Chris Green Portrait

Chris Green

Conservative - Bolton West

First elected: 7th May 2015


Backbench Business Committee
15th Mar 2022 - 26th Oct 2023
Pension Dashboards (Prohibition of Indemnification) Bill
19th Oct 2022 - 26th Oct 2022
Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill
1st Dec 2021 - 14th Dec 2021
Home Affairs Committee
26th Nov 2018 - 6th Nov 2019
Work and Pensions Committee
16th Oct 2017 - 20th Feb 2018
Science and Technology Committee (Commons)
13th Jul 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Science and Technology Committee
13th Jul 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
13th Jul 2015 - 3rd May 2017


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Chris Green has voted in 889 divisions, and 23 times against the majority of their Party.

22 Mar 2021 - Fire Safety Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 33 Conservative No votes vs 320 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 322 Noes - 253
10 Feb 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 24 Conservative No votes vs 327 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 526 Noes - 24
1 Dec 2020 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 53 Conservative No votes vs 290 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 291 Noes - 78
4 Nov 2020 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 33 Conservative No votes vs 308 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 516 Noes - 38
21 Oct 2020 - Additional Covid-19 Restrictions: Fair Economic Support - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 2 Conservative Aye votes vs 339 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 261 Noes - 340
13 Oct 2020 - Public Health: Coronavirus Regulations - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 42 Conservative No votes vs 298 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 299 Noes - 82
27 Apr 2021 - Fire Safety Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 31 Conservative No votes vs 320 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 320 Noes - 256
28 Apr 2021 - Fire Safety Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 32 Conservative No votes vs 321 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 322 Noes - 256
22 Nov 2021 - Health and Care Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 19 Conservative No votes vs 269 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 272 Noes - 246
30 Nov 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 19 Conservative No votes vs 268 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 434 Noes - 23
30 Nov 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 32 Conservative No votes vs 259 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 431 Noes - 36
14 Dec 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 38 Conservative No votes vs 271 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 441 Noes - 41
14 Dec 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 97 Conservative No votes vs 224 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 369 Noes - 126
14 Dec 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 60 Conservative No votes vs 258 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 385 Noes - 100
22 Jun 2022 - Health and Personal Social Services - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 61 Conservative No votes vs 106 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 215 Noes - 70
18 Oct 2022 - Public Order Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 103 Conservative No votes vs 113 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 297 Noes - 110
7 Mar 2023 - Public Order Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 107 Conservative Aye votes vs 109 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 116 Noes - 299
28 Jun 2023 - Education - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 20 Conservative No votes vs 237 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 373 Noes - 28
4 Dec 2023 - Business without Debate - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 26 Conservative No votes vs 217 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 381 Noes - 37
13 Dec 2023 - Retained EU Law Reform - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 10 Conservative No votes vs 288 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 464 Noes - 11
16 Jan 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 57 Conservative Aye votes vs 262 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 58 Noes - 525
16 Jan 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 58 Conservative Aye votes vs 262 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 68 Noes - 529
17 Jan 2024 - Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Green voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 59 Conservative Aye votes vs 266 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 65 Noes - 536
View All Chris Green 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.

View all Chris Green's debates

Bolton West 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

As Parliament considers the Bill of Rights, the Government must reconsider including abortion rights in this Bill. Rights to abortion must be specifically protected in this legislation, especially as the Government has refused to rule out leaving the European Convention on Human Rights.

We want the Government to commit to not rolling out any e-vaccination status/immunity passport to the British public. Such passports could be used to restrict the rights of people who have refused a Covid-19 vaccine, which would be unacceptable.

Isolation essential to the Government’s strategy for fighting coronavirus, and UK citizens must remain healthy and exercise whilst keeping adequate distance between people. The Government should allow golf courses to open so families or individuals can play golf in order to exercise safely.

In the event of a spike we would like you not to close gyms as a measure to stop any spread of Covid. Also for gyms to not be put in the same group as pubs in terms of risk or importance. Gyms are following strict guidelines and most members are following rules in a sober manner.


Latest EDMs signed by Chris Green

21st February 2024
Chris Green signed this EDM on Wednesday 21st 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
11th April 2019
Chris Green signed this EDM on Tuesday 23rd April 2019

Exiting the European Union

Tabled by: William Cash (Conservative - Stone)
That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (Exit Day) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2019 (S.I., 2019, No. 859), dated 11 April 2019, a copy of which was laid before this House on 11 April 2019, be annulled.
82 signatures
(Most recent: 29 Apr 2019)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 70
Democratic Unionist Party: 7
Independent: 4
Non-affiliated: 1
View All Chris Green's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Chris Green, 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.


Chris Green has not been granted any Urgent Questions

1 Adjournment Debate led by Chris Green

2 Bills introduced by Chris Green


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 appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator; to make provision about the Regulator and about the regulation of forensic science; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Thursday 8th March 2018

A Bill to require those on the electoral register to produce proof of identity at polling stations before voting; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 23rd November 2016
(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
1 Other Department Questions
20th Apr 2022
To ask the President of COP26, what progress he made at COP26 on reducing the use of coal.

At COP26, all parties agreed to phase down the use of coal, the first ever direct reference to coal in UN climate decision text.

The Global Coal to Clean Power Transition Statement gained 77 signatures from countries, subnationals, and organisations, and the Powering Past Coal Alliance grew to 165 members.

And there were significant financial commitments, with international partners agreeing to mobilise over $20 billion to support developing countries in the transition from coal to clean energy.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
1st Oct 2020
What plans his Department has to introduce a national identity card.

The Government has no plans to introduce national identity cards.

17th Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people have died (a) with covid-19 symptoms and (b) from covid-19 to date.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

16th Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the (a) average age and (b) median age is of people who have been reported of dying as a result of covid-19.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

18th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she is taking to support garden centres.

The Autumn Statement 2022 announced a package of changes to business rates worth £13.6bn over the next 5 years in lower bills. This includes a freeze to the multiplier, scrapping the downward revaluation cap and extending and increasing the generosity of the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief from 50% to 75% in 2023-24.

This is in addition to the Energy Bills Discount Scheme; the increased Employment Allowance of £5,000 and setting the Annual Investment Allowance at £1 million permanently. This is a comprehensive package of support which will help protect businesses such as garden centres.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
22nd Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending incentives for communities to host onshore wind projects to (a) nuclear and (b) other low-carbon generation projects.

The Government wants all communities to benefit from hosting energy technologies in their local areas. However, Government does not have a formal role with regards to community benefits for low-carbon energy projects. These are best agreed at a local level between the operators and the local community.

Many low-carbon energy developers already offer a range of community benefit schemes, including providing funding for environmental enhancements, job schemes, energy discounts, and investment in local infrastructure.

The Government will seek alignment and consistency between energy technologies where appropriate, but believes it is important that the approach to community benefits for each technology reflects their unique impacts.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she is taking to roll out new nuclear projects.

HMG is backing new Nuclear with £1.2bn committed to support Sizewell C, completed the SMR competition initial down-selection, thanks to the newly established Great British Nuclear, and investing up to £75m in our Nuclear Fuel fund, in addition to the £385m already provided through our Advanced Nuclear Fund.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the document entitled Life Sciences Competitiveness Indicators 2023, published on 13 July 2023, whether she has made an assessment of the implications for her policies of the reduction in (a) inward life sciences foreign direct investment and (b) equity finance raised by life sciences companies in 2022.

The reduction in the estimated value of inward life sciences foreign direct investment and in equity finance raised in 2022 was not unique to the UK. Other global business environments, such as the USA, also saw falls in investment and equity raised. This was in large part due to changes in the life sciences investment environment following the COVID-19 pandemic and broader economic factors. Regardless, the department is acting in the face of fierce global competition. DSIT, DHSC and the Treasury announced a package of measures in May 2023, backed by over £650 million in funding, to reverse this decline.

1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has made an assessment of potential links between the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access and levels of foreign direct investment in life sciences.

The Government has considered in broad terms the link between volume-based rebate payments in our medicine pricing schemes and various kinds of investment in our Impact Assessment of updates to the Statutory Scheme for branded medicines pricing, which operates alongside voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing and access (VPAS). The Government’s 2023 Impact Assessment of updates to the Statutory Scheme can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/review-of-the-scheme-to-control-the-cost-of-branded-health-service-medicines.

We are in close discussions with the Department of Health and Social Care and Department for Business and Trade about the business environment for life sciences and its impact on investment.

8th Jun 2023
What steps her Department is taking to advance the UK's role in the science and technology sector.

In March,the Government published the Science and Technology Framework. This details our strategic vision for how to make the UK a science and technology superpower by 2030.

The Framework sets out the steps required to attract investment, grow UK companies, innovate successfully and safely, and deploy our world class science and technology research base for good.

We have already announced investment of £900million in exascale computing, £2.5billion over 10 years in quantum technologies and a £1billion semiconductor strategy.

9th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much revenue was raised for the Exchequer by the sale of the Vaccines Manufacturing Innovation Centre; and whether those funds will be reinvested into life sciences manufacturing capabilities in the UK.

The Vaccine Taskforce granted funding to VMIC Ltd to support development of the Vaccine Manufacturing and Innovation Centre, a vaccine research and manufacturing facility in Harwell.

In late 2021, VMIC UK Ltd's Board of Directors made the decision to sell the facility through a competitive process. In April 2022, the facility was sold to Catalent. VMIC Ltd subsequently entered a voluntary liquidation.

The courts appointed liquidators to act on behalf of creditors and this process is under way. It is not possible to comment on the question of revenue raised while the liquidation process is ongoing.

9th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much and what proportion of the £354m funding allocated to life sciences manufacturing has been allocated to life sciences manufacturing projects; and which projects have received this funding.

This Government recognises the valuable role that life sciences manufacturing plays in the UK economy, as outlined in the Life Sciences Vision published in 2021. Last March, we launched the £60 million Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund to encourage manufacturing investment in the UK. The fund has received a large number of high-quality applications and we expect to announce the grant recipients shortly. In addition, the UK has supported several other life sciences manufacturing investments including through a grant of up to £15.9m to chemical producer Croda to increase the UK’s capacity to manufacture lipid nanoparticles for mRNA vaccines at their site in Leek, and up to £12.3m to support Smith&Nephew’s new Advanced Wound Management manufacturing and R&D site near Hull. The Government continues to work with the life sciences industry to support manufacturing investments in the UK.

7th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on improving the UK's standing as a global life sciences hub and the use of the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing Access.

As the accountable Secretaries of State for the Life Sciences Vision, the Government and life sciences sector’s blueprint for ensuring the UK becomes a world leading science superpower and global life sciences leader, my Rt. Hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care are regularly engaged in discussions on how we can deliver on the ambitions of the Vision for the economy and for NHS patients.

This was the subject of discussion at the most recent Life Sciences Council on the 28th of November, where the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing Access was also discussed.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
6th Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to open the Government Office for Technology Transfer; and whether he will include in that Office's remit an objective of promoting closer collaboration between academia and industry to enhance the UK's translation capabilities in life sciences.

The Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT) will formally launch in Autumn 2022. GOTT will support central government departments and arm’s length bodies to deliver a step change in the management of the social, economic, and financial value of their knowledge assets for the benefit of the UK economy and the UK taxpayer. Sector agnostic, GOTT will serve as an advisor, leader and convener and act as a focal point for those that can enable the asset to reach its potential, including private sector investors, academia and industry.

6th Jul 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the ambition in the Life Sciences Vision to develop a highly skilled workforce, what steps he is taking to develop (a) translational research and (b) broader life sciences research talent in the UK.

The Government is committed to developing Life Sciences research talent as part of its vision to make the UK the leading global hub for Life Sciences.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) directs around £85 million each year towards developing research careers, supporting around 1,600 PhD students.

Translational research is supported by MRC’s successful translational funding strategy, which seeks to progress innovative discovery science towards clinical utility.

In addition, Innovate UK supports the development of translation research skills through the Biomedical Catalyst Accelerator programme, which focusses on priority areas highlighted in the Life Sciences Vision, such as oncology and neurodegeneration.

Greg Hands
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Mar 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when the Global Britain Investment Fund will open for investment for new medicines manufacturing; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the fund supports innovative, smaller biotechnology companies.

The Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF) was announced on 2 March 2022. This £60 million capital grant scheme welcomes applications from SMEs with innovative proposals, including biotechnology companies.

The UK has one of the strongest life sciences industries globally. In 2020, the value of life sciences inward FDI totalled £900m, ranking second only to the US in the number of projects. The UK also performs well in R&D spend, securing £4.8bn by UK pharmaceuticals in 2019 and 18% of our total industrial R&D spend. The new £1.4bn Global Britain Investment Fund (GBIF) will build on the strengthens of this sector by providing £354 million in grant support for UK life sciences manufacturing. This will ensure internationally mobile companies invest in cutting edge, innovative manufacturing projects right here in the UK.

4th Jan 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has made an assessment of the potential effect of the UK's regulatory framework on the number of life sciences companies that deem it necessary to conduct clinical trials outside of the UK; and whether he has plans to make exceptions under the existing framework to enable more UK-based life science companies to conduct trials within the UK.

There has been no change to the number of applications to the MHRA for clinical trials over the past 5 years. We are committed to developing a world-leading regulatory system for clinical trials that allows us to collaborate effectively globally and maintains and enhances the attractiveness of the UK as a site for clinical trials. The MHRA are planning to launch a public consultation shortly on a set of proposals to improve and strengthen the UK clinical trials legislation (the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 as amended), to help us make the UK the best place to research and develop safe and innovative medicines. We have the opportunity to improve our regulation to support clinical trials in the best interests of patients, in line with the ambitions of the Life Sciences Vision to make the UK the leading global centre for innovative research design and delivery, across all types and phases of trials. Through the legislative proposals outlined in the consultation, we aim to streamline clinical trials approvals, enable innovation, enhance clinical trials transparency, enable greater risk proportionality, and promote patient and public involvement in clinical trials.

20th Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of the proposals for change to NICE methods and processes in the context of the Life Sciences Vision published in July 2021.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) plays a crucial role in sustaining the UK’s position as a life sciences superpower and will continue to play a pivotal role in delivering the ambitions set out in the Life Sciences Vision, which was co-developed by Government and the sector.

NICE is continuing to deliver its Methods Review which will ensure NICE retains its global leadership in the evaluation and appraisal of new medicines and technologies. As an independent body, NICE is responsible for its own methods and processes.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will continue to work closely with the wide range of public and private sector bodies and stakeholders across the sector, including NICE, to deliver the Life Sciences Vision.

8th Jun 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to encourage R&D investment in highly-skilled pharmaceutical manufacturing in the UK.

The UK Government will invest £14.9 billion in R&D this year, bringing investment to its highest level in four decades. This is a major step towards our commitment to increase total public and private R&D investment to 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2027.

Through the Manufacturing Made Smarter Challenge, the government will invest £147 million (matched by a minimum of £147 million from industry) to transform the UK’s manufacturing capabilities through the development and adoption of industrial digital technologies. The Challenge will support businesses to implement new tech to boost their manufacturing productivity, helping them reach new customers, create thousands of new highly skilled jobs, slash carbon emissions and reduce prices for customers.

The Government has also recently launched the Medicines and Diagnostics Manufacturing Transformation Fund (MDMTF), a £20 million fund offering capital grants to businesses, incentivising them to place internationally mobile high value manufacturing investments in the UK. The MDMTF will increase the production of medicines and diagnostic equipment in the UK. In doing so, it seeks also to support companies in adopting new technologies which boost productivity, drive down costs and which have less impact on the environment.

The Government will also publish a Life Sciences Vision later this year which will set out our ambition for supporting growth of the life sciences sector, including in manufacturing.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
19th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has allocated any financial or other resources from his Department's budget to investigate potential future uses by his Department of the NHS Test and Trace database system.

To date, no financial or other resources have been allocated from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) budget to investigate potential future uses by the department of the NHS Test and Trace database system.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
19th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department plans to use the NHS Test and Trace database system.

The corporate functions of the Department do not have access to the NHS Test and Trace database system. The Department therefore does not currently plan to use it.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
16th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on future uses of the NHS Test and Trace database system.

No assessment has yet been made, nor any decisions made, on whether to use the data systems used by NHS Test and Trace for other purposes beyond those related to Covid-19. Any work to assess potential future uses of these data systems would be met from within the financial resources already allocated to NHS Test and Trace for the 2021/22 financial year.

4th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the Targeted Charging Review proposals on the UK steel sector.

Network charging is a matter for Ofgem, as the independent regulator, and decisions on its Targeted Charging Review (TCR) are for it to make. Through the TCR, Ofgem is seeking to ensure all parties connected to the electricity network make a fair contribution to its fixed costs. This is consistent with Government’s views on the importance of an energy system that ensures a fair distribution of costs, with solutions rewarded where they contribute to reduced system costs.

Ofgem has published an analysis of the expected impacts of the TCR reforms at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/electricity/transmission-networks/charging/targeted-charging-review-significant-code-review . Ofgem is working to implement the reforms by April 2022 through code changes, with the final aspects of those code changes being consulted on shortly.

The Government continues to engage with Ofgem to inform our understanding of the reforms’ policy implications, and we will also give careful consideration to the related recommendations of the recent UK Steel report “Closing the Gap”.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
4th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of Ofgem’s proposed reforms under the Targeting Charging Review on costs for steel companies; and what plans Ofgem has to review those proposals.

Network charging is a matter for Ofgem, as the independent regulator, and decisions on its Targeted Charging Review (TCR) are for it to make. Through the TCR, Ofgem is seeking to ensure all parties connected to the electricity network make a fair contribution to its fixed costs. This is consistent with Government’s views on the importance of an energy system that ensures a fair distribution of costs, with solutions rewarded where they contribute to reduced system costs.

Ofgem has published an analysis of the expected impacts of the TCR reforms at: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/electricity/transmission-networks/charging/targeted-charging-review-significant-code-review . Ofgem is working to implement the reforms by April 2022 through code changes, with the final aspects of those code changes being consulted on shortly.

The Government continues to engage with Ofgem to inform our understanding of the reforms’ policy implications, and we will also give careful consideration to the related recommendations of the recent UK Steel report “Closing the Gap”.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
4th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) competitiveness of electricity prices in the UK and (b) effect of those prices on the UK steel sector’s ability to compete internationally.

The Government is committed to minimising energy costs for businesses to ensure our economy remains strong and competitive. The ability for our industries to be able to compete across Europe and globally is a priority for this Government.

The Government has put moving to a cleaner, greener economy at the heart of its Industrial Strategy, especially with our commitment to Net Zero. Our aim is to work with the steel sector and help them to reduce carbon emissions. We will continue to support the steel sector in achieving these aims through the various funds available such as the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund and Clean Steel Fund.

We estimate that reduction in the various renewable costs for eligible energy intensive industries, including steel, will save them around £400m a year in electricity costs. We have also extended the schemes to compensate certain energy intensive industries for indirect emission cost to the end of the next financial year in order to minimise disruption to existing recipients whilst we conduct a review. Between 2013 and 2019, total compensation paid to the steel sector was over £480m.

We welcome the recent report by UK Steel - “Closing the Gap” - regarding electricity prices and will give its recommendations careful consideration.

4th Feb 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the recommendations made by UK Steel in its February 2021 report, Closing the Gap, on reducing the disparity between the UK and the German and French industrial electricity prices.

We welcome this report and will give its recommendations careful consideration.

1st May 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking in addition to Budget 2020 measures to support science funding and R&D tax credits by increasing the incentives for advanced medicines manufacturing in the UK.

The UK has world leading science and research capabilities and we have already committed to utilising these to address the COVID-19 challenges, in close collaboration with the research and business communities in the advanced manufacturing sector.

In April we announced a £1.25 billion package to help ensure innovative firms in some of the most dynamic sectors of the UK economy – including life sciences – are protected through the COVID-19 crisis so they can continue to develop innovative new products. As part of this Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), are investing £750 million to support innovation in the country’s most research-intensive businesses during and post the coronavirus pandemic, and to support new ways of dealing with global disruption. The package will include grants, loans, and expanded business advisory support. This package builds on the government’s existing support for innovative, high-growth firms including the £2.5 billion British Patient Capital fund, the upcoming £200 million Life Sciences Investment Programme, internationally competitive R&D tax reliefs and our major commitments to increase public R&D spending to £22 billion by 2024-25.

Currently over £36 million is awarded through UKRI to projects directly related to tackling Covid-19.? This includes £24.6 million awarded across 27 projects, including for testing a vaccine, developing therapies and improving understanding of how to treat COVID-19, awarded through a Rapid Response call (now closed) run jointly with the?National Institute for Health Research .

We are also supporting the development of a coronavirus vaccine, working to ensure the UK has the manufacturing capability to produce these at the levels the UK needs. This is at the early stages but progressing rapidly. A new cross government vaccines taskforce has been set up, reporting to the Secretaries of State for BEIS and DHSC as well as Sir Patrick Vallance. It brings together government, industry, academics, funding agencies and other partners to make rapid decisions in order to accelerate vaccine development in the UK, working closely with the BioIndustry Association.

This taskforce is reviewing a number of options, including looking at delivering the Vaccines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (VMIC) earlier than the 2022 opening date originally planned. The VMIC was asked to develop a plan for its dramatic acceleration and expansion. As a result the initial phase of the build has now started which is approximately three months ahead of schedule. Further acceleration and expansion options will be presented by the VMIC to the government in due course, and definitive estimates of further time savings will be available at that time.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
27th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will extend social investment tax relief to grassroots music venues.

Social Investment Tax Relief (SITR) was introduced in the Finance Bill in 2014. It aims to incentivise individuals to invest in organisations (‘social enterprises’) whose trading activities seek to generate profit and bring social or community benefit.

Eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply for the relief scheme can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/venture-capital-schemes-apply-to-use-social-investment-tax-relief#trades.

Most profit seeking commercial trades qualify for the relief, and the criteria do not explicitly rule out grassroots music venues from receiving it. However, if your trade includes things like including property development or leasing activities, your enterprise may not qualify for SITR on the basis certain trades are often asset backed or have predictable or guaranteed revenue streams, making them lower risk. In turn, this could divert capital away from higher-risk enterprises that genuinely struggle to raise finance.

The Government keeps SITR under review in order to ensure it continues to meet its policy objectives in a way that is fair and effective.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
27th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to (a) support new and emerging talent performing at grassroots music venues and (b) improve funding opportunities.

The Government is committed to supporting emerging musical talent and our grassroots music venues, which are the lifeblood of our world-leading music sector.

The Government is supporting grassroots music through Arts Council England’s (ACE’s) Supporting Grassroots Live Music (SGLM) ring fenced fund of £1.5m. The fund is designed for organisations - including venues and promoters - with little or no prior experience of public funding applications.

DCMS supported culture, including grassroots music, during Covid-19 through the unprecedented £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund (CRF). In England, the CRF provided immediate assistance to prevent 136 of our most loved and enduring grassroots music venues closing their doors for good.

In addition, the Energy Bill Relief Scheme has provided support to all businesses across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including grassroots music venues, protecting all non-domestic consumers from soaring energy costs, cutting the cost of power bills and providing them with the certainty they needed to plan through the acute crisis this winter. We will continue to do so through the Energy Bills Discount Scheme until Spring 2024.

The Government also supports new and emerging talent through a range of export support programmes, including the successful Music Export Growth Scheme and the International Showcase Fund.

DCMS and the Department for Education jointly published the National Plan for Music Education in June 2022, which sets out the Government’s vision to enable all children and young people in England to have the opportunity to progress their musical interests and talents, including professionally.

Finally, DCMS is also developing a Creative Industries Sector Vision that will set out this Government’s ambitions, shared with industry, to support this high-growth sector to 2030.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
26th Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has received correspondence from the Gambling Commission on a national register of gamblers.

In October 2019, the Gambling Commission issued a challenge to the gambling industry to develop a workable ‘Single Customer View’ solution. The Single Customer View aims to facilitate data sharing between operators so that harm prevention efforts can be improved by measures which prevent disordered gamblers moving to another operator when one intervenes. As set out in its statement of 7 October, the Commission has no plans to mandate a particular single customer view solution at this stage. The next step is for industry to develop and test potential options.

The Gambling Commission has worked closely with the Information Commissioner’s Office to understand how a single customer view can be delivered in compliance with all relevant data protection requirements. The Information Commissioner’s Office recently published a report confirming it should be possible under data protection law for data to be shared safely and securely between online operators to help prevent gambling related harm. However, the report does not comment on how any single customer view should work in practice. We expect the industry to proceed to trial its planned single customer view solution and will continue to monitor developments closely.

The government is reviewing the Gambling Act 2005 to make sure it is fit for the digital age. Our call for evidence included questions on how the consumer data collected by operators could be better deployed and used to support the government’s objectives. We are considering the evidence carefully and aim to publish a white paper outlining any conclusions and proposals for reform in due course.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
26th Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the (a) risk to personal data and (b) implications for privacy of the establishment of a national register of gamblers.

In October 2019, the Gambling Commission issued a challenge to the gambling industry to develop a workable ‘Single Customer View’ solution. The Single Customer View aims to facilitate data sharing between operators so that harm prevention efforts can be improved by measures which prevent disordered gamblers moving to another operator when one intervenes. As set out in its statement of 7 October, the Commission has no plans to mandate a particular single customer view solution at this stage. The next step is for industry to develop and test potential options.

The Gambling Commission has worked closely with the Information Commissioner’s Office to understand how a single customer view can be delivered in compliance with all relevant data protection requirements. The Information Commissioner’s Office recently published a report confirming it should be possible under data protection law for data to be shared safely and securely between online operators to help prevent gambling related harm. However, the report does not comment on how any single customer view should work in practice. We expect the industry to proceed to trial its planned single customer view solution and will continue to monitor developments closely.

The government is reviewing the Gambling Act 2005 to make sure it is fit for the digital age. Our call for evidence included questions on how the consumer data collected by operators could be better deployed and used to support the government’s objectives. We are considering the evidence carefully and aim to publish a white paper outlining any conclusions and proposals for reform in due course.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
26th Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of whether the introduction of a national register of gamblers is a proportionate response to the level of problem gambling.

In October 2019, the Gambling Commission issued a challenge to the gambling industry to develop a workable ‘Single Customer View’ solution. The Single Customer View aims to facilitate data sharing between operators so that harm prevention efforts can be improved by measures which prevent disordered gamblers moving to another operator when one intervenes. As set out in its statement of 7 October, the Commission has no plans to mandate a particular single customer view solution at this stage. The next step is for industry to develop and test potential options.

The Gambling Commission has worked closely with the Information Commissioner’s Office to understand how a single customer view can be delivered in compliance with all relevant data protection requirements. The Information Commissioner’s Office recently published a report confirming it should be possible under data protection law for data to be shared safely and securely between online operators to help prevent gambling related harm. However, the report does not comment on how any single customer view should work in practice. We expect the industry to proceed to trial its planned single customer view solution and will continue to monitor developments closely.

The government is reviewing the Gambling Act 2005 to make sure it is fit for the digital age. Our call for evidence included questions on how the consumer data collected by operators could be better deployed and used to support the government’s objectives. We are considering the evidence carefully and aim to publish a white paper outlining any conclusions and proposals for reform in due course.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
26th Oct 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether the Gambling Commission is planning to create a national register of gamblers.

In October 2019, the Gambling Commission issued a challenge to the gambling industry to develop a workable ‘Single Customer View’ solution. The Single Customer View aims to facilitate data sharing between operators so that harm prevention efforts can be improved by measures which prevent disordered gamblers moving to another operator when one intervenes. As set out in its statement of 7 October, the Commission has no plans to mandate a particular single customer view solution at this stage. The next step is for industry to develop and test potential options.

The Gambling Commission has worked closely with the Information Commissioner’s Office to understand how a single customer view can be delivered in compliance with all relevant data protection requirements. The Information Commissioner’s Office recently published a report confirming it should be possible under data protection law for data to be shared safely and securely between online operators to help prevent gambling related harm. However, the report does not comment on how any single customer view should work in practice. We expect the industry to proceed to trial its planned single customer view solution and will continue to monitor developments closely.

The government is reviewing the Gambling Act 2005 to make sure it is fit for the digital age. Our call for evidence included questions on how the consumer data collected by operators could be better deployed and used to support the government’s objectives. We are considering the evidence carefully and aim to publish a white paper outlining any conclusions and proposals for reform in due course.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
19th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Data Protection Act 2018.

The UK now controls its own data protection laws and regulations, in line with our interests, after the end of the transition period. We will continue to operate a high-quality data regime that promotes growth and innovation, and underpins the trustworthy use of data.

We want our data protection law to remain fit for purpose, and to support the future objectives of the UK. We will shortly publish the Government Response to the National Data Strategy Consultation, which will provide further details on the action the Government is taking to unlock the power of data.

15th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on using the NHS Test and Trace database system.

No such discussions have taken place. No assessment has yet been made, nor any decisions made, on whether to use the data systems used by NHS Test and Trace for other purposes beyond those related to Covid-19. Any work to assess potential future uses of these data systems would be met from within the financial resources already allocated to NHS Test and Trace for the 2021/22 financial year.

15th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether his Department plans to use the NHS Test and Trace database system.

No such discussions have taken place. No assessment has yet been made, nor any decisions made, on whether to use the data systems used by NHS Test and Trace for other purposes beyond those related to Covid-19. Any work to assess potential future uses of these data systems would be met from within the financial resources already allocated to NHS Test and Trace for the 2021/22 financial year.

15th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether he has allocated any financial or other resources from his Department's budget to investigate potential future uses by his Department of the NHS Test and Trace database system.

No such discussions have taken place. No assessment has yet been made, nor any decisions made, on whether to use the data systems used by NHS Test and Trace for other purposes beyond those related to Covid-19. Any work to assess potential future uses of these data systems would be met from within the financial resources already allocated to NHS Test and Trace for the 2021/22 financial year.

14th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will bring forward proposals to classify sporting and cultural venues as vital national infrastructure under schedule 22 of the Coronavirus Act 2020.

The Government has no current plans to revise the list of sectors designated as critical national infrastructure.

Schedule 22 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 confers powers to the Secretary of State to prohibit or restrict events or gatherings in England. This includes imposing restrictions on the persons entering or remaining on the premises.These regulations are not applicable to any changes in the list of sectors designated as critical national infrastructure.

The government has worked to protect cultural and sporting venues during the lockdown to save sports facilities, theatres, concert halls and live music performance venues for future generations. In July 2020, MHCLG announced changes to the planning system to protect buildings that are an intrinsic part of our cultural heritage. This move was announced alongside the £1.57 billion investment to protect Britain’s cultural, arts and heritage sector and provide extra security to businesses as they plan to reopen their premises when it is safe to do so.

The government has also provided £1.8 billion of public support to the sport sector in response to the pandemic to ensure facilities are able to reopen when it is safe for them to do so.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
14th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the planned hosting of (a) the semi-final and final of the UEFA Euro 2020 football tournament and (b) other major football tournaments, whether (i) Wembley stadium and (ii) other football stadiums will be designated as vital national infrastructure under covid-19 legislation.

Public safety is our main priority and decisions will be guided by a Science Board of relevant experts including senior PHE representation, who will take into account the latest public health data. Matters concerning the national infrastructure are for the Cabinet Office.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
2nd Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the rate of covid-19 transmission within bowling centres.

Since 2 December, as set out in the COVID Winter Plan, we have returned to a tiered approach to COVID-19 restrictions in England. Relevant venues in the entertainment, leisure and tourism sectors - including bowling alleys - will be permitted to reopen in tiers 1 and 2, subject to curfew restrictions and in line with COVID-19 Secure guidance. In tier 3 areas, indoor venues and attractions - including bowling alleys - must close.

We worked closely with a range of visitor economy stakeholders to develop our guidance for leisure and hospitality venues. We continue to engage with bowling stakeholders, such as the Ten-Pin Bowling Proprietor’s Association, to update and review our guidance. Further specific guidance on bowling alleys has been published within UKHospitality’s ‘COVID-19 Secure Guidelines for Hospitality Businesses.’

Our decisions have been and will continue to be based on scientific evidence and public health assessments.

Bowling centre operators can continue to access the Government’s comprehensive support package - including the extended furlough and self-employed support schemes, new grant schemes, as well as various government-backed loans. We have also provided business rates relief and grants for many in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector.

We are listening to stakeholders’ concerns, and will continue to closely monitor the ongoing impact of Government restrictions on bowling alleys.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
2nd Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to support operators of bowling centres during their extended period of closure during the covid-19 outbreak.

Since 2 December, as set out in the COVID Winter Plan, we have returned to a tiered approach to COVID-19 restrictions in England. Relevant venues in the entertainment, leisure and tourism sectors - including bowling alleys - will be permitted to reopen in tiers 1 and 2, subject to curfew restrictions and in line with COVID-19 Secure guidance. In tier 3 areas, indoor venues and attractions - including bowling alleys - must close.

We worked closely with a range of visitor economy stakeholders to develop our guidance for leisure and hospitality venues. We continue to engage with bowling stakeholders, such as the Ten-Pin Bowling Proprietor’s Association, to update and review our guidance. Further specific guidance on bowling alleys has been published within UKHospitality’s ‘COVID-19 Secure Guidelines for Hospitality Businesses.’

Our decisions have been and will continue to be based on scientific evidence and public health assessments.

Bowling centre operators can continue to access the Government’s comprehensive support package - including the extended furlough and self-employed support schemes, new grant schemes, as well as various government-backed loans. We have also provided business rates relief and grants for many in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector.

We are listening to stakeholders’ concerns, and will continue to closely monitor the ongoing impact of Government restrictions on bowling alleys.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
12th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment his Department has made of the economic benefit of the contribution made by church buildings used for community purposes.

Many places of worship do accommodate additional uses, including those for community purposes, alongside worship. These buildings provide economic and social positive externalities to the country as a whole, and at a local level, they provide a thriving community asset. Places of worship forge social capital by strengthening community cohesion and belonging, alongside providing significant social benefits in times of need. Social action at places of worship is equally prevalent and valuable, such as food banks, blood donation centres and night shelters.

The Government has set out its vision and strategy to protect the historic environment, including England’s places of worship, in the 2017 Heritage Statement. The DCMS-funded Taylor Review Pilot, and its subsequent evaluation, published in October 2020, underlines the importance of a strategic approach, based on understanding the gaps in local community provision, when considering additional uses of places of worship.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
10th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether he plans to allocate funding to churches for the maintenance of church buildings as a result of their contribution to the provision of public services.

Many places of worship do accommodate additional uses, including those for community purposes, alongside worship. These buildings provide economic and social positive externalities to the country as a whole, and at a local level, they provide a thriving community asset. Places of worship forge social capital by strengthening community cohesion and belonging alongside providing significant social benefits in times of need. Social action at places of worship is equally prevalent and valuable, such as food banks, blood donation centres and night shelters.

The Government has set out its vision and strategy to protect the historic environment, including England’s places of worship, in the 2017 Heritage Statement. The DCMS-funded Taylor Review Pilot and its subsequent evaluation, published in October 2020, underlines the importance of a strategic approach, based on understanding the gaps in local community provision, when considering additional uses of places of worship.

The Government has supported the maintenance of historic churches throughout the UK since 2001 through the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. The Scheme, which is currently funded until the end of March 2021, provides grants towards VAT paid on repairs and maintenance. It presently handles around 7000 claims per annum, is open to all faiths and denominations and is delivered UK wide.

In addition, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government has announced significant cross-sector support. This includes a £1.57 billion Cultural Recovery Fund announced earlier this summer, aimed at helping key cultural organisations, including places of worship, through the pandemic. The fund represents the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture, complementing the Covid-19 support schemes launched earlier in the year by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Any extension to the existing funding is subject to the Spending Review, which is due to conclude later this month.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
10th Nov 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) economic and (b) social effect of using church buildings for cultural and entertainment purposes.

Many places of worship do accommodate additional uses, including those for social support, cultural and entertainment purposes, alongside worship. These buildings provide economic and social positive externalities to the country as a whole, and at a local level, they provide a thriving community asset. Places of worship forge social capital by strengthening community cohesion and belonging alongside providing significant social benefits in times of need. Social action at places of worship is equally prevalent and valuable, such as food banks, blood donation centres and night shelters.

The Government has set out its vision and strategy to protect the historic environment, including England’s places of worship, in the 2017 Heritage Statement. The DCMS-funded Taylor Review Pilot and its subsequent evaluation underlines the importance of a strategic approach, based on understanding the gaps in local community provision, when considering additional uses of places of worship.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
2nd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent estimate he has made of the proportion of schools that have not resumed delivery of a full extra-curricular offering compared to before the covid-19 outbreak.

It is up to schools to decide what extra-curricular activities to offer to pupils. This can change and the department does not ask them to provide regular data.

However, the department included questions in both the School Snapshot Panel Survey and the Pupil and Parent Panel Surveys to understand provision and take up of extra-curricular activity, including the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The information collected does not indicate how many schools have returned to the same level of provision as before the Covid-19 pandemic. However, parents and pupils have reported that the uptake of extra-curricular activities increased in the 2021/22 academic year, compared to 2020/21, as schools looked to rebuild their offer to pupils.

The data can be found at:

We expect to publish further survey results in due course.

16th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on future uses of the NHS Test and Trace database system.

NHS Test and Trace data is used by the Department for Education to routinely monitor and report to Ministers on the take-up of COVID-19 testing in schools and colleges, and to support operational delivery. For example, the Department has used the data to proactively identify schools that required additional support to report test results for their setting during the initial on-site testing phase of the programme.

16th Apr 2021
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether his Department has plans to use the NHS Test and Trace database system.

NHS Test and Trace data is used by the Department for Education to routinely monitor and report to Ministers on the take-up of COVID-19 testing in schools and colleges, and to support operational delivery. For example, the Department has used the data to proactively identify schools that required additional support to report test results for their setting during the initial on-site testing phase of the programme.