National League teams.
Oliver Dowden
Our football clubs are the bedrock of their local communities, and it is vital that they are protected from covid-19. Many have benefited from the unprecedented multibillion-pound package of support that we have provided to all businesses across the United Kingdom. In addition, we have brokered a unique £10-million deal with the national lottery so that 66 clubs in the top two levels of the national league can continue to play behind closed doors.
Session: National League Football Covid-19 Support
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What work is being done with local stakeholders in the Black Country to reduce reoffending, and will there be a meeting to discuss long-term strategies?
Context
The MP highlights the high reoffending rates in the Black Country and suggests a local stakeholder approach.
Robert Buckland
The community sentence treatment requirement programme aims to improve access to appropriate mental health and substance misuse services as part of community sentences. Willing to meet the MP to discuss relevant issues in West Bromwich.
Session: Reducing Reoffending
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One unfortunate impact of COVID-19 has been its effect on educational attainment. Will my hon. Friend ensure that efforts are made to prevent widening opportunity gaps in communities such as Princes End?
Context
The question focuses on the detrimental effects of the pandemic on school attendance and educational outcomes, particularly affecting white working class children.
Kemi Badenoch
My hon. Friend is right to raise the importance of children of all backgrounds being in school and their educational attainment and wellbeing more broadly. The Government have been clear that limiting attendance at schools should be a last resort. We are providing laptops for disadvantaged pupils and 4G routers for families without mobile or broadband, among other measures. On disparities in attainment, the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities is examining outcomes for all ethnic groups.
Session: Covid-19 Risk and Outcome Disparities
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What recent discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues and stakeholders regarding the disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19?
Context
The question arises from ongoing discussions about the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on certain demographics, specifically related to ethnicity.
Kemi Badenoch
In June, the Prime Minister asked me to lead cross-Government work on this issue, with a particular focus on ethnicity. I will update the House on the findings of my work in full tomorrow. The work involved extensive engagement by the Race Disparity Unit and me, with colleagues and external stakeholders, including academics and experts from University College London, the London School of Economics, Oxford University, medical experts from the British Medical Association and many ministerial colleagues.
Session: Covid-19 Risk and Outcome Disparities
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For students in the Black Country, T-levels and technical education will be a vital part of our story when coming out of this crisis. My further education providers are committed to ensuring that we get this right, but there is some concern about the work experience time allocation element. Will my hon. Friend meet me and representatives from my fantastic FE college, Sandwell College, to discuss how we can ensure that this system works for students in the Black Country?
Context
Concern about the work experience time allocation element in T-level programmes affecting students.
Michelle Donelan
T-levels are a fantastic initiative that the Government have rolled out, and I will certainly speak to the Skills Minister and meet my hon. Friend to discuss how this issue can be sorted.
Session: Topical Questions
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What representations is my hon. Friend making to our European partners regarding the return of illegal migrants and following through with obligations? My constituents are angry about images of people arriving illegally, often due to lack of compliance by European partners who have obligations under Dublin regulations.
Context
Representations to European partners for cooperation in enforcing obligations and returning illegal migrants.
Chris Philp
We are working with other European countries for returns and tabled a draft readmissions agreement. Once the transition period ends, efforts to return illegal migrants will be intensified.
Session: Cross-Channel Illegal Migration
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Can you put yourself in the shoes of low-paid workers advised to self-isolate on £95.85 per week, which is not enough to live on? If statutory sick pay is insufficient, will you agree with the Secretary of State for Health that it needs improvement?
Context
Concerns exist that the UK risks a slower recovery due to self-inflicted issues, including inadequate support for those who have to isolate.
Rishi Sunak
Since the pandemic's start, changes have been made to ensure those isolating receive support from day one. Statutory sick pay flexibility has improved for self-employed individuals, and incentive payments are being trialled in local lockdown areas.
Session: Topical Questions
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What work is my hon. Friend doing with local stakeholders, including our west midlands Mayor, Andy Street, to ensure that around the world people will once again see the words “Made in the Black Country”?
Context
The Member of Parliament for West Bromwich West asks about steps taken by the Department of International Trade to help businesses increase exports to non-EU countries.
Graham Stuart (Member of Parliament)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Working with partners in an increasingly devolved United Kingdom is so important to delivering the export success that all of us, at least on Government side of the House, crave. I am pleased to say that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met Andy Street extremely recently to discuss our programme of FTAs and the benefits they can bring to the region, and we will continue to support businesses across the midlands—not least Westfield Sports Cars in Kingswinford, near my hon. Friend's constituency, which is exploring new opportunities in places like the US, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Session: Exports to Non-EU Countries
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What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that manufacturers in Wednesbury, Oldbury and Tipton can increase their exports?
Context
The Black Country is showcasing resilience and ingenuity in manufacturing.
Greg Hands (Minister of State for Asia Pacific, Trade Policy and Exports)
Last week, I was at the Black Country chamber of commerce where they were enthusiastic about the Government's free trade agenda. A firm named Thomas Dudley expressed concern over Labour's opposition to the Trade Bill which would roll-over EU agreements.
Session: Topical Questions
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In addition now to being the largest funder of Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, what work is the UK doing and what message does she have for Queenie to ensure that she can carry on in her fight to make sure that everyone can access vaccines globally?
Context
The UK is a major funder of Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Secretary of State for International Development)
Queenie is clearly a wise young person, and it is a really important question. The UK is at the forefront of efforts to drive global collaboration and resourcing, including through our engagement through the access to covid tools accelerator and through industry for the development of new vaccines at the speed and scale required to ensure access for all those who will need them.
Session: Topical Questions
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Our pubs are at the heart of our communities but have struggled due to forced closures. What work will he undertake with colleagues and the West Midlands Mayor to ensure they can survive post-crisis?
Context
Pubs are vital to communities in Wednesbury, Oldbury and Tipton. They have faced difficulties due to closures.
George Eustice
Pubs are at heart of community, forced closures have caused difficulty. Prime Minister intends hospitality sector including pubs to tentatively start reopening in July, subject to epidemiology supporting this move.
Session: Pubs as Takeaway Restaurants
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Whether he plans to promote pubs as takeaway restaurants during the covid-19 outbreak. The Government has relaxed planning rules so that pubs and restaurants can operate as hot food takeaways but what specific measures will be taken to support this?
Context
During the covid-19 outbreak, pubs have faced significant challenges due to restrictions on their operations.
George Eustice
The Government has relaxed planning rules so that pubs and restaurants can operate as hot food takeaways. We published guidance for takeaway services, welcomed by the sector. The UK government and devolved Administrations are working closely with sectors to support reopening.
Session: Pubs as Takeaway Restaurants
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As skilled workers may need redeployment or retraining due to this crisis, what work will my Department undertake alongside the west midlands Mayor Andy Street to ensure these communities are not left behind?
Context
Refers to the economic challenges faced by communities in Wednesbury, Oldbury and Tipton following the covid-19 outbreak.
Mims Davies
My Department works closely with Mayors such as Andy Street on the devolution in skills deals. In the west midlands, we are also working with the combined authority on its local industrial strategy, skills advisory panel and innovation pilots. We engage with regional labour market issues to ensure all regions and communities benefit from recovery.
Session: Economic Recovery
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Levelling Up Fund: Tipton and Wednesbury
15 March 2023
Responding: Felicity Buchan
Main Concerns
["Shaun Bailey is concerned about the persistent economic challenges in Tipton and Wednesbury, including high unemployment rates, lower wages compared to national averages, and educational underperformance. He points out that Sandwell's labour market profile shows higher levels of economic inactivity, while median gross weekly wages are significantly lower than the UK average. The area is also ranked as one of the most deprived upper-tier local authority areas nationally."]
Specific Asks
['Shaun Bailey urges the government to ensure that communities like Tipton and Wednesbury do not miss out on levelling-up funding due to bureaucratic failures or political apathy. He requests that applications for funds take into account previous successful bids, such as those from the towns fund, without diminishing the overall impact of the levelling-up bid.']
Football (Amendment) Bill - Clause 1
23 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Transport Bill [Lords] - Clause 11 (Short title)
26 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Christopher Chope proposes an amendment that requires Transport for London to consider guidance issued by the Secretary of State when making or exercising functions under pedicab regulations. The a...
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
18 January 2024
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The debate focused on the governance failures and lack of accountability within Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, despite significant financial support from the Government. Shaun Bailey highlight...
Illegal Migration
24 October 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill - Clause 87 (National development policies: meaning)
24 October 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to disagree with Lords amendment 22B and insists on disagreement to Lords amendment 45, proposing Government amendment in lieu. Emphasises the importance of maintaining local discretion while ad...
Safety of School Buildings
06 September 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Phillipson moved for the release of documents related to spending reviews in 2020-21 concerning school buildings safety. She emphasised the issue was about responsibility, accusing the Prime Minister ...
Safety of School Buildings
23 May 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion seeks to compel the Government to publish detailed information about the condition of school buildings from the latest Condition of School Buildings Survey. The current state of many school...
Midlands Metro Extension
26 January 2023
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The MP for Tipton and Wednesbury highlighted the importance of the metro extension between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill. The project, according to a 2017 review, offers a return on investment ranging ...
Crustacean Mortality in North-east England: Independent Expert Assessment
26 January 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NHS Winter Pressures
09 January 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
5
PMQs Asked
23
Ministerial Questions Asked
65
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
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
+72% above average
This MP:
23
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1237% above average
This MP:
65
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 Shaun Bailey's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.