Topical Questions 2024-05-23

2024-05-23

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
The MP is concerned about the £5 million in funding allocated to her area at the spring Budget and wants to ensure its timely use before the general election.
I thank the Secretary of State for all her work with my team in Redditch. Can she confirm that, despite the tight timelines, we can ensure that the £5 million in funding is able to be made use of by as many local groups as possible before we break for the general election?
My hon. Friend is a huge campaigner. She was awarded £5 million at the spring Budget to support the development of cultural projects in her area. It is a matter for each council to identify the most suitable project to be funded in their area, and I am sure she will work very closely with them to ensure that funding will be distributed appropriately.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm timeline or specific actions beyond general statements
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
The MP acknowledges past courteous interactions but highlights issues affecting the creative industries, such as venue closures and cost-of-living struggles.
I hope that it is in order for me to thank all the ministerial team for when they have been absolutely courteous to us and when we have been able to work together on matters. I particularly pay tribute to the Under-Secretary of State, the right hon. Member for Pudsey (Stuart Andrew), who is not only a gent, but a champ. However, we have two music venues closing every week; British artists prevented from touring in Europe; the UK art market falling from second to third in the world; A-level music students down by 45%; museums and galleries struggling with the cost of living; ballerinas told to retrain; theatre and opera touring slashed; and an apprenticeship levy that does not work for the creative industries. Was that all part of the plan? Or, in the words of RuPaul, is it not time for this appalling Government to sashay away?
There are tax reliefs for every subsector of the creative industries. Whether it is film, studios, independent film or grassroots support, we have supported the creative industries at every level. We have a plan from the first day of primary school to the last day of work. That is what we are doing for our sectors.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address any specific issues mentioned and instead restated general support
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Chris Bryant Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of recent water supply issues on the local tourism industry.
The reputation of Torbay's iconic tourism sector has been badly hit by recent events relating to local water supplies. What discussions has the Minister had with colleagues in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs about ensuring that support is provided and paid for by South West Water to compensate for that?
I know that the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Robbie Moore), whom I met earlier this week, is very engaged in this issue, and our stakeholders in the south-west and Visit England are looking into any necessary information that they can give to tourists. They will continue to keep that under review, but I empathise deeply with local businesses, particularly tourism businesses, and residents.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide concrete details on compensation or specific actions taken by South West Water
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Context
The MP acknowledges past collaborative efforts with Liam Laurence Smyth and asks about the status of the Media Bill before the general election.
Can I thank our shadow Culture Secretary? I am proud of the work that he has done and that I have been able to do alongside him on behalf of the SNP and the people of Scotland. Mr Speaker, can I also echo your comments about Liam Laurence Smyth? The number of times I have gone to Liam and said, “I want to get up to some mischief, can you help me?” I have really appreciated all the advice that he has given me. I would like to ask the Secretary of State whether the Media Bill will be part of wash-up, because a number of organisations, including STV, have contacted me this morning asking for it to be.
That is certainly what I am pressing for and I am very grateful to the hon. Member for her support to ensure that that happens.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on progress or timeline for wash-up
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Kirsty Blackman SNP
Aberdeen North
Context
The MP wants to ensure that residents across the country can support Team GB as enthusiastically as if the Olympics were being held domestically.
With the Olympics happening in Paris in the forthcoming months, what work is the Minister doing to ensure that the residents of Uxbridge and South Ruislip, and those across the whole country, get to support GB as passionately as if the games were being held on our shores?
We are all looking forward to the Olympics and good luck to Team GB. UK Sport invested £382 million of Exchequer and lottery funding for the Paris Olympics. We also want to ensure, with the change maker programme initiative, that when our athletes come back from the Paris games, they give back to communities such as those of my hon. Friend.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions or timeline for encouraging local support during the Olympics
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Context
The Guardian reports that UK bands touring in the EU have decreased by 74% due to increased costs post-Brexit. Music venues and festivals are closing because of rising operational costs.
Does the Secretary of State see just how the Government have failed the music industry? Is it not time for a Labour Government, who will support our excellent musicians, our venues and our festivals?
When I first joined the Department, the industry was very vocal about some of the challenges of touring, and we methodically worked through those challenges to make sure that some of them were eased. We have also supported grassroots venues.
Assessment & feedback
Did not acknowledge failure towards music industry or commitment to support musicians beyond supporting venues
Response accuracy
Q7 Direct Answer
Context
In his constituency, Paul Howell has local grassroots football teams like Newton Aycliffe and Ferryhill Town youth, which are well supported by local organizations.
Does the Minister agree how critical it is that money flows down the football pyramid, and will she congratulate Newton Aycliffe on their achievements and commend the local paper for its backing?
I commend Newton Aycliffe and Ferryhill Town youth football clubs for their recent successes, both off and on the pitch. It is great to hear that my hon. Friend has been engaging with organisations such as the Football Foundation.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Helen Hayes Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Context
The Conservative Government cut local authority expenditure on youth services by 73% in real terms since 2010. This has a profound impact on young people's opportunities.
Will the Secretary of State admit just how profoundly the Tories have failed our young people, and acknowledge that only a Labour Government can restore hope and opportunity for young people across this country?
In addition to the £500 million in the national youth guarantee, which is supporting young people across the country, we are approaching youth in a cross-departmental way.
Assessment & feedback
Did not admit failure towards young people and did not commit to restoring hope through a Labour government
Response accuracy
Q9 Direct Answer
Context
Kyren Wilson, a Kettering resident, has become the new world snooker champion.
Will the Minister for sport join me in congratulating Kettering resident Kyren Wilson on becoming the new world snooker champion, and in hoping that his success will encourage people to take up snooker?
My hon. Friend is right to pay tribute to the success of Kyren Wilson. The people of Kettering must be incredibly proud of him, and I hope that he will inspire more people to take up snooker.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
The special impartiality rules apply during the election period to ensure accurate representation of public policy and multi-party democracy.
What steps will the Government take to ensure robust regulation of the special impartiality rules that apply during the election period?
The hon. Member will know that all broadcasters are regulated by Ofcom.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps for regulation beyond referring to Ofcom's role
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
Cotgrave football club requires funding from Sport England to build a 4G all-weather pitch, which would enable them to qualify as a level 3 club.
Can the Secretary of State help us resolve this chicken-and-egg situation so that Cotgrave football club can secure the funding it needs and provide access to football for even more people?
My hon. Friend has raised that with me in the past, and I have spoken to my officials. I encourage her to continue to liaise with the Football Foundation to understand what might be possible.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly commit to resolving Cotgrave's funding issue but suggested continuing communication
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
Huddersfield has a rich tradition of music and the arts, including the Huddersfield Choral Society, brass bands, and an international festival.
Is there any special money for communities that have a rich tradition of music and the arts? Could we have special money for towns such as mine, which would give a boost to the whole country for the arts?
We have special money for areas across the country, because every year the Arts Council has £444 million to spend.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm specific allocation of funds for towns like Huddersfield with rich arts traditions but mentioned general funding available through the Arts Council
Response accuracy