Simon Fell
MP for Barrow and Furness
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The AUKUS programme is not just a national endeavour designed to keep our nation safe; it is also an international partnership that speaks about our ambitious work across the globe to pursue security and contain threats. I want to personally thank the Prime Minister for his engagement with the Team Barrow initiative, which is bringing together senior civil servants, my council, BAE Systems and myself to drive this programme forward to make sure we can deliver those boats to time and to budget. That means improving and investing in the local area considerably. With that in mind, may I invite the Prime Minister to Barrow to meet not just the fantastic people building the boats of the future but to see how the programme is going to uplift Furness for the future?
Context
The AUKUS partnership involves the construction of nuclear-powered submarines in Australia, with BAE Systems playing a key role.
Rishi Sunak
At a time of great instability around the world, with the war in Ukraine and in the Red sea, my hon. Friend is absolutely right to say that AUKUS is a game-changing defence and security partnership that will keep us safe and create thousands of jobs in the UK shipyards and the supply chain, building on the investment in places such as Barrow and Derby. He is a fantastic champion of what this industry means in his area, and the Team Barrow partnership is a crucial component of ensuring that AUKUS is a success. That is why the Chancellor provided millions of pounds of funding for a delivery board for Barrow. We have recently discussed this at Cabinet and I look forward to visiting my hon. Friend and his community to see the progress for myself when my diary allows.
Session: PMQs
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Welcoming the Australian PM to meet apprentices, see the submarine programme, and affirm AUKUS commitment which will deliver thousands of jobs in my constituency and keep our nation safe. This is an international effort needing whole-of-Government approach. Will my right hon. Friend visit Barrow to see the programme and discuss leveraging opportunities for generations?
Context
The Australian Prime Minister visited to meet apprentices, see the submarine programme and reaffirm AUKUS commitment. The programme will deliver thousands of jobs in Barrow.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is a fantastic advocate for his local industry and community. SSN-AUKUS submarines will be built in Barrow, home of British submarine industry. It will create thousands of new jobs not just in Barrow but across the UK with billions invested to modernise the enterprise.
Session: PMQs
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Will the PM consider reducing isolation period to five days if safe, and accepting MACA requests to help with social care issues?
Context
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust faces a 12% to 15% workforce isolation rate and 140 blocked beds due to social care issues.
Boris Johnson
Reducing isolation period is being considered. MACA requests will be looked at, but more fundamentally addressing the health and social care divide is key.
Assessment
Did not commit to reducing isolation period to five days or accepting all MACA requests, instead focusing on broader issues.
General Statement About Considering Actions
Changing Subject To Health And Social Care Divide
Session: PMQs
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The very best of British science has been on display over the past 18 months, being responsible for the design and manufacture of many of the vaccines that have kept us safe during this pandemic. Will my right hon. Friend back Ulverston as the pioneer place for the cluster strategy to be rolled out?
Context
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has a focus on making the UK a hub for life sciences and innovation.
Boris Johnson
Yes, because we are going to get on with our job of levelling up across the whole of the UK, making sure that every part of this United Kingdom shares in our ambition to be a science superpower. Ulverston has a rich history in the life sciences, and we are in regular consultation—not just officials in BEIS—with my hon. Friend and with officials in the sector to see what more we can do to further investment in the area.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit specifically to Ulverston as a pioneer location for the cluster strategy, instead mentioning regular consultation without concrete details.
Session: PMQs
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A decade ago, GlaxoSmithKline announced a £350 million investment in my constituency, which would have led to 1,000 jobs. In 2017, it reneged on that, and a few weeks ago it announced that it is closing its business altogether. We have gone from the very real prospect of having 1,000 high-paying, high-skilled pharma jobs in my constituency to the risk of having none by 2025. Will my right hon. Friend agree to meet me and throw the weight of the Government behind efforts to ensure that GSK does the right thing by my constituents and delivers for some very worried people?
Context
GlaxoSmithKline initially promised a £350 million investment, which would have created 1,000 jobs. In 2017, the company reneged on this commitment and recently announced it is closing its business altogether.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend very much, and I express my deepest sympathy to all those in Ulverston affected by these job losses. I will certainly meet him. I believe that bioscience is one of the great growth areas for this country in the future, and I am determined that Barrow and Furness should take part in that boom along with everywhere else, as well as other high technologies.
Assessment
Did not commit to meeting or using government weight specifically to convince GSK to deliver on commitments
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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Off the Cumbrian coast, we have an opportunity with a tidal barrage that would supply 5% of the UK's energy needs in a green, sustainable way. It would leave a legacy of 7,000 jobs and allow us to build our way into a green revolution by connecting communities with poor transport links. Will the Prime Minister agree to meet me and my Cumbrian colleagues to explore this deal further?
Context
Proposition for a tidal barrage off the Cumbrian coast to supply up to 5% of UK's energy needs, creating thousands of jobs.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
I am grateful for his bringing that attractive idea to attention, several projects are considered along the coast, he should get in touch with BEIS Secretary of State to see what can be done to take it forward.
Session: PMQs
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I thank the Minister for her answer. I am delighted to see that Project Gigabit is delivering for Barrow and Furness: we have Fibrus delivering to the procured areas and companies such as Voneus now delivering to Walney, and there is healthy competition. What consideration has she given to rolling out truly technology-agnostic solutions to make the final mile better connected?
Context
The question builds on the initial query about rural connectivity and focuses specifically on the technology used for these solutions, referencing healthy competition among companies like Fibrus and Voneus.
Julia Lopez
I thank my hon. Friend for his role as rural connectivity champion; I discussed that role yesterday with the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Robbie Moore). I am pleased to see that he recently attended a visit to see how the supplier Voneus is investing in a wider solution for premises on Walney island. I assure him that we already take a technology-agnostic approach to our contracts, with some suppliers using wireless connectivity and exploring fixed wireless access and low Earth orbit satellites.
Session: Rural Connectivity
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What steps her Department is taking to improve rural connectivity. Through Project Gigabit, we have signed 31 contracts to bring lightning-fast broadband to a further 780,000 rural homes and businesses across our country. Gigabit-capable connections are already being made in Barrow and Furness through our investment in Cumbria, and the shared rural network has already delivered substantial improvements in mobile coverage.
Context
The question arises from the need to improve internet connectivity in rural areas which is a significant issue for many constituents and businesses.
Julia Lopez
Through Project Gigabit, we have signed 31 contracts to bring lightning-fast broadband to a further 780,000 rural homes and businesses across our country. Gigabit-capable connections are already being made in Barrow and Furness through our investment in Cumbria, and the shared rural network has already delivered substantial improvements in mobile coverage.
Session: Rural Connectivity
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A key tool in our arsenal against climate change must be sequestering carbon. It was a pleasure last week to see the Morecambe bay net zero peak cluster vision launched, which could decarbonise 40% of our cement and lime industries, securing a gigatonne of carbon under Morecambe bay. Can I encourage my hon. Friend the Minister to meet me to discuss the project further?
Context
The Morecambe bay net zero peak cluster could decarbonise 40% of cement and lime industries, securing a gigatonne of carbon under the sea.
Andrew Bowie
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend at any time, and I am happy to discuss this and any other matter relating to the subject.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank Barrow jobcentre for their work through the Team Barrow project and am delighted about the WorkWell pilot area in south Cumbria. Could my right hon. Friend explain how this initiative will benefit local SMEs and individuals entering or returning to the jobs market?
Context
South Cumbria is set to be a WorkWell pilot area, aiming to support local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individuals seeking employment. The question refers to the ongoing efforts by the DWP's Team Barrow project in the region.
Mel Stride
WorkWell aims to intervene early in the health journey of individuals falling into long-term sickness or disability benefits, helping them retain their jobs or enter employment through collaboration between healthcare assistants and work coach assistants.
Session: Topical Questions
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Happy St George's day, Mr Speaker. Westminster is awash with rumours that the PM will call a July general election presumably to avoid giving his Rwanda gimmick time to fail. I have a very simple question for the Minister: Will he repeat the pledge that the Prime Minister made last year and promise that NHS waiting lists will be lower at the time of the general election than when the Prime Minister came to office?
Context
The MP questions if the Prime Minister will call a July general election to avoid addressing poor NHS performance, asking about the pledge to lower NHS waiting lists.
Andrew Stephenson
The Prime Minister has been very clear that getting waiting lists down is one of his top priorities, but he has also been clear that performance has been disappointing. One reason is 1.4 million procedures have had to be rescheduled because of industrial action.
Session: NHS Treatment Waiting Times
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Does the Minister agree that solar farms are great but should not go on prime agricultural land?
Context
Representatives of the Riddings Lane solar action group are concerned about a new solar farm covering extensive land between villages, proposing that it should not go on prime agricultural land.
Andrew Bowie
We have a presumption against building on the best and most versatile agricultural land. Due to my quasi-judicial role in planning I cannot speak to the issue directly, but I am very happy to meet him and any representatives from his constituency to discuss the project.
Session: Topical Questions
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What consideration has been given to those suggestions?
Context
An Act was passed to limit Friday releases for vulnerable prisoners, and the charity Switchback suggested that people should leave prison with access to ID and an internet-enabled mobile phone.
Alex Chalk
The changes for which he called came into force last November. Resettlement passports contain basic information such as name, date of birth, national insurance number and release date to help prisoners access essential services.
Session: Reoffending
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What steps his Department is taking to help reduce rates of reoffending by people released from prison.
Context
The MP inquired about steps taken to lower reoffending rates among individuals leaving prison.
Alex Chalk
Since 2010, crime has fallen and so has reoffending, with the overall proven rate of reoffending down from over 31% in 2011-12 to 25% in 2021-22. We have gone further, building up initiatives including a new prison education service, expanded access to incentivised substance-free living wings for drug recovery, and the groundbreaking guarantee of 12 weeks' post-release accommodation.
Session: Reoffending
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Will the Minister pass my thanks on to his teams in Barrow, and will he visit to see their good work?
Context
The Member thanks the team in Barrow and Furness for working with local employers and skills providers to help those who could contribute to the labour market do so.
Mel Stride
The Minister acknowledges all the good work happening in the constituency and expresses willingness for a visit, but notes that an Employment Minister might also be keen to do so.
Session: Ill Health Economic Inactivity
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One of the most effective ways in which we can hit our net zero targets is by delivering an effective carbon capture and storage industry. The Morecambe bay net zero project based in my constituency could deliver a gigaton of carbon storage, helping some of our most energy-intensive industries through this transition period.
Context
The question arises from the announcement of a new round of carbon capture projects.
Graham Stuart
I am not the Minister who leads on carbon capture, usage and storage, but I share my hon. Friend's enthusiasm: by capturing the renewables around the UK and converting them into low-cost electricity, as we are also taking forward hydrogen and using the natural blessing of having so much carbon capture capability, we can deliver this country the jobs, the opportunity and the low-cost energy system for the future.
Session: Net Zero Targets Businesses
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I thank the Minister for his answer. He will be delighted to know that, for once, I am going to ask not about the quality of service on the Furness line, but rather about capacity. The Government recently announced, through the Network North deal, the electrification of the energy coast line. That will take 150 million tonnes of freight off that line every year and is hugely welcome. Through the SSN-AUKUS programme and the Dreadnought programme, and the doubling of the size of the shipyard in Barrow, a similar amount of freight will be needed going the other way. Will the Minister meet me and the wider Team Barrow board to discuss the merits of electrifying the Furness line?
Context
The MP is concerned about the capacity issues arising from increased freight due to shipyard expansion in Barrow.
Huw Merriman
As my hon. Friend knows, my officials are active members of Team Barrow, alongside the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and local partners, recognising the national significance of the submarine programme. Work is ongoing, looking at improvements to the A590, and at options for the rail industry to improve the local rail network. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that work.
Session: Furness Line Electrification
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What assessment has been made of the potential merits of electrifying the Furness line?
Context
The MP is assessing the potential benefits of electrifying the Furness railway line.
Huw Merriman
Northern is developing a final business case for a new fleet that will bring new trains to my hon. Friend's route, and include options for greener technology such as batteries. We are also working with the Great British Railways transition team to assess options to decarbonise the whole network.
Session: Furness Line Electrification
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Could Ministers bring forward proposals to support the creation of an office of the whistleblower to empower those who see wrongdoing and protect them from intimidation?
Context
This week is Whistleblowing Awareness Week, and there has been a long-standing proposal for an office of the whistleblower to strengthen corporate governance.
Kevin Hollinrake
A review of whistleblowing is currently underway, and the results will be reported to the House very shortly.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Government promised to consult on a social tariff to help vulnerable people with their bills. Can the Secretary of State provide an update on that consultation?
Context
An estimated 6.3 million households are in fuel poverty across the UK, with Ofgem estimating energy debt at £2.6 billion.
Claire Coutinho
People mean many different things by a social tariff, but fundamentally it is about providing people with support to help with their bills. Just in the autumn statement, we have increased the national living wage, benefits by 6.7%, and cut national insurance contributions.
Session: Household Income Energy Costs
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One of the biggest challenges that we have in delivering home retrofit schemes in Cumbria is not with local authorities but with industry capacity and skills. What are the Government doing to try to send the right signals to industry so that we are getting the right skills into the supply chain to deliver some of these schemes, especially in areas such as Cumbria where we have skills deserts?
Context
The MP highlights a challenge with industry capacity and skills in delivering home retrofit schemes, particularly in areas like Cumbria.
Amanda Solloway
My hon. Friend makes a really important point on skills. In fact, we have invested £15 million in subsidised training over the past three years and have provided 16,800 training opportunities. We will continue to support this important industry.
Session: Area-based Home Retrofit Schemes
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Would my right hon. and learned Friend be able to look at the specific case of the Walney Community Trust being denied youth investment fund support due to its postcode?
Context
The Walney Community Trust in Simon Fell's constituency helps young people from deprived areas but was denied funding due to its hall's postcode. The youth investment fund is a targeted programme with publicly available selection criteria.
Lucy Frazer
The youth investment fund is a targeted programme with publicly available selection criteria ranking areas by need and provision levels. The Walney Community Trust was denied funding due to its hall's postcode, falling outside eligible areas. My right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has offered to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this case further.
Session: Youth Investment Fund
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What recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of the youth investment fund on youth facilities and services? The Walney Community Trust in Simon Fell's constituency helps young people from deprived areas but was turned down for funding because of its hall's postcode. Is there any way to look at this specific case?
Context
The youth investment fund aims to build or refurbish up to 300 youth facilities, supporting an additional 45,000 young people annually. The Walney Community Trust applied but was denied funding due to its postcode.
Lucy Frazer
The youth investment fund will build or refurbish up to 300 youth facilities, supporting 45,000 additional young people each year. The first tranche of awards with £90 million was announced in March for 43 youth centres. The fund's eligibility criteria ranked areas by need and provision levels. My right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has offered to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this case further. Walney will be eligible for a number of different Government-funded programmes including the national youth guarantee.
Session: Youth Investment Fund
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The submarine programme in Barrow will deliver thousands of jobs and generations of work but we are struggling to grow our own. We have Furness STEM and UlverSTEM which do good work, but this is an international endeavour with AUKUS and a national endeavour with Dreadnought. What discussions has the Minister had across Government about how we lean in to that skills challenge?
Context
The question focuses on the skills shortage within the submarine construction programme in Barrow, highlighting local initiatives and international collaboration.
Paul Scully
We talk regularly with the Department for Education, Work and Pensions colleagues, tech sectors, and academia to ensure we get it right in terms of domestic and international talent.
Session: Technology Sector Skills Shortages
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What representations are being made to the Indian Government regarding the BK16 group and Father Stan Swamy?
Context
The BK 16 group has been imprisoned since 2017 for defending rights and values of the poorest people, raising concerns about human rights issues.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
We engage broadly with India on human rights matters, raising concerns directly. Lord Ahmad raised these issues with the Indian Minister for External Affairs at the end of May.
Session: Jagtar Singh Johal
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Barrow-in-Furness is, I hope, about to enter a 25-to-30 year jobs boom thanks to the Government's steadfast support for Dreadnought, AUKUS and the renewable energy projects up and down our coast. However, that causes issues for our local SMEs, which are struggling to retain and recruit, not least because of the geographical isolation of Barrow-in-Furness. May I invite my hon. Friend the Minister to cross the Pennines to speak to the SME cluster that I chair over there and hear some of their concerns? Does the Department have some specialist support to help those businesses leaning into this new economic challenge?
Context
The question is prompted by anticipated job growth due to government projects such as Dreadnought and AUKUS, but challenges for local SMEs with recruitment and retention issues.
Kevin Hollinrake
I would be happy to cross the Pennines; I have been known to. It would be my pleasure to do that. What businesses want more than anything is to make sure that we have a growing economy, which we have, and that we are controlling costs by halving inflation. The next thing that businesses want is access to labour and skills. I attended the British Chambers of Commerce's global event yesterday at the QEII Centre, and it was one of the key asks. We are doing many things on making the workplace more attractive: flexible working and, for example, carer's leave. We have a programme across government to try to get those 9 million people who are currently economically inactive back to work.
Session: Small Businesses Growth
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What steps she is taking to help support the growth of small and medium-sized businesses.
Context
No specific context provided, but the question is about steps to support SMEs growth.
Kevin Hollinrake
The Government are providing better support in a number of ways, including through our network of 38 growth hubs across England, our Help To Grow management scheme and mentorships. We are improving access to finance, not least through our start-up loans and recovery loan scheme. We are removing barriers to trade for our SMEs. Those that are seeking to grow through exports can now access support through our UK Export Academy and UK Export Finance.
Session: Small Businesses Growth
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Whether the Minister might look into granting charitable status to organisations such as CandoFM, which supports the local community?
Context
The MP raises the issue of a local community radio station that operates similarly to charities but cannot hold charitable status due to licensing arrangements.
Stuart Andrew
The Minister expresses willingness to meet with the MP to discuss possible routes for funding hard-pressed organisations such as CandoFM, while noting conditions for achieving charitable status.
Session: Cost of Living Cultural and Charitable Organisations
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My constituents in Dalton-in-Furness were dismayed to find out that their dentist has closed. This follows the closure of Bupa in Barrow and in Millom, and Avondale in Grange-over-Sands has handed back its NHS contracts. What was a bad situation has got very bad indeed. I am meeting the ICB next week to talk about what it might be able to do, but will the Minister agree to meet me to discuss what levers he can pull to improve dental access in Barrow and Furness?
Context
Constituents in Dalton-in-Furness are dismayed by dentist closures. Bupa and Avondale have also closed their practices.
Neil O'Brien
I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend, and we have already talked to some extent. The minimum UDA value that we introduced particularly helps rural and coastal areas of the kind he represents, and I am happy to talk further, and to go further, on all these things.
Session: NHS Dental Services
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Will the Minister agree to meet me to discuss whether we can look at applying the same conditions to social media channels as traditional media?
Context
A specific incident in May 2020 where a false allegation was posted on social media, impacting investigations and court proceedings.
Mike Freer
I am more than happy to meet my hon. Friend. I can reassure him that contempt of court and reporting restrictions apply to social media as well as mainstream media. We continually look at what more we can do to strengthen the law in this area, and that is why we have asked the Law Commission to consider the issue as part of a wide-ranging review of the law on contempt of court. Two new offences in the Online Safety Bill will criminalise the type of behaviour we have seen in the Eleanor Williams case. The false communications offence will criminalise communications where a person sends information that they know to be false with the intention of causing harm.
Session: Court Proceedings Social Media
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What assessment has been made of the impact of social media on live court cases?
Context
Discussion about the risks social media poses to ongoing legal proceedings and public safety.
Mike Freer
We have taken steps to mitigate the risk that social media poses to court cases following a call for evidence in 2019. Arrangements are in place with social media companies to ensure that relevant material is flagged and removed, and we are working to improve the enforcement of anonymity laws. Courts will take appropriate action against those who misuse social media, and they may be found in contempt of court, resulting in a fine and up to two years in prison.
Session: Court Proceedings Social Media
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Given that over 70% of scams originate online and that tech and social media companies are currently driving the problem, will my right hon. Friend compel their sector to be part of the solution by going after frauds and fraudsters on their own platforms, as well as upping all our defences in the upcoming national fraud strategy?
Context
Over 70% of scams originate online, indicating that tech and social media companies play a significant role both in enabling fraud and preventing it.
Thomas Tugendhat
The Online Safety Bill is a welcome first step towards greater responsibility from social media companies for user safety, but more needs to be considered.
Session: Fraud Strategy
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I thank my right hon. Friend for the considerable effort that his Department, the Government and the Navy have put into securing this important agreement. It was heartening to see representatives from the Royal Australian Navy at the commissioning of HMS Anson and to hear the announcement that Australian submariners will be training on that vessel. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this agreement is crucial for a new geo-political and strategic agreement with Australia?
Context
The MP highlights the strategic importance of AUKUS and its role in securing a new geo-political agreement with Australia.
Ben Wallace
Barrow-in-Furness, Devonport and Faslane are key components in delivering our nuclear submarine capability. When Australia chose to go for nuclear submarines as an option, it did so because there were about five countries that could do this. We recognise the importance of retaining a strategic edge in the Pacific.
Session: AUKUS Submarines
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I thank the Home Secretary for her response. Around 40% of today's crimes are fraud but only about 1% of police resources tackle that issue. Can my right hon. and learned Friend please outline what steps are being taken in the Home Office to review capability and resourcing, and when we can expect to see the fraud plan published?
Context
The MP highlights the prevalence of fraud in modern crimes, emphasizing the need for a new policing model to address this growing threat.
Suella Braverman
Tackling fraud requires a unified response. We will publish the fraud strategy focusing on prevention and law enforcement responses soon. Some progress includes the Metropolitan police's largest anti-fraud operation targeting iSpoof, resulting in 100 arrests.
Session: Police Efficiency and Resourcing
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I welcome Friday's announcement about the UK, Italy and Japan working closely together on the next generation of combat aircraft. This sits alongside the partnership of the UK, the United States and Australia—AUKUS—and shows that such partnerships are important not only for our national security and the security of the Indo-Pacific, but for UK companies and UK jobs. Does my hon. and learned Friend agree?
Context
The AUKUS agreement involves collaboration among the UK, USA, and Australia on security matters.
Alex Chalk
This is about investing in capability to ensure that expertise remains in the UK, leading to opportunities for exporting capabilities such as Typhoon.
Session: Defence Sector Support for UK Companies
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The national cyber-security strategy is helping to bolster support for those who are going online for the first time. Could my right hon. Friend explain how this is being done?
Context
Vulnerable individuals are facing threats and frauds as they go online.
Oliver Dowden
My hon. Friend raises an important point. The national cyber-security strategy includes supporting businesses and individuals in keeping safe online, as well as further steps to bring forward offences related to fraud.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank my right hon. Friend for her response. I was pleased last week to welcome to Barrow the Prime Minister and the Defence Secretary, alongside the Australian Deputy Prime Minister, for the commissioning of HMS Anson, in an important sign of the strength of our AUKUS partnership. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the future requires much more close working between like-minded countries to counter authoritarian regimes, not just in the physical domain but in cyber-security and intelligence sharing too?
Context
The question follows an event in Barrow where the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary, and Australian Deputy Prime Minister attended the commissioning of HMS Anson, highlighting the strength of AUKUS ties.
Amanda Milling
I completely agree. The Government have been clear that we must build a network of like-minded countries and flexible groupings if we are to protect our interests globally. I was really pleased when last week the Defence Secretary hosted Australian Deputy Prime Minister Marles at the commissioning ceremony for HMS Anson in my hon. Friend's constituency, demonstrating our deep defence ties, including through AUKUS.
Session: AUKUS
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What recent steps have been taken with Cabinet colleagues to strengthen AUKUS—the Australia, UK and US partnership?
Context
The question arises from recent high-level meetings between UK, US, and Australian officials to strengthen the AUKUS security alliance.
Amanda Milling
Cabinet Ministers regularly meet their US and Australian counterparts to progress our landmark AUKUS partnership, including recently in the margins of the G20 and Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, and in outbound and inbound ministerial visits. Last month, I visited Australia and met Assistant Foreign Minister Watts, who reaffirmed Australia's full support for AUKUS.
Session: AUKUS
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The plan to close Phoenix House in Barrow will result in more than 40 specialist jobs leaving the area. This matters because the people there are the only team in the country able to deal with the really complicated industrial disablement benefits that they process. Only recently, largely due to our industrial heritage in Barrow, we were confirmed as having the highest rate of mesothelioma in the UK. The team at Phoenix House help not just Barrow residents but people across the UK with such complex diseases. I have written at length to the Secretary of State about this, with detailed testimonies from charities, service users, staff members and third-party organisations that want to keep the centre open. Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss how we can find a way to make this work?
Context
The proposed closure of Phoenix House, which houses a team that processes complex industrial disablement benefits for people with mesothelioma across the UK. The questioner has written to the Secretary of State about this matter.
Guy Opperman
My hon. Friend is a doughty campaigner for his constituency and for the wider area, and the jobs that he is concerned with, and I give him great credit for that. I am not the responsible Minister, and I know that that letter has only recently arrived into the Department, but I will ensure very definitely that the Minister in respect of this particular decision will meet him in the near weeks so that there can be a proper discussion in respect of the situation for impacted staff.
Session: Phoenix House DWP Office Proposed Closure
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What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed closure of her Department's office based in Phoenix House in Barrow-in-Furness on the ability of her Department to deliver specialist services in that area.
Context
The question addresses the potential impact of closing a Department for Work and Pensions office located in Phoenix House, Barrow-in-Furness. The closure would affect specialist services.
Guy Opperman
The Department's priority will be to retain, retrain and redeploy colleagues either within the Department for Work and Pensions or within other Government Departments in the area, and with no reduction in the overall services people receive.
Session: Phoenix House DWP Office Proposed Closure
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What plans does he have to look at issues such as this to support credit union growth and to give as many people as possible an opportunity to stay away from doorstep lenders and loan sharks?
Context
The government is amending the Credit Union Act 1979 to allow credit unions to offer more services. Legal restrictions on common bond area hinder growth, but evidence needs to be seen.
John Glen
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. He is an expert in this area, given his role in Barrow. We will be amending the Credit Union Act 1979 shortly, which will allow credit unions to offer more services such as hire purchase, conditional sale agreements and so on. With respect to the common bond—that being the link for all credit union members—we will need to see evidence that it supports the needs of the sector, but I have been working closely with the Association of British Credit Unions Limited, the trade body for 70% of credit unions, on its “Vision 2025” document. I visited its conference recently, and we will bring measures forward shortly in the financial services and markets Bill.
Session: Credit Unions
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What fiscal steps his Department is taking to support the credit union sector. I should declare an interest as a former chair of a credit union. Credit unions are some of the largest providers of low-cost credit and are more important than ever given the cost of living issues at the moment, but there are significant barriers hindering their growth.
Context
The credit union sector faces significant barriers hindering its growth, including legal restrictions on the size of their common bond area. The government is amending the Credit Union Act 1979.
John Glen
The Government support the credit union sector and recognise the contribution that they make to our financial services sector more broadly and to the communities that they serve. The Government have released £100 million of dormant assets funding to Fair4All Finance to support the financial wellbeing of people in vulnerable circumstances.
Session: Credit Unions
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Can the Minister speak about the recruitment challenge to meet when contract reform comes through?
Context
In areas with a dearth of dentists, the recruitment challenge must be addressed.
Maria Caulfield
We are working with Health Education England on centres for dental development to train more dentists in coastal and rural areas. We also look at how we can reform the overseas dentist policy, possibly bringing legislation towards the end of the year.
Session: NHS Dental Care Services
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Will my right hon. Friend thank those people from pipefitters to programme directors for their work on the Dreadnought and Astute programmes?
Context
The submarine programme in Barrow supports over 11,000 jobs locally. The MP is highlighting the importance of these programmes for national security.
Ben Wallace
In Barrow, they are doing some of the most complex engineering on earth. Not only is the Dreadnought class being rolled out, but funding has been committed for the next stage of the attack submarine, the next generation of Astutes. The Australians chose to switch from French submarines and became future partners in this programme with the UK.
Session: Dreadnought Programme
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What assessment has been made of the progress on the delivery of the Dreadnought programme?
Context
The Dreadnought programme involves the construction of a new generation of nuclear-powered submarines. The MP visited Barrow-in-Furness where phase 3 was signed, marking a significant milestone.
Ben Wallace
On 9 May, I visited Barrow-in-Furness where phase 3 of the Dreadnought programme was signed. The first submarine, HMS Dreadnought, is set for sea trials and will be ready for patrol in the early 2030s.
Session: Dreadnought Programme
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Providing opportunities in STEM for women is essential, as is showing that there are already women in these roles doing the jobs that they aspire to. I would like to praise two local businesses that have worked tirelessly on this: BAE Systems in Barrow, responsible for our submarine programme, which has increased female participation in its early years programme from 19% to 32% in just five years; and Oxley Developments in Ulverston, which has a 50% female workforce. Clearly there is something going right in this cluster in south Cumbria. With that in mind, could I invite my right hon. Friend to come and visit?
Context
The MP highlights the progress made by BAE Systems and Oxley Developments in Barrow and Ulverston, respectively, in increasing female participation.
Michelle Donelan
I would be delighted to take up the opportunity to visit my hon. Friend's constituency and hear more about the work that his local businesses are doing to enhance the opportunities of young people.
Session: Women in STEM Apprenticeships
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Council Tax and Stamp Duty Alternatives
17 May 2023
Responding: Andrew Griffith
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the inequity and inefficiency of our current property taxes, particularly council tax and stamp duty. Only 29% of people consider council tax calculations fair, with those in lower-value homes bearing a disproportionate burden compared to wealthier homeowners. Council tax relies on outdated valuations from almost three decades ago and creates an unfair band structure. Stamp duty hinders efficient housing use by discouraging transactions and exacerbating the housing crisis.']
Specific Asks
['I propose replacing the current convoluted band system with a simple flat tax of 0.48% of property value, plus a surcharge for second homes and empty properties. This would result in an annual surplus of £5.4 billion and free up over 750,000 houses annually.']
Defence Spending
24 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
04 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Angiolini Inquiry Report
29 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Human Trafficking
14 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Immigration and Asylum Bill - Clause dealing with Rwanda
12 December 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government are implementing measures to reduce illegal immigration, noting that small boat arrivals across the Channel have decreased by a third while they increased in other European regions such...
Refurbishing Trains: Contracts
07 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Cyber Interference: UK Democracy
07 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Risk and Resilience: Annual Statement
04 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
British Steel
08 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
War in Ukraine
24 October 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
6
PMQs Asked
66
Ministerial Questions Asked
94
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
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+392% above average
This MP:
66
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1834% above average
This MP:
94
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 Simon Fell's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.