Tom Hunt
MP for Ipswich
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Asked if Prime Minister supports view that those dentists should work in NHS for five years and give something back after heavily subsidised training.
Context
The University of Suffolk and local NHS are establishing a new dental centre that will carry out 18,000 hours annually of NHS dental appointments. Many dentists trained at university can immediately go private or abroad without giving anything back to the NHS.
Rishi Sunak
MP is long-standing campaigner for better dental access; new dental centre opening, taxpayer investment in education and training of dental workforce. Exploring tie-in to ensure dentists spend proportionate time in NHS; consultation policy launched later this year.
Session: PMQs
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For about a decade, over 200 of my constituents in the Mill complex in Ipswich have been caught in the cruellest form of limbo. The building has deep structural problems and cladding problems. A few years ago, they got about £15 million in an out-of-court settlement to make a contribution towards cladding costs, but the freeholder, the National Asset Management Agency—an Irish financial entity set up after the Irish banking crisis—ran away with that money, putting my constituents back to square one with little to no hope. Will the Prime Minister talk to the Irish Taoiseach to raise this immoral case and meet me to discuss a way forward for my constituents, who I meet every week?
Context
Over 200 constituents in Ipswich's Mill complex have faced structural and cladding problems for a decade. They received £15 million from an out-of-court settlement but the National Asset Management Agency, a freeholder, used this money improperly.
Rishi Sunak
I am sorry to hear about my hon. Friend's case. I will ensure that the Government look into the details and get back to him in the shortest order about how we can support him and his constituents.
Assessment
Specific commitment to meet with the Taoiseach or set a timeline for resolution was not provided.
Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister agree that eco-protesters should be immediately removed from roads as they are causing havoc? The Prime Minister is asked if he agrees with the sentiment expressed.
Context
Protests against climate change led to disturbances in London, despite the Public Order Act 2023 being in place.
Rishi Sunak
This Government have passed the serious disruption order, which will ensure that the police have powers to tackle slow-moving protests. The Labour party tried to block this legislation.
Assessment
Did not directly address the question about immediate removal of protesters from roads.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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Rousseau once said, “You may swallow the Poles, but you will never digest them.” That powerful quote says so much for how the Polish people have stood up robustly and strongly against aggression over the years and about their steadfast support right now for their close and dear allies, the Ukrainian people. Three lorries have gone from Ipswich to Lviv in support of the Ukrainian people. Will the Deputy Prime Minister outline the steps the Government are taking to support our close ally, Poland, as it takes unprecedented numbers of refugees while, of course, it has its own security concerns in relation to Russia?
Context
Poland is supporting refugees from Ukraine.
Dominic Raab
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I pay tribute to not only his constituents, but the Polish community in particular for their big-hearted support for the people of Ukraine. As a leading donor—I believe the second largest donor to Ukraine—we have committed a further £174 million in aid, bringing our total to £400 million. But that will also support those countries in close proximity to Ukraine—its neighbours—and first and foremost will be Poland.
Session: PMQs
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Mr. Hunt seeks assurance that the government will come down hard on individuals trying to exploit the current situation.
Context
There is concern over increased pressure on police resources due to new guidelines.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Yes, indeed; the early signs are that criminal activity is not up—it is in fact down at the moment—but we will come down like a ton of bricks on anybody who seeks to exploit the situation.
Session: PMQs
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I was pleased to have been told late last year that Haughley and Ely north junctions would be funded, but I have since become frustrated by the slow progress. Will the Secretary of State promise me that we will get on with these projects, which are crucial to Ipswich, Suffolk and East Anglia in general?
Context
Haughley and Ely North Junctions were promised funding but progress has been slow.
Huw Merriman
I can give that assurance to my hon. Friend. In October, the Prime Minister set out that we would deliver the rail junction at Ely and Haughley. It is a project that the Department is keen on, as it is good for freight and our freight growth target.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last week, I met the chief executive of an independent school chain concerned about proposals to put VAT on school fees. This could raise fees and force parents to remove children from these schools, increasing pressure on state education SEND systems. Does the Minister share concern that this policy may harm those with SEN in low-income households?
Context
Concerns raised by a chain of independent schools CEO about the potential VAT increase on school fees, impacting families with special educational needs.
David Johnston
My hon. Friend is right; Labour's ideological stance on private schools means it would impose 20% VAT on children in independent special schools, making provision harder to afford and increasing demand for state special school places.
Session: SEND Provision
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My constituents have significant concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour in the town centre. Public space protection orders can play an important role, but the local Labour council refuses to use the powers it has. We have groups of men drinking alcohol in the middle of the town centre, and the council does nothing. Does the Secretary of State agree that, yet again, Ipswich Labour should step up?
Context
Residents concerned about crime and antisocial behaviour in Ipswich town centre.
Michael Gove
It is sad, but not surprising, that Labour in Ipswich has failed again. That is why it is so important that people vote Conservative at the police and crime commissioner elections on 2 May. There are few more effective scourges of crime than the Conservative police and crime commissioner, Tim Passmore, and my hon. Friend, who does such a brilliant job in Ipswich.
Session: Topical Questions
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I have always been a fan of us fully exploiting our natural resources. We have got to take a pragmatic route to cutting our carbon emissions, but at the forefront of our thinking must also be driving down energy costs, boosting energy security and not doing anything that enfeebles our country on the global stage. Does the Minister agree that this is the right approach in terms of energy costs and that not importing as much liquefied natural gas will also make our carbon footprint smaller?
Context
The MP supports the utilisation of domestic natural resources as a pragmatic approach towards reducing carbon emissions, while also prioritising low energy costs, energy security, and maintaining competitiveness on the global stage.
Justin Tomlinson
I completely agree with my hon. Friend's analysis. Utilising our own domestic resources is just common sense when the alternative is to import more fuels from abroad. It would be an act of self-sabotage to put restrictions on our own domestic sector, damaging jobs and investment only to liquefy and ship gas from halfway around the world and create more emissions in the process.
Session: LNG Emissions Impact of Oil and Gas Licences
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What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the number of oil and gas licences issued by her Department on the level of carbon emissions from imported liquefied natural gas?
Context
The MP is concerned about the potential impact of issuing oil and gas licences by the Department, specifically focusing on the level of carbon emissions from imported liquefied natural gas.
Justin Tomlinson
North Sea Transition Authority analysis shows that producing natural gas domestically is almost four times cleaner than importing liquefied natural gas from abroad. Without continued licensing, our dependence on imported oil and gas, including LNG, will only increase more quickly in the future.
Session: LNG Emissions Impact of Oil and Gas Licences
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My constituents raise significant concerns about small boat crossings. They argue that if those who enter illegally from a safe country like France were returned on the same day, this would greatly reduce the issue. My right hon Friend has discussed this with her French counterpart; why does France not accept them back immediately?
Context
Continued concerns over small boat crossings and the logic of same-day returns from France.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
We continue to work collaboratively with our European partners, including France. Our partnership has been effective in reducing small boat arrivals; we stopped more than 26,000 crossings last year.
Session: Illegal Migration
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What diplomatic steps is his Department taking to help tackle illegal migration? Small boat crossings continue to be a massive concern for my constituents, many of whom point out that if those who illegally enter our country from France were returned on the same day, it would significantly reduce the problem. Has my right hon Friend discussed this with her French counterpart and why does France not accept them back on the same day?
Context
The question addresses ongoing concerns about small boat crossings and the need for international cooperation.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
We are engaging with international partners on a “whole of route” approach, including a multi-year operational plan with France to stop small boats. The partnership has helped bring down small boat arrivals; together we stopped more than 26,000 crossings last year.
Session: Illegal Migration
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Will the Minister confirm that this issue has not lost her attention and that we will continue to consider whether we can introduce a cap?
Context
The MP inquired about the Government's current stance on introducing a cap for social care costs.
Helen Whately
I thank my hon. Friend for his important question on concerns about the cost of care and how much it costs some people. As he may know—I remind him—the charging reforms were delayed in 2022 by the Chancellor after we listened to local authorities.
Session: Social Care
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Why has delivery been slow in Ipswich despite allocated funding and what will be done to intervene with the council?
Context
The questioner notes that while some projects are delivered when other bodies are responsible, the Labour-led council is not delivering as expected.
Michael Gove
The Labour Council in Ipswich is not delivering for the people of Ipswich, as observed by my hon. Friend who noted issues with local projects.
Session: Town Deals
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What steps are being taken to support the delivery of town deals, especially in Ipswich where £25 million was allocated?
Context
The Department is supporting delivery of town deals and £25 million was allocated for Ipswich.
Michael Gove
My Department engages with all town deal recipients for performance monitoring and has interest in progress in Ipswich following allocation of £25 million for 10 projects.
Session: Town Deals
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Will he update the House on how in practice that non-binding code of practice is working? Has it led to improved behaviour and been a step forward, and has he considered further my view that perhaps that code of practice needs to be legally binding?
Context
A non-binding code of practice for cladding remediation was published after discussions and highlighting the case of St Francis Tower.
Lee Rowley (North East Derbyshire) (Party)
My hon. Friend was a driving force behind that code of practice, and we are monitoring it actively. Anecdotally I am seeing fewer issues, although there are still some. I would be happy to receive from him and other Members of the House any information or evidence that suggests there is still a problem.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituents at the Mill development in Ipswich have been living in a cruel form of limbo for over 10 years. What steps are the Government taking to support my residents?
Context
Over 200 residents of the Mill development in Ipswich have been living with structural issues and fears of eviction for over a decade.
Lee Rowley
Like my hon. Friend, we want a resolution to the Mill's complex and challenging situation.
Session: Topical Questions
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Recently I visited Rushmere Hall Primary School in Ipswich, which is doing a fantastic job to support all neurodiverse pupils, particularly dyslexic pupils; however, its head spoke of a need for all regular teachers to have a better base understanding of neurodiversity, not just new specialists. In the special educational needs and disabilities improvement plan, the Government committed to that. I would like an update on how far we are getting with delivering that in practice.
Context
Rushmere Hall Primary School is striving to improve understanding of neurodiversity among regular teachers.
Claire Coutinho
I thank my hon. Friend, who I know is an amazing campaigner on this issue. We are doing a lot to progress the support in schools, making sure that we have access to a specialist workforce and that teachers have proper training. We will set out a best practice guide on autism specifically, for which we have seen a big rise in need.
Session: Topical Questions
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A lack of affordable housing contributes to homelessness. While proud of what Ipswich does through organisations like the Ipswich Housing Action Group, I am concerned that neighbouring authorities send their homeless people to Ipswich. Do those authorities have a responsibility to tackle homelessness in their own areas? Can Labour-led councils stop this from happening?
Context
The MP is concerned about the regional issue of homeless people being sent to Ipswich from neighbouring areas, suggesting it's not fair for these authorities to shirk their responsibilities.
Rachel Maclean
We expect local authorities to work together on tackling homelessness, alleviating pressures on vulnerable people. It is right for Labour-led councils to collaborate with any authority responsible.
Session: Affordable Housing
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Should we not also think about the social and cultural impact of high levels of legal migration on public services like housing and community cohesion?
Context
When considering the level of net migration, it is important to consider not just economic impact but also social and cultural impacts.
Robert Jenrick
It is correct that we must consider the impact of large amounts of legal migration on housing, access to public services, community cohesion, and integration. The Government takes these issues seriously.
Session: Immigration Policies Scotland
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Does the Lord Chancellor agree that the criminal justice system needs to be far harder on those who are repeatedly caught shoplifting? It is debilitating for a town centre, and we should not let cultural sensitivities get in the way.
Context
Shops in Ipswich are suffering from repeated theft, leading to closures.
Alex Chalk
My hon. Friend is right. Crime is crime, and cultural sensitivities should play no part in the police's enthusiasm for cracking down on it. 20,000 additional police officers have been recruited to fulfil the Government's manifesto commitment.
Session: Topical Questions
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A few weeks ago, I visited Tools with a Mission, a 40-year-old charity in Ipswich. It takes old, disused and discarded tools and sends them to developing countries like Zambia and Uganda. The charity also helps local pensioners and individuals with educational needs find jobs. Will the Minister join me in applauding that work, and work with me to find funding to enhance what the charity is doing?
Context
The Member visited the charity that provides tools to developing countries and supports local volunteers.
Mims Davies
Local charities play an important role. I look forward to visiting my hon. Friend's constituency later this month to see Combat2Coffee and hope to take a keen interest in Tools with a Mission too, if possible.
Session: Topical Questions
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Welsh Labour Government is prioritising support for those who have illegally entered UK over maximising cost of living support for Welsh citizens. Does he agree?
Context
Questions the Secretary of State about prioritizing support for asylum seekers over Welsh citizens, referencing Labour's policies.
David Davies
My hon. Friend is correct, we are not prepared to see universal basic incomes and legal funding provided to people who should not be in this country.
Session: Cost of Living
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What steps does he believe the energy suppliers should take to support businesses and get them onto fair contracts?
Context
The local businesses in Ipswich are frustrated at not seeing the benefits of falling wholesale prices on their energy bills.
Grant Shapps
I have written to Ofgem about this. There is a request for information about the challenges facing non-domestic customers, as it is frustrating not to see falling energy prices reflected in business contracts.
Session: Energy Bills Support for Businesses
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What steps are being taken to help businesses with their energy bills?
Context
Tom Hunt is concerned about the financial burden of high energy costs on local businesses.
Grant Shapps
We are paying around one third of business energy bills right now through the energy bill relief scheme.
Session: Energy Bills Support for Businesses
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I welcome the extra funding from the safer streets fund and the shared prosperity fund, but does the Home Secretary agree that we also need a zero-tolerance approach to tackling antisocial behaviour? Many of my constituents—long-term residents—are concerned about going into our town centre because they do not feel safe. Does she agree that it is time for a hands-on, and not a hands-off, approach, so that where there are groups of men in the town centre blighting the experience of most of my residents, we clear them out?
Context
Residents are concerned about antisocial behaviour in the town centre.
Chris Philp
Yes, we agree entirely. That is why my hon. Friend's county and his town have had safer streets funding, and why they are getting extra police officers. The Government completely agree that zero tolerance to ASB is exactly what we need.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Secretary of State guarantee that the funding will be maintained in the interim while considering whether the scheme could be rolled out nationally?
Context
The question arises from the success of the Working Win pilot programme in South Yorkshire, which has helped 2,500 people get into work.
Mel Stride
£7 million has been invested so far. The results are being looked at closely, including the effect not only on mental health but on productivity.
Session: Unemployment Mental Ill Health
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Freeholders and managing agents have a duty of care towards residents. In Ipswich, there are dramatic examples such as Cardinal Lofts and St Francis Tower where residents live in darkness for over a year due to shrink wrap. Will the Minister confirm whether there are any plans for a new regulatory framework to make sure that these cowboy companies are held to account?
Context
The Minister has been made aware of two specific cases in Ipswich, Cardinal Lofts and St Francis Tower, where residents have suffered due to the failure of freeholders and managing agents to address unsafe cladding issues.
Lee Rowley
Building owners have responsibility to remediate buildings they own, and funds are available. Developers should be followed up accordingly to resolve issues as quickly as possible.
Session: Unsafe Cladding
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What recent steps his Department has taken to help protect people from unsafe cladding? It is clear that freeholders and managing agents have a duty of care. In Ipswich, there are dramatic failures by companies like Block Management where residents live in darkness for over a year due to shrink wrap. Will the Minister confirm plans for a new regulatory framework to hold these companies accountable?
Context
The Government's measures to protect residents from unsafe cladding are being questioned. Tom Hunt is concerned about the impact of freeholders and managing agents failing in their duty of care towards residents, citing specific examples in Ipswich.
Lee Rowley
The Government have provided significant taxpayer subsidy to remediate cladding on high-rise residential buildings. 95% of buildings with unsafe ACM cladding have work under way or complete, and over £1.6 billion has been allocated from the fund alongside a wider set of interventions.
Session: Unsafe Cladding
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Will he commit to reviewing the unfair quirk that means young people with SEND in Suffolk get less funding and investment than those elsewhere?
Context
Suffolk has seen significant improvements in SEND provision with new places added, but the area is underfunded compared to others like Norfolk.
John Glen
Suffolk's high-needs funding is increasing by 11% per pupil in 2023-24 compared with this year. The Under-Secretary of State for Education will meet to discuss the mechanisms and formulae for allocation across different local authorities.
Session: Education Sector Funding
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What steps he is taking to increase funding for the education sector. Young people and adults benefited from a long-term settlement for post-16 education in England since 2015, but more needs to be done.
Context
The MP is concerned about overall funding for education, a significant cash increase was previously announced.
John Glen
At spending review 2021, the Department for Education was allocated £87 billion, providing a cash increase of about £18 billion by 2024-25. Additionally, an extra £2 billion was announced at the autumn statement for both 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Session: Education Sector Funding
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It is clear to me that the armed forces will achieve their full potential only if they are as attractive as possible to neurodiverse thinkers, particularly in cyber. The need for unconventional thinkers has perhaps never been greater than it is now, but there can be challenges for them in meeting the core competencies of “soldier first” as well as in physical tasks, as I recently found out when it took me 25 minutes to put on a belt at Sandhurst as a neurodiverse individual. Will the Secretary of State outline what is being done to better attract the talents of neurodiverse individuals into the armed forces?
Context
The questioner notes challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals in meeting core competencies and physical requirements, highlighting a personal experience at Sandhurst.
Ben Wallace (Minister for Defence)
The services are leading in trying to look at exactly that unconventional route in. If we are to attract people to the National Cyber Force and to cyber, we are going to have to think in different terms from 20 or 30 years ago. That is incredibly important. We need to be flexible, we need to be innovative and we need to be modern.
Session: Topical Questions
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Is there an opportunity in the national disability strategy to better enable and fund the accessibility—and accelerate the completion—of those assessments?
Context
A key challenge for many young people with disabilities is getting assessments to determine their conditions, such as autism. A constituent has been told they must wait up to 18 months for an assessment.
Tom Pursglove
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this important point. The autism strategy is in place, having had a refresh launched in July 2021 and £74 million of funding in the first year. With the first year having concluded, we will publish our second implementation plan to make further progress on delivering the actions in the strategy. As part of the deliberations on that, we will consider the interesting point that he raises.
Session: National Disability Strategy
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Will the Minister visit Ipswich to meet me and the heads of both schools to discuss how the funding formula could be tweaked to ensure that Suffolk SEND is fairly funded and that we have more top-quality places in special schools for the wonderful neuro-diverse thinkers in Ipswich. I am requesting a meeting to address specific funding concerns.
Context
The MP highlights recent developments in special schools and seeks further support.
Claire Coutinho
My hon. Friend has spoken to me multiple times about the excellent school provision in his area, and I would be delighted to visit and see more for myself.
Session: School Places Pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
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What steps her Department is taking to increase the number of school places for pupils with (a) special educational needs and (b) disabilities. I am seeking information on specific measures being taken to improve provision for these students.
Context
The MP is concerned about ensuring sufficient school places for children with SEND in his constituency.
Claire Coutinho
We are making a transformational investment in SEND places by investing £2.6 billion between 2022 and 2025 to help deliver new places and improve existing provision for children and young people with SEND or who require alternative provision as well as up to 60 new special and AP free schools.
Session: School Places Pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
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On Friday, we found out that Ipswich Borough Council's temporary injunction to prevent the Novotel being used for up to 200 economic migrants was unsuccessful. More to the point, the owners are now saying they might have them for 12 months not six months. I heard in the media that the Government might move away from hotels to temporary accommodation such as Pontins. Can the Minister give me an update on the plan for moving away from hotels to much more basic and cheaper accommodation?
Context
Ipswich Borough Council's temporary injunction to prevent the Novotel from housing economic migrants was unsuccessful. The hotel owners might now have them for up to 12 months instead of six. The MP seeks an update on the Government's plan to move away from hotels.
Robert Jenrick
We want to exit hotels as soon as possible, including in my hon. Friend's constituency, and move to simple but decent accommodation that does not provide an additional pull factor to the UK. The challenge is considerable, however, as 40,000 people are making that perilous crossing every year, which places immense pressure on our asylum system and prevents us from providing the kind of humane and compassionate response that we want to provide to people coming here in genuine peril.
Session: Topical Questions
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A few weeks ago, at Paul's Sports and Social Club, I met my constituent Nigel Seaman, who is a veteran, to discuss his work with Combat2Coffee to get veterans who may be homeless or struggling with the transition to civilian life into work and employment. Will the Minister meet me and Nigel to discuss what more can be done to support excellent veterans' charities such as Combat2Coffee with helping veterans into work?
Context
The MP met a constituent who works with Combat2Coffee to help veterans transition into civilian life.
Mims Davies
I am very pleased that I am wearing my Help for Heroes band today. I am delighted to hear about the work of the charity that my hon. Friend mentions. We are working with our champions in jobcentres to get people who have been service leaders into work, and we have work coaches who are dedicated to that. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to find out more about the charity and tell him more about what we do in jobcentres.
Session: Topical Questions
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Over the summer we had two very high-profile knife attacks in Ipswich. We know that this is inter-gang violence—it is often members of each gang who are targeted—but it often erupts in a public space and has a chilling effect within communities. Does the Minister agree that our UK shared prosperity fund bid to get even more police presence during the day would help to tackle knife crime? Does he also agree that it is right that we look at the national police funding formula in order to provide long-term fairer funding for Suffolk police?
Context
High-profile knife attacks in Ipswich during the summer.
Tom Pursglove
Building on the work that is already happening, those resources will come together to help to continue to drive down crime in his area. That is a priority for this Government, as it is for him, and I know he will continue to follow this closely.
Session: Knife Crime and Serious Violence
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What steps she is taking to tackle knife crime and serious violence. I am pleased that we have secured extra funding from the safer streets fund, and that we are getting our uplift to the 20,000 officers but does the Minister agree that our UK shared prosperity fund bid to get even more police presence during the day would help to tackle knife crime? Does he also agree that it is right that we look at the national police funding formula in order to provide long-term fairer funding for Suffolk police?
Context
The MP is concerned about high-profile knife attacks in Ipswich.
Tom Pursglove
I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who pays laser-like attention to crime and policing issues in his area. He was at the forefront of arguing the case for the safer streets bid, which has, fortunately, been successful. It is very welcome that his area is seeing £8.9 million of additional police funding and we have seen 114 extra officers recruited.
Session: Knife Crime and Serious Violence
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It is likely that Ipswich is going to be connected to two levelling-up bids, one from the county council and one from the borough council. Does the Minister agree that investing in sports opportunities for young people, particularly in deprived areas, can be transformative for levelling up, and will she therefore welcome our plans to transform Gainsborough sports and community centre? Will she confirm that the civil servants will work as quickly as possible so that my constituents can see results on the ground, like with the towns fund?
Context
MP discussed potential levelling-up bids from Ipswich councils focusing on investment in sports opportunities for young people.
Kemi Badenoch
I agree with both things, and we support all levelling-up bids.
Session: Levelling-up Funds Criteria
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The Minister visited Suffolk New College recently with me. I went back shortly afterwards to see the inclusion team there. I appreciate that work on the SEND Green Paper is ongoing and has a clear focus on primary and secondary schools, but will the Minister assure me that there will also be a big focus on 16 to 18 FE? The work that Suffolk New College does in preparing these individuals for the world of work is crucial. Sam, who I saw and who had very little confidence, is now leading a whole team at the Chefs' Whites restaurant there, and will be manning restaurants all over Ipswich. Will the Minister ensure that, when it comes to funding and Ofsted inspections, inclusion should be a requirement for every FE college?
Context
The minister visited Suffolk New College recently with the MP, who later revisited to see the inclusion team. The question addresses concerns about the focus of the SEND Green Paper being primarily on primary and secondary schools, while highlighting the importance of focusing on 16 to 18-year-olds in further education.
Alex Burghart
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Suffolk New College, and seeing just how much the young people there are benefiting from their hard work. We are engaging widely with stakeholders to ensure we get our consultation right, I hope very much that Suffolk New College will bring its expertise to that process.
Session: SEND Review Further Education
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What steps he is taking through his Department's SEND review to support SEND students in further education?
Context
The question arises from a review aimed at supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in further education.
Alex Burghart
We are consulting on a wide range of proposals in our SEND and alternative provision Green Paper to benefit young people with special educational needs and disabilities in further education. They include new national SEND standards delivered through new local SEND partnerships and local inclusion plans. We will also set out clear guidance for timely, effective, high-quality transition into further education, higher education, employment or adult social care for young people with SEND.
Session: SEND Review Further Education
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Will the Minister wake up to the reality that since the 2010 election, cuts have run down the resources of every planning department in the country. There are not enough professionals being trained or available to provide adequate service. What will he do about the planning authorities across this country that cannot deliver for the public?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of cuts on local planning departments, leading to a lack of professionals and inadequate services.
Stuart Andrew
One of the points of the infrastructure levy is that it takes out the necessity for negotiation. It will be a set levy that developers cannot wriggle out of, and it will be for local authorities to set the levy. We are looking at broader issues raised by the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Local Infrastructure
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A number of my constituents are finding it impossible to access NHS dental care. They include Alison, one of my constituents who worked as a midwife in Ipswich Hospital for 40 years. Some of them have contacted 40 different practices and have not got anywhere. My understanding is that there has been a 30% drop in the number of dentists taking on NHS work in Suffolk. Will the Minister explain what local work is going on between the Department and the local NHS bodies to try to ensure that this issue is addressed?
Context
There has been a significant drop in the number of dentists taking on NHS work and constituents are facing difficulties accessing care.
Maria Caulfield
My hon. Friend is quite right in his question and is campaigning hard to increase dental activity in his constituency. One of the key pieces of work is being done through Health Education England, which set out a range of recommendations in its “Advancing Dental Care” review. That will do a number of things, such as increase the skill mix and scope of practitioners across dental teams, and we may well require legislation to bring some of that work forward. Health Education England is also introducing more flexible routes into dental training and doing some workforce modelling to identify the parts of the country with the biggest gaps in provision, so that we can establish centres of dental development in those areas. I will look at Ipswich in particular.
Session: NHS Dentistry Backlog
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What steps his Department is taking to tackle the backlog in NHS dentistry appointments.
Context
The NHS dentistry appointment backlog is a significant issue affecting patients' access to care.
Maria Caulfield
The dental activity threshold has recently been raised to 95% of usual activity. That is another quarter-on-quarter increase to get us towards 100% of pre-pandemic activity. I fully recognise, though, that access to NHS dentistry before the pandemic was patchy and that the crux of the problem is the current NHS dental contract, so work is under way to reform that contract. As negotiations have started, I am limited in what further I can say, but I will update the House as soon as possible.
Session: NHS Dentistry Backlog
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Asylum Accommodation: Novotel Ipswich
08 November 2022
Responding: Robert Jenrick
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the negative impact of using the Novotel hotel in Ipswich as asylum accommodation. He mentions deteriorating conditions, loss of local jobs for 20 constituents and economic impacts on the town's regeneration efforts and tourism industry. The location near a key area for town development raises concerns over its future use post-accommodation period. Additionally, there is significant community tension due to the perceived unfairness towards those who enter illegally compared to legal refugees."]
Specific Asks
["The MP asks for support in putting 'turbochargers under the Rwanda policy' and encourages the government to stress the urgency of delivering an offshore processing approach similar to Australia's, which he considers successful. He also calls for better treatment of local employees affected by the hotel's conversion."]
High-rise Buildings: Remediation
02 March 2022
Responding: Stuart Andrew
Main Concerns
["Concerned about residents of high-rise buildings forced to endure remediation works in poor conditions, including St Francis Tower in Ipswich which was covered in shrink-wrap for over a year. Residents experienced significant periods of anxiety and mental health problems due to lack of natural light and fresh air. The MP emphasized the need for a balance between ensuring building safety and protecting residents' well-being during remediation."]
Specific Asks
['Asked the Government to explore new regulations or relocation funds that allow more breathable materials or temporary relocations during remediation works, emphasizing that such measures are necessary to address mental health impacts while maintaining safety standards.']
University Tuition Fees
25 October 2021
Responding: Michelle Donelan
Main Concerns
['Tom Hunt is concerned about the impact of full tuition fees on university students during the pandemic, noting that many have experienced disrupted education and social lives. He mentioned statistics showing only 12% of white working-class boys eligible for free school meals end up in higher education, highlighting concerns about equity and accessibility. Additionally, he raised issues regarding the average debt of £45,000 upon graduation and its impact on credit ratings and mortgage applications. Hunt also questioned whether universities have done enough to return to full-time teaching during the pandemic.']
Specific Asks
['Hunt asks for a partial or full reduction in tuition fees for students impacted by the pandemic over the last 22 months, while acknowledging the need to consider long-term implications and taxpayer interests. He also suggests that the Government should focus on further education policies rather than increasing university access targets.']
Amnesty for Undocumented Migrants — [Stewart Hosie in the Chair]
19 July 2021
Responding: Kevin Foster
Main Concerns
['The petition calls for a blanket amnesty for undocumented migrants in the UK, excluding those with criminal records. It has attracted 103,440 signatures and gained traction due to concerns over vaccine access during the pandemic. The debate acknowledges that regularising migrant status can lead to increased tax contributions but highlights challenges such as distinguishing between long-term residents and recent arrivals, potential social integration issues, and the impact on public services.']
Specific Asks
['The petition lacks clarity regarding the specifics of an amnesty, including frequency and criteria for eligibility. The speaker does not support a blanket amnesty due to concerns about open borders, illegal immigration, and fairness towards those who follow legal processes.']
Grouse Shooting
21 June 2021
Responding: Rebecca Pow
Main Concerns
['The petition calls for a ban on driven grouse shooting due to concerns about its economic insignificance, negative environmental impacts such as increased carbon dioxide emissions and habitat destruction, and the detrimental effects on wildlife through predator culling. Chris Packham and others from Wild Justice argue that intensive grouse shooting has disastrous ecological consequences and is underpinned by criminal traditions of raptor persecution.']
Specific Asks
['Tom Hunt asks for immediate legislative measures to address these issues, highlighting the ongoing debate over the economic benefits of grouse shooting versus alternative uses of upland areas such as tourism. He suggests that the industry supports significant employment in isolated rural communities but questions what alternatives would provide similar job opportunities.']
Covid-19: Impact on Education — [Mr Laurence Robertson in the Chair]
15 March 2021
Responding: Nick Gibb
Main Concerns
["Tom Hunt is concerned about the impact of school closures on children's education and mental health. He cited research indicating that 73% of students feel their mental health has deteriorated over the past year. Hunt also highlighted issues faced by pupils with special educational needs, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and those learning English as a second language. He emphasised that no child's experience is the same and that individual needs must be catered to."]
Specific Asks
['Hunt asks for a flexible approach to catch-up education programmes and teacher assessments during exams. He also urges the government to ensure inclusivity in assessment methods, taking into account the diverse needs of students, including those with special educational needs.']
Immigration — [Sir David Amess in the Chair]
19 October 2020
Responding: Chris Philp
Main Concerns
["Tom Hunt expressed concerns about the rise in illegal immigration across the English Channel and the public's loss of confidence in border control. He cited statistics from YouGov indicating that 73% consider illegal channel crossings to be a serious issue, and highlighted that over 125,000 people had signed a petition on this matter. Hunt also raised issues with the current asylum system, noting that less than 3% of those who have crossed illegally since 2019 have been returned despite many being found without credible claims for UK protection. He cited cases where human rights lawyers intervene to stop deportations, and noted tragic instances like a Sudanese boy's drowning in August."]
Specific Asks
['Hunt urged the government to take decisive action on illegal immigration, stating that anyone who enters illegally should have no expectation of remaining unless they have a genuine claim for UK protection. He asked for clarity from the Minister that people breaking immigration rules will not be rewarded with residency and called for autonomy in dealing with border control without relying on third countries.']
Pet Theft
19 October 2020
Responding: Victoria Prentis
Main Concerns
["Dr Daniel Allen's petitions on pet theft, supported by over 100,000 signatures each, highlight the issue of pets being treated as replaceable objects under current law. Only 1% of dog theft cases result in charges and just a few dozen dogs are stolen monthly across the UK, yet many more are at risk during lockdown due to increased loneliness. Tom Hunt cites examples where victims offer substantial rewards for the return of their pets, indicating the emotional value far exceeds monetary worth."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should elevate pet theft to a specific offence and empower judges to impose harsher sentences, potentially making it a category 2 crime with up to two years in prison. He also suggests that the Sentencing Council could amend guidelines to account for emotional distress in sentencing without changing laws.']
Local Power Plan
10 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
G20 and COP29 Summits
21 November 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Political Violence and Disruption: Walney Report
22 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
21 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
20 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Relationships, Sex and Health Education: Statutory Guidance
16 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
International Health Regulations
14 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
War in Gaza
07 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Extremism Definition and Community Engagement
14 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Estimates Day
14 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Welcomes the debate on supporting children with SEND, emphasising rising needs and inadequate support systems. Highlights the importance of early identification, investment in specialist settings, and...
5
PMQs Asked
78
Ministerial Questions Asked
166
House of Commons Debates Involved
8
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+482% above average
This MP:
78
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+218% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3316% above average
This MP:
166
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 Tom Hunt's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.