Tim Loughton
MP for East Worthing and Shoreham
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The thoughts of the people of East Worthing and Shoreham are with His Majesty, too. The Archbishop of Canterbury has admitted that, since taking office, attendance at the Church of England has dropped by 15%. In the 10 years to covid, the number of baptisms in the Church of England has fallen from 140,000 a year to 87,000, so Christianity in the UK seems to be on the wane, unless, apparently, you are from a Muslim country in the middle of an asylum claim. We are now told that one in seven occupants of the Bibby Stockholm has suddenly become a practising Christian. Given that the Church of England has now issued secret guidance to clergy supporting asylum applications for these Damascene conversions, to whom is the Church accountable? Are taxpayers being scammed by the Archbishop?
Context
Mr Loughton questions the Church of England's secret guidance regarding asylum seeker conversions to Christianity.
Rishi Sunak
When it comes to illegal migrants, we need to have a system whereby, if someone comes here illegally, they should not be able to stay. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has asked for more information about the extent to which migrants converting to Christianity is playing a role in our asylum system. More generally, under our Illegal Migration Act 2023, anybody entering the UK illegally will not be granted asylum here. That is why we need to have somewhere to send them and why our Rwanda scheme is so important. The Labour party has blocked these measures every single step of the way, because it does not have a plan and it will not keep Britain safe.
Assessment
The specific ask about accountability for secret guidance was completely avoided
Illegal Migrants Act 2023
Rwanda Scheme
Session: PMQs
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Contractors are frequently causing traffic jams due to excessive or unnecessary roadworks, sometimes using emergency powers inappropriately. The maximum penalty for such breaches is an £80 fine. Will the Prime Minister support better enforcement and higher fines?
Context
The question highlights roadworks causing significant traffic jams, often over weekends. There is a campaign to name and shame contractors breaching rules.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend, we have allocated £8 billion to improve roads through HS2 plans. We are also introducing measures to reduce congestion from roadworks and propose higher fines for non-compliance.
Session: PMQs
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Yesterday, the Opposition grabbed a crude headline about teaching boys to have respect for women—an important issue. Given that the Leader of the Opposition does not know what a woman is, will not stand up to defend women in his party who voice views on women's rights, and failed to prosecute rapists when he was Director of Public Prosecutions, does my right hon. Friend think the Labour party is in any position to teach anyone about respect for women?
Context
The Labour party was criticized for not knowing what a woman is, failing to defend women's rights in their own party, and failing to prosecute rapists.
Rishi Sunak
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Leader of the Opposition's record on women is questionable at best. Before Labour starts preaching about this issue, it should work out the answer to one very simple question. I am certain what a woman is. Is he?
Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister think there are any circumstances in which he should resign?
Context
No specific context provided, but it relates to political pressure on the Prime Minister.
Boris Johnson
If I felt impossible for Government to go on discharging mandate or if frustrated in desire to support Ukrainian people, then I would. But I will keep going as long as there is a colossal mandate.
Assessment
Did not provide specific circumstances under which he would resign
Session: PMQs
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In February 2019, the House passed my excellent Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019, mandating the Government to extend civil partnerships to opposite-sex couples, enabling marriage records to include mothers' details and requiring the Justice Secretary to produce a report empowering coroners to investigate stillbirths. The first two have come into force successfully, but, two and a half years on, despite further shocking revelations about deaths of babies at several hospitals, no report has yet been published; nor are there regulations to give coroners the powers they need. Why not?
Context
The question references the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019 that mandates the Government to extend civil partnerships to opposite-sex couples and include mothers' details in marriage records.
Dominic Raab (Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise that. Stillbirth is an appalling tragedy that has the most devastating impact on families across the country. The Ministry of Justice and the Department of Health and Social Care have jointly consulted on proposals to provide coroners with new powers in that regard. I have looked at that personally, and we will publish the Government's response to the consultation shortly.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister support a motion calling for a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics until basic international standards of decency are met?
Context
The MP refers to President Xi's threats and human rights violations in China, as recognised by this House. Five MPs remain sanctioned due to these issues.
Boris Johnson
This country has led the world in condemning human rights abuses in Xinjiang and putting sanctions on those responsible. I will certainly consider the proposals debated, but I must say that I am instinctively against sporting boycotts.
Assessment
specific ask about supporting diplomatic boycott
Consideration Without Commitment
Reassurance Of Condemnation
Session: PMQs
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One of the great achievements was recruiting 4,200 extra health visitors. Lockdown has made vital baby-to-baby contact difficult. At a time when support is most needed, will the PM urgently look at reversing the decline in health visitors and supporting the parent-infant premium proposal?
Context
During lockdown, health visitor numbers have dwindled and they've been diverted from face-to-face contact with new parents.
Boris Johnson
Health visiting teams have continued to prioritise vulnerable families throughout this crisis. This will continue through winter and pandemic.
Assessment
Did not commit to reversing decline in health visitors or supporting the premium proposal
Session: PMQs
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Could the Deputy Foreign Secretary update us on the state of our relations with Djibouti, and his assessment of the impact of the UK recognising the memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somalia on the development of the port of Berbera? Does he have any plans to visit Djibouti?
Context
Djibouti's relationship with the UK is under scrutiny due to recent developments involving Ethiopia and Somalia. The question addresses the impact of UK recognising a memorandum between these two countries on Djiboutian ports.
Andrew Mitchell
I am pleased to tell my hon. Friend that I have visited Djibouti, without suffering the fate that I am so sorry he suffered. As he knows, we are taking up this matter with the authorities in Djibouti.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why has it taken two years for us to be told about a serious security breach? Will he now, with his colleagues in Cabinet, make sure that China is absolutely treated and labelled as a threat?
Context
The questioner mentions the hacking of MPs' email accounts in March, highlighting a two-year delay in FBI informing the government about security breaches.
Thomas Tugendhat
We face threats from around the world, many of them emerging out of Beijing today. The reality is that we are not shying away from answering this. However, on FIRS, it is being looked at.
Session: Security Threat from China
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What recent assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the level of the security threat from China?
Context
No specific background event or statistic is mentioned; it focuses on the general security concern.
Thomas Tugendhat
Let me be clear that the hostile activity we have seen from Chinese authorities and state-affiliated groups poses a serious threat to the security and wellbeing of the British people. The Deputy Prime Minister spoke about the pattern of malign activity, including targeting parliamentarians and malicious cyber-campaigns by Chinese state-affiliated actors.
Session: Security Threat from China
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About 10 years ago, following the Government's reforms, the number of adoptions in England doubled, but 10 years on, they have halved. Why?
Context
Adoption numbers in England have halved since doubling a decade ago.
David Johnston
My hon. Friend raises a very important point. We are taking a number of actions to increase the number of people who adopt and foster, and to support kinship care as well, but I would be happy to discuss this matter with him further.
Session: Topical Questions
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On the efficiency of Government Departments, I am sure that Ministers want report by inspectorates that are the responsibility of their Department to be produced in a timely manner. Is the Minister aware that the now sacked chief inspector of borders and immigration has produced 15 reports, which have been sitting on the Home Secretary's desk, in some cases for over a year? There is complete confusion about how they can be published in the absence of the inspector and his deputy. Will the Minister look into that, and give reassurances to the House that these reports will be published in a timely fashion?
Context
The MP is concerned about the delay in publishing important public reports by inspectorates within the Home Office.
John Glen
My hon. Friend raises a very important matter. I will look into it urgently and come back to him as soon as possible.
Session: Topical Questions
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This week, we celebrate the fifth anniversary of my Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019 completing its parliamentary stages, but it is also the fifth anniversary of the Government taking no action to enforce clause 4, which gives coroners the power to investigate stillbirths. There has been some progress: on 8 December, after 56 weeks, they have produced the results of that consultation, but there has been no Government response. When will we have a Government response, and what is the Government's problem with getting on with something that is overwhelmingly supported?
Context
The MP celebrates the fifth anniversary of his act but criticizes government delay in enforcing clause 4 for investigating stillbirths. He mentions a recent consultation with no government response.
Mike Freer
I appreciate that my hon. Friend is increasingly agitated about the implementation of aspects of the Bill; however, the consultation was not conclusive, and the stillbirths landscape has changed. Those issues have to be addressed if the Bill is to be introduced correctly.
Session: Topical Questions
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What does the Secretary of State think that it says about the performance standards in the contracts that he signed with failing operators that senior executives at Avanti, whose cancellations now run at 17%, could boast about the “free money” from the taxpayer that is 'too good to be true'?
Context
The question pertains to the performance of rail operators and the consequences for taxpayers.
Mark Harper
Two things: first, Avanti does not have any money under the performance regime, because it has not delivered appropriate enough quality, demonstrating that we pay only for good performance. On the specific issue that the hon. Lady raises, the Rail Minister and I raised that with Avanti. Senior executives at FirstGroup agreed with us that those comments were appalling, and they are taking steps to deal with that issue within the company.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am pleased to hear about the Secretary of State's plans, but does he have a plan to deal with some of the apparent traffic jams in responding to consultations on private Members' legislation in his Department? In 2020, the consultation on pavement parking closed. Pavement parking causes huge problems for guide dogs, wheelchair users and everybody else. When will we have a response to that? On the Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019, introduced by my right hon. Friend the Member for East Yorkshire (Sir Greg Knight), when will we see the plans to cut down on cowboy parking enforcement companies? When will that traffic jam be eased?
Context
The Secretary of State is questioned about his department's recent initiatives.
Mark Harper
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising those issues. We will come out with a response on pavement parking very shortly. I cannot give him a specific date. On roadworks generally, we will consult on plans to improve the measures that stop utility companies causing roadworks to overrun, putting more pressure on them to ensure that our roads can keep moving, to support drivers.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Home Affairs Committee has identified a major problem with various types of fraud. What discussions have been had on learning from nations that prosecute fraud more effectively?
Context
The Home Affairs Committee is examining the issue of fraud, including romance scams and terrorism financing.
Robert Courts
My hon. Friend raises an excellent point. I commend him for his work on the Home Affairs Committee and look forward to the results of that work, which we will consider carefully. The Attorney General and I meet regularly with the SFO and the CPS to assess best practice and to see where lessons may be learned, both internally and from abroad.
Session: Fraud and Economic Crime Prosecution
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Given that UK peatlands store 3 billion tonnes of carbon, which is more than all forests in the UK, France and Germany combined, why has there been no primary legislation yet despite previous proposals? The RHS is committed to being peat-free but needs urgent legislative support.
Context
The question addresses the urgent need for legislation to ban peat use in horticulture, supported by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Rebecca Pow
This Government are committed to ending the use of peat in horticulture and will legislate as soon as parliamentary time allows. We work closely with those who want peat-free mediums, including funding research on alternative products. Peat use has halved since 2020.
Session: Horticultural Peat
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When will the Department bring forward legislative proposals to ban the sale of horticultural peat?
Context
The question arises from the need to end the use of peat in horticulture, as signalled by the government in 2020.
Rebecca Pow
This Government are committed to legislating for a ban on the sale of peat for use in amateur gardening as soon as parliamentary time allows. In the meantime, we continue to work with industry to explore ways to transition completely to peat-free products.
Session: Horticultural Peat
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As we share a local authority, West Sussex gets a D-minus rating for calculating demand for secondary school places; last year, over 50 students were moved out of district to an unchosen school. The shortage continues despite help from Baroness Barran and the regional schools commissioner. Will the Minister intervene?
Context
West Sussex has been rated a D-minus for calculating demand for secondary school places. Last year, more than 50 children from one school were moved to an unapplied-for school due to shortages, and the situation is expected to worsen next year.
Damian Hinds
The shift in numbers from primary to secondary schools is being planned for, and I am willing to meet my hon. Friend to discuss further.
Session: Falling Pupil Rolls
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Last week, the Home Secretary produced a report on safe and legal routes to comply with section 61 of the Illegal Migration Act 2023. It is very long and generous on the existing legal routes, but can he tell me how my 16-year-old orphan from an east African country with links to the UK, who is a genuine asylum seeker, will be helped to come legally and safely to the UK by what the Government have published so far?
Context
The Home Secretary recently produced a report on safe and legal routes to comply with section 61 of the Illegal Migration Act 2023. The questioner is concerned about how a specific 16-year-old orphan from an east African country, linked to the UK and seeking asylum, can be helped through these routes.
Tom Pursglove
My hon. Friend is a very passionate advocate on this issue, and we had a conversation last week about this very point. The fact is that, since 2015, we have welcomed over half a million people through our safe and legal routes. We are introducing the cap precisely because we want to see that generosity extended in the years ahead, but the pressures of illegal migration in particular make that very challenging and difficult.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I ask the Chancellor to comment on the state of our gold reserves and whether he anticipates adding to them in 2024?
Context
Questioning the Chancellor about the state and future plans for UK's gold reserves in a context of global uncertainty.
Jeremy Hunt
I will visit the gold reserves this week. I will see at first hand how important they are.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does she acknowledge that one feature of covid has been a big increase in the incidence of mental health issues, particularly among younger people? What is her Department doing to tailor its programmes to get those non-working parts of the population who have not been working since covid and are suffering from mental health challenges back into the workforce?
Context
The question arises from the increase of mental health challenges among younger people since the onset of the pandemic.
Mims Davies
We have our reform relating to universal support, our fit note reform and our WorkWell partnerships, which launched on 16 November and will support 60,000 long-term sick and disabled people to start, stay and succeed in work. The youth hubs we have at the Department for Work and Pensions, which are focused on the under-25s, zero in on this issue in particular.
Session: Topical Questions
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As mentioned, the hospitality industry—especially in coastal constituencies—is suffering disproportionately from high vacancy rates due to covid and shifting work patterns. What additional measures will the Government take to promote flexible working and job sharing? For instance, younger people could take later or weekend shifts while parents with family responsibilities would work regular daytime hours.
Context
The hospital industry, especially in coastal constituencies like the questioner's, is facing high vacancy levels exacerbated by COVID-19 and changing work patterns. The MP asks what more can be done to encourage smarter working and job sharing.
Jo Churchill
The UK hospitality industry does a fantastic job, particularly at this time of the year when it is helping us to enjoy the festive season. I am providing support by delivering pilot schemes across the industry. We are developing a more standardised approach to training and proposing a hospitality skills passport. I am interested in my hon Friend's idea for employers to refocus on where needs are, and will be happy to work with him.
Session: Flexible Working
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Whether he has made an assessment of the role of flexible working arrangements in supporting people to take up employment. I am concerned about how flexible working can support individuals in securing and sustaining employment, particularly for those with caring responsibilities.
Context
Inquires about the role of flexible working in supporting people to enter and maintain employment.
Jo Churchill
Flexible working can play an important role in supporting people to start, stay in and succeed in work, and for businesses to grow. I have already seen at first hand examples of good employers offering tailored roles or changed hours to support workers, particularly parents, who have caring responsibilities.
Session: Flexible Working
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The Solicitor General will be aware that the Home Affairs Committee has launched a review of fraud. Last week, we heard fascinating testimony on romance fraud from the victim of the Netflix series “The Tinder Swindler”. Remarkably in her case, she was treated as a perpetrator, investigated by the police and threatened with prosecution, even though she had been defrauded out of hundreds of thousands of pounds, and was led a merry dance by that chap, who is still doing what he did then. Is there not a case for bringing together Law Officers, Ministers, the police and the social media companies to ensure that we deal with the victims and the perpetrators accordingly?
Context
The question stems from concerns about the lack of coordination between law enforcement, government departments, and social media companies to address fraud cases.
Michael Tomlinson
My hon. Friend always raises serious points and brings to bear his expertise from the Home Affairs Committee. There is a case for cross-Government working. In my role as a Law Officer I work across all Departments, including the Home Office, and I look forward to continuing to do so.
Session: Fraud and Economic Crime Prosecutions
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Offshore wind farms support workers in energy production, tourism, fishing, and leisure too. With the Protection of Wrecks Act marking its 50th anniversary and only 57 out of over 6000 wrecks listed, how can we co-ordinate between new wind farms and marine archaeologists to protect cultural assets while combating climate change?
Context
The MP highlights the importance of protecting wrecks under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, noting only 57 out of over 6000 wrecks are listed. He seeks co-ordination between new wind farms and marine archaeologists to balance cultural protection with climate change efforts.
Graham Stuart
The hon. Friend highlights an important point regarding existing assets like wrecks that have multiple uses which need understanding. We are working on a strategic, joined-up energy plan to ensure protection of interests such as wrecks, marine protected areas and others in an integrated manner.
Session: Offshore Wind Sector
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It is six months since I finally secured a meeting about section 4 of my Act. The law passed by this House in February 2019 and with consultation closed in June 2019 was promised to be published imminently but nothing has happened. Is it ever going to happen?
Context
The MP secured a meeting to discuss progress on implementing Section 4 of the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019 that closed in June 2019.
Mike Freer
Yes, it will. Both the Health Minister and I are pushing this as fast as we can.
Session: Topical Questions
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What will the Government do, in response to this report, to rectify their past mistakes and raise their standards? The integrated review refresh published in March set out the Prime Minister's strong position on China. We protect UK assets, engage where appropriate, align with partners against unacceptable actions from China.
Context
The recent Intelligence and Security Committee report criticized the UK's approach towards China as inadequate, leaving us severely handicapped in managing future security.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
The Prime Minister's position on China is strong and robust. We protect UK assets, engage where appropriate, align with partners against unacceptable actions from China.
Session: Hong Kong Nationals Living Overseas Arrest Warrants
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Mr Speaker, you are very familiar with the problems over the implementation of my Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019, which passed this House in February 2019. Section 4 remains incomplete. The consultation was completed in June 2019. Mr Speaker, you are aware that I made six attempts to get a meeting with the Minister and a Justice Minister. Eventually, I got it in March, after the Leader of the House intervened. Four months on, I have heard nothing and the consultation remains unpublished. What will it take to get this legislation, which everyone wants and which was passed unanimously, into law?
Context
The Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019 passed the House in February 2019. Section 4 remains incomplete despite a completed consultation and repeated attempts for meetings with the Minister.
Maria Caulfield
I thank my hon. Friend for his work in this space and I apologise for the delay in publishing the consultation. I met him along with a Justice Minister, and I assure him that we hope to publish it very soon.
Session: Coroners Stillbirths
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If he will publish the results of the consultation on giving powers to coroners to investigate stillbirths.
Context
There was a consultation on giving coroners the power to investigate stillbirths, which has not yet been published.
Maria Caulfield
The consultation on giving powers to coroners to investigate stillbirths received 334 responses, including from bereaved parents, charities, the Chief Coroner, clinicians and a range of other organisations.
Session: Coroners Stillbirths
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I know how seriously the Minister takes dealing with the legacy backlog, but, as the Home Secretary showed at the recent Home Affairs Committee, in order to deal with that backlog in the timeframe that the Government have set themselves it would require at least a quadrupling of the number of cases being dealt with as from 1 June. Even with the extra 500 staff appointed at Stoke, that will be challenging. Will the Minister give me an assurance that, if we have not managed to clear the backlog before the end of the year, it will not be done by a blanket amnesty?
Context
The MP questioned if the government would clear the asylum backlog by the end of the year without resorting to a blanket amnesty.
Robert Jenrick
My hon. Friend makes an important point. The Home Secretary, the Prime Minister and I explicitly chose not to pursue the blanket amnesty approach that the previous Labour Government pursued. Instead, we put in the hard yards to improve productivity by streamlining processes, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, ensuring that, where appropriate, interviews were conducted in a timely fashion, and recruiting more decision makers. Since my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary appeared before the Committee, I am pleased to say that the data coming out of our caseworking team is very strong. We are seeing significant progress. As I just said, early indication suggests that last week was the best for over four years.
Session: Asylum Application Backlog
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Does my hon. Friend acknowledge that if an ETA exemption was granted for tourists—indeed, people claiming to be tourists—traveling from the Republic of Ireland, that would undermine the integrity of the whole scheme?
Context
Concern about granting an ETA exemption to tourists or people claiming to be tourists traveling from the Republic of Ireland.
Steven Baker
The Government's policy is correct in not creating a loophole through the ETA scheme. We have engaged closely with the Irish Government to ensure clear communication of registration requirements. An exemption exists for third-country nationals ordinarily resident in Ireland, and UK or Irish citizens are exempt under the common travel area.
Session: Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme Tourism
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What recent discussions has his Department had with representatives of the tourism sector in Northern Ireland on the implementation of the electronic travel authorisation scheme?
Context
The question arises from discussions on the implementation of an ETA requirement for tourists entering Northern Ireland.
Steven Baker
The Department recently met with Northern Ireland tourism organisations alongside the Home Office for discussions on how to communicate the ETA requirement. The Secretary of State also hosted a tourism roundtable at Hillsborough castle, and the Government will continue engaging with the sector.
Session: Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme Tourism
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Mr Speaker, you may be aware that the age profile in Adur and Worthing in my constituency is slightly higher than the national demographic, so I was particularly pleased by the Secretary of State's expansion of the mid-life MOT—although perhaps it is slightly too late for him and me, in our seventh decade. Given the higher reliability, productivity and loyalty of older workers, what more is he doing to keep older employees in work or to tempt back those who may have taken early retirement?
Context
The age profile in Adur and Worthing is higher than the national average, prompting questions about employment opportunities for older workers.
Mel Stride
I have to say that I am surprised that there are so many elderly—an exemplar of the spring chicken brigade as my hon. Friend is—but he raises a very important point. There is the mid-life MOT, but we also provide returnerships—a shortened, accelerated version of apprenticeships for older workers—and of course the Chancellor announced important changes to the tax treatment of pensions to keep some older workers, particularly in the NHS and our medical services, in work.
Session: Employment Adur and Worthing
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What steps his Department is taking to help fill vacancies and increase employment in Adur and Worthing. I commend my hon. Friend for the extensive work that he does to promote skills and employment to his constituents. In his constituency, we of course have the full offer from Jobcentre Plus, with fairs, recruitment days and an extensive skills offering, to make sure that we keep bearing down on unemployment and economic inactivity.
Context
The question pertains to addressing employment issues in the constituency of Adur and Worthing, where there are job vacancies.
Mel Stride
I commend my hon. Friend for the extensive work that he does to promote skills and employment to his constituents. In his constituency, we of course have the full offer from Jobcentre Plus, with fairs, recruitment days and an extensive skills offering, to make sure that we keep bearing down on unemployment and economic inactivity.
Session: Employment Adur and Worthing
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How can the Church influence family relationships and marriage matters when declining attendance suggests many are voting with their feet?
Context
Church weddings have declined from 51,000 in 2011 to 29,000 by 2019. Average congregational attendance has dropped since the current Archbishop of Canterbury came into office.
Andrew Selous
The work the commissioners are doing to fund the Church to try new types of ministry in different parts of the country has been successful. The right hon. Gentleman will join me in supporting the objectives of the Church Commissioners to strengthen family life, and he agrees with me about the role that registrars have to play.
Session: Family Relationships, Parenting and Marriage
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What steps is the Church of England taking to implement the 36 recommendations from the Archbishops' Commission on Families and Households?
Context
The Church of England's Archbishops' commission on families and households made recommendations to support family relationships, parenting, and marriage.
Andrew Selous
The commissioners made 36 recommendations to the Church of England and 29 to the Government. The focus now must turn to implementation with recommendations including supporting a consistent and universal roll-out of family hubs, requiring registrars to signpost high-quality marriage preparation, and a call to the Church to build relational capability at all life stages.
Session: Family Relationships, Parenting and Marriage
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What steps are being taken to bring pressure on both sides to end the humanitarian disaster caused by Azerbaijan's threats and blockade?
Context
Azerbaijan has been threatening Armenian people since the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor.
Leo Docherty
We support Euro-Atlantic efforts to facilitate dialogue. We urge our interlocutors in Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume talks, and I look forward to updating my hon. Friend personally.
Session: Topical Questions
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What message does it send when a UK trade Minister, from the Minister's team, goes to Beijing, feting Chinese Ministers for Chinese investment in the UK as if the golden age of UK-China relations was still a thing?
Context
The House has voted to recognise genocide by China and passed legislation restricting certain business activities. A UK trade Minister went to Beijing to promote Chinese investment despite these measures.
Nigel Huddleston
The relationship with China has been laid out recently in the integrated review, the integrated review refresh and in the Foreign Secretary's speech. We balance our trading interests with national security interests, as outlined.
Session: Chinese-owned Businesses Contracts
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Whether her Department has provided recent guidance to companies negotiating contracts with Chinese-owned businesses. This House has voted to recognise the genocide by China. Legislation was passed to limit companies doing business in Xinjiang and to restrict Chinese companies from getting involved in sensitive UK infrastructure projects, including Hikvision, which reports increased sales in this country. What message does it send when a UK trade Minister goes to Beijing to promote Chinese investment?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the relationship between UK and Chinese businesses, including recent votes on recognising genocide by China and legislation to restrict certain business activities.
Nigel Huddleston
Our bilateral trade with China was worth £111 billion last year. The Department provides expert guidance to help UK companies succeed in China, including specialised support through the export support service and practical assistance from our overseas network. We balance trading interests with national security and values.
Session: Chinese-owned Businesses Contracts
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With elections under way and a general election due next year, people are rightly concerned about the fake videos, images and audio being created by artificial intelligence. Can the Secretary of State confirm to the House what actions her Department is taking to protect the integrity of our democratic processes in that context?
Context
Concerns about the integrity of elections due to fake videos, images and audio created by artificial intelligence.
Chloe Smith
We have a fully developed regime of electoral law that already accounts for election offences such as false statements by candidates, but in addition we are setting out an approach on AI that will look to regulators in different sectors to apply the correct guidance. We will also add a central co-ordinating function that can seek out risks and deal with them flexibly, appropriately and proportionately.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Technologies Regulation
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What steps she is taking to ensure effective regulation of artificial intelligence technologies. When advances in medical technology—around genetic engineering, for example—raise sensitive issues, we have debates on medical ethics, adapt legislation and put in place robust regulation and oversight. The explosion in AI potentially poses the same level of moral dilemma and is open to criminal use for fraud or impersonation and by malign players such as the Chinese Government. As leaders in AI, what should the UK be doing to balance safety with opportunity and innovation?
Context
Discussion on the regulation and oversight needed for AI to ensure its responsible development.
Chloe Smith
We recognise the need to act not only to unlock the opportunities but to address the potential risks of AI. Through UK leadership—we are promoting our vision for a global ecosystem that balances innovation and the use of AI, underpinned by shared values of freedom, fairness and democracy. Our approach will be proportionate, pro-innovative and adaptable.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Technologies Regulation
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What measures are being taken to ensure that Christians can celebrate the Easter fire ceremony without facing undue restrictions and desecration?
Context
The Easter fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre faced undue restrictions due to fear of violent clashes, leading to concerns about religious freedoms.
Andrew Selous
The restrictions have been overly heavy-handed. The Archbishop of Canterbury has called out the attacks on Christian graves as blasphemous, and the UK Chief Rabbi has spoken out against such actions.
Session: Holy Land Desecration of Religious Sites
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What are the Government doing to help tech and life science companies raise money on the London markets?
Context
The MP inquired about measures to assist tech and life science companies in raising capital through the London stock market.
Michelle Donelan
We are committed to making the UK the most attractive place for innovation and businesses to start and grow. The Treasury has made significant reforms to improve London as a listing destination, and we continue to engage with sectors to secure the most innovative companies in the UK stock exchange.
Session: Research and Development Sector
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What steps her Department is taking to support the research and development sector.
Context
The MP inquired about measures to support research and development activities.
Michelle Donelan
Backed by our commitment to increasing public expenditure on research and development to £20 billion by 2024-25, we have launched our plan to cement the UK's place as a science and technology superpower by 2030, fostering the right conditions for industry, innovation and world-leading research.
Session: Research and Development Sector
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Why has the independent sector been refused a representative on the national implementation board tasked with progressing findings from the children's social care review?
Context
The independent sector cares for over 80% of children in care, but is not represented on the Government's national implementation board.
Gillian Keegan
The Under-Secretary of State has been working hard in partnership with the national implementation board and the wider sector to design a plan for reform. The group is small but I will ask my hon. Friend to take a look at ensuring it is representative.
Session: Topical Questions
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In February, it will be four years since my private Member's Bill became the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration Etc) Act 2019, obliging the Government to introduce regulations giving coroners powers to investigate stillbirths. During Justice questions on 18 October, I asked the Minister why nothing had happened, and asked for a meeting to make progress on the issue. Three months on, still nothing has happened. Why not?
Context
A private Member's Bill became the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration Etc) Act 2019, obliging the Government to introduce regulations giving coroners powers to investigate stillbirths. The questioner asked for a meeting on this issue three months ago but nothing has happened.
Mike Freer
My hon. Friend is right—he has raised this matter before—and I shall be happy to sit down with him and find out what the logjam is so that we can move this forward for him.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Human Rights in Hong Kong — [Derek Twigg in the Chair]
23 January 2024
Responding: Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the decline of human rights in Hong Kong since the introduction of the national security law. He highlighted specific issues such as the closure of civil society organizations, press outlets, and the persecution of political prisoners, including Jimmy Lai's trial. The mass exodus of residents has led to a net loss of over 500,000 people since early 2021. Press freedom in Hong Kong is ranked 140 out of 180 locations by Reporters Sans Frontières. Since the law's implementation, more than 800 civil society organizations have been forced to close and over 285 individuals arrested."]
Specific Asks
['The MP asks for the Government to continue supporting Jimmy Lai, issue a strong statement about targeting British citizens in Hong Kong, introduce Magnitsky-style sanctions on John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, protect rights of exiled activists, and urge like-minded Governments to raise these issues at the periodic review.']
Flying Schools — [Sir Robert Syms in the Chair]
12 September 2023
Responding: Jesse Norman
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the closure of three major flying schools in the past year, resulting in a significant decrease in pilot training capacity. He highlighted that Flying Time Aviation Ltd at Shoreham airport ceased trading in May, affecting over 12 instructors and around 160 students, many of whom have lost substantial amounts ranging from £45,000 to £90,000. The closures also raise concerns about financial protections for students and the long-term sustainability of flight training schools due to factors such as the pandemic impact, fuel price increases, and VAT on pilot training courses in the UK.']
Specific Asks
['The MP requests that the Government address immediate student protection needs and implement financial oversight measures for flight training organisations. He asks for a review of VAT treatment for pilot training and seeks government support to secure the pipeline of commercial pilots through initiatives like apprentice funding options.']
Lachin Corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh
24 January 2023
Responding: David Rutley
Main Concerns
["Mr Tim Loughton is concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, caused by Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin corridor. He mentions over 120,000 Armenian residents are under siege, deprived of essential supplies like medicine and food. The situation has worsened with each passing day due to brutal winter conditions, resulting in a closure of nurseries and schools affecting thousands of children."]
Specific Asks
['Mr Loughton urges the Government to use their leverage to facilitate the immediate opening of the Lachin corridor, sanction Azerbaijani elite responsible for humanitarian crisis, deter future atrocities, send aid, demand Russian forces allow international aid access, support self-determination rights, join EU sanctions threats, and participate in fact-finding missions.']
Police Conduct and Complaints
30 June 2022
Responding: Kit Malthouse
Main Concerns
['Concerned about the inadequate handling of police complaints and misconduct cases, including Operation Midland and Operation Vincente. Highlighted high-profile instances of criminal activity by officers and questioned the ability of the IOPC to restore public confidence in policing. Noted that trust is particularly low among young people and minority ethnic groups. Emphasized the need for a robust independent regulator to swiftly resolve complaints and impose appropriate sanctions.']
Specific Asks
['Asked the Government to ensure proper investigation and punishment of misconduct cases, especially those involving senior officers. Urged for faster resolution of complaints and proactive use of IOPC powers to address delays and non-cooperation by police forces. Recommended splitting the roles of chair and chief executive at IOPC.']
Learned Societies at Burlington House
08 June 2021
Responding: Eddie Hughes
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the significant rent increases imposed on the learned societies, which have risen by 3,000% over ten years. The Geological Society's rent increased from £4,000 to £130,000 annually, and is set to double further in the next decade. These charities are crucial for global scientific and historical research but face severe financial constraints due to their inability to raise additional income or sublet spaces. Moving out of Burlington House would be financially prohibitive and detrimental to their operations."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the government to consider a new long-term lease arrangement that reflects the public value these societies generate, estimated at £47 million annually by PwC. I also propose changing the rental policy so it equates to the capital charge levied on MHCLG for holding this asset.']
Nagorno-Karabakh
08 December 2020
Responding: Wendy Morton
Main Concerns
['Tim Loughton is concerned about the recent military conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, involving thousands of fatalities and casualties. He highlights that Azerbaijan launched unprovoked attacks on Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, leading to indiscriminate shelling of civilian populations and destruction of towns and cultural sites. Additionally, there have been reports of ethnic cleansing and the use of banned munitions such as cluster bombs and kamikaze drones, causing significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.']
Specific Asks
["Loughton asks for condemnation of Azerbaijan's actions, including the use of Syrian mercenaries and illegal weapons. He calls for western peacekeepers to monitor the region, an investigation into war crimes, and the recognition of the Armenian genocide by the Ottoman Turks."]
Valedictory Debate
24 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
In her concluding remarks, Harriet Harman reflected on her 42-year tenure in the House of Commons, thanking her constituents for their support and expressing pride in being a Labour MP. She emphasised...
Immigration Update
01 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Coronavirus Act 2020 - Schedule 5 - Application of Chapter 1 of Part 1 to existing tenancies: transitional provision
24 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr. Jacob Young, the Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, moved that the clause be read a Second time. The specific amendment proposed in this speech does not provide detailed arguments but can be...
Childcare Entitlements
23 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill
22 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Smoking Reduction and Tobacco Control Bill - Clause 1
16 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the Bill, stating its purpose is to prevent future generations from starting smoking. Argues that the only product that kills two thirds of its long-term users if consumed as intended is tobacco...
Taiwan Strait
25 March 2024
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate began by Stewart McDonald congratulating Taiwan’s new President-elect Lai Ching-te, acknowledging the democratic leadership of outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen. He highlighted China's aggres...
Cyber-security and UK Democracy
25 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Hunting Trophies (Prohibition) Bill - Second Reading of the Bill
22 March 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The lead MP, John Spellar, is advocating for the Second Reading of the Hunting Trophies (Prohibition) Bill. He emphasises the need to prohibit importing hunting trophies from endangered animals, highl...
Home Office
14 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
7
PMQs Asked
78
Ministerial Questions Asked
158
House of Commons Debates Involved
6
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 1366 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+90% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+471% above average
This MP:
78
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+137% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3164% above average
This MP:
158
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
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 Tim Loughton's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.