Tommy Sheppard
MP for Edinburgh East
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
It is an open secret that many in the Conservative party would wish to roll back the democratic gains of devolution, either partially or completely. Given recent comments from a former Minister and architect of the Brexit agreement advocating for a review and rollback of some currently devolved powers, does the Deputy Prime Minister agree with this approach?
Context
There are concerns that some within the Conservative party wish to roll back devolved powers.
Oliver Dowden
The only thing that will destroy devolution is a vote for independence in Scotland, as advocated by those on the SNP Benches.
Assessment
Did not address whether he agrees with reviewing and rolling back powers; Changed subject to Scottish independence instead.
Session: PMQs
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Over the last two years, the Drax power station in Yorkshire has burned an average of nearly 20,000 tonnes of trees every single day, releasing an equivalent amount of carbon into the atmosphere. During that time, while our constituents have struggled with their heating bills, the private company running Drax has received £1.5 million of subsidy through the Government's energy policy every single day. That is set to continue until 2027. Will the Prime Minister step in and review this grotesque distortion of energy policy, which incentivises deforestation while making no contribution to tackling the climate emergency?
Context
The Drax power station has been burning nearly 20,000 tonnes of trees daily over the past two years, releasing significant carbon emissions. The company receives £1.5 million in subsidies per day until 2027.
Rishi Sunak
While I cannot comment on the contract details of one particular company, what I can comment on is our record on this issue. Since the benchmark was established, emissions in this country have fallen by nearly 50%, and we have also grown the economy by two thirds—although I know the SNP Government are not as focused on that as we are. At the same time, because of the way in which we regulate new and renewable energies, we have seen the price of renewables such as offshore wind decline from £140 an hour to about £40. That shows a regulatory system that is working in delivering lower-cost, renewable energy to British families.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not address the specific request for a review of Drax's subsidy and policy alignment with climate goals
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs
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In 2014, David Cameron signed up to the Smith commission promising Scottish independence as a choice for the people of Scotland. Does the Prime Minister share this view? If yes, will he bring forward legislation to allow this choice after last week's Supreme Court judgment?
Context
The Smith Commission promised that Scotland could become an independent country if the people chose so. The Prime Minister's predecessor committed to this view.
Rishi Sunak
The previous referendum was described as a once-in-a-generation event. The focus is now on working constructively together, and in the hon. Gentleman's area, we are investing hundreds of millions of pounds in growth deals and projects like the new concert hall to enhance Edinburgh's cultural reputation.
Assessment
Bringing forward legislation for a Scottish independence referendum
Shifting Focus To Constructive Work
Promoting Investment In Scotland
Session: PMQs
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If the Conservative party secures a majority of seats, would that represent a mandate for maintaining the Union?
Context
Upcoming May elections in Scotland and the question of how Scotland should be governed will likely dominate the campaign.
Boris Johnson
I am a supporter of democratic principles and recall 2014 referendum result in favour of keeping the Union.
Assessment
Direct answer to mandate question was not provided, only referenced past results
Session: PMQs
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Why did the Government wait until the business scheme finished before considering alternative protection for these domestic customers? Why take a year to get them protected and what compensation are the Government going to offer in the meantime?
Context
The MP's constituents in the Greendykes area are facing significant increases in energy bills and no protection under current schemes.
Andrew Bowie
I hear the passion with which the hon. Gentleman stands up for his constituents, and rightly so, given the circumstances that they find themselves in. We are introducing regulations with Ofgem powers to investigate and intervene where prices for consumers appear to be unfair, and to ensure that all heat network consumers receive a high-quality service from their providers.
Session: District Heating Network Consumers
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What assessment she has made of the adequacy of financial support for district heating network consumers. The evaluation of our energy support schemes will conclude in summer 2025. To ensure their bills were fair, supported heat network customers received an average of £1,200 via the energy discount scheme, which closed last month.
Context
The MP is concerned about constituents facing financial hardship due to lack of price protection for their energy bills.
Andrew Bowie
The evaluation of our energy support schemes will conclude in summer 2025. To ensure their bills were fair, supported heat network customers received an average of £1,200 via the energy discount scheme, which closed last month.
Session: District Heating Network Consumers
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That sounds like no assessment at all has been made. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, these forward planning assumptions involve public service cuts of up to £20 billion. This can only imply savage cuts to the Scottish block grant in the next two to three years. Sadly, these planning assumptions and the framework are endorsed by the Labour party. If people vote either Conservative or Labour at the coming election, are they not consenting to massive cuts in public services in Scotland?
Context
The Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests that forward planning assumptions in the recent Budget could imply up to £20 billion in cuts to public services. The SNP group is concerned about these implications, especially given Labour's endorsement of the Budget framework.
Alister Jack
Of course I do not agree with those figures. Public services in Scotland are in a desperate state. In their recent Budget, the Scottish Government froze council tax, thereby putting more pressure on local authorities to deliver those public services.
Session: Spring Budget 2024
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Let me also observe that fewer people in Scotland will see our proceedings today because of a strike by TV journalists at STV. I implore the management of STV to get back around the table with the National Union of Journalists, improve its pay offer and try to settle this dispute. What assessment has the Secretary of State made of those assumptions on the Scottish public finances?
Context
TV journalists in Scotland are currently striking, leading to a blackout of Scottish Television, affecting the visibility of parliamentary proceedings. Additionally, there are concerns about forward planning assumptions made in the recent Budget that may imply significant cuts to public services.
Alister Jack
As I have said before, we have a record block grant. It is running over a three-year period and it averages out at £41.6 billion, with Barnett consequentials added to that. This year, that figure is £295 million.
Session: Spring Budget 2024
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What will the UK do to oblige Israel to comply with international peace process for two-state solution?
Context
The UK is concerned about the creation of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, given Israel's position under Netanyahu.
Andrew Mitchell
A two-state solution is required, as recognised by the UN and regional powers. The UK's view aligns with this requirement for both Palestine and Israel to live behind secure borders in peace.
Session: Middle East UN Security Council
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If it transpires that UNRWA's ability to deliver aid is compromised due to suspended funding, will the Government review their decision?
Context
There is concern that suspending UNRWA funding may compromise the agency's ability to deliver aid.
Andrew Mitchell
A meeting with UNRWA's head Philippe Lazzarini was held, and a review conducted by the UN is expected within two months. The British Government are closely watching this situation.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am talking about specific levelling-up fund and shared prosperity fund allocations. They have given Scotland £471 million and £212 million respectively, short of the £780 million from EU structural funds. When can we have the money?
Context
The MP is challenging the accuracy of claims that levelling-up funds exceed pre-Brexit EU structural funds, pointing out a shortfall.
John Lamont
£2.9 billion has been invested by this Government into communities across Scotland since leaving the EU, which exceeds the previous EU structural and investment funds for Scotland from 2014 to 2020.
Session: Levelling Up
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Can the Minister say how the specific levelling-up fund compares to what it was prior to leaving the EU, particularly focusing on capital funding?
Context
The MP is seeking details on the comparison between EU structural funds and current levelling-up fund allocations post-Brexit.
John Lamont
£2.9 billion has been invested by this Government into communities across Scotland since leaving the EU, which exceeds the previous EU structural and investment funds for Scotland from 2014 to 2020.
Session: Levelling Up
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The Secretary of State is standing against everyone. He is standing against experts, against academics, against representatives of industry and even against the people of Scotland, only 28% of whom think immigration is too high. More than six in 10 think more immigration would benefit the country. When is he going to stop being the Secretary of State against Scotland and be the Secretary of State for Scotland?
Context
Secretary of State is standing against everyone, including experts, academics, industry representatives, and even the majority opinion in Scotland.
Alister Jack
It is good that the hon. Gentleman's lines are written by Mike Russell. That is an old one, and not a very good one. The reality is that Scotland is the most taxed part of the United Kingdom, which is not attractive for people to work there. We have the highest ever net migration. If the Scottish Government focus more on good public services, good infrastructure and lower taxation, hopefully those high net migration figures will see more people settle in Scotland.
Session: Scottish Work Visa Scheme
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Let me be clear: we are talking about the administration of work permits for people from overseas who wish to work in Scotland on a temporary basis. Just about everyone thinks it would be better administered in Scotland, but the Secretary of State insists that it should be centralised by his Government in Westminster. His argument would be plausible if the UK demonstrated that it is managing the migration service well but, given the catastrophe that is the UK immigration system, when will he wake up and realise this would be better done in Scotland, by the people who live there?
Context
Questioning the administration of work permits for people from overseas who wish to work temporarily in Scotland, suggesting it should be administered locally.
Alister Jack
I point the hon. Gentleman to the seasonal agricultural workers scheme. That is 45,000 people, with the ability to flex it up to 55,000. Those people come to work in a flexible system across the United Kingdom, and it has proved to be a huge success.
Session: Scottish Work Visa Scheme
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Can we therefore be clear that he will say, on behalf of the UK Government, that he will not use any administrative or legislative means to frustrate or block this pilot policy by the Scottish Government?
Context
The Secretary of State has been asked about intervening in decisions made by the Scottish Government on drug consumption rooms. There is concern over administrative or legislative interventions.
Alister Jack
I am very popular today. I will be with SNP Members in particular when I say that the answer is yes.
Session: Devolution of Drugs Policy
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Will he support and work with the Scottish Government to see this pilot project through?
Context
The Lord Advocate's statement on Monday is seen as a game changer, removing an obstacle to a pilot drug consumption facility. The Secretary of State has been equivocal about supporting the pilot.
Alister Jack
I think I have been clear. I have been clear that the UK Government's policy is not to proceed with drug consumption rooms. We believe, as I have said, that drugs devastate families and destroy communities. I was very clear about those things, but I am also very clear that the Lord Advocate and the Scottish Government appear to have achieved a workaround that allows them to have a pilot drug consumption room, probably in Glasgow, and the United Kingdom Government will not intervene in that.
Session: Devolution of Drugs Policy
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Given the exchanges earlier, I am obliged to ask the Home Secretary whether she understands the difference between using a cruise ship for the temporary accommodation of Ukrainian refugees, with a shared language and experience, and who have the right to work and are being actively relocated in the community, and using it essentially as a prison ship for the indefinite long-term detention of asylum seekers, who have no right to leave, no right to work, no right to benefits and no recourse to public funds. Does the Department appreciate the difference?
Context
The SNP Government used a cruise ship for temporary accommodation of Ukrainian refugees, while the UK Government is considering using it as an indefinite detention facility.
Robert Jenrick
I am disappointed by the hon. Gentleman's remarks. He knows perfectly well that the proposition was not a prison ship. This is a ship that will be used in exactly the same way as the SNP Government did in Scotland, and in exactly the same way as the Belgian and the Dutch Governments are doing in their respective areas. If I may say, in Edinburgh today, there are 37 asylum seekers. That is disgraceful.
Session: Topical Questions
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UK food price inflation is already significantly higher than that in France, Germany and Italy. This week William Bain, the head of trade at the British Chambers of Commerce, said there was a strong prospect that new Brexit regulations coming into force later this year would drive prices even higher. Is it not time that this Government apologised for their ideological obsession with Brexit, which is forcing ordinary-working class families into poverty?
Context
UK food price inflation is significantly higher than that in France, Germany and Italy. William Bain of the British Chambers of Commerce warned that new regulations could drive prices even higher.
Nigel Huddleston
The hon. Gentleman is being somewhat selective. The figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that food price inflation in the UK was 19.2%—and the EU average is 19.2%. As for apologising, I will not apologise for the fact that when we left the EU, we got rid of hundreds of useless tariffs that were doing nothing other than pushing up prices for British consumers.
Session: Food Prices
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Billions of pounds of renewable energy projects are currently stalled because there is no capacity to connect to the national grid. Does he accept that this failure, along with others on connection charges and hydrogen, makes a compelling case for transferring responsibility for energy supply and distribution to Scotland?
Context
Renewable energy projects stalled due to lack of capacity to connect to the national grid.
John Lamont
The answer is certainly not independence. The answer is ensuring we are doing all we can to reduce connection timescales as a priority. As well as accelerating the timelines for building new network infrastructure, that is also about the process for new projects to connect to the grid, such as how the connection queue is managed. To address this, a connections action plan will be published in the summer setting out actions by Government, Ofgem and network companies to accelerate connections for renewable projects.
Session: Renewable Energy
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Now that it is the policy of the Israeli Government not to pursue a two-state solution, can he explain how the discussions on trade with Israel will be used to pursue that policy objective and uphold human rights in the occupied territories?
Context
The MP questioned the Foreign Secretary about the policy of the Israeli Government not pursuing a two-state solution and how discussions on trade will be used to pursue this objective.
James Cleverly
The UK enjoys a trade relationship with both Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We put human rights at the heart of our foreign policy when it comes to Israel and OPTs, continuing to hold our position on the desirability of a two-state solution.
Session: Israel and Palestine
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Whether he has had recent discussions with his Israeli counterpart on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He noted concerns over security operations and called for de-escalation of tension.
Context
The MP questioned recent discussions with Israel on human rights issues, prompted by ongoing tensions and incidents of violence.
James Cleverly
Our strong bilateral relationship with Israel means that we can speak frankly about human rights issues. On 7 April, I condemned the indiscriminate rocket attacks directed at Israel and expressed condolences for the victims of a terrorist attack.
Session: Israel and Palestine
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Last week, the OBR published its report stating that Brexit means a 4% shrinkage in the UK economy and a 15% decline in trade. Is it time to acknowledge the irreparable harm caused by Brexit?
Context
The Office for Budget Responsibility's report indicates that Brexit will shrink the UK economy by 4% and reduce trade by 15%. This question follows an initial assessment of the impact of withdrawal from the EU.
Victoria Atkins
The Government are focused on seizing opportunities provided by Brexit, including new freeports and trade deals. They have secured 71 new trade deals with non-EU countries and invested £8.6 million in Scotland's festival economy.
Session: Withdrawal from the EU Economic Impact
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What recent assessment has his Department made of the impact of withdrawal from the EU on the economy? The Office for Budget Responsibility's report states that Brexit will shrink the UK economy by 4% and trade will go down by 15%. Is it time to admit that Brexit has caused irreparable harm?
Context
The Office for Budget Responsibility's report indicates that Brexit will shrink the UK economy by 4% and reduce trade by 15%. This question follows an initial assessment of the impact of withdrawal from the EU.
Victoria Atkins
The Government are focused on seizing opportunities provided by Brexit, including new freeports and trade deals. They have secured 71 new trade deals with non-EU countries and invested £8.6 million in Scotland's festival economy.
Session: Withdrawal from the EU Economic Impact
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In light of recent reports by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and B'Tselem accusing Israeli authorities of committing apartheid, along with plans for effective annexation of the West Bank and appointments of violently racist Ministers in Israel, is it time to step up diplomatic pressure on Israel?
Context
The questioner references recent reports from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, B'Tselem, the publication of plans to annex the West Bank, and the appointment of ministers accused of racism.
David Rutley
We do not recognise the terminology about apartheid. Any judgment on serious crimes under international law is a matter for judicial decision, rather than Governments or non-judicial bodies. We condemn incidents of violence by settlers against Palestinians.
Session: Israel and Palestine
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What recent assessment has been made of Israel's compliance with its obligations under international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories?
Context
Recent reports by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and B'Tselem accuse the Israeli authorities of committing crimes against Palestinians.
David Rutley
As a friend of Israel, we have regular dialogue on human rights and all matters relating to the occupation. We encourage the Government of Israel to abide by their obligations under international law. We are concerned about instability in the West Bank and call for urgent de-escalation.
Session: Israel and Palestine
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It is obviously disappointing that the Department does not collect those statistics given that the paragraph in question specifically relates to Government policy. I do not expect an answer today, but perhaps the Minister can write to me on the number of instances when decisions were subject to challenge at either the first-tier tribunal or upper tribunal and how much the Department spent in legal costs defending each challenge.
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of detailed statistics on FOI requests denied under specific exemptions, particularly in relation to government policy formulation. He also seeks information on legal costs associated with defending decisions challenged at tribunals.
Brendan Clarke-Smith
I thank the hon. Member for his question. I remind him that responses are handled in line with the legislation, which includes applying the relevant exemptions where applicable. Parliament has agreed that certain sensitive information should be protected from disclosure, including information relating to the formulation and development of Government policy. I am however happy to write to him and will try to provide him with as much information as possible.
Session: FOI Requests
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How many requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 have been denied by his Department citing an exemption under section 35(1)(a) of that Act in each of the last five years?
Context
The question relates to the number of FOI requests denied by the Cabinet Office under a specific exemption, with an emphasis on transparency and accountability in government operations.
Brendan Clarke-Smith
Statistics for the requests made under each subsection of section 35 are not held by the Cabinet Office. However, to assist the House, I will share the number of FOI requests refused under the entirety of section 35 in each of the last five years. In 2021, 150 FOI requests were refused. In 2020, there were 142; in 2019, 67; in 2018, 81; and in 2017, 63.
Session: FOI Requests
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Let us be clear that independent estimates tell us there will be a £4 billion difference in funding. Will the Secretary of State admit this is another Brexit broken promise?
Context
Independent estimates suggest a £4 billion funding difference over five years due to leaving the EU.
Simon Hart
Settlement for Wales has improved from £15.9 billion to £18 billion, plus additional levelling-up fund, community renewal fund, and other EU tail-off funds. Total investment is £300 million above previous levels.
Session: Levelling-up Fund and Shared Prosperity Fund
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What comparative assessment has been made of the equity of allocations from the levelling-up fund and shared prosperity fund to Wales compared to the rest of the UK?
Context
Independent estimates suggest a £4 billion difference in funding for Wales over five years due to leaving the EU.
Simon Hart
Wales is benefiting greatly, receiving above its population share from all three funds: 7% in the levelling-up fund first round, 9% in the community ownership fund, and a remarkable 23% of the UK community renewal fund.
Session: Levelling-up Fund and Shared Prosperity Fund
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The Foreign Office tells me it has spent £54 million with a company called Adam Smith International, but it will not tell me on what the money was spent. Can the Minister assure me that he will provide details of any contracts his Department has with Adam Smith International with regard to Afghanistan? There has clearly been a failure of nation-building in Afghanistan, and this Parliament needs to consider whether that failure is related to the organisations that were chosen to implement Government policy and the programmes they developed on the ground. May I ask for further assurance that the cloak of national security will not be used to withhold information?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the lack of transparency regarding £54 million spent by the Foreign Office with Adam Smith International, which is believed to have been involved in reconstruction activities in Afghanistan.
James Heappey
As I said, the Ministry of Defence did not contract with companies to undertake state-building activity. I will clarify whether Adam Smith International had any role in anything we might count as reconstruction. The hon Gentleman mentioned the Foreign Office, and his question might be better addressed to colleagues there.
Session: Afghanistan Reconstruction and State-building Contracts
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If he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the private companies contracted by his Department for (a) reconstruction and (b) state-building during the UK's involvement in Afghanistan.
Context
The question stems from a need to assess the effectiveness of private companies contracted for reconstruction and state-building activities during the UK's military operations in Afghanistan.
James Heappey
The Ministry of Defence did not contract private companies to undertake state-building as part of UK military operations in Afghanistan. Reconstruction activity could take many forms and could be commissioned in many ways, both from within the MOD and from elsewhere in Government. Does the hon Gentleman have a particular company in mind?
Session: Afghanistan Reconstruction and State-building Contracts
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Last week, a High Court judge refused the Cabinet Office permission to appeal against a first-tier tribunal decision that it should release information to me, under freedom of information legislation, in relation to the work it had been doing on opinion research in Scotland with regard to attitudes to the Union. Will the Cabinet Office now comply with that ruling and finally release the information that it has paid for with taxpayers' money?
Context
MP seeks information from the Cabinet Office about opinion research in Scotland regarding attitudes to the Union.
Nigel Adams
The Government regularly commission research in different parts of the UK to understand public attitudes and behaviours, to inform our campaigns and policies in development. The Scottish Government conduct similar research, for the same reasons. We will set out our response to the court's decision in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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Is it time to tell us what was found out about Scottish people's views on the state of the Union?
Context
Concern over the refusal to publish research findings about public opinion on the Union.
Alister Jack
As I have said before at this Dispatch Box, that is a matter for the Cabinet Office, and I suggest the hon. Gentleman raises it at Cabinet Office questions.
Session: Strength of the Union
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Will the Chancellor allow Scottish key workers to keep the full value of their bonuses given by the Scottish Government?
Context
The UK Government's decision affects Scottish key workers' bonus payments under the Scotland Act.
Steve Barclay
The UK Government's approach is similar to recent actions in Wales. The Scottish Government can increase payment values if they wish net payments of £500.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given that the Cabinet Office refused to answer my written questions within agreed timescales, will you confirm if your Department undertakes opinion polling into public attitudes towards the Union and commit to putting taxpayer-funded research in the public domain?
Context
The Cabinet Office delayed responses to written questions about opinion polling on the Union.
Michael Gove
First, I apologise for any delay in answering your written questions. Research reveals that people believe Governments should work together on issues like covid-19 and the good co-operation with the Scottish Government will continue.
Session: Policy on International Law Strength of the Union
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How does the Secretary of State respect the devolution settlement while allowing the UK Government to make spending decisions in Wales?
Context
The Bill is seen as giving the UK Government power to make spending decisions in Wales.
Simon Hart (Secretary of State for Wales)
Claims nationalists are focused on politics, whereas Bill is about jobs and economy. Welsh Government will not lose any powers; 70 new ones will be added. UK Government support enhances the economy post-covid.
Session: UK Internal Market
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Historically, the role of Secretary of State for Scotland has been to argue for more decisions to be made in Scotland. Does the current Secretary of State not feel ashamed and embarrassed to be the first incumbent of this office to actually argue for things to happen the other way around? Does he not realise that by so doing, he will make the argument for political independence for Scotland far better that those of us on the SNP Benches can?
Context
Historically, Secretaries of State for Scotland have argued for more decisions to be made locally. The current Secretary of State is seen as arguing against this principle.
Alister Jack
I utterly disagree with the hon. Gentleman. This legislation strengthens the United Kingdom. Scotland does 60% of her trade with the rest of the UK—over £50 billion. We want to protect that trade. We want to improve the Scottish economy. In no way is a single power being removed from the Scottish Government. It is quite the contrary: powers are being increased.
Session: Strengthening the Union
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To have trust and confidence in our democracy, the people of the United Kingdom need openness and transparency. If the Government have nothing to hide, why do they continue to refuse to release this report?
Context
The National Security Council's report has been ready for publication since October 2019 but remains unpublished.
James Heappey, Minister for Defence Procurement
The security committee is not yet formed, which is why the report has not yet been published.
Session: Covid-19 Tackling Disinformation
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What steps is the Government taking to help tackle disinformation in the context of the covid-19 pandemic?
Context
Disinformation in the context of the ongoing pandemic.
James Heappey, Minister for Defence Procurement
The MOD supports the Government's campaign against covid-19 disinformation by providing specialist personnel in advisory roles. This work is led by the Cabinet Office and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and the Government also works closely with social media platforms and academia to tackle this issue.
Session: Covid-19 Tackling Disinformation
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What steps is the government taking to support businesses in Northern Ireland as they prepare for the conclusion of the transition period? The Prime Minister's stance contrasts with Michel Barnier's views on customs declarations, and the need for clarity and preparation is stressed.
Context
Discussion on the end of the transition period and business readiness.
Brandon Lewis (Minister without Portfolio)
We will not extend the transition period. Detailed support plans from HMRC for Northern Ireland businesses engaging in new administrative processes will be issued this summer, ensuring unfettered access to UK markets post-transition.
Session: Business Support Transition Period
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Given the unlawful decision made by the Secretary of State, how does he expect the public to have confidence in planning procedures? Also, why is it appropriate for him to remain in post during a police investigation?
Context
The Secretary of State acted unlawfully by overruling a local authority to grant planning permission for a development.
Robert Jenrick (Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government)
I am happy to clarify a number of those points, the vast majority of which were factually incorrect. I understand that a Labour Member of the House of Lords did make an allegation to the police. That was swiftly assessed by members of the Metropolitan police, and they informed me that there were no criminal matters to investigate and they had no intention of taking it further. I would welcome the hon. Gentleman withdrawing that suggestion. I entirely stand behind the decision that I made. I made it with an open mind, because we want to see more homes built in this country and in particular in our capital city. This development would have led to 1,500 homes and 250 affordable homes.
Session: Topical Questions
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To enable restart and recovery, will the UK facilitate that the Scottish Parliament seeks additional powers under the devolution settlement?
Context
The question is about facilitating or restricting the ability of the Scottish Parliament to seek additional powers under the devolution settlement, particularly regarding economic recovery.
Michael Gove (The Secretary of State for Cabinet Office)
We know that if Scotland were independent, it would have one of the largest budget deficits in Europe. It is only in the interests of the Scottish people to maintain our Union and the power of the Treasury to support citizens across the UK.
Session: Topical Questions
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I note that today's announcement by the Department for International Trade does not change agricultural tariffs, so how will DEFRA Ministers ensure that the new tariff regimes after Brexit continue to favour our long-established and profitable trade in that sector with member states of the European Union? How will they ensure that the tariffs prevent our marketplace from being flooded with low-quality products from elsewhere in the world?
Context
The MP notes the announcement by the Department for International Trade regarding new tariff regimes after Brexit. He questions how DEFRA Ministers will ensure these tariffs continue to favor long-established and profitable EU trade sectors while preventing lower-quality imports from other countries.
George Eustice
The UK global tariff retains tariffs for key agricultural products, including sensitive items. We seek to grant tariff-free access to EU trading partners through a free trade agreement and maintain tariffs to protect the market from low-standard products from other countries.
Session: Financial Support for Food Producers
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What additional financial support does he plan to provide to food producers to mitigate the effect of the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
The MP noted the severe economic impact of the covid-19 outbreak on UK food producers. He highlighted the need for additional financial assistance to help them recover and sustain their operations.
George Eustice
We are working closely with agriculture and fishing industries to manage negative impacts of covid-19. In addition to HM Treasury's support packages, DEFRA has announced schemes for dairy and fishing sectors, continuing to monitor other areas.
Session: Financial Support for Food Producers
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Bishops in the House of Lords
06 July 2023
Responding: Alex Burghart
Main Concerns
['Mr. Tommy Sheppard is concerned about the automatic right of the Church of England to guaranteed representation at the heart of power, which he argues does not have public legitimacy in a democratic 21st-century context where a clear majority of citizens do not identify with that Church. He points out that there are only two countries in the world where clerics are automatically guaranteed a place in the legislature and highlights the influence of bishops on socially conservative issues. He also raises concerns about the conflict of interest rules for Lords Spiritual, noting that they have an unfair advantage over other Members of the House of Lords.']
Specific Asks
["Mr. Sheppard calls for a review of the arrangement to ensure it is in line with current societal norms and argues for the removal of the Church of England's representation in the House of Lords without necessarily disestablishing the Church itself. He also suggests that this debate should inform broader discussions on lords reform."]
Israel and Gaza
20 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Immigration and Asylum Bill - Clause dealing with Rwanda
12 December 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government are implementing measures to reduce illegal immigration, noting that small boat arrivals across the Channel have decreased by a third while they increased in other European regions such...
Israel-Hamas War: Diplomacy
11 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel (Promotion and Implementation of Divestment, Boycotts and Sanctions) Bill - First clause of the Bill
03 July 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities moved that the bill be read a Second time. He paid tribute to Lord Kerslake who passed away recently. The Bill's purpose is to honour a...
Public Order Act 2023
16 May 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories
20 April 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Human Rights Protections: Palestinians
20 April 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Illegal Migration Update
29 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Immigration and Border Security Bill - Clause 1
13 March 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for the Home Department proposes to amend the Human Rights Act by introducing the Immigration and Border Security Bill. The aim is to address illegal migration via small boats a...
Illegal Migration Bill
07 March 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
4
PMQs Asked
42
Ministerial Questions Asked
46
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
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
+847% above average
This MP:
46
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 Tommy Sheppard's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.