Stephen Doughty
MP for Cardiff South and Penarth
Labour (Co-op)
15 Nov 2012 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Universities are home to world-leading research and innovation. Thousands of jobs and expertise are now at risk because of Government dithering over Horizon negotiations. Why do they not get on with it?
Context
The MP highlighted universities' world-leading research at risk due to delays in Horizon negotiations, quoting a Nobel laureate's criticism of the delays.
Oliver Dowden
Since we agreed the Windsor framework, we have had very constructive discussions on Horizon but will wait until we get the best deal for British people and universities.
Assessment
Specific ask about commitment and timeline was not directly addressed; referenced ongoing discussions without a clear commitment
Session: PMQs
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Those at Citizens Advice Cymru have told me of the soaring numbers of people coming to see them who are struggling to afford housing. Last year, the monthly cost of a new mortgage on an average semi-detached house rose by 61%, and most fixed-rate mortgages that are ending in the current 12-month period were set at interest rates below 2%, so the crisis will worsen for both homeowners and renters. What advice does the Prime Minister have for my constituents who are suffering the consequences of Tory economic chaos? Should they cut back on food, switch off the gas and electricity, or get further into Tory-fuelled, expensive debt?
Context
Citizens Advice Cymru reported soaring numbers of people struggling to afford housing. The monthly cost of a new mortgage on an average semi-detached house rose by 61% last year.
Rishi Sunak
Our No. 1 priority is to halve inflation so that we can reduce the upward pressure on interest rates. The hon. Gentleman's constituents should know that what would make that task absolutely worse is his party's plans for tens of billions of pounds of unfunded borrowing, which would just exacerbate the situation. What I will say, however, is that homeowners who are worried can ask for help through the support for mortgage interest scheme, which has recently been adjusted.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not provide specific advice on what constituents should do to manage housing affordability but referenced a government scheme and blamed Labour's plans.
Session: PMQs
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I have received serious concerns about testing issues in my constituency. These originate not in Wales but with the UK's testing and online systems leading to rationing, chaos, and confusion, while the virus spreads further. The Prime Minister's friend Cummings reportedly had a 'seeing room'. When will he get control of this?
Context
Testing problems have been reported in Cardiff South and Penarth, originating from the UK's testing and online system.
Boris Johnson
The Opposition is undermining NHS Test and Trace. The average distance people travel for a test has reduced from 6 or 7 miles to 5 miles this week. We conduct more tests than any other European country, per thousand population.
Assessment
Specific issues raised about the testing system were not directly addressed
Undermine
Colossal Work
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister does not want to talk about numbers of job losses: British Airways 12,000; GE 1,400; Rolls-Royce nearly 6,000 in Derby, Solihull, Glasgow, and Rotherham; Airbus 1,700 in north Wales and the south-west. What is he going to do to protect these jobs beyond the furlough scheme?
Context
Several major UK companies, including British Airways, GE, Rolls-Royce, and Airbus, are at risk of significant job cuts. Workers want to know what the Government will do to save these jobs.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
In addition to £120 billion of support for the economy, we recognise people's worries about their jobs. We have a plan to build, build, build with a £600 billion programme of investment and to deliver jobs, jobs, jobs. For sectors needing to keep young people in employment, an opportunity guarantee offers apprenticeships or training.
Session: PMQs
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What is the Minister doing to work with the Welsh Government and local authorities across the whole of the UK to ensure that women veterans get the support that is rightly being asked for?
Context
The MP has met with many female veterans in his constituency and worked with organisations like Woody's Lodge to ensure they receive proper support.
Johnny Mercer
We meet the devolved authorities regularly. We have great relationships internationally now in terms of setting the pace on that, and I want to make sure it is concomitant with what we are doing with the devolved authorities: we have regular meetings with the Welsh Government and the Scottish, and indeed we are going over to Northern Ireland again in two weeks.
Session: Female Veterans
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In light of increased violence, when will the Minister ensure that the practice of keeping young people in their cells ends as they are transferred to other institutions?
Context
A lack of progress in improving young people's access to education and increased violence on the prison estate prompted the decision to change Cookham Wood youth offender institution into an adult prison.
Edward Argar
The decision to close Cookham Wood was due to specific local factors. Young people will be individually assessed and transferred to institutions best suited for their needs.
Session: Secure Youth Estate Violence
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What steps is the Minister taking to reduce violence in the secure youth estate given there were 320 assaults on staff, including 24 serious ones, a 9% increase year-on-year?
Context
The number of children in custody has fallen by nearly 70% over the last decade, with 71% detained for violent offences. Assaults on staff increased by 9% between July and September 2023 compared to the previous year.
Edward Argar
The current approach is working but more needs to be done. The government believes that its methods for tackling violence and conflict resolution are appropriate and effective.
Session: Secure Youth Estate Violence
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Many who did not return were from the Welsh Guards, and united support for Falkland Islands defence is assured by this House. May I press on timing? Are we talking weeks, months or years?
Context
The hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth visited Fitzroy to understand the impact of this event.
Andrew Murrison
While not providing a specific timeline, the Minister assures that it will not take years to complete the process of releasing documents.
Session: RFA Sir Galahad
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Will he give more detail on discussions with German counterparts regarding speeding up weapon delivery, bolstering diplomatic coalition, and using frozen Russian assets to fund urgent needs for Ukraine?
Context
The defence, security, and foreign policy relationship between Germany and the UK is crucial for mutual support in the context of Ukraine. The hon. Gentleman will meet German counterparts to discuss these issues.
Leo Docherty
The hon. Gentleman asks a characteristically intelligent and pertinent question. We are working together to increase defence industrial capability. Some new ideas have come out of the French summit about increasing domestic capability for our Ukrainian friends. A lot of diplomatic support goes into that. On frozen assets, he will have seen recent thinking from the European side about using the interest payments from those funds, which we will consider. We need to find a reliable legal route, if that is to be sustainable.
Session: Ukraine
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Where is the Government's plan for delivering new nuclear projects in Wales, given their proud history of generation and significant opportunities?
Context
The MP references the lack of new nuclear projects delivered in Wales despite its history of generation, citing significant opportunities to lower energy bills, deliver high-quality jobs, and reduce carbon emissions.
Fay Jones
I very much welcome the hon. Gentleman mentioning nuclear. I seem to recall that, when his party was in power, Labour did next to nothing to advance the cause of nuclear energy in this country. It gives me ample opportunity to pay tribute to the work of my hon. Friend the Member for Ynys Môn (Virginia Crosbie), who has committed the Government to everything we have done on Wylfa so far. Progress is being made, in stark contrast to the record of his party.
Session: Energy Mix
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As you know, Mr Speaker, our global British family in the UK overseas territories contains 94% of all the unique species that the UK is responsible for. These huge marine areas throughout the world's oceans are hugely vulnerable to climate change, yet are negligible contributors to it. It has been great to see more OTs sign up to the blue belt initiative, work with groups such as Great British Oceans and attend the recent COP. What is the Minister doing to encourage more overseas territories to join the blue belt and to assist overseas territories to get access to strategic international funding for conservation, adaptation and resilience?
Context
The question addresses the conservation efforts in marine areas under UK responsibility, specifically focusing on the unique species found there.
David Rutley
It is an important question. Our need to tackle climate change extends widely to the OTs. We have done significant work on the blue belt programme, and we have engaged a large number of OTs at COP28 this year so that we can help push forward their work and give greater access to this funding. It is vitally important.
Session: British Overseas Territories Climate Change Adaptation
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I pay tribute to my very good friends in the Kinnock family after the loss of Glenys and note the sad death of the former Member for Rhondda. I ask the Secretary of State about building a strong rail infrastructure network across Wales, which will improve connectivity and drive economic growth.
Context
MP Stephen Doughty paid tribute to Glenys Kinnock, a close friend who passed away. He noted the loss of a former Member for Rhondda.
Fay Jones
The UK Government are committed to building a strong rail infrastructure network across Wales, which will improve connectivity and drive economic growth.
Session: Rail Infrastructure
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120 days after the motion was passed, will the Foreign Secretary deliver what Ukraine needs by taking steps to ensure Russia pays for its actions?
Context
The House passed a motion on June 27 calling for legislation to seize Russian state assets within 90 days, but no action has been taken.
James Cleverly
The Government have made it clear that those responsible for brutalising Ukraine will ultimately pay for reconstruction.
Session: Topical Questions
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I visited an innovative housing project with solar panels, ground source heat pumps, EV charging points, and battery technology. Will the Secretary of State join me in praising Cardiff's Labour council and the Welsh Government for this work, and explain what we are doing to ensure greater manufacture of these technologies?
Context
The MP recently visited a housing project with solar panels, ground source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points, and battery technology, which reduced bills for residents.
Grant Shapps
I am delighted that the Barnett formula provides for excellent additions in buildings. No Government has gone further and faster than this one in introducing renewables and ensuring they power a significant part of our grid.
Session: Rooftop Solar Panels
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We have all seen how hybrid warfare has been used against this country and our allies in recent years, and of course AI systems could pose new cyber and information threats as well as providing economic and social opportunities. We have already called on the Government to close gaps in the AI White Paper by introducing proper oversight of models such as GPT-4, and I have raised with Ministers the specific issue of whether access is allowed in the FCDO. I was told that access was not permitted on FCDO corporate systems, but that further guidance was being developed. Has that guidance now been issued, and are FCDO staff currently able to access AI systems on personal devices, for example? What safety protocols are in place?
Context
Concerns about oversight of AI models such as GPT-4 and the access policies for these technologies in the FCDO.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
If I may, I will write to the hon. Gentleman, because I do not have the latest information on that issue.
Session: AI and Diplomacy
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With thousands of jobs in key technological and scientific research institutions now at risk, how long will these key institutions have to wait for an answer—days, months or yet more years?
Context
Thousands of jobs in key technological and scientific research institutions are at risk due to the delay in reaching a decision regarding association with Horizon Europe.
Leo Docherty
I am not going to give a running commentary but we are negotiating in good faith and determined to secure a fair deal that recognises researchers.
Session: Horizon Europe
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Ukraine's 2023 budget alone has a $38 billion gap, and the cost of damage to critical infrastructure runs into the hundreds of billions. There is one party responsible: Russia. We support Government plans for reconstruction conference this summer, but we cannot have any dragging of heels in making Russia foot bill for barbarous war. When will Foreign Secretary set out clear plan to seize—not just freeze—Russian state assets and repurpose them?
Context
Ukraine's budget has a $38 billion gap, and the cost of damage to critical infrastructure runs into hundreds of billions. Russia is responsible.
James Cleverly
It is not as easy as implied. There have been conflicts before with perpetrators but no seizure of assets. We need to ensure compliance with domestic and international law, will look at proposals from friends and allies.
Session: Sanctioned Russian Assets
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I understand the Secretary of State will be in my constituency later today to announce the successful £50 million bid, which I backed alongside Cardiff Council, for improvements to the links between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay—a crucial missing link in our rail infrastructure. It is obviously very welcome, notwithstanding the wider criticisms of the levelling-up scheme. One of the positive things about the bid is that it involves close working between the UK Government, the Welsh Government, the council and Transport for Wales. Will he assure me that he will work co-operatively with them to get that scheme up and running as quickly as possible, for the benefit of our local community?
Context
Announcement of a £50 million bid for rail infrastructure improvements in Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay, involving close cooperation with various government bodies.
Mark Harper
I am grateful for the positive tone in which the hon. Gentleman has welcomed that announcement. Wales will receive the highest amount of funding per capita from the levelling-up fund under the announcement that has been made today. I am indeed visiting that scheme later today and I will meet officials from the council. I will of course continue to work closely with them to turn the money into effective transport connectivity as soon as we can.
Session: Railway Modernisation
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What actions are being taken by officials to challenge those supporting Putin's actions?
Context
The question arises from concerns over voices opposing support for Ukraine, including from the US Republican far right.
Leo Docherty
The Minister notes diplomatic, economic and military solidarity globally against Russia. The Foreign Secretary highlighted this unity at the G7 last week.
Session: Ukraine
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The Bank of England has had to intervene not once, not twice, but three times now. The impact on pension funds is very significant, and many of my constituents will be deeply worried. What assessment has the Chancellor made of the impact of potential additional pressures on the economy on public sector pensions and the damage to pension funds for pensioners up and down this country?
Context
The Bank of England had to intervene multiple times due to economic pressures, causing concern for public sector pensions.
Kwasi Kwarteng
The OBR will be fully scoring and giving a forecast ahead of the medium-term fiscal plan. I speak very frequently to the Governor of the Bank of England, who is absolutely independent and is very effectively managing what is a global situation.
Session: Growth Plan OBR Assessment
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We need to stay the course in our support for Ukraine, which will involve substantial costs. Will he look again at not only freezing Russian assets but their seizure and repurposing to ensure that we can support humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine?
Context
The shadow Foreign Secretary and Stephen Doughty met a delegation of Ukrainian MPs who reported the devastating impact of Russia's illegal actions on civilians in Ukraine.
James Cleverly
We are looking at the issue raised on seizures and repurposing the value of those seizures. Nothing is off the table, and the pain and suffering inflicted by Putin must be paid for, and paid for by them.
Session: Ukraine British Diplomatic Support
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It is good to hear the Minister mention the situation in the western Balkans where democracy and stability are under threat from Putin's Russia and local chaos generators. What wider discussions are you having with allies?
Context
The MP welcomes sanctions against Republika Srpska leader Dodik and others, raising concerns about regional stability.
James Cleverly
The UK supports stability in the western Balkans through sanctions against Republika Srpska leadership. We are working with our special representatives like Stuart Peach who is active in engagement with regional states to counter Russian threats.
Session: Democracy Eastern Europe
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I welcome what the Minister has said about co-ordination with the G7 on Ukraine, but does he agree that Putin seeks to create instability and insecurity elsewhere in Europe at the same time? Can he tell us what he has been doing with G7 counterparts and our partners in the EU to address those attempts to create instability across the rest of Europe?
Context
The question focuses on the broader impact of Russia's actions, specifically how Putin seeks to create instability elsewhere. The concern is about ensuring that support for Ukraine does not divert attention from stability issues in other parts of Europe.
James Cleverly
The Prime Minister and my right hon. Friend met with the Prime Ministers and representatives of the western Balkans just last week. We must not allow Ukraine's situation to have a destabilising effect elsewhere in Europe or other parts of the world. We will continue our close engagement with partners in the region and beyond to ensure we deal with the situation in Ukraine without allowing it to cause instability more broadly.
Session: European Security
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We have seen reports of war crimes, sexual violence, and warnings of potential genocide. What assessment has the Minister made of these serious reports? How are we protecting UK citizens still present in Ethiopia?
Context
The crisis in Ethiopia and Tigray has led to shocking atrocities including war crimes, sexual violence, and potential genocide.
Vicky Ford
We continue to ask all sides not to use inflammatory language, which makes the situation more dangerous. We have provided humanitarian aid of up to £76.7 million for north Ethiopia, including critical food aid and medical care.
Session: Ethiopia Tigray Crisis
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What specific actions will the Government take regarding the worsening situation in Ethiopia at the upcoming G20 summit?
Context
The humanitarian crisis in northern Ethiopia is worsening, with severe human rights abuses and attacks on Mekelle. The UK has a role to play in addressing these issues.
Amanda Milling
As the hon. Gentleman will be aware, there was an urgent question yesterday about the situation in Sudan. The situation in northern Ethiopia is dire, and the UK condemns the ongoing violence and the spread of the conflict into Afar and Amhara, as well as the airstrikes impacting civilians and the ongoing human rights abuses and violations. We call on both sides urgently to implement a ceasefire and for the Eritrean forces to depart, and to seek a solution.
Session: G20 Rome Summit
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Will our total support to Ethiopia increase or be cut this year?
Context
The MP welcomed the Minister's response but raised concerns about increasing violence, famine, and needs in Ethiopia. He questioned whether total UK support to Ethiopia would increase or decrease.
James Duddridge
Our focus is on resolving the conflict, which is critical for delivering aid. Finance support will increase, but more money alone won't solve issues without diplomatic efforts.
Session: Sexual Violence in Conflict Ethiopia
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I thank the Chancellor for his answer. The Welsh Labour Government this week announced a further £30 million to support hospitality and tourism, and freelancers working in our creative sectors are going to get a further round of support worth £8.9 million—this is targeting support to fill gaps left by the Chancellor. I accept that many people have had welcome support, but huge numbers of people are coming up to a year of little or no support because they have been excluded from UK Government support over the past year. What will the Chancellor do for all those excluded, left out and left behind the curve over the past year?
Context
The Welsh Government has announced additional support for the creative sector, highlighting gaps in UK Government support. The questioner raises concerns about people who have been excluded from UK government support.
Rishi Sunak
I am glad the Welsh Government will receive more than £740 million in Barnett consequentials as a result of this Budget, which works for the whole United Kingdom. With regard to the self-employment scheme, what I can say is that we are now able to bring in those people who filed tax returns for the first time in the tax year 2019-20. That was something that many colleagues asked for. I am pleased that we were able to deliver that now that the tax deadline has passed, and it means that more than 600,000 more people will be able to benefit from this world-leading support for the self-employed.
Session: Covid-19 Ineligibility for Income Support Schemes
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What fiscal steps he is taking to help support people ineligible for his Department's covid-19 income support schemes.
Context
MP is concerned about people ineligible for the government's income support schemes during the pandemic.
Rishi Sunak
In order to support people through the next stages of the pandemic, the Government have extended both the furlough scheme and the self-employment income support scheme through to September, which will help millions of people up and down the country.
Session: Covid-19 Ineligibility for Income Support Schemes
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We have a moral duty to do our fair share, and it is in our global common interest. Will the Foreign Secretary be maintaining our overall bilateral and multilateral health spending, or will it be cut?
Context
There are concerns about maintaining funding for public health systems in poorer countries, especially with ongoing issues like malaria, AIDS, tuberculosis, and Ebola.
Dominic Raab
The hon. Gentleman is right to pay tribute to the work that the UK has done internationally not just on COVAX and the vaccine for this pandemic but on TB, malaria, polio and a whole range of other areas. We have had to make the difficult decision on the 0.7%, and the allocations will be published in due course, but we have been very clear that public health is the No.1 priority to be safeguarded across the piece.
Session: Covid-19 Vaccines
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We passed the grim milestone of 100,000 people having lost their lives to this terrible disease. Figures showed that more than 2,000 UK Visas and Immigration and Border Force officials were off with symptoms of coronavirus in January to April last year. Can the Minister explain what exactly he is doing to keep airport workers safe, particularly those at Heathrow and other major hubs?
Context
The MP noted the grim milestone of 100,000 deaths from Covid-19. He was critical of government policies on border control in UK airports.
Robert Courts
The hon. Gentleman is right to pinpoint the critical importance of those who work in the aviation sector for the country, and I join him in mourning the loss of every single life tragically lost during the course of this pandemic. We are working very closely with operators and the Home Office to operationalise the safer transport guidance that I referred to earlier, in addition to the rapid testing pilots which may also assist.
Session: Covid-19 Aviation and Airport Transport Workers
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We passed the grim milestone of 100,000 people having lost their lives to this terrible disease. Figures showed that more than 2,000 UK Visas and Immigration and Border Force officials were off with symptoms of coronavirus in January to April last year. Can the Minister explain what exactly he is doing to keep airport workers safe, particularly those at Heathrow and other major hubs?
Context
The MP noted the grim milestone of 100,000 deaths from Covid-19. He was critical of government policies on border control in UK airports.
Robert Courts
The hon. Gentleman is right to pinpoint the critical importance of those who work in the aviation sector for the country, and I join him in mourning the loss of every single life tragically lost during the course of this pandemic. We are working very closely with operators and the Home Office to operationalise the safer transport guidance that I referred to earlier, in addition to the rapid testing pilots which may also assist.
Session: Covid-19 Aviation and Airport Transport Workers
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What advice do you give to my constituents when they see this information online? Should they report it to the social media companies or is there some way of feeding into the disinformation unit?
Context
The MP shares information about vaccines with constituents but is worried by anti-vax propaganda online. Social media companies have a poor track record of removing harmful content.
Caroline Dinenage
Anti-vaccination propaganda can be harmful and deter people from getting life-saving vaccines. It is important to bring such content to the attention of social media companies. Last month, my colleague met the social media companies which agreed to reduce harmful narratives around the potential covid-19 vaccine.
Session: Misinformation and Disinformation Online.
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Why has it taken until today for the UN Security Council to meet on this issue? What measures are being taken to secure humanitarian corridors and monitor human rights?
Context
Concern over the delay in addressing the conflict and humanitarian crisis, reminiscent of past tragedies. Inquiry about the role of international bodies like the UN.
Dominic Raab
I share the hon. Gentleman's horror at some of the reports of the civilian casualties. We take this incredibly seriously, energetically and actively at the United Nations. Let me reassure him that UK funding is already helping those in urgent need of assistance.
Session: Ethiopia
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Does the Minister accept that we undermine our position when fellow Ministers fail to uphold rule of law and commitment to human rights, given recent actions undermining these principles?
Context
The UK has a historic low number of representatives in main committees of UN human rights treaty bodies and failed to get elected to the International Court of Justice. Amal Clooney resigned as a UK envoy citing the UK's failure to respect international obligations.
Nigel Adams
No, I do not accept that whatsoever. We have set out reasons for introducing measures related to the Northern Ireland protocol. The UK Internal Market Bill is a defensive measure to safeguard the integrity of the United Kingdom's internal market and obligations.
Session: FCODFID Merger
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What fiscal support is being provided to the theatre and entertainment sector during the covid-19 outbreak? Like other Members, I met this morning with ExcludedUK and people such as freelancers who have fallen between the gaps of different Government schemes. The package for the creative industries is welcome but what will the Government do to support thousands of people in those industries?
Context
Discussions about fiscal support for various sectors affected by the pandemic, focusing on those in cultural and creative industries.
Kemi Badenoch (Financial Secretary to the Treasury)
The UK has one of the world's most generous coronavirus support schemes which includes many self-employed people. A £1.57 billion cultural fund was recently announced and is targeting those in need, such as freelancers.
Session: Support for Hospitality, Tourism and Entertainment
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Does the Secretary of State now urge CDC to immediately divest from this company? Is she sure that none of the other microfinance programmes being supported is indirectly helping the Myanmar regime?
Context
The UK's Commonwealth Development Corporation has been criticized for its investments in Myanmar, particularly concerning internet service provider Frontiir.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Secretary of State for International Development)
After going through due diligence, CDC invested in Frontiir to extend internet access to more people in Myanmar and to combat poverty. The company has followed the international Global Network Initiative standards by posting transparency statements so that users know whether the site has limitations upon it.
Session: Topical Questions
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What discussions has the Secretary of State had with his counterparts from the devolved Administrations, other UK administrations, and the Irish Government to facilitate co-operation and mutual aid during the covid-19 outbreak? Are there any potential difficulties regarding contact tracing apps developed by different jurisdictions?
Context
Discussions on cooperation during the pandemic are ongoing between different parts of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis
We are working closely to ensure continued cooperation. The contact tracing app aims to be part of a sensible exit strategy from the pandemic, and I have been in conversations with the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to align our experts and chief medical officers for a joined-up approach.
Session: Covid-19 Devolved Administrations
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Asks about delays faced by a company in obtaining an order from the UK Government despite reaching out to support supply efforts, seeking intervention to address this issue.
Context
Discusses the UK and Welsh Governments' collaboration on securing medical supplies for Wales, mentioning over 3.4 million PPE items delivered.
Simon Hart (Secretary of State for Wales)
Offers to work constructively on addressing administrative gaps and taking up individual concerns as relevant; acknowledges the Department's efforts despite challenges in processing numerous offers.
Session: Covid-19 Medical Supplies
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Stephen Doughty asks if the Minister can provide a clear yes or no answer to this question: did Mr Sabisky meet any civil servants working on the defence and security review?
Context
Mr Doughty questions the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster regarding Michael Gove's earlier response about his ignorance on whether Mr Sabisky met officials involved in the defence and security review.
Michael Gove (The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster)
I have no idea.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given that all appointments of special advisers require the prior written approval of the Prime Minister, did the Prime Minister give such approval for Mr Sabisky's appointment?
Context
Inquiry into the legality of Andrew Sabisky's appointment.
Chloe Smith (Minister for Civil Society)
That is not the right question, because Mr Sabisky was a contractor.
Session: Code of Conduct for Special Advisers
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Inquires about recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Transport regarding improvements to cross-border rail services. Highlights the support from the Welsh Labour Government for the St Mellons parkway project and requests that as many Great Western Railway (GWR) cross-border services as possible stop there, including those from competitors.
Context
Discussion on enhancing cross-border rail connections, specifically mentioning the St Mellons parkway project east of Cardiff.
David Davies
Acknowledges the importance of the issue and agrees to discuss it. Assures commitment to rail infrastructure in both south and north Wales, noting an extra £1.5 billion spent during this control period for additional seats between London and south Wales.
Session: Cross-border Rail
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To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to support equality for LGBT+ Christians in the UK. The hon. Gentleman also mentioned concerns over recent pastoral guidance that suggests sexual relationships outside heterosexual marriage fall short of God's purpose and its impact on the ongoing Living in Love and Faith discussions.
Context
During LGBT History Month, Stephen Doughty asked about steps being taken to support LGBT+ Christians.
Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con)
The hon. Gentleman will probably be aware that the archbishops issued an apology for the way that that pastoral statement was issued. He is aware of the Church of England's Living in Love and Faith project, which is looking very closely at all these issues and will be reporting later this year.
Session: LGBT+ Christians in the UK
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What recent discussions has the Minister had with the Home Secretary on reducing hate crime directed at the LGBT+ community? Does she agree that sex and relationships education in schools is crucial, as well as responsible reporting, particularly on issues facing the trans community?
Context
The number of hate crimes against the LGBT+ community has increased by 25%, with a 37% rise for the trans community specifically in the past year.
Victoria Atkins (Minister for Crime Reduction and Victims)
We are proud to be hosting an international conference on global LGBT rights in May, focusing on safety. We work with the Law Commission on reviewing current hate crime legislation due to report early next year. I agree sex and relationships education is crucial to change culture.
Session: LGBT Hate Crime
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Hate Crime Against the LGBT+ Community
18 October 2023
Responding: Sarah Dines
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the rise in hate crime against the LGBT+ community, particularly the increase from 28,834 recorded incidents this year to a net increase of 217% since 2017-18. Only around 10% of LGBT people felt comfortable reporting hate crimes to the police, indicating significant under-reporting. There are also concerns about intersectionality, with victims experiencing loss of confidence, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety following hate crimes.']
Specific Asks
["I ask the Government to end what the Law Commission calls a 'hierarchy of protection' and bring about real parity between groups of all protected characteristics. I urge them to introduce an inclusive ban on conversion therapy and to provide specific support for the trans and non-binary community, while stamping out divisive rhetoric."]
Welsh Local Authorities
15 March 2022
Responding: David Davies
Main Concerns
['Stephen Doughty highlighted the critical role of Welsh local authorities during the pandemic, particularly in test, trace, protect efforts which were more efficient and cheaper compared to England. He mentioned that local government teams in Wales faced substantial financial challenges but received a 9.4% funding uplift from the Welsh Government. The cost of personal protective equipment and test and trace was £533 million in Wales compared to over £1 billion in England, resulting in costs per person being £158 lower in Wales.']
Specific Asks
['Doughty urged the government to reflect on how funds could have been used more productively had the collaborative approach taken in Wales been replicated across England. He also requested that the government nurture collaboration and draw on the relationship with local authorities to explore innovative models of transport, social care, housing, and decarbonisation.']
Falkland Islands: Sovereignty
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Iran Sanctions
08 September 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
The UK is laying legislation to tackle Iranian nuclear activity and other hostile Iranian activities. The lack of transparency around Iran’s nuclear programme poses a serious threat to international p...
Gibraltar: UK-EU Treaty
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Russian Shadow Fleet
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Diego Garcia Treaty and associated Bill
13 April 2026
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
The amendment supports the Diego Garcia treaty, which ensures the legal certainty for future operations of the military base on Diego Garcia. It protects UK national security interests by maintaining ...
Strait of Hormuz
16 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Gibraltar Treaty
26 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill 2026-01-20
20 January 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
National security must always be the first priority of any Government, especially during uncertain times. The deal secures the vital military asset for future generations, allowing the base to continu...
Ukraine 2026-01-14
14 January 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office commends the support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and outlines the UK's commitment to peace negotiations. He highlights th...
Attendance
48.0%
47 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
18
18.4% of votes
No Votes
29
29.6% of votes
Abstentions
51
52.0% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
4
PMQs Asked
39
Ministerial Questions Asked
186
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
24
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+191% above average
This MP:
39
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3727% above average
This MP:
186
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+154% above average
This MP:
24
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-31% below average
This MP:
48.0
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 Doughty's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.