Simon Jupp
MP for East Devon
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
What steps are being taken to improve access to menopause services for women in Devon and the south-west?
Context
A constituent campaign seeks a dedicated menopause clinic due to current travel distance issues.
Boris Johnson
We are committed to improving menopause care so that all women can have access. Menopause will be a priority in our women's health strategy, and we aim to establish a UK-wide taskforce.
Assessment
Specific actions for Devon and the south-west were not detailed
Session: PMQs
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House prices are rising in East Devon, with the dream of home ownership becoming out of reach for too many local people. New-build developments must be affordable, with protections in place to restrict the number of properties becoming second homes. The loophole that allows second-home owners to avoid paying council tax should be closed quickly to help local authorities. Will the Prime Minister meet me and colleagues from across the south-west to discuss this growing crisis across our region?
Context
House prices are rising in East Devon, making homeownership increasingly unaffordable for many local people.
Boris Johnson
I know how strongly my hon. Friend and other colleagues across the south-west feel about this issue. That is why we have legislated to introduce higher rates of stamp duty on second homes. We will ensure that only genuine holiday businesses can access small business rates relief, but I am certainly happy to meet colleagues to discuss what further we may do to ensure that local people get the homes that they need.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to closing the loophole for second-home owners avoiding council tax.
Legislating Higher Rates Of Stamp Duty On Second Homes
Genuine Holiday Businesses Can Access Small Business Rates Relief
Session: PMQs
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The hospitality industry is vital for East Devon with thousands of jobs in pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels. Will my right hon. Friend consider extending the VAT cut for hospitality to provide additional assistance?
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of East Devon's hospitality sector, which provides numerous jobs and services. He requested further support to help businesses when they reopen.
Boris Johnson
The Chancellor has extended grants and reduced both VAT and business rates. Any further support will be considered as we go forward, with the aim of rolling out the vaccine programme to help businesses recover.
Assessment
Did not directly commit to extending the VAT cut for hospitality upon reopening.
Rolling Out Vaccine
Session: PMQs
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As we continue to protect the NHS, regional airports are facing multibillion-pound business rates bills and they are asking for a payment holiday similar to businesses in retail and hospitality. What assurances can my right hon Friend give East Devon's aircraft engineers, cabin crew and pilots that the Government will look to temporarily scrap business rates so that our regional airports can keep the country connected throughout the pandemic?
Context
Regional airports are playing a critical role in delivering medical supplies and equipment during the pandemic but Exeter airport has passenger numbers at some 5% of normal. Regional airports face multibillion-pound business rates bills.
Boris Johnson
The Bank of England's covid corporate financing facility is helping to support the airlines' current liquidity problems, with the sector drawing down £1.8 billion in support. The Department for Transport is also looking at giving bespoke support to particular regional airports to keep them going in these tough times.
Assessment
Temporary scrapping of business rates not addressed
Giving Bespoke Support
Session: PMQs
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While I am currently asking visitors to come back later, once the lockdown has ended, I want to make sure that our vital tourism industry survives so that we can be open for business at the earliest opportunity. Can the Prime Minister assure me, my constituents and East Devon's tourism industry that further and flexible financial support is coming to protect this crucial industry?
Context
Tourism is crucial for the economy of East Devon and other parts of the south-west. Due to coronavirus restrictions, Simon Jupp is asking visitors to come back later.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Yes indeed I can. We are adding another £1.3 million to help the tourism industry in East Devon, and our priority is now to suppress this disease further while getting our economy going again and encouraging tourism across our whole country.
Session: PMQs
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A fast and reliable internet connection is vital for everyday life and so many local businesses. I conducted a broadband survey in East Devon, which showed that some rural parts of my constituency sadly still lag behind, such as Sidbury, Fluxton, Marsh Green and Talaton. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that broadband providers improve connections across our county?
Context
The questioner conducted a broadband survey in East Devon and found some areas still lag behind, such as Sidbury, Fluxton, Marsh Green, and Talaton.
Julia Lopez
I am glad to say that over 75% of premises in my hon. Friend's constituency can access gigabit-capable broadband. That is up from 6% in 2019, but we want to do more, so we have included mid and east Devon in our cross-regional framework for Project Gigabit. That is currently undertaking pre-procurement market engagement. We hope to give him news very soon.
Session: Topical Questions
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Residents in Cranbrook and Tithebarn have faced frequent energy outages and woeful customer service from E.ON's district heating networks. Will my right hon. Friend outline when this regulation will be brought in?
Context
Residents in Cranbrook and Tithebarn have faced frequent energy outages and poor customer service from E.ON's district heating networks. The Government's Energy Act 2023 aims to regulate such issues.
Amanda Solloway
The initial phase of heat network regulation, including transparency rules, will come into force in 2025. Some requirements such as pricing regulation and guaranteed performance standards will be introduced in the second-phase regulation in 2026.
Session: Topical Questions
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For all the positive words from the Secretary of State, the reality in our prisons is that people are being sent out, and the prison estate has not kept pace with the rhetoric that we hear from the Government. The Government are constantly sending criminals on to our streets because they do not have the prison facilities to house them. Is not the reality that we need fewer fine words and more action from the Government to keep our streets safe?
Context
The question addresses the discrepancy between government rhetoric on sentence lengths and the reality of prison overcrowding, highlighting that offenders are being released due to lack of facilities.
Alex Chalk
That is not a fair characterisation. The capacity in our estate is much greater than when we inherited it—that is point one. Point two is that we have kick-started the largest prison expansion since the Victorian era: £4 billion has been allocated, and we have opened His Majesty's Prison Fosse Way and HMP Five Wells. HMP Millsike will open next year; we have planning permission for Gartree and Grendon Springhill, and we also have more spaces—rapid deployment cells and so on—coming on at Liverpool, Birmingham and Norwich.
Session: Sentencing Dangerous Offenders
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What steps he is taking to increase sentences for dangerous offenders. I welcome the measures that my right hon. and learned Friend has outlined, as will my East Devon constituents. Rapists deserve the most severe possible custodial sentences. Will he update the House on how sentence lengths have been increased for that utterly vile crime since 2010?
Context
The question follows government measures to increase sentences for serious crimes, particularly focusing on the average sentence length and release requirements.
Alex Chalk
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that rape is an appalling crime. In 2010, the average custodial sentence for adult rape was six and a half years, and prison governors were required to release offenders at the halfway mark. Today, the average sentence is over 40% longer, and offenders serving more than four years must serve two thirds of that sentence behind bars. As I say, we are going further still.
Session: Sentencing Dangerous Offenders
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St Peter's Church of England Primary School in Budleigh Salterton is an excellent school, but it is being let down by temporary classrooms that are way past their best. Temporary classrooms should be just that: temporary, not a permanent solution. Further to my letter, which is winding its way through the Department, will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss this matter further?
Context
St Peter's Church of England Primary School in Budleigh Salterton is using outdated temporary classrooms.
Damian Hinds
I will.
Session: Topical Questions
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Being a cabinet member in a local council should require the highest level of transparency. However, I fear that is not always the case when relevant previous criminal and custodial convictions remain hidden. What advice would my hon. Friend give council leaders about how to ensure cabinet members are fully transparent about their previous convictions where relevant to their role as a cabinet member?
Context
Concerns about the lack of transparency in local council roles, particularly regarding previous criminal convictions that should be disclosed.
Simon Hoare
My hon. Friend raises an important question. At the time of appointment, all council leaders should be aware of existing disqualification criteria barring councillors who have been given a custodial sentence of three months or more, or who are registered sex offenders. If the council leader is not aware, those people who are due to be appointed should make their group leader aware of those circumstances. They have a legal obligation to declare as election candidates—this is an important issue. The Nolan principles are there for a reason: to maintain transparency and standards. If my hon. Friend wishes to write to me with the details of the case he has mentioned, I would be happy to receive his submission.
Session: Local Government Transparency
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What steps he is taking to promote transparency in local government. Steps are always being taken to improve transparency.
Context
No specific incident or statistic provided. The question is general about promoting transparency in local governance.
Simon Hoare
Steps are always being taken to improve transparency. The local government accountability framework and transparency code sets standards for transparency; it mandates the publication of certain information, such as spend. The Office for Local Government will promote transparency further by providing authoritative local government performance data on the local authority data explorer.
Session: Local Government Transparency
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Police numbers across Devon and Cornwall are at record levels and deserve our praise. In a recent survey, my constituents in East Devon said that tackling neighbourhood crime is an absolute priority, as ranging from burglaries to thefts from vehicles. Will my right hon. Friend outline what progress this Conservative Government have made on cracking down on neighbourhood crime?
James Cleverly
I am very pleased that my hon. Friend's local community is feeling the positive impact of the decisions we have made. Since coming into Government, we have seen serious violence reduced by 26%, and neighbourhood crime down by 27% since the start of this Parliament. We have seen a 36% reduction in domestic burglary, an 18% reduction in vehicle-related theft and a 61% decrease in robbery. We have reduced homicide by 15%, have taken action on drugs and are committed to—
Session: Neighbourhood Crime
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This Conservative Government will fund a new school to replace the flood-prone Tipton St John Primary School which has closed three times this year due to intense rain. It's crucial that construction starts next year for the new school. Will you meet me to discuss this urgent matter further?
Context
Tipton St John Primary School is prone to flooding and had to close three times this year due to heavy rainfall, with another near miss last week.
Gillian Keegan
Our school rebuilding programme is transforming 500 schools across England, and I am pleased that Tipton St John Primary School is one of them. The school is located in a flood-prone area and was affected by the recent storms. We are actively working with the diocese of Exeter and Devon local authority to identify suitable sites for the new school. I agree to meet my hon. Friend very soon.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned about Ruth Perry's tragic death which affected her family, community, and school. The Education Secretary has worked on introducing important changes to inspection practice with Ofsted to ensure that if a school is graded 'inadequate' due to ineffective safeguarding but all other judgments are 'good', it will be reinspected within three months. This happened at Caversham Primary School which was regraded as 'good'. I also support the doubling of wellbeing support for our school leaders, and we need to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
Context
Ruth Perry's death highlighted issues in school inspection practices and the need for changes.
Gillian Keegan
Ruth Perry's death was a tragic event that left a significant impact on her family, community, and school. Throughout this year, I have been honoured to collaborate closely with Ruth's sister Julia and her friends Lisa and Edmund to implement critical changes in inspection practices alongside Ofsted which ensure headteachers can share their inspection results including safeguarding outcomes. These new policies mean that if a school is judged 'inadequate' due to poor safeguarding but other judgments are 'good', it will undergo reinspection within three months. This was successfully executed at Caversham Primary School this summer, resulting in its reclassification as 'good'. Additionally, we have doubled the support for the wellbeing of our school leaders.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that we must focus on breaking the business model of criminal gangs involved in illegal small-boat crossings, ensuring their activities are stopped?
Context
The MP highlights the dangerous journeys of smuggled individuals and the need to stop boats in a way that is consistent with international obligations.
James Cleverly
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We must do everything we can to break the business model of these criminal gangs, including recent work with international partners to seize boats and engines.
Session: Organised Crime
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The great south-west region is home to cutting-edge defence companies such as Supacat, which makes military vehicles for our armed forces. The Jackal 3 is an incredible vehicle that is being put to good use in Ukraine. What steps is my hon. Friend taking to ensure that more defence jobs come to the south-west?
Context
The region is home to defence companies that contribute to military vehicles.
James Cartlidge
It is brilliant to see south-west colleagues standing up for the defence sector in their constituencies, and my hon. Friend is right about Supacat—it is a brilliant platform. In February 2023 Supacat was awarded a £90 million contract by the MOD for 70 high-mobility truck vehicles, to be delivered by the end of the financial year, securing 100 jobs in the UK. Supacat already has two other direct contracts with the MOD for the Jackal military enhancement programme, which is valued at a total of £4.5 million.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to raise menopause awareness among employers?
Context
In Devon, there is extensive work to improve access to menopause services. However, support for women in the workplace remains lacking.
Mel Stride
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and for his extensive work as my constituency neighbour, pushing for proper support in all GP practices across the county. We lead by example: 64% of the Department's staff are female and we have a menopause and workplace policy, which sees 350 menopause ambassadors across our DWP network.
Session: Menopause Workplace Support
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What steps his Department is taking to help improve workplace support for women experiencing the menopause?
Context
The question arises from concerns about inadequate workplace support for women during the menopause.
Mel Stride
We take the challenges of the menopause very seriously, which is why the Government appointed Helen Tomlinson as the menopause employment champion for England. In terms of progress, I point my hon. Friend to the report, “No Time to Step Back”.
Session: Menopause Workplace Support
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Last week, the Government added another 41 schools and colleges to the RAAC list, bringing the total to 214. Some are still waiting for temporary classrooms or studying in cramped conditions. Can the Minister confirm the number of pupils already impacted and expected to be impacted? When will all children receive uninterrupted face-to-face learning?
Context
The question addresses the ongoing issue of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC)-affected educational institutions. The MP references the Government's recent additions to the RAAC list, affecting numerous schools and colleges.
Nick Gibb
I congratulate the hon. Lady on her first Education questions and her appointment as shadow Schools Minister. She is right: there are 214 schools and colleges with confirmed RAAC. Of those 214, pupils at 202 or 94% are in full-time, face-to-face education, and 12 schools or colleges offer hybrid face-to-face and remote education. Our objective and focus is to ensure that schools are supported to continue face-to-face education.
Session: School Buildings
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There are more than 265,000 former members of the armed forces in the south-west, many of whom reside in my constituency of East Devon. We must ensure that every veteran can access the services they need when they leave the service. Can my right hon. Friend update the House on the progress being made towards delivering ID cards to all veterans by Remembrance Day this year?
Context
The MP is concerned that veterans in East Devon may not have access to the services they need due to a delay in issuing ID cards.
Andrew Murrison
My hon. Friend will be aware that phase 1 of this project is already completed, which is to say that as people leave the armed forces, they are issued with their veterans cards. Those who left before December 2018 should get their cards by the end of this year.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituents in Devon are benefiting from the triple lock and targeted cost of living support. How will the Government ensure this progress continues?
Context
Pensioners in Devon benefit from the triple lock and cost of living support.
Laura Trott
The triple lock was a Conservative pledge, and benefits decisions are made annually by the Secretary of State.
Session: Topical Questions
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I was pleased to welcome Department for Education officials to Tipton St John Primary School in my constituency of East Devon recently. Thanks to the Department, the school has the funding it needs and now has priority status in the school rebuilding programme. That is thanks to the Conservative Government. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss the project's great progress so far?
Context
Tipton St John Primary School in East Devon received funding and priority status in the school rebuilding programme.
Nick Gibb
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend. Progress is being made in identifying and securing a site on which to relocate the school. Officials continue to work with Devon County Council and the diocese of Exeter. I thank my hon. Friend for his support in progressing the discussions. The next step is for site appraisals to take place on potential new locations, and officials will continue to keep my hon. Friend informed.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Royal Marines Charity, based in East Devon, helps to provide support to former servicemen and women in Devon, who we celebrated on Saturday as part of Armed Forces Day. What assessment has my right hon. Friend made of the welfare provision for veterans in Devon?
Context
The Royal Marines Charity supports former servicemen and women in East Devon.
Andrew Murrison
I am sorry that I was not in Devon on Saturday; I was next door in Cornwall, commemorating our armed forces, as my hon. Friend was. There is a range of welfare support services in Devon. My hon. Friend will be aware of the regional welfare support operation there, which has expert welfare officers who can look after the needs of our wonderful veterans. Of course we can always do more, but I would cite, as I just have, Op Courage and, now, Op Fortitude, which I think will be of great assistance.
Session: Topical Questions
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After visiting the well-run but infrastructure-challenged Corbet School in my constituency, which relies on 25% demountable teaching space due to limited permanent facilities, how can small rural schools access funding for building improvements to match urban school opportunities?
Context
The Corbet School in North Shropshire faces challenges with outdated buildings and temporary structures, impacting student learning conditions.
Nick Gibb
We consider the condition of any school's buildings when allocating capital funding either to local authorities or trusts. It is up to these bodies to distribute funds according to local needs, including small rural schools like Corbet School.
Session: School Buildings
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To hit the Government's new sewage reduction targets, water companies such as South West Water must make sure that the infrastructure can cope with new housing developments. With that in mind, will my right hon. Friend update the House on what plans the Government have to make sure that water companies are statutory consultees in major housing developments?
Context
Water companies like South West Water need to ensure their infrastructure can handle new housing developments to meet sewage reduction targets. The questioner seeks updates on Government plans to involve water companies in such consultations.
Michael Gove
Proposals have been brought forward to improve waste water treatment operations, but no specific plans or timelines were detailed regarding making water companies statutory consultees in major housing developments.
Session: Topical Questions
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Homes in Newton Poppleford, Tipton St John, Metcombe and Venn Ottery in my East Devon constituency were badly damaged by recent flash floods. I went to see the residents, and the result of the flooding is heartbreaking. Insurance companies really need to step up and support those residents, who rallied around each other in very difficult circumstances. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss the multi-agency response to the recent flooding, because the risk of floods in East Devon is not going anywhere?
Context
Homes in Newton Poppleford, Tipton St John, Metcombe and Venn Ottery were badly damaged by recent flash floods. The MP visited affected residents.
Therese Coffey (Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
My hon. Friend is undoubtedly a doughty champion for his constituents, and I am very conscious of the impact that flooding can have on communities, households and businesses. The Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton Deane (Rebecca Pow), is happy to meet him, and she has recently met the Environment Agency. We will continue to make sure that we deliver thousands of flood schemes, which will benefit not only East Devon but every part of the country. We will also continue to try to improve the local and national response.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank my right hon. Friend for his answer. Militant strike action causes misery for many people in East Devon, who just want to get on with their daily lives. Does my right hon. Friend agree that minimum safety levels are absolutely necessary to mitigate the impact of industrial action?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of militant strike actions on daily lives in East Devon and the need for minimum safety levels.
Oliver Dowden
As ever, my hon. Friend is totally right. It is completely unacceptable that the people of East Devon can have their lives totally upended by strikes led by militant unions. We of course respect the right to strike, but we have a duty to protect the lives and livelihoods of the British people. That is exactly what this legislation does, and it is a pity that the Labour party will not support it.
Session: Industrial Action Support for Public Services
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Devon needs a devolution deal to deliver new powers and money to the towns there. A good deal would give local leaders the levers they need over affordable housing, public transport and local skills. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss how we can get the best deal for Devon?
Context
Devon needs a devolution deal to deliver new powers and funding for affordable housing, public transport, and local skills.
Michael Gove
Absolutely. My hon. Friend is a formidable champion for Devon, unlike the hon. Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Richard Foord), who is not in his place today when these issues are being raised. I do not know what he is doing, but what he is not doing is working for people in Devon, which my hon. Friend the Member for East Devon (Simon Jupp) does so effectively.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am proudly backing a campaign to improve services for menopause sufferers in the county of Devon. In society and at work, stigma remains a barrier to many people getting the support they require. What steps are the Government taking to prevent menopause discrimination in the workplace?
Context
The question addresses menopause stigma and discrimination in workplaces, prompting the government to outline steps taken.
Mims Davies (Minister for Women and Equalities)
We are working with employers and employees on that crucial matter, to ensure that there is no stigma in the workplace for those experiencing the impact of the menopause. To that end, on Monday I was delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Tomlinson as the Department for Work and Pensions menopause employment champion. She will have a key role in driving awareness and promoting the benefits to both business and the economy of a fully inclusive workplace.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Conservative party and Government have brought in the toughest ever crackdown on sewage spills. We are holding failing water companies to account, including the one-star rated South West Water, which was fined £13 million last year, and rightly so. Does my right hon. Friend agree that South West Water must clean up its act and our water?
Context
South West Water, which serves the constituency of East Devon, has been fined £13 million for poor environmental performance.
Therese Coffey
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. South West Water continues to be a poor performing company, which is unacceptable. That is why I called in the worst performing water companies at the end of last year, including the chief executive of South West Water. Those companies must take urgent steps to significantly reduce their pollution incidents, and we will ensure that they continue to be held to account. That is why I have asked water companies to provide individual reduction plans for each of the combined sewer overflows.
Session: Sewage Discharges East Devon
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What steps her Department is taking to help reduce sewage discharges in East Devon constituency?
Context
South West Water has the second highest number of pollution incidents in the country, affecting residents in East Devon.
Therese Coffey
My hon. Friend will know, regrettably, of the poor environmental performance of South West Water, with the second highest number of pollution incidents in the country. That is completely unacceptable for his constituents, and South West Water can, and must, do better. Meanwhile, it is subject to an ongoing criminal investigation led by the Environment Agency, which must be allowed to run its due course.
Session: Sewage Discharges East Devon
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Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset secured £152 million from the levelling-up fund last month. The four counties make up the region's new powerhouse, the great south west, of which I chair the all-party parliamentary group. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss the fantastic opportunities that lie ahead for the great south west?
Context
The four counties of Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset secured £152 million from the levelling-up fund. These areas form the new powerhouse region called the Great South West.
Michael Gove
I absolutely will, and I will make sure that the Under-Secretary of State for Levelling Up, my hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland (Dehenna Davison), is with me as well.
Session: Topical Questions
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Farmers in East Devon rely on a skilled workforce. What reassurances can my right hon. Friend give about extending the seasonal agricultural worker scheme beyond 2024?
Context
The question addresses the importance of a skilled domestic and foreign workforce for East Devon's agriculture.
Robert Jenrick
We review the seasonal agricultural worker scheme annually with DEFRA, extending it for this year and increasing permitted numbers. We balance this against training British workers and investing in farming to reduce reliance on foreign labour.
Session: Topical Questions
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Many veterans in my constituency tell me that they sometimes struggle to adapt from frontline service to the jobs that are available locally. Can my right hon. Friend provide an update on the work of the defence transition service, which helps veterans to get into good, well-paid jobs?
Context
Veterans in the constituency often struggle to adapt from frontline service to civilian life, highlighting the need for support.
Andrew Murrison
My hon. Friend may be referring to the career transition partnership, which is normally used for people making the transition to civilian life. The defence transition service is for those who have sustained an injury or illness. It is designed to ensure that people have the support that they need in order to adapt to their particular circumstances, and that they have the best possible chance of getting a decent civilian job after they leave the services.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Dinan Way extension in Exmouth and the Cullompton relief road are two major projects that are needed to cut congestion and improve air quality locally. My hon. Friend knows that I have made the case for those bids previously, but may I make one final plea now?
Context
Local highways infrastructure projects such as Dinan Way extension in Exmouth and Cullompton relief road are being discussed.
Dehenna Davison
My hon. Friend is another fantastic champion, not just for his constituency but for the whole of the south-west. We will announce the outcome of the bids in due course, but his question has been heard loud and clear.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my right hon. Friend agree that the levelling-up fund must make a real difference in every region, including his colleague's area in the south-west?
Context
Devon County Council has submitted a bid to the levelling-up fund for cutting congestion in Exmouth.
Dehenna Davison
My hon. Friend's bid to the levelling-up fund is under consideration and we will announce results in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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Following Awaab Ishak's tragic death and the chief executive of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing standing down, will the House receive a statement on your departmental responsibilities?
Context
Awaab Ishak's tragic death led to the chief executive of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing stepping down, prompting calls for further action.
Michael Gove
The House is aware that following Awaab Ishak's tragic death and the chief executive stepping down, further action will be taken. I have written to local authorities and registered social landlords about ensuring the dangers of damp and mould are prioritised.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my hon. Friend agree that adequate funding is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of victim support services in Devon and elsewhere?
Context
The draft victims Bill is seen as a step forward. The MP questions if proper funding is essential.
Tom Pursglove
The victims Bill focuses on improving quality and consistency, backed by £192 million by 2024-25, quadrupling since 2009-10, along with a multi-year commitment to give victim support services confidence to plan for the future.
Session: Support for Victims of Crime
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What has the Secretary of State done to ensure that the £5 million allocated for Devon is directed at the right places in Devon to make sure that the support really helps?
Context
Devon has been allocated additional funding to help households with the cost of living crisis.
David Rutley
Local authorities, with their local ties and knowledge, are best placed to identify those most in need. To assist local authorities with identifying those who may be in need of additional discretionary support, the DWP has introduced data shares with local authorities, which enables them to proactively identify individuals in need, as well as the supporting guidance for the scheme.
Session: Household Support Fund Allocation
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What recent progress her Department has made on allocating the household support fund to local authorities?
Context
Local authorities have received allocations for the household support fund, and there is an additional funding increase.
David Rutley
Local authorities in England have already received their allocations for the household support fund for April to September, and those have been published online. The Government recently announced a further £421 million increase for the household support fund, extending it from October to March 2023. Devolved Administrations will also receive a further £79 million to help households with the cost of essentials, bringing the total funding for this support to £1.5 billion across the United Kingdom.
Session: Household Support Fund Allocation
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Exmouth has welcomed Afghan refugees, but their relatives are still there. What assurances can be given that UK aid reaches those who need it most in Afghanistan?
Context
Afghan refugees have settled in Exmouth. Some friends and family remain in Afghanistan.
James Cleverly
Last month, a donor conference raised over £2.4 billion for Afghanistan. We work through international agencies to ensure that funds reach the people who need it most, especially women and girls. The Taliban's adherence to commitments will be pressed by the UK.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps are the Government taking to help our drinks industry get their products on shelves across the globe? The south-west is known for not only its food but also its wonderful drink. Thousands of acres of orchards across the west country produce some of the world's best cider, supporting around 12,000 jobs.
Context
The south-west of England is known for its food and drink, particularly cider, which supports around 12,000 jobs.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
We are striving for tariff-free drinks exports through our FTAs, and the Prime Minister promoted that when he hosted a food and drink showcase in Downing Street last November. We are opening new markets and extending our network of 100 overseas food and drink advisers by recruiting eight new specialist agriculture attachés.
Session: Topical Questions
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. As part of the UK's leadership on sanctions against the Putin regime, we have raised tariffs by 35% on hundreds of Russian goods worth £900 million in trade. By the end of 2022, the UK will end all dependency on Russian coal and oil.
Context
The UK has imposed sanctions on Russia, raising tariffs by 35% on Russian goods worth £900 million in trade.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
As part of the UK's leadership on sanctions against the Putin regime, we have raised tariffs by 35% on hundreds of Russian goods worth £900 million in trade. By the end of 2022, the UK will end all dependency on Russian coal and oil, and end imports of gas as soon as possible.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my hon. Friend encourage local NHS leaders to fund specialist menopause centres?
Context
A local campaign is pushing for a specialist menopause clinic in Devon to improve services.
Maria Caulfield
The Government recognise that menopause services need improvement and are a priority in the women's health strategy, with an emphasis on primary care but also considering specialist services for some women. The taskforce is looking into this matter.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
South West Water
05 March 2024
Responding: Robbie Moore
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the unacceptable pollution levels in Exmouth, Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton caused by South West Water's failure to invest adequately. He notes that despite recent fines of £2.1 million and bill deductions of £13 million, pollution remains at 'unacceptable' levels, with only modest improvements noted by the Environment Agency. The MP highlights several major incidents in Exmouth and ongoing investigations into sewage treatment works and leakage reporting."]
Specific Asks
["The MP urges South West Water to speed up plans for £38 million investment in Exmouth's water infrastructure and requests that the Minister consult on making water companies statutory consultees on major planning applications. He also calls for monitors to be installed on all emergency overflows, with no excuses allowed for pollution."]
South West Water: Performance — [Sir George Howarth in the Chair]
28 February 2023
Responding: Rebecca Pow
Main Concerns
["Simon Jupp is concerned about the excessive sewage and rainwater ending up in rivers and seas due to storm overflow discharges. He mentions that South West Water's infrastructure cannot cope with the growing population and heavier storms, leading to poor water quality. The company has been relying too much on storm overflows without addressing underlying issues and has a one-star rating for environmental performance by the Environment Agency."]
Specific Asks
['Jupp calls on South West Water to invest more in infrastructure and urges the Minister to ensure that water companies maintain monitors and fix faults immediately. He also asks for better transparency about progress on reducing storm overflow discharges and for financial penalties to be used effectively as a deterrent.']
Support for British Farming — [Sir Gary Streeter in the Chair]
23 November 2022
Responding: Mark Spencer
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the need for more certainty and clarity in the farming community, particularly regarding the development and roll-out of the sustainable farming incentive. He emphasises the importance of balancing environmental sustainability with food production, noting that farmers have expressed a sentiment: 'You cannot eat trees.' Additionally, he highlights rising input costs such as fertiliser, slurry rules, and avian influenza issues, alongside significant concerns about abattoir capacity in the south-west and across the country. The MP also points out workforce shortages as an acute issue for the agricultural industry."]
Specific Asks
['The MP asks DEFRA to accelerate the development and roll-out of the sustainable farming incentive and to ensure that support schemes encourage food production. He also requests more engagement between the Trade and Agriculture Commission officials and MPs, with regional evidence sessions being held again. Furthermore, he calls for a long-term strategy for the food and farming workforce, including an expansion of seasonal worker schemes.']
South West Water: Brixham Contamination
20 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Access to Banking: Devon
24 April 2024
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
MP Simon Jupp secured an Adjournment debate on the decline of bank branches in Devon, highlighting that there were 19,000 UK bank and building society branches in 1992 but only 8,000 in 2022. He noted...
Coronavirus Act 2020 - Schedule 5 - Application of Chapter 1 of Part 1 to existing tenancies: transitional provision
24 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr. Jacob Young, the Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, moved that the clause be read a Second time. The specific amendment proposed in this speech does not provide detailed arguments but can be...
Hospice Funding
22 April 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls on integrated care boards to urgently address the funding for hospice-provided palliative care. Emphasises the importance of end-of-life care as a legal right, highlights financial pressures fac...
Hospice Funding: Devon
17 January 2024
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Simon Jupp, the Member for East Devon, initiated an Adjournment debate to discuss hospice funding concerns in Devon. He highlighted his conversation with Dr John Searle and the Bishop of Exeter at a R...
Transport Infrastructure: Cullompton
19 December 2023
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
The MP for Honiton and Sidmouth called on the Government to deliver a relief road and railway station for Cullompton, highlighting years of consultation fatigue among residents. He detailed traffic co...
Autumn Statement
22 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Agricultural Tenancies
24 May 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Recovering Access to Primary Care
09 May 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
BBC: Government Role in Impartiality
14 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
5
PMQs Asked
65
Ministerial Questions Asked
53
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
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
+385% above average
This MP:
65
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+991% above average
This MP:
53
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 Jupp's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.