Topical Questions 2022-03-17
2022-03-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The government has taken actions to clamp down on Russian interests, including detaining private jets and investigating yachts. However, further details are requested.
I am concerned about the actions taken by my department regarding Russian interests in the UK, particularly the detention of private jets and investigation of yachts linked to Putin's cronies. What is the government doing to ensure these individuals cannot leave or benefit from their assets here?
We have detained private jets that we believe are owned by, or connected to, Putin's cronies. We are investigating a small number of yachts moored in this country which we suspect are linked to Russian oligarchs. Steps are being taken to ensure these assets cannot be used and investigations are ongoing. 10 Russian-linked ships have been turned away or redirected on their course, and eight ships or their companies have severed their Russian ties.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Transport for London has warned it will cut services if long-term funding is not provided. Previous bailouts were given to private rail companies.
I declare my interest as a former employee of London Transport. TfL warns cuts are imminent without long-term funding. Despite offering 18 months of bail-outs to private rail companies, no similar deal has been made with TfL. When will the government stop playing political games and provide TfL with a long-term funding agreement?
We have given £5 billion-worth of support to TfL, which is an incredibly fair settlement. While we should see what happens with the pandemic before discussing longer-term settlements, I note that capital grants are under consideration. The long-term funding agreement will be discussed after the pandemic.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Commitment for long-term funding was not provided
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Midlands Connect proposed improvements to the A50-A500 corridor, crucial for Staffordshire's economy. Focus on junction 15 on the M6.
The A50-A500 corridor is vital to north Staffordshire's economy. Improvements are necessary for levelling-up agenda goals. May I ask you to welcome Midlands Connect's proposals and discuss any plans or conversations with National Highways regarding improvements at junction 15 on the M6?
We are keen to ensure improvements along the A50-A500 corridor. We will continue working with National Highways on proposals from Midlands Connect, including efforts at Junction 15 on the M6. Specific plans and conversations are ongoing.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitments or timelines were not provided for junction improvements
Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Worrying news about P&O Ferries being called to port by DP World seeking long-term viability. Potential major disruptions and redundancies.
I am looking forward to St Patrick's Day. Concerning developments at P&O Ferries suggest potential significant disruption and staff redundancy. Can you provide an update on any discussions with DP World or P&O Ferries about the situation, particularly regarding avoiding foreign cheap labour replacements?
Operations at P&O Ferries have been temporarily paused causing disruption. Discussions are ongoing with the Kent resilience forum, and officials will engage in urgent discussions with P&O about the situation to address concerns for workers.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specifics on avoiding foreign cheap labour replacements were not provided
Under Consideration
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Thousands of electric vehicle charging points are being installed in Basingstoke town centre, but there is no off-street parking for many residents.
Thousandsof electric car charging points have been installed in Basingstoke. What support does the government offer to people without off-street parking access to residential charging points?
£2.5 billion has been committed since 2020 to support transition to zero emission vehicles, offsetting higher up-front costs and accelerating transport infrastructure roll-out. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's work is being spread across the country.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specifics on residential charging point installation were not provided
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Drivers are frustrated with delays caused by council and Network Rail for more than two months due to a bridge painting project in my constituency.
My constituency has been gridlocked for over two months because of a bridge painting job. Drivers and businesses have suffered significant losses. Before the Commonwealth games, will you agree to meet me to prevent similar disruptions?
I will take time to look into this matter further and write to the hon. Member.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment for a meeting was not provided
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Proposed move of GBR headquarters to the east midlands is seen as a levelling-up opportunity. Wellingborough, with its rich rail heritage and newly electrified railway, is suggested.
The proposal to relocate Great British Railways headquarters from London to the East Midlands is significant for levelling up. Considering Wellingborough's railway history, recent electrification, station development potential, and council support, will you announce today that the GBR HQ should be in Wellingborough?
While tempted by the suggestion, competition for the GBR headquarters has closed. We are reviewing fantastic bids from local authorities and will announce the shortlist soon.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Announcement of Wellingborough as HQ was not made
Under Consideration
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The West Midlands wants to buy hydrogen buses, and Northern Ireland wants to build them. There is a concern that the Department's officials have a negative attitude towards hydrogen technology.
There is a groundbreaking hydrogen industry in Britain but the Chinese are leading in electric bus technology. The West Midlands wants to buy hydrogen buses, and Northern Ireland wants to build them. Can the Secretary of State address this issue?
I am delighted to hear of the right hon. Member's enthusiasm for hydrogen, which I share. We are committed to rolling out a decarbonised transport economy, and there is equal enthusiasm in the Department. I will look into the scheme mentioned and get back to him.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific ask about sorting out negative attitudes within the Department.
We Are Committed To
I Will Look Into It
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
▸
Context
There is ongoing refurbishment and improvement work at Kettering railway station.
When will the canopy restoration works be completed at Kettering railway station, and what other refurbishments and improvements are planned for it?
The Kettering station canopy works are due to be completed in April. A new national rail contract is being negotiated that will consider future investment plans.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Disruption caused by HS2 contractors has misled property owners, gone against reassurances given, and started work without permission.
Will the Minister remind HS2 Ltd that its pledge to be a good neighbour is not just a slogan and demand action?
The Minister will relay the message to HS2 Ltd. There is a meeting at 2 pm today with the CEO of HS2 Ltd, Mark Thurston, where he will be welcome.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific ask about reminding HS2 Ltd.
I Will Relay His Message
He Will Be Welcome
Response accuracy
Q11
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Four cyclists have died on Oxfordshire's roads recently, leading to a push for more funding from the Government.
Will the Minister consider meeting me to discuss how we can keep Oxfordshire cyclists safe?
The Government have promised £2 billion of investment in active travel over this Parliament. The Minister would be willing to meet her to discuss the work of Active Travel England and how they are rolling out transport infrastructure.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Andy Burnham's original GM clean air zone plan is facing criticism for placing unsustainable financial burdens on businesses.
What steps is the Minister taking with colleagues from DEFRA to ensure that Mr Burnham's desire to create a large clean air charging zone does not place financial burdens?
The Minister agrees with his hon. Friend that Andy Burnham needs to go back to the drawing board on this.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific ask about taking measures against financial burdens.
Andy Burnham Needs To Go Back To The Drawing Board
Response accuracy
Q13
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Unite workers refused to unload Russian oil at Stanlow in Cheshire.
Will the Minister join me in congratulating Unite on refusing to unload Russian oil, and what further measures is the Secretary of State applying?
Yes, I do join the hon. Member in congratulating them. The Minister wrote to all ports asking not to allow in Russian ships or Russian-connected ships, making this country unique with a Russian-connected ban.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Mayor of London decided to remove the car park at Cockfosters station.
Will my right hon. Friend use his action as a means to stop car parks being removed at termini throughout London?
The Minister's action with regard to Cockfosters station was due to the plan removing all but 12 car parking spaces. He encourages the Mayor of London to come forward with better plans.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific ask about using it as a precedent.
I Encourage The Mayor Of London
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The most recent NatCen baseline report shows the UK is far from having a fully accessible and inclusive transport system, with missed deadlines for reporting accessibility failures.
I am concerned about the progress of the Government's Inclusive Transport Strategy. The deadline to report accessibility failures has been missed, the consultation on bus stops has been paused, and the stakeholder group hasn't met in over a year. How many staff are working full time on these commitments?
The hon. Lady raises good questions about access on rail and bus stops. We are working to improve accessibility through signage and communication facilities for disabilities. I will write a detailed response addressing each of her questions.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific statistics, timelines, or staffing numbers were not provided.
I Will Write To The Hon. Lady With Details.
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Minister previously stated that he is meeting trade union representatives of the bus driver industry.
Can the Minister confirm that he regularly meets with trade union representatives for bus drivers? Has his Department assessed the impact of low bus driver wages on recruitment and retention?
The roads Minister, Baroness Vere, is regularly meeting trade representatives. Private sector companies run most bus operations; thus, it's not for the government to dictate wages except through minimum wage laws.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm meetings with union reps or assess impact of pay levels on recruitment and retention.
It Is Not For The Government To Dictate Wages In The Private Sector.
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The French Government have decided that car advertisements must now encourage consumers to use more environmentally friendly modes of transport.
Will the UK Government consider implementing a similar policy where car ads must promote alternatives like walking, cycling, and public transport?
Our decarbonisation plan aims to encourage short journeys in towns and cities by 2030 through walking or cycling. We have set up Active Travel England, led by Chris Boardman.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm if the UK will adopt French policy for car ads.
I Would Be Happy To Meet The Hon. Gentleman To Explain That In More Detail.
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Scottish Government are investing 10% of their total transport capital budget in active travel options.
Why hasn't the UK Government's active travel budget matched Scotland's funding ambitions for active travel infrastructure?
We are investing £2 billion in “Gear Change” and our active travel priorities. We work closely with devolved Administrations to address climate issues.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide details on why the UK's budget doesn't match Scotland's, nor specific numbers or timelines for future investment.
We Can All Learn From Each Other.
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Today, P&O Ferries announced there will be no sailings due to partial Russian ownership of the company. This affects constituents unable to travel between Cairnryan and Larne.
What urgent steps can the Government take regarding P&O Ferries' disruption? Will a statement be made in the Chamber soon?
This emerging story is causing concern. I will stay in contact and take appropriate steps, and I am happy to meet with the hon. Gentleman.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify any urgent actions or timelines for a statement in Parliament.
I Will Stay In Regular Contact.
Response accuracy