Siobhan Baillie
MP for Stroud
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
We have legislated to give the public ID verification options on social media, and tech companies know the safety value and popularity of that, because they offer it now, but for a big fee every month—it is not good enough. Bereaved parents are campaigning for more measures to protect kids online, fraudsters are routinely exploiting fake social media accounts to scam, and there are fears of global political interference in elections from faceless, traceless bots. It is creating the perfect cyber-storm. Will my right hon. Friend use his influence to get tech companies to get on with offering robust, visible and free verification measures as soon as possible to keep people safe?
Context
Bereaved parents and others are campaigning for more robust online safety measures, including free user identity verification.
Rishi Sunak
Can I start by commending my hon. Friend on her work on this issue? She is absolutely right that user verification can be a powerful tool to keep people safe online. The Online Safety Act 2023, as she knows, requires companies to offer all adults optional user identity verification. Companies will also need to take firm action to improve safety for children in particular, and Ofcom will be able to monitor tech companies and have strong powers to ensure they comply. I can tell her that the Home Secretary is meeting the industry on Monday next week and will be sure to raise the points she has mentioned today.
Assessment
Did not commit to any specific action or timeline for free verification measures
Under Review
Working With Partners
Session: PMQs
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The UK is at risk of being left behind on hydrogen internal combustion engines. The EU and the USA now recognise hydrogen combustion engines as zero-emission and are supporting those industries, as all viable zero-carbon technologies will be needed—particularly for our HGVs, according to the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance. I am working with BorgWarner, PHINIA and many MPs on HICE, because this issue is crucial for UK jobs, skills and manufacturing. Will my right hon. Friend commit to urgently extending the scope of the automotive transformation fund industrialisation grants to include hydrogen engines, so that we win the HICE race?
Context
The UK risks falling behind on HICE technology due to lack of support compared to EU and USA, which recognise them as zero-emission. This is vital for jobs, skills, and manufacturing in the automotive sector.
Rishi Sunak
The Government are determined to ensure that the UK remains one of the best locations in the world for automotive manufacturing. Hydrogen fuel cells and their upstream supply chains are already in the scope of the ATF, and support for the fund has enabled Johnson Matthey's £60 million investment in Hertfordshire to develop hydrogen technologies. I am told by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade that the Department for Business and Trade is continuing to look at the future possibilities for renewable hydrogen and will consider the fund's eligibility in light of the new developments in this space.
Assessment
The questioner asked for a commitment to extend ATF specifically to include HICE; the answer discussed broader support but did not commit explicitly.
Continuing To Look At Future Possibilities
Session: PMQs
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The UK has a workforce shortage, yet millions of parents are unable to work at full tilt and childcare providers are going belly-up due to policies' being a maddeningly expensive muddle of a mess. Will my right hon. Friend please confirm that, after decades of ineffective tinkering and endless policies, he will be the man to give us proper childcare reform?
Context
The UK has a workforce shortage, yet millions of parents are unable to work at full tilt and childcare providers are closing due to policies being a 'maddeningly expensive muddle'.
Rishi Sunak
I am pleased to say that we have announced ambitious new plans to improve the cost, the choice and the availability of childcare to benefit hundreds of thousands of parents across the country. That includes measures to increase the number of children that can be looked after by each staff member and making it easier for people to become childminders. We will respond to all those proposals in very short order.
Assessment
Specific confirmation of bringing proper childcare reform was not addressed
Session: PMQs
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While the politics of politics often gets all the attention, back in the real world millions of parents—I declare a quite obvious interest—are being held back by issues with childcare schemes, which have been a muddle under Governments of all political colours. The taxpayer is spending five to six billion quid a year and we have some of the highest costs in the world during a cost of living squeeze. Stroud parents and early years educators are also really stuck with the bureaucracy. I know that my right hon. Friend has personally asked Ministers to investigate options to reduce the costs of childcare. Will he tell us a little more about what we can do urgently, and will he work with me and the Onward think-tank on reforms?
Context
Parents are struggling with high childcare costs despite government spending.
Boris Johnson
Yes. I thank my hon. Friend very much. She and I have talked about this. This is a subject in which I take a direct personal interest. There are things we can do to make childcare more affordable. One issue is that not enough people take up tax-free childcare, so we need to have more take-up of what is on offer. We can also look at ways in which we can reform and improve the system.
Assessment
specific reforms or timelines
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend congratulate the Nailsworth Climate Action Network on its approach to this issue, provide confidence that the Government are creating more solutions for energy efficient homes, and let us know when there will be more details of that work?
Context
The Nailsworth Climate Action Network held a retrofit fair in Stroud.
Dominic Raab
I thank my hon. Friend and support all the efforts at a local level she is pursuing. We are backing it up with national measures, requiring all new build homes by 2025 to have low-carbon heating and world-leading energy efficiency levels.
Assessment
Did not provide specific details of retrofitting work
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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My constituency of Stroud recently won the title of best place to live. There is much to visit there, including an historic lamp standard that was erected to celebrate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. Next year, our own Queen will mark 70 years since her accession to the throne. Will the Prime Minister join me in supporting the gift being proposed by Parliament to mark Her Majesty's platinum jubilee?
Context
The question relates to plans for celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
Boris Johnson
I thank my hon. Friend for that wonderful proposal, and I certainly encourage all colleagues to support and contribute to her project.
Session: PMQs
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What will the environment Bill do for wetlands and wildlife? Will he visit WWT Slimbridge to see the flamboyance of flamingos?
Context
World Wetlands Day approaching.
Boris Johnson
Environment plan places biodiversity frameworks on a statutory footing, but it is unsure if this includes flamingos.
Assessment
Specific details about what the Environment Bill does for wetlands and wildlife
Biodiversity Frameworks
Session: PMQs
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My GPs are working extraordinarily hard to increase access in the face of ever increasing public demand. I am alarmed by the Labour party's talk about scrapping the GP partnership model, as I find in the Stroud district that GP practices are some of the most efficient parts of our NHS services. They need support, the removal of bureaucracy and the opening up of funding pots, rather than dismantling. Will my right hon. Friend explain how access to primary care would not be helped by removing the partnership model?
Context
The questioner expresses concern about the Labour party's proposal to scrap the GP partnership model, emphasizing that this model is efficient in her constituency.
Andrea Leadsom
My hon. Friend makes a fantastic point, and I say again that GPs absolutely underpin our primary care. We all absolutely rely on them, and our measures to create 36,000 additional roles in GP practices will provide them with the additional capacity they need so that they can serve their patients better.
Session: Primary Care Patient Access
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It was good to meet my hon. Friend the Minister and the residents of Fishburn in the Sedgefield constituency recently; and he then followed up with Arriva. Will he endorse my campaign to reconnect Fishburn, Trimdon and Sedgefield back with Newton Aycliffe and Darlington, which were cut off by the removal of the X21? Does he also agree that rural services to places such as these are the critical platform to enable opportunity to be spread and a key reason for the BSIP funding?
Context
The removal of the X21 bus route has disconnected communities in Fishburn, Trimdon, and Sedgefield from Newton Aycliffe and Darlington.
Guy Opperman
It was a pleasure to attend the meeting at Fishburn Community Hall, meet the local residents and councillors, be offered a pancake on Shrove Tuesday and discuss bus services and bus funding. I have to say that there is no doubt whatever that the improvement of the X21, in particular taking residents and workers into Newton Aycliffe and Darlington, seems to be utterly sensible, and I will continue to support my hon. Friend's campaign and meet again with Arriva to ensure that it happens for the people of Fishburn and Trimdon.
Session: Bus Services England
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Does he agree that it is quite wrong for private equity firms to be making these eye-watering profits on the backs of hard-working parents? What is he going to do to stop this happening?
Context
Private equity firms have been causing damage in other parts of the education sector, including childcare.
David Johnston
The hon. Lady is right to raise the issue of profiteering that we have seen in some areas of children's care and social care. We will be setting out some steps that we will be taking on that shortly.
Session: Childcare Provision
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Berkeley has secured incredibly exciting investment in nuclear innovation with a consortium involving Rolls-Royce and the University of Bristol. A low-carbon energy park with international status at Berkeley and Oldbury, next door, go hand in hand as the Severn Edge project. The Government have a good opportunity to meet their energy security ambitions and lead the way. Will my hon. Friend provide assurances that he will work with Western Gateway on Severn Edge? I heard him say that the competition has to run its course, but will the course be run ahead of the summer recess?
Context
The MP is concerned about the Government's support for the Severn Edge project.
Andrew Bowie
My hon. Friend is tempting me. Oldbury is a candidate for new nuclear, and one of a number of potential sites that could host civil nuclear projects. It is exciting and encouraging to see the number of sites and projects coming forward for investment.
Session: New Nuclear
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What steps she is taking to increase nuclear energy capacity?
Context
The MP is concerned about the steps needed to increase nuclear power.
Andrew Bowie
The civil nuclear road map reconfirmed the Government's ambition to deploy up to 24 GW of nuclear power by 2050. It sets out plans to make investment decisions about 3 GW to 7 GW every five years between 2030 and 2044.
Session: New Nuclear
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Wedding experts at Hitched say that independent celebrants are the biggest trend for couples getting married this year, and with the Church, registrars and humanists all providing additional options, it is about time that we updated the marriage laws, which are from 1836. Will the Government publish a substantive response to the Law Commission's 2022 report on wedding reform?
Context
Independent celebrants are reported to be the biggest trend for couples getting married this year. The Law Commission's report on wedding reform from 2022 has been mentioned.
Mike Freer
As someone who benefited from the last wedding reform on equal marriage, I can say that this Government are entirely committed to ensuring that we report as fast as possible on the Law Commission's review. If my hon. Friend would like to meet my noble Friend Lord Bellamy to discuss it further, we can make that happen.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Lord Chancellor meet to look at campaigns for divorce and family breakdown reform?
Context
January is often considered family breakdown month, with divorces costing over £14,000 on average.
Mike Freer
I am more than happy to arrange a meeting with my noble Friend Lord Bellamy to update her and the noble Baroness Deech.
Session: Topical Questions
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Welcoming the 50% increase in childcare payments for parents on universal credit; asking for a review of childcare rules for parents in training and education, and other ways the government is supporting low-income families in Stroud.
Context
The MP welcomes the Government's decision to boost childcare payments and asks about additional support measures.
Mel Stride (Minister for Pensions)
Acknowledging the hon. Friend's role in pushing for reforms to childcare within universal credit; noting progress on back to work plan, extension of restart, doubling of universal support, greatest-ever increase in national living wage, and reductions in employee national insurance.
Session: Topical Questions
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Work experience is often really hard to nail down—places go to those with friends and family in the sector, and employers are really busy. That is particularly so for small skilled manufacturing businesses in Stroud, so I am working with employability experts Finito to launch a campaign for low-fuss shadowing work experience across the board. We want to allow everybody, young and old, to find out more about weird and wonderful jobs, and to allow employers to assess candidates. Is that something my right hon. Friend is interested in, and will he meet me to discuss it?
Context
Employers in small skilled manufacturing businesses in Siobhan Baillie's constituency often struggle to provide work experience opportunities due to busy schedules and existing connections within the sector.
Mel Stride
I thank my hon. Friend for the question, and I would be delighted for either me or the relevant Minister to meet her. I know the terrific work she has done, particularly with organisations such as Finito, in getting young people ready for work. Indeed, I believe she set up the all-party parliamentary group on the future of employability. I am very happy to have a meeting.
Session: Job Vacancies Stroud
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Welcoming new team members and thanking those who have departed, while highlighting significant achievements such as cost of living payments, support for vulnerable individuals, 6.7% increase in working-age benefits, near-record levels of payroll employment, historically low unemployment rates, and rising real wages.
Context
The question arises from a change in the department's leadership and the need to highlight recent achievements.
Mel Stride (Minister for Pensions)
Welcoming new team members to the Front Bench; noting achievements such as cost of living payments, support for vulnerable individuals, 6.7% increase in working-age benefits, near-record levels of payroll employment, historically low unemployment rates, and rising real wages.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps he is taking to help fill job vacancies in Stroud constituency. I had the great pleasure of visiting my hon. Friend's jobcentre in April. Since then, it has been closed temporarily, I believe, and moved to Gloucester.
Context
The jobcentre in Siobhan Baillie's constituency of Stroud has recently been closed and relocated to Gloucester.
Mel Stride
I had the great pleasure of visiting my hon. Friend's jobcentre in April. Since then, it has been closed temporarily, I believe, and moved to Gloucester. I am sure there is no connection. [Interruption.] I am really sure, I can reassure the hon. Member for Cambridge (Daniel Zeichner). Of course, it does a fantastic job in matching jobs through work coaches, jobs fairs, recruitment days and an extensive skills offering.
Session: Job Vacancies Stroud
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Welcome back, Mr Speaker. The Early Education and Childcare Coalition has found that 57% of nursery staff and 38% of childminders are considering leaving the early years sector in the next 12 months. That absolutely cannot happen. What evidence does my hon. Friend have that the UK is retaining nursery staff and childminders, and what can we be doing to ensure the new system is successful?
Context
The Early Education and Childcare Coalition has found that a significant number of nursery staff are considering leaving the early years sector in the next year. The question arises from the need to retain these skilled workers.
David Johnston
I thank my hon. Friend for her work championing the early years workforce and join her in the tributes she pays to them. The total number of paid early years staff has remained stable in recent years, and between 2021 and 2022 the number of staff increased by 2%, or 5,900 people. We will publish updated statistics in the coming weeks.
Session: Childcare Support Working Parents
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What steps she is taking to increase childcare support for working parents. By 2027-28, we expect to spend in excess of £8 billion every year on free childcare hours and early education, representing the single largest investment in childcare in England ever.
Context
The question arises from the need to provide more support for working parents through childcare services.
David Johnston
The Government announced earlier this year transformative reforms to childcare to benefit children, parents and the economy. By 2027-28, we expect to spend in excess of £8 billion every year on free childcare hours and early education, representing the single largest investment in childcare in England ever.
Session: Childcare Support Working Parents
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Stroud Maternity Hospital is doing a great job, but the post-natal beds are still not open. We have been chasing a ministerial meeting about that for some time. Will my hon. Friend meet me and the Gloucestershire NHS scrutiny chair, Andrew Gravells, to discuss the issue? We think that we need some help with the Care Quality Commission.
Context
Stroud Maternity Hospital's post-natal beds are not yet open, and the hospital is seeking a ministerial meeting to discuss this issue.
Maria Caulfield
I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that specific issue. We are doing a piece of work on a capital survey of all maternity units as well as working with the CQC on how capital infrastructure—beds and so forth—are impacting on maternity performance.
Session: Topical Questions
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I have spoken to Ministers about the work of organisations such as Fromehall Mill and the Sub Rooms, and we have been down to Berkeley town. With them in mind, when will the next round of announcements about the community ownership fund be made?
Context
Organisations such as Fromehall Mill and the Sub Rooms are looking forward to future rounds of announcements for the community ownership fund.
Jacob Young
I am delighted to confirm to my hon. Friend that the next round of the community ownership fund opens this week, on 6 December. We will have the outcomes of the last window in the coming weeks, but I know that she is very keen on Fromehall Mill and Berkeley Books, which she has been championing.
Session: Topical Questions
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The award-winning Cotswold Canals Trust volunteers have had enough of antisocial behaviour such as graffiti, dog mess and worrying drug paraphernalia everywhere. It is ruining their hard work on the canal network and is putting them at risk. Part of our successful approach to trying to tackle it is getting CCTV down the canals. Will my right hon. Friend let us know what is happening with the safer streets funding? Police and crime commissioner Chris Nelson and I have made an application, and we are waiting to hear about it.
Context
Award-winning Cotswold Canals Trust volunteers face issues such as graffiti, dog mess, and drug paraphernalia.
Chris Philp
A round of safer streets funding was distributed for the current financial year, and we will make an announcement shortly about the following financial year. More money will be available, and it will be up to police and crime commissioners to decide how they spend that money. We are rolling out antisocial behaviour hotspot patrols across all 43 police forces in England and Wales, with a trial showing 30% decreases in ASB.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister meet me to discuss the issue of levelling-up funding for Berkeley?
Context
Berkeley Town Council has a regeneration plan but lacks confidence in the district council's ability to deliver it.
Jacob Young
I look forward to meeting my hon. Friend and visiting her constituency.
Session: Topical Questions
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What is my right hon. Friend doing to reform the existing apprenticeship levy to work better for small businesses and students?
Context
The MP asked about reforms to the apprenticeship levy to better support small businesses and students.
Gillian Keegan
We removed the limit on the number of apprentices that small businesses can take on, we continue to pay 100% of training costs for the smallest employers, and allow levy payers to transfer 25% of their funds to support SMEs. We spent 99.6% of the apprenticeship budget in 2021-22.
Session: Skills and Apprenticeships Funding
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Playgrounds are often a godsend for stressed parents. They are great for kids' development, and they are free entertainment during all these cost of living pressures. Will my right hon. Friend consider earmarking a fund so that parish councils and community groups can bid to improve areas that are in a poor state or that lack the inclusive equipment we all want to see?
Context
Playgrounds are important community assets that help with child development and provide free entertainment during cost of living pressures.
Michael Gove
My hon. Friend is a brilliant champion for better provision of playgrounds and stronger support for families and young people. The community ownership fund is available for some of the purposes she mentions, but I look forward to working with her to do more in this area.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned that the UK is being left behind on hydrogen internal combustion engines. The EU and the USA are now recognising hydrogen combustion engines as zero emission, but the UK is refusing, which means that the automotive transformation fund for industrialising the technology is not available. I am working with brilliant companies such as BorgWarner in Stonehouse and the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance to raise this issue. I have spoken to the Secretary of State for Transport and I am raising it with the Prime Minister; I hope that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business and Trade will use her brilliant brains on this matter too.
Context
The EU and the USA have recognised hydrogen combustion engines as zero emission, but the UK has not, which affects eligibility for automotive transformation funding.
Nusrat Ghani
I hope that my hon. Friend will allow me to use my brain to help unlock this with the Department for Transport. We have the automotive transformation fund and the Advanced Propulsion Centre, so we are doing a huge amount of work in this space to ensure that we are not only on the cutting edge of electric zero-emission vehicles, but looking at what the opportunities are for hydrogen. We do not want to be left behind anywhere in this space, but we do need to align ourselves with the rest of our Departments, and I will do so.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my hon. Friend give the House an update on the recruitment of midwives and maternity teams, as Gloucestershire NHS is working so hard on that, in order to fully reopen Stroud Maternity Hospital?
Context
The MP is concerned about the recruitment of midwives and maternity teams, especially in relation to reopening Stroud Maternity Hospital.
Maria Caulfield
I thank my hon. Friend, who does a huge amount of work supporting her local midwives in Stroud. I can give her encouraging news: not only have we spent £190 million on midwifery services, but we are seeing an increased number of midwives coming through midwifery training.
Session: Healthcare for Women
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Will the Ministry of Justice ensure representation at a meeting regarding family law reforms? The event is scheduled in the House of Lords next month with Mr Justice Mostyn and Baroness Shackleton. Will an official or Minister attend?
Context
The MP welcomed the Department's decision to refer financial remedy reform to the Law Commission but noted that substantial delays are causing issues for thousands of families.
Mike Freer
I guarantee that either a senior official or a Minister will attend the meeting.
Session: Criminal Court Backlogs
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During a recent visit to the excellent South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, the Minister and I were quite properly schooled by two smart apprentices, who told us quite bluntly what they thought of the Government communications campaign to encourage apprenticeships and raise awareness of them. They were not hugely impressed and had some ideas themselves. After meeting the Stroud apprentices, will my right hon. Friend consider creating a new national campaign to raise awareness of this really important use of learning?
Context
The MP suggests that a national campaign is needed to raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities, citing feedback from Stroud College apprentices.
Robert Halfon
I had a wonderful visit with my hon. Friend to the excellent South Gloucestershire and Stroud College. She is absolutely right that we need to communicate the good work of apprenticeships and we are doing exactly that. We have a national campaign, Skills for Life, which is all over the national media. As I mentioned in my previous answer, we are also transforming careers advice on apprenticeships to ensure that students and learners have interactions with apprentice organisations to encourage them to do apprenticeships when they leave school. We have also worked with UCAS to ensure that apprenticeships are treated at the same level as when people apply for degrees.
Session: Degree Apprenticeships
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What steps her Department is taking to increase the uptake of degree apprenticeships?
Context
The MP is concerned about the uptake of degree apprenticeships and wants to know what steps are being taken by her Department.
Robert Halfon
My hon. Friend will know that 'degree apprenticeships' are my two favourite words in the English language. My hon. Friend's constituency of Wantage has had 330 extra degree-level apprentices since 2018. We have had over 180,000 starts overall since 2014 and we are investing an additional—an additional—£40 million over the next two years to support degree apprenticeships.
Session: Degree Apprenticeships
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I was thrilled that my verification campaign to tackle anonymous abuse was successful with the Government, but I have always been clear that whether someone is verified needs to be made obvious on social media. Does my right hon. Friend agree that that is important to social media users? How is the Online Safety Bill progressing through the Lords?
Context
The question stems from the success of a campaign to tackle anonymous abuse on social media.
Michelle Donelan
The Bill will soon be in Committee in the House of Lords, and we are committed to ensuring that it is passed before the end of the current Session. I pay tribute to the excellent work that my hon. Friend has done in this regard. As she knows, we are committed to dealing with abuse, and the Bill places a duty on the largest online services to give adult users the option of verifying themselves.
Session: Topical Questions
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. Siobhan Baillie noted that DSIT was created with the mission to deliver improved public services, jobs and economic growth through innovation. She asked for details on how the Department has progressed since its creation.
Context
The question arises from the establishment of DSIT which aims to drive innovation.
Michelle Donelan
DSIT was created with a single mission: to drive innovation that will deliver improved public services and new, better-paid jobs and grow the economy. Our Department will do things differently and will be a model for how modern Government Departments should run. We have hit the ground running. Within just a few weeks of setting up, we have set out a comprehensive framework for science and technology, announced £370 million in new spending and introduced the Data Protection and Digital Information (No. 2) Bill. We have worked with the Chancellor to take decisive action to facilitate a deal to save the UK arm of Silicon Valley Bank, protecting hundreds of jobs.
Session: Topical Questions
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I wish Ministers had seen me trying to drag a baby, a toddler and a buggy up and down the steps at Stroud station as part of my campaign for accessibility measures. I am able-bodied, so it is even more difficult for people with disabilities and elderly people. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss the Access for All scheme so that I can go back to Great Western Railway and give an update?
Context
The MP has been campaigning for improved accessibility at Stroud station, especially focusing on the difficulties faced by people with disabilities and elderly individuals.
Mark Harper
I am grateful for that question from my constituency neighbour across the River Severn. We have spent £900 million on Access for All accessibility upgrades. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss her specific proposals for Stroud station.
Session: Topical Questions
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I want to talk about radiator sludge, as I went to see ADEY Innovation Ltd, a company in my constituency, where I learned that dirty radiators increase energy bills by 7% and people may be getting 47% less heat through poor water quality. Yet in the Government's £25 million energy efficiency advice campaign there is nowt about the benefits of magnetic filtration and other affordable things that companies such as ADEY Innovation offer households. Will my right hon. Friend agree to work with me to include this advice and meet to discuss this?
Context
A company in the questioner's constituency highlighted that dirty radiators increase energy bills by 7% and reduce heat effectiveness. The government's £25 million energy efficiency advice campaign does not include information on magnetic filtration.
Grant Shapps
My hon. Friend is right to worry about radiator sludge, and I fully support her in her concerns. I am pleased to tell her that in this Parliament and into the next we have committed £12.6 billion to campaigns to ensure not just that we tackle the radiator sludge, but that we do things throughout homes to improve their insulation and other technologies. I would be happy to meet her.
Session: Household Energy Efficiency Measures
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What is the Ministry of Justice doing with other departments to unlock barriers for prison inmates to participate in affordable home-building projects?
Context
The question stems from a project where prisoners are learning modern methods of construction to build affordable homes, but faces barriers such as land acquisition issues.
Dominic Raab
I thank my hon. Friend; she is championing a brilliant project in her constituency. Getting more prisoners into work is absolutely vital for them, but also for reducing reoffending. Training prisoners in modern methods of construction is one of the ways we can equip them with the skills to deliver. As a former Housing Minister, I am very conscious of the need to release more surplus land for those purposes and I will speak to my colleagues in the way she asks.
Session: Prisoner Skills Development
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What steps is the minister taking to help prisoners develop new skills?
Context
The question arises from the government's initiative to help prisoners develop new skills.
Dominic Raab
We are delivering a new prison education service. The first prisoner apprentices have now started on highway maintenance for Kier and hospitality for Greene King. We are launching an employability innovation fund to bring more businesses into prisons.
Session: Prisoner Skills Development
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Parents in my constituency want to return to work but face significant challenges with high childcare costs. The DWP Committee found that while the offer is good, only 13% of eligible parents take it up due to issues like the requirement for an upfront payment for childcare and a need for uprating. Will you confirm if there have been discussions with the Treasury ahead of the spring Budget regarding these key asks?
Context
The DWP Committee reported that despite the generous childcare element of Universal Credit (85% reimbursement), only 13% of eligible parents are taking it up due to barriers such as upfront payments.
Mims Davies
The Secretary of State is keen on seeing more parents in work. The current rate for lone parent employment is 64.6%. We are responding to the Committee's report published at the end of last year, reiterating our commitment to supporting all parents.
Session: Supporting People into Work Childcare Costs
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I am working with the Stonehouse company BorgWarner in Stroud to raise the profile of hydrogen combustion engines and the need to ensure that they are considered compliant with the upcoming zero-emission vehicle mandate and vehicle requirements from 2035. Will my right hon. Friend agree to visit this important local provider of hundreds of skilled jobs and apprenticeships to learn more about its world-leading work?
Context
The Stonehouse company BorgWarner provides skilled jobs and apprenticeships. Hydrogen combustion engines are crucial for future transportation needs.
Jesse Norman
I thank my hon. Friend very much for her question. She is absolutely right that hydrogen is a key component of the full decarbonisation of transport—not just heavier transport, but aviation and maritime.
Session: Topical Questions
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What is being done to ensure that local authorities and parents are key in implementing the new reforms for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?
Context
Stroud families with children with SEND receive only a few hours of schooling each week, causing disruption.
Claire Coutinho
I am exercised about this issue; I speak to parents of children with SEND all the time. We are setting out more details in the implementation strategy shortly.
Session: Topical Questions
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Stroud's levelling-up bid works with the private, public and charity sectors, which means that if we are successful, we can deliver jobs and meaningful change very quickly. However, in the light of the delayed announcement, will the Minister clarify whether we need to submit updated information, and will she meet me to discuss the matter?
Context
The MP's levelling-up bid works with various sectors and seeks to deliver jobs and meaningful change quickly.
Dehenna Davison
My hon. Friend is yet another fantastic champion for her constituents. No further information is needed at this stage, but I should be happy to meet her to discuss the issue that she has raised.
Session: Topical Questions
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How is the Home Office working with companies contracted to source and organise hotels for asylum seekers in rural areas, and is there day-to-day oversight?
Context
MPs and councils are among the last to know when asylum seekers are placed in hotels in their constituencies.
Robert Jenrick
Implemented better engagement criteria with the Home Office to ensure MP and local authority engagement before placing asylum seekers. Acknowledged pressure on system due to illegal crossings and Rwanda partnership.
Session: Topical Questions
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Lawyers advise clients to file early to avoid delays, leading some parents into a defensive crouch. How will Ministers ensure that family law reform reduces these delays?
Context
Delays in family courts are causing significant issues, including defensive postures by parents and delayed mediation sessions.
Dominic Raab
My hon. Friend is correct, and we are using mediation and a voucher scheme to support it. We also aim to use cost shifting in the courts so that people cannot double-dip or go from one process to another.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my hon. Friend ensure that the Government work with me to look into whether the Consumer Credit Act 1974 constitutes a barrier to banks providing finance for renewable energy solutions, and whether changes could be made to assist consumers and businesses without a cost to the taxpayer?
Context
A constituent in the Stroud district is seeking financing for renewable energy products like solar photovoltaic and batteries but encounters difficulties.
Andrew Griffith
My hon. Friend regularly champions the cause of her constituents with Ministers. The Government are committed to reforming the Consumer Credit Act, recognising the need for modernisation of this regulation. I hope that such reform can support the vital investment needed to improve the sustainability of homes in her constituency and across the UK.
Session: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
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Even the drama in this place does not match the daily drama of the childcare juggle, so we must listen to millions of mums and dads who are asking for affordable and flexible childcare options in a system that is effectively not fit for purpose. Will my right hon. Friend reassure parents and early years educators that the Department is looking at that closely? Will he work with me and the think-tank Onward to bring about reforms?
Context
Millions of parents are seeking affordable and flexible childcare options in a system that is not fit for purpose, highlighting the need for reforms.
Kit Malthouse
My hon. Friend is quite right that the childcare system—not through anything other than an accident of increasing numbers of ministerial initiatives—has become complicated to the extent that there is not enough availability and it is not affordable or flexible enough. For example, some of the payment mechanisms are complex, not least tax-free childcare, so we have not seen the take-up that we expected when that was introduced. We are reviewing the entire process from end to end. She can be assured that we are looking not just to tinker, but, hopefully—with the blessing of the new Prime Minister—at something that will really provide a reformed system to give her and other parents exactly what they are looking for.
Session: Topical Questions
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I think that the hon. Member for Barnsley East (Stephanie Peacock), on the Opposition Front Bench, was talking about my constituent. If not, there are two people who served for 38 years in the Royal Engineers and are struggling with multi-year battles with Veterans UK tribunals on a number of things. Some veterans are telling me that the Minister's positive experience of VUK is not what they are experiencing on the ground, particularly on mental health issues. Will he meet me to discuss the case and perhaps—this is similar to what my hon. Friend the Member for Gosport (Dame Caroline Dinenage) said—talk about mental health with veterans?
Context
The question arises from veterans' struggles with multi-year battles at Veterans UK tribunals, particularly regarding mental health issues. Constituents have reported that the Minister's experience does not reflect their own.
Leo Docherty (Minister for Defence People and Veterans)
I totally acknowledge that there have been problems with the awards of war pensions and armed forces compensation. I would be very happy to take up that case and expedite it, and write to my hon. Friend.
Session: Topical Questions
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Even with significant spending, childcare issues persist. Will my hon. Friend confirm that he is carefully examining regulations to reduce costs for families and support childminders in future changes?
Context
Concerns raised about the inefficacy of Government policies on childcare despite billions spent. Questions about regulatory burdens driving up costs.
Will Quince
We are working with other Departments to consider options within spending review parameters, considering quality of provision, health and safety, and regulatory changes that could encourage more childminders into the profession.
Session: Early Years Services and Childcare
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Renewable Energy Providers: Planning Considerations
25 October 2023
Responding: Jacob Young
Main Concerns
['The Member is concerned about planning barriers and delays hindering the renewable energy potential in the Stroud district. She highlights specific issues with solar tracking systems, which are rejected by local planners due to lack of knowledge or understanding. The Member also notes problems faced by organisations such as Bee Solar Technology and Big Solar Co-op, who face difficulties getting rooftop solar projects approved despite their environmental benefits.']
Specific Asks
['The Member asks the Minister to clarify whether local authorities already have powers to grant permission for renewable technologies like solar tracking systems or if changes in regulations are necessary. She also seeks an update on measures protecting agricultural land from large-scale solar farm developments and improvements to national grid infrastructure to support renewable energy.']
Family Law Terminology
16 November 2022
Responding: Mike Freer
Main Concerns
["The hon. Member for Cheltenham is concerned about the unhelpful language used in family law and its impact on families, particularly children. She notes that around 280,000 children see their parents separate each year and highlights the adversarial nature of court proceedings which uses terms like 'custody', 'Smith v. Smith', and 'dispute resolution'. The hon. Member also mentions that approximately 40% of separating parents bring issues about their children to family courts. She cites evidence that destructive conflict between parents increases emotional problems in children, such as depression and anxiety."]
Specific Asks
["The hon. Member asks the Minister to confirm that the Ministry of Justice's focus on family law reform is continuing now that the Lord Chancellor has returned to his post. She also requests confirmation that the demand reduction plan for keeping families out of court is still in place, as well as a formal response from the Government to reports by the Family Solutions Group (FSG)."]
Online Anonymity — [Esther McVey in the Chair]
13 January 2021
Responding: Caroline Dinenage
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the negative impacts of online anonymity on society, including hate speech, misinformation, bullying, and misogyny. She cites a report indicating that adults spend an average of 4.2 hours daily online, with children spending even more time on their screens. During the pandemic, screen time has likely increased further, causing many to feel less confident about going online due to concerns over safety and credibility of information. The MP highlights specific examples such as cyberbullying affecting children during lockdowns, political disinformation campaigns undermining democratic processes, and personal experiences of abuse directed at her for being a mother while serving as an MP.']
Specific Asks
["The lead MP asks the Government to address anonymity fully when considering online harms legislation. She suggests that proper consultation is necessary and urges the debate on the Law Commission's proposals regarding criminal law provisions that apply to individuals engaged in abusive behavior online."]
Disabled Access: Leisure Facilities
17 November 2020
Responding: Nigel Huddleston
Main Concerns
["Siobhan Baillie is concerned about the poor disabled access at theme parks, highlighting a specific case of Sebastian 'Sebby', a six-year-old boy with gross motor delay and cerebral palsy. Sebby was denied access to rides despite meeting the requirements for wheelchair users, leading to a humiliating experience that undermined his mental wellbeing. The issue is widespread, with many families around the country facing similar discriminatory practices at various leisure parks."]
Specific Asks
['Siobhan Baillie asks the Government to investigate and take action on this matter, arranging a stakeholder meeting involving relevant Ministers from multiple departments, and reviewing any codes of practice. She requests improvements in ride access for disabled individuals and better training for staff to understand their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.']
Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
21 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Spending
24 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Smoking Reduction and Tobacco Control Bill - Clause 1
16 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the Bill, stating its purpose is to prevent future generations from starting smoking. Argues that the only product that kills two thirds of its long-term users if consumed as intended is tobacco...
Women’s State Pension Age
25 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Horizon: Compensation and Legislation
26 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NHS Dentistry: Recovery and Reform
07 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Protecting and Restoring Wetlands
31 January 2024
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
MP Siobhan Baillie, representing Stroud, advocated for wetland protection and restoration. She highlighted Slimbridge's significance as the headquarters of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and called f...
Funded Childcare
22 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Palestine
08 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Horizon: Compensation and Convictions
08 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
7
PMQs Asked
58
Ministerial Questions Asked
98
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
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
+91% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+333% above average
This MP:
58
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1917% above average
This MP:
98
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 Siobhan Baillie's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.