Paul Flynn

Labour - Former Member for Newport West

First elected: 11th June 1987

Left House: 17th February 2019 (Death)


Welsh Affairs Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 17th Feb 2019
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 17th Feb 2019
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 17th Feb 2019
Welsh Affairs Committee
21st Nov 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Petitions Committee
20th Jul 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
6th Jul 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
3rd Jul 2016 - 7th Oct 2016
Shadow Secretary of State for Wales
3rd Jul 2016 - 6th Oct 2016
Home Affairs Committee
4th Nov 2013 - 30th Mar 2015
Political and Constitutional Reform Committee
12th Dec 2011 - 30th Mar 2015
Public Administration Committee
12th Jul 2005 - 30th Mar 2015
Environmental Audit Committee
20th Oct 2003 - 12th Jul 2005
Welsh Affairs Committee
14th Jul 1997 - 8th Dec 1997
Transport Committee
26th Oct 1992 - 21st Mar 1997
Shadow Spokesperson (Health)
1st Jun 1988 - 1st Jun 1989


Division Voting information

Paul Flynn has voted in 1929 divisions, and 91 times against the majority of their Party.

8 Feb 2017 - Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 68 Labour No votes vs 85 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 409 Noes - 126
30 Nov 2016 - Chilcot Inquiry and Parliamentary Accountability - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Labour Aye votes vs 157 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 70 Noes - 439
18 Jul 2016 - UK's Nuclear Deterrent - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 48 Labour No votes vs 140 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 472 Noes - 117
23 Mar 2016 - High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Labour No votes vs 153 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 399 Noes - 42
9 Mar 2016 - EU Measures to Combat Terrorism - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 3 Labour Aye votes vs 169 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 302 Noes - 217
24 Feb 2016 - Estimates - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 2 Labour Aye votes vs 3 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 301 Noes - 60
20 Jan 2016 - Psychoactive Substances Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Labour No votes vs 185 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 241 Noes - 307
16 Dec 2015 - Representation of the People (Proportional Representation) (House of Commons) - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 16 Labour Aye votes vs 26 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 27 Noes - 164
28 Oct 2015 - Human Rights (Joint Committee): Nomination of Committee - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Labour No votes vs 183 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 485 Noes - 61
11 Sep 2015 - Assisted Dying (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 73 Labour Aye votes vs 91 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 118 Noes - 330
7 Sep 2015 - European Union Referendum Bill (Programme) (No. 2) - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 3 Labour No votes vs 204 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 517 Noes - 59
18 Jun 2015 - European Union Referendum Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 10 Labour Aye votes vs 195 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 71 Noes - 514
16 Mar 2015 - Transport for London Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Labour No votes vs 8 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 8 Noes - 168
20 Jan 2015 - Trident Renewal - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 19 Labour Aye votes vs 101 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 35 Noes - 364
24 Nov 2014 - Recall of MPs Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 4 Labour Aye votes vs 115 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 64 Noes - 271
24 Nov 2014 - Recall of MPs Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 3 Labour Aye votes vs 105 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 119 Noes - 193
27 Oct 2014 - Recall of MPs Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 41 Labour Aye votes vs 162 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 166 Noes - 340
26 Sep 2014 - Iraq: Coalition Against ISIL - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 24 Labour No votes vs 190 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 524 Noes - 43
4 Jun 2013 - Energy Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 2 Labour No votes vs 121 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 396 Noes - 8
3 Jun 2013 - Energy Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 11 Labour Aye votes vs 208 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 20 Noes - 503
15 May 2013 - Economic Growth - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Labour No votes vs 225 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 237 Noes - 316
18 Mar 2013 - Crime and Courts Bill [Lords] (Programme) ((No. 3) - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 10 Labour Aye votes vs 214 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 40 Noes - 508
14 Mar 2013 - Immigration Rules: Sponsors - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 3 Labour Aye votes vs 30 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 3 Noes - 82
6 Feb 2013 - Canterbury City Council Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Labour No votes vs 81 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 255 Noes - 4
31 Jan 2013 - Canterbury City Council Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Labour No votes vs 73 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 155 Noes - 7
29 Jan 2013 - Equality (Marriage) (Amendment) - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Labour No votes vs 8 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 86 Noes - 31
28 Jan 2013 - Succession to the Crown Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 17 Labour Aye votes vs 154 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 38 Noes - 371
20 Feb 2012 - Iran - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 3 Labour No votes vs 104 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 285 Noes - 6
8 Feb 2012 - Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 2 Labour Aye votes vs 187 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 315 Noes - 201
8 Feb 2012 - Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 2 Labour Aye votes vs 187 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 317 Noes - 201
8 Feb 2012 - Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 2 Labour Aye votes vs 187 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 316 Noes - 201
8 Feb 2012 - Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 2 Labour Aye votes vs 187 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 314 Noes - 201
8 Feb 2012 - Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 2 Labour Aye votes vs 188 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 316 Noes - 201
8 Feb 2012 - Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Labour Aye votes vs 189 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 326 Noes - 198
8 Feb 2012 - Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Labour Aye votes vs 189 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 325 Noes - 198
31 Jan 2012 - Electricity Generation (Wales) - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Labour Aye votes vs 149 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 44 Noes - 239
11 Jan 2012 - Khat - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Labour Aye votes vs 200 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 329 Noes - 207
10 Oct 2011 - Protection of Freedoms Bill (Programme) (No. 3) - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Labour No votes vs 8 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 62 Noes - 243
14 Sep 2011 - Fuel Poverty - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 3 Labour Aye votes vs 180 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 303 Noes - 192
13 Jul 2011 - Youth Employment - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 2 Labour No votes vs 181 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 241 Noes - 35
27 Apr 2011 - Press Self-regulation - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 3 Labour Aye votes vs 4 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 287 Noes - 20
30 Mar 2011 - Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 33 Labour Aye votes vs 170 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 37 Noes - 480
24 Nov 2010 - Bookmakers and Planning (Haringey) - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 14 Labour No votes vs 204 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 520 Noes - 27
24 Nov 2010 - Bookmakers and Planning (Haringey) - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Labour No votes vs 204 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 517 Noes - 26
10 Nov 2010 - European Union Economic Governance - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Labour Aye votes vs 12 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 296 Noes - 40
7 Apr 2010 - Business of the House - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 10 Labour No votes vs 224 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 314 Noes - 49
24 Feb 2010 - Energy Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 26 Labour Aye votes vs 243 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 244 Noes - 252
6 Jan 2010 - Sittings of the House - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 3 Labour Aye votes vs 218 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 78 Noes - 254
10 Nov 2009 - Welfare Reform Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 22 Labour No votes vs 278 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 286 Noes - 236
15 Jul 2009 - US-UK Extradition Treaty - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 10 Labour Aye votes vs 280 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 236 Noes - 290
7 Jul 2009 - Finance Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 16 Labour Aye votes vs 295 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 268 Noes - 311
6 Jul 2009 - Identity Cards - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 9 Labour No votes vs 274 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 283 Noes - 203
1 Jul 2009 - Parliamentary Standards Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 24 Labour No votes vs 239 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 247 Noes - 250
24 Jun 2009 - Iraq Inquiry - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 19 Labour Aye votes vs 288 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 260 Noes - 299
24 Jun 2009 - Iraq Inquiry - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 12 Labour No votes vs 294 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 305 Noes - 251
25 Mar 2009 - Iraq War Inquiry - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 15 Labour Aye votes vs 287 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 265 Noes - 303
25 Mar 2009 - Iraq War Inquiry - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Labour No votes vs 285 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 301 Noes - 265
17 Mar 2009 - Welfare Reform Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 29 Labour Aye votes vs 251 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 85 Noes - 408
17 Mar 2009 - Welfare Reform Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 24 Labour Aye votes vs 250 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 76 Noes - 396
17 Mar 2009 - Welfare Reform Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 30 Labour Aye votes vs 247 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 217 Noes - 260
3 Mar 2009 - Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 18 Labour No votes vs 260 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 271 Noes - 89
3 Mar 2009 - Select Committees (Chairmen), Liaison Committee and Green Book - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 7 Labour No votes vs 219 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 242 Noes - 73
24 Feb 2009 - Airport Expansion (Parliamentary Approval) - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 23 Labour Aye votes vs 193 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 247 Noes - 203
28 Jan 2009 - Heathrow (Third Runway) - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 28 Labour Aye votes vs 281 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 278 Noes - 297
8 Dec 2008 - Business of the House - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Labour Aye votes vs 297 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 234 Noes - 308
8 Dec 2008 - Speaker’s Committee on the Search of Offices on the Parliamentary Estate - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 30 Labour Aye votes vs 274 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 281 Noes - 285
8 Dec 2008 - Speaker’s Committee on the Search of Offices on the Parliamentary Estate - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 19 Labour No votes vs 282 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 293 Noes - 270
12 Nov 2008 - Regional Accountability - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 8 Labour Aye votes vs 240 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 233 Noes - 250
12 Nov 2008 - Regional Accountability - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 18 Labour Aye votes vs 212 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 107 Noes - 219
12 Nov 2008 - Deferred Division - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 4 Labour No votes vs 259 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 430 Noes - 54
4 Nov 2008 - Employment Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 43 Labour Aye votes vs 212 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 53 Noes - 408
25 Jun 2008 - Planning Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 16 Labour Aye votes vs 294 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 260 Noes - 303
25 Jun 2008 - Planning Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 15 Labour Aye votes vs 297 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 262 Noes - 306
25 Jun 2008 - Planning Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Labour Aye votes vs 294 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 213 Noes - 303
25 Jun 2008 - Planning Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Labour No votes vs 271 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 280 Noes - 198
11 Jun 2008 - New Clause 22 - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 37 Labour No votes vs 292 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 315 Noes - 306
11 Jun 2008 - New Clause 22 - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 26 Labour No votes vs 292 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 315 Noes - 294
11 Jun 2008 - New Clause 22 - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 7 Labour No votes vs 292 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 315 Noes - 78
2 Jun 2008 - Planning Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 24 Labour Aye votes vs 248 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 241 Noes - 256
25 Mar 2008 - Iraq Inquiry - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 12 Labour Aye votes vs 288 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 271 Noes - 299
19 Mar 2008 - Post Office Closures - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 19 Labour Aye votes vs 279 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 268 Noes - 288
9 Jan 2008 - Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 35 Labour No votes vs 256 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 481 Noes - 46
9 Jan 2008 - Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 11 Labour Aye votes vs 271 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 169 Noes - 338
11 Jun 2007 - Iraq Inquiry - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 4 Labour No votes vs 269 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 274 Noes - 229
14 Mar 2007 - Trident - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 94 Labour Aye votes vs 226 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 167 Noes - 413
14 Mar 2007 - Trident - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 89 Labour No votes vs 222 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 409 Noes - 161
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 126 Labour Aye votes vs 184 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 155 Noes - 418
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 132 Labour Aye votes vs 177 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 178 Noes - 392
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 156 Labour Aye votes vs 157 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 305 Noes - 267
28 Feb 2007 - Offender Management Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 49 Labour Aye votes vs 256 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 111 Noes - 267
28 Feb 2007 - Offender Management Bill - View Vote Context
Paul Flynn voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 24 Labour No votes vs 283 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 293 Noes - 268
View All Paul Flynn Division Votes

All Debates

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
John Bercow (Speaker)
(120 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Leader of the House
(217 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(203 debate contributions)
Wales Office
(107 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Paul Flynn's debates

Latest EDMs signed by Paul Flynn

6th February 2019
Paul Flynn signed this EDM as a sponsor on Thursday 7th February 2019

MONEY IN SPORT AND THE REAL LIVING WAGE

Tabled by: Jo Stevens (Labour - Cardiff East)
That this House notes the passion and excitement during the first weekend of the Six Nations Rugby Championship 2019 and the contribution made by stadium workers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all fans; further notes that the tournament would not be possible without those workers at the …
28 signatures
(Most recent: 4 Mar 2019)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 18
Scottish National Party: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Independent: 2
Plaid Cymru: 2
14th November 2018
Paul Flynn signed this EDM on Thursday 29th November 2018

LEGALISATION OF MEDICAL CANNABIS

Tabled by: Mike Penning (Conservative - Hemel Hempstead)
That this House recognises and welcomes the legalisation of medical cannabis with effect from 1 November 2018 but regrets the immense ongoing disappointment and suffering being caused to patients and their families, particularly those affected by severe childhood epilepsy, who continue to be prevented from accessing medical cannabis as a …
28 signatures
(Most recent: 2 Oct 2019)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 8
Scottish National Party: 5
Liberal Democrat: 4
Independent: 3
Democratic Unionist Party: 3
Conservative: 2
Plaid Cymru: 2
Green Party: 1
View All Paul Flynn's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Paul Flynn, 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.


1 Urgent Question tabled by Paul Flynn

Wednesday 18th May 2011

2 Adjournment Debates led by Paul Flynn

1 Bill introduced by Paul Flynn


A Bill to enable persons in England to withhold consent for organ donation and transplantation; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Monday 16th January 2017
(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
50 Other Department Questions
29th Nov 2016
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of the implications for Government policy of the statement from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission on engaging people on contentious issues in a responsible and considered way.

I have read the letter from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission. I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the honourable member that Government always seeks to engage people in a responsible and considered way.

22nd Nov 2016
To ask the Rt. hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the cost of purchasing of vellum has been in each of the last five years.

The House of Commons Commission does not hold such information as it is the House of Lords which has always been responsible for the purchasing of vellum. It would therefore be for the House of Lords to reply.

17th Nov 2016
To ask the Rt. hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington representing the House of Commons Commission, what information the Commission holds on the cost per page of printing bills on vellum in each of the last 10 years.

The House of Commons Commission does not hold such information as it is the House of Lords which has always been responsible for the production of record copies of Acts. In his letter of 17 September 2015 to the Administration Committee, the then House of Lords Chairman of Committees said that “Between 2009/10 and 2014/15 the cost to the Lords of producing vellums averaged slightly over £100,000 per year”.

13th Jan 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, pursuant to the Answer of 15 September 2015 to Question 9021 and with reference to the Oxford Research Group, Remote Control project report: Hostile drones, published 11 January 2015, if the Office for Nuclear Regulation will review security at nuclear power stations.

Licensees of UK nuclear sites are required by ONR to demonstrate that they have resilience against a range of external threat scenarios. These scenarios are updated regularly considering developments in technology and other areas. The airspace over UK nuclear licensed sites is restricted by the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Nuclear Installations) Regulations 2007. These impose restricted airspace of a radius between 0.5 and 2 nautical miles and to a height of between 1000 and 2400 feet above mean sea level around the centre of those nuclear licensed sites listed in Schedule 2 of the Regulations. Airspace usage in the UK is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

15th Dec 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, whether she has reviewed the fitness-for-purpose of the UK Nuclear Industry Malicious Capability Planning Assessment to deal with attacks similar to those carried out recently in Paris and San Bernadino.

The security of the UK’s civil nuclear sector is of paramount importance to the Government. The Nuclear Industry Malicious Capability Planning Assumptions (NIMCA) provide a common basis for determining the sector’s required protective security posture. It is reviewed by DECC, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), and industry representatives on an annual basis. To ensure that the NIMCA assumptions remain appropriate, these annual reviews are supplemented with assessments of threat information provided by the police and the intelligence agencies on an ongoing basis. Additionally, the ONR maintains a permanent presence within the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, which guarantees the fastest possible identification and notification of intelligence that might indicate changes to present and foreseeable threats to civil nuclear sites.


15th Dec 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what resources were committed by the UK at the COP21 climate conference in Paris to help developing countries pay for repairing damage from extreme weather events caused by climate change.

The Paris Agreement recognises the importance of averting, minimising and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, including extreme weather events and slow onset events, and the role of sustainable development in reducing the risk of loss and damage. The UK is already taking action to support insurance mechanisms that provide financial support in the event of an extreme weather event. For example, we support the G7 initiative that aims to increase by up to 400 million the number of people in the most vulnerable developing countries who have access to direct or indirect insurance coverage against the negative impact of climate change related hazards by 2020.The UK contribution to these rapid actions includes support for (i) the Africa Risk Capacity initiative and (ii) the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Assessment and Financing Initiative (PCRAFI). Other UK-supported actions are contributing to the G7 Initiative’s overall aims.


Her Majesty’s Government maintains the capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies wherever they occur in the world.

15th Dec 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what discussions her Department has had with the Arctic Methane Emergency Group on ways to mitigate methane emissions from disruption of methane hydrates caused by climate change in the Arctic.

The Department has had no such direct discussions with the Arctic Methane Emergency Group. The best practical way to limit methane emissions due to the destabilisation of methane hydrates is to keep the rise in global temperatures as low as possible. The UK government’s recent push to secure an ambitious global climate deal was rewarded on 12 December in Paris, where the world witnessed a historic step forward to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. A global agreement of 195 countries, including the world’s largest emitters, have now committed to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change



10th Dec 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what form of transport she used to travel to the COP21 conference in Paris in December 2015; and for what reasons she used that form of transport.

My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State made two separate visits to the COP21 conference in Paris. For the first, she travelled out by train and returned by plane. For the second she travelled there and back by train.


In accordance with the Ministerial Code, it was ensured that these were the most efficient and cost-effective options for the Secretary of State to meet her commitments at COP.

9th Dec 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment he has made of the implications for implementing his Department's policies for combatting climate change and decarbonising electricity generation of the Trade in Services Agreement.

The Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) negotiation is ongoing. A full sustainable impact assessment is being conducted on the TISA. The terms of reference of the report include analysis of the impact of the TISA on climate change. The final inception report can be found on the EU’s website.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has not carried out any additional assessments in relation to the impact of the agreement on wider climate change policies, but works closely with the Department of Energy and Climate Change on the content of the Agreement to ensure it aligns with the UK’s wider policy objectives.

9th Dec 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment she has made of the implications for her Department's policies of the report published in December 2015 by the Global Carbon Project on trends in greenhouse gas emissions.

The Global Carbon Project Report 2015 sets out global CO2 emission trends from 1870 to 2015. The UK accounts for 1.2% of global emissions and remains committed to meeting our climate change target of an at least 80% emissions reduction by 2050. The UK has already made great progress towards that goal having reduced emissions by around 30% since 1990.


In Paris, we reached an historic agreement, with the whole world committing to action which they are held to account on for the first time ever. This marks a clear turning point towards a sustainable and low carbon future. Countries will now have to come together regularly to review their climate plans and collectively ensure that the necessary action is being taken to tackle climate change.



9th Dec 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what (a) presentation and (b) other documentary contribution her Department has made to the World Climate Summit held in Paris alongside the UN COP21.

The important COP21 negotiations and related events did not allow time for representatives from the Department to attend the World Climate Summit event.



9th Dec 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, with reference to the announcement by the Prime Minister at the UN climate change conference in Paris on 30 November, how much from the public purse has been allocated to Mission Innovation to accelerate clean energy investment and innovation.

The Government set out plans in the Spending Review to invest more in clean energy research and development over the next five years as part of Mission Innovation. By 2020/21 we will be spending in excess of £400m under Mission Innovation.


7th Dec 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many staff worked for the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation on 1 April 2015; and what the budget of that organisation is for 2015-16.


At 1 April 2015 the UK Trade & Investment Defence and Security Organisation had 140 staff-in-post. As at 1 April the 2015-16 budget for UKTI DSO was £9.75M NET.

7th Dec 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many UK Trade and Investment staff worked in each of the industrial sectors on 1 April 2015; and what the budget for each such sector is in 2015-16.

UK Trade & Investment supports eleven sectors, and other priority sectors, such as creative industries and the information economy.


We are working with a number of other Government departments to ensure companies of all sectors are represented in Government efforts overseas.


The table below shows the number of staff on 1 April 2015 and the most recent budget information for our core sector teams and investment organisations.



Staff

Budget, £m

Consumer, Retail & E-exporting

11

5.7

Creative Industries & Global Sports & Construction

25

3.1

UKTI Education

8

1.0

Energy & Transport

27

3.7

Healthcare UK

13

1.6

Information Economy

16

2.9

Advanced Manufacturing

8

1.2

UKTI Agri-Tech Organisation

3

1.2

UKTI Automotive Investment Organisation

5

1.7

UKTI Financial Services Organisation

8

1.7

Innovation Gateway

7

1.3

UKTI Life Science Organisation

9

2.2

UKTI Offshore Wind Investment Organisation

2

1.1

UKTI Regeneration Investment Organisation

1

1.4


4th Dec 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, whether she plans to review the assessment principles on imperative reasons of overriding public interest in big energy planning projects.

These are requirements under European Law. There are no plans to review the assessment principles on imperative reasons of overriding public interest in big energy planning projects.



4th Dec 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, whether she plans to issue revised nuclear safety and security regulations.

The framework for civil nuclear safety and security is kept under continuous review to ensure that it remains robust, effective and of an appropriate standard.

4th Dec 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what participation the UK has had in the sustainable innovation forum hosted by the UN Environment Programme as part of the COP21 climate change conference in Paris.

The Foreign Secretary’s Special Representative on Climate Change attended the event and spoke on a panel event entitled “what is most needed to embed innovation across public and private sector operations.”

2nd Dec 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment she has made of the implications for her polices of the Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform Communiqué presented by the New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on behalf of the Prince of Wales' Corporate Leaders' Group to Christina Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, at COP 21 in Paris on 30 November 2015.

The UK is a co-signatory to the Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform Communiqué. As that document covers, significant subsidy reform can help deliver major reform of global energy usage which limits global temperature rises.

The fall in the oil price over the last eighteen months creates a moment of opportunity for action around the world to reduce subsidies. The communiqué calls for clear communication and increased ambition. We support those goals. We will continue to lobby Governments overseas and support activity to make the most of this opportunity to implement meaningful reform. Doing so will enhance both UK and wider energy security, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and free up funds that Governments could use to tackle other challenges.



2nd Dec 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, if she will make an assessment of the implications for her policies on climate change of the recently published report by the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, entitled Executive Guide to Carbon Pricing Leadership.

The Government welcomes the report produced by the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition and its aim to encourage businesses to take up carbon pricing initiatives. The UK is strongly committed to carbon pricing as a policy tool to allow carbon emissions to be reduced at least cost. The Government has encouraged businesses to recognise the cost of carbon in decision-making by pressing for reforms to strengthen the EU Emissions Trading System as well as pursuing other market-based policy approaches. We also support other countries to develop pricing models through our international outreach and projects.



2nd Dec 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, which (a) business organisations and (b) non-governmental organisations he met during his visit to the COP 21 climate change conference in Paris on 30 November 2015.

Details of my meetings with external organisations are published on a quarterly basis and are available via the gov.uk website.

26th Nov 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what representations she has received from the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate on the Paris Climate Conference; and whether she has evaluated that Commission's list of 10 opportunities for economically beneficial climate action.

My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State is aware of the work from the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, as the UK is one of its commissioning countries. The Secretary of State welcomed the Global Commission’s reports, which underlined that growth and tackling climate change can go hand in hand.


We continue to reflect on the reports’ findings and contribution to the economic debate. It sets out how Governments of countries at different stages of economic development can achieve strong economic performance, improve standards of living, create jobs and reduce poverty, whilst simultaneously helping to reduce the risks of climate change. The reports’ evidence on the potential economic opportunities is a powerful contribution to the clear case for action. It is in this spirit that we strongly recommend all countries to consider its findings.



26th Nov 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, what discussions he has had with the Arab League on the situation in Syria before he published his response to the Second Report from the Foreign Affairs Committee, on the Extension of Offensive British Military Operations to Syria, HC 457.

The Government are in regular contact with the Arab League who attended the International Syria Support Group in Vienna on 14 November. Nabil Al-Araby, Chair of the Arab League, participated in a discussion on Syria with UK representatives at the United Nations General Assembly on 30 September. We remain committed to engagement and coordination with regional partners in our efforts to degrade Daesh in Syria.

26th Nov 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, with reference to pages 12 and 13 of his response to the Second Report from the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, on the Extension of Offensive Military Operations to Syria, HC 457, what specific steps have been taken through the Financial Action Task Force and Egmont Groups to block funding of ISIS.

The Financial Actions Task Force (FATF) report on ‘Financing of the Terrorist Organisation ISIL’ (Feb 2015) sets out specific measures which countries should adopt, over and above general measures designed to block terrorist financing, to ensure Daesh cannot access the international financial system. The FATF conducted a report for the G20 Leaders in November 2015 on implementation. They found almost all 194 jurisdictions had criminalised terrorist financing and 90% of jurisdictions had a legal framework to enforce sanctions. There were 33 jurisdictions which had secured convictions for terrorist financing.


The Egmont Group comprises 151 members, including the UK, USA, France and regional partners such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and Lebanon. In June 2015 the Group expanded its membership; 42 new bilateral agreements to exchange information were announced to help combat global money laundering and terrorist threats. The Group also issued a communication to its members in June 2015 regarding Daesh which encouraged members to use its unique global network to combat Daesh money laundering and financing by increasing international cooperation, including the exchange of information.

24th Nov 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, when she expects to notify the European Commission of draft agreement with the People's Republic of China and the China General Nuclear Power Group as required by Article 103 of the Euratom Treaty 1957.

In October 2015, EDF signed a Strategic Investment Agreement and Heads of Terms with China General Nuclear (CGN). This is not an agreement with the Government, so isn’t within the remit of Article 103 of the Euratom Treaty.

23rd Nov 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what the evidential basis is for the statement in her speech on energy policy at the Institute of Civil Engineers on 18 November 2015 that nuclear power is safe.

The Government views safety at nuclear sites as paramount. The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has regulatory and operational independence and is staffed with nuclear safety experts. It carries out inspections across the nuclear estate and has a wide range of enforcement powers with which to hold duty holders to account and secure sustained compliance with the law. Further, safety is kept under regular review in line with international best practice.

The Chief Nuclear Inspector’s Statement about the nuclear industry can be found in the 2014-15 Annual Report and Accounts (pages 26-44), which clearly sets out further the work undertaken by the ONR to ensure that industry meets the safety requirements:


http://www.onr.org.uk/documents/2015/annual-report-2014-15.pdf.

19th Nov 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what her Department's involvement was in the launch of E-Track on 18 November 2015 on the new European Commission programme on the Energy Transparency Centre of Knowledge (E-TRACK); and what the benefits are to the development of UK energy policy of E-TRACK.

The Energy Transparency Centre of Knowledge (E-TRACK) is a joint initiative of the European Commission’s Directorate General of Energy and Joint Research Centre. It is intended to monitor, disseminate and share information on good practices of public participation in energy policy. Given it has only just been launched and is yet to begin its work it is too early to assess whether its subsequent outputs will deliver benefits to the development of UK energy policy.



16th Nov 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, what discussions he has had with his counterparts at the G20 in Turkey on support provided to ISIS by nationals of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Islington North (Mr Corbyn) on 18 November 2015 Official Report, column 667.


I also refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave, during the Oral Statement on the G20 and Paris attacks that I made on 17 November, to the right hon. Member for Islington North (Mr Corbyn), Official Report, column 528, and to the right hon. Member for Gordon (Mr Salmond), Official Report, column 536.

16th Nov 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, what assessment he has made of the evidence provided to the G20 summit in Turkey by President Putin of Russia that funding for ISIS activities has come from countries within the G20.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Islington North (Mr Corbyn) on 18 November 2015 Official Report, column 667.


I also refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave, during the Oral Statement on the G20 and Paris attacks that I made on 17 November, to the right hon. Member for Islington North (Mr Corbyn), Official Report, column 528, and to the right hon. Member for Gordon (Mr Salmond), Official Report, column 536.

13th Nov 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, on what date he wrote to the Commander of the at-sea Trident nuclear submarine giving guidance on the use of Trident ballistic missiles after he assumed the office of Prime Minister in 2010; and on what date he sent a message superseding the message given to the at-sea Commander of Trident by Gordon Brown while he was Prime Minister.

It has been the practice of successive Governments for the incoming Prime Minister to provide written instructions to the Commanders of our nuclear armed submarines.


The letters are one of the first actions carried out by the Prime Minister on assuming office and, given the security implications, it would be wholly inappropriate to comment further on the process.

10th Nov 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment he has made of the effect on the ability of the Office for Nuclear Regulation to carry out its safety and security regulatory functions in full of the guidance set out in the Legislative and Regulatory Reform (Regulatory Functions) (Amendment) Order 2014.

The Regulators’ Code which came into force in April 2014 was issued as guidance under the Legislative and Regulatory Reform (Regulatory Functions) (Amendment) Order 2014. The code provides guidance for all regulators whose functions are specified and a framework for how they should engage with those they regulate when exercising their regulatory functions independently from Government. This includes providing straightforward ways for businesses to engage, basing regulatory activities on risk and helping businesses to comply by publishing clear information, guidance and advice.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is required to have regard to the code when developing policies and operational procedures which guide their regulatory activities. However, the Regulators’ Code states that where a regulator concludes, on the basis of material evidence, that a specific area of the code is either not applicable or outweighed by another relevant consideration, then the regulator is not bound by that provision but should record the decision and their rationale. This acknowledges certain circumstances where regulators may not be able to follow all provisions of the code, for example decisions concerning safety and security, and that they will not be bound by the provision where these considerations justifiably outweigh provisions of the Regulators’ Code.

The ONR is expected to demonstrate compliance with the Code without compromising its core purpose of nuclear safety and security. The ONR has recently published the results of a review they undertook to assess compliance against the Code in September 2015: http://news.onr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/report.pdf.

10th Nov 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will assess the effect on the ability of the Office for Nuclear Regulations to carry out its functions of the provisions of the Regulators' Code requiring regulatory agencies to consider how they might support or enable economic growth for compliant businesses they regulate.

The Regulators’ Code came into force in April 2014 and provides a framework for how regulators should engage with those they regulate. The code, which is underpinned by the principles of better regulation, says that regulators should carry out their activities in a way that supports those they regulate to comply and grow and to consider whether they are able to reduce the administrative burden on business or streamline certain processes whilst still achieving the same social, environmental or economic outcomes.

The Office of Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is expected to demonstrate compliance with the Code without compromising its core purpose of nuclear safety and security. The ONR has recently published the results of a review they undertook to assess compliance against the Code in September 2015: http://news.onr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/report.pdf .

The review found that the requirements of the Code are being met and have identified eight additional actions to further embed the Code over the next year. These measures such as a commitment undertake a review of its economic impact on duty holders, which will support them in carrying out their activities in a way that supports those they regulate to comply and grow further enable economic growth. In doing so, it does not compromise effective regulation to maintain robust safety and security standards.

10th Nov 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, pursuant to the Answer of 2 November 2015 to Question 13044, what assessment she has made of reasons for the delays in constructing reactors in China as requested in that question.

Whilst being a minority partner in the Taishan project, EDF expect Taishan to start generating power before the EPR at Flamanville in France, which EDF have estimated will be by the end of 2018.



10th Nov 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, what matters relating to (a) nuclear disarmament and (b) nuclear non-proliferation he discussed with the Prime Minister of India during his visit to London in November 2015.

During Prime Minister Modi’s visit India and the UK agreed a Defence and International Security Partnership that pledged to deepen our dialogue on disarmament and non-proliferation and work towards India’s entry into all Export Control Regimes. India and the UK also released a Joint Statement that welcomed the agreement reached earlier this year on Iran’s nuclear programme, and noted the strong commitment of the international community to its swift and full implementation.

10th Nov 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what the evidential basis is for the Prime Minister's statement to the press of 21 October 2015 that Hinkley Point nuclear power station will produce reliable and affordable electricity.

Nuclear power is a proven technology which can provide large quantities of electricity continuously, reliably and predictably. Our analysis suggests Hinkley Point C will be cost-competitive with the other technologies that can be deployed at scale in the 2020s and that it will help provide affordable base load power to complement other low-carbon sources that we need to decarbonise the power sector by 2050.


4th Nov 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, pursuant to the Answer of 2 November 2015 to Question 13044, what the (a) technical, (b) regulatory and (c) contractual reasons were for delays at (i) Olkiluoto 3 and (ii) Flamanville 3 reactors.

The causes of the delays at Olkiluoto 3 include complex contractual structures and a series of design changes suggested by the local regulator after the start of construction. Hinkley Point C will commence construction with a more mature design. Our different regulatory regime and improved contracting arrangements will ensure that issues will not arise in the UK.


Flamanville 3 has experienced delays as a result of changes to the design after the start of construction, changes to regulatory requirements, including modifications to take account of lessons learned from the accident at Fukushima in 2011, and quality problems with key components. In the UK, responsibility for delivery and compliance with regulatory requirements lies with EDF and its co-investors. The shareholders in the project carry the full construction risk.


EDF Energy, overseen by the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation, will apply any relevant lessons learned and ensure the delivery of high standards of nuclear safety for its new nuclear power plants in the UK.

2nd Nov 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what recent estimate he has made of the number of graduates who are (a) unemployed and (b) not in high-skilled jobs.

The Department publishes labour market statistics for English domiciled graduates and postgraduates relative to non-graduates as part of the Graduate Labour Market Statistics series. The latest figures refer to the quarter from April to June 2015 and are available at the link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/graduate-labour-market-statistics-april-to-june-2015

2nd Nov 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps his Department is taking to address rates of university students taking their own lives.

The Government takes these issues seriously. Higher Education Institutions, as autonomous and independent bodies, have clear legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 to support their students, including those with mental health conditions.

Ensuring the wellbeing of students is important to our universities. Institutions are best placed to determine what welfare and counselling services they need to provide to their students and to ensure mechanisms are in place to identify students in need.

There is a great deal of guidance and support available to institutions from a range of sector and medical bodies. In February 2015, Universities UK published a Good Practice Guide on, student mental wellbeing in higher education. It aims to support institutions in building and improving their provision for students with mental health problems including to help prevent suicide.

The Department of Health also published a cross-government suicide prevention strategy in September 2012, ‘Preventing Suicide in England.’ The objectives of the strategy are to reduce suicide and support people bereaved or affected by suicide.

2nd Nov 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what steps her Department has taken to promote Energy Efficiency Week; how her Department has worked with non-governmental organisations on such initiatives; and what the cost to the public purse was of those initiatives.

Big Energy Saving Week is a Great Britain wide consumer awareness raising campaign run ahead of winter in partnership with respected partner organisations Citizens Advice and the Energy Saving Trust (EST), with around £300,000 funding provided by DECC.

The campaign was delivered 26-30 October 2015 and focussed on supporting consumers to understand how they can save money by switching tariff, supplier and payment method and improving energy efficiency, through hundreds of face to face outreach events run by Citizens Advice offices and a national, regional and social media campaign delivered by EST.


The last campaign in October 2014 was a big success with over 500 events nationwide reaching an estimated 100,000 consumers face to face or through dedicated helplines with many millions more reached through a complementary media campaign.

2nd Nov 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what the risk premium negotiated with EDF energy for the waste transfer contracts covering radioactive waste from Hinkley Point C is; and what advisers her Department appointed to assist in those negotiations.

The waste transfer contracts for the Hinkley Point C power station have been prepared in line with the approach set out in the Waste Transfer Pricing Methodology published in 2011.


As set out in the methodology, the contracts provide for the setting of a Waste Transfer Price for the provision of a waste disposal service. The Waste Transfer Price will be set at a level over and above estimated costs and include a risk premium to compensate the taxpayer for taking on the risk of subsequent cost escalation.


In line with the methodology, the contracts provide that the Waste Transfer Price, and hence the risk premium, is not set at the outset but instead is deferred for a specified Deferral Period to enable greater certainty over expected costs. Therefore the waste transfer contracts for Hinkley Point C do not specify a risk premium. Rather, the contracts set out how the Waste Transfer Price, and hence the risk premium, will be determined at the end of the Deferral Period and the approach in the contracts is in line with the published methodology.


DECC appointed Slaughter and May to provide legal advice in the negotiations on the waste transfer contracts for Hinkley Point C.

2nd Nov 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, pursuant to her Written Statement of 21 October 2015, HCWS 257, on energy investments, what the evidential basis is for her judgement that the waste transfer contract liabilities are likely to be very low.

The basis on which my rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State considers the likelihood of the potential waste transfer contract liabilities arising to be very low is set out in the Departmental Minute laid before Parliament alongside the Written Statement on 21 October, which for ease of reference is annexed.


2nd Nov 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, pursuant to her Written Statement of 21 October 2015, HCWS 257, on energy investments, how many waste transfer contract documents for Hinkley Point C have been agreed; where such contract documents are being published; and how many such documents will be withheld for reasons of commercial confidentiality.

Two waste transfer contracts are proposed (but have not yet been entered into) for Hinkley Point C, one for intermediate level waste and one for spent fuel. In line with the published Waste Transfer Pricing Methodology, we would expect to publish as much of the waste transfer contracts as possible, except for material of a sensitive nature, if the Secretary of State decides to enter into the Contract for Difference and the waste transfer contracts are signed. We would expect to make these documents available on the www.gov.uk website.

2nd Nov 2015
To ask the Prime Minister, what recent discussions he has had with President Xi of China on joint multilateral initiatives the UK and China can take towards nuclear disarmament.

During last month’s State Visit, President Xi Jinping and I discussed the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s nuclear programme, and the importance of working together to halt its progress. The UK also engages with China on multilateral disarmament, and a range of nuclear disarmament issues, through the mechanism of the P5 Dialogue.

22nd Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, for what reasons the construction cost of the planned Hinkley Point C power station has reduced from £24.5 billion to £18 billion.

The £24.5 billion figure included financing costs (interest and guarantee costs) assuminga £16 billion IUK guarantee. The £18 billion figure is not directly comparable as it does not include these financing costs.

22nd Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, how many visits her Departmental officials have made to China in support of the development of the Strategic Investment Agreement between EDF and China General Nuclear Corporation announced on 21 October 2015; how much each such visit cost; and if she will publish the minutes of each meeting held between UK and Chinese government officials on this agreement.

Officials visited China twice, in July and September, as part of my rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State’s visits at the same time. The cost of the first visit for the relevant officials was £8,900, the cost of the second visit was £6,750. I do not intend to publish minutes of the meetings, which discussed commercially sensitive information.

22nd Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, if she will make an assessment of the (a) causes and (b) effect of the construction delays of reactors in China and France built by the proposed vendors of reactors planned for Hinkley Point C and Bradwell; and what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies on the construction of new nuclear power stations of these delays.

Delays at the Olkiluoto 3 and Flamanville 3 reactors have resulted from a combination of technical, regulatory and contractual reasons, many of which are unlikely to be repeated at Hinkley Point C due to differing regulatory regimes, improved contracting arrangements and in light of the experience that the developer is gaining from these projects.


In addition, there are strong commercial incentives built into the contract for difference to minimise construction delays and cost overruns. The Contract for Difference (CfD) Strike Price cannot rise if there are construction cost over-runs so any cost overrun would have to be borne by the Project’s investors. Further, low carbon payments under the CfD will only be made once the plant starts generating. The incentives are therefore on the developer to deliver the Project within budget and on time, and if it succeeds in bringing it in under budget, there is a construction gainshare mechanism to ensure sharing of any savings with the consumer.

22nd Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment she has made of the potential threat to national security of the choice of the Chinese government company General Nuclear International as an investment partner for the development of the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant.

We have a robust system in the UK for examining whether investments into our country are in the national interest. Safety and security in the civil nuclear industry are of paramount importance to the Government. Companies involved in the UK nuclear industry must do so in accordance with the UK’s stringent regulations enforced by an independent regulator. On this basis we welcome companies which can demonstrate the capability to contribute to safe and secure nuclear power generation in the UK.


There is a longstanding convention of successive Governments not commenting in detail

on security and intelligence matters.

22nd Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, how many meetings her Department has had with Westinghouse officials to discuss the potential partnership between Westinghouse, interested nuclear industry partners and the Government on developing small modular nuclear reactors.

Officials within my Department have met Westinghouse on two occasions to receive their proposal on small modular reactors (SMRs). Receipt of this proposal was acknowledged by officials and it will be considered as part of Government’s wider work on SMRs which includes evidence building through the techno-economic assessment and engagement with SMR vendors where appropriate.

22nd Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what response she has made to the proposal put forward on 21 October 2015 for a partnership between Westinghouse and the Government to develop small modular nuclear reactors.

Receipt of the proposal was acknowledged by officials and it will be considered as part of Government’s wider work on SMRs, which includes evidence building through the techno-economic assessment and engagement with SMR vendors where appropriate.


22nd Oct 2015
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, on what date her Department commissioned a study of the technical and economic options for small modular nuclear reactors; which organisation her Department asked to carry this out; what departmental resources have been committed to support this study; and when the final report of that study is expected to be delivered.

A range of studies has been commissioned by the Department of Energy and Climate Change in order to deliver a techno-economic assessment of small modular reactors. The organisations currently under contract to deliver projects for the techno economic assessment are: Atkins Limited (contracted on 22/7/15); Energy Technologies Institute LLP (contracted on 3/8/15); National Nuclear Laboratory Limited (contracted on 3/8/15); Checkendon Hill Ltd (contracted on 25/6/15); and Ernst and Young LLP (contracted on 201/10/15).


The total budget for this study is up to £4.5million excluding VAT. The equivalent of approximately 4 full time staff are supporting the study in my Department.


The final report will be delivered in Spring 2016.