Tobias Ellwood
MP for Bournemouth East
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Staff in various services can earn a medal after 15 years of service, but not in the NHS. Will the Prime Minister support a campaign to introduce an award recognising long-serving NHS employees?
Context
Armed forces, police, fire service, ambulance service, and coastguard personnel receive medals after 15 years of service. No such medal exists for NHS staff.
Rishi Sunak
NHS staff deserve our thanks; many organisations have their own recognition schemes, and honours can be awarded through nominations. The MP is encouraged to discuss his proposals with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
Assessment
Did not directly commit to supporting the proposal or introducing a new medal.
Offered Alternative
Session: PMQs
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I thank the Secretary of State and the Rail Minister for their support for upgrades to Pokesdown station in my constituency, not least the improvements to the lifts, but the project has run into a few technical and financial problems; will the Secretary of State or the Minister update the House on it?
Context
Upgrades to Pokesdown station have run into technical and financial problems.
Huw Merriman
I promised my right hon. Friend from this Dispatch Box that the project would be delivered, and I continue to give him that assurance.
Session: Topical Questions
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Thanking the Chancellor for allocating funds to a police violence reduction unit in my area, do I have his support that these units reduce crime by engaging with schools?
Context
The Chancellor allocated funds for a police violence reduction unit in Bournemouth.
Jeremy Hunt
Violence reduction units are effective; they reduce crime, save lives. My right hon Friend was instrumental in making it a national policy.
Session: Topical Questions
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How many children in schools in Bournemouth have relied on special educational needs and disability provision because they had an acquired brain injury in the last five years? If the Minister does not know this answer today, will he be able to write back with it? If his officials cannot provide him with the answer, will he ensure that the Department establishes how many children across all schools have had an acquired brain injury in the last five years?
Context
The MP inquires about children who have relied on SEND provision due to an acquired brain injury in the last five years, raising concerns over the lack of data on such cases.
David Johnston
I did not know the hon. Gentleman's constituency was so close to Bournemouth. As he suggests, I do not have the precise answer to that question; I will write to him.
Session: SEND Provision Bournemouth
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What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of SEND provision in schools in Bournemouth? There is growing anger from headteachers and parents about the council's handling of dedicated school grants. The council demands unaffordable sums from schools, leading to potential loss of teaching assistants. I ask for an investigation into the council's decision-making to ensure funding stays with schools.
Context
The MP is concerned about the adequacy of SEND provisions in Bournemouth's schools, where headteachers and parents have expressed frustration over the mismanagement of dedicated school grants by BCP Council.
David Johnston
My right hon. Friend has done an excellent job of raising with me repeatedly the frustration of parents and headteachers in his constituency with BCP Council. I and officials continue to monitor that closely to ensure that schools and children in his area get the provision they deserve.
Session: SEND Provision Bournemouth
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Does the Secretary of State agree that it would be helpful for Bournemouth to operate the same parking penalties as London to ensure emergency vehicle access?
Context
Anti-social parking is an issue in Bournemouth, affecting emergency vehicle access. London has stricter penalties.
Michael Gove
My right hon. Friend is right: antisocial parking is a blight outside London, and we need to review extending the powers that are currently exercised in London to other parts of the country.
Session: Topical Questions
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The terrible terrorist attack in Moscow reminds us that jihadi extremism has not disappeared. Given its ideology, its reach and its strength, does the Secretary of State agree that ISIS-K is just as much of a threat to the west as it is to Russia?
Context
A terrorist attack in Moscow highlights the ongoing threat of jihadi extremism.
James Heappey
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. There is a perception that Daesh has gone away. The Daesh core is cooped up in prisons in northern Syria, but Daesh affiliates are growing alarmingly quickly in other parts of the world. The attack in Moscow is a reminder to us all that we must continue to focus on the counter-terror threat as well as on the state threat.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I quickly put on record my thanks to the Security Minister and the Policing Minister for their efforts in upgrading MPs' security? Across the UK, ever more young people are choosing to carry knives. Sadly, that is the case in Bournemouth as well. Violence reduction units are dedicated police units that have a proven track record of reducing knife crime in town centres in other parts of the country, not just through increased policing, but by working in the community, including at schools, to educate youngsters on the dangers of carrying a knife. I am grateful for the increase in police numbers in Dorset, but will the Minister ask the Chancellor to see whether extra funds can be provided specifically for a VRU for Bournemouth?
Context
The question stems from the need to address increasing knife crime among young people in various UK towns, including Bournemouth. The MP is seeking support for a VRU specific to his area.
Chris Philp
I will convey my right hon. Friend's request to the Chancellor and I put on record my thanks for his tireless campaigning and that of other Dorset MPs for resources for that county and its police force. Dorset police will receive about £11 million more next year than it received the previous year, and an exceptional special grant last year of £600,000 was provided to help campaign against violence.
Session: Knife Crime
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What steps he is taking to tackle knife crime in Bournemouth?
Context
The question arises from concerns about knife crime in the constituency of Bournemouth. The MP wants to address steps being taken.
Chris Philp
Violent crime overall has reduced by 51% since 2010. Funding for violence reduction units includes £20 million for Manchester's VRU, and hotspot policing is being conducted in areas with serious violence issues, with £66 million allocated across England and Wales.
Session: Knife Crime
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By any measure our world is becoming more dangerous. Does the Minister agree that our foreign policy, our economy and, indeed, our security are interdependently related? Given the deteriorating threat picture, would he like to see an increase in our defence posture?
Context
The world is becoming more dangerous, with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The UK has taken a leadership role.
Andrew Mitchell
My right hon. Friend, the former Chairman of the Defence Committee, is absolutely right to focus on these threats. The Foreign Secretary recently said that all the lights on the global dashboard are flashing red. The Government know that the first duty of the state is to defend and protect its citizens from external aggression.
Session: Topical Questions
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Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is, bizarrely, taking parents to court to challenge their legal right to secure special educational support for their children. With the council losing 90% of those cases and this costing £100,000 every three months, will the Secretary of State join me in asking the council to think again? Will she agree to meet me to discuss special educational needs provision for Bournemouth?
Context
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is taking parents to court over legal right to special educational support for their children.
David Johnston
My right hon. Friend makes an important point. We are concerned by any local authority spending too much money taking parents to court. Children need to get the right support, in the right setting, at the right time, and I would be happy to have a discussion with him about that.
Session: Topical Questions
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Our economy continues to be impacted by the war in Ukraine and denial across the Black sea, and we now must brace ourselves for further economic shocks as global shipping avoids the Red sea. Does the Minister agree that we should be protecting these shipping lanes? Our Navy is now too small by half to protect our maritime interests, so will he now look at investing in our surface fleet to protect our economy?
Context
The war in Ukraine and denial across the Black sea are impacting the UK economy, necessitating protection of shipping lanes. The navy is currently too small.
Jeremy Hunt
As my right hon. Friend knows, I have long believed in the importance of investing in our armed forces, but that ultimately depends on a strong economy that will pay for sustained investment, and that is what is happening under this Government.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the Defence Secretary to his place. Behind Hamas, sits Iran; behind Iran, sits Russia; and, increasingly, behind Russia sits China. That is the geopolitical backdrop that will define the next decade, with growing authoritarianism impacting on our security and our economy. Is it now time to increase the defence budget to 3%?
Context
The geopolitical situation with Iran, Russia and China is increasing authoritarianism impacting on security and economy.
Grant Shapps
My right hon. Friend will know that we have indeed pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5%, as economic conditions allow. This year, it will probably be around 2.4%, so we are making good progress.
Session: Israel and Gaza
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Some 75% of visitors to Bournemouth travel by car. They are most welcome, particularly when they do not park on double yellow lines, but some are choosing to do so for a great day by the sea. They are willing to pay the £35 charge, which obstructs local traffic and, indeed, the emergency services. If someone parks on a double yellow in London, the charge is £65. That is a real deterrent, so can the London charging rates for parking on yellow lines please be extended to Bournemouth?
Context
The MP requests that parking charges on double yellow lines in London be extended to Bournemouth.
Richard Holden
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question and would be happy to discuss the issue further with him, as I recently met with my right hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth West (Sir Conor Burns) and some members of the local council.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that the threat of Islamic extremism—whether home-grown or from abroad—remains and that our defence posture should reflect that?
Context
Today marks the anniversary of 9/11, prompting reflection on the current threat landscape.
James Heappey
Agrees with the hon. Friend about the ongoing threat of violent extremism, despite increased focus on hostile state actors. Tribute is paid to armed forces engaged in countering violence and extremism.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Defence Secretary halt this hollowing out in his new Defence Command Paper? Will it be published this month, as he has promised?
Context
The Defence Secretary admitted in January that his government had “hollowed out and underfunded” the armed forces, with recent statements from senior military figures agreeing.
Ben Wallace
Time and again the right hon. Gentleman comes to this House knowing full well that my statements on hollowing out are not about this Government but about successive Governments for the past 30 years. Mr Speaker, I ask you to look at that statement, because it verges on misleading the House.
Session: Size of Armed Forces
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Will the Minister for Veterans' Affairs provide an update on the manifesto commitment to support veterans who served in Northern Ireland?
Context
The Minister is asked to update the House on the Government's commitment to support veterans from Northern Ireland.
Johnny Mercer
The Government is committed to fulfilling our manifesto commitments, ensuring legacy issues are addressed with victims at the center.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Government consider creating a Minister for artificial intelligence to stay ahead in this fast-moving field?
Context
Concerns about AI's impact on society and security are rising.
Oliver Dowden
My right hon. Friend makes an important point. There are two elements: one is ensuring we exploit AI's opportunities, which sits with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; the other involves resilience challenges handled by my office as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Session: National Resilience
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How does the £3 billion of additional funding for nuclear enterprise relate to Dreadnought and AUKUS procurement programme? Is any part VAT exempt?
Context
Concerns about the impact of planned reductions in military spending, especially affecting land forces. Acknowledgment of AUKUS deal's positive job creation impacts.
Ben Wallace
The £2 billion-plus is new money separate from the reserve or anything else. It comes on top of extra funding announced in autumn statement. The £3 billion for nuclear chapter includes infrastructure investment necessary for AUKUS procurement towards the end of the decade.
Session: UK Military Capability
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Speaking of budgets and Ukraine, may I invite the Minister to respond to comments from the United States—our closest security ally—which tally with the Defence Committee's findings that the conflict in Ukraine has exposed serious shortfalls in the war-fighting capability of the British Army? This is not about the professionalism of individuals, units or formations; it is about overall combat strength and the equipment they use, as well as the ability to meet increasing demands caused by the deteriorating threat picture.
Context
The question stems from comments made in the United States and findings by the Defence Committee highlighting shortfalls in war-fighting capability of the British Army due to long-term underinvestment.
James Heappey
I am not sure that the United States has said anything about the official development assistance budget recently, but if you will indulge me, Mr Speaker, that is a wider point of news—[Interruption.] Thank you. Everybody is clear, and the Secretary of State has said many times—as have I and other ministerial colleagues —that serial underinvestment in the Army over decades has led to the point where the Army is in urgent need of recapitalisation. The Chancellor and the Prime Minister get that, and there is a Budget coming.
Session: MOD Expenditure Official Development Assistance
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The UK has led by example with its military assistance to Ukraine, but may I invite the UK to step forward again? Until now, the west has publicly stated that it is for Ukraine to determine on what terms Russia is defeated. It is their country and, of course, Ukraine's objectives are fundamental, but this approach effectively outsources our Russia foreign policy and ignores the wider long-term threat Moscow now poses to all of Europe. Do we accept that this is no isolated invasion? Russia is returning to type by expanding its influence across Europe, by weaponising oil, gas and grain, and by increasingly drawing Iran and Belarus into the fight. This is a European war and it is in our economic and security interests to put out this fire. Our Russia foreign policy should reflect that.
Context
The MP is concerned about the UK's response to Russia beyond supporting Ukraine and the need for a comprehensive approach.
James Heappey
I agree, but I do not think the response to Ukraine is the totality of the UK's foreign policy on Russia. Russia is a challenge not only across the European continent but beyond. My right hon. Friend is right that Russia is using grain as a weapon and as leverage across the global south, so the UK must seek to address Russia's malign activity globally while continuing to do everything we are doing to ensure that the war in Ukraine ends on terms acceptable to President Zelensky.
Session: Support for NATO Allies
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The defence Command Paper states: “China poses a complex, systemic challenge.” But we recently learned that RAF veterans have been lured to China to assist with its own air force training, and today's response to my written parliamentary question confirms that Chinese officer cadets have recently been attending courses at Sandhurst, Shrivenham and Cranwell. Will the Secretary of State confirm that we will update our security strategy towards China, and will the law be changed to prevent former RAF pilots from being recruited by the Chinese military?
Context
RAF veterans have been lured to China to assist with its own air force training.
James Heappey
It is a couple of days since I signed off the response to my right hon. Friend's question, but from memory it related to a few years ago, albeit within the five that his question referred to. We have since revised our policy on Chinese attendance on key courses, but it is important to note that in none of those courses is anything taught or compromised that might be above the threshold of the Official Secrets Act.
Session: Topical Questions
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If all NATO countries had supported Ukraine at Britain's scale, Russian forces might have been pushed out. However, with Russia consolidating in Donbas and potentially targeting Odesa, the port's capture would isolate Ukraine and exacerbate global food crises. Is it time for a UK-led coalition to establish a UN-approved humanitarian zone around Odesa and its territorial waters, policed by an international maritime force?
Context
The question arises from concerns about Russia's potential expansion towards the port of Odesa, which could lead to a food crisis affecting Europe and beyond due to blocked grain exports.
Ben Wallace
My right hon. Friend suggests securing the Black sea for grain export, but securing it under UN mandate is difficult due to Russian non-compliance on humanitarian corridors seen in Mariupol and elsewhere. The UK continues discussions with partners to explore options for getting grain out both overland and at sea.
Session: Support for Ukraine’s Military
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May I join you, Mr Speaker, in welcoming our American friends to the House of Commons today? Last week I saw at first hand how UK and American efforts are working hard to support our friends in Ukraine. Does the Secretary of State agree that Ukrainian security is European security, and by committing greater support to Ukraine we are trying to prevent a war rather than start one?
Context
Concerns over the collective efforts of NATO to deter an invasion of Ukraine, despite it not being a member.
Ben Wallace
I fully agree with my right hon. Friend that Ukraine is part of Europe and its stability affects all of Europe, whether it is a NATO member or not.
Session: Ukraine Territorial Integrity
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I welcome greater efforts by the Government to improve internet access. I met families federations of the Navy, Army and the RAF who are concerned about access to the internet across the military estate. May I invite the Department to do a study on internet access on bases for our armed forces, and to report back to Parliament?
Context
Families federations of Navy, Army and RAF are concerned about internet access on bases.
Julia Lopez
I thank my right hon. Friend for raising that issue; it has not been raised with me before. I would be happy to look into improving access to the internet for our military.
Session: Topical Questions
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Putin's ultimatum in December placed unrealistic demands on NATO's presence in eastern Europe, giving Russia licence to invade Ukraine. Will the Secretary of State confirm that we will not concede to Russia's threats; that NATO's defence posture in eastern Europe, especially in the Baltic states, will remain unchanged; and that we will commit to a long-term strategy supporting Ukraine through joint training exercises, arms sales, and eventual NATO membership?
Context
The question addresses Russia's ultimatum to NATO in December, which was seen as an attempt to provoke a response from the alliance. The background involves concerns about Russia's threats against eastern Europe and the Baltic states.
Ben Wallace (Secretary of State for Defence)
We will not concede to Russian threats, the NATO posture in eastern Europe will not change, and we will support countries that wish to have our assistance. The United Kingdom respects the rights of sovereign countries like Ukraine to seek its own security.
Session: Ukraine Territorial Integrity
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I welcome the new nuclear alliance with Australia and the United States, but I wish we would use a bit more robust language and say why we are doing it. It is to stand up to China's current behaviour in the South China sea; let us not continue to be in denial about that.
Context
The MP welcomed the new nuclear alliance but inquired about its implications.
Jeremy Quin
All the questions were excellent, Mr Speaker, and I will try to deal with them. [Interruption.]
Session: Defence Exports
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I am pleased to welcome reports that suggest the aid budget may return to 0.7%. The utility of hard power without soft power invariably leads to failure, as illustrated by the sudden exodus of NATO forces leading to a high risk of civil war in Afghanistan. I repeat my call for a formal inquiry into how this mission lasted two decades and ended in failure. Please let us have the inquiry.
Context
The UK's aid budget is under review, potentially returning to 0.7%. The sudden withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan has raised concerns about the future stability of the region.
Ben Wallace
I would say two things. First, my right hon. Friend, as I said earlier, has the means of his own salvation. He chairs the Select Committee, and if the Select Committee wishes to have an inquiry, I will be happy to make sure the Department services it.
Session: Topical Questions
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I pay tribute to the work of the HALO Trust, a British charity and the largest de-mining organisation working in Afghanistan. Tragically, 10 of its team were killed in an ISIS attack a week ago. James Cowan, the CEO, has vowed to continue their important work, and I hope that the Government will encourage the Afghan Government to improve local security so that the HALO Trust can continue that important work. In the 1970s, we attempted to sell 100 Chieftain tanks to Iran for £400 million; they were never delivered due to the Iranian revolution. We need to repay this debt because it interferes with other bilateral issues. I invite my right hon. Friend to speak to Tony Blinken to resolve the issue of legacy sanctions.
Context
The HALO Trust, a British charity and the largest mine clearance organisation in Afghanistan, suffered a tragic attack. The MP also mentioned an unresolved debt from selling Chieftain tanks to Iran before the revolution.
Dominic Raab
I pay tribute not just to the work of the HALO Trust—I extend my condolences for the loss of life—but to all NGO workers on the frontline who take extraordinary risks. On the International Military Services debt, we are committed to resolving it; legal discussions are ongoing.
Session: Iran
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What discussions has he had with his Iranian counterpart in the last six months?
Context
The MP inquired about diplomatic relations and recent meetings regarding Iran's non-compliance with the JCPOA.
Dominic Raab
Iran is systematically in non-compliance with the joint comprehensive plan of action—the JCPOA—and, working with our European partners and with the United States, China and Russia, we expect and require a return to full compliance.
Session: Iran
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We must understand what went wrong with Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. Please let us have an inquiry into this costly and deadly operation. Examples include why did Donald Rumsfeld exclude the Taliban from first peace talks in December 2001?
Context
Operation Herrick, the UK's military operation in Afghanistan, cost £28 billion and resulted in over 450 UK military deaths. There has been no inquiry to date.
Ben Wallace
I hear my right hon. Friend's requests—I know he has recently written a letter to the Prime Minister making that request. First, there is a stark difference between Iraq and Afghanistan; the article 5 triggering of that deployment and the causes behind it were not in doubt. Secondly, as Chairman of the Select Committee on Defence, he obviously has significant capabilities and powers to bring forward an inquiry if that is what he wishes.
Session: Afghanistan Withdrawal of UK Forces
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Britain's full-time armed forces are still 10,000 short of the numbers that the last defence review in 2015 said were needed. Why is this shortfall occurring and what plans do you have to address it?
Context
The Government are still 10,000 short of the number of full-time armed forces personnel required to meet threats as stated by the previous defence review.
Ben Wallace
I have listened to the right hon. Gentleman. We are 6,000 under. The strength is 76,500 from the 82,000 that was pledged. Until the covid break, we were on target to fulfil the pipeline and target for recruiting. We will continue to invest in people. Next week there will be announcements that put people at the heart of our defence review.
Session: Topical Questions
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Where have we seen systematic problems in managing the defence budget over decades, and how is this integrated review different?
Context
The MP questions the Secretary of State's predecessor's claim that the black hole was eliminated in 2012. The National Audit Office now reports a £17 billion unaffordable equipment plan.
Ben Wallace (Secretary of State for Defence)
Since taking my post as Defence Secretary I have been determined to ensure that the figures both we and the Treasury use are absolutely of the highest quality and transparency. This will start from a baseline where we can all be transparent about our figures.
Session: Defence Equipment
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My right hon. Friend knows, however, that NATO and Europe are not quite the same. As Brexit talks reach their conclusion, does he agree that to depart without a trade deal would be less than helpful in re-establishing western resolve to take on the growing, complex threats that we face? The Government's integrated review emphasises a commitment to reinvigorating a proactive role for the United Kingdom on the international stage, giving real purpose to global Britain. Would it not be an abject failure of statecraft, and diminish our collective security co-operation, to leave the EU without a deal?
Context
The MP questioned the potential impact of leaving EU without a trade deal, referencing the Government's integrated review and commitment to reinvigorating UK's proactive role internationally.
Ben Wallace
My right hon. Friend obviously urges us to make a deal. I think that right now, as we speak, members of the Government are trying to make a deal with the European Union to enforce the decision by the British people to leave the European Union. What would be a mistake is if both sides forgot that security is not a competition—it is a partnership.
Session: Military and Security Co-operation European Union
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A one-year funding settlement will render the integrated review nearly meaningless. The Prime Minister promised no delay in its publication, which sets out full spending commitments and supports 'global Britain'. Delaying it could question our justification for a UN Security Council seat. I urge the Defence Secretary to complete this review as scheduled or with multi-year funding if necessary.
Context
The Prime Minister previously assured that the integrated review would not be delayed. This review is seen as crucial for establishing a robust defence posture to support foreign policy ambitions.
Ben Wallace
My right hon. Friend raises valid points. However, it is premature to speculate without seeing the implications of the Treasury's one-year funding settlement announcement. He may address his concerns at future Treasury questions.
Session: Strategic Defence Review Timescale
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When will integrated review be published? Following briefings on covid-19 rise, arguably biggest threat facing nation. Encourages greater use of senior armed forces for strategic thinking, planning and delivery as they are trained for crisis management.
Context
Concerns about the capacity of government to manage a second wave or other crisis, suggesting use of senior armed forces.
Ben Wallace
Review will report hopefully in October/November; timed to coincide with comprehensive spending review. On covid, Defence helped thicken response across government by command and control, strengthened logistics supply chain in NHS, provided mobile testing.
Session: Armed Forces Capability Future Security Threats
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I strongly believe that the Government must be more transparent and engage with the British people as we attempt to define our place in the world and how ambitious we want to be. Let us follow the example of the confederation papers, which through consensus helped unify what the US originally stood for. Will the Foreign Secretary please publicise the threat assessment of how the world is changing and the strategic options in response that reflect the degrees of global ambition and the scale of influence we might pursue? Only then can we design the appropriate defence posture.
Context
The question addresses the need for public transparency and engagement during the integrated review process to define Britain's global role and strategy.
Dominic Raab
I thank my right hon. Friend. I share his commitment to making Britain an even stronger force for good in the world. We have engaged far and wide. We are engaged with the Foreign Affairs Committee's inquiry on the integrated review. We are engaged with think-tanks, from the Royal United Services Institute to the Overseas Development Institute. In the other place, Baroness Sugg is chairing regular meetings with representatives of civil society, led by Bond and including Save the Children and Plan International.
Session: Integrated Review of Policy
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What progress the Government has made on the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy.
Context
The question arises from the need for transparency and public engagement in defining Britain's global role. The review was paused due to the pandemic but has been resumed.
Dominic Raab
The integrated review was formally launched in February 2020. It was paused because of covid and then recommenced in June. We expect it to conclude in the autumn. Ministers have met regularly. I have chaired those meetings on key themes from trade to security.
Session: Integrated Review of Policy
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Commends the Secretary of State for her work on global development. Concerned about peace-building after conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, asks if she will meet him before leaving DFID to discuss a stabilisation force that can operate where NGOs cannot function.
Context
The UK's commitment to education for girls globally, the potential challenges in conflict zones.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Secretary of State for International Development)
Agrees to meet Tobias Ellwood before her term ends in DFID to discuss how to maximize UK efforts in peace-building using existing funds like the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I ask him to call for an urgent meeting of the National Security Council to review our competitors' activities, which, left unchecked, could lead to serious conflict in the future?
Context
Countries like China and Russia are exploiting the global distraction caused by the coronavirus to advance their own agendas.
Ben Wallace (The Secretary of State for Defence)
My right hon. Friend makes an important point that there are adversaries and competitors around the world seeking to use this horrendous outbreak not only to exploit our differences, but to further their ambitions. On the point about the NSC, the decision to call an NSC meeting is a matter for the Government Security Directorate in the Cabinet Office, the Cabinet and the Prime Minister.
Session: South China Sea Operations
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What goes on in Belfast links with Southampton and Bournemouth. I know that the Secretary of State is very alive to this, but will he have conversations with the Transport Secretary to find out when the review on APD will be brought forward?
Context
Concerns about the stress on small and regional airports like Belfast due to Air Passenger Duty.
Brandon Lewis (The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)
I can assure my right hon. Friend that the conversation between myself, the Transport Secretary and the Chancellor on the issue is ongoing. We are very focused on ensuring that there is good connectivity around the whole United Kingdom. I appreciate that Eastern is an important airline for connectivity around various regions. A number of other airlines are looking at picking up the routes for Belfast. We must also make sure that we have good connectivity with Derry/Londonderry and other places around the whole United Kingdom. We will look to deal with that as quickly as we can despite the challenges of coronavirus, which will make this a very difficult time for the airline industry, as per the Chancellor's comments last night.
Session: Budget 2020
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Afghanistan: UK Government Policy — [Dr Rupa Huq in the Chair]
10 January 2024
Responding: Andrew Mitchell
Main Concerns
['The war in Afghanistan was costly and complex, with the country now facing economic collapse, human rights violations, and a resurgence of terrorism. The population feels abandoned by the international community, despite needing humanitarian aid and support to prevent radicalisation among young people. The economy is estimated to have about two years before it collapses, affecting 28 million people who need humanitarian aid.']
Specific Asks
['Engage with the Taliban-led government more proactively to influence improvements in human rights conditions and stability. Reopen the UK embassy in Afghanistan to better understand the situation on the ground.']
Israel and Gaza
20 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Personnel Data Breach
07 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
War in Gaza
07 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Spending
24 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sudan: Government Response
22 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
26 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Cyber-security and UK Democracy
25 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Hong Kong Security Legislation
20 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK Armed Forces
11 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Budget Resolutions
06 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Conservatives' record is marked by a recession, high tax burden, living standards decline, and fiscal irresponsibility. The Chancellor's new measures do not address these issues; they merely exace...
1
PMQs Asked
42
Ministerial Questions Asked
157
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
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
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+213% above average
This MP:
42
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3131% above average
This MP:
157
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 Tobias Ellwood's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.