First elected: 6th May 2010
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
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).
Don't change inheritance tax relief for working farms
Gov Responded - 5 Dec 2024 Debated on - 10 Feb 2025 View Alec Shelbrooke's petition debate contributionsWe think that changing inheritance tax relief for agricultural land will devastate farms nationwide, forcing families to sell land and assets just to stay on their property. We urge the government to keep the current exemptions for working farms.
These initiatives were driven by Alec Shelbrooke, 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.
Alec Shelbrooke has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Alec Shelbrooke has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
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 for the prohibition of unpaid work experience exceeding four weeks, and for connected matters
A Bill to require the Secretary of State to apply the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 to workplace internships; and for connected purposes.
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further 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 provide for the introduction of a welfare cash card; and for connected purposes.
Unpaid Work Experience (Prohibition) (No. 2) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Alex Cunningham (Lab)
Driving Offences (Amendment) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Gerald Jones (Lab)
Marriage and Civil Partnership (Consent) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Fabian Hamilton (Lab)
Recent independent evaluation showed that households with smart meters use less energy (equivalent to a cost saving of approximately £40 for the typical household in 2023) on average annually than those with analogue meters. Smart meters also unlock time-of-use tariffs, enabling customers to save money by using energy when demand is low, or when excess clean electricity is available.
To drive progress on the rollout, the Government has set a Targets Framework which sets energy suppliers binding minimum annual smart meter installation targets, alongside requirements for energy suppliers to operate them in smart mode, which are enforced by Ofgem.
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s (NDA) mission is to clean up the UK's legacy nuclear sites safely, securely, and cost effectively and release them for beneficial reuse. Due to the nature and scale of the mission, delivery remains subject to significant challenges and complexities.
The NDA works with stakeholders including government, regulators, and local communities to ensure that the decommissioning of their sites is safe, sustainable and publicly acceptable, and enables their beneficial reuse as early as possible.
An example of where reuse has already happened is the former Berkeley Technology Centre by South Gloucestershire Council.
The Government remains committed to examining the case for hydrogen blending and is reviewing plans. This work aims to gather evidence on the feasibility, costs and benefits of hydrogen blending that can inform decisions on its potential role.
The Government remains committed to examining the case for hydrogen blending and is reviewing plans. This work aims to gather evidence on the feasibility, costs and benefits of hydrogen blending that can inform decisions on its potential role.
The Government remains committed to examining the case for hydrogen blending and is reviewing plans. This work aims to gather evidence on the feasibility, costs and benefits of hydrogen blending that can inform decisions on its potential role.
This Government is focussed on getting the UK’s first low carbon hydrogen production projects built, which is why in the Autumn Budget we committed £2.3bn in revenue funding for 11 green hydrogen projects from the first Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1). The second Hydrogen Allocation Round is now underway to support further green hydrogen production capacity. The Government is also supporting carbon capture and storage enabled hydrogen production and in October 2024 we announced up to £21.7bn of available funding over 25 years to launch the UK’s new CCUS industry.
We will publish a Hydrogen Strategy Update to the Market this winter, including further information on recent hydrogen developments and a forward look.
Grid-scale batteries are regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) within a framework which requires battery designers, installers and operators to take the necessary measures to ensure health and safety throughout all stages of the system’s construction, operation and decommissioning.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is considering options, including environmental permitting, to further mitigate thermal runaway risk in battery storage facilities. The Department’s officials are supporting this work.
Most digital infrastructure, including new ground-based masts and rooftop antennas, benefit from permitted development rights, which permit deployment of infrastructure that meet certain specifications without the need for full planning permission.
We are encouraging network innovation through our Open Networks Programme. For example, the BEACH project, which deployed shared cellular network solutions via small cells to provide greater network bandwidth based on end-user demand. Similarly, the ONE WORD project utilised existing street furniture, such as lampposts, to deploy small cell infrastructure in high-density areas like Bath and Shrewsbury.
Both projects demonstrated scalable innovative network approaches in challenging environments.
According to Ofcom’s Connected Nations report (published on 5 December 2024) 97% of the Wetherby and Easingwold constituency has 4G geographic coverage from all four mobile operators, while 5G is available from at least one operator outside 85% of all premises. I have raised my concerns about the accuracy of their coverage reporting with Ofcom and I urge them to continue to improve this.
The government wants all areas of the UK to benefit from good quality mobile coverage. Our ambition is for all populated areas, including communities in your constituency, to have higher-quality standalone 5G by 2030.
We work closely with the mobile industry and are committed to ensuring we have the right policy and regulatory framework to support investment and competition in the market.
The information requested is not held centrally. While the department collects data on the number of children accommodated by local authorities under Section 20, we do not collect data on parental consent given as part of that arrangement.
The latest figures show that there were 5,460 children aged under 16 who were looked after in care at 31 March 2023 under a Section 20 voluntary agreement.
Figures on the overall number of children looked after placed in care under a voluntary agreement were published in the statistical release ‘Children looked after in England including adoptions: 2023’. This can be accessed here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/fast-track/7e318fb5-8949-47d1-9f84-08dba4b954ad. Figures showing numbers at 31 March 2024 will be published on 14 November 2024.
The department has confirmed that Wetherby High School is in the school rebuilding programme. Feasibility is expected to be complete by the end of the year, with procurement, planning and design to start from January 2025. All future decisions remain subject to the Spending Review.
Guidance for grants under the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025 was published on 7 May ahead of opening to applications on 29 May. These grants are available to keepers of pigs, dairy cows, beef cattle, laying chickens, broilers and sheep.
Defra and senior officials from the Dutch Government have met with representatives of the UK and Dutch finance sectors to set out a path toward closer cooperation in financing a circular economy. Both sets of officials, with support from the Dutch Banking Association, invited attendees to form a Circular Economy Finance Coalition. The Coalition will identify ways to boost investment in the transition to a circular economy, including developing the necessary infrastructure and innovative business models.
Investment is at the heart of the government’s growth mission, increasing the number of good, well-skilled jobs and improving productivity across the country. The UK has a strong track record attracting private investment – a testament to our strong economic foundations, including world-leading innovation, the rule of law, our ambitious transition to clean energy, and a supportive regulatory framework.
The UK remains a globally competitive destination with the lowest top-line corporation tax rate in the G7 at 25%; the joint most generous capital allowances regime for plant and machinery in the OECD; and R&D tax incentives up to 27% for SMEs and the joint highest uncapped rate in the G7 for large companies.
Termination of agreements is covered by condition 15 of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2024 terms and conditions. In some specific circumstances, agreements can be terminated by the department with immediate effect, for example if a change of circumstances means an agreement holder is no longer eligible, or if there has been a breach of the agreement. Beyond these specific circumstances, we may terminate an agreement at any time on giving at least six months’ written notice to the agreement holder.
The future Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) offer will build on what has made SFI effective so far. Defra is working closely with farmers and industry stakeholders to design a future SFI offer that fairly and responsibly directs funding. Further details about the reformed SFI offer will be announced following the spending review in summer 2025.
Local authorities are responsible for the enforcement of avian influenza controls including Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) measures. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) works in conjunction with the Association of Chief Trading Standards Officers (ACTSO) which includes representatives from North Yorkshire Council and the Local Authority Animal Health and Welfare National Panel to disseminate information and guidance as required. Communication material is also shared with local authorities that provides up to date information and is available for use in the local community to raise awareness.
North Yorkshire has seen 10 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed in poultry during this outbreak season (2 in the Wetherby and Easingwold constituency and 8 in the Thirsk and Malton constituency) and we recognise bird keepers and local authorities are on the front line of this terrible disease. We extend our thanks to North Yorkshire Council and other local authorities for the work they do to support bird keepers and improve compliance with mandatory requirements.
Defra’s avian influenza disease control measures aim to minimise the economic burden of the outbreak on the food and farming sectors, bird keepers and the wider economy. Defra works closely with both the poultry industry and wider bird keeping stakeholders and the impacts of the avian influenza outbreak are being monitored closely.
When avian influenza is confirmed at a premises, in order to limit the risk of the disease spreading, all birds on the premises are humanely culled. Keepers will be paid compensation for clinically healthy birds culled by HM Government for disease control purposes as set out in the Animal Health Act 1981. Compensation is not paid for consequential losses, including business interruption caused by control measures, nor for eggs or poultry meat.
In September 2024 laying hen and pullet keepers could apply for funding to undertake large infrastructure projects to deliver excellent levels of health and welfare through the Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare Grant, this included funding for features such as fixed bio-secure housing and mechanical ventilation. The grant also funds constructing verandas, which can provide access to fresh air and natural light when an A.I. housing order is in force.
On 29 May keepers of layer hens and broilers will be able to apply for grants of between £1,000 and £25,000 through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, toward the cost of a list of items that address a range of health and welfare issues including biosecurity risks.
This Government is committed to working closely with industry to anticipate the potential social and economic risk from avian influenza, so that response strategies are as effective as possible. The joint Government and industry avian influenza taskforce has committed to publishing a full report on vaccination strategies in the UK this summer; this will include economic assessments from previous outbreaks, including the 2022 outbreak. The cross-government and industry avian influenza vaccination taskforce published an interim statement on 7 March 2025.
In England, waste incinerators cannot operate unless issued with an environmental permit by the Environment Agency (EA). The EA assesses the emissions from new incinerators as part of its permitting process and consults the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on every application received. The UKHSA’s position is that modern, well-run and regulated municipal waste incinerators are not a significant risk to public health. This view is based on detailed assessments of the effects of air pollutants on health and on the fact that these incinerators make only a very small contribution to local and national concentrations of air pollutants.
The Environment Agency (EA) has a range of powers to tackle waste crime and take enforcement action. These powers, coupled with those of their partners ensure that it can confront criminals. Over the last 3 years the EA has stopped more than 1500 illegal waste sites and is now implementing powers from the Environment Act 2021 to increase funding available for enforcement work against waste crime.
This Government is committed to tackling waste crime. We are considering how to continue to increase the pressure on illegal waste operators.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to PQ 12666 on 5 December 2024.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Epping Forest on 28 October 2024, to Question 10798.
Defra has made additional funding of £1.9 million available to Dover District Council for the Port Health Authority, for the remainder of this financial year (2024 to 2025), to support Border Force to conduct safeguarding checks on the illegal import of products of animal origin. This is in addition to the £1.2 million already committed. This total funding of £3.1m million is based on the existing staffing costs provided by Dover Port Health Authority. This funding is only for this financial year. Defra has also contributed operational equipment to support Border Force with relevant checks.
Defra continues to monitor and review the impact of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), including the Border Control Post at Sevington. We are working closely with industry, trade partners and enforcement agencies to minimise disruption and costs to trade, while continuing to protect our biosecurity. The effectiveness of the import controls has been demonstrated throughout September and October by the interception at Sevington of 34 consignments of plants infested with Pochazia Shantungensis, a fruit tree pest native to China but now present in mainland Europe. The consignments were destroyed, preventing the potential for a damaging outbreak for UK fruit growers.
The BTOM is designed to assure the biosecurity of commercial imports. Illegal imports of products of animal origin are dealt with through separate intelligence led checks, conducted at the border by Border Force, in Border Force facilities, with the assistance of Port Health Authorities.
Defra has no current plans to undertake research on the specific impact of solar farms on soil properties.
We have undertaken an evidence review evaluating opportunities for agrivoltaic systems in England and Wales. Impacts on soil were not considered.
No assessment has been made of the potential impact of solar farms on soil.
When considering development proposals that affect agricultural land and soils, the Government encourages developers and local planning authorities to refer to relevant Government policies and legislation that aim to protect all soils by managing them in a sustainable way.
The previous Government did not commission research into this space, so it is currently unclear what impact solar panels may have on soil properties such as carbon storage, structure and biodiversity across England. However, a solar farm development near Kenilworth (Honiley Road solar farm) reports that it delivered 135% Biodiversity Net Increase.
Obligations on non-household packaging elements of the upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility scheme will continue to be enforced by the Environment Agency in England and the equivalent regulators in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as these obligations are in the current producer responsibility scheme.
The Department’s impact assessment published online here has considered the impacts on businesses from the introduction of extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR).
Checks are handled by trained staff working to standard operating procedures, ensuring inspections are undertaken safely and efficiently.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency’s plant health import inspection process is accredited to the ISO 17020 Inspection Standard which is subject to external audits from the UK Accreditation Service.
Inspectors are rigorously trained and are equipped to ensure sanitary and phytosanitary goods are handled safely and with care.
In August 2024, we released the first set of illustrative packaging extended producer responsibility base fees covering the following eight packaging materials: aluminium, fibre-based composite materials, glass, paper or board, plastic, steel, wood and other materials.
In September 2024, we released a second set of illustrative base fees using an updated methodology, based principally on 'Report Packaging Data’ (RPD) producer reported tonnages from 2023 alongside Defra-modelled Local Authority costs. This is the same underlying approach and datasets that the Scheme Administrator intends to use for final fees from 2025, with all tonnages based on RPD data.
Final fees can only be calculated after 1 April 2025, the deadline for large organisations to report their packaging data for the period July to December 2024.
These fees have been published and can be found here: Extended producer responsibility for packaging: illustrative base fees - GOV.UK.
The Department has no plans to make changes to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions to allow for the hospitality sector to advertise on rural roads.
The Government recognises the economic and environmental potential of rail freight is significant and is fully committed to supporting its growth.
No discussions have taken place with the Mayor of Manchester about the relocation of Trafford Park Rail Freight Terminal.
The Secretary of State has made clear she expects all operators to ensure their policy on ticketing is clear and fair for passengers at all times. Ticketing has become far too complicated, which is why we plan to simplify it as part of the biggest overhaul of our railways in a generation.
The Department does not hold information on the number or proportion of buses operating in the UK that were made in the UK.
The government is committed to improving bus services so they are more inclusive and enable all passengers to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. As announced in the King’s Speech, the government will introduce a new Buses Bill later in this parliamentary session that will give local leaders the freedom to take decisions to deliver their local transport priorities and ensure networks meet the needs of the communities who rely on them. More detail on measures within the Bill will be set out in due course.
The Department for Transport (DfT) also supports the Bus and Coach sector via our published ‘Security Recommended Best Practice Guidance’ which was developed to advise the bus and coach industry on security measures to protect against acts of violence, especially terrorism.
Work to develop options for a HQ location is under way. Derby City Council and other industry partners are involved in a continuing dialogue to set out the vision for the HQ and the sector within Derby, bringing high-skilled jobs to a city already brimming with rail industry talent. The Secretary of State recently visited Derby to deliver a speech updating on our plans for rail reform.
The British Transport Police (BTP) are responsible for policing the rail network in Great Britain and tackling rail vandalism is a priority for them given it is a key factor in causing disruption on the railways.
The BTP use the 10 principles of crime prevention to tackle rail vandalism and they work in close partnership with the rail industry, including Network Rail and Train Operating Companies, to ensure there is a joined-up approach.
BTP carry out Post Incident Site Visits at locations that have been targeted to provide advice around security and environmental features to reduce the likelihood that a location will be targeted again. Where an area is identified as a Hot Spot, BTP will undertake surveys and assess the area to identify ways to tackle the vandalism taking place there.
BTP respond to incidents across the rail network and pursue offenders daily.
This Government remains committed to making ticketing simpler and more flexible for passengers and to working with local authorities to support integrated transport plans in their areas. Following the announcement in February that Pay As You Go (PAYG) pilots would be launched in 2025, we have been working closely with Transport for the West Midlands, the West Midlands Rail Executive, Transport for Greater Manchester and train operators to finalise delivery plans for the PAYG pilots including launch dates.
The Department for Transport works closely with the bus and coach sector to advise them on protective security issues, and in 2018 published best practice guidance to advise the sector on security measures to protect against acts of violence. The guidance is available to view on GOV.UK at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/875547/bus-and-coach-security-recommended-best-practice.pdf. The Department is currently in the process of updating this guidance, working in partnership with industry, and expects to publish an enhanced document later this year.
Local authorities, rather than central government, are responsible for the bus stops and shelters in their area. Any decisions regarding the reopening of Bradford Interchange bus station are for West Yorkshire Combined Authority to make.
As announced in the King’s Speech, the government will introduce a Buses Bill to put the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders right across England. The Bill aims to ensure networks can meet the needs of the communities who rely on them and encourage passengers back onto buses. The Department is currently working at pace to consider and determine the exact scope of the Buses Bill.
98% of local authorities have civil enforcement powers in relation to parking and are responsible for enforcement on the roads within their authority. Local authorities have powers to implement a range of parking restrictions on their networks and are responsible for deciding what restrictions may be necessary.
Improving performance on the railway is a key priority, and the Rail Minister is expecting to meet Network Rail and Great Western Railway this month to discuss performance on these routes. Following the launch of Network Rail’s £140m performance improvement plan, we are starting to see improvements in performance, and we expect more in the coming months. We understand Network Rail delivered a final plan to the Office for Rail & Road by 31 August.
The Department does not hold the requested data concerning journey cancellations on 14 July 2024 directly due to crew shortages.
My officials were in touch with ToCs at the time. As the Minister (Ellie Reeves, Minister without Portfolio) said in her statement to the House of Commons on Monday 22 July, the transport sector will review its response and implement any learnings.
The Cabinet Office has led a review of the incident, identifying lessons. The Department has engaged with this process and will implement recommendations with the transport sector, including the rail industry and train operating companies, as appropriate.
We understand that the scheme promotor is seeking to resolve legal and commercial processes with the Principal Contractor. These processes are expected to be concluded by the end of this calendar year, with a view to re-mobilising site works early 2025.
The Chancellor set out on 29 July a range of pressures on public spending, including £2.9 billion of unfunded transport specific spending. Following this, the Secretary of State’s Written Ministerial Statement on 30 July set out that the Department is undertaking an internal review of its capital spend portfolio which will support the development of our new long-term strategy for transport. Any decisions about the portfolio will be subject to broader discussions and fiscal decisions made at Budget and Spending Review.