Richard Bacon Portrait

Richard Bacon

Conservative - Former Member for South Norfolk

First elected: 7th June 2001

Left House: 30th May 2024 (Dissolution)


International Development Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 30th May 2024
International Development Sub-Committee on the Work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact
10th Mar 2020 - 30th May 2024
Public Accounts Commission
4th Nov 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Public Accounts Committee
7th Jul 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Public Accounts Commission
12th Jul 2010 - 31st Mar 2015
Public Accounts Committee
16th Jul 2001 - 30th Mar 2015
European Scrutiny Committee
9th Jan 2003 - 12th Mar 2007


Division Voting information

Richard Bacon has voted in 3194 divisions, and 43 times against the majority of their Party.

18 Jul 2019 - Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 57 Conservative No votes vs 65 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 328 Noes - 65
19 Jun 2019 - Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Bill - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 14 Conservative Aye votes vs 130 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 211 Noes - 132
19 Jun 2019 - Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Bill - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 9 Conservative Aye votes vs 115 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 203 Noes - 117
15 May 2019 - Exiting the European Union (Sanctions) - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Conservative No votes vs 266 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 294 Noes - 184
9 Apr 2019 - Section 1 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2019 - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 97 Conservative No votes vs 131 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 420 Noes - 110
3 Apr 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 5) Bill - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 91 Conservative No votes vs 212 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 220 Noes - 400
3 Apr 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 5) Bill - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 110 Conservative Aye votes vs 190 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 123 Noes - 488
3 Apr 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 5) Bill - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 95 Conservative Aye votes vs 203 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 105 Noes - 509
27 Mar 2019 - EU Exit Day Amendment - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 93 Conservative No votes vs 150 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 441 Noes - 105
13 Mar 2019 - UK’s Withdrawal from the European Union - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 66 Conservative No votes vs 149 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 164 Noes - 374
12 Mar 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) Act - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 75 Conservative No votes vs 235 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 242 Noes - 391
15 Jan 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) Act - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 118 Conservative No votes vs 196 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 202 Noes - 432
31 Jan 2018 - Restoration and Renewal (Report of the Joint Committee) - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 66 Conservative Aye votes vs 164 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 236 Noes - 220
31 Jan 2018 - Restoration and Renewal (Report of the Joint Committee) - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 68 Conservative Aye votes vs 166 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 234 Noes - 185
7 Sep 2015 - European Union Referendum Bill - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 37 Conservative No votes vs 276 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 285 Noes - 312
16 Jun 2015 - European Union Referendum Bill - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 25 Conservative Aye votes vs 285 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 97 Noes - 288
19 Nov 2014 - EU Justice and Home Affairs Measures - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 26 Conservative No votes vs 162 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 421 Noes - 29
10 Nov 2014 - Criminal Law - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 26 Conservative Aye votes vs 229 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 229 Noes - 272
26 Sep 2014 - Iraq: Coalition Against ISIL - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 6 Conservative No votes vs 274 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 524 Noes - 43
10 Feb 2014 - Children and Families Bill - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 99 Conservative No votes vs 127 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 376 Noes - 107
29 Aug 2013 - Syria and the Use of Chemical Weapons - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 31 Conservative No votes vs 240 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 272 Noes - 285
18 Mar 2013 - Crime and Courts Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Conservative No votes vs 255 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 530 Noes - 13
11 Jul 2012 - Sittings of the House - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 87 Conservative No votes vs 142 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 241 Noes - 256
11 Jul 2012 - Sittings of the House - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 93 Conservative Aye votes vs 139 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 267 Noes - 233
11 Jul 2012 - Sittings of the House - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 90 Conservative Aye votes vs 123 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 280 Noes - 184
11 Jul 2012 - Sittings of the House - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 39 Conservative Aye votes vs 167 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 205 Noes - 228
12 Mar 2012 - Backbench Business Committee - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 40 Conservative Aye votes vs 141 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 105 Noes - 186
12 Mar 2012 - Backbench Business Committee - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 32 Conservative Aye votes vs 134 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 101 Noes - 166
12 Mar 2012 - Backbench Business Committee - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 29 Conservative No votes vs 132 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 203 Noes - 82
7 Sep 2011 - Health and Social Care (Re-committed) Bill - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 94 Conservative Aye votes vs 115 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 118 Noes - 368
15 Jun 2010 - Backbench Business Committee - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 75 Conservative Aye votes vs 188 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 171 Noes - 263
4 Mar 2010 - Chair (Terminology) - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 28 Conservative No votes vs 74 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 106 Noes - 221
30 Apr 2009 - Members’ Allowances - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 25 Conservative No votes vs 55 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 280 Noes - 100
16 Mar 2009 - Use of the Chamber (United Kingdom Youth Parliament) - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 17 Conservative No votes vs 28 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 210 Noes - 22
16 Mar 2009 - Use of the Chamber (United Kingdom Youth Parliament) - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 16 Conservative Aye votes vs 25 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 21 Noes - 207
16 Mar 2009 - Use of the Chamber (United Kingdom Youth Parliament) - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 11 Conservative No votes vs 28 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 0 Noes - 0
20 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 40 Conservative Aye votes vs 70 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 71 Noes - 393
20 May 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords] - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 50 Conservative Aye votes vs 67 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 84 Noes - 387
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 75 Conservative Aye votes vs 96 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 305 Noes - 267
7 Mar 2007 - House of Lords Reform - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 55 Conservative Aye votes vs 121 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 337 Noes - 224
18 Oct 2022 - Public Order Bill - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 103 Conservative No votes vs 113 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 297 Noes - 110
7 Mar 2023 - Public Order Bill - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 107 Conservative Aye votes vs 109 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 116 Noes - 299
16 Apr 2024 - Tobacco and Vapes Bill - View Vote Context
Richard Bacon voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 58 Conservative No votes vs 179 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 383 Noes - 67
View All Richard Bacon 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
Gareth Thomas (Labour (Co-op))
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
(46 debate interactions)
Roberta Blackman-Woods (Labour)
(27 debate interactions)
Brandon Lewis (Conservative)
(24 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
HM Treasury
(62 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(41 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Civil Liability Act 2018
(3,981 words contributed)
Neighbourhood Planning Act 2017
(2,512 words contributed)
Housing Reform Bill 2017-19
(1,945 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Richard Bacon's debates

Latest EDMs signed by Richard Bacon

19th December 2019
Richard Bacon signed this EDM on Friday 20th December 2019

Big Ben chiming on the day of Brexit

Tabled by: Mark Francois (Conservative - Rayleigh and Wickford)
That this House notes the ongoing refurbishment works on the Elizabeth Tower and the fact that during this period Big Ben currently only chimes for Remembrance Sunday and New Year's Eve; further notes that the United Kingdom will now leave the European Union at 11.00pm GMT on 31 January 2020; …
53 signatures
(Most recent: 7 Jan 2020)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 42
Independent: 5
Democratic Unionist Party: 4
Labour: 1
Reform UK: 1
11th April 2019
Richard Bacon signed this EDM on Tuesday 23rd April 2019

Exiting the European Union

Tabled by: William Cash (Conservative - Stone)
That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (Exit Day) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2019 (S.I., 2019, No. 859), dated 11 April 2019, a copy of which was laid before this House on 11 April 2019, be annulled.
82 signatures
(Most recent: 29 Apr 2019)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 69
Independent: 6
Democratic Unionist Party: 6
Non-affiliated: 1
View All Richard Bacon's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Richard Bacon, 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.


Richard Bacon has not been granted any Urgent Questions

9 Adjournment Debates led by Richard Bacon

Wednesday 2nd February 2022
Thursday 12th March 2020
Thursday 28th March 2019
Thursday 7th June 2018
Wednesday 27th May 2015
Wednesday 7th May 2014
Wednesday 30th January 2013
Tuesday 24th April 2012
Tuesday 8th February 2011

4 Bills introduced by Richard Bacon


A Bill to place a duty on local authorities to keep a register of individuals and community groups who have expressed an interest in acquiring land to bring forward self-build and custom-build projects and to take account of and make provision for the interests of those on such registers in developing their housing initiatives and their local plans; to allow volume house builders to include self-build and custom-build projects as contributing towards their affordable housing obligations, when in partnership for this purpose with a Registered Social Landlord; and for connected purposes.

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


The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to amend the Food Labelling Regulations 1996 to provide for information about the country of origin of food to be made available to consumers; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading: House Of Commons
Friday 1st April 2011

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to amend the law relating to housing; to make provision about housing space and thermal performance standards; to place a duty on the Secretary of State to require the provision of serviced plots of land; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 24th October 2018
(Read Debate)

A Bill to make provision for the dissolution of a marriage or civil partnership when each party has separately made a declaration that the marriage or civil partnership has irretrievably broken down without a requirement by either party to satisfy the Court of any other facts; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Tuesday 13th October 2015

Latest 23 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
17th Oct 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what recent discussions he has had with his Ministerial colleagues on the legal status of foreign scientific researchers resident in the UK following the EU referendum.

The Department for Exiting the European Union has engaged with a wide range of organisations including Universities UK, the Royal Academies and the pharmaceutical sector, as well as colleagues from the Department for Education and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The Prime Minister has been clear that she is determined to protect the status of EU nationals already living here, and the only circumstances in which that would not be possible is if British citizens’ rights in European member states were not protected in return.

The UK remains fully open to scientists and researchers from across the EU. We highly value the contribution of EU and international staff, and there are no immediate changes to their rights to live and work in the UK.

The announcement on underwriting Horizon 2020 funding underlines our commitment to do what is necessary to maintain the UK as an attractive place to conduct research and innovation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when he expects to publish the audited figures for the Child Support Agency's client funds account for 2012-13.

It is our intention to publish the audited figures for the Child Support Agency's client funds account for 2012-13 on 27 March.

7th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many contractors worked for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019/20.

One hundred and ninety three contractors worked for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20.

Eighty three contractors working for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20, also worked for NHS Digital in at least one of the financial years 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17.

Thirty seven contractors working for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20, also worked for NHS Digital in at least two of the financial years 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17 financial years.

Ten contractors working for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20, also worked for NHS Digital in all of the financial years 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17.

7th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many contractors working for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20 also worked for NHS Digital in at least one of the financial years (a) 2018-19, (b) 2017-18 and (c) 2016-17.

One hundred and ninety three contractors worked for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20.

Eighty three contractors working for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20, also worked for NHS Digital in at least one of the financial years 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17.

Thirty seven contractors working for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20, also worked for NHS Digital in at least two of the financial years 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17 financial years.

Ten contractors working for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20, also worked for NHS Digital in all of the financial years 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17.

7th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many contractors working for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20 also worked for NHS Digital in at least two of the (a) 2018-19, (b) 2017-18 and (c) 2016-17 financial years.

One hundred and ninety three contractors worked for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20.

Eighty three contractors working for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20, also worked for NHS Digital in at least one of the financial years 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17.

Thirty seven contractors working for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20, also worked for NHS Digital in at least two of the financial years 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17 financial years.

Ten contractors working for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20, also worked for NHS Digital in all of the financial years 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17.

7th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many contractors working for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20 also worked for NHS Digital in all of the financial years 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17.

One hundred and ninety three contractors worked for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20.

Eighty three contractors working for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20, also worked for NHS Digital in at least one of the financial years 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17.

Thirty seven contractors working for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20, also worked for NHS Digital in at least two of the financial years 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17 financial years.

Ten contractors working for NHS Digital in the financial year 2019-20, also worked for NHS Digital in all of the financial years 2018-19, 2017-18 and 2016-17.

6th Sep 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much the NHS has paid BT for the licensing, deployment and support of acute IT systems in the south of England.

Information regarding payments made by National Health Service trusts to BT is not held centrally.

The Department, to the end of financial year 2015-16, paid BT £0.5 billion in respect of services it delivered to acute and community and mental health trusts in the south of England under the BT Local Service Provider contract. This contract has now closed.

5th Sep 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much to date the NHS has paid BT for licensing, deployment and support of acute IT systems in London.

Information regarding payments made by National Health Service trusts to BT is not held centrally by the Department.

The Department, to the end of financial year 2015-16, has paid BT £1.1 billion for services it delivered to acute and community and mental health trusts in London under the BT Local Service Provider contract. This contract has now closed.

5th Sep 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust has paid Cerner in the last 10 years.

The Department has not, over the last 10 years, made payments to Cerner for National Health Service systems. The Department does not hold information centrally about contracts that are held by NHS Trusts locally.

5th Sep 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust has paid Cerner in the last 10 years.

The Department has not, over the last 10 years, made payments to Cerner for National Health Service systems. The Department does not hold information centrally about contracts that are held by NHS Trusts locally.

5th Sep 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has paid Cerner in the last 10 years.

The Department has not, over the last 10 years, made payments to Cerner for National Health Service systems. The Department does not hold information centrally about contracts that are held by NHS Trusts locally.

5th Sep 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has paid Cerner in the last 10 years.

The Department has not, over the last 10 years, made payments to Cerner for National Health Service systems. The Department does not hold information centrally about contracts that are held by NHS Trusts locally.

5th Sep 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust has paid Cerner in the last 10 years.

The Department has not, over the last 10 years, made payments to Cerner for National Health Service systems. The Department does not hold information centrally about contracts that are held by NHS Trusts locally.

5th Sep 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust has paid Cerner in the last 10 years.

The Department has not, over the last 10 years, made payments to Cerner for National Health Service systems. The Department does not hold information centrally about contracts that are held by NHS Trusts locally.

5th Sep 2016
To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much to date the NHS has paid Cerner in the last 10 years.

The Department has not, over the last 10 years, made payments to Cerner for National Health Service systems. The Department does not hold information centrally about contracts that are held by NHS Trusts locally.

26th Jan 2021
What fiscal steps he is taking to encourage self-build and custom housebuilding.

The Government is committed to ensuring that self- and custom-build provision expands across the country – giving more people a greater say over their homes and communities.

At the Spending Review, we announced £2.2 billion of new loan finance to support SME housebuilders. This includes delivering ‘Help to Build’ for custom and self-builders.

Custom-builders can also access development finance through the Home Building Fund.

Kemi Badenoch
Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
3rd Feb 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Minister for Defence People and Veterans' oral contribution of 2 February 2022, Official Report, column 421, what the total liability is of the Army Reserve, excluding those personnel undergoing phase 1 training, under future plans, broken down by (a) the Army, (b) Strategic Command, (c) the Royal Navy, (d) the RAF and (e) other.

The Army Reserve trained workforce requirement now, and in 2032, can be found at the table below:

Top Level Budget (TLB)

Present (January 2022)

Future (January 2032)

Army

30,220

27,100

UKStratCom

1,290

1,290

Navy

180

180

Air

~

~

Head Office

~

~

These figures are subject to change pending any potential future TLB review.

Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10, and any figures below 10 have been replaced with a ~ to prevent individuals from being identified.

3rd Feb 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Minister for Defence People and Veterans' oral contribution of 2 February 2022, Official Report, column 421, what the total liability of the Army Reserve was, excluding those personnel undergoing phase 1 training, prior to the reorganisation, broken down by (a) the Army, (b) Strategic Command, (c) the Royal Navy, (d) the RAF and (e) other.

The Army Reserve trained workforce requirement now, and in 2032, can be found at the table below:

Top Level Budget (TLB)

Present (January 2022)

Future (January 2032)

Army

30,220

27,100

UKStratCom

1,290

1,290

Navy

180

180

Air

~

~

Head Office

~

~

These figures are subject to change pending any potential future TLB review.

Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10, and any figures below 10 have been replaced with a ~ to prevent individuals from being identified.

30th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when his Department plans to publish the 2019 report of the Reserve Forces Cadets Association’s External Scrutiny Team.

The 2019 External Scrutiny Team (EST) Report was received on 1 July 2019 and was placed in the Library of the House on 3 September 2019.

The Ministry of Defence intends to publish the EST’s 2020 report within this quarter.

30th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effect on (a) morale and (b) retention of the suspension of training by the Maritime reserves for four months.

The Royal Navy has given full consideration to the effect on morale of the recent decision to temporarily pause some Maritime Reserves activity until the beginning of the next financial year.

This temporary cessation of some activity may result in disappointment for individual Reservists during the short period that it remains in force, but work undertaken by those on Full Time Reserve Service or Additional Duties Commitments will continue as normal; as will some Transformation projects that are deemed critical to meeting future Royal Navy and Defence outputs. This short term measure does not reflect our longer-term plans which continue to place an emphasis upon the Maritime Reserve.

30th Dec 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date his Department received the 2019 report of the Reserve Forces Cadets Association’s External Scrutiny Team.

The 2019 External Scrutiny Team (EST) Report was received on 1 July 2019 and was placed in the Library of the House on 3 September 2019.

The Ministry of Defence intends to publish the EST’s 2020 report within this quarter.

30th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will (a) commence section 123 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 and (b) consult on draft regulations under that section.

The Government is moving quickly to commence section 123 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 in due course and will consult with the sector and local authorities when bringing regulations under section 2A subsection (5A) of the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015, as amended by section 123 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.