Bernard Jenkin Portrait

Bernard Jenkin

Conservative - Harwich and North Essex

First elected: 9th April 1992


Public Accounts Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 25th May 2021
Liaison Committee Sub-committee on the effectiveness and influence of the select committee system
13th Feb 2019 - 6th Nov 2019
Liaison Committee (Commons)
6th Nov 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
12th Jul 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission
12th Jul 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Draft Health Service Safety Investigations Bill (Joint Committee)
17th Apr 2018 - 27th Jul 2018
Draft Health Service Safety Investigations Bill (Joint Committee)
16th May 2018 - 27th Jul 2018
Draft Health Service Safety Investigation Bill (Joint Committee)
16th May 2018 - 27th Jul 2018
Draft Health Service Safety Investigation Bill (Joint Committee)
17th Apr 2018 - 27th Jul 2018
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
18th Jun 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission
18th Jun 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Liaison Committee (Commons)
10th Sep 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Parliamentary Privilege (Joint Committee)
3rd Dec 2012 - 30th Mar 2015
Liaison Committee (Commons)
19th Jul 2010 - 30th Mar 2015
Public Administration Committee
10th Jun 2010 - 30th Mar 2015
Draft Protection of Charities Bill (Joint Committee)
6th Nov 2014 - 3rd Feb 2015
Committees on Arms Export Controls (formerly Quadripartite Committee)
10th Mar 2008 - 6th May 2010
Defence Committee
27th Nov 2006 - 6th May 2010
Committees on Arms Export Controls
10th Mar 2008 - 6th May 2010
Deputy Chair, Conservative Party
1st Dec 2005 - 7th Nov 2006
Shadow Minister (Energy and Climate Change)
10th May 2005 - 8th Dec 2005
Shadow Secretary of State (The Regions)
1st Oct 2003 - 10th May 2005
Shadow Secretary of State for Defence
1st Sep 2001 - 1st Oct 2003
Shadow Minister (Transport)
19th Jun 1998 - 1st Sep 2001
Opposition Spokesperson (Constitutional Affairs, Scotland and Wales)
1st Jul 1997 - 1st Jul 1998
Opposition Spokesperson (Environment, Transport and the Regions)
1st Jan 1998 - 19th Jun 1998
Social Security
6th Dec 1993 - 21st Mar 1997


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Bernard Jenkin has voted in 796 divisions, and 8 times against the majority of their Party.

22 Mar 2021 - Trade Bill - View Vote Context
Bernard Jenkin voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 29 Conservative Aye votes vs 318 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 300 Noes - 318
22 Mar 2021 - Trade Bill - View Vote Context
Bernard Jenkin voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 26 Conservative No votes vs 318 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 319 Noes - 297
9 Feb 2021 - Trade Bill - View Vote Context
Bernard Jenkin voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 31 Conservative No votes vs 318 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 318 Noes - 303
19 Jan 2021 - Trade Bill - View Vote Context
Bernard Jenkin voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 34 Conservative No votes vs 319 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 319 Noes - 308
23 Jun 2020 - Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme - View Vote Context
Bernard Jenkin voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 45 Conservative Aye votes vs 235 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 243 Noes - 238
17 Jun 2020 - Health and Personal Social Services - View Vote Context
Bernard Jenkin voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 104 Conservative Aye votes vs 124 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 253 Noes - 136
20 Oct 2021 - Environment Bill - View Vote Context
Bernard Jenkin voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 22 Conservative No votes vs 265 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 268 Noes - 204
12 Dec 2022 - Standards: Code of Conduct and Guide to the Rules - View Vote Context
Bernard Jenkin voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Conservative Aye votes vs 235 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 135 Noes - 241
View All Bernard Jenkin 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
Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative)
(26 debate interactions)
Matt Hancock (Independent)
(22 debate interactions)
Boris Johnson (Conservative)
(21 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Cabinet Office
(48 debate contributions)
Leader of the House
(47 debate contributions)
Department of Health and Social Care
(34 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Public Order Act 2023
(1,884 words contributed)
Finance Act 2021
(1,538 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Bernard Jenkin's debates

Harwich and North Essex 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

Ensure any ban fully includes trans people and all forms of conversion therapy.


Latest EDMs signed by Bernard Jenkin

28th June 2023
Bernard Jenkin signed this EDM as a sponsor on Thursday 29th June 2023

Local Government

Tabled by: Mike Penning (Conservative - Hemel Hempstead)
That the draft Castle Point (Electoral Changes) Order 2023, which was laid before the House on 23 May 2023, be not made.
4 signatures
(Most recent: 4 Jul 2023)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 4
28th September 2020
Bernard Jenkin signed this EDM on Thursday 5th November 2020

Removal of requirement to publicise Planning Notices in local newspapers

Tabled by: Barry Gardiner (Labour - Brent North)
This House recognises that local and regional newspapers, in print and digital form, reach 40.6 million people each week across the UK; notes that they perform vital democratic functions by nurturing debate, investigating local issues and running powerful campaigns that foster community identity and hold vested interests to account; considers …
27 signatures
(Most recent: 9 Dec 2020)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 13
Democratic Unionist Party: 5
Conservative: 5
Independent: 2
Green Party: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
Liberal Democrat: 1
View All Bernard Jenkin's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Bernard Jenkin, 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.


Bernard Jenkin has not been granted any Urgent Questions

1 Adjournment Debate led by Bernard Jenkin

Bernard Jenkin has not introduced any legislation before Parliament


Latest 28 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
25th Mar 2021
What steps he is taking in response to the Dunlop Review on relations between the UK Government and the Governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This government is a government for the whole of the United Kingdom.

Yesterday, my Right Honourable Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster updated the House on the significant progress we’ve made in implementing Lord Dunlop's recommendations, alongside a progress update on the intergovernmental relations review and our first IGR transparency report.

11th Nov 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what machinery of government is responsible for identifying what constitutes the UK's critical national infrastructure; and if he will make a statement.

The Government defines the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure as the critical elements of infrastructure (facilities, systems, sites, property, information, people, networks and processes), the loss or compromise of which would result in major detrimental impact on the availability, delivery or integrity of essential services, leading to severe economic or social consequences or loss of life.

The Government has designated 13 sectors as critical to the daily functioning of the UK. Each sector has a lead government department responsible for the resilience and security of their sectors and for designating the critical elements of infrastructure. The elements of the national infrastructure designated as critical are reviewed periodically. The Civil Contingencies Secretariat (CCS) in the Cabinet Office has a coordination and assurance role across all sectors and oversees the Government's infrastructure security and resilience objectives.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
15th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the decision to make a protective award to former employees of MADE.COM, what steps she is taking to help tackle the delays in processing redundancy payments by the Redundancy Payments Service.

My officials at the Insolvency Service’s Redundancy Payments Service have confirmed that due to uncertainties around the period detailed in the Protective Award consent order, legal advice was required before payments could be made. All other redundancy related payments due to the former employees of MADE.COM, which total £436,000, have already been paid. I am pleased to confirm that following resolution, payments under the Protective Award have now commenced.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
28th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of Royal Mail's postal service in the CO postcode area.

I am aware that Royal Mail continues to have particular service challenges in some postcode areas. I note that Royal Mail management accepts its performance needs to be much better and has started to address this, for example, by recruiting an additional 3,000 postmen and women so far with a further 500 permanent delivery positions a week going forwards.

Ofcom sets and monitors Royal Mail’s service standards and has powers to investigate and take enforcement action where there are reasonable grounds for concluding Royal Mail has failed to achieve its obligations. I note that the regulator recently fined the business £5.6m for failing to meet its service delivery targets in 2022-23.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
28th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent assessment she has made of fhe adequacy of Ofcom's enforcement of the postal services obligation on Royal Mail.

Ofcom is the designated independent regulator for the postal sector and the Government has no role in its regulatory decisions. It is for Ofcom to decide how to respond should Royal Mail fail to meet its obligations and I note that the regulator recently fined the business £5.6m for failing to meet its service delivery targets in 2022-23.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
13th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State of 5 September 2023 on Energy Bill [Lords], Official Report, column 281, when he plans to (a) publish the first annual report to Parliament on the community energy sector and (b) launch the consultation on the barriers the sector faces when developing projects.

Government is working with the Community Energy Contact Group on the content of the annual report and consultation. Until these discussions have concluded, the Government is unable to outline a definitive timeline.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
13th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what her planned timetable is for the National Grid Electricity System Operator becoming the Future Systems Operator; whether the Future Systems Operator will be required to follow procedures as set out in the Treasury's Green Book when making recommendations to National Grid Electricity Transmission on investment in electricity transmission infrastructure; and if she will require the Future Systems Operator to take account of the potential impact of any new infrastructure on the (a) environment and (b) value of nearby property.

Our aim is for the FSO to be operational in 2024, depending on the Energy Bill and agreeing timelines with key parties.

The FSO will take a strategic whole system approach to network planning, delivered initially by a Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) for electricity transmission. Ofgem are currently consulting on the CSNP and expect to publish a decision later this year. It is expected the FSO will lead the development of CSNP methodology (approved by Ofgem), and this should consider deliverability, cost, environmental and community impacts, as well as how to utilise the Green Book guidance issued by HM Treasury.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
18th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when she plans to respond to the recommendations on (a) a Strategic Spatial Energy Plan, (b) lump sum payments for individual households close to new lines and (c) other issues in the Winser report on accelerating electricity transmission network deployment; and if she will make a statement.

The Government welcomes the Electricity Networks Commissioner’s report and will publish an Action Plan in response by the end of this year.

In his speech on Net Zero on 20 September, the Prime Minister announced that the government will shortly bring forward reforms to energy infrastructure including setting out the UK’s first spatial plan.

Government wants to ensure communities hosting transmission network infrastructure can benefit from supporting the delivery of cheaper, secure and low-carbon energy for Great Britain. We consulted on this earlier this year and are developing guidance, which we intend to publish in 2023.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
18th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate her Department has made of the potential increase in (a) green levies, (b) market balancing and transmission costs and (c) other non-commodity costs that will be required to meet the 2035 target to decarbonise the electricity system; what assumptions her Department has made in making these estimates; and if she will make a statement.

The Department has produced a range of whole economy costs estimates to support decisions about energy transition and produces value for money assessments as part of every major decision. Minimising cost to consumers is at the heart of our strategy to deliver a reliable and decarbonised electricity system by 2035. The best way of protecting households and businesses is by lowering the costs of the energy we consume and reducing the volumes used. This means increasing energy efficiency and building out a low-cost, low-carbon energy system which reduces our reliance on fossil fuels.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if his Department will make an estimate of the cost of tackling environmental issues arising from (a) the East Anglia Green Energy Enablement project and (b) offshore alternatives to that project.

Transmission network operators, in this case National Grid Electricity Transmission are responsible for delivering network infrastructure necessary to meet consumer needs.

Those operators must assess the environmental impacts of the proposals, including any proposed mitigation designs and any consideration of alternatives. Any mitigation forms part of project proposals examined during the consenting process. The cost of any mitigation is the responsibility of the operator with the regulator potentially having a role depending on the extent of mitigation.. Given the Secretary of State’s role in the consenting process for nationally significant infrastructure, no assessment has been made by the Department.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions he has had with ESO-National Grid on the timing of the next consultation on the East Anglia Green Energy Enablement project; and if he will make a statement.

National Grid ESO is the electricity systems operator. The timing of any consultation on planning is a matter for the developer responsible for East Anglia Green, National Grid Electricity Transmission, to determine. At this stage National Grid Electricity Transmission has not undertaken statutory consultation for this project, and it is my understanding that NGET have committed to carefully consider the recommendations of the independent ESO study ahead of their statutory consultation for this project. Given the quasi-judicial role of the Secretary of State in making planning decisions for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, it is not appropriate to comment further.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent estimate his Department has made of the level of electricity generating capacity that will be required in each year between 2023 and 2050; what the minimum generating margin will be in each of those years; and if he will make a statement.

Net Zero consistent scenarios for the power sector are published as Annex O of the Energy and Emission Projections.[1] In line with National Grid targets, these scenarios are configured to ensure a minimum lost load of 3 hours in any given year.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-and-emissions-projections-net-zero-strategy-baseline-partial-interim-update-december-2021

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
24th May 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much of the estimated cost of each of the following undersea electricity transmission cables will ultimately be funded through electricity bills to residential and commercial customers (a) western link (Hunterston to Flintshire Bridge), (b) eastern link (Peterhead to Drax) and (c) Sealink 1 (Sizewell to Kent).

All electricity network costs approved by the independent regulator Ofgem are funded through the network charges paid by electricity suppliers and generators. Ultimately, all such costs will be met by electricity consumers through their electricity bills.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
23rd May 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will estimate the likely (a) length of cabling, (b) transmission capacity, (c) financial cost of the proposed Sealink 1 undersea electrical cable from Sizewell to Kent, referred to as SCD1 in the latest National Grid Network Options Appraisal; and if he will make a statement.

National Grid Electricity Transmission is currently developing proposals for Sea Link, a new planned 2GW high voltage undersea electricity link between Suffolk and Kent.

(a) Length of cabling: ~150km, consisting of ~140km DC cable (of which 130km will be offshore and 10km onshore) and ~10km of onshore AC cables);

(b) Transmission capacity: 2GW High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC);

(c) Financial cost of the proposed Sea Link undersea electrical cable from Sizewell to Kent: This project is forecast to cost ~£1.2bn. This includes the cost to connect the link to the existing transmission system at either end, the converter stations and the cable required between the two. This figure is however subject to final engineering design, commodity prices, landowner agreements and mitigation.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
26th Nov 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with CGN on plans for the construction of a Chinese designed nuclear reactor at Bradwell in Essex; whether it is the Government’s policy to facilitate this project; and if he will make a statement.

The Government regularly speak to a range of developers, including CGN. The Government is not making any decisions on Bradwell at the present time. The proposed project is at an early stage of development, and we are focused on delivering at least one gigawatt scale power plant this Parliament.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
30th Apr 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which covid-19 Government support schemes are (a) subject to the European Commission’s Temporary Framework for State Aid; (b) subject to the De Minimis Framework for State Aid; and (b) not subject to State Aid rules.

Although the UK has left the EU, under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, the EU State Aid rules continue to apply in the UK during the Transition Period. The European Commission has introduced some flexibilities into the rules to deal address the impacts of the Coronavirus, in the form of a Temporary Framework, which the UK has taken advantage of.

The UK has two schemes that have been approved by the European Commission under its Temporary Framework: the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), and the COVID-19 Temporary Framework for UK authorities. Information about these schemes is available on DG Competition’s Coronavirus pages. The COVID-19 Temporary Framework for UK authorities allows public authorities to introduce their own aid measures without the necessity of obtaining an individual Commission approval. This provides cover for measures such as the Retail Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme (RHLGF) and CBILS for large business.

The UK is not required under State Aid rules to maintain a database of De Minimis aid, or of non-aid measures, but has used introduced measures on these bases to support affected business. For example, the Small Business Grant Fund (SBGF), operates on a De Minimis basis, while the Job Retention schemes and business rate reliefs, which are key elements of the Government’s support package, do not involve State Aid at all.

9th Jun 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, he he will make an assessment of the impact of rail strikes on the ability of school pupils taking GCSE and A level examinations to travel to their exam locations; and if he will make a statement.

The overwhelming majority of students are not reliant on rail transport to attend school or college, as only around 1% of 11 to 16-year-olds travel to school by train. However, the department does know that a small number of students in schools and a larger number in further education colleges will be affected either by rail disruption, or by busier roads and greater demand for other public transport. This means they will likely be experiencing additional stress and disruption at a time when they should be able to fully focus on doing their best in their exams.

Many students will be able to make alternative arrangements. Schools and colleges are also expected to play their part in supporting those students who are likely to be impacted or struggle to make alternative arrangements. Schools and colleges are also expected to have contingency arrangements in place to manage any possible disruption to exams and formal assessments, including late arrival of staff or students.

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) have published updated guidance for centres managing exams this summer. This outlines existing flexibilities, as well as changes to the normal rules for conducting examinations, and is designed to support centres experiencing disruption. This includes additional flexibility around published start times, which could be used if an invigilator is delayed by transport disruption. Where students arrive late, centres should consult JCQ guidance on what to do. In most cases, centres should allow students to take the paper, and exam boards will determine whether that paper can be accepted, depending on how late the student is.

6th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether officials from her Department attended courses on (a) SPS agreements, (b) trade and the environment and (c) agriculture agreements at the World Trade Organisation in each year since the EU referendum in June 2016; and if she will make a statement.

Defra officials have attended courses and other learning events on SPS agreements, trade and the environment, and agriculture agreements at the World Trade Organisation since 2017 (there is no record for 2016). This includes learning that is regularly on offer through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Trade Faculty. In addition, officials have attended seminars and presentations from departmental experts as part of Defra’s internal trade capability offer that ensures officials are fully equipped to deliver the Government’s trade objectives.

Mark Spencer
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
6th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many officials from his Department have attended courses on international trade with the World Trade Organisation in each year since 2016; and if she will make a statement.

Most trade-related training in the Department for International Trade is organised by a central team, and the team has not arranged for any individuals or teams to attend courses at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). We have no records of anyone independently attending WTO courses.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
10th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many road traffic accidents have occurred on the A120 between Horsley Cross and Harwich in each of the past five years; and if he will publish details of (a) the location, (b) fatalities and (c) serious injuries in each case.

The Department holds information on reported personal injury road collisions only.

The number of reported personal injury road collisions on the A120 between Horsley Cross and Harwich between 2018 and 2022 (the last five years for which figures are available) can be found in the table below.

Reported road collisions, A120 between Horsley Cross and Harwich, 2018 to 2022

Source: DfT, STATS19

Year

Collisions

2018

6

2019

5

2020

11

2021

8

2022

6

The number of fatalities and seriously injured casualties on the A120 between Horsley Cross and Harwich between 2018 and 2022 can be found in the table below.

Reported road casualties, A120 between Horsley Cross and Harwich, 2018 to 2022

Source: DfT, STATS19

Year

Fatal

Serious (adjusted)

2018

1

2

2019

0

2

2020

0

5

2021

1

3

2022

3

5

Data containing location and severity of all reported collisions and casualties involved is published at a record level on data.gov.uk.

Guy Opperman
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
18th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he expects the A12 Chelmsford to A120 widening scheme for junctions 19 to 25 to be completed; and if he will make a statement.

The A12 Chelmsford to A120 Widening scheme (Junctions 19 to 25) is scheduled to open for traffic in December 2027.

National Highways reports on delivery, regularly updating progress on their website.

Richard Holden
Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
18th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent estimate he has made of when the construction of a dual carriageway for the A12 between Braintree and Marks Tey will be (a) approved, (b) financed and (c) completed.

Proposals to improve the A120 between Braintree and Marks Tey, where it meets the A12, have been developed alongside other potential enhancements to the strategic road network as part of the RIS3 Pipeline, for possible delivery in a future road period. Following a statement to Parliament in March 2023 from the Secretary of State for Transport identifying a range of funding headwinds and pressures facing transport infrastructure delivery, schemes within the pipeline have been deferred for consideration as part of RIS4 (beyond 2030) at the earliest. The RIS remains the primary funding source for development and delivery of enhancements to the strategic road network in England.

Richard Holden
Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
3rd Feb 2020
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, what the mean salary is of the permanent staff of IPSA.

In 2018-19, the mean salary of the permanent staff at IPSA was £38,930.92.

11th May 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when the provisions of the Health and Care Act in respect of the Health Services Safety Investigation Body will be brought into force, and if he will make a statement.

We intend to commence provisions to enable the Health Services Safety Investigation Body to be established and fully operational by April 2023.

Maria Caulfield
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)
21st Sep 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether pooled sample testing for covid-19 is being used in (a) the UK and (b) areas of the UK where covid-19 infections are deemed to be recorded as low; and what assessment he has made of the contribution of experiences of pooled sample testing in (i) Uruguay, (ii) Rwanda, (iii) the US, (iv) Germany, (v) South Korea and (vi) India to (A) increasing the understanding of the covid-19 pandemic spread and (B) reducing the number of covid-19 required to help reduce that pandemic spread.

A clinical validation study has commenced at a small number of testing sites, which aims to clinically validate pooling for use on the National Testing Programme. There is also a programme about to begin at Cambridge University that we plan to monitor closely. All individuals are asked in advance if they would like to take part in this clinical validation study with the context and reasoning for the study provided. The test result for the individual is unaffected by the clinical validation study being performed.

Helen Whately
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
17th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is planning to take in response to Russia's capture of 14 Bulgarian sailors who were stranded in Mariupol as hostages; whether the Government has provided support to the government of Bulgaria to resist Russian demands; and if he will make a statement.

The UK and Bulgaria are strong friends and partners and NATO allies. We work closely together with Bulgarian counterparts at all levels in response to Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine including on our diplomatic responses, advancing our common security interests, energy diversification and joint working on countering disinformation. I discussed the response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine when he visited Sofia in March 2023.

Leo Docherty
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
6th Dec 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he has received representations on the practice of house builders prohibiting in perpetuity new homeowners from installing solar panels on their homes.

I am grateful to my Hon Friend for bringing correspondence about housebuilders prohibiting the fitting of solar panels post-sale to my attention. Renewable energy, such as that generated from solar panels, will contribute to the objective of getting to net zero, so we are grateful for you flagging this concern. The Department will review this matter further.

Lee Rowley
Minister of State (Minister for Housing)