Julian Sturdy Portrait

Julian Sturdy

Conservative - York Outer

First elected: 6th May 2010


Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Bill
26th Oct 2022 - 2nd Nov 2022
Consolidation Bills (Joint Committee)
6th Nov 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Consolidation, &c., Bills (Joint Committee)
6th Nov 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Consolidation Bills (Joint Committee)
9th Nov 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Consolidation, &c., Bills (Joint Committee)
9th Nov 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Energy and Climate Change Committee
8th Jul 2015 - 17th Oct 2016
Transport Committee
12th Jul 2010 - 5th Nov 2012


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Julian Sturdy has voted in 858 divisions, and 20 times against the majority of their Party.

25 Mar 2021 - Coronavirus - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 35 Conservative No votes vs 305 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 484 Noes - 76
10 Feb 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy 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
9 Feb 2021 - Trade Bill - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Conservative No votes vs 341 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 351 Noes - 276
19 Jan 2021 - Trade Bill - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 11 Conservative No votes vs 344 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 353 Noes - 277
12 Oct 2020 - Agriculture Bill - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 14 Conservative No votes vs 327 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 332 Noes - 279
20 Jul 2020 - Trade Bill - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 12 Conservative Aye votes vs 323 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 263 Noes - 326
17 Jun 2020 - Health and Personal Social Services - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy 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
13 May 2020 - Remote Division result: New Clause 2 - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 22 Conservative Aye votes vs 326 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 277 Noes - 328
30 Nov 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy 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
Julian Sturdy 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
Julian Sturdy 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
7 Mar 2022 - Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Bill - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 9 Conservative Aye votes vs 296 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 234 Noes - 300
25 Apr 2022 - Health and Care Bill - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 11 Conservative No votes vs 280 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 282 Noes - 183
18 Jan 2023 - Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 4 Conservative Aye votes vs 286 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 242 Noes - 295
7 Dec 2022 - Financial Services and Markets Bill - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Conservative Aye votes vs 269 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 206 Noes - 271
11 Jul 2023 - Illegal Migration Bill - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 16 Conservative No votes vs 281 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 285 Noes - 243
11 Jul 2023 - Illegal Migration Bill - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Conservative No votes vs 273 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 282 Noes - 234
17 Jul 2023 - Illegal Migration Bill - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Conservative No votes vs 279 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 282 Noes - 227
17 Jul 2023 - Illegal Migration Bill - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 12 Conservative No votes vs 280 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 284 Noes - 226
4 Dec 2023 - Victims and Prisoners Bill - View Vote Context
Julian Sturdy voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 22 Conservative Aye votes vs 238 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 246 Noes - 242
View All Julian Sturdy 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
Matt Hancock (Independent)
(21 debate interactions)
Boris Johnson (Conservative)
(10 debate interactions)
Steve Barclay (Conservative)
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(8 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department of Health and Social Care
(23 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(16 debate contributions)
Department for Transport
(16 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Julian Sturdy's debates

York Outer 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).

Julian Sturdy has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Julian Sturdy

5th December 2017
Julian Sturdy signed this EDM on Tuesday 12th December 2017

BLUE BELT CHARTER

Tabled by: Angela Smith (Liberal Democrat - Penistone and Stocksbridge)
That this House congratulates Sir David Attenborough and the BBC on the spectacular Blue Planet 2 series; notes that, with the fifth largest marine estate in the world, the UK and its Overseas Territories are custodian to the largest coral atoll on earth, globally significant populations of albatross, whales and …
103 signatures
(Most recent: 23 Apr 2018)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 61
Scottish National Party: 16
Liberal Democrat: 12
Conservative: 6
Independent: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
The Independent Group for Change: 1
Plaid Cymru: 1
Green Party: 1
6th July 2015
Julian Sturdy signed this EDM on Thursday 16th July 2015

VOLUNTEER VOCATIONAL CO-WORKERS AT BOTTON VILLAGE COMMUNITY FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Tabled by: Catherine West (Labour - Hornsey and Wood Green)
That this House notes that, until recently, Botton Village, a Camphill Community of 60 years' standing, offered a shared way of life for learning-disabled adults alongside volunteer co-workers, living as equals, sharing home, work, culture and recreation; further notes that Camphill Village Trust (CVT) is now insisting that co-workers become …
49 signatures
(Most recent: 4 May 2016)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 11
Labour: 6
Conservative: 6
Democratic Unionist Party: 6
Independent: 4
Liberal Democrat: 3
Green Party: 1
Plaid Cymru: 1
View All Julian Sturdy's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Julian Sturdy, 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.


Julian Sturdy has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Julian Sturdy has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

1 Bill introduced by Julian Sturdy


This Bill received Royal Assent on 26th March 2015 and was enacted into law.


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
9 Other Department Questions
13th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she is taking steps to help mitigate the BBC's decision to make reductions to its local radio services.

The Government recognises the important role that the BBC’s local radio services play in terms of the provision of local news and information, and of community engagement in the local area. We are disappointed that the BBC is planning to reduce parts of its local radio output.

The BBC is operationally and editorially independent from the Government as set out in its Royal Charter, and decisions on service delivery are a matter for the BBC. However, in the Department’s regular conversations with the BBC we have been clear that it must make sure it continues to provide distinctive and genuinely local radio services, with content that reflects and represents people and communities from all corners of the UK.

The Government also expects Ofcom, as regulator of the BBC, to ensure the BBC is robustly held to account in delivering its public service duties. The Government has already asked Ofcom about how they are considering this issue, and Ofcom has now set out its assessment of the market impact of the BBC’s proposals. I understand that Ofcom is continuing discussions with the BBC on the impact of its proposals on audiences.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
30th Nov 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if the Government will take steps to help ensure that guide dogs are allowed in all (a) shops and (b) venues.

We are clear that no one should be refused access to businesses or services, including shops or venues, because they legitimately have an assistance dog.

Under the Equality Act 2010 (the Act), businesses that provide goods and services to the public must not unlawfully discriminate against people who meet the Act’s definition of disability. The Act places a duty on service providers to make reasonable adjustments to improve access to premises, buildings and services.

This duty could include allowing access to guide dogs or assistance dogs so that disabled customers have the same access to goods and services and are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled customers. Failure to comply with this duty could amount to unlawful disability discrimination.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published guidance for all businesses, including service providers, on their duty towards disabled people who own assistance/guide dogs. The guidance explains that assistance dogs should be treated as auxiliary aids and not as pets. The guidance is available at: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/sites/default/files/assistance-dogs-a-guide-for-all-businesses.pdf and makes clear that businesses and service providers should allow assistance dogs access to buildings where dogs would normally not be permitted whenever this is reasonable.

These duties and protections are ultimately enforceable through the courts, but as a first step, anybody who thinks they have been discriminated against in the services offered to them - including a failure to make reasonable adjustments - can contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) which provides free bespoke advice and in-depth support to individuals with discrimination concerns via their website - http://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com, or by telephone on 0808 800 0082 or by text phone on 0808 800 0084.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
1st Nov 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps the Government is taking to encourage people from minority ethnic backgrounds to participate in politics.

We have more women MPs than ever before, making up 35% of the House of Commons, and 10% of MPs – including the Prime Minister – are from an ethnic minority background. It is for political parties to select prospective parliamentary candidates.

Maria Caulfield
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)
1st Nov 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps the Government is taking to encourage (a) girls and (b) women to participate in politics.

We have more women MPs than ever before, making up 35% of the House of Commons, and 10% of MPs – including the Prime Minister – are from an ethnic minority background. It is for political parties to select prospective parliamentary candidates.

Maria Caulfield
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)
18th Oct 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will make it her policy to ban conversion therapy for trans and non-binary people.

We will give careful consideration to our public consultation on the issue and respond in due course. In the meantime, we have launched a support service open to all victims or those at risk of conversion practices regardless of their background or circumstances.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
23rd Sep 2021
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, with reference to the announcement of 11 May 2021 on Government plans to ban conversion therapy, if she will publish a timetable for bringing forward legislative proposals on that matter.

The Government will publish a range of research related to the practice of conversion therapy at the launch of our consultation on the issue, which we are moving at pace to deliver. As the Minister for Women and Equalities set out in May of this year, responses to that consultation will inform legislation, which is being prepared for Spring 2022. Given the cross-cutting nature of conversion therapy, survivors of the practice may be engaging a range of public services including helplines and support relating to domestic abuse, homelessness and hate crime. The Government will put in place a package of support specifically for survivors of conversion therapy that will ensure they can find and access the help that they need.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
23rd Sep 2021
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, how much public funding is spent annually on supporting victims of conversion therapy.

The Government will publish a range of research related to the practice of conversion therapy at the launch of our consultation on the issue, which we are moving at pace to deliver. As the Minister for Women and Equalities set out in May of this year, responses to that consultation will inform legislation, which is being prepared for Spring 2022. Given the cross-cutting nature of conversion therapy, survivors of the practice may be engaging a range of public services including helplines and support relating to domestic abuse, homelessness and hate crime. The Government will put in place a package of support specifically for survivors of conversion therapy that will ensure they can find and access the help that they need.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
23rd Sep 2021
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, when the Government plans to publish the report based on research into people's experiences of conversion therapy.

The Government will publish a range of research related to the practice of conversion therapy at the launch of our consultation on the issue, which we are moving at pace to deliver. As the Minister for Women and Equalities set out in May of this year, responses to that consultation will inform legislation, which is being prepared for Spring 2022. Given the cross-cutting nature of conversion therapy, survivors of the practice may be engaging a range of public services including helplines and support relating to domestic abuse, homelessness and hate crime. The Government will put in place a package of support specifically for survivors of conversion therapy that will ensure they can find and access the help that they need.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department plans to take to support veterans with increases in the cost of living.

This Government is committed to supporting all households, including veterans, with the cost of living through initiatives such as cost of living payments.

Veterans in receipt of disability benefits, including the Armed Forces Independence Payment, Constant Attendance Allowance or the Mobility Supplement under the War Pension Scheme, are among those eligible for a £150 disability cost of living payment.

We encourage veterans in need of support to contact the Veterans' Gateway on 0808 802 1212, where a range of information and support services can be accessed.

Fundamentally, the best way that we can tackle increased pressures on the cost of living is by reducing inflation, and that is what this Government is committed to do.

Johnny Mercer
Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Minister for Veterans' Affairs)
16th Dec 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Government is taking to tackle (a) intimidation, (b) harassment and (c) violence directed towards public servants.

The Civil Service is committed to creating a safe and supportive work environment for all its employees and does not tolerate any form of unacceptable behaviour or abuse towards an employee. Those found to be bullying, harassing, discriminating, or violent towards employees or customers can face disciplinary procedures including charges of gross misconduct, leading to dismissal.

Civil Service HR (CSHR) have provided a suite of products to support departments in managing bullying, harassment and violence in the workplace and by third parties, including Media Attention Guidance which sets out the responsibilities for handling instances of unwanted, intrusive or aggressive media attention.

Departments have their own guidance on dealing with unacceptable customer behaviour including handling situations of - for example - assault against staff. In every incident that involves violence or a targeted threat of violence towards civil servants the police are notified and appropriate action taken.

17th May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has plans to ensure official recognition of the efforts of the creators of UK-made covid vaccines through the Honours List.

We appreciate there is a huge appetite across the country to say thank you to all those who are supporting the nation through these unprecedented times.

Both the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020 and the New Year Honours 2021 included COVID-19 recognition - and have been symbolic of the nation’s gratitude to those involved in the response to the pandemic on the frontline and in their communities. We anticipate more awards will be made over forthcoming honours rounds to recognise the work of those who have gone above and beyond across all key sectors.

On 12 May the Prime Minister announced that the Government will establish a UK Commission on COVID Commemoration to consider the appropriate way to remember those who have lost their lives and to recognise those involved in the unprecedented response. The Government will set out the Commission membership and terms of reference in due course.



Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
17th May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has plans to ensure official recognition for the efforts of the creators of UK-made covid-19 vaccines.

We appreciate there is a huge appetite across the country to say thank you to all those who are supporting the nation through these unprecedented times.

Both the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020 and the New Year Honours 2021 included COVID-19 recognition - and have been symbolic of the nation’s gratitude to those involved in the response to the pandemic on the frontline and in their communities. We anticipate more awards will be made over forthcoming honours rounds to recognise the work of those who have gone above and beyond across all key sectors.

On 12 May the Prime Minister announced that the Government will establish a UK Commission on COVID Commemoration to consider the appropriate way to remember those who have lost their lives and to recognise those involved in the unprecedented response. The Government will set out the Commission membership and terms of reference in due course.



Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
20th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the level of covid-19 antibodies in the population that would be necessary to enable the Government to lift all legal limits on social contact from 21 June 2021.

In the Government’s Roadmap - ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’ - we set out four steps for easing restrictions. The Government aims to lift social contact limits at Step 4, which will happen no earlier than 21 June.

The dates for these steps are indicative “no earlier than” dates, which are five weeks apart and wholly contingent on the data and subject to change. Before moving to Step 4 and lifting legal social contact limits, the Government will examine the impact of the previous Step 3 and the four tests:

  • The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully

  • Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths in those vaccinated

  • Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS

  • Our assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
15th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the effect on UK businesses exporting to the EU of the decision by many European pallet delivery businesses to require EORI numbers from customers for business to customer deliveries, when only businesses have EORI numbers; and what urgent steps the Government is taking in response to that decision.

The Government maintains regular contact with the logistics industry both in the UK and in the EU. Logistics companies - on both sides of the Channel - will make their own commercial decisions on customer deliveries.

Individuals can obtain EORI numbers in order to import or export goods, although EORI numbers are not required if they are importing for their own personal use.

Further to the answer to PQ 175723 on 19 April 2021, the Government is continuing to support businesses and hauliers in navigating new systems and processes.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
15th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the effect on UK businesses exporting to the EU of the decision by European pallet delivery businesses to reduce business to customer deliveries in favour of business to business work in response to new UK-EU trade arrangements after the end of the transition period; and what urgent steps the Government is taking to respond to that decision.

The Government maintains regular contact with the logistics industry both in the UK and in the EU. Logistics companies - on both sides of the Channel - will make their own commercial decisions on customer deliveries.

Individuals can obtain EORI numbers in order to import or export goods, although EORI numbers are not required if they are importing for their own personal use.

Further to the answer to PQ 175723 on 19 April 2021, the Government is continuing to support businesses and hauliers in navigating new systems and processes.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
1st Feb 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reason his Department has issued guidance during the covid-19 lockdown announced in January 2021 re-classifying self-serve jet car washes as not fully automatic, and therefore required to close, unlike in previous covid-19 lockdowns.

Throughout the pandemic, we have consistently adapted our response as we have learnt more about the virus and how best to tackle it. Automatic car washes were permitted to operate during the most recent lockdown, recognising the low risk of transmission they posed. Jet car washes, including those that are self-serviced, are not fully automatic and were therefore required to close.

The Government published the ‘COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021’, on 22 February, providing a roadmap out of lockdown restrictions in England. As a result of progress made against the virus, England was able to move to Step 2 on 12 April. All car washes, including jet washes, are now permitted to open.

We keep our measures under constant review so as to reflect the latest science and clinical data. Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus is regularly published here - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/scientific-evidence-supporting-the-government-response-to-coronavirus-covid-19

Revised guidance for businesses can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reopening-businesses-and-venues-in-england/reopening-businesses-and-venues

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
5th Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps her Department is taking to help support the development of new small businesses.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to all the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses with the creation of a new Small Business Council. The Council builds on the Department’s existing support for SMEs and will provide a bespoke forum for small businesses to have their voices represented within Government.

The Help to Grow website is a one-stop shop for small businesses to clearly identify what funding they can access, webinars as well as the basics of setting up a business.

Businesses can still access government-backed financial support from the Start Up Loans Company, which provides loans and support to new entrepreneurs.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
13th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she is taking to mitigate the effects of the closure of Post Office collection points.

I believe that my Honourable Friend is referring to Royal Mail customer service points rather than Post Office collection points. I understand that Royal Mail has completed the first stage of its review of customer service points and decided to maintain the current estate.

Decisions on the provision of Royal Mail customer service points are an operational matter for the business, provided they meet Ofcom’s regulatory requirement on Royal Mail, as the Designated Universal Service Provider, to provide access points for the universal postal service.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
7th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps her Department has taken to help improve workers’ rights in the period since the UK's departure from the EU.

Protecting and enhancing workers’ rights whilst supporting business to grow remains a priority for this Government.

The Government is backing six Private Members’ Bills helping new parents, unpaid carers, hospitality workers, giving all employees easier access to flexible working, and giving workers’ a right to request a more predictable contract.

This is in addition to previous reforms we have delivered since leaving the EU including; increasing pay for around 2.5 million workers, extending the ban on exclusivity clauses, quadrupling the maximum fine for employers who treat their workers badly, and creating a new statutory leave for parents who suffer the loss of a child.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
4th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she is taking steps to ensure (a) fair pricing and (b) continuity across regions for petrol.

The Government will consult on the design of the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) recommendations to create a statutory open data scheme for road fuel prices and an ongoing road fuels monitoring function this autumn. These two recommendations will help to facilitate competition and fair pricing, nationally and locally, as well as helping tackle regional price disparities.

Until we can put these changes on a statutory footing, the government has supported the CMA to establish an interim voluntary fuel price data sharing scheme, encouraging retailers to share prices daily. The CMA will also continue to monitor fuel prices using its existing powers.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
29th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential environmental impact of multi-national energy companies emitting large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.

The Government has made no such assessment.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will commission research on the implementation of laws on the right to be forgotten in European countries.

Under the UK’s data protection legislation, people have the right to request organisations to erase their personal data, for example when its use is no longer necessary. The right to be forgotten is not absolute and organisations may refuse a request where they need to retain it, for example to comply with a legal obligation or for reasons of public interest in the area of public health. The UK’s legislation on the right to be forgotten is identical to the legislation which applies in EU countries under the EU GDPR. If a person is dissatisfied with the way that an organisation has considered their request for erasure, they can complain to the data protection regulator, which in the UK is the Information Commissioner’s Office.

We have no plans to commission research on the implementation of laws on the right to be forgotten in European countries.

7th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of whether her Department's broadband connectivity targets will be met by 2025.

Project Gigabit is the government’s £5 billion mission to deliver lightning-fast, reliable broadband across the UK. Its objective is to level up the UK by giving hard-to-reach areas access to gigabit-capable internet speeds and, coupled with broadband suppliers’ commercial delivery, support the government’s target of nationwide gigabit-capable broadband by 2030.

Today, more than 73% of UK premises have access to gigabit-capable broadband, up from just 6% in January 2019. We are on track to achieve our milestone target of 85% by the end of 2025.

Building Digital UK has set out the baseline trajectory to meet this target, and publishes quarterly updates on the progress of Project Gigabit.

11th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment has he made of the potential merits of increasing (a) consultation and (b) ongoing involvement of local people when setting up an onshore wind farm.

Onshore wind developers should engage with local communities as the UK increases renewable deployment to meet net zero. The Government has set regulations that require onshore wind developers to consult earlier with the local community. It has also published guidance to ensure that local people are involved throughout the process of development.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much funding he plans to allocate to new tidal power technology in 2023.

In December 2022 the Government published the core parameters for all technologies for the fifth Contracts for Difference allocation round (AR), including for tidal stream:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1124052/cfd_ar5_core_parameters.pdf.

The final Budget Notice containing full details about AR5 auction parameters will be published in March 2023.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proportionately smaller energy charges such as smart meter usage fees on (a) the ability of customers to pay their energy bills and (b) the wider cost of living crisis.

There is no smart meter usage fee for energy consumers. Consumers' bills include the costs of providing and maintaining a live supply for metering points whether they are smart or traditional. These costs represent a small proportion of overall bills.

The Government is committed to protecting consumers from the impact of high energy prices and provided £37 billion in cost of living support last year. This included introducing the Energy Price Guarantee, which protects customers from increases in energy costs by limiting the amount suppliers can charge per unit of energy used and the average standing charges for customers on default tariffs.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps the Government is taking to support local swimming pools with the cost of energy.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme will provide a price reduction to ensure that all eligible businesses and other non-domestic customers, including swimming pools, are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing Government support for the (a) electric vehicle and (b) vehicle batteries manufacturing industries to help meet the Government's net zero targets.

We are determined to ensure the UK remains one of the best locations in the world for automotive manufacturing as we transition to electric vehicles. As part of this, we continue to work with investors through the Automotive Transformation Fund to progress plans to build a globally competitive electric vehicle supply chain in the UK. In 2021 the Net Zero Strategy announced £350 of funding in the Automotive Transformation Fund. This funding is additional to the £500m announced in 2020 for this programme as part of the 10 Point Plan.

Nusrat Ghani
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade) (jointly with the Cabinet Office)
11th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department plans to take steps to (a) provide support to local businesses and (b) find opportunities to reopen closed pubs.

This Department is working with the Hospitality Sector Council to deliver on our 2021 Hospitality Strategy to improve the resilience of hospitality businesses.

The Government recognise that businesses on the high street, including those in hospitality, are facing cost pressures driven by global factors, including high energy and cost of living pressures.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme ensures that all businesses and other non-domestic customers are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period.

My Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer recently announced in his Autumn Statement that the Government will be taking steps to help rate payers with a package worth £13.6 billion in total.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
18th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of installing solar panels along (a) motorways and (b) industrial units, rather than on agricultural land.

Solar is a key part of the energy mix and needs sustained growth in both ground mount and rooftop capacity to meet our energy security and net zero goals.

Installing solar panels along roads has been tested in some countries but experienced practical problems, including rapid panel deterioration due to heavy traffic vibrations and difficulties in accessing sites for maintenance.

The Government is supporting the installation of panels on the roofs of industrial units where this is technically feasible through a business rate exemption until 2035 and tax relief.

The Government is also reviewing existing permitted development rights to simplify planning and enable more rooftop solar deployment on industrial buildings.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
12th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of compulsory solar panels on new commercial buildings.

The Government is encouraging businesses to install solar panels on their roof stock, for example through business rate exemptions and tax relief. However, a blanket requirement to deploy solar photovoltaic panels on every roof is impractical. Some roofs are not suitable because of shading, orientation and location.

In December 2021 Government introduced an uplift in energy efficiency standards for new builds, which came into force on 15 June 2022.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that sustainable biomass energy generation does not lead to deforestation.

In order to receive support, biomass electricity generators are required to comply with the UK’s strict sustainability criteria, which ensure that only sustainable biomass is used by the generators.

Where woody biomass is sourced from forests, to receive support, the forests must be managed in accordance with sustainable management practices that require the maintenance and replanting of the forest, demonstration that deforestation is not occurring, and that biodiversity, soil and water are protected, among other requirements.

The forthcoming Biomass Strategy will set out recommendations for further enhancing the UK’s stringent biomass sustainability criteria.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he plans to make provision to support households who use oil heating and who will be unable to afford to heat their homes in winter with the aid of financial support already announced.

The Alternative Fuel Payment will provide a one-off payment to UK households that use alternative fuels for heating, such as heating oil. This will come in addition to the £400 provided by the Energy Bills Support Scheme and the electricity component of the Energy Price Guarantee.

The Government is also providing £800 of one-off support to eight million of the most vulnerable households to help with the cost of living.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department will take steps to consult hon. Members when making assessments of local levels of support for new fracking sites.

The Government expects industry to work closely with communities in order to gather the local support needed, as well as to determine what kind of community benefits will be put in place.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to make assessments of levels of local consent for fracking.

The Government expects industry to work closely with communities in order to gather the local support needed, as well as to determine what kind of community benefits will be put in place.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government has made an assessment of potential sites for new tidal power sites.

The identification and leasing of marine energy sites is a matter for the Crown Estate and the Crown Estate Scotland.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to invest in research on the (a) improvement and (b) optimisation of tidal power.

In July this year over 40MW of new tidal stream capacity was procured via the government’s flagship Contracts for Difference scheme. This contract award will enable tidal stream developers to gain operational experience and work on improving and optimising their technologies. Tidal stream continues to be eligible for a suite of competitively allocated Net Zero innovation grant funding opportunities, with the Government having spent over £80m on marine energy innovation since 2010.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the expansion of extraction activity in the North Sea on wholesale domestic gas price.

As an internationally traded commodity, natural gas prices are primarily driven by the underlying price in the global market. Many of the factors affecting the spikes seen recently in wholesale gas prices are attributable to international activity extending beyond the UK's domestic production. To date, the Department has not undertaken analysis of the impact of increased domestic gas production on domestic wholesale price specifically.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government has plans to strengthen the UK's energy security through an increase in domestic gas production.

The Government has been in commercial negotiations with both EDF and the Sizewell C project company since January 2021. These negotiations are ongoing and commercially sensitive.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has had recent discussions with energy suppliers on supporting businesses effected by rising energy costs.

Ministers and Officials in the Department regularly engage with energy suppliers to discuss the impact of rising energy costs on businesses of all sizes.

The Government announced a new six-month scheme – the Energy Price Guarantee for Businesses (EPGB) – to protect all businesses and other non-domestic energy users from soaring energy costs. The scheme will offer comparable support to that being provided for consumers and more details will follow shortly. After this initial six-month scheme, the Government will provide focused support for vulnerable sectors, targeted to make sure those most in need get support.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of rising energy prices on steel manufacturers.

Through close engagement with the steel industry, the Government is acutely aware of the continued pressure on steel companies because of high energy and raw material costs.

The Government remains determined to secure a competitive future for energy intensive industries (EIIs) such as steel, providing them with extensive support, including over £2 billion to help with the costs of energy and to protect jobs.

The recently-announced Energy Bill Relief Scheme ensures that all businesses and other non-domestic customers are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period. A review of the scheme, to be published in three months, will identify the most vulnerable non-domestic customers and how the government will continue assisting them with energy costs after the initial six months.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of rising energy prices on the hospitality sector.

The Government is monitoring the impact of energy prices on businesses and recognises the scale will vary depending on business type and type of contract or tariff.

The Government announced a new six-month scheme – the Energy Bill Relief Scheme - to ensure that all businesses and other non-domestic customers are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period. After this initial six-month period, the Government will provide focused support for vulnerable sectors, targeted to make sure those most in need get support.

The Government is also providing support via with business rates relief, freezing alcohol duty rates on beer, cider, wine and spirits, increasing the employment allowance.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of rising energy prices on SMEs.

The Government recognises the impact rising energy prices will have on businesses of all sizes and is in regular contact with business groups and suppliers to understand the challenges they face and explore ways to protect consumers and businesses.

The recently announced Energy Bill Relief Scheme ( https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-outlines-plans-to-help-cut-energy-bills-for-businesses) ensures that all businesses and other non-domestic customers are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period. A review of the scheme, to be published in three months, will identify the most vulnerable non-domestic customers and how the government will continue assisting them with energy costs after the initial six months.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the impact of rising energy prices on off-grid communities that are reliant on oil.

Households not on standard gas or electricity contracts, such as those in rural areas, will receive equivalent support to that provided through the Energy Bills Support Scheme, and the Energy Price Guarantee. The Government is working at pace to determine the most practical and tested routes to deliver this support. As part of this, for households who do not use gas for domestic heating, the Government has committed to provide an additional payment of £100 to compensate for the rising costs of other fuels such as heating oil.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of rising energy prices on (a) pubs and (b) breweries.

BEIS is monitoring the impact of energy prices on businesses and recognises the scale will vary depending on business type and type of contract or tariff.

The recently announced Energy Bill Relief Scheme ( https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-outlines-plans-to-help-cut-energy-bills-for-businesses) ensures that all businesses and other non-domestic customers are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period. A review of the scheme, to be published in three months, will identify the most vulnerable non-domestic customers and how the government will continue assisting them with energy costs after the initial six months.

The Government is also providing support via with business rates relief, freezing alcohol duty rates on beer, cider, wine and spirits, and increasing the employment allowance.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with businesses effected by rising energy prices.

The Government regularly engages with businesses to understand the impact rising energy prices will have on businesses of all sizes.

The recently announced Energy Bill Relief Scheme (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-outlines-plans-to-help-cut-energy-bills-for-businesses) ensures that all businesses and other non-domestic customers are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period. A review of the scheme, to be published in three months, will identify the most vulnerable non-domestic customers and how the government will continue assisting them with energy costs after the initial six months.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with Royal Mail on the issue of counterfeit stamps; and whether the Government is taking steps to tackle the potential risk to customers.

The operation of Royal Mail’s products and services, including measures to tackle counterfeit stamps, is a matter for the company’s management and the Government is not involved in Royal Mail’s operational decisions.

Royal Mail has published advice for consumers on identifying and reporting stamp fraud on its website: www.royalmail.com/report-stamp-fraud.

Royal Mail also introduced barcoded stamps earlier this year as part of its modernisation drive. Newly issued stamps will have an associated unique barcode which will help facilitate operational efficiencies whilst also enabling added security features to help tackle stamp fraud. More information on barcoded stamps is available on Royal Mail’s website: www.royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stamps.