Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Mark Ferguson

Thursday 10th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mark Ferguson]

It would not be a first outing at the Dispatch Box without a contribution from the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon), so I welcome his question. We will, of course, consider that in the response to the EIC.

[Mr Speaker]

I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

[Lisa Smart (Hazel Grove) (LD)]

The Ethics and Integrity Commission’s report rightly argues that our transparency rules are stuck in the past. Influence is being exerted in ways that just did not exist a few years ago. There are Members of this House earning more than their salary as an MP for posts on X—a platform that actively incentivises divisive content. Indeed, the Register of Members’ Financial Interests shows that the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Rupert Lowe) has declared earnings of over £108,000 since his election to this place. Does the Minister agree that our current laws on what constitutes lobbying are too narrow, and that when an MP is financially rewarded by an algorithm for their political output, it crosses the line into financial influence? Will he update lobbying and ethics rules to tackle that loophole?

[Mark Ferguson]

We will, of course, consider that as part of the response to the EIC. I take very seriously, as I am sure Members across the House do, the issues of outside earnings by Members, and particularly potential undue influence. With regard to X, I share the hon. Lady’s concerns; personally, I do not use it.

[Mr Speaker]

I presume the hon. Lady let the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Rupert Lowe) know that she was going to mention him.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Mark Ferguson

Thursday 12th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. If Ministers do not want Members to get in, please will they say so, because they are taking all the time from Back Benchers, which is really unfair to them? Back Benchers have put forward their names and come here to ask questions, and Ministers are just enjoying themselves too much.

[Mark Ferguson (Gateshead Central and Whickham) (Lab)]

T2. This week, the Government have announced £86 billion for research and development. Recently, I visited PROTO and Digital Catapult in my constituency. Does the Minister agree with me that this sort of investment is exactly what Gateshead, the north-east and our country need?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Mark Ferguson

Wednesday 16th October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call Ayoub Khan—not here.

[Mark Ferguson (Gateshead Central and Whickham) (Lab)]

5. What steps he is taking to help improve domestic research and development capabilities.