Vicky Ford Portrait

Vicky Ford

Conservative - Former Member for Chelmsford

First elected: 8th June 2017

Left House: 30th May 2024 (Dissolution)


Education Committee
22nd Jan 2024 - 30th May 2024
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
12th Jun 2023 - 30th May 2024
School Attendance (Duties of Local Authorities and Proprietors of Schools) Bill
24th Apr 2024 - 1st May 2024
Criminal Justice Bill
6th Dec 2023 - 30th Jan 2024
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill
7th Jun 2023 - 11th Jul 2023
Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill
1st Mar 2023 - 8th Mar 2023
Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill
25th Jan 2023 - 1st Feb 2023
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
6th Sep 2022 - 25th Oct 2022
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Sep 2021 - 6th Sep 2022
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
13th Feb 2020 - 16th Sep 2021
European Statutory Instruments Committee
10th Feb 2020 - 14th Sep 2020
European Statutory Instruments
18th Jul 2018 - 6th Nov 2019
Science and Technology Committee
16th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
16th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
European Statutory Instruments Committee
18th Jul 2018 - 6th Nov 2019
Science and Technology Committee (Commons)
16th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Women and Equalities Committee
5th Mar 2018 - 6th Nov 2019


Division Voting information

Vicky Ford has voted in 1291 divisions, and 16 times against the majority of their Party.

17 Jun 2020 - Health and Personal Social Services - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 104 Conservative Aye votes vs 124 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 253 Noes - 136
4 Sep 2019 - European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 6) Bill - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 57 Conservative Aye votes vs 180 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 65 Noes - 495
9 Jul 2019 - Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 72 Conservative Aye votes vs 84 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 332 Noes - 99
1 Apr 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship (Votes) - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 36 Conservative Aye votes vs 236 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 273 Noes - 276
27 Mar 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship Votes - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 94 Conservative No votes vs 157 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 160 Noes - 400
27 Mar 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship Votes - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 37 Conservative Aye votes vs 225 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 188 Noes - 283
27 Mar 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship Votes - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 34 Conservative Aye votes vs 234 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 264 Noes - 272
27 Mar 2019 - EU: Withdrawal and Future Relationship Votes - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 122 Conservative No votes vs 126 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 139 Noes - 422
14 Mar 2019 - UK’s Withdrawal from the European Union - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 112 Conservative Aye votes vs 188 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 412 Noes - 202
13 Mar 2019 - UK’s Withdrawal from the European Union - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford 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
16 Jul 2018 - European Statutory Instruments Committee - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 15 Conservative Aye votes vs 52 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 57 Noes - 53
30 Mar 2022 - Health and Care Bill - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 72 Conservative Aye votes vs 175 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 215 Noes - 188
11 Jul 2023 - Illegal Migration Bill - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 13 Conservative No votes vs 286 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 290 Noes - 242
11 Jul 2023 - Illegal Migration Bill - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 15 Conservative No votes vs 279 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 284 Noes - 242
17 Jul 2023 - Illegal Migration Bill - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 11 Conservative No votes vs 281 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 289 Noes - 220
10 Jan 2024 - Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill - View Vote Context
Vicky Ford voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 8 Conservative No votes vs 279 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 282 Noes - 235
View All Vicky Ford 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
Theresa May (Conservative)
(73 debate interactions)
John Bercow (Speaker)
(56 debate interactions)
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(55 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department for Education
(254 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(160 debate contributions)
Home Office
(121 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Vicky Ford's debates

Latest EDMs signed by Vicky Ford

26th March 2024
Vicky Ford signed this EDM on Monday 15th April 2024

Referral of matters of 21 February 2024 to the Committee of Privileges

Tabled by: William Wragg (Independent - Hazel Grove)
That this House notes the Speaker’s decision on selection and calling of amendments on 21 February 2024 was not in accordance with the established precedent for Opposition days; and accordingly considers that, notwithstanding the Resolution of this House of 6 February 1978, the matter of whether undue pressure was placed …
70 signatures
(Most recent: 19 Apr 2024)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 42
Conservative: 25
Independent: 2
Plaid Cymru: 1
21st February 2024
Vicky Ford signed this EDM on Monday 26th February 2024

No confidence in the Speaker

Tabled by: William Wragg (Independent - Hazel Grove)
That this House has no confidence in Mr Speaker.
90 signatures
(Most recent: 20 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 42
Scottish National Party: 41
Independent: 3
Plaid Cymru: 3
Workers Party of Britain: 1
View All Vicky Ford's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Vicky Ford, 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.


Vicky Ford has not been granted any Urgent Questions

1 Adjournment Debate led by Vicky Ford

Thursday 22nd March 2018

4 Bills introduced by Vicky Ford


Parallel Parliament Note:

The proposals laid down in this bill were subsequently incorporated into upcoming Building Regulations. See here for more information.

A Bill to amend building regulations to require letter boxes in new buildings to be positioned above a certain height; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 16th January 2019
(Read Debate)

A Bill to make provision requiring local authorities to exercise their functions with a view to improving and promoting regular attendance by registered pupils at schools in their area; and to make provision requiring school proprietors to have an attendance policy to promote regular attendance.

Commons Completed
Lords - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 20th May 2024

A Bill to make provision to enable local authorities to establish planning obligations relating to affordable housing in respect of the conversion of commercial property to residential use; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 11th December 2023

A Bill to make provision to enable local authorities to establish planning obligations relating to affordable housing in respect of the conversion of commercial property to residential use; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 22nd February 2023
(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
1st Oct 2019
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what funding his Department has made available to (a) local authorities and (b) councils to comply with website content accessibility guidelines.

The Government Digital Service (“GDS”) introduced and leads on implementation of the Public Sector (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No.2) Accessibility Regulations (“the Regulations”).

GDS has been providing an ongoing range of guidance and awareness raising to public sector bodies, including local authorities on implementing the accessibility requirements, but is not responsible for funding to local authorities. Guidance can be located on our accessibility regulations campaign here https://accessibility.campaign.gov.uk/.

2nd Sep 2019
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the effect on fair competition of the five Gov.UK Verify providers being able to re-use Gov.Verify profiles for a period before other market participants are given access to that service.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

14th Sep 2017
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Government is taking to ensure the cyber security of both public and private sector organisations.

The National Cyber Security Strategy, supported by £1.9 billion of transformational investment, sets out measures to defend our people, businesses, and assets; deter our adversaries; and develop necessary skills and capabilities.

The National Cyber Security Centre provides advice that helps public and private sector organisations to be more resilient to cyber attacks.

16th May 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help protect children online.

Last year the government passed the groundbreaking Online Safety Act which will place much needed duties on tech companies to protect their users, especially children. We are focused on implementing the act as quickly as possible.

In January, the government introduced new offences to criminalise cyberflashing, fake news intended to cause non-trivial harm and other online abuse. The Crown Prosecution Service has already delivered the first conviction for cyberflashing, and it will not be the last.

On 8 May, Ofcom published its draft child safety codes. Once in force, these protections will significantly improve child online safety, ensuring companies shield children from harmful content, and stop their algorithms pushing inappropriate content at children.

1st Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to protect children online.

The strongest protections in the Online Safety Bill are for children, and platforms will have to take proactive steps to prevent children being exposed to illegal content and behaviour, including child sexual exploitation and abuse and content assisting suicide.

Services likely to be accessed by children will also be required to protect children from other harmful material, including pornography and cyberbullying. If sites fail in their duties, they will be subject to tough enforcement action.

22nd Mar 2018
What steps his Department is taking to support the development of artificial intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence is already starting to transform the way we live and work. We are ensuring that the UK is an excellent place for AI development, with more PhD places, a Fellowship programme and an Industry Council to provide leadership.

Our Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation will ensure we have a governance regime that supports great innovation while at the same time ensuring AI is safe, trusted and works for people.

4th Sep 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with her EU counterparts on long-term broadcast access to the EU for Ofcom-licensed broadcasters based in the UK after the UK leaves the EU.

The UK is currently the EU's biggest broadcasting hub, and the sector makes an important contribution to our thriving creative industries.

During our negotiations with the EU we will work to get the right deal for broadcasters and will support their continued growth in the UK

5th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many schools in Chelmsford constituency received school improvement grants in (a) 2010-2017 and (b) 2017-2023; how many grants were received in each period; and what the total amount for each school was in each period.

Departmental records show that between 2010 and 2017 five schools in Chelmsford constituency received or benefited from specific school improvement grants, and between 2017 and the end of December 2023 ten schools received or benefited from specific school improvement grants.

The following grants have been included in this analysis:

  • Regional Academy Growth Fund (RAGF) 2016/17
  • Multi-academy Trust Development and Improvement Fund (MDIF) 2018/19
  • Trust Capacity Fund (TCaF) - 2019 to date
  • Strategic School Improvement Capital Budget (SSICB) - 2016 to date
  • Environmental Improvement Grant (EIG) - 2016 to date
  • Emergency Strategic Improvement Fund (ESIF) - 2017 to date
  • School Improvement offer (SI) - 2018 to 2020
  • Trust and School Improvement offer (TSI) – 2021 to date.

The department has also included grants allocated for sponsored academy conversions (2010 to date), as well as grants for transferring academies between trusts (2012 to date) because these grants may include elements for school improvement activities.

The department has limited this analysis to these grants as they can be quantified for some of the time periods requested. The department's policy of retaining financial records for seven years limits access to data before the 2016/17 financial year. Other department grants may contribute less directly to wider school improvement. In addition, many of these and other grants are allocated via academy trusts or other organisations, and so schools may benefit indirectly without being the designated recipient from department. Finally, not all grant programs have been operational throughout the entire period between 2010 and 2023.

For a summary of the grants awarded, and for relevant school-level data, please refer to the tables below:

Table 1: Summary of school improvement grants paid for supporting schools in Chelmsford constituency.

Number of institutions in receipt of a school improvement grant and their total value

Grant programme

(a) 2010 to 2017

(b) 2017to2023 (to end December 2023)

Regional Academy Growth Fund**

RAGF 2016-2017 2 trusts each with 1 school in Chelmsford*

N/A

Multi-academy Trust Development and Improvement Fund**

N/A*

2 trusts, one with 2 schools and 1 with 1 school in Chelmsford*

Trust Capacity Fund **

N/A*

1 trust with 2 schools in Chelmsford*

Strategic School Improvement Capital Budget

N/A* 2010-2017
None – 2016-17

None

Environmental Improvement Grant

None for 2016-17.
Records not available prior to 2016-17.

None

Emergency Strategic Improvement Fund

N/A as fund started in 2017-18

None

Sponsored conversions to academy status

3 academies, totalling £210,000

None

Transfer of an academy

None

None

School Improvement Offer

N/A*

1 school, totalling £1,800

Trust and School Improvement offer

N/A*

4 schools, totalling £16,800

* Grant programme not operating during this period.

** The RAGF, MDIF, and TCAF funds support growth in the capacity of academy trusts to oversee academies. Funding is allocated to trusts, and available data only reflects the total amounts received at the trust level. We are unable to attribute specific portions of the funding awarded under the RAGF, MDIF or TCaF programmes to individual school improvement efforts within any given trust or locality.

Table 2: Value of school improvement grants awarded where it is possible to identify a value attributable to the Chelmsford constituency.

Name of school or trust

Grant name

Year funding allocated or first payment made

Amount paid or allocated

Melbourne Park Primary and Nursery School

Pre-opening sponsored grant

2014

£70,000

Meadgate Primary School

Pre-opening sponsored grant

2013

£70,000

Larkrise Primary School

Pre-opening sponsored grant

2016

£70,000

Newlands Spring Primary School

School Improvement Offer Tier 1

2019

£1,800

South Essex Academy Trust

Trust and School Improvement Offer

2022

£3,000

Bridge Academy Trust

Trust and School Improvement Offer

2022

£1,800

The Chelmsford Learning Partnership

Trust and School Improvement Offer

2023

£6,000

Attain Academy Partnership

Trust and School Improvement Offer

2023

£6,000

Damian Hinds
Shadow Secretary of State for Education
5th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the per pupil funding to schools (a) in Essex and (b) nationally was in (i) 2016/17 and (ii) 2023/24; and what the percentage increase adjusted for inflation for schools (A) in Essex and (B) nationally was between those years.

The department publishes statistics on schools funding at the national level, including revenue funding to state-funded schools in England for pupils aged 5 to 16, in cash and real terms. Statistics for the 2010/11 to 2023/24 financial years are available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-funding-statistics.

In 2016/17 national per pupil funding in cash terms was £5,590 and in 2023/24 this had risen to £7,460 in cash terms. This represents a cumulative growth in per pupil funding since 2016/17 of 9.9% in real terms, as measured by the GDP deflator.

The published information has been designed to capture core funding for schools and be as consistent and comparable as possible across these years, given that the funding system has changed significantly during that time. It covers mainstream primary and secondary schools, special schools, alternative provision, pupil referral units and non-maintained special schools. Information about the methodology can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/methodology/school-funding-statistics-methodology. The department does not have a breakdown of this time series at local authority level, therefore equivalent figures are not available for Essex.

At local authority level, the department instead publish per pupil units of funding for the schools block of the dedicated schools grant (DSG) in cash terms. In 2016/17 for Essex, this was £4,392. Following changes to the funding system in 2017/18, the primary and secondary per pupil units of funding were provided separately and, in 2023/24 for Essex, these were £4,720 and £6,116 respectively. These figures are for mainstream schools only and do not include any additional grant funding outside of the DSG, such as the mainstream schools additional grant and teachers’ pay additional grant. The national equivalent to these local authority figures is £4,636 for 2016/17 and £4,954 and £6,422 for 2023/24 for primary and secondary schools respectively.

Damian Hinds
Shadow Secretary of State for Education
18th Apr 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when he will confirm the (a) fee status and (b) loan eligibility of EU citizens commencing courses at UK higher education providers in the 2020-21 academic year.

We recognise how important it is that students and institutions have information on eligibility for student support before applications for courses open.

Applications for courses starting in academic year 2020/21 do not open until September 2019. We will ensure students and institutions have the information they need well in advance of that date.

18th Apr 2019
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether EU citizens enrolling on UK higher education courses in the 2020-21 academic year will be eligible for home fee status and financial support.

We recognise how important it is that students and institutions have information on eligibility for student support before applications for courses open.

Applications for courses starting in academic year 2020/21 do not open until September 2019. We will ensure students and institutions have the information they need well in advance of that date.

10th Sep 2018
What assessment he has made of the adequacy of mental health support available to students attending university.

The University Mental Health Charter announced in June 2018 will drive up standards in promoting student and staff mental health and wellbeing. The Charter, which will reward institutions that deliver improved student mental health outcomes, will develop in an iterative process, shaped by co-production with students, staff and partner organisations.

71 per cent of universities do not have an explicit strategy for mental health provision although 94 per cent of higher education institutions (HEIs) report an increase in demand for counselling services over the past five years. In some HEIs, up to one in four students are using, or are waiting to use, counselling services.

15th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 June 2023 to Question 188370, when she plans to bring forward proposals to introduce re-use obligations.

Re-use has a significant role to play in driving down unnecessary waste. In accordance with the waste hierarchy, the priority should be on reuse of materials, before recycling, and so we are working to identify measures that could be used to encourage greater use of reusable packaging. We will bring forward our proposals in 2025.

In the meantime, EPR will contribute to a reduction in the creation of new packaging from virgin materials as producers are incentivised to reconsider the need for packaging and, where it is needed, to use reusable and recyclable packaging. This will contribute to climate change mitigation in line with our commitment to comprehensive action on climate change.

7th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of introducing measures to encourage fast food restaurants to use plates or re-usable containers.

From October this year, we will ban the supply of single use plastic plates and cutlery, as well as expanded and extruded polystyrene food and drinks containers. Government guidance on the ban makes it clear businesses should prepare by considering reusable alternatives..

The introduction of the Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging regulations will encourage businesses to think carefully about how much packaging they use, and to design and use packaging that is easily recyclable. It will also encourage use of reusable and refillable packaging.

Re-use has a significant role to play in driving down unnecessary waste. We are working to identify measures that could be used to encourage greater use of reusable packaging, but we haven’t specifically assessed measures targeting non-plastic plates in fast food restaurants. We remain committed to introducing re-use obligations and will bring forward our proposals with the intention of introducing these in 2025.

5th Sep 2019
What outcome he is seeking in his negotiations with the EU.

Any deal must abolish the backstop. Our future ambition is for a best in class FTA and wider provisions covering economic, security and cross-cutting cooperation.

12th Oct 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle neglected tropical diseases.

The number of people at risk from Neglected Tropical Diseases has decreased from 2 billion in 2010 to 1.6 billion in 2015, in large part due to the high quality, lifesaving programmes the UK supports in 27 countries. In April 2017 the UK announced we will protect over 200m people from the pain and disfigurement caused by NTDs.

13th Sep 2018
What his priorities are for the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting on 14 September 2018.

At the G20 Trade Ministers Meeting I will voice our continued support for the multilateral trading system and call on all G20 countries to be WTO compliant. I will make the case against protectionism, emphasise that disputes should not be resolved through unilateral action, but through the multilateral route. I will also be discussing the New Industrial Revolution and will champion the importance of digital trade.

28th Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will publish (a) available data from the Government-sponsored e-scooter trials on the (i) number and (ii) number per million kilometers travelled of people killed or seriously injured in e-scooter incidents and (b) equivalent figures for (A) bicycles, (B) legally registered powered two wheel motorbikes, (C) passenger cars and (D) commercial vehicles; and whether he holds such data for incidents involving e-scooters not included in the trials.

Out of millions of trips completed since e-scooter trials began, the vast majority of journeys have been completed safely.

From 2020, DfT has been monitoring the frequency of casualties involving e-scooters. The majority of DfT reported road casualty statistics are based on STATS19 data, the system through which the police report road casualties. STATS19 collects data on e-scooter casualties, including those using private scooters, with data published regularly in e-scooter casualty factsheets. The most recent e-scooter factsheet can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-e-scooter-factsheet-year-ending-june-2023/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-e-scooter-factsheet-year-ending-june-2023.

In addition, the Department routinely publishes data on casualties in reported road collisions using all other modes of road transport based upon data provided by police forces via the STATS19 system, including figures for bicycles, motorcycles, cars, HGVs and LGVs. A comparison of the casualty rates for different modes of travel can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/657c4a0983ba380013e1b610/ras0203.ods. Data from STATS19 (2022) found the severity of injuries for e-scooters and pedal cycles to be broadly similar. The most common injuries across both modes were abrasions, sprains, and bruising.

18th Jul 2019
What progress he has made on opening new stations on the rail network.

Since 2010, some 42 new stations have been opened across the rail network.

The Government supports proposals for new stations that help provide a solution to local traffic congestion or fulfill a new opportunity such as a housing development, business/retail park or airport.

Good progress is made on proposals that provide a robust business case, a sponsor and funding.

24th Apr 2018
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has plans to (a) bring forward legislative proposals to make compulsory and (b) promote the use of reflective or fluorescent clothing for motorbike riders.

The Government already advises motorcyclists to wear high visibility clothing - Rules 86 and 87 of the Highway Code includes the advice to “wear a light or brightly coloured helmet and fluorescent clothing or strips, in daylight” and “wear reflective clothing or strips to improve your visibility in the dark”.

The Government has no plans to bring forward proposals to make compulsory the use of reflective or fluorescent clothing for motorcyclists.

4th Sep 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to address railway signal failures caused by periods of very hot weather.

The resilience of the signalling system and other railway infrastructure to extreme weather conditions is the responsibility of Network Rail. With Ministers’ support, the company has developed a Weather Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation Plan for each of its eight Routes in order to understand the risks and to provide a focus for action to mitigate these. Specific measures include the roll-out of uninterruptible power supplies to help reduce signal failures, and the greater use of remote condition monitoring technology to ensure that any emerging issues are identified as soon as practicable.

4th Sep 2017
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress has been made on works to upgrade the overhead line between Shenfield and London Liverpool Street.

Where a need to upgrade has been identified, all the overhead wire on the line between London and Norwich has been upgraded as part of a £250m project, including the overhead line between Shenfield and London Liverpool Street.

4th Feb 2020
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many universal credit claimants have moved into employment since the roll out-of universal credit in each year for which figures are available.

The latest caseload data shows Universal Credit is supporting 2.8 million claimants across the country to more easily start work and access smoother incentives, such as the work allowance and taper, to increase hours. We have scrapped the cliff edges and complicated hours’ rules of the legacy benefit system to ensure claimants have flexibility to access the opportunities offered in the labour market.

There are a record number of people in work at 32.9 million – up by over 3.8 million since 2010. During August 2019 and September 2019, the latest information available, just over 200,000 Universal Credit claimants have succeeded in getting into jobs.

Monthly information surrounding the volumes of Universal Credit claimants who have moved into work is shown in the table below.

-

2016/17

2017/18

2018/19

2019/20

April

320

5,150

25,000

79,900

May

550

5,900

26,800

87,400

June

650

6,310

29,200

81,600

July

1,010

6,500

31,600

87,800

August

1,290

7,630

38,900

94,200

September

1,890

10,100

47,300

106,300

October

2,150

10,800

52,600

N/A

November

2,600

11,700

59,900

N/A

December

2,320

9,600

44,300

N/A

January

3,230

14,700

61,400

N/A

February

3,940

16,600

68,800

N/A

March

5,070

22,100

84,200

N/A

Notes:

1. Figures are for Universal Credit Full Service only

2. Figures are at household level. In some cases both members of a household may have entered work in the same month, but only one job entry would be counted in our response.

3. Figures are based upon situations when a household reports no earnings in one Assessment Period but then has earnings in the next.

4. Self-employed jobs are not included in the table.

5. Figures also include instances of a household moving out of work and at a later date moving back into work.

24th Jan 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that there is adequate pharmacy provision.

The Department monitors changes to the market closely to understand patient access to pharmaceutical services within the National Health Service. The law requires that every three years, local authority Health and Wellbeing Boards undertake pharmaceutical needs assessments to identify if there is a need for improvement or better access to services in the local areas. Contractors can apply to open a pharmacy where there is a gap or a need for improved access to services or if they can make a case for providing other benefits to the local communities.

When their usual local pharmacy closes, patients can choose to access any of the remaining pharmacies nearby. Patients can also choose to access NHS pharmaceutical services remotely through any of the approximately 400 internet pharmacies in England, which are contractually required to deliver medicines to patients’ home address free of charge.

There were 10,673 pharmacies on 31 December 2023 providing NHS services in England. Access remains good with 80% of the population living within 20 minutes walking distance of a pharmacy and twice as many pharmacies in the most deprived areas of the country.

18th Apr 2024
To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what steps the Government plans to take through its role as penholder for Sudan at the UN Security Council to encourage international partners to support an immediate ceasefire in Sudan; and what assessment he has made of the impact of continued conflict on (a) the humanitarian situation in Sudan and (b) regional stability.

The UK uses its position as penholder at the UN Security Council on Sudan to increase pressure on the warring parties. On 8 March, the UNSC adopted UK-drafted Resolution 2724 calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unhindered humanitarian access. On 27 February, we called for the Council to convene for a closed consultation responding to SAF withdrawing permission for the movement of aid into Sudan from the Adre border crossing. On 20 March, we also highlighted the OCHA White Note's clear warning that obstruction of humanitarian access is resulting in people in Sudan starving. On 19 April, the UK also called for an open briefing on the situation to mark the one-year point in the conflict at the UNSC.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
16th Apr 2024
To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, if he will increase multi-year funding to support (a) the most food-insecure people in Sudan and (b) Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries.

The UK provided £42.6 million in humanitarian aid to support people in Sudan in 2023-2024, including £12.2 million to UNICEF for nutrition activities and approximately £23 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund for multisector response, including a high proportion of food security interventions. We also helped those fleeing to neighbouring countries in 2023-24, with £7.75 million to support existing and new Sudanese refugees as well as vulnerable returnees and host communities in South Sudan and £15 million to those in Chad. In 2024/2025, UK ODA to Sudan will nearly double to £89 million, including funding to UNICEF to provide emergency and life-saving food assistance. The UK will also be working with the World Food Programme to assist in the provision of assorted food commodities to people in Sudan.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
16th Apr 2024
To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what recent steps he has taken to secure guarantees from participants in the Sudan conflict for the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The UK has pressed the warring parties to agree to a permanent ceasefire, to protect civilians and to allow unrestricted humanitarian access, both cross-line and cross-border, so that aid can reach people in desperate need. On 8 March, the UK-led UN Security Council Resolution 2724 called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access. We welcome unified international messaging at the Paris Pledging Conference on 15 April - at which the UK was represented by Lord Benyon - as well as plans to re-start Jeddah talks in the next weeks to maintain pressure on the warring parties to facilitate cross-line and cross-border humanitarian access and a permanent ceasefire.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
20th Nov 2023
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has had recent discussions with his (a) UN and (b) other international counterparts on taking steps with the Sudanese government to (i) provide travel permissions for international humanitarian relief workers, (ii) provide transport permissions for humanitarian aid and (iii) tackle other bureaucratic barriers to delivering humanitarian aid in east Sudan.

The UK condemns the lack of humanitarian access into and across Sudan, as a result of the actions of the parties to the conflict. Lack of security remains the biggest constraint for international agencies and national NGOs seeking to deliver much-needed life-saving assistance. We continue to raise humanitarian access, including bureaucratic and administrative impediments, with the warring parties, our international partners and in international fora such as the UN.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
20th Nov 2023
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has had recent discussions with his Sudanese counterpart on (a) travel permissions for international humanitarian relief workers, (b) transport permissions for humanitarian aid and (c) other bureaucratic barriers to delivering humanitarian aid in east Sudan.

The UK condemns the lack of humanitarian access into and across Sudan, as a result of the actions of the parties to the conflict. Lack of security remains the biggest constraint for international agencies and national NGOs seeking to deliver much-needed life-saving assistance. We continue to raise humanitarian access, including bureaucratic and administrative impediments, with the warring parties, our international partners and in international fora such as the UN.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
19th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending sanctions to the (a) subsidiaries, (b) suppliers and (c) buyers of businesses that have been sanctioned for funding of the war in Sudan.

In response to the ongoing conflict and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, on 12 July I announced a package of six sanctions under the UK's Sudan (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. The UK has imposed an asset freeze on three commercial entities linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and three commercial entities linked to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as the two main parties to the conflict. These sanctions, which target entities which the SAF and RSF have used to support their war efforts, are designed to press the parties into a permanent ceasefire, allow unfettered humanitarian access and commit to a sustained and meaningful peace process.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
19th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of imposing financial sanctions on (a) Omdurman National Bank and (b) Al-Khalij Bank in the context of their association with factions in the war in Sudan.

In response to the ongoing conflict and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, on 12 July I announced a package of six sanctions under the UK's Sudan (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. The UK has imposed an asset freeze on three commercial entities linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and three commercial entities linked to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as the two main parties to the conflict. These sanctions, which target entities which the SAF and RSF have used to support their war efforts, are designed to press the parties into a permanent ceasefire, allow unfettered humanitarian access and commit to a sustained and meaningful peace process.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure humanitarian aid arriving at Port Sudan is reaching its intended recipients; and what discussions his Department has had with representatives of the UN on the steps being taken to help ensure de facto Sudanese authorities are facilitating humanitarian agencies work in Sudan.

The UK's top humanitarian priority for Sudan is to secure improved access and security guarantees for humanitarian agencies, whose operations are highly constrained by insecurity and restrictions on the movements of humanitarian aid and relief workers. The UK is working closely with the UN, neighbouring countries, donors and humanitarian agencies to put pressure on the warring parties to abide by their commitments under international humanitarian law and to allow lifesaving aid to reach those in need.  FCDO officials meet regularly with UN counterparts to discuss the present humanitarian challenges in Sudan.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if his Department will impose targeted sanctions on the financial networks of the warring parties in Sudan and on Sudanese individuals (a) inside and (b) outside the country who are advocating the continuation of the war and disseminating hate speech against Sudan’s civilian and political pro-democracy leaders.

In response to the ongoing conflict and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, I announced on 12 July a UK package of six sanctions under the Sudan (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. We are freezing the assets of three commercial entities linked to each party involved in the conflict: the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These sanctions, which target entities which the SAF and RSF have used to support their war efforts, are designed to press the parties to engage in a sustained and meaningful peace process, allow humanitarian access and to commit to a permanent cessation of hostilities.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to discourage regional and other external actors from aiding conflict in Sudan through provision of financial, logistical or military support to factions in that country.

We are pursuing all diplomatic avenues, including at the UN Security Council and Human Rights Council, and through cooperation with counterparts from African, Quad (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America) and European countries, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union and the United Nations, to end the violence in Sudan. We are also working through a new African Union-led Core Group to ensure inclusive regional and international action to secure a viable peace process. On 12 July, we announced a package of six sanctions under the Sudan (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, freezing the assets of three commercial entities linked to each party involved in the conflict. These sanctions target entities which the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces have used to support their war efforts and are designed to press the parties to allow humanitarian assistance, end the violence and engage in a meaningful and sustained progress to peace. We will continue to use all our diplomatic levers to urge regional and external actors to support international efforts to bring the warring parties back to the negotiating table and end the conflict.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking as a member of the Core Group of the Expanded Mechanism under the leadership of the African Union to help ensure that tangible measures are taken by the African Union to tackle the conflict in Sudan.

The UK believes the African Union is best placed to coordinate an African-led international response to the crisis in Sudan. As a member of the African Union-led Core Group, the UK is working with regional and international partners to end hostilities in Sudan, push for urgently needed humanitarian access, particularly in Khartoum and Darfur, and to secure a viable peace process, including support for the emergence of an all-inclusive civilian and political platform for dialogue on a future vision for Sudan. We will continue to pursue all diplomatic avenues to secure an end to the violence, protection of civilians and humanitarian access. We urge both parties to the conflict to engage in an inclusive dialogue that will deliver a political transition to a democratic process as called for by the Sudanese people.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's position as the penholder on Sudan at the UN Security Council, if he will call for the expansion of the UN arms embargo to the whole of Sudan.

There is a UN Arms Embargo and Sanctions Regime on Darfur, which we renewed in March 2023. There is also a longstanding bilateral UK arms embargo in place for the whole of Sudan. These regimes have been used to constrain the flow of weapons into the country and support efforts to stop those who pose a threat to stability in Darfur. The UN Arms Embargo and Sanctions Regime on Darfur will be reviewed by September 2024.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of establishing an informal Sudan Advisory Group which includes specialists on Sudan and on conflict and justice-related issues.

In response to the outbreak of conflict on 15 April, the FCDO created an enhanced Sudan Unit, bringing in a range of specialist, including on humanitarian, conflict, and justice-related issues. The FCDO also regularly engages with a range of partners on the current issues facing Sudan. This includes engagement with the Sudanese diaspora community, NGOs, academics, domestic stakeholders and both international and regional partners on topics including conflict, atrocity prevention, human rights, and humanitarian assistance. These engagements have created opportunities for knowledge-sharing and for the UK to support international efforts to secure the permanent cessation of hostilities and a return to peace and stability in Sudan.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
28th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to call for the release of Matiullah Wesa, head of Afghan education NGO Pen Path; and what steps his Department is taking to (a) clarify where he is being held, (b) clarify the reasons for his arrest and (c) help ensure he has access to legal representation and contact with his family.

The UK Government has repeatedly condemned the Taliban's decisions to restrict women and girls' education. We are committed to upholding the rights of women and girls and regularly press the Taliban to provide full and equal access to education for all. We support the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan's call for the Taliban to clarify where Matiullah Wesa is being held, the reasons for his arrest, and to ensure he has access to legal representation and contact with his family.

20th Feb 2018
What recent discussions he has had with his Turkish counterpart on the arrests of human rights defenders in that country.

The Foreign Secretary most recently raised this issue with Foreign Minister Cavuşoğlu on 1 February. Both he and I regularly discuss human rights concerns with our Turkish counterparts. We urge Turkey to respect its international human rights obligations and to uphold the rule of law.

12th Mar 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to paragraph 5.121, page 99 of the Autumn Statement 2023, what his planned timetable is for publishing a consultation on introducing a UK regime for captive insurance companies; what discussions his Department has had with the (a) Prudential Regulation Authority and (b) Financial Conduct Authority on the potential introduction of a captive insurance regime; and what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of introducing such a regime.

As announced at Autumn Statement, the Government will consult on the design of a new framework for encouraging the establishment and growth of captive insurance companies in the UK. The consultation will launch in Spring 2024.

The consultation will test views on proposals to introduce an attractive and competitive new UK captive insurance regime that works for businesses. Key to this will also be proportionate regulation that maintains the UK’s high regulatory standards.

The Treasury will continue to work closely with the independent regulators as it considers the case for a UK captives framework.

5th Feb 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much tax revenue is accrued from VAT on public charge points in residential areas.

The information is not available. HM Revenue and Customs does not hold information on VAT revenue from specific products or services, including VAT on public electric vehicle charging points. This is because businesses are not required to provide figures at a product level within their VAT returns, as this would impose an excessive administrative burden.

5th Feb 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much tax revenue is accrued from VAT on public charge points.

The information is not available. HM Revenue and Customs does not hold information on VAT revenue from specific products or services, including VAT on public electric vehicle charging points. This is because businesses are not required to provide figures at a product level within their VAT returns, as this would impose an excessive administrative burden.

11th Sep 2018
What steps he is taking to invest in infrastructure in the Chelmsford area.

Infrastructure investment is at the heart of our strategy to drive productivity growth across the country:

  • Through the £1.4 billion that will be invested as part of the Greater Anglia Franchise, a new fleet of over 1000 vehicles will be delivered by September 2020.

  • The South-East LEP has secured £590 million from the Local Growth Fund for schemes to boost growth and help deliver new housing.

  • £100-250 million will be invested to widen the A12 to provide extra capacity between Chelmsford and Colchester.

27th Mar 2018
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what contribution the UK has made to the European Union's Global Satellite Navigation System to date.

The UK contributes to the EU budget as a whole, not the individual programmes.

Details of the UK’s contribution to the EU budget can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/european-union-finances-2017

Details of the EU’s spending on programmes can be found here: http://ec.europa.eu/budget/figures/interactive/index_en.cfm

19th Feb 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to help prevent young people being groomed via the internet to commit crime.

We are committed to keeping children safe online and are delivering a number of initiatives that support that objective. For example, we are investing up to £145m over three years in our County Lines Programme to crack down on the county lines gangs exploiting our children and young people. Through this Programme we are developing a better understanding of how to disrupt online activity that is aimed at recruiting and exploiting children and young people.

The Online Safety Act 2023 is a key piece of legislation to keep children safe. There are a number of priority offences in the Act which relate to child criminal exploitation such as drug related offences, sexual exploitation and weapons and firearms supply offences. Technology companies must take proactive measures and use systems and processes to remove and limit people’s exposure to related content.

Tom Tugendhat
Shadow Minister (Home Office) (Security)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether Sudanese applicants who were notified that they had been selected for Chevening scholarships will be granted visas to the UK.

Student visa applications for Chevening scholars will be considered on their individual merits and in line with immigration rules.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office have confirmed that Sudanese nationals who have been offered a Chevening award for the 2023-24 academic year and are unable to take up the scholarship due to the conflict and travel restrictions are able to defer their award to the 2024-25 academic year.

19th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to tackle street crime against women and girls.

We remain committed to delivering our Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.

We have allocated £125 million across England and Wales through the Safer Streets Fund and the Safety of Women at Night Fund, including £550,000 investment into the constituency of My Right Honourable Friend, the Member for Chelmsford.

The Government is supporting my Right Honourable Friend the Member for Tunbridge Wells’s ‘Protection from Sex-Based Harassment in Public Bill’, which would make public sexual harassment a specific offence.

3rd Dec 2018
What steps is he taking to divert young people away from violent crime.

Diverting young people away from crime is at the heart of the Serious Violence Strategy.

I have just awarded £17.7m to support 29 projects working with young people through the Early Intervention Youth Fund,and I am setting up a new £200m Youth Endowment Fund to provide long term support to stop children getting involved in crime and violence.