Stephen Crabb
MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Thousands of constituents have suffered from foul polluted air due to a landfill site. The owner has environmental crimes, gave £200,000 to Vaughan Gething, and his company was loaned £400,000 by the Development Bank of Wales under Vaughan Gething's oversight. Does this demand an independent investigation?
Context
A landfill site owned by an individual with criminal convictions is polluting the air in Pembrokeshire, and there are allegations of corruption involving this person and Labour officials.
Rishi Sunak
My right hon. Friend raises a critical issue requiring transparency and an investigation regarding the Welsh Labour leader because the situation lacks clarity.
Session: PMQs
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Following inaccurate reporting by British media, will the Prime Minister emphasize that information from Hamas must be scrutinized carefully due to its implications for Jewish communities?
Context
Reports of Israeli attacks on hospitals in Gaza have led to increased Jew hate on social media, raising concerns about the accuracy of such reports.
Rishi Sunak
We should not rush to judgment and must treat information from Hamas with scrutiny, as we do with Russia.
Session: PMQs
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Welcoming commitments made at COP27, I urge the government to support floating offshore wind development in the Celtic Sea. Can you ensure that decisions now being taken mean that the economic value and jobs of this new industry will stay here in the UK?
Context
This question arises from a desire to accelerate progress towards net zero, improve energy security and create economic opportunities by leveraging floating offshore wind technology.
Rishi Sunak
I praise my right hon. Friend for highlighting the incredible potential of floating offshore wind technology to help us move to net zero. The Crown Estate's leasing process is expected to deliver more seabed leases for many more projects.
Assessment
The question asked for full commitment but received only praise and confirmation of Crown Estate's work.
Praise
Confirmation
Session: PMQs
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Right now, levels of business optimism are higher than they have been since the start of the pandemic, with many firms planning more hires and apprenticeships. Does my right hon. Friend agree that there has never been a more important moment for voters in Scotland and Wales to reject negativity and divisiveness and look forward to a brighter and stronger future as one United Kingdom?
Context
The level of business optimism is high due to the success of the UK vaccination program. The question highlights this as a reason for voters in Scotland and Wales to support the UK government.
Boris Johnson
Absolutely. The PM agrees with this sentiment, paying tribute to the work of Wockhardt in Wales and Valneva in Scotland.
Assessment
Specific issues in Scotland and Wales
Working Together
Session: PMQs
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My right hon. Friend has done a huge amount already in supporting people during this crisis, but can he also consider ways to strengthen the safety net at this time while thinking about his going for growth strategy?
Context
Many employers are speaking to their staff about potential redundancies as the furlough scheme unwinds, and many families will face a hard landing moving from furlough to benefits.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Thanking my right hon. Friend, and agreeing that there will be tough times ahead for people and families. We have massively increased universal credit to help British people through these challenging times.
Session: PMQs
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Given that Ministers voted against an independent investigation into financial dealings linked to the owner of Withyhedge landfill, how can constituents have confidence in the regulatory response?
Context
The MP expresses concern over air and water pollution affecting Pembrokeshire residents from the Withyhedge landfill. He questions the impartiality of the Welsh Government's oversight due to a conflict of interest.
Fay Jones
The Minister commended the MP for highlighting his constituents' plight but criticised the lack of independent scrutiny, stating that the donation linked to the issue is 'shameful'. She argued that there can be no confidence in an impartial investigation given the current stance.
Session: Biodiversity Rivers and Streams
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In England, many small businesses receive a 75% reduction in business rates thanks to action by this Conservative Government. In Wales, the Labour Administration have cut that level of support to 40%, meaning that excellent hospitality businesses such as Martha's Vineyard in my constituency must find thousands of pounds more in tax. Does the Minister agree that that is not the way to support the tourism and hospitality sector at a challenging time, and that it is an example of the Labour party saying one thing here at Westminster and doing another where they are in government?
Context
The question compares the level of business rate support between England and Wales, highlighting a disparity that affects hospitality businesses.
Gareth Davies
My right hon. Friend is right that in the autumn statement the Government extended retail, hospitality and leisure relief in England, essentially to cut tax for 230,000 businesses—a tax cut worth £2.5 billion. The Barnett formula allows the Welsh Labour Government to offer similar relief to Welsh businesses, and it is disappointing, if not surprising, that they have chosen not to.
Session: Small Businesses Fiscal Support
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Given that the UK has a remarkable track record of winning investment in green technology but other countries are now proceeding with their plans, does my hon. Friend agree that effective policies for speeding up planning consents for energy projects, expanding grid capacity at a faster rate, and fixing contracts for difference regime will demonstrate to investors once again that this is the best place to invest?
Context
The UK has a strong track record in green technology investments. However, the questioner is concerned about competition from other countries and suggests specific measures to maintain leadership.
Andrew Bowie
The right hon. Friend's points are correct; we have a proud record, launched Giga project and CfD allocation round 6, which is leading in enticing investors. We can go faster and further where possible.
Session: Green Technologies Investment
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What is being done to expand release on temporary licence schemes? They are important for improving employability and giving prisoners a better chance of holding down a job when they get out.
Context
MP asks about steps taken to reduce reoffending, referencing the Welsh Affairs Committee's hearing on businesses working with prisons.
Alex Chalk
Praising the New Futures Network, which does exceptional work in custody. Prisoners can be interviewed by employers on the outside through video suites. Prison governors keep ROTL under review for safe cases to ensure rehabilitation and employment.
Session: Reducing Reoffending
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What steps he is taking to reduce reoffending? He may be aware that the Welsh Affairs Committee has recently heard from businesses such as Timpson and Williams Homes about work being done. While there was praise for the New Futures Network, what is being done to expand release on temporary licence schemes?
Context
MP asks about steps taken to reduce reoffending, referencing the Welsh Affairs Committee's hearing on businesses working with prisons.
Alex Chalk
Reducing reoffending is a core mission. Rolled out 12 weeks' guaranteed accommodation for offenders and invested in employment with prison employment leads in every resettlement prison. Reoffending rate fell from 31% to 25%. Prisoners' employability improved, with the proportion of prison leavers in employment more than doubling.
Session: Reducing Reoffending
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The port of Milford Haven in my constituency has been right out in front, taking a lead in investing in decarbonisation and showing how it can boost the economy of Wales and reduce inequality. Yesterday, it was told that its bid to the Government's floating offshore wind manufacturing investment scheme—its port funding scheme—had been rejected out of hand. Will my hon. Friend ask his good friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to meet me to talk about the important work being done at the UK's leading oil and gas port, and about how the UK Government can support those efforts financially?
Context
The MP discusses the port's investment in decarbonisation and its application to the floating offshore wind manufacturing investment scheme.
Gareth Davies
FLOWMIS is an incredibly important scheme in improving and enhancing our ability to expand floating offshore wind. We are a huge supporter of my right hon. Friend's constituents and of the whole of Wales. If the Chancellor cannot meet him, I would be very happy to do so.
Session: Regional Economic Inequalities
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Young adults have shared their experiences of feeling let down by the benefits system, being written off as long-term sick and passed to long-term sickness benefit. Does the Minister agree that we cannot afford to be signing off so many young people on long-term sickness?
Context
The Welsh Affairs Committee heard from young adults who feel let down by the benefits system, having been written off as long-term sick and passed to long-term sickness benefit.
Jo Churchill
We have WorkWell, the back to work plan, and the occupational health group looking into fit note reform. We also have youth employment coaches, the youth hubs, kickstart programme, sector-based work academy programme and boot camps. I met Steph, a 27-year-old who had been out of work for ten years but is grateful for the help she has received.
Session: Regional Variations Unemployment and Inactivity
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In Wales, where there are no legally binding targets to reduce sewage or upgrade waste water treatment plants, and no prosecutions due to policy against prosecuting companies. Which party runs the Administration in Wales?
Context
Concerns were raised about the lack of legally binding targets for reducing sewage pollution and upgrading wastewater treatment plants in Wales.
Robbie Moore
I share concerns about Labour's failure to tackle spills, noting only 7% of storm overflows were monitored under Labour, compared with 100% today. Ninety percent of bathing waters are now classed as good or excellent.
Session: Waterway Cleanliness
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What recent progress has the Department made on improving water quality? The question highlights the importance of clean water to the public and concerns about pollution in waterways.
Context
The Department's progress on improving water quality was questioned.
Robbie Moore
We have increased monitoring of storm overflows in England from 7% under Labour in 2010 to 100% today. We are holding water companies accountable through quadrupling checks, increasing unannounced inspections, giving Ofwat new powers to block bonuses and linking dividends to environmental performance.
Session: Waterway Cleanliness
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Sadly, pubs and restaurants are closing at a faster rate in Wales than in any other part of the UK. The measures in the Budget that the Secretary of State mentioned will bring some relief, but does he agree that what is pushing many businesses to close right now is Welsh Labour's slashing of business rates support?
Context
Pubs and restaurants in Wales are closing faster than elsewhere.
David Davies
My right hon. Friend is absolutely correct. The UK Government have made sure that pubs and other small hospitality businesses receive a 75% discount on their business rates, but the Welsh Labour Government has slashed this policy, meaning that pubs and small businesses pay thousands of pounds more under the Welsh Labour Government.
Session: Budget 2024 Businesses in Wales
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What assessment has the government made of the potential impact of the spring Budget 2024 on businesses in Wales?
Context
The UK spring Budget 2024 was introduced, and concerns arose over its effects on Wales.
David Davies
The UK Government are backing our small businesses by raising the VAT threshold, delivering tax reliefs for the creative industries and investing in high-growth industries such as advanced manufacturing. This is in stark contrast to the anti-business agenda of the Welsh Labour Government.
Session: Budget 2024 Businesses in Wales
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that we need to encourage Army visits to schools and that nationalists in Wales damage social mobility?
Context
The armed forces provide career opportunities and the question highlights concerns about nationalist efforts to stop these visits.
Andrew Murrison
The armed forces are a huge engine for social mobility. In the last year, over 5,000 school engagement visits across the UK were achieved at schools' request.
Session: Armed Forces Recruitment
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When can the ports expect to hear back about their bids for the FLOWMIS port infrastructure scheme?
Context
The MP asks about progress on the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Infrastructure Scheme (FLOWMIS) bids from Milford Haven and Port Talbot.
Fay Jones
I thank my right hon. Friend, the Chair of the Select Committee, for that question. I am delighted that today the Crown Estate is hosting a bidders day to drive forward plans for innovative floating wind projects in the Celtic sea. The UK Government are supporting FLOW through our contracts for difference scheme, securing a long-term pipeline of projects in the Celtic sea. I would be happy to write to him with a further update on when more progress can be discussed.
Session: Energy Mix
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that this is an incredibly important moment to reinvigorate the bilateral relationship?
Context
This year marks the 120th anniversary of the entente cordiale and important moments in UK-France relations.
Andrew Mitchell
The relationship with France, especially now, is in excellent condition due to improvements under our Prime Minister.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given the current situation, what does he think that talk about early recognition of Palestinian statehood can achieve?
Context
The current situation with Hamas controlling Gaza, Fatah barely able to control the west bank, and Israel still in trauma.
Andrew Mitchell
I recognise the voracity of what my right hon. Friend says, but there is no change in the policy. He is right that Hamas must agree to the release of all hostages, that Hamas can no longer be in charge of Gaza, and that we need an agreement to provide governance, service and security there.
Session: Palestinian State Recognition
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It is good that the Government want to ensure that the brightest and best can continue to come to the UK to study, but does my right hon. Friend recognise that the changes to the family dependant rules for students risk causing enormous damage to some of our elite business schools, which compete in the global marketplace for experienced, outstanding professionals? What work is he doing with the sector to try to overcome some of those challenges?
Context
Concerns about changes to family dependants.
James Cleverly
My right hon. Friend is right to highlight the fact that we are in a globally competitive environment when it comes to this country's quality higher education postgraduate offer. I have no doubt that we are still highly competitive. We will continue to work with the university sector on this and ensure that the people we bring to the UK are here to study and add value, and that no institution in our higher education sector mistakes its role—they are educators, not a back-door visa system.
Session: Reducing Migration
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What role does the Northern Transport Acceleration Council have in Network North?
Context
The Northern Transport Acceleration Council is responsible for improving transport infrastructure in the North of England.
Huw Merriman
I will write to the hon. Member with that detail rather than attempt to make it up at Christmas time.
Session: Rail Services
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With new money helping Pembrokeshire County Council to regenerate Haverfordwest town centre, with community ownership funding enabling the villagers of Hayscastle Cross to save their local pub, and with new investment in Visit Pembrokeshire to improve accessibility for tourists visiting the county, does the Minister agree that, compared with the clunky, difficult-to-access EU funding schemes, these new pots of levelling-up money are being distributed far more effectively to all parts of the United Kingdom?
Context
The MP highlighted successful projects in Pembrokeshire, comparing them to EU funding schemes, questioning the effectiveness of new levelling-up pots.
Jacob Young
My right hon. Friend is right that the efforts we are making in Pembrokeshire, in part thanks to him and other Members of Parliament for the county, demonstrate levelling up in action in his part of Wales. I am delighted to continue working with him on that.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
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Was the global investment summit not just a distraction from the same old fundamentals—business confidence is down, exports are down, and growth forecasts are down after 13 years of instability and uncertainty? Does the Secretary of State think that lack of business confidence is because her Government trashed the economy last year?
Context
The MP questioned the effectiveness of the Government's global investment summit in boosting UK economy.
Claire Coutinho
What we saw yesterday was £7 billion from Iberdrola for UK electricity networks and renewables, and £300 million from Aira. In the last couple of weeks, we have had investments from Sea Wind, Nissan, and Siemens Gamesa. The difference between what the Government offers (£29 billion) and what Labour offers (£28 billion) is important.
Session: Inflation Reduction Act and Low Carbon Industries
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What assurances can my right hon. Friend give that aid will be targeted correctly and reach those who need it?
Context
UNRWA has documented instances where Hamas compromised operations by diverting or misusing aid.
Andrew Mitchell
My right hon. Friend is right that UNRWA operates in difficult circumstances, but I can tell him that we talk to it all the time about the proper use of these resources and we will do everything we can always to make sure that they go to the intended place.
Session: Israel, Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Access and Human Rights
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Does the Foreign Secretary agree that Palestinians need to hear from the international community that the two-state solution is not dead? What discussions are taking place with Israeli counterparts?
Context
The two-state solution is a key diplomatic issue.
James Cleverly
The prospect of a peaceful and secure Israel alongside a peaceful and secure Palestine is our best route to navigate situations successfully, and it will remain at the heart of UK foreign policy.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why will the Secretary of State's Government not adopt Labour's plan to scrap the minimum £200-worth of stolen goods rule, which was introduced by his Government in 2014 and allows gangs of shoplifters to escape punishment, putting shop workers at risk?
Context
Shoplifting has been rising in Wales, increasing by 31% from March 2022 to March 2023. Labour proposed scrapping the minimum £200-worth of stolen goods rule.
David Davies
I agree with the hon. Lady that shoplifting is a serious offence and repeat offenders must be dealt with by the full force of the law. The Government have brought in longer prison sentences for people carrying out the most serious offences.
Session: Crime Prevention
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May I encourage Ministers to look favourably on bids from Celtic sea ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot, as they are key to unlocking economic benefits?
Context
Ports are bidding to the Government's infrastructure fund for new floating offshore wind projects.
Jeremy Hunt
I am happy to do that. I agree with my right hon. Friend about the enormous potential of those areas.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my hon. Friend share my concern about the influence of outside actors—namely Iran—in enabling and encouraging violence in the region?
Context
New terror groups like Lions' Den and Jenin Brigades have emerged alongside Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, raising concerns about outside influences such as Iran.
David Rutley
My right hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. The actions of Iran are abhorrent and causing all sorts of challenges in regional instability, and they need to be called out.
Session: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
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Can the Secretary of State make representations to the Business and Trade Secretary to encourage Zimmer Biomet to reconsider its decision and keep the jobs in Bridgend?
Context
Zimmer Biomet is planning to cut more than 550 jobs in Bridgend, which has shocked local communities.
David Davies
The hon. Gentleman makes a very useful and important point. Bridgend is a wonderful place in which to invest and do business, and the new freeport will make it even better in the vicinity. I have been in touch with the Department for Work and Pensions about that, but I am very happy to talk to those in the Department for Business and Trade about what further measures can be taken.
Session: Economic Growth
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What assessment has been made of the adequacy of economic growth in Wales? The most recent data indicates that the Welsh economy still has not reached pre-pandemic levels, unlike in England, where it exceeds those levels. Unemployment is also increasing, and there are concerns about the Labour Administration's policies.
Context
The Welsh economy has not returned to pre-pandemic levels and unemployment is rising. The latest data shows poor economic performance compared to England.
David Davies
My right hon. Friend is correct. It is deeply disappointing that growth in Wales is now below pre-pandemic levels, whereas in England it is above pre-pandemic levels. The Welsh Labour Government need to ask themselves some difficult questions and perhaps stop concentrating on nanny state policies such as the ban on meal deals, 20 mph limits, and bans on new roads.
Session: Economic Growth
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Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that some of the principal victims of antisocial behaviour are young people? The Government are absolutely right to bring forward new measures to tackle antisocial behaviour so our streets, parks and public spaces are safer for the vast majority of young people who do not engage in negative behaviours.
Context
Young people are often the victims of antisocial behaviour, necessitating greater diversion and support.
Suella Braverman
My right hon. Friend is absolutely correct. There is a need for greater diversion and support for young people so they do not spend their time loitering in shopping centres, causing a nuisance or harassing community members. The antisocial behaviour action plan commits considerable funding over £160 million for an increased police presence in ASB hotspot areas.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
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A great many of the new job opportunities and career paths being created in Pembrokeshire are in the tourism and hospitality sector. Does my hon. Friend agree that the very last thing that business people who are creating those growth opportunities need right now is a tourism tax of the kind being brought forward by the Welsh Labour Government in Cardiff, which will hit businesses with new burdens and raise the cost of going on holiday in Wales?
Context
The MP highlights new job opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector in Pembrokeshire and expresses concern about a proposed tourism tax.
Victoria Atkins
The sun always shines in my right hon. Friend's corner of Pembrokeshire when he speaks up for it. He is quite right to identify how the Conservatives in Government are trying to help businesses through our business rates relief in England, through our energy support scheme over recent months and, of course, through the Brexit pub guarantee. Welsh Labour, on the other hand, wants to call last orders and have higher taxes for the businesses he is so keen to support.
Session: Hospitality Businesses
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Can the Minister assure that support will be provided for local authorities to ensure funds are spent well on meaningful projects?
Context
Many local authorities, including Pembrokeshire County Council, face challenges meeting levelling-up bid scopes due to construction costs.
Dehenna Davison
We have made £65 million available to support project development and completion, including cost engineering for inflation-related issues. Officials stand ready to help.
Session: Levelling-up Fund Delivery of Funds
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The industrial corridor that runs west along south Wales all the way to my constituency is one of the most important in the UK. It is also one of the most challenging when it comes to decarbonisation. Does my hon. Friend agree that the Government's policies, the “Powering Up Britain” set of energy interventions and the Celtic freeport that we have secured point the way to a successful decarbonisation strategy for this critically important part of Wales?
Context
The question addresses the importance of the industrial corridor in south Wales and seeks confirmation on government policies supporting decarbonisation efforts.
James Davies
My right hon. Friend is, of course, entirely right. South Wales does not have former oil and gas fields in which we can store carbon, but it does have the Celtic freeport, and non-pipeline transport of captured carbon to fields elsewhere will secure decarbonisation for south Wales.
Session: Energy-intensive Industries Decarbonisation
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The Government's plans for strengthening our energy security and reaching net zero have the potential to create tens of thousands of jobs in many of our communities. Does the Minister agree that the further education sector has a crucial role to play in unlocking new roles in engineering, technical and project management? The list goes on. Will he join me in commending Pembrokeshire College in my constituency, which is already working with floating offshore wind developers who are looking to bring new operations to the Celtic sea? They are showing the way forward in developing those new skills.
Context
Discussion about the importance of further education institutions in developing skills for green jobs.
Graham Stuart
I congratulate Pembrokeshire College. It is so important to have the skills in place. That is what the green jobs delivery group is all about. Industry is working to make sure that we have the data on the forward expectations of need. That way, the Department for Education, through FE colleges and other institutions, can ensure that people have the right skills so that as much of the supply chain as possible for developing sectors such as floating offshore wind is here in the UK.
Session: Green Industries Jobs
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My hon. Friend is right to ignore the gloom and negativity coming from the Opposition Benches. They will always find a reason to talk down the British economy. Is it not the case that today, with more people in our country going out to work than ever before, our economy is demonstrating a dynamism and resilience that few other economies around the world can emulate and a dynamism that we do not get with a Labour Government?
Context
The MP questioned the gloominess of the opposition and highlighted that today, with more people in our country going out to work than ever before, our economy is demonstrating a dynamism and resilience.
Andrew Griffith
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. Resilience is a strong word, and thanks to the actions that this Government have taken over the past six months, the Office for Budget Responsibility has confirmed that the UK is now expected to avoid a recession this year.
Session: Inflation and Economic Growth Forecasts G7 Countries
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More than 1 million worshippers were able to visit the Temple Mount, marking festivals being celebrated freely. Does this mark Israel out as a remarkable example of religious freedom?
Context
The MP highlighted that more than 1 million worshippers visited the Temple Mount during Ramadan and questioned whether this marks Israel as an example of religious freedom.
James Cleverly
On my visit to Israel, I saw people of all religions living their lives freely there, which is commendable. Through this rare period when three great religions celebrate significant events simultaneously, we had extensive conversations with Israeli and Palestinian leaderships.
Session: Israel and Palestine
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The Department's recently published research shows that sanctions have a negative impact on claimant earnings, including those related to in-work conditionality. How will the Minister take account of these findings in setting future sanctions policy?
Context
Recent research indicates that sanctions negatively impact claimant earnings. Question seeks to address future policy.
Guy Opperman
We want to encourage claimants to comply with reasonable requirements, which are set and agreed with their work coach in the claimant commitment. I see no change to that.
Session: Social Security Recipients Employment and Earnings
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Government continues spending on supporting family incomes. Is giving free cash including to young asylum seekers responsible welfare?
Context
Concerned about proposed universal basic income, questioning if it is fair to taxpayers.
David Davies
My right hon. Friend is correct. The Welsh Labour party proposes a poorly targeted UBI, exempting asylum seekers from legal bills. This Government support vulnerable people by raising pensions and benefits with inflation.
Session: Cost of Living
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I was encouraged by the answers that my right hon. Friend the Security Minister gave earlier in relation to Iran, and the evidence put forward by my hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Alicia Kearns), as well as the report in The Times this morning that has been referred to. Does the Security Minister therefore agree that that reflects a deliberate attempt by the Iranian regime to use whatever foothold available in our national life to spread conspiracy theories, extremism and radicalisation?
Context
There are concerns about the Iranian regime spreading conspiracy theories, extremism and radicalisation.
Thomas Tugendhat
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. What we have seen from the Iranian regime, sadly, is that overlap of crime, state threats and the use of terrorism to threaten the British people and our allies around the world. This Government will absolutely not allow those to flourish, and will stand extremely firmly against any such threats in this country.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that renewing the bilateral defence partnership with France is an important part of not just strengthening NATO but enhancing European security, particularly in the east?
Context
The Franco-British summit resulted in renewed efforts to strengthen European security.
James Heappey
The relationship between UK and French Defence Ministries remains tight. Industrial collaboration will grow as a result of last week's summit, and both countries can work together in west Africa.
Session: Ukraine NATO Allies
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Would the Minister agree that we have a brilliant opportunity with the deployment of floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea? And would they support giving us the Celtic freeport for south Wales?
Context
The MP mentioned the opportunity with floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea and proposed a Celtic sea freeport for south Wales, also mentioning the potential of gigawatt-scale nuclear power on Ynys Môn.
James Davies
£60 million is being invested in the marine project at Pembroke dock through the Swansea Bay city deal, showing potential for his region. However, no specific mention of supporting the Celtic freeport was given.
Session: Renewable Energy
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Alongside onshore wind, does my right hon. Friend agree with me that in this country we have a tremendous opportunity in front of us to seize first mover industrial advantage in the new floating offshore wind industry, particularly with respect to the Celtic sea? Does he agree with me that crucial to doing that, and to building domestic supply chains and domestic capability, is alignment of the Crown estate leasing process, the contract for difference and interventions such as freeports?
Context
The question is about seizing industrial advantage in floating offshore wind, particularly regarding the Celtic Sea.
Graham Stuart
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right on every single count.
Session: Onshore Wind Farms
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Does the Minister agree that given 75,000 players, coaches and supporters have already signed a petition rejecting the new rules, the RFU should think again, work more collaboratively with grassroots across all home nations, ensuring steps taken to improve player safety are consistent?
Context
75,000 players, coaches and supporters of the union game have signed a petition rejecting the new rules.
Stuart Andrew
My right hon. Friend raises an important point; national governing bodies like RFU regulate their sport, ensuring appropriate measures for participant protection from harm and serious injuries. We continue to work with sports bodies including the RFU, prioritising player safety.
Session: Grassroots Club Rugby Recovery after Covid-19
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Green Energy: Ports — [Judith Cummins in the Chair]
18 October 2023
Responding: Graham Stuart
Main Concerns
['Mr. Crabb is concerned about the need for new infrastructure investment in ports to meet ambitious energy targets and address economic inequalities in port communities. He highlighted that without a thriving port sector, it will be difficult to protect energy security and renew the energy system towards net zero. The port of Milford Haven, for example, has seen significant activity but still faces challenges in transitioning to renewable energy sources while maintaining existing industries.']
Specific Asks
["Mr. Crabb asks the Government to visit Milford Haven to understand its potential for floating offshore wind projects and decarbonization efforts. He also requests support for the port's application for FLOWMIS funding, which is essential for unlocking strategic investment in port infrastructure. Additionally, he seeks aligned leadership between the Crown Estate and UK government on integration ports and collaboration with local supply chains."]
Floating Offshore Wind Projects
18 October 2022
Responding: Jackie Doyle-Price
Main Concerns
['The MP expressed concern about the delivery challenges related to floating offshore wind, including leadership and co-ordination, financial architecture, port infrastructure readiness, and grid capacity. He highlighted that while the UK has ambitious targets for floating offshore wind with a 5 GW by 2030 goal and potential for up to 95 GW by 2050, significant work is needed to ensure these can be met.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asked the government to provide clearer leadership and set supplementary longer-term targets. He also requested reforms to the Contracts for Difference (CfD) system to incentivise projects that commit to industrial development in the UK and innovation.']
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action: Iran
19 October 2021
Responding: James Cleverly
Main Concerns
["Mr Crabb expressed deep concern over Iran's escalating nuclear violations, including uranium enrichment to 60% purity and significant advancements in its ballistic missile programme. He noted that the JCPOA has failed to dissuade Iran from conducting wider activities such as attacking oil tankers and military personnel, plotting kidnappings, and holding foreign nationals hostage. The MP warned that Iran's breakout time for producing enough weapons-grade uranium may now be just months or even weeks, a significant decrease from 12 months in 2015. The Member is concerned about the detention of her constituent, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who has been jailed for over 2,000 days on trumped-up charges. She criticises the lack of progress in securing Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release and highlights the failure to use the JCPOA process to address hostage diplomacy effectively."]
Specific Asks
["Mr Crabb urged the Minister to ensure supplementary nuclear restrictions are being considered by the UK and its partners. He also called for stronger support of the IAEA's role in verifying Iranian activities and maintaining enforcement of restrictions, and asked that censuring Iran at the upcoming board meeting of the IAEA be kept as an option. The Member asks the Government to recognise Nazanin as a hostage, punish those responsible for her detention through Magnitsky sanctions, keep the promise to settle the UK's debt to Iran, and secure a commitment in the JCPOA negotiations to end hostage taking."]
Israel and Gaza
20 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Parc Prison
13 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK Armed Forces in Middle East
29 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Checks on Goods Entering UK
29 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Iran-Israel Update
15 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Welsh Affairs
29 February 2024
General Debate
Led by this MP
Mr Crabb opened the debate by expressing disappointment about the scheduling of the annual St David’s day debate, and emphasised its importance for Welsh Members to raise matters of significance. He h...
Israel and Gaza
27 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ceasefire in Gaza
21 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Antisemitism in the UK
19 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Protecting Steel in the UK
23 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Labour party recognises the need to decarbonise steel production but is concerned about the Government's plans which will result in significant job losses and risk leaving the UK without primary s...
5
PMQs Asked
100
Ministerial Questions Asked
89
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+646% above average
This MP:
100
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1731% above average
This MP:
89
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 Stephen Crabb's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.