Steven Bonnar
MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Another week, another scandal for this Prime Minister and his utterly shameless Government. My constituents made sacrifices during the pandemic while he partied away. Figures released last night show that 79% of people in Scotland think the Prime Minister should step down. Does he realise that it is now clear to all that there is no doubt that he is morally distant from us, and that the best thing he can do now is to go?
Context
The Prime Minister has been involved in scandals for two years. Recent figures show that 79% of people in Scotland think the Prime Minister should step down.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Gentleman from the SNP, and I repeat the point I made earlier: I do not think that he should pre-empt or anticipate the inquiry.
Assessment
The specific request for resignation was not addressed.
Waiting For The Inquiry
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Will you commit to making the £20 per week universal credit boost permanent or will your Government be responsible for worsening financial hardship among Scottish families?
Context
The questioner seeks to make the £20 weekly universal credit increase permanent, addressing income crisis for Scottish families.
Boris Johnson
We will continue to support the people through the pandemic but no specific commitment was made regarding the permanency of the £20 weekly universal credit increase.
Assessment
The question specifically asked for a commitment to making the £20 per week uplift permanent, which was not addressed.
Looking After The People
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The Bar Council has raised significant concerns about the future sustainability of civil legal aid. They note that fees have halved in real terms over 28 years and question whether justice is now exclusively for the wealthy. What steps are being taken to ensure the future of legal aid in immigration cases?
Context
The Bar Council has expressed grave concerns about the future availability of civil legal aid counsel in immigration cases, citing unsustainable real-term fee reductions over 28 years.
Alex Chalk
We are broadening access to legal aid through a means test review that will add £25 million and bring an additional £2 million into scope. The housing loss prevention advice service is being rolled out with another £10 million, totalling up to £141 million in legal aid funding. A Green Paper on civil legal aid sustainability will be issued in July.
Session: Immigration Legal Aid
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has his Department made of the adequacy of legal aid provision for immigration cases? The Bar Council has submitted grave concerns citing that civil legal aid fees have halved in real terms over 28 years, raising issues about the future availability of counsel in immigration cases.
Context
The adequacy of legal aid for immigration cases is under scrutiny due to concerns raised by the Bar Council regarding sustainability and availability.
Alex Chalk
Access to legal aid matters. We have broadened access by: uplifting fees under the Illegal Migration Act 2023, providing £1.4 million for accreditation and re-accreditation of senior caseworkers, allowing remote guidance from detained duty advice scheme providers, and introducing payment for travel time between immigration removal centres.
Session: Immigration Legal Aid
View All Questions -->
Brexit has been deeply damaging to farmers across the UK. The actions taken by the Scottish Government mean that farmers in Scotland have far greater protection than those elsewhere on these islands. Will the Secretary of State take this opportunity to apologise to farmers in England for his Government's betrayal?
Context
The SNP Government have guaranteed funding for Scottish farmers, unlike the current UK government.
Steve Barclay
I refer the hon. Gentleman to the £2.4 billion commitment in our manifesto, which has been met in full.
Session: Farmers
View All Questions -->
Will driving investment away from the UK food and drink sector hinder attempts to avoid a recession?
Context
The question was prompted by warnings from the Food and Drink Federation that the labelling scheme could divert significant investment away from the UK food and drink industry.
Steve Barclay
Of course we will work with industry on any changes, but the SNP needs to be consistent, because we have other proposals, such as the review of public sector procurement being carried out by my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Will Quince) and fairer labelling.
Session: “Not for EU” Labelling
View All Questions -->
Political polarisation is more prevalent than ever, but polling consistently shows that voters across the political spectrum are united in their opposition to an unelected House of Lords. The trouble the public face is that this place and this Government do not want to know—they merrily carry on stuffing the House of Lords full of loyal stooges. When will the Government finally take their fingers out of their ears, listen to the public and begin to consider long-required reform of the place through those doors?
Context
The question stems from public polling showing strong opposition across the political spectrum against an unelected House of Lords, but a lack of government action on reform.
Esther McVey
Many people in the other House are probably somewhat insulted by the hon. Member's words. Many of them are highly accomplished in a variety of specialisms and bring much insight as they scrutinise the legislation that comes from this House.
Session: Resignation Honours List Public Trust
View All Questions -->
Whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the publication of the resignation honours list of the right hon. Member for South West Norfolk on public trust in (a) politicians and (b) political institutions.
Context
The question arises due to the publication of a resignation honours list, raising concerns about its impact on public trust in politicians and political institutions. Previous lists have been subject to scrutiny under different governments.
Esther McVey
It is a long-standing convention under successive Governments that outgoing Prime Ministers can draw up a resignation list. That has been the case under past Governments from across the political spectrum, and any names proposed are subject to the usual propriety checks.
Session: Resignation Honours List Public Trust
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for his answer. The Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence has estimated that 80% of Northern Irish freight exports to England come through Scotland, while a considerable proportion of NI trade with Britain is direct trade between the north of Ireland and Scotland. Given this, what concrete role does he see, or propose, for the Scottish Government on the new East-West Council?
Context
The Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence estimated that 80% of Northern Irish freight exports to England come through Scotland, highlighting the importance of Scottish involvement.
Steven Baker
The Government of Scotland have their rights and are entitled to be part of these arrangements, and we shall be respectful in engaging with the Scottish Government to ensure they play a full part, fully respecting the devolution settlement.
Session: East-West Business Council
View All Questions -->
What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the proposed east-west business council?
Context
The proposed east-west business council aims to deepen connections between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK in key areas like trade, transport, education, and culture.
Steven Baker
The Government are working to establish an east-west business council, fulfilling our pledge to identify opportunities for deepening connections between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK in areas such as trade, transport, education and culture. I shall be in regular contact with other Ministers across Government to ensure timely delivery.
Session: East-West Business Council
View All Questions -->
Many farmers face significant challenges with their wheat crops due to poor weather conditions, leading to both rotting crops and shortages of certain varieties of seeds. Is there any plan or solution that addresses these issues?
Context
Reports indicate that a third of the UK wheat crop has rotted in wet conditions, and supplies of spring seed are tight.
Steve Barclay (Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
We need to look at what we can do constructively, working with plant breeders. The issue is legitimate and requires constructive consideration.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed that the changes to the minimum income threshold for family and skilled workers disproportionately impact Scotland. Median earnings on the west coast of Scotland are £24,700 a year, which is far short even of the climbdown figure of £29,000. Did the Home Secretary even consider that this policy would effectively cut off migration to parts of Scotland that need and would benefit from inward migration?
Context
Figures from the Office for National Statistics indicate that changes to the minimum income threshold for family and skilled workers disproportionately impact Scotland, with median earnings on the west coast being £24,700 per year, which is lower than the new threshold.
Tom Pursglove
The Government's position is clear: the changes that we are introducing are the right thing. The numbers of dependents we are seeing coming is disproportionate. There will be an opportunity, through the review of the composition of the immigration salary list in the second phase, and through the call for evidence, for exactly those debates to be had and for those views to be made known.
Session: Legal Migration Rules
View All Questions -->
What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on recent changes to legal migration rules?
Context
The question arises due to recent modifications in legal migration rules affecting Scotland. The Scottish Government has concerns over the impact of these changes.
Tom Pursglove
The Home Office engages with the devolved nations through the inter-ministerial group and recognises that each of the nations of the UK has varying immigration needs, reflected in the varied shortage occupation lists for each nation. Immigration will, however, remain reserved.
Session: Legal Migration Rules
View All Questions -->
Will the Secretary of State commit to engaging with Scottish Government on their experience and expertise in enshrining social, economic and cultural rights in domestic law?
Context
Just Fair suggests a human rights bill for Scotland as a blueprint for UK legislation.
Alex Chalk
We agree on the common interest in advancing social and economic rights. However, it is questionable whether making these rights justiciable would lead to unnecessary litigation clogging up courts. The hon. Gentleman's principle is right, but I disagree with wanting more litigation.
Session: Human Rights Legislation
View All Questions -->
Figures show there were 6,000 fewer delivery and courier drivers in the UK last year compared to the previous year, with more than half of HGV drivers due to retire in the next decade. What steps is he taking to ensure this does not become an even bigger issue?
Context
The question discusses the ongoing driver shortage in the UK, citing statistics from the Office for National Statistics that show a decrease of 6,000 delivery and courier drivers between years. More than half of the country's HGV drivers are expected to retire within a decade.
Mark Harper
It is disappointing that the SNP's first response to any tightness in the labour market is to want to import people from abroad. My colleague, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, along with officials in their Department and our jobcentre network, ensures skills training for those already in the UK to address skill shortages.
Session: Transport Workforce Migration
View All Questions -->
What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of Government proposals to reduce net migration on the transport sector workforce?
Context
The question addresses potential impacts of reducing net migration on the transport industry, highlighting concerns about labour shortages and the need for a skilled workforce.
Mark Harper
I regularly engage with Cabinet colleagues on Government policy, including migration, and my Department works closely with organisations across the transport industry to understand the sector's concerns about the transport labour market.
Session: Transport Workforce Migration
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for that answer. As the Women's Budget Group has rightly pointed out, women are more reliant on benefits, due to care-giving roles, and they have been disproportionately impacted by regressive social security changes since 2010. What consideration has the Minister given to the abolition of the poverty-inducing benefit cap and the hated two-child limit, to prevent further poverty and destitution among women and children?
Context
Women's Budget Group noted that women are more reliant on benefits due to care-giving roles, and have been disproportionately impacted by social security changes since 2010.
Kemi Badenoch
The hon. Gentleman will know that we disagree with the propositions set out, and have said so time and again at this Dispatch Box. We believe the two-child policy is important due to rising energy costs and the war in Ukraine caused by Russia. The Government are doing everything possible to limit the impact on households.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities, specifically regarding the unacceptable rise in antisemitism and hostility towards the Jewish community since 7 October, and what further action can be taken to promote social cohesion.
Context
Kemi Badenoch's statement on the rise in antisemitism since 7 October.
Kemi Badenoch
In my last topical statement, I spoke about the unacceptable rise in antisemitism and hostility towards the Jewish community since 7 October, and I am updating the House on what further action I can take to promote social cohesion. The Equality Act 2010 is a shield against discrimination, and the public sector equality duty is part of that shield. To ensure that all public authorities understand how to comply with the duty, I will be publishing updated guidance shortly and writing to leaders of public authorities that have a key role in promoting social cohesion.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on helping to ensure food security. I recently visited Tom, a farmer from my constituency, at the family farm in Pepperstock. We spoke about the importance of UK food sustainability—growing, harvesting and eating domestic produce. That is at risk without a well-functioning seasonal worker scheme. The National Farmers Union recommends improving the current scheme by securing it for five years with annual reviews and increasing the visa period to nine months. Does the Secretary of State agree that those potential reforms could support greater food security in the UK and mean less reliance on food imports?
Context
Discussions about the importance of a well-functioning seasonal worker scheme for food security.
Steve Barclay
Strengthening food security by supporting world-class farmers and food producers is a top priority for this Government. We produce 60% of the food we consume, and food is one of the UK's 13 critical national infrastructure sectors, which we regularly discuss with Cabinet colleagues.
Session: Food Security
View All Questions -->
A state that supplies military equipment that is used in the commission of violations of international humanitarian law is at risk of complicity in a humanitarian catastrophe. In continuing with those licences and supplying UK arms to Israel, what assessment does the Secretary of State make of the potential for UK Government complicity, if Israel is found to have committed war crimes in Gaza by the ongoing International Criminal Court investigation?
Context
The International Criminal Court is investigating potential war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza. Concerns arise about the UK's role if arms supplied are used in such violations.
Kemi Badenoch
I am quite surprised that there is not a word of condemnation, and the implication that the UK is complicit is really not the sort of thing we would expect from a British Member of Parliament in this House. I completely disagree with the premise of the hon. Gentleman's question. The Government take our defence export responsibilities extremely seriously and operate some of the most robust and transparent export controls in the world.
Session: Arms Export Licences Israel
View All Questions -->
Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of revoking arms export licenses to Israel due to concerns over their use in violating international humanitarian law.
Context
Since Hamas's terrorist attacks on October 7, there has been a conflict in the region. The UK supports Israel's right to defend itself within international law. However, concerns exist about the potential for complicity if arms exported are used in violations of humanitarian laws.
Kemi Badenoch
Since the barbaric terrorist acts by Hamas against Israel on 7 October and the subsequent conflict in the region, the Government have been monitoring the situation very closely. The UK supports Israel's legitimate right to defend itself and take action against terrorism, provided that that is within the bounds of international humanitarian law. Export licences are kept under careful and continual review as standard, and we are able to amend licences or refuse new licence applications if they are inconsistent with the strategic export licensing criteria.
Session: Arms Export Licences Israel
View All Questions -->
So far, the UK has paid the Rwandan Government £140 million and the Home Office has spent £1.4 million on failed legal challenges, with no asylum seekers being sent there as of yet. How much has the Home Office spent in total on the Rwanda scheme? Can the Secretary of State give us a figure, please?
Context
The Home Office has spent £1.4 million on failed legal challenges and paid the Rwandan government £140 million towards the relocation scheme, but no asylum seekers have been sent to Rwanda yet.
James Cleverly
The funding from the Home Office will be reported in the usual, appropriate way. I do not have the figures to hand, but I will make sure the House is updated on the costs.
Session: Rwanda Relocation Scheme Supreme Court Judgment
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made of the implications for government policies of the Supreme Court judgment of 15 November 2023 on the Rwanda relocation scheme?
Context
The Supreme Court issued a judgment on November 15, 2023, concerning the Rwanda relocation scheme. The ruling has implications for government policies.
James Cleverly
The funding from the Home Office will be reported in the usual, appropriate way. I do not have the figures to hand, but I will make sure the House is updated on the costs. The hon. Gentleman seems to misunderstand how one responds to a legal judgment. He describes it as “overriding,” but I suggest that when the Government address the issues set down by the Supreme Court, they will not be overriding but respecting the voice of the Supreme Court.
Session: Rwanda Relocation Scheme Supreme Court Judgment
View All Questions -->
Beyond repeating promises about protecting civilians, what meaningful action is being taken by the Foreign Secretary's Department to ensure that innocent Palestinians are kept safe?
Context
The MP questions the effectiveness of Israeli precautions to avoid civilian casualties, with over 4,650 Palestinians killed.
James Cleverly
I am on record mourning the Palestinian lives that have been lost in this conflict, just as we mourn, and I mourn, the loss of Israeli lives in this terrible situation. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the UK Government take the loss of life, from whichever community, incredibly seriously.
Session: Israel and Palestine
View All Questions -->
A loaf of wholemeal bread was £1.01 before the Westminster crisis but now costs 20% more. Despite this increase, farmers are not profiting. The price of milk is almost twice what we pay farmers for their product. Why will you not consider price caps to stop supermarkets from profiteering?
Context
The price of bread has increased by 20% since the Westminster crisis. Farmers are not benefiting from these increases, and milk prices in supermarkets are nearly double what is paid to farmers.
Mark Spencer
We have done an enormous amount of work in this area to help to support primary producers and farmers. We will legislate in the dairy sector to make sure those contracts are fair, but advocating for control of market prices would drive up costs and not achieve desired results.
Session: Food Affordability and Inflation
View All Questions -->
The Labour party governs in Wales and the Tories are in charge here in England, while Scotland is the only place in the UK to avoid any strikes in our NHS. That is because Scotland has had and will continue to have the fairest and best pay deals in the UK thanks to the Scottish Government. The Scottish Health Minister recently offered to mediate in the fresh talks between the UK Government and junior doctors.
Context
The MP highlighted the contrast between the lack of strikes in Scotland's NHS due to fair pay deals, while strikes continue elsewhere. He questioned why the UK Government has not considered a mediation approach.
Jeremy Quin
We will take absolutely no lessons from the SNP on how to govern countries—I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman looks at the news about what is going on in Scotland or hears about it when he visits his constituency. We have in this country a Government of whom we can be proud.
Session: Public Services Industrial Action
View All Questions -->
The report shows one in seven people faced hunger last year. Will the Minister make representations to his colleagues at DWP for increased support for low-income households?
Context
A Trussell Trust report warns about food insecurity leading to debt, poor physical and mental health.
Neil O'Brien
We have provided cost of living support worth £3,300 on average per household and are paying half of people's electricity bills.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
How long must animals suffer due to delays on banning animal fur imports, tackling illegal puppy and kitten smuggling, or banning foie gras? The previous Secretary of State said the Bill did not progress because of a lack of resolve. When will these issues be prioritised?
Context
The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill has been delayed and there is criticism over the government's commitment to animal welfare, with concerns about the import of fur and illegal puppy/kitten smuggling.
Therese Coffey
The hon. Gentleman's perspective differs from reality; there is no doubt progress has been made on animal welfare. Since 2021, live exports have ceased and legislation against fur imports exists already.
Session: Animal Welfare
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to bring forward legislative proposals to improve animal welfare after 760 days have passed without progress on banning animal fur imports, tackling illegal puppy and kitten smuggling, or banning foie gras?
Context
The question follows a period of multiple Secretaries of State and delays in the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. There are ongoing concerns about fur imports, puppy smuggling, foie gras consumption, and live animal exports.
Therese Coffey
The Government are committed to continuing manifesto commitments through an action plan for animal welfare. Six measures have been delivered through primary legislation and four through secondary legislation. Three private Members' Bills, including the Shark Fins Act 2023, have received Royal Assent. We will support delivery of manifesto measures during Parliament's remaining sessions.
Session: Animal Welfare
View All Questions -->
After 13 interest rate hikes, the IFS warns of a 20% fall in disposable income for 1.4 million households. What is his party doing to address this?
Context
Interest rates have risen, leading to a potential mortgage crisis affecting disposable income for many householders.
John Lamont
The Government remain committed to responsible economic management to bring inflation under control, which will help achieve lower interest rates and mortgage rates.
Session: Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
Should the UK Government learn from the success of the Scottish Government in attracting foreign direct investment and use these lessons to encourage wider investment into England?
Context
Scotland has been ranked as the best performing nation or region outside London for foreign direct investment, a trend attributed to the Scottish Government's efforts.
Alister Jack
The success is due to the work of the United Kingdom Government with 282 embassies, high commissions and consulates across 180 countries promoting Scotland's interests overseas.
Session: Promoting Scotland Overseas
View All Questions -->
What recent steps have been taken with the Scottish Government to promote Scotland overseas?
Context
The question is prompted by the need for coordinated efforts between UK and Scottish governments to promote Scotland's interests abroad.
Alister Jack
The UK Government and its departments work alongside the Scottish Government, including through events like Tartan Week in New York to identify opportunities for trade and investment.
Session: Promoting Scotland Overseas
View All Questions -->
The Resolution Foundation recently found that if wage growth had continued on the same trajectory as pre-2008, the average UK worker would be £11,000 a year better off. Does the Minister accept that hard-working households can no longer afford to lose £11,000 a year as a result of this Government's perpetual mismanagement of the economy?
Context
Research indicates that the average UK worker could be £11,000 better off if wage growth had continued at pre-2008 levels.
Andrew Griffith
I welcome the universal credit reforms we have made, and also the fact that under this Government, by raising the basic income tax threshold, we have taken up to 3 million workers out of income tax altogether.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Why is the taxpayer now being hit for more than £220,000 in partygate legal fees on his behalf during a cost of living crisis? Is that fair?
Context
The question addresses the taxpayer-funded legal fees of over £220,000 for a former Prime Minister who declared outside earnings of £4.8 million since leaving office.
Oliver Dowden
As the hon. Gentleman may know, there is a long-standing convention that Ministers of either party—this applies to Ministers of both political parties who have been in government—are entitled to legal support in respect of decisions that they made in government. That is an important constitutional safeguard to ensure that Ministers can act freely in government.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Thanks to Brexit, universities in the UK have lost almost £1 billion in EU funds with 115 cancelled grants last year alone. My constituent Ms McCallum's long-term partner is French and cannot secure a visa for work in Scotland because of complexities and costs. What steps are being taken to reduce visa costs for skilled workers?
Context
The MP noted that universities in the UK have lost nearly £1 billion in EU funds, resulting in cancelled grants. Many EU-based researchers are leaving due to perceived hostility.
Michelle Donelan
We do not underestimate the importance of attracting top talent to work in science and technology. We have created routes like the global talent visa, high-potential individual route, and scale-up route.
Session: Leaving the EU Employment Levels in the Science and Technology Sector
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made regarding the effect of Brexit on employment rates in the fields of science, innovation, and technology?
Context
The MP asked about the impact of leaving the EU on job levels within the scientific community.
Michelle Donelan
My Department's work will ensure that we are breaking down barriers and levelling the playing field, so that more women can enter STEM jobs in research and innovation. This includes UK Research and Innovation funded STEM ambassadors in schools and, just last week, the Government announced £150,000 funding to support women who are taking career breaks and need skills to get back into STEM careers.
Session: Leaving the EU Employment Levels in the Science and Technology Sector
View All Questions -->
What are the Government doing to encourage Israel to end widespread and systematic discrimination against Palestinian populations? Will he outline any concrete steps taken to deter land seizures, home demolitions, and forced evictions?
Context
There is a culture of impunity when it comes to crimes committed by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.
James Cleverly
We have raised concerns about settlement expansion with the Government of Israel. The Foreign Secretary has raised concerns about speculation of settlement building on E1 territories in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and there is now a moratorium on such expansions.
Session: Israel and Palestine
View All Questions -->
Analysis by Bloomberg estimates Brexit is costing the UK £100 billion a year in lost output, while OBR predicts a 4% smaller economy due to Brexit. The Centre for Economic Performance warns of added £6 billion food costs post-Brexit. How much more damage will need to be done before this Government acknowledges the reality that Brexit is an economic drag?
Context
The MP references Bloomberg analysis and Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts to argue that Brexit has significant negative economic impacts.
Jeremy Hunt
Thank you for correcting me, Mr Speaker.
Session: Economy Impact of UK Withdrawal from EU
View All Questions -->
What recent representations has the Secretary of State made to colleagues in the Department for International Trade regarding the free trade agreement and its potential impacts on NHS patients?
Context
Intellectual property protections can impact the rights of individuals, limiting access to affordable medical products. The proposed free trade agreement with India may affect this.
Steve Barclay
I can reassure the hon. Gentleman on that. I would have thought that he would also welcome the commitment to a £15 billion to £20 billion increase in R&D investment, the championing of life sciences that the Minister for Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Will Quince), has been leading on, and the opportunity we have to address greater variation within the NHS by bringing forward the innovations from our life industry and applying them much more quickly.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
How will the Secretary of State better regulate the cronyism of his colleagues? Will he commit now to scrapping the UK Government's VIP lane for healthcare contracts?
Context
The MP questioned the regulation against cronyism and committed to scrapping the UK Government's VIP lane for healthcare contracts.
Steve Barclay
Again, that ignores both the pressure of time at the start of the pandemic and the fact that there was international competition, with companies competing for scarce resources. It is also the case that although more than 19,000 companies were offering PPE, only 2,600 passed initial due diligence checks.
Session: Covid-19 PPE Procurement
View All Questions -->
Since Brexit there has been a 6% drop in service exports to the EU according to Centre for Economic Policy Research. Services are Scotland's biggest export, so what, if anything, is the Department doing to stabilise and grow them? There is a real fear that the Government have no real plan for progress or change.
Context
The Centre for Economic Policy Research has reported a significant drop in service exports to the EU since Brexit, raising concerns about future stability and growth. The MP is questioning whether the Government have a plan to address this issue.
Andrew Griffith
As we recover, we expect to see a continued increase in services exports. The hon. Member is right that Scotland is a significant exporter of services—worth more than £21 billion in 2020-21—making it the third largest exporting region in the UK. I wish all of our Scottish service exporters well, and it is the work of this Department to try to continue to grow that.
Session: Export of UK Services
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment her Department has made of trends in the level of exports of UK services. The latest figures show a significant increase but the Member seeks details on any recent analysis or reports.
Context
The MP is seeking an assessment of recent trends in the level of exports of UK services, highlighting the importance of understanding current performance.
Andrew Griffith
The Government are committed to promoting the UK's world leading strengths in services. Latest figures published by the Office for National Statistics show that service exports were £316 billion in the 12 months to the end of May, an increase of 7% on the previous 12 months. The Government's export strategy, published in November 2021, recognises the importance of services and commits the Government to working with the sector in its implementation.
Session: Export of UK Services
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Immigration and Home Affairs
23 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
16 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate urges the UK Government to deliver prompt compensation to women born in the 1950s who had their state pension age raised. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report highlights th...
Backbench Business
09 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Morris opened the debate by highlighting the struggle of miners and their pension issues. He criticised the Government for taking nearly £5 billion from the mineworkers' pension scheme without contrib...
Checks on Goods Entering UK
29 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Food Security
21 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Farming
04 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government understands that farming drives rural Britain, generating jobs and growth. The debate aims to support British farming by investing in farmers through a £2.4 billion annual budget, shift...
Ceasefire in Gaza
21 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Livestock Export Prohibition Bill - Clause 1 - Amendments to the definition of 'livestock'
15 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
This amendment would add alpacas to the list of livestock covered by the Bill, ensuring that these animals are protected from export for slaughter. It is a continuation of efforts to enhance animal we...
Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill - Clause 1
18 December 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill will ban the export of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain. This builds on existing animal welfare measures...
COP28
14 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
2
PMQs Asked
65
Ministerial Questions Asked
71
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
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
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+385% above average
This MP:
65
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1361% above average
This MP:
71
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 Steven Bonnar's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.