Suzanne Webb
MP for Stourbridge
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I recently visited my local jobcentre. The adult claimant count is down 28%, and the young adult claimant count is down 40%. Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking Stourbridge jobcentre for all its hard work, and for its dedication in achieving those results?
Context
The adult claimant count in the local jobcentre is down 28%, and the young adult claimant count is down 40%. There have been 61,000 new jobs since March 2021.
Boris Johnson
Yes indeed, and I thank my hon. Friend for that. It is notable that the Opposition do not like to dwell on these points, but it is an astonishing fact that we have 420,000 more people in work now than before the pandemic began, and youth unemployment is at a record low.
Assessment
The specific request for joint thanks was not addressed; instead he highlighted broader employment statistics.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
She pays tribute to her constituents' heroic work in these unprecedented times and commends the PM's address on Monday for reinforcing necessary measures. She asks if the Government will ensure people have the support they need to adhere to staying at home guidelines.
Context
The MP acknowledges the Prime Minister's efforts and the sacrifices of NHS workers. She expresses concern about people needing support to stay at home.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
He echoes her tribute and reiterates his advice for everyone to stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Most supermarkets practise place-based and price promotions mainly on ultra processed food—food that plays a key part in feeding the obesity crisis. How can the Government best ensure that supermarkets promote affordable, unprocessed and sustainable foods, not foods high in fat, sugar and salt, and, importantly how can we ensure that supermarkets comply with the regulations?
Context
Supermarkets are known for place-based promotions on ultra-processed food, contributing to obesity.
Neil O'Brien
We have already brought in restrictions on the places that unhealthy food can be sold to stop pester power. That is on top of other measures that we are taking on obesity such as the sugar tax, calorie labelling, the extra money for school sport, and the extra facilities for young people.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Many commercial infant and toddler foods are ultra-processed, which sets alarm bells ringing as ultra-processed food is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases and 40% of 10 to 11-year-olds are overweight or obese. What steps are the Government taking to address the disingenuous and grossly misleading marketing and labelling of commercial infant and toddler food and drink?
Context
The question is prompted by concerns about misleading marketing and labelling on commercial infant and toddler foods, which are associated with cardiovascular diseases and obesity.
Steve Barclay
There is no agreed definition for ultra-high processed food. As a general principle, I do not think we should be taxing and banning things—smoking is an outlier. We have to empower the patient and recognise the pressures from the cost of living.
Session: Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Every five cigarettes a day increases the risk of stroke by 12%. Many commercial infant and toddler foods are ultra-processed, which sets alarm bells ringing as ultra-processed food is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases and 40% of 10 to 11-year-olds are overweight or obese.
Context
The question is prompted by a need to address public health issues related to cardiovascular diseases.
Steve Barclay
We are making the most significant public health intervention in a generation by creating a smoke-free generation. We are rolling out free blood pressure checks to people over 40 in community pharmacies, which will help to detect much earlier thousands more people living with high blood pressure. As my hon. Friend knows, there is no agreed definition for ultra-high processed food. We have to empower the patient and recognise the pressures from the cost of living.
Session: Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
View All Questions -->
Thankfully, my dog Sidney Pickles came from a great home. However, there has been much misinformation about the Government's action on puppy farming from the Opposition. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this Government have taken firm action to stop unscrupulous selling of puppies by deceitful sellers?
Context
There has been misinformation about the government's action on puppy farming from opposition members.
Therese Coffey
Indeed, regulations require commercial dog breeders to hold a valid licence from their local authority and prohibit the third-party sale of puppies and kittens.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
It has been a particularly busy week for DEFRA with several key announcements. Does the Secretary of State agree that speculation about the water industry's financial resilience should be treated carefully?
Context
The week saw significant events in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) including a ban on plastics and discussions around water industry financial resilience.
Therese Coffey
The Government have confidence in the financial resilience of the water sector. Significant discussions are ongoing and it is critical to treat any situation carefully, ensuring ongoing investment in the water industry.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Tackling illegal immigration, like small boats, is a hot topic for many of my constituents; I hear about it time and again on the doorstep, and I see it in my inbox. Can my right hon. Friend assure the people of Stourbridge that it is this Government who can be trusted to make every possible effort to address this complex problem and ensure we stop the illegal boats?
Context
Many constituents are concerned about small boat crossings and want assurance that the government will effectively tackle this issue.
Suella Braverman
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Prime Minister and I are determined to stop the boats—we are doubling the number of UK-funded personnel in France, and for the first time specialist UK officers are embedded with their French counterparts—whereas I am afraid the Labour party has consistently voted against our measures, not just in the Illegal Migration Bill but in the Nationality and Borders Act 2022. We know that Labour Members would scrap Rwanda. The truth is that they do not want to stop the boats; they want to open our borders.
Session: Small Boat Crossings
View All Questions -->
There are some notable and fantastic businesses in my constituency, including Argus Fire and Pegasus, which do a brilliant job in recruiting young adults and providing career opportunities. What more can the Department do to bridge the gap between employers and young adults and create that one-stop opportunity for 16-year-olds to find employment?
Context
There are businesses in the constituency that do a brilliant job in recruiting young adults.
Mims Davies
I am very supportive of getting young people into work. The Dudley youth hub is a classic example of the Department's working in partnership locally, providing a single location for employers to engage with under-25s from Stourbridge and the wider area.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I am keen to see a more preventive approach to crime committed by young adults, particularly knife crime. In 2017, Ryan Passey, aged only 24, lost his life to a perpetrator with a knife, and we are still seeking justice. Will the Minister join me and the Passey family in exploring more ways of reaching out to young adults to ensure that carrying a knife does not become the norm? We all know that people who carry a knife risk becoming either a perpetrator or a victim.
Context
Ryan Passey lost his life due to knife crime, highlighting the need for preventive measures.
Damian Hinds
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Obviously I cannot comment on this individual case, but I join her in extending my sympathies to Ryan's family. We have to do everything we can to bear down on serious violence, and serious violence reduction orders are part of that. The work of youth offending teams is also important in trying to catch people before they turn into more hardened criminals.
Session: Youth Offending
View All Questions -->
British people have voted consistently for controlled immigration and the right to secure borders. Does my hon. Friend the Minister agree that we have heard absolutely no practical solutions from the Labour party to combat the problems of illegal immigration?
Context
British people consistently vote for controlled immigration. The Labour party has not provided practical solutions to combat illegal immigration.
Tom Pursglove
It is fair to say that the plan we are advancing is the only credible plan to address the issue. It is comprehensive and will end the dangerous channel crossings, preserve life, get illegal migration back under control and, of course, bring sustainability to the related finances.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Unbelievably, £5 million a day is being spent on housing asylum seekers in hotels. That money could be better used in the west midlands to support additional police officers recruitment. Can my hon. Friend confirm that he will press ahead with our Rwanda partnership to end our dependency on expensive accommodation and crack down on people smuggling gangs?
Context
The question focuses on the financial implications of housing asylum seekers in hotels, noting that £5 million a day is spent on this accommodation.
Tom Pursglove
My hon. Friend absolutely hits the nail on the head in explaining why our new plan for immigration is so important, and we are determined to deliver on it. It is a comprehensive package of reform, including the Rwanda proposals, and we are going to get on and deliver on it.
Session: Relocations to Rwanda
View All Questions -->
What progress her Department has made in relocating individuals to Rwanda under the migration and economic development partnership despite the halt due to interim measures granted by the European Court of Human Rights?
Context
The question arises from the European Court of Human Rights' granting interim measures last minute, which halted progress on the relocation programme.
Tom Pursglove
The Government are seeking greater transparency from the ECHR on the reasons for its judgment. A full judicial review is expected to be heard in July. I want to be clear that this partnership is fully compliant with our international obligations.
Session: Relocations to Rwanda
View All Questions -->
Does he agree that the Government has given GPs the necessary support and guidance? What more can be done to improve face-to-face appointments, blood tests access, and appointment booking processes?
Context
The question stems from the need to support GP practices in providing efficient patient services.
Sajid Javid
We provided record support to GPs during the pandemic that helped cut bureaucracy and shared workload. Face-to-face appointments are increasing, but we would like to see further increases. We published a new data strategy yesterday which aims to give more people access to their health results via the NHS app.
Session: Primary Care Staff Recruitment
View All Questions -->
What progress has been made on recruiting 26,000 primary care staff? The Government's programme is crucial for improving access to primary care across the country. What specific steps have been taken?
Context
The question arises from the government's commitment to recruit additional primary care staff.
Sajid Javid
The Government's commitment is critical for improving access to primary care across the country. We are well on track to deliver 26,000 more full-time primary care staff by March 2024, with over 18,000 already recruited since 2019.
Session: Primary Care Staff Recruitment
View All Questions -->
Ryan Passey was tragically killed in 2017, at the mercy of a perpetrator with a knife. The case went to court and the perpetrator was acquitted, which was considered a bizarre verdict. You will be pleased to hear, Mr Speaker, that I and the Passey family have secured a review of the police investigation. That review is ongoing, but the family feel let down by the lack of support after the trial, at the time when they most needed it. They have lost their only son, but had no support despite the verdict. Will my right hon. Friend meet me and the family to understand how improvements can be made in the provision of support for victims' families, not just during an investigation but after the verdict, particularly when a bizarre verdict is given?
Context
Ryan Passey's family feels let down by lack of support after the trial.
Dominic Raab
My deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of Ryan Passey. I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing an independent review; I will be happy to make sure that she can see an appropriate Minister. We have made £130 million available this year to tackle serious violence. As my hon. Friend will know, the latest data shows a 4% decrease in recorded cases of knife crime. On post-trial support, we are providing £4.6 million a year in funding for the national homicide service, which provides a range of services, including counselling and emotional support, that can continue as long as is needed for a bereaved family, including after trial.
Session: Victims of Crime
View All Questions -->
Apprenticeships are a terrific opportunity for those with learning difficulties, due to the vocational nature of the training, but we need more such opportunities. Where there is a surplus of funding from the apprenticeship levy allowance, will the Minister consider directing it at incentivising smaller companies to provide apprenticeships, thereby ensuring parity of opportunity for those with learning difficulties, such as those with 22q11 deletion syndrome?
Context
There is a need to increase apprenticeship opportunities for those with learning difficulties, particularly in small companies.
Will Quince
I thank my hon. Friend for that question. We certainly want an increased number of learners with disabilities starting apprenticeships. Working with Disability Rights UK, our disabled apprentice network provides valuable insight into attracting disabled people to apprenticeships and retaining them on them. We also offer financial support for employers and providers that take on apprentices with additional needs.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
My constituency has a long history of manufacturing excellence, whether in iron and steel or producing the best glass in the world. I have fantastic companies such as Quality Metal Products. How is the Department ensuring that UK manufacturers remain competitive in attracting inward investment to help companies in my constituency support growth?
Context
The question focuses on ensuring UK manufacturers remain competitive to attract inward investment, with a particular focus on the constituency of Q19 and its history in iron and steel production.
Mike Freer
The UK has a proud reputation as one of the most attractive economies in the world. In 2020, the UK secured the most greenfield foreign direct investment in Europe according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Last year, the £1.4 billion global Britain investment fund announced aims to increase our attractiveness, especially to manufacturers. I am happy to link up with my hon. Friend's manufacturers to see what we can do to boost manufacturing in her constituency.
Session: Support for UK Manufacturing Exports
View All Questions -->
What steps her Department is taking to support UK manufacturing exports?
Context
The Department is being asked about steps to support UK manufacturing exports, highlighting the importance of these industries in the UK economy.
Mike Freer
In 2021, the DIT launched a new export campaign for manufacturing businesses—“Made in the UK, Sold to the World”. The campaign celebrates the quality of the UK manufacturing sector and its global demand. We support businesses across all regions and nations to amplify and boost export opportunities throughout the manufacturing sector.
Session: Support for UK Manufacturing Exports
View All Questions -->
Will my hon. Friend join me in launching my very own card for the Queen, some 45 years later, and will he encourage young children in my constituency to enter my competition to design a card so that we can send it to the Queen from Stourbridge to mark her long and glorious reign?
Context
The MP references a personal memory of the silver jubilee and proposes a competition to design cards commemorating the platinum jubilee.
Chris Philp
I was only one year old in 1977, so my memory of that is somewhat hazy, but I am delighted to strongly endorse my hon. Friend's card for the Queen campaign. I am sure that her constituents will embrace it with enthusiasm and that cards for the Queen will come flooding in from Stourbridge.
Session: Platinum Jubilee
View All Questions -->
I thank the Solicitor General for that answer. It is important that the Crown Prosecution Service and the Serious Fraud Office adapt to the ever more sophisticated techniques that criminals are using to commit fraud and evade prosecution. Can my hon. Friend share any examples where either the CPS or the SFO has sought to change its working practice to evolve with the changing nature of economic fraud?
Context
The MP inquires about adaptations made by the Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office to address evolving economic crime techniques.
Alex Chalk
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: the threat is evolving, which is why the Crown Prosecution Service has decided to merge its specialist fraud, organised crime, and international headquarter divisions into one new directorate—the serious economic, organised crime and international directorate. This will increase flexibility, enhance capacity, build resilience and ensure that learning is shared to improve expertise in tackling economic crime.
Session: Economic Crime
View All Questions -->
What steps her Department is taking to mark Her Majesty the Queen's platinum jubilee?
Context
No specific event prompted this question, but it is related to national celebrations marking a significant milestone in the Queen's reign.
Chris Philp
The Department is delighted to be supporting Buckingham Palace's delivery of celebrations to commemorate the exceptional service of Her Majesty the Queen over seven decades. Lottery distributors are providing £22 million to help communities become involved, and there will be a series of events between 2 and 6 June, including a special Trooping the Colour event and a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's cathedral.
Session: Platinum Jubilee
View All Questions -->
Corbett meadow is a beautiful meadow in my constituency that is at risk of development, but in the local plan it has been designated as local green space. Does my right hon. Friend agree with me that, when the final plan comes out, that should be respected?
Context
Corbett meadow is designated as local green space in the draft local plan.
Stuart Andrew
National park policy empowers local communities by making it clear that they can designate areas of importance as local green space through their local plans. Such designations ensure that these important assets are provided with protection, reflecting their importance.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will my right hon. Friend support me in encouraging constituents to participate in the consultation for the levelling-up fund bid?
Context
The hon. Member is working on a masterplan for Lye, an historic market town in her constituency that needs regeneration.
Michael Gove
The proposition that she puts forwards, increased community involvement in town masterplanning, is at the heart of our approach towards redevelopment. The constituency of Lye has few more attractive parts and we encourage this proactive approach.
Session: Levelling-up White Paper Impact on Regional Inequality
View All Questions -->
With all the news on the levelling-up White Paper today, will my right hon. Friend update the House on progress towards the fund's second round? There will be as many bidders in Scotland as there will be in my constituency, where we are keen to move forward with a bid to regenerate Lye.
Context
The MP is seeking an update on the progress towards the second round of the Levelling Up Fund, particularly for Scotland.
Alister Jack
Unsuccessful applicants who have passed the gateway stage will be offered feedback to support future bids. They will also be encouraged to reapply. Round 2 of the levelling-up fund is due to open in spring this year, and more information will be shared in due course.
Session: Levelling-up Fund Benefits to Scotland
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the potential economic benefits to Scotland of the Levelling Up Fund?
Context
The MP is assessing the economic impact of the Levelling Up Fund on Scotland.
Alister Jack
Eight projects in Scotland have received a share of more than £170 million from round 1 of the levelling-up fund. Those projects will create new jobs, boost training, grow productivity and deliver tremendous economic benefit to Scotland.
Session: Levelling-up Fund Benefits to Scotland
View All Questions -->
Corbett meadow is a historic piece of land in my constituency and in the draft local plan it has been afforded the same protections as green-belt land. Does my hon. Friend agree that the recommendations should be carried forward into the final plan, not just because the land is our green lungs but for mental health and wellbeing?
Context
Corbett meadow, a historic piece of land in the constituency with green-belt protections in draft local plan.
Rebecca Pow
I cannot comment on matters in that specific plan, but I congratulate my hon. Friend on that work, as our wildflower meadows are so precious. There are only 3% left, and we need to get them protected and communities looking after them as much as possible.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Would my hon. Friend be able to let me know exactly how many women are taking up STEM apprenticeships? I ask this question specifically because the electric vehicle revolution in the west midlands is leading the way, and I am keen to see women taking up such opportunities so that they can have a long-term career in high-quality, high-paid jobs.
Context
The electric vehicle revolution is creating new opportunities in the west midlands, and there's a need to ensure women are taking up these roles.
Alex Burghart
Women now account for more than half of all apprenticeship starts across the country. The apprenticeships diversity champions network is working with employers to ensure improvements in this area.
Session: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to increase the number of women and girls (a) studying and (b) employed in STEM subjects and jobs?
Context
The number of women studying and employed in STEM fields is a concern, prompting this question.
Alex Burghart
Between 2010 and 2020, the number of women accepted on to full-time STEM undergraduate courses increased by 49%. The Government is committed to increasing STEM uptake through funding programmes such as the Inclusion in Schools physics programme.
Session: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths
View All Questions -->
Does my right hon. Friend agree that we must continue to align the post-16 education system with employer demand to ensure that we have the skills for the electric vehicle revolution and to develop our own home-grown talent?
Context
The electric vehicle revolution will dominate or become a key factor in the urban west midlands.
Nadhim Zahawi
I totally agree. Our reforms focus on giving people skills needed in sectors like electric vehicles, putting employers at the heart of our skills system.
Session: Young People High-quality Jobs
View All Questions -->
Will my right hon. Friend support me in my drive and mission to encourage businesses in my constituency to come on board and provide those industry placements? It is a win-win situation not just for young adults, but for businesses because they can circumnavigate the recruitment process as they will have those candidates on board and can experience what they can deliver.
Context
The MP advocates for the importance of industry placements through T-levels and their potential benefits for both young adults and businesses.
Gavin Williamson
My hon. Friend has identified the real opportunities that exist for businesses in working with young people and colleges and bringing them into their company. T-levels have been designed hand in glove with employers, making sure that they are not only fit for employers, but work for students as well. I join her in encouraging employers to take on placements for T-levels. We are seeing a big expansion this year and expect an even bigger expansion next year.
Session: Supporting Young People into High-quality Jobs
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to support young people into high- quality jobs?
Context
The question addresses the Department's efforts to support youth employment.
Gavin Williamson
We are supporting young people to ensure that they have the skills and the high-quality, secure and fulfilling employment through the plan for jobs package with £500 million of Department for Education funding. This includes the largest ever expansion of traineeships and an increased incentive payment of £3,000 for employers hiring apprentices.
Session: Supporting Young People into High-quality Jobs
View All Questions -->
Climate change remains a hot topic across my constituency, and I intend to engage with my local schools in COP26-style roundtables. Does my hon. Friend agree that working with young people across the world will help promote international co-operation on climate change? Should he need a doughty champion to do that around the world, I have my passport at the ready.
Context
The questioner expresses interest in engaging with local schools for COP26-style roundtables and asks if the Government agree that working with young people globally will promote international cooperation.
James Duddridge
A stonkingly excellent idea! Young people are an important voice, and the UK is committed to involving young people in the planning and hosting of COP26. COP26 will engage civil society and the youth advisory council, which is co-chaired by the Kenyan 25-year-old climate change activist and Bella Lack, an 18-year-old climate activist from the UK.
Session: Climate Change
View All Questions -->
Ultra-processed food is basically high in fat, high in salt and high in sugar, and it is highly addictive. I believe that it plays a significant part in the growing crisis that is obesity. I genuinely believe that it is not food in itself, when one considers all the flavourings and artificial colourings that have to go into it to make it taste like food in the first instance. Does my hon. Friend agree that the food industry needs to play its part in tackling the obesity crisis, and not contribute to it?
Context
The question addresses the role of ultra-processed foods in contributing to childhood obesity, highlighting their high content of fat, salt, sugar, flavourings, and artificial colourings.
Jo Churchill
I do. This is about helping people and caring for people. We know the detrimental effect obesity has on all stages of our lives. It costs personally, in productivity terms, as well as the NHS, being the precursor to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, musculoskeletal conditions and so on. We cannot afford for the country not to tackle this issue. I am encouraged, but want to see business go faster in the reformulation ambition to reduce the salt, sugar and fat in these products.
Session: Childhood Obesity
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to tackle childhood obesity. I am concerned about the rise in childhood obesity and its impact on health outcomes. What measures are being implemented to address this issue?
Context
The question addresses efforts to combat rising rates of childhood obesity, which is linked to poor health outcomes and increased healthcare costs.
Jo Churchill
We are committed to halving childhood obesity in England by 2030, and the 7.9 million strategy takes decisive action to help everybody to achieve and maintain a healthier weight. We have five trailblazer sites working to create a healthy environment for our children. We have laid regulations for out-of-home calorie labelling. We have put £100 million into funding for adult and child weight management, and announced the introduction of some of the toughest advertising restrictions—both on TV and online—regarding children's exposure to high fat, salt and sugar products.
Session: Childhood Obesity
View All Questions -->
Can my right hon. Friend give an indication of just how many vaccines the UK Government have now supplied to the Welsh Government and the NHS in Wales so that they can continue to roll out this triumphant United Kingdom achievement, in which I am reliably told that my constituents in Dudley borough are leading the way?
Context
The MP seeks a specific number of vaccines delivered from the UK Government to the Welsh health service for ongoing vaccination efforts. The MP refers to her constituents in Dudley borough leading the way.
Simon Hart
To date, the UK Government have delivered more than 3.8 million doses of vaccine to the Welsh Government—free of charge, as should absolutely be the case. Of all the many examples that we could stand here and list of the strength of the Union, the value of the Union and where it has been such a reassuring force in the past 16 months, the success of this UK-wide programme is probably the best that we could ever turn to.
Session: Covid-19 Vaccine Programme Role of Union
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made regarding the role of the Union in the effectiveness of the covid-19 vaccine programme in Wales?
Context
The question addresses the recent assessment made by the UK Government on how the Union has contributed to the success of the coronavirus vaccine programme specifically in Wales.
Simon Hart
The UK Government's vaccine taskforce has been the foundation for the success of our covid-19 vaccines programme. The research, development, acquisition, manufacture, payment and UK-wide distribution, supported by the UK armed forces, has demonstrated beyond doubt the value of our United Kingdom.
Session: Covid-19 Vaccine Programme Role of Union
View All Questions -->
Now here comes my pitch! My constituency of Stourbridge is full of talent and ambition. Should it be top of the list for future proposed civil service moves outside London?
Context
The MP is promoting Stourbridge as an ideal candidate for future Government job relocation.
Michael Gove
Stourbridge, along with other west midlands locations like Wolverhampton and Walsall, is a fantastic location not just for Government jobs but also for the private sector. It's part of a revival in the west midlands.
Session: Civil Service Jobs Outside London
View All Questions -->
What steps are being taken to deliver civil service jobs outside London. I am concerned about ensuring that civil service roles are distributed more equitably across the country, not just concentrated in London.
Context
The MP is concerned about the distribution of civil service jobs within the UK.
Michael Gove
The Government are committed to relocating 22,000 roles from London to every part of the United Kingdom by the end of this decade. The Cabinet Office has announced a second headquarters in Glasgow and other Departments have plans to increase their presence across the UK. Recently, the Home Office announced 500 new jobs in Stoke-on-Trent, and BEIS announced 865 roles relocating to six locations.
Session: Civil Service Jobs Outside London
View All Questions -->
I welcome my right hon. Friend's recent announcement that the Ministry of Defence will procure 148 Challenger 3 tanks, which will be the UK's first digitised tanks. Will he outline how those new armoured vehicles will help to deliver the modern, adaptable and expeditionary fighting force that he set out in the defence Command Paper in March, and will he keep me in mind should they need test-driving?
Context
The Ministry of Defence announced the procurement of Challenger 3 tanks.
Jeremy Quin
I will bear that offer in mind. It is a great decision for UK industry, especially for the west midlands, and a great decision for the British Army. The ability to deploy world-class tanks provides policy choice for policymakers against a range of threats in our uncertain world and state of the art Challenger 3s will be a vital asset.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What is the timetable for the Mental Health Act consultation and how can interested parties participate?
Context
The question addresses the need for transparency and public involvement in the process of reforming mental health legislation.
Robert Buckland
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her continuing interest in this important process. We are consulting widely on these proposed reforms, including service users, carers and professionals, to ensure that we get this once-in-a-generation opportunity right. The consultation is now available on the gov.UK website, and will close on 21 April.
Session: Mental Health Act Reform
View All Questions -->
The utterly inadequate school food parcels we saw last week were an absolute scandal, one that was, however, entirely in line with the Government's own guidance. So why has it taken the Secretary of State until the third week of term to initiate a voucher system? Can he tell the House how many parents received vouchers today?
Context
The MP criticises inadequate food parcels provided to students and asks why the voucher system was delayed.
Gavin Williamson (Secretary of State for Education)
As the hon. Lady would know if she had taken the time to read our guidance, those food parcels did not meet the expectations or the guidance that we set out. They are not acceptable and we have made that clear. We are very keen to ensure that schools have the choice and freedom to choose what is best for children in their school. That is why we have given schools the opportunity to choose food parcels, vouchers that are locally procured or the national voucher scheme. More than 15,000 of those vouchers have already been dispatched today.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Ultra-processed Food
21 June 2023
Responding: Neil O'Brien
Main Concerns
['Suzanne Webb is deeply concerned about the impact of ultra-processed food on health outcomes, particularly obesity. She notes that these foods dominate supermarket shelves and are linked to heart disease, kidney and liver failure, cancer, depression, and obesity. According to statistics from the Dimbleby report, 64% of adults and 40% of children aged 10 to 11 in England are obese or overweight. Webb highlights that ultra-processed foods make up half of total dietary energy intake in the UK and more than 60% for children. She also cites a staggering loss of 1.5 million years of healthy life due to diet-related illnesses annually, with obesity costing the NHS £6.5 billion yearly.']
Specific Asks
["Webb urges the Government to introduce an advertising watershed before 2025 and address misleading health claims on food products. She suggests that manufacturers need to take responsibility for their products' impact on public health."]
Knife Crime: West Midlands
14 March 2023
Responding: Chris Philp
Main Concerns
["Ryan Passey was stabbed to death in a nightclub and the perpetrator, Kobe Murray, walked free after an acquittal. This has devastated Ryan's family, who have been fighting for justice for five years. The community of Stourbridge has also experienced other fatal stabbings recently, including Cody Fisher and Akeem Francis-Kerr. West Midlands police recorded 152 knife crime offences per 100,000 people in the past year, up from a possession of weapons increase of 496% since 2012 to 7,257 incidents annually."]
Specific Asks
['I call for stronger measures against social media that perpetuates knife crime and better mechanisms for appealing wrongful acquittals. I also urge the police and crime commissioner and West Midlands Police to take immediate steps to prevent more lives from being lost to knife crime.']
Ways and Means
05 November 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
This Budget marks a turning point after 14 years of Tory neglect, focusing on fixing the public finances and services. The Chancellor has delivered on Labour's manifesto promises: protecting payslips ...
Backbench Business
07 September 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Notes that children were born with serious deformities due to the hormone pregnancy test drug Primodos, used between 1953 and 1975. Criticises government for not issuing warnings about Primodos until ...
Opposition Day
27 June 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The shadow Chancellor opened by criticising the government's economic policies, highlighting a decline in public services and an increase in national debt. He emphasised the need for fiscal responsibi...
Lung Cancer Screening
26 June 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Civil Service Impartiality
06 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Telecommunications (Data Protection and Open Internet) Bill - Schedule 14 - Amendments consequential on offences in Part 10 of this Act
05 December 2022
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment proposes changes to the existing clauses and schedules that will ensure consistency with the new offences introduced under Part 10. This is necessary for aligning regulatory measures acr...
Ukraine Update
16 June 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rail Strikes
15 June 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The railway is a vital legacy connecting north and south but has fallen behind due to inefficiency. The pandemic caused a loss of around one-fifth of passengers and income; the Government invested £16...
Foreign National Offender Removal Flights
18 May 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Cost of Living Increases
16 March 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The cost of living crisis is causing a severe income squeeze, with households facing an £800 annual shortfall according to The Institute for Fiscal Studies. Stephen Flynn calls on the Government to sc...
2
PMQs Asked
60
Ministerial Questions Asked
79
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
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
+348% above average
This MP:
60
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1526% above average
This MP:
79
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 Suzanne Webb's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.