Alan Brown Portrait

Alan Brown

Scottish National Party - Kilmarnock and Loudoun

First elected: 7th May 2015


Business and Trade Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 12th Sep 2023
Business and Trade Sub-Committee on National Security and Investment
28th Jun 2022 - 12th Sep 2023
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Mar 2023 - 4th Sep 2023
Energy Bill [HL]
17th May 2023 - 29th Jun 2023
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Energy and Industrial Strategy)
12th Dec 2022 - 1st Mar 2023
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Energy and Climate Change)
7th Jan 2020 - 12th Dec 2022
Pension Dashboards (Prohibition of Indemnification) Bill
19th Oct 2022 - 26th Oct 2022
Nuclear Energy (Financing) Bill
9th Nov 2021 - 25th Nov 2021
Education (Careers Guidance in Schools) Bill
22nd Sep 2021 - 27th Oct 2021
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Energy)
1st Jul 2018 - 7th Jan 2020
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Transport)
20th Jun 2017 - 7th Jan 2020
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Infrastructure and Energy)
20th Jun 2017 - 1st Jul 2018
European Scrutiny Committee
28th Nov 2016 - 3rd May 2017


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Alan Brown has voted in 652 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Alan Brown Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Greg Hands (Conservative)
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
(78 debate interactions)
Andrew Bowie (Conservative)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
(76 debate interactions)
Penny Mordaunt (Conservative)
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
(43 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
HM Treasury
(147 debate contributions)
Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
(113 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(107 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Nuclear Energy (Financing) Act 2022
(21,507 words contributed)
Energy Act 2023
(20,398 words contributed)
United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020
(3,819 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Alan Brown's debates

Kilmarnock and Loudoun Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

The Government needs to take back ownership of strategic energy assets. It needs to accept that the Free Market has failed the energy sector, that it is in the national interest to renationalise our energy assets. The Government must therefore renationalise all the UK energy assets.

Air pollution kills 64,000 people in the UK every year, yet the Government provides annual fossil fuel subsidies of £10.5 billion, according to the European Commission. To meet UK climate targets, the Government must end this practice and introduce charges on producers of greenhouse gas emissions.

The SNP government appears solely intent on getting independence at any cost.


Latest EDMs signed by Alan Brown

6th December 2023
Alan Brown signed this EDM on Monday 18th March 2024

Government Property Agency, ISS and outsourced workers

Tabled by: John McDonnell (Labour - Hayes and Harlington)
That this House is extremely concerned about the Government Property Agency’s handling of the transfer of facilities management services from Mitie to ISS with respect to the implications for workers whose employment has transferred; notes that the pay arrangements for cleaners and caterers are being shifted from a monthly to …
48 signatures
(Most recent: 18 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 23
Scottish National Party: 20
Independent: 3
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
Liberal Democrat: 1
Green Party: 1
21st February 2024
Alan Brown signed this EDM on Thursday 22nd February 2024

No confidence in the Speaker

Tabled by: William Wragg (Conservative - Hazel Grove)
That this House has no confidence in Mr Speaker.
91 signatures
(Most recent: 4 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 45
Scottish National Party: 41
Plaid Cymru: 3
Independent: 2
View All Alan Brown's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Alan Brown, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Alan Brown has not been granted any Urgent Questions

2 Adjournment Debates led by Alan Brown

Monday 19th February 2024
Thursday 8th July 2021

5 Bills introduced by Alan Brown


A Bill to require the Government and Ofgem to conduct and act on a review of the electricity transmission grid and associated charges, to include consideration of abolishing charge differentials based on geographic location, incentivising renewable energy generation to maximise energy output, and minimising the passing on of charge fluctuation risk to consumers in the form of higher prices; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 18th March 2022

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to publish proposals for a compensation scheme for women born between 6 April 1950 and 5 April 1960 inclusive who have been affected by increases in the state pension age; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 7th February 2024
(Read Debate)
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 19th April 2024
Order Paper number: 10
(Unlikely to be Debated - would require unanimous consent to progress)

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision about multi-employer pension schemes, including provision for the protection of unincorporated businesses, such as plumbing businesses, from certain multi-employer pension scheme liabilities; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 24th January 2018
(Read Debate)

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to require the Secretary of State to review the conduct of Home Energy and Lifestyle Management Ltd in relation to the Green Deal; to require the Secretary of State to report on the merits of a scheme guaranteed by Her Majesty’s Government to compensate persons mis-sold loans under the Green Deal; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Tuesday 22nd January 2019
(Read Debate)

A Bill to make provision to safeguard, and for the release of, cash retentions in the construction industry; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 26th April 2017
(Read Debate)

Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
47 Other Department Questions
17th Jul 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what recent estimate the Commission has made of the cost of the equipment upgrades in eight rooms of Portcullis House; and what will be included in these equipment upgrades.

Over the summer the eight rooms will receive an upgrade to:

a. Lighting

b. The controls for lighting, heating, and cooling


The cost of the upgrade to the eight rooms is £277,000.

14th Jul 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many incidents there have been relating to (a) leaks, (b) broken panels and (c) structural defects involving the glass atrium roof on Portcullis House in each of the last five years; and if he will provide details of those incidents.

Over the last five years, there have been 12 recorded leaks related to the glass atrium roof: three in 2021, four in 2022, and five in 2023. There have been three breakages: two in 2019 and one in July 2023.

We are currently reviewing this data as part of the Portcullis House roof project. A report on the glass atrium roof has been commissioned and is due in August 2023.

14th Jul 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the estimated cost is for the proposed Portcullis House upgrades for (a) the building’s mechanical and electrical systems, (b) the roof, (c) committee rooms, (d) AV upgrades, (e) atrium lighting and blinds and (f) refurbishment of lifts as of 14 July 2023.

I refer the hon. Member to PQ 180021 which I answered on 3 May 2023. The report on the Portcullis House roof referred to in that answer is due in August 2023.

14th Jul 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the estimated cost is for the new fire doors for Richmond House, as of 14 July 2023.

The cost for the three new fire doors is approximately £110,000. This figure includes the installation cost, including the work required to the frames and surrounding structure for the doors.

14th Jul 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the estimated cost is of the proposed new lighting installations for the Terrace to facilitate marking chosen events by lighting up the Palace façade, as on 14 July 2023.

The estimated cost of the proposed new lighting installations for the Terrace is £361,488.

Work will take place over the Summer to install LED lighting and controls on the Terrace. This will allow Parliament to mark chosen events by lighting up the Palace façade.

The current lighting system is not powerful or flexible enough, so we are required to bring in a specialist each time to do a temporary installation. This also means that we can only commit to certain events. The new system will give us flexibility and allow us to respond more speedily to emergent events, should Parliament wish to. Long term the new system will be cheaper than bringing in a consultant each time.

14th Jul 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the estimated cost is of the New Palace Yard enhancements including the security upgrades, as of 14 July 2023.

We are unable to provide the financial information publicly as it is commercially sensitive. For security reasons we do not publish capital expenditure on security mitigating projects as providing this level of detail could enable an individual to infer the extent and nature of the works, and thus the vulnerabilities which they were intended to mitigate.

14th Jul 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the estimated cost is of the wi-fi upgrades being made across the Parliamentary estate as of 14 July 2023.

The House service approved the business case for a project to significantly improve Wi-Fi services across the estate in December 2022.

The Wi-Fi project will replace end-of-life hardware and upgrade services, to provide a seamless, simpler and better managed user experience for Members and staff, particularly for personal mobile devices in the form of a new Members and Staff Wi-Fi service and Guest Wi-Fi replacement for Internet Direct. This is supported by additional security and roaming service improvements, while also reducing operational overheads. Cost efficiencies are being gained by delivering this work alongside the Emergency Services Network project.

Improvements will take place across the Parliamentary Estate, prioritising Member facing areas and key areas of procedural and parliamentary business.

A breakdown of the costs per building is listed in the table below:

Building

Palace of Westminster

Millbank House

14 Tothill Street

6/7 Old Palace Yard

Education Centre

Total

Estates Cost

£22m

£2m

£1.8m

£0.4m

£0.7m

£27m


While Parlimentary Digital Service (PDS) are actively managing WI-FI provisions for all parliamentary buildings, any buildings not listed in the table above do not require the same interventions and as such are outside of the scope of this main Wi-Fi Project, with any issues tackled on a case-by-case basis.

The estimated cost including the whole life cost of the Wi-Fi upgrades being made across the Parliamentary estate by the Network and Wireless Project as of 14 July 2023 is listed in the table attached.

To date the project spend is £4.8m in project delivery (including some PDS costs from FY23/24), operational costs and depreciation. Risk and optimism bias costs are not included as they have not been spent.

14th Apr 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Restoration and Renewal Client Board, how much from the public purse has been spent on (a) building survey works and (b) ground investigation works for works associated with the restoration and renewal project as of 31 March 2023.

The R&R Programme is carrying out tens of thousands of hours of complex building surveys and investigations to develop even more detailed records of the Palace of Westminster. These records are being used to inform design and planning, and future decisions on the essential restoration work required.

Two of the intrusive surveys currently being undertaken, the Building Intrusive Survey and Pull Out Tests, are categorised as Building Survey Works. Third party contractor costs incurred to 31 March 2023 on these surveys are £0.3 million. Third party contractor costs incurred to 31 March 2023 on the ground investigation works are £0.6 million.

These figures do not include Delivery Authority internal staffing costs or the costs of the contractor planning and overseeing the survey programme because those costs cannot be disaggregated by individual survey.

All these surveys are ongoing and spend will continue beyond 1 April 2023.

14th Apr 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Restoration and Renewal Client Board, what the estimated cost is for drone surveys associated with the restoration and renewal project.

The R&R Programme is carrying out tens of thousands of hours of complex building surveys and investigations to develop even more detailed records of the Palace of Westminster. These records are being used to inform design and planning, and future decisions on the essential restoration work required.

Two intrusive surveys, the Photogrammetric and Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) surveys, have recently started which contain an element of drone surveys as well as other activities such as high-resolution photography. The total estimated cost of these surveys is £1 million although this covers a number of activities.

Due to how the activity schedules in these contracts are priced it is not possible to disaggregate the costs of the drone flights from the rest of the works being undertaken. However, it is anticipated that a significant portion of the costs will relate to the contractor resource required to deliver the surveys and the processing of the images taken (rather than the cost of the drones themselves).

This figure also does not include Delivery Authority internal staffing costs or the costs of the contractor planning and overseeing the overall survey programme because those costs cannot be disaggregated by individual survey.

14th Apr 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the cost was of the installation of rodent devices across the Estate in the last year.

The cost of rodent devices cannot be disaggregated from general pest control costs and is delivered on a bicameral basis. Pest control costs for the 2022 financial year are below:

Classification

Amount (Gross)

Amount (HoC)

Amount (HoL)

General controls

101,857

61,114

40,743

Consultancy

3,785

2,271

1,514

Bird Control

20,520

12,312

8,208

Total

126,162

75,697

50,465

1) Bird control costs vary from year to year as necessity fluctuates depending on the level of pests presenting a risk of damage to stonework.

2) General Controls include the cost of a full-time pest control technician and all traps and baits not covered elsewhere.

14th Apr 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the budget is for the Victoria Tower project.

This complex project on the 160-year-old tower will involve the full scaffolding of the tower, repairs to the stonework which currently poses a health and safety risk, as well as all other fabric conservation works that can be meaningfully undertaken from a scaffold. Subject to further detailed analysis, it is expected to cost between £170–£250 million. A firm budget within this range will be released for approval in line with the Parliamentary Governance approval process in early 2024.

14th Apr 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the cost was of rodent and pest control (a) measures and (b) services in each year since 2010.

Costs prior to 2012/13 are not available. The costs from 2012/13–2022/23 are provided as an attachment.

14th Apr 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the budget is for the (a) refurbishment of Norman Shaw North and (b) new glass atrium roof to be added over the courtyard.

The budget for the refurbishment of Norman Shaw North is £321.9m, with the new glass atrium roof to be added over the courtyard costing £3.6m.

14th Apr 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the budget is for work in Portcullis House on (a) mechanical and electrical systems, (b) the roof, (c) committee rooms, (d) AV upgrades, (e) atrium lighting and blinds and (f) refurbishment of lifts.

The budget for work in Portcullis House can be broken down as follows:

(a) mechanical and electrical systems

The latest business case for the lifecycle replacement of mechanical and electrical systems within Portcullis House presented a total project cost ranging between £129m and £143m. The project will undertake a series of lifecycle replacement works to mechanical and electrical systems within PCH, including, for example, systems linked to heating, cooling and ventilation. The scope also includes some works related to the Engineering Infrastructure Strategy which will provide benefits to the wider Northern Estate.

(b) the roof

The roof project is at the feasibility stage, investigating the defects within the glazed panel roof and the main roof. Following the investigation, options will be developed to address the findings. The project report is due mid-2023, the costs for these options are not known at this stage.

(c) committee rooms

As part of a larger Committee room project, four rooms in Portcullis House are being upgraded:

(i) Refurbishment of in-room ICT/AV infrastructure and furniture (including adaptations to furniture to accommodate new technology)

Room

Total budget, comprising:

(a) ICT/AV

(b) Furniture

Boothroyd Room

£520,000

£435,000

£85,000

Thatcher Room

£475,000

£405,000

£70,000

Wilson Room

£460,000

£390,000

£70,000


(ii) Refurbishment of staff table in the Grimond Room (ICT/AV and other furniture upgraded by previous project)

Grimond Room £5,500

The total budget for Portcullis House is £1,455,000.


(d) AV upgrade

A new bicameral audio-visual/video-conferencing facility is being implemented for all mainstream select committee rooms (the Centralised Video-Conferencing Facility (CVCF)) to provide and manage hybrid committee meetings for broadcast. It is not possible to apportion this cost by room or building. The total budget for this is £1,884,000 across both Houses.


(e) atrium lighting and blinds

25 luminaires within PCH atrium are being replaced with a budget of £57k.

There are no blinds in PCH atrium, however there is a project to replace the motors in the blinds across PCH and the cost for this is £401k.


(f) refurbishment of lifts.

The refurbishment of lifts within Portcullis House is being undertaken in 3 Stages, as part of an estate-wide programme of lift modernisation works.

Three lifts within Portcullis House (HOPs 107, 108 and 161) have been refurbished to date under Stages 1 and 2 of this programme, with a combined total budget of £1.96m.

A further five lifts within Portcullis House (HOPs 101, 102, 105, 106 and 175) are due to be refurbished under Stage 3 of this programme, with an estimated budget of £4.00m subject to final business case approval.

27th Jan 2022
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the final cost was of the cast iron roof replacement and refurbishment programme.

The programme of work was split into three separate projects. Costs to date for the Cast Iron Roofs Programme (C1488 – made up of C2036, C2037, C2038) are as follows:

C2036 £13,926,079 – FINAL
Phase 2 Project 1 – South Return, Lord Speaker’s Towers & Link Roof, River Front South.

C2037 £33,356,338 – FINAL
Phase 2 Project 2 – Roofs around Peers & Commons Inner Courts, River Front Middle, West Vent Tower, River Front Vent Tower.

C2038 £44,755,804 – FORECAST
Phase 2 Project 3 – River Front North, Speaker’s Towers & Link Roof, Star Chamber Court North, St Stephen’s Hall & Porch, West Front Roofs.

Total £92,038,221

Note: Figures include fees and VAT. Also note the figure for C2038 is still at forecast as we have not yet completed on site.

12th Jan 2022
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, pursuant to the Answer of 11 January 2022 to Question 96953 on Big Ben: Repairs and Maintenance, what the estimated additional cost is for (a) the four-month site closure in 2020, (b) investment in covid-19 secure measures and (c) the reduced productivity on site until November 2020.

The total cost to date of covid-19 impacts on the project, including the four-month site closure in 2020, investment in covid-19 secure measures and the reduced productivity on site until November 2020, is £5.7m, including VAT. These costs are met from the approved £9m provision, listed in the answer to Question 96953.

This figure has been scrutinised by independent consultants, who are confident in the financial projections that have been developed by teams in the House Service, recognising the exceptionality of the project and its highly specific requirements.

Parliament’s teams have mitigated against the financial impact of coronavirus, working collaboratively and positively with contractors to reduce the impact to the taxpayer, and ensuring that costs paid by Parliament are proportionate to its contractual obligations. The project’s teams continue to meet the challenges posed by this complex conservation and enjoy the support of the leadership of both Houses in their delivery and approach.

4th Jan 2022
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the latest estimate is of the cost of the Elizabeth Tower refurbishment.

The budget for the refurbishment of Elizabeth Tower, most recently approved in early 2020, is £79.7 million.

Since then, further provision of up to £9 million has also been made to cover additional costs relating to the impact of COVID-19, which, as with almost all construction projects across the country, has affected the progress of work.

These costs arise from the four-month site closure in 2020, investment in COVID-secure measures and the necessity of reduced productivity on site until November 2020 – introduced to ensure the safety of the project’s workforce.

This figure has been scrutinised by independent consultants, who are confident in the financial projections that have been developed by teams in the House Service, recognising the exceptionality of the project and its highly specific requirements.

4th Jan 2022
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the cost was of the set-up, trials and tests of the temporary bell striking mechanism in the Elizabeth Tower.

The approximate cost of commissioning, out of hours attendance, set up and testing of the temporary mechanism for all the occasions during the project when Big Ben has sounded is £96,000.

The overall contract value for the project includes all the costs of initial commissioning of the temporary mechanism used for this purpose and testing and operating it on each occasion it has been used since the project started in 2017. The mechanism was used on 10 occasions, with Big Ben also being sounded several times in the run-up to each New Year’s Eve, as well as for testing in advance of each occasion that was marked.

Arrangements for striking Big Ben were coordinated round the planned works so as to minimise the impact on the project costs and to ensure there was no delay to the project. The temporary striking mechanism used during the project will be kept as an integral part of the refurbished clock mechanism’s contingency arrangements.

The Elizabeth Tower and the Great Clock are currently undergoing the most extensive conservation project ever carried out in the 160 years since the bell began to strike. The clock mechanism, which usually powers the hammer that strikes the Great Bell (Big Ben), has been dismantled and removed for refurbishment.

In 2017 the House of Commons Commission decided that during the Elizabeth Tower refurbishment project, Big Ben should only sound for Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day and New Year's Eve, to allow the project team to schedule works around those occasions. The Commission reconfirmed the decision in 2018.

7th Dec 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what steps he taking to reach an international agreement on carbon pricing.

At COP26, the UK Presidency secured an agreement on the rules, guidance and procedures to implement Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which gives guidance on how countries may choose to cooperate and use carbon markets to help achieve their climate objectives. Other carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes, or carbon border adjustment mechanisms were not an agenda item at COP26.

This year the UK launched its own emissions trading scheme (ETS) and will be exploring opportunities for international cooperation. This could include the possibility of linking the UK ETS to similar systems in other countries.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
23rd Sep 2021
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will publish the projects relating to the Palace of Westminster commissioned since 2015 detailing the (a) extent of work and for completed projects, (b) estimated budget, (c) estimated timescales and (d) final cost and completion timescales.

Since 2015 a number of capital works projects have been undertaken within the Palace of Westminster, many of which remain ongoing. The majority of these projects are driven by health and safety, personnel and asset protection, or critical operational need. To provide a comprehensive list would exceed the prohibitive cost threshold for responding to a Parliamentary Question.

The overall funding for capital works is set each year by the Commission through the Medium-Term Investment Plan following advice from the Finance Committee. There is a rigorous process of financial control for all projects, overseen by the House’s Audit Committee, and the progress of all projects is monitored routinely by the Joint Investment Board* and the Finance Committees of both Houses. In addition, there is a regular flow of assurance – monitoring how projects are delivered against time, cost and quality – provided by a variety of external bodies.

*The Joint Investment Board (JIB) is a sub-committee of the House of Commons Executive Board and House of Lords Management Board. For capital works projects, JIB provides prioritisation, scrutiny and assurance, maintaining an overview of the capability and capacity of the project community. The Board escalates any concerns to the Commons Executive Board and the Lords Management Board.

23rd Sep 2021
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, pursuant to the Answer of 20 September 2021 to Question 49191 on Palace of Westminster: Repairs and Maintenance, what the (a) value of the stonework order is, (b) timescale for completion and (c) extent and locations of all proposed works.

As stated in the answer to question 49191, it is not possible to provide the value of the stonework order until we have completed the business case. Similarly, the extent, locations and timescales of all the repairs will also be determined by the business case. As stated in the last answer, the timescale of this business case is approximately 18 months. The repair work is driven by the need to ensure that health and safety risks are eliminated before they arise. Aside from Cloister Court, key areas identified by initial surveys carried out in 2020 are:

• Westminster Hall (North Elevation)

• The Colonnade, both internally and externally

• Peers Court

• Peers Inner Court

• St Stephen’s Hall

• Star Chamber Court

• Central Spire

14th Sep 2021
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, pursuant to the Answer of 10 September 2021 to Question 40981 on Palace of Westminster: Repairs and Maintenance, what the timescale is for the compilation of the business case referred to in that answer.

A mandate has just been approved for work to be carried out to stonework across the Palace. This work will target areas that cannot wait until the Restoration and Renewal Programme. Cloister Court is one of the key areas it will address. The average timescale for our business cases is 18 months.

18th Aug 2021
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the estimated cost is of the refurbishment of the remaining sections of cloisters close to St Stephen's Chapel.

We do not have a cost yet, as we are at the early stages of the business case process.

18th Aug 2021
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the cost was of the refurbishment of the trial restoration of the section of cloisters close to St Stephen's Chapel.

The cost for refurbishment of the trial restoration of the section of cloisters close to St Stephen’s Chapel was £1.4m.

18th Aug 2021
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the cost was of the encaustic tiles replacement programme.

The project is closing now, and the expected cost is £11.8m.

18th Aug 2021
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the estimated cost is of the river terrace stone restoration programme.

The river terrace stone restoration programme has approved funds of £4.6m.

18th Aug 2021
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what recent estimate the Commission has made of the date of completion of the refurbishment of the Elizabeth Tower.

Summer 2022 is the current date for the completion of the conservation project.

18th Aug 2021
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the estimated cost is of the upgrade works to the doors of Central Lobby.

The estimated cost to upgrade the doors of Central Lobby is £3.8m.

18th Aug 2021
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the estimated cost is of the lift refurbishment programme.

The lift programme is split into two phases.

Phase 1: £5.05m will refurbish 11 lifts in the Palace of Westminster that were identified as a priority (forecast completion 2022).

Phase 2: Has an estimated cost of £35.9m. This would refurbish 42 lifts in the Palace of Westminster and 15 lifts on other parts of the Estate. Please note – this is an estimated cost. In addition, it is still to be determined how many of these lifts will be delivered as part of this Programme or delivered as part of R&R.

The programme will deliver a full electrical and mechanical refurbishment to the lifts so that they continue to be safe to use. This will also ensure that they are compliant with current standards and legislation, including fire safety.

26th May 2021
To ask the President of COP26, pursuant to the Answer of 25 May 2021 to Question 3953 on Renewable Energy: Seas and Oceans, when he plans to confirm the final listing of Scottish Renewable Energy companies that will be utilised to promote Scotland's marine renewables sector.

The government publishes details of Ministers’ meetings with external organisations on a quarterly basis. Transparency returns for Cabinet Office Ministers can be found here.

The UNFCCC will publish a list of participants who attended COP26 at the end of the conference. An events programme and list of exhibitors within the UK Government managed Green Zone will be made available to the public in due course.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
26th May 2021
To ask the President of COP26, pursuant to the Answer of 25 May 2021 to Question 3953 on Renewable Energy: Seas and Oceans, if he will publish a list of the companies he has met.

The government publishes details of Ministers’ meetings with external organisations on a quarterly basis. Transparency returns for Cabinet Office Ministers can be found here.

The UNFCCC will publish a list of participants who attended COP26 at the end of the conference. An events programme and list of exhibitors within the UK Government managed Green Zone will be made available to the public in due course.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
20th May 2021
To ask the hon. Member for City of Chester, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, pursuant to the Answer of 19 May 2021 to Question 2353 on Elections Scotland, if the Commission will make a comparative assessment of the (a) number of votes received by the Independent Green Voice and average number of votes received by parties with a similar level of electoral campaign spending.

The Commission's reporting on the Scottish Parliamentary election will cover the administration and delivery of the polls, and will be published in the autumn. The Commission will also publish details of campaign spending by political parties at the election, so that voters and other campaigners can see how parties spent their money at this election.

Post-poll reporting and the publication of financial returns comprise of responsibilities given to the Commission by the UK's parliaments. The number of votes recieved by individual political parties is not a factor in this work.

20th May 2021
To ask the hon. Member for City of Chester, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, whether the Commission made an assessment of the extent to which the Independent Green Voice’s description as Organic Green Scotland on the Scottish parliamentary election regional listing ballot paper represented the key objective of that party.

Parties have the option to register descriptions which can appear on the ballot paper. The Commission, as the registrar for political parties, must assess whether a party's description meet requirements set out in law. Where an application to register a description meets the legal requirements, it must be registered.

There is no requirement in law for a party's descriptions to reflect its policies and objectives. As such, this is not a consideration when the Commission assesses an application to register a description, and it is not a basis on which a description could be refused.

19th May 2021
To ask the hon. Member for City of Chester, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, pursuant to the Answer of 19 May 2021 to Question 2352 on Elections: Scotland, what is the planned timetable for post-poll reporting.

The Commission will report formally on the delivery of the polls in the autumn, after the summer recess periods for the UK Parliament, Scottish Parliament and Senedd. Reporting will be informed by a detailed process of information gathering and evaluation.

19th May 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, (b) officials in that Department and (c) industry bodies on using the COP26 climate change conference to promote the North Sea Transition Deal.

I have regular discussions with my Cabinet colleagues, including the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The UK Government has committed to supporting its transition to clean energy through the North Sea Transition Deal.

The Deal will focus on the decarbonisation of domestic oil and gas production while using the capabilities of the sector to deliver CCS and Hydrogen production. This will support and sustain new high-quality jobs and anchor the supply chain in the UK.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
19th May 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what discussions he has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and (b) industry bodies on using the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference to promote Scotland’s marine renewables sector.

I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues, including the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to help promote the UK's clean energy transition. I have met with companies in the renewable energy industry in Scotland to explore how they can support a successful COP26. The Government has a long history of supporting the development and deployment of wave and tidal stream technologies in the UK, including in Scotland. Since 2003 various bodies across Government have provided innovation/R&D funding of £175m to the wave and tidal sectors (almost £80m since 2010).

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
17th May 2021
To ask the hon. Member for City of Chester, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what plans the Commission has to review the Independent Green Voice party entry and logo on the Scottish parliamentary election regional listing with regards to potential voter confusion with the Scottish Greens political party.

The Commission assesses whether applications to register a political party, and their indentity marks, meet the criteria set out in electoral law. This includes the requirement to ensure that voters would not likely be confused with already registered parties.

As part of its assessment process, the Commission publishes on its website a list of names, descriptions and emblems under consideration, to invite comments from the public and other parties.

Details were published on the Commission's website on 12 February 2021 of the application by Independent Green Voice to add a new emblem. No concerns were raised, and after a careful assessment process, the Commission authorised the application to register the emblem on 23 March.

The Commission has an ongoing duty to maintain the register of political parties including by reviewing registered indentity marks if relevant considerations change. However, as matters stand it is satisfied that there are clear and sufficent differences between the two parties' registered names, descriptions and emblems to avoid likely voter confusion.

17th May 2021
To ask the hon. Member for City of Chester, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what plans the Commission has to review the extent of electronic political content promoted without an imprint for the Scottish Parliamentary Election held on 6 May 2021; and if he will he make a statement.

The Commission welcomed the introduction of the new digital imprint requirement for all digital campaign material at the Scottish Parliamentary elections. It provides voters with a better understanding of who is trying to influence them online.

The Commission regulates compliance with the new law by registered parties, and by non-party campaigners who campaign for or against parties. The police are responsible for compliance by candidates, and non-party campaigning for or against candidates.

Ahead of the election, the Commission published guidance for campaigners on what must be included on election material. The Commission monitored compliance with the new regime closely, and will, as part of its post-poll reporting, report on the implemention and regulation of the requirements.

26th Feb 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what plans he has to promote at COP26 (a) recycling of organic wastes and (b) other solutions to help tackle methane emissions.

We are tackling methane emissions domestically through supporting the agriculture sector to reduce its emissions further through the Agricultural Transition Plan. Through our COP26 Nature campaign, we are encouraging a global shift towards sustainable agriculture.

In the Resources and Waste Strategy, published in December 2018, we have committed to exploring policies to work towards eliminating all biodegradable waste to landfill by 2030.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
20th Jan 2021
To ask the hon. Member for City of Chester, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, whether the Committee has made an assessment of the implications for the (a) administration of elections and (b) strength of the Union of a reduction in the number of Scottish parliamentary seats.

The Electoral Commission's role relates only to aspect a) of the question.

On the administration of elections, it will provide the necessary support to the electoral community in responding to any changes made to constituency boundaries by Parliament, to ensure the continued delivery of well-run elections.

14th Oct 2020
To ask the hon. Member representing the House of Commons Commission, what assessment has been made of the adequacy of the design of the proposed temporary chamber in Richmond House to facilitate social distancing measures in the event of future coronavirus outbreaks.

The design for Richmond House as a temporary Commons Chamber has been paused. The House of Commons Commission has taken the decision to use Richmond House as temporary accommodation for Members and their staff.

14th Oct 2020
To ask the hon. Member representing the House of Commons Commission, what assessment has been made of the potential merits of reconstructing the Commons Chamber to facilitate social distancing in the event of future coronavirus outbreaks.

Strategic steers have been provided to the Sponsor Body by the management boards at the beginning of lockdown around longer-term work that may be required. These made reference to future coronavirus outbreaks or similar events, but further work is still required. The strategic review is seeking to validate the underlying assumptions.

20th Jul 2020
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 18 June 2020 to Question 58080 on Gay Conversion Therapy, which company or organisation the Government has commissioned to undertake research on the scope of practices and experiences of those subjected to conversion therapy.

This government is committed to tackling the abhorrent practice of so-called ‘conversion therapy’ in the UK.

Our action will be determined by research to look at how best to define conversion therapy, where it is happening and who it is happening to.

When that is complete, we will bring forward proposals to ban conversion therapy, making sure that our measures are effective, so that innocent people no longer have to endure these vile practices.

Following a competitive tendering exercise, the Government Equalities Office has commissioned Coventry University to undertake initial research that sets out the scope of practices, where it is happening and how it affects those who have experienced it. The aims and objectives of this research, alongside it’s methodology, are included in the report, which will be published in due course.

Officials are also reviewing the legislative framework to establish the scope of conversion therapy practices that are not already unlawful. Where these dangerous practices are not already unlawful, we are examining the best ways to prevent them being conducted, without sending them underground. We will engage a wide range of stakeholders on these practices and any potential measures.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
20th Jul 2020
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 18 June 2020 to Question 58080 on Gay Conversion Therapy, if she will publish the terms of reference for the research that the Government has commissioned.

This government is committed to tackling the abhorrent practice of so-called ‘conversion therapy’ in the UK.

Our action will be determined by research to look at how best to define conversion therapy, where it is happening and who it is happening to.

When that is complete, we will bring forward proposals to ban conversion therapy, making sure that our measures are effective, so that innocent people no longer have to endure these vile practices.

Following a competitive tendering exercise, the Government Equalities Office has commissioned Coventry University to undertake initial research that sets out the scope of practices, where it is happening and how it affects those who have experienced it. The aims and objectives of this research, alongside it’s methodology, are included in the report, which will be published in due course.

Officials are also reviewing the legislative framework to establish the scope of conversion therapy practices that are not already unlawful. Where these dangerous practices are not already unlawful, we are examining the best ways to prevent them being conducted, without sending them underground. We will engage a wide range of stakeholders on these practices and any potential measures.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
20th Jul 2020
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 18 June 2020 to Question 58080 on Gay Conversion Therapy, what timescales the Government has agreed for the completion of the research that it has commissioned.

This government is committed to tackling the abhorrent practice of so-called ‘conversion therapy’ in the UK.

Our action will be determined by research to look at how best to define conversion therapy, where it is happening and who it is happening to.

When that is complete, we will bring forward proposals to ban conversion therapy, making sure that our measures are effective, so that innocent people no longer have to endure these vile practices.

Following a competitive tendering exercise, the Government Equalities Office has commissioned Coventry University to undertake initial research that sets out the scope of practices, where it is happening and how it affects those who have experienced it. The aims and objectives of this research, alongside it’s methodology, are included in the report, which will be published in due course.

Officials are also reviewing the legislative framework to establish the scope of conversion therapy practices that are not already unlawful. Where these dangerous practices are not already unlawful, we are examining the best ways to prevent them being conducted, without sending them underground. We will engage a wide range of stakeholders on these practices and any potential measures.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
20th Jul 2020
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 18 June 2020 to Question 58080 on Gay Conversion Therapy, what dangerous conversion therapy practices that are not already unlawful the Government has identified; and if she will make a statement.

This government is committed to tackling the abhorrent practice of so-called ‘conversion therapy’ in the UK.

Our action will be determined by research to look at how best to define conversion therapy, where it is happening and who it is happening to.

When that is complete, we will bring forward proposals to ban conversion therapy, making sure that our measures are effective, so that innocent people no longer have to endure these vile practices.

Following a competitive tendering exercise, the Government Equalities Office has commissioned Coventry University to undertake initial research that sets out the scope of practices, where it is happening and how it affects those who have experienced it. The aims and objectives of this research, alongside it’s methodology, are included in the report, which will be published in due course.

Officials are also reviewing the legislative framework to establish the scope of conversion therapy practices that are not already unlawful. Where these dangerous practices are not already unlawful, we are examining the best ways to prevent them being conducted, without sending them underground. We will engage a wide range of stakeholders on these practices and any potential measures.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
16th Dec 2021
To ask the Attorney General, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the compatibility of the Nationality and Borders Bill with international law.

Any request for my advice is subject to the Law Officers’ Convention and this includes discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the compatibility of proposed legislation with international law.

The UK prides itself on its leadership within the international system, and that it discharges its international obligations in good faith.

Either the Solicitor General or I attend the Parliamentary Business and Legislation Committee, which scrutinises all of the government’s legislation before it reaches Parliament.

23rd Feb 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 9 February 2024 to Question 12605 on Overseas Trade: Morocco, what value of goods was (a) imported from and (b) exported to the occupied territory of Western Sahara in (i) 2021, (ii) 2022 and (iii) 2023.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 23rd February is attached.

John Glen
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
1st Feb 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what value of goods was (a) imported from and (b) exported to the Kingdom of Morocco in (i) 2021, (ii) 2022 and (iii) 2023.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 1st February is attached.

John Glen
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office