Simon Baynes
MP for Clwyd South
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
On the Welsh borders, we are incredibly proud of the Veterans' Orthopaedic Centre at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in north Shropshire, which treats veterans not only locally, including from my constituency of Clwyd South, but from across Britain. Will the Prime Minister help resolve the centre's current funding crisis, caused by changes in the NHS funding formula last year?
Context
The question was prompted by funding changes affecting the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in north Shropshire, which treats veterans from across Britain.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important issue. We are committed to making the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran and to ensuring that they have access to the appropriate physical and mental health support that they deserve.
Assessment
The specific measures or funding commitment was not provided, only general commitment.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister join me in highlighting my right hon. Friend's work with the Famers Union of Wales?
Context
The MP requested the Prime Minister's support in highlighting local projects such as the Llanymynech-Pant bypass.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is an excellent campaigner for his constituents and we are delivering important projects such as the Llanymynech-Pant bypass. Today is officially Montgomeryshire Day.
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister has been a great champion of transport projects on the Welsh borders, including the electrification of the main line in north Wales, the reopening of Corwen station and the Gobowen to Oswestry line, and also substantial levelling-up fund investment in the Llangollen and Montgomery canals. Will the Prime Minister now deliver on the long-awaited Pant-Llanymynech bypass and prioritise the dualling of the A5/A483 in Clwyd South and North Shropshire?
Context
The Prime Minister has championed transport projects on the Welsh borders, including electrification of north Wales main line and reopening of Corwen station.
Rishi Sunak
We are making significant improvements to our cross-border rail services across the Union. Thanks to our decision on HS2, we can now provide an unprecedented £1 billion of investment to fund the electrification of the north Wales main line, which will ensure reliable, punctual journeys between north Wales and multiple cities across the north-west of England. We are also continuing to develop the Pant-Llanymynech bypass scheme in our next round of the road investment plans, and a section of the A5 in England will be considered by National Highways as part of the midlands and Gloucestershire to Wales route strategy.
Assessment
The specific ask about prioritising dualling was not directly addressed with commitment or timeline.
Session: PMQs
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Would the Deputy Prime Minister join me in congratulating Johns' Boys Male Chorus, and other community choirs across the UK for bringing such joy to their communities?
Context
Johns' Boys Male Chorus from Rhos in Clwyd South performed well on “Britain's Got Talent”, moving judges to tears.
Oliver Dowden
I would argue that choral music is one of our greatest contributions globally. I join my hon. Friend in congratulating Johns' Boys Male Chorus on reaching the semi-final and wish them continued success.
Assessment
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Session: PMQs
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On 2 June, Corwen station on the Llangollen steam railway will be officially reopened, having been closed 60 years ago under the Beeching axe. Will the Prime Minister join me in congratulating the volunteers, the local community and the funders who have made that possible, and take his own share of the credit for granting the levelling-up fund to Clwyd South when he was Chancellor, which has paid for the magnificent new roof on Corwen station?
Context
Corwen station on the Llangollen steam railway will be officially reopened on June 2, 60 years after it was closed under the Beeching axe. The levelling-up fund granted to Clwyd South has paid for a new roof at Corwen station.
Rishi Sunak
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for all his campaigning on this. I am delighted that the levelling-up fund has delivered for Corwen station. It is a huge boost to local ambitions to see trains returning there.
Session: PMQs
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I am delighted that farmers can once again export Welsh lamb to the United States. Could you comment on the potential size and prospects of this market for our high-quality Welsh lamb?
Context
Farmers in the constituency are pleased with recent developments allowing Welsh lamb to be sold in the US market after a long period without access.
Rishi Sunak
I congratulate my hon. Friend on that achievement. The US market could be worth nearly £40 million over the first few years, a significant boost to UK farming.
Session: PMQs
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Will the next phase of the levelling-up fund bring hope and prosperity to communities right across the United Kingdom?
Context
The Welsh Government has been slow on repairs, but the Prime Minister delivered record levelling-up fund investment along the Dee Valley.
Boris Johnson
Delighted that Conservative Government is investing massively in Clwyd South and Wales, delivering record levelling-up fund investment along the Dee Valley.
Assessment
Specific ask about other communities was not directly addressed
Focusing On Specific Example
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister join me in celebrating the 50th anniversary this year of the formation of the 177-mile path for walkers along Offa's Dyke, which runs through Clwyd South, and give his support to the recently launched Offa's Dyke rescue fund to repair and preserve this monument and nature reserve for future generations?
Context
Simon Baynes asked for support in preserving Offa's Dyke.
Boris Johnson
I had the good fortune to walk Offa's Dyke very recently. I am delighted that English and Welsh organisations are working together to protect that fantastic national monument, and Historic England has committed to give almost £300,000 more to that great cause.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister join me in praising Wrexham and Denbighshire councils for their dynamic proposals to regenerate Trevor Basin, improve Chirk and Llangollen, and invest in Corwen station through the levelling up fund?
Context
The MP praises local council initiatives for funding opportunities in his constituency.
Boris Johnson
I am delighted to hear my hon. Friend campaign for Chirk, Corwen and Llangollen, after I campaigned there fruitlessly years ago.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not directly address the levelling up fund or proposals.
May I Tell My Hon. Friend What A Joy It Is To Hear Him Campaigning For Chirk, Corwen And Llangollen After I Tramped Around Those Beautiful Places
Session: PMQs
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Does he agree that this review demonstrates his Government's commitment to building back better in a strong United Kingdom?
Context
The Prime Minister announced a review of transport connections across the Union which includes infrastructure such as a new M4 relief road, faster railway journey times in north Wales, and an upgrade to the A483/A5 in Clwyd South.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend, who represents a constituency that I once fought for—he represents it well, but I do not think I fought for it very well. I know the A483/A5 connection well, and Sir Peter will certainly look at that scheme and many others in his Union connectivity review.
Assessment
Specific agreement on whether the transport review demonstrates commitment to building back better was avoided
I Know The A483/A5 Connection Well, And Sir Peter Will Certainly Look At That Scheme And Many Others In His Union Connectivity Review.
Session: PMQs
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In recent years, Government policies led by the Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure have resulted in a big improvement in broadband and mobile connectivity on the Welsh borders, both in my constituency of Clwyd South and across the border in neighbouring North Shropshire, but there are still some poor areas of connectivity. Could the Minister outline what further steps she is taking to ensure that all homes and businesses on both sides of the Welsh border see better broadband and mobile connectivity?
Context
Government policies led to improved broadband and mobile connectivity in Clwyd South and North Shropshire, but some areas still lack good coverage.
Julia Lopez
I thank my hon. Friend for his brilliant work on connectivity in the border areas—[Applause.]
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Minister tell the House what support the Government are providing for those residents?
Context
The MP is concerned that many rural properties not connected to mains gas are unaware of available support.
Amanda Solloway
My hon. Friend has raised an important issue. We are, of course, helping all those households. The Government supported about 3 million households using alternative fuels with the £200 alternative fuel payments in the winter of 2022-23, and although energy prices, including alternative fuel costs, have fallen significantly since then, we are nevertheless committed to supporting all households with that £108 billion package between 2022 and 2025.
Session: Energy Bills
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Does the Minister agree that the recent grant of £452,700 to the Owain Glyndŵr hotel in Corwen, in Clwyd South, is a wonderful example of the hugely beneficial impact of the community ownership fund on local communities? The grant will enable this much-loved hotel to play a central role in the town again, and to benefit from the reopening of Corwen station and the other projects in Corwen arising from my Clwyd South levelling-up fund.
Context
The MP highlights the recent £452,700 grant to Owain Glyndŵr Hotel in Corwen and seeks agreement on its beneficial impact.
Jacob Young
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting that exciting project, which seeks to secure the future of the Owain Glyndŵr hotel and develop it into a community social hub showcasing the life and history of the area. I agree that the project is a great example of what the community ownership fund seeks to do across our United Kingdom.
Session: Community Ownership Fund
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What assessment has been made by his Department regarding the potential impact of the community ownership fund on local communities?
Context
The MP seeks an assessment of the Community Ownership Fund's impact on local communities. He mentions specific projects like the Grow the Glens in Northern Ireland and East Boldre community stores.
Jacob Young
Community ownership can boost local connections and pride of place, and bolster resilience. So far, we have awarded about £103 million to 333 projects across the UK. We are working with an external evaluation partner on an evaluation of the fund.
Session: Community Ownership Fund
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Like my hon. Friend the Member for St Ives, I was delighted to see the increase in the VAT threshold from £85,000 to £90,000 in the Budget. That will help small businesses invest for the future, such as the Two Doves café and gift shop in Overton, which is popular with people from both Clwyd South and North Shropshire. However, given the vital importance to small businesses, will my hon. Friend prioritise increasing the VAT threshold again in the next fiscal intervention?
Context
The questioner is asking about the possibility of further increasing the VAT threshold to help small businesses invest for the future.
Gareth Davies
My hon. Friend comes to this House with significant business experience, so when he talks, we certainly listen, and I am delighted to hear that he was pleased with the VAT threshold increase. I can tell him that, in addition to what I said to my hon. Friend the Member for St Ives about the £90,000 threshold, this level is higher than that of any EU member state and is the joint highest in the OECD. Many of his businesses will be among the 28,000 that will benefit from the increase, so we have no plans at this stage to change it.
Session: Business Investment
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What fiscal steps his Department is taking to help increase the level of business investment?
Context
The questioner is inquiring about the fiscal measures being taken to boost business investment levels.
Gareth Davies
At the autumn statement in 2023, the Chancellor set out ambitious growth packages designed to boost business investment, including making full expensing permanent and a tax cut to companies of over £10 billion a year to ensure we have one of the most generous capital allowances in the world. With further growth-enhancing measures set out in spring Budget 2024, the Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that Government policy announced at the past three fiscal events is expected to increase the size of the economy by 0.7% by 2028-29.
Session: Business Investment
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Does the Secretary of State agree that good cross-border transport links are vital to safeguarding all parts of our Union? In his constituency, he mentioned specific projects like electrification of the north Wales main line and improved road links such as the Pant-Llanymynech bypass between Wales and north Shropshire.
Context
Highlighting the importance of good cross-border transport links in safeguarding the Union.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The importance of cross-border transport was recognised. The reinvestment of money that would have been spent on HS2 into ensuring good connections across the country is noted. This includes the A75 as a vital connection between Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Session: The Union
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Residents in Esclusham in my constituency are alarmed by Innova's plans for the UK's largest lithium-ion battery storage facility near Bersham. Can my right hon. Friend give any reassurance about the safety of this technology to my constituents, who are concerned about the dangers of pollution, given the noise emitted by such equipment, and by reports of similar facilities elsewhere exploding, catching fire and emitting toxic fumes?
Context
Residents in Esclusham are alarmed by Innova's plans for a large lithium-ion battery facility near Bersham, expressing concerns over safety and pollution.
Claire Coutinho
Electricity storage allows us to use energy more flexibly and to minimise energy bills. Grid-scale lithium-ion battery energy storage systems are covered by a robust regulatory framework that is principally over- seen by the Health and Safety Executive. Planning guidance encourages developers and local authorities to consult relevant fire and rescue services on aspects such as location, ahead of any planning decisions being made.
Session: Topical Questions
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Would my right hon. Friend agree that the Union is now stronger than ever, particularly with the decline of the SNP, and that its vital importance can be seen not only in Northern Ireland but also in border constituencies such as Clwyd South, where shared services across the border with North Shropshire are crucial?
Context
The question stems from the importance of cross-border services between Northern England and Wales.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The speaker agrees that all politics is local and acknowledges the success of shared cross-border services in border constituencies, noting the importance of such connectivity across the United Kingdom.
Session: The Union
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What steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to strengthen Northern Ireland's position in the Union?
Context
The question arises from concerns about Northern Ireland's stability within the UK union.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The UK Government is fully committed to protecting and upholding Northern Ireland's position in the Union. Regular discussions occur with Cabinet colleagues, including meetings with Secretaries of State for Wales and Scotland.
Session: The Union
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Does the Minister agree that Clwyd South's £13.3 million of levelling-up projects in the Trevor basin, Llangollen and Corwen, which I recently visited, and the newly announced £160 million investment zone for Wrexham, Clwyd South and Flintshire are shining examples of the effectiveness of levelling up galvanising investment and activity in north-east Wales?
Context
The MP commended the effectiveness of the £13.3 million investment and the newly announced £160 million investment zone for Wrexham, Clwyd South and Flintshire.
Jacob Young
My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for his constituents in Clwyd South, and for constituents in Shropshire as well. I completely agree that the £13.3 million investment from the levelling-up fund will protect a valuable heritage site for north Wales, an area enjoyed by locals, while encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more in local shops, cafés and campsites. The recently announced investment zone in Wrexham and Flintshire also demonstrates our commitment to levelling up investment in research, innovation and support for economic development in the region.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
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Cross-border transport links between Wales and England are a key part of the strength of the Union. Does my right hon. Friend agree that cross-border projects, such as the Pant and Llanymynech bypass and the longer term ambition to dual the A483-A5 passing through Clwyd South and North Shropshire, are vital?
Context
The MP questioned the Secretary of State about cross-border transport links between Wales and England, highlighting specific infrastructure projects.
David Davies
The United Kingdom Government are absolutely determined to support infrastructure projects in Wales. We have done so through the levelling-up funds. It will happen again through the shared prosperity fund and it has, of course, been happening through the growth deals. What we do need is a Welsh Labour Government that will support infrastructure.
Session: Strength of the Union
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Does the Chancellor agree that Clwyd South represents one of the best candidates for a new investment zone? Will he consider making it cross-border?
Context
The MP suggests that north-east Wales, including Clwyd South and Wrexham, should be considered for a new investment zone due to its close ties with the north-west of England.
Jeremy Hunt
I know there are some great businesses in my hon. Friend's constituency—I much enjoyed meeting Robin and Helen Jones of Jones' Village Bakery at a recent reception in No. 10, and I know they are going from strength to strength. I holidayed in Clwyd last year, and from the top of Moel Famau I saw a very impressive offshore wind farm.
Session: Investment Zones
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What progress has been made on the introduction of investment zones as part of our national industrial strategy?
Context
The MP is asking about the progress made on introducing investment zones, which are part of a national industrial strategy.
Jeremy Hunt
Investment zones are part of our industrial strategy to make sure that the benefits of our national strengths in our five growth priority sectors are spread throughout the UK.
Session: Investment Zones
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Does the Minister agree that the community ownership fund provides tremendous potential for community organisations in Clwyd South and elsewhere to take ownership of assets at risk? Positive changes to the bidding round have been announced on May 12, including extending maximum funding from £250,000 to £1 million.
Context
Recent changes to the community ownership fund were announced, which could significantly impact potential applicants. The question seeks clarification on these changes and their implications.
Felicity Buchan
I agree that the community ownership fund has huge potential in Clwyd South and across the UK. Changes include extending maximum funding from £250,000 to £1 million, reducing match funding requirements, and allowing applications from parish councils. The current bidding round window 1 will close on July 12.
Session: Community Ownership Fund
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What progress has been made on allocating funds through the community ownership fund? The community ownership fund provides significant potential for organisations across the UK to secure funding for critical assets, including those at risk in Clwyd South.
Context
The community ownership fund aims to allocate funds for the preservation of local assets and amenities. There is interest in how effectively these funds are being allocated.
Felicity Buchan
The community ownership fund has awarded £36.8 million to 150 projects across the UK, including £25.5 million in England, £5.2 million in Scotland, £3.2 million in Wales and £3 million in Northern Ireland. Positive changes include extending maximum funding from £250,000 to £1 million, reducing match funding requirements, and allowing applications from parish councils.
Session: Community Ownership Fund
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Will the Minister give the figures for the backlog in north Wales, where my constituency of Clwyd South is located, and for Wales overall? What factors are affecting those figures?
Context
The MP is seeking statistics on the backlog of cases in north Wales and Wales.
Mike Freer
As of December 2022, the outstanding case load in north Wales was 337 and in Wales overall it was 2,106—a 34% increase from pre-pandemic levels. The backlog has been impacted by the pandemic and actions by the Criminal Bar Association.
Session: Criminal Court Case Backlog
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Over 500,000 people in Northern Ireland are waiting either to see a clinician or to have treatment. Does my hon. Friend agree that health services desperately need a working Executive to help address these problems?
Context
The MP notes that over 500,000 people in Northern Ireland are waiting to see a clinician or have treatment, representing one in four of the population.
Steven Baker
Yes, without an Executive, local leaders are not able to deliver reforms and people in Northern Ireland are feeling the impact of long waiting lists.
Session: Healthcare
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Will my right hon. Friend comment on the ways in which the Ministry of Defence is maximising defence procurement from Wales, particularly from north-east Wales where my constituency is situated?
Context
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is evaluating ways to maximise procurement benefits for north-east Wales, where the MP's constituency is located.
James Cartlidge
Wales plays an integral part in all aspects of the UK's defence policy, with major suppliers and small and medium-sized enterprises having a presence there. In 2021, the MOD awarded a £110 million contract to the Raytheon UK plant in north Wales for the RAF's intelligence-gathering asset. We are also working on an advanced technology research centre at MOD Sealand with Welsh Government and Defence Electronics and Components Agency.
Session: Topical Questions
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How will the Windsor framework improve trade between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain, particularly Wales? Will it facilitate UK trade with Ireland and EU?
Context
The Windsor framework is aimed at improving trade between Northern Ireland, Wales, and the rest of UK/EU.
James Cleverly
The Windsor framework improves trade from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, benefiting businesses in Wales producing goods for Northern Ireland.
Session: Topical Questions
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Would the Minister urge the Labour Welsh Government to follow the UK Government's example by setting up a national pothole fund to deal with the severe problems we have with potholes in my constituency of Clwyd South in areas such Rhos, Hanmer and Bronington and the Ceiriog valley?
Context
The MP is urging the Welsh Government to follow the UK Government's example and set up a national pothole fund to address severe pothole problems.
Richard Holden
I thank my hon. Friend for his question, and I would indeed. While this is of course a matter for the Welsh Government, I am sure residents across Wales, and actually the tourism industry from the rest of the country as well, would appreciate the sort of additional investment into addressing potholes that the Chancellor has provided in England.
Session: Repairing Potholes Funding in Spring Budget 2023
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I strongly backed my right hon. Friend's campaign in December last year, particularly in my Clwyd South constituency. Will he give us a further assessment of how effective that campaign has been in Wales and across the rest of the UK? I can inform him that for the week commencing 12 December, for example, there were 7,200 claims, which is a 177% increase compared with this time last year.
Context
The campaign to promote pension credit has been ongoing and includes activities in the Clwyd South constituency.
Mel Stride
I congratulate my hon. Friend on the work that he has been doing in his constituency on this matter. I can inform him that for the week commencing 12 December, for example, there were 7,200 claims, which is a 177% increase compared with this time last year.
Session: Pension Credit
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What steps his Department is taking to increase the number of eligible people claiming pension credit. My Department has carried out a comprehensive campaign of communication since April 2022 to promote pension credit.
Context
There is a campaign to promote pension credit eligibility among eligible people.
Mel Stride
My Department has carried out a comprehensive campaign of communication since April 2022 to promote pension credit. I am pleased to inform the House that the average number of pension credit applications is up 73% compared with this time last year.
Session: Pension Credit
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that they need to support and maximise the benefits of the UK Government's Welsh levelling-up fund projects by investing in road upgrades across Wales?
Context
The MP criticises the Labour Welsh Government for scrapping a key road project and asks if the UK Government should support maximising the benefits of its funding.
David Davies
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. The Welsh Government's response to the roads review gives the impression that Wales is closed for business by determining that no further road-building projects will take place. I urge them to consider the impact of not building roads on the economy and the long-term prosperity of Wales.
Session: Levelling-Up Fund Welsh Communities
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Could my right hon. Friend include fertiliser manufacturers, such as Neatcrown Corwen Ltd in my constituency, in the Government's support for high, intensive energy businesses?
Context
Concern about fertiliser manufacturers not being included in energy bill relief.
Andrew Bowie
Yes. Representing a rural constituency myself, I understand just how important fertiliser manufacturers are. The energy bill discount scheme will start on 1 April, providing eligible businesses with a discount on high energy bills until 31 March 2024. The list of eligible sectors has been published, and I am delighted to confirm that it will include manufacturers of fertilisers and nitrogen compounds.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assessment has my right hon. Friend made of the effectiveness of Ukrainian defence against the evil Russian forces invading the country?
Context
UK supports Ukraine's military efforts against the Russian forces invading the country.
Ben Wallace
I read out earlier the losses inflicted on the Russian army by a much smaller army that is defending against an aggression that does not have any basis in international law or respect for human rights, and that is an extraordinary feat by those brave men and women. We will continue to support all the way through the next year, as will the international community.
Session: Topical Questions
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UK Government funding for grassroots football facilities in Clwyd South this year has included £57,000 for upgrading the pitch at Ysgol y Grango for the community hub, and £20,000 for Penycae football club. Does my right hon. Friend agree that grassroots sport is vital for health, wellbeing, and quality of life?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of recent budget cuts on grassroots football funding.
David Davies
The Government have already shown their commitment to sport—not just football but many other sports—through the funds disbursed by DCMS across the United Kingdom.
Session: Access to Grassroots Sports
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Whether he has had recent discussions with the Welsh Government on supporting access to grassroots sports in Wales. I am concerned about the funding and development of sports facilities across my constituency.
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of government support on local sports facilities.
David Davies
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend, and that is why we have allocated £1.3 million to 17 projects in Wales to make vital improvements to changing room facilities and artificial grass surfaces.
Session: Access to Grassroots Sports
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Can the Minister ensure that future UK Government funding always contains provision for councils to grow further their own project management skills and resources?
Context
The question centers on the need to ensure that future UK Government funding includes provisions for councils to further develop their project management skills and resources.
Lee Rowley
My hon. Friend makes an important point about capacity within local government and the opportunities this Government are making available for local councils to make decisions on how to make their area better over the long term.
Session: Local Service Delivery
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What steps is the Department taking to provide tools and funding to help local leaders deliver services?
Context
The question addresses the tools and funding provided by the Department to support local authorities in delivering services.
Lee Rowley
The Government hugely value the work of local authorities and make significant taxpayer subsidy available to ensure that the work they do is successful. Last week, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor confirmed additional funding will be made available for local government in 2023-24, particularly with regard to adult social care.
Session: Local Service Delivery
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My constituent Kerry Mackay recently wrote saying there's lots of talk about getting people back into work and those on low incomes finding better jobs, but she thinks the government misses a trick by not highlighting how much they will help single mothers and mature students to get decent educations. Will the Minister advertise as effectively as possible how Universal Credit can support people like Kerry to study for their degrees?
Context
The questioner highlights a constituent's concern that the government is not effectively communicating how Universal Credit can support individuals like her in pursuing further education.
Guy Opperman
We want to support our constituents like Kerry, and I thank my hon. Friend for his question. He suggests writing to me with specific details, but I can assure him and Kerry that recipients of UC can take part in training without compromising their benefit entitlement.
Session: Jobseekers and People on Low Incomes Skills
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Tourism is crucial to Clwyd South, which attracts visitors from all across the world for events such as the Llangollen international musical eisteddfod, which is taking place this week. Will my right hon. Friend join me in condemning the Welsh Labour Government's plans to introduce a tourism tax, which will do great damage to the tourism industry across the whole of Wales?
Context
The MP criticises the Welsh Labour Government's tourism tax plan.
Simon Hart
I think I can do even better than my hon. Friend requests me to by simply quoting the words of the chief executive of UKHospitality, Kate Nicholls, who said: “The tourism tax is ill thought through and proposed without any impact assessment. Welsh Government does not know why it is needed, what its effect will be on visitors and what damage it will do to businesses and jobs in a sector making up a quarter of the Welsh economy. It is unnecessary, unhelpful and ill considered.” If the House does not believe it from me, it should believe it from the experts in this particular field.
Session: Tourism Industry
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Tourism is crucial to Clwyd South, which attracts visitors from all across the world for events such as the Llangollen international musical eisteddfod, which is taking place this week. Will my right hon. Friend join me in condemning the Welsh Labour Government's plans to introduce a tourism tax, which will do great damage to the tourism industry across the whole of Wales?
Context
The MP notes the importance of tourism for Clwyd South, mentioning a significant cultural event taking place.
Simon Hart
I think I can do even better than my hon. Friend requests me to by simply quoting the words of the chief executive of UKHospitality, Kate Nicholls, who said: “The tourism tax is ill thought through and proposed without any impact assessment. Welsh Government does not know why it is needed, what its effect will be on visitors and what damage it will do to businesses and jobs in a sector making up a quarter of the Welsh economy. It is unnecessary, unhelpful and ill considered.” If the House does not believe it from me, it should believe it from the experts in this particular field.
Session: Tourism Industry
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Does the Minister agree that the many people who give their time free of charge to act as magistrates are a fantastic asset to this country? They are the backbone of our justice system: without them, it could not function effectively.
Context
Many people volunteer as magistrates, they are vital for the criminal justice system.
James Cartlidge
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that magistrates are the backbone of our criminal justice system. We have increased their sentencing powers from six months to 12 months and launched a £1 million recruitment campaign.
Session: Topical Questions
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I grew up in an Army family, and I represent many Army families in Clwyd South. I therefore welcome Wales Armed Forces Day in Wrexham on Saturday. Does the Minister agree that the newly appointed veterans commissioner for Wales, Colonel James Phillips, clearly demonstrates the UK Government's practical commitment to supporting military families across Wales who sometimes have very complex problems relating to welfare, mental health and other issues?
Context
The appointment of a veterans commissioner highlights the UK's commitment to supporting veterans, especially those with complex welfare and mental health issues.
Leo Docherty
I agree. I hope my hon. Friend and I will meet Colonel James Phillips in Wales very soon.
Session: Topical Questions
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Would the Secretary of State agree that having low unemployment rates helps families during the cost of living crisis?
Context
The UK is currently experiencing a cost of living crisis.
Simon Hart
Absolutely. Growing our way out is preferable to spending our way out, and there are measures for those who do not fit solutions.
Session: Costs of Living Households and Businesses
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Will my right hon. Friend provide further detail on how we can apply a sustainable downward pressure to student loan interest rates in future? The level of student loan interest rates is of great importance to students and their parents in my constituency.
Context
The level of student loan interest rates is of great importance to students and their parents, particularly in the new city of Wrexham.
Nadhim Zahawi
That is an important question, and I fully recognise the concerns of students and their parents about increasing interest rates. I am looking actively at how we can mitigate that, and we will be setting it out shortly. No one's monthly repayment will increase due to higher interest rates.
Session: Student Loan Interest Payments
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What steps his Department is taking to limit student loan interest payments. No one's monthly repayment will increase due to higher interest rates, which is an important point to make when people's budgets are tight.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the impact of rising interest rates on student loans.
Nadhim Zahawi
Monthly student loan repayments are based on income, not interest rates, meaning that no one will see their monthly repayment increase due to interest rates. From September, we have reformed the student loan system so that new borrowers will not repay more in real terms than they originally borrowed—that is fair.
Session: Student Loan Interest Payments
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My right hon. Friend has touched on the deep respect and admiration that everyone across the United Kingdom has for Her Majesty the Queen—something that we see in Northern Ireland and that I see in Wales, particularly in my constituency of Clwyd South. Does he agree that that is amply demonstrated not only by the plans that he will outline but by the many street parties and local events being planned by communities large and small across the UK?
Context
None provided, but this supplementary question follows up on the initial query regarding jubilee celebrations and acknowledges the positive sentiment towards the Queen.
Conor Burns
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: this will be an event and a weekend that brings all citizens of our United Kingdom together in celebration as we collectively salute the service of Her Majesty the Queen.
Session: Platinum Jubilee
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Will the Secretary of State give further details on the Homes for Ukraine scheme, with the 10,000 registrations from Clwyd South and across Wales, and on how that is helping the situation at present? I am glad to have been able to help some families leaving Ukraine and I congratulate the many people and communities in Clwyd South who have been fundraising and giving practical help in the Ukraine crisis.
Context
The Homes for Ukraine scheme has seen over 10,000 registrations from Wales. Clwyd South has also contributed significantly with numerous families leaving Ukraine and local communities providing practical help.
Simon Hart
I congratulate my hon. Friend on the way in which he has been campaigning on this issue; it is a great example of what Members across the House have been able to do. I repeat my earlier answer about meeting the Ukrainian ambassador last week and expressing his gratitude, as well as mine, to local authorities, charities, the public in Wales and, in particular, the Welsh Government. This has been a joint effort—a superb all-round effort, involving all the stakeholders I have mentioned and more.
Session: Ukraine
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Education and Opportunity
24 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Phillipson opened the debate by welcoming her new counterpart, expressing appreciation for education workers, announcing a review of post-16 qualification reform, emphasising Labour's commitment to tr...
Autumn Statement Resolutions - Rates of Tobacco Products Duty
27 November 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
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 ...
Privileges Committee Special Report
10 July 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
European Union (Withdrawal) Bill - Lords amendment 6, Lords amendments 1, 15, 16, and other related amendments
24 May 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr. Michael Tomlinson moves that the House disagrees with Lords amendment 6, which seeks to reinstate the principle of non-regression in environmental and food standards. He emphasises the need for re...
Police Uplift Programme
26 April 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water Quality: Sewage Discharge
25 April 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion would allow for parliamentary time on Tuesday 2 May to progress Labour’s Bill, the Water Quality (Sewage Discharge) Bill. The country is being treated with contempt due to raw human sewage ...
Cost of Living Increases
25 April 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms. Siddiq condemns successive Conservative Governments for their mismanagement of the UK economy over 13 years, citing that it has resulted in Britain being the only G7 economy smaller than before th...
Illegal Migration Update
29 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ways and Means
21 March 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Chancellor has brought people back into the workforce through the Budget, highlighting the productivity challenge in the UK and addressing it with welfare reforms to support those disengaged from ...
10
PMQs Asked
88
Ministerial Questions Asked
66
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
1
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
+173% above average
This MP:
10
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+557% above average
This MP:
88
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1258% above average
This MP:
66
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-89% below average
This MP:
1
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 Simon Baynes's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.