To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.

Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Speech in Westminster Hall - Wed 26 Nov 2025
Driving Test Availability: South-east

"Unfortunately, it was right that Loveday Ryder, the previous chief executive of the DVSA, had to resign because of this terrible ongoing problem. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that we need new leadership at that organisation, to grip this problem with alacrity? We must particularly address the problem of bots …..."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: Driving Test Availability: South-east
Speech in Westminster Hall - Wed 26 Nov 2025
Driving Test Availability: South-east

"Tell us!..."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: Driving Test Availability: South-east
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 20 Nov 2025
Oral Answers to Questions

"The lower Thames crossing—or the late and tardy crossing, as it is now known in Essex—is the second largest piece of infrastructure in the country after High Speed 2. When will the work actually commence, when will the crossing be open to traffic, and—this is my third time asking the …..."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Written Question
Aerospace Industry: Small Businesses
Wednesday 7th May 2025

Asked by: Mark Francois (Conservative - Rayleigh and Wickford)

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Civil Aviation Authority is taking to support small and medium-sized enterprises to test innovative aerospace technologies that require exemptions from standard Civil Aviation Authority boundaries.

Answered by Mike Kane

The Department through its Future of Flight programme and support for Jet Zero technology is working with the CAA to enable testing of innovative aerospace technologies by mainly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This includes:

  • Introducing a new “Recognised Test Sites” status for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) platforms which allow drones manufacturers and operators to apply for authorisation to conduct operations at these recognised test sites with streamlined procedures;
  • Developing an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) delivery model alongside industry;
  • Expanding the Hydrogen in Aviation Regulatory Challenge in the current financial year by working with a range of companies, including SMEs, to prepare for the use of hydrogen as a zero-carbon aviation fuel.
  • The Future Flight Challenge (a UKRI funded project) has provided funding to support innovators to access CAA expertise, guidance, and viewpoints on regulations by providing a focal point of contact and information.
  • The CAA launched the Innovation Hub to create an environment where innovation in aviation can develop in line with the CAA principles such as helping innovators maximise regulatory preparation for the demonstration of their aviation systems, by testing them in safe environments and learning how they address regulatory challenges.

Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 10 Mar 2022
Sir Richard Shepherd

"I commend my hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Sir William Cash) for introducing so ably this very important debate, which has been graced by a number of wonderful tributes to Sir Richard Shepherd that I cannot hope to match. All I would say is that in my 20 years …..."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: Sir Richard Shepherd
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 06 Jan 2022
Russia’s Grand Strategy

"Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for calling me to speak in this timely debate, which the Backbench Business Committee should be commended for granting so early in the new year and which was so ably introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich and North Essex (Sir Bernard Jenkin).

…..."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: Russia’s Grand Strategy
Speech in Commons Chamber - Fri 13 Mar 2020
Roadworks: Rayleigh

"Madam Deputy Speaker, I thank you and Mr Speaker for granting me this Adjournment debate on a subject that, as you will see, is of pressing importance to many of my constituents.

It is good to see the Minister of State, Department for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for …..."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: Roadworks: Rayleigh
Speech in Commons Chamber - Fri 13 Mar 2020
Roadworks: Rayleigh

"I have only been a Member of Parliament for 19 years, but I have learned when not to look a gift horse in the mouth. If there is a lacuna in the current legislation, I would be pleased to talk to the Minister and his colleagues about how I might …..."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: Roadworks: Rayleigh
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 11 Apr 2019
East Midlands Rail Franchise

"Williams said in his recent speech that the franchise system in effect is already broken, and today’s announcement proves it. Abellio is hopeless. The Minister will recall an Adjournment debate he had with a number of MPs a couple of months ago—the business of the House had collapsed early so …..."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: East Midlands Rail Franchise
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 11 Apr 2019
East Midlands Rail Franchise

"Ask my constituents...."
Mark Francois - View Speech

View all Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford) contributions to the debate on: East Midlands Rail Franchise