Patrick Grady Portrait

Patrick Grady

Scottish National Party - Glasgow North

First elected: 7th May 2015


Electronic Trade Documents Bill [HL]
14th Jun 2023 - 19th Jun 2023
Powers of Attorney Bill
22nd Feb 2023 - 1st Mar 2023
Elections Bill
15th Sep 2021 - 26th Oct 2021
SNP Chief Whip
20th Jun 2017 - 9th Mar 2021
European Statutory Instruments
18th Jul 2018 - 6th Nov 2019
Consolidation Bills (Joint Committee)
6th Nov 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Statutory Instruments (Joint Committee)
30th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Statutory Instruments (Select Committee)
30th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Committee of Selection
12th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Selection Committee
12th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
European Statutory Instruments Committee
18th Jul 2018 - 6th Nov 2019
Consolidation, &c., Bills (Joint Committee)
6th Nov 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Administration Committee
6th Nov 2017 - 22nd Oct 2018
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (International Development)
20th May 2015 - 20th Jun 2017
Procedure Committee
13th Jul 2015 - 3rd May 2017


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Patrick Grady has voted in 602 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

22 Oct 2021 - Prayers - View Vote Context
Patrick Grady voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Scottish National Party Aye votes vs 8 Scottish National Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 3 Noes - 336
View All Patrick Grady Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

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
Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative)
(54 debate interactions)
Kemi Badenoch (Conservative)
President of the Board of Trade
(44 debate interactions)
Penny Mordaunt (Conservative)
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
(37 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Cabinet Office
(100 debate contributions)
Home Office
(74 debate contributions)
Leader of the House
(71 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Elections Act 2022
(25,149 words contributed)
Illegal Migration Act 2023
(4,599 words contributed)
Nationality and Borders Act 2022
(2,941 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Patrick Grady's debates

Glasgow North Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

I would like the government to review and increase the pay for healthcare workers to recognise the work that they do.

To revoke the Immigration Health Surcharge increases for overseas NHS staff. The latest budget shows an increase of £220 a year for an overseas worker to live and work in the UK, at a time when the NHS, and UK economy, relies heavily on them.

We would like the government to support and regard social care: financially, publicly and systematically on an equal par as NHS. We would like parliament to debate how to support social care during COVID-19 and beyond so that it automatically has the same access to operational and financial support.

Give NHS workers who are EU and other Nationals automatic UK citizenship if they stay and risk their own lives looking after the British people during the COVID crisis.


Latest EDMs signed by Patrick Grady

11th March 2024
Patrick Grady signed this EDM on Tuesday 12th March 2024

World Water Day 2024

Tabled by: Virendra Sharma (Labour - Ealing, Southall)
That this House recognises that 22 March is World Water Day; acknowledges that 2.2 billion people in the world do not have safe water and 3.5 billion people in the world do not have a decent toilet of their own; notes that two-thirds of healthcare facilities in the 46 least …
17 signatures
(Most recent: 18 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 6
Labour: 5
Independent: 2
Liberal Democrat: 2
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Green Party: 1
7th March 2024
Patrick Grady signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 11th March 2024

100th anniversary of Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland

Tabled by: Patricia Gibson (Scottish National Party - North Ayrshire and Arran)
That this House congratulates the Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland on its 100th anniversary; understands that the branch was formed at Ardrossan Civic Centre, then called the Castlecraigs, on 10 April 1924; is aware that, at that time, servicemen and ex-servicemen having experienced the …
6 signatures
(Most recent: 11 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 5
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
View All Patrick Grady's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Patrick Grady, 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.



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
9 Other Department Questions
17th Nov 2023
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the Vegan Society's report entitled Catering for Everyone: How far are councils catering for vegans, published in September 2023.

I refer the Honourable Member to my response to UIN 1516 on 21 November 2023.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
1st Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether members of refugee community choirs who are seeking asylum in the UK but have not yet had their applications decided will be permitted to take part in the Coronation Choir at Windsor Castle on 7 May 2023.

On Sunday, 7th May 2023, a special Coronation Concert will take place at Windsor Castle. Produced, staged and broadcast live by the BBC and BBC Studios, the Coronation Concert will bring global music icons and contemporary stars together in celebration of the historic occasion.

Alongside the stars of the concert, the show will also see an exclusive appearance from The Coronation Choir. This diverse group will be created by the BBC from the nation’s community choirs and amateur singers from across the United Kingdom, such as Refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups and deaf signing choirs.

The BBC has not yet taken decisions on exactly which choirs will participate. They still plan to have a refugee choir but all applications need to be assessed in the round.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
1st Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether participants in the Coronation Choir at Windsor Castle on 7th May 2023 will be required to hold (a) British Citizenship, (b) the right to work in the UK or (c) leave to remain in the UK.

On Sunday, 7th May 2023, a special Coronation Concert will take place at Windsor Castle. Produced, staged and broadcast live by the BBC and BBC Studios, the Coronation Concert will bring global music icons and contemporary stars together in celebration of the historic occasion.

Alongside the stars of the concert, the show will also see an exclusive appearance from The Coronation Choir. This diverse group will be created by the BBC from the nation’s community choirs and amateur singers from across the United Kingdom, such as Refugee choirs, NHS choirs, LGBTQ+ singing groups and deaf signing choirs.

The BBC has not yet taken decisions on exactly which choirs will participate. They still plan to have a refugee choir but all applications need to be assessed in the round.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
4th Jan 2022
To ask the President of COP26, what discussions he has had with UNICEF on the UK becoming a signatory to the Intergovernmental Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate action.

The UK Presidency team has regular meetings with UNICEF. We support many of the principles in the declaration on children, youth and climate action and are carefully considering how to engage with it.

The UK has been committed to amplifying the voices of young people from across the world through our COP26 presidency and domestic frameworks. COP26 agreed a new 10 year work programme on Action for Climate Empowerment which significantly increases youth engagement in climate processes.


In the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs 25 Year Environment Plan, the government sets out a plan for how the natural environment will be protected and enhanced for our, and future, generations. One of the actions it commits to is to help children and young people from all backgrounds engage with nature and improve the environment.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
10th Dec 2021
To ask the President of COP26, if he will make it his policy to seek the inclusion of carbon emissions from military activities on the agenda for COP27.

Emissions from the military were not on the agenda at COP26 and as such, were not discussed during preparations for the conference.

The agenda for each meeting is agreed by consensus through the UNFCCC.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
12th Nov 2021
To ask the President of COP26, if he will make it his policy to sign the UN Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action on behalf of the UK.

The UK has long recognised the unequivocal threat that climate change and environmental degradation pose to the lives and wellbeing of individuals and communities across the world, including the most marginalised and vulnerable.

The UK has been committed to amplifying the voices of young people from across the world through our COP26 presidency and domestic frameworks.

In the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ 25 Year Environment Plan, the Government sets out a plan for how the natural environment will be protected and enhanced for our, and future, generations. One of the actions it commits to is to help children and young people from all backgrounds engage with nature and improve the environment.

We support many of the principles in the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action and will carefully consider how to engage with it.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
19th Jan 2021
To ask the President of COP26, whether he will make arrangements with the Leader of the House for the President of COP26 to answer (a) written and (b) oral parliamentary questions.

I will answer Oral Questions in the House on a regular basis. Written questions can be tabled to myself as the President of COP26.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
19th Dec 2019
To ask the hon. Member, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether the Commission has received a request from the Government to arrange for Big Ben to chime to mark the UK's departure from the EU.

The House of Commons Commission has not received a request from the Government to arrange for Big Ben to chime to mark the UK’s departure from the EU.

The Commission is aware of EDM No. 2, tabled by the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford, which calls on Mr Speaker and the House Authorities to make arrangements for Big Ben to chime at 11.00 pm on 31 January 2020.

The Commission is further aware that an amendment in the names of Mark Francois and other signatories has been tabled to the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill that moves the following clause;

Exit day chimes of Big Ben

(1) The United Kingdom leaves the European Union, in accordance with Article 50 (2) of the Treaty on European Union, at 11.00pm Greenwich Mean Time on Friday 31 January 2020.

(2) The Speaker of the House of Commons and the Corporate Officer of the House of Commons, together with any other relevant parliamentary authorities, must make arrangements for the occasion in subsection (1) to be marked by the sounding of the hourly chimes including eleven strikes of the principal bell (Big Ben) of the Great Clock in the Elizabeth Tower of the Houses of Parliament at 11.00pm Greenwich Mean Time on Friday 31 January 2020.

In May 2018, the Commission agreed that, during the Elizabeth Tower refurbishment project, Big Ben should sound only for Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day and over the New Year.

12th Dec 2022
To ask the Prime Minister, if he will publish a list of post-holders and the dates of service of the Military Assistants to the Prime Minister since 2010.

Military assistants are serving members of the Armed Forces, seconded to Downing Street. The release of their details is a matter for the Ministry of Defence.

Rishi Sunak
Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, and Minister for the Union
20th Jul 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent discussions the Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency has had with representatives of the music industry in (a) Scotland and (b) the UK on the potential impact of Brexit on the ability of musicians to (i) tour for performances and (ii) sell merchandise within the European Union.

The Minister for Brexit Opportunities does not meet music industry representatives on this issue, as this falls largely within the remit of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

The Government is committed to supporting the touring sector to adapt to new arrangements with the EU. We have worked with the sector and directly with Member States to clarify arrangements, press for specific changes from Member States, and introduce unilateral measures where possible.

Government ministers and officials regularly engage with the music sector, including on the important issue of touring. This includes the DCMS-led touring group, which last met in June 2022, with attendance from the former DCMS Minister for Media, Data and Digital Infrastructure, officials from across government and devolved authorities, and representatives of the creative and cultural sectors.

25th Apr 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the Scottish Government on his Department’s review into retained EU law in the UK.

The Government remains committed to engaging with devolved governments on the reviews into retained EU law, including engaging at Ministerial level.

To date, there have been regular official level discussions with the devolved administrations. We will continue to engage at an official level in areas of interest.

9th Feb 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the appointment of an hon. Member as Head of the Prime Minister’s Policy Unit is (a) a political appointment accountable to the Prime Minister or (b) a Government appointment accountable to Parliament.

The Hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs was appointed as a Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office on 3 February 2022. He is a Minister of the Crown.

9th Feb 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether any employees of the Conservative Party will report to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in his role as Downing Street Chief of Staff.

As has been the case under successive administrations, issues relating to staff employed by the governing party are a matter for that party.

9th Feb 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many staff the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will be responsible for in his role as Downing Street chief of staff.

I refer the Hon. Member to the reply I gave to the Hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne on 7 February 2022 (Hansard Volume 708, Column 695) and the answer I gave on 10 February to PQ 119903 to the Hon. Member for Luton South.

9th Feb 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the appointment of an hon. Member as Downing Street Chief of Staff is (a) a political appointment accountable to the Prime Minister or (b) a Government appointment accountable to Parliament.

I refer to the reply I gave to the Hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne on 7 February 2022 (Hansard Volume 708, from Column 695).

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is a Minister of the Crown.

9th Dec 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the remit of the public inquiry into the Government's handling of the covid-19 pandemic will include consideration of (a) the destruction of expired doses and (b) any potential wastage of covid-19 vaccines.

On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed that a public inquiry into COVID-19 will be established on a statutory basis, with full formal powers and that it will begin its work in spring 2022. A chair will be appointed by the end of the year. More details, including the terms of reference for the inquiry, will be set out in due course.

18th Aug 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress the Government has made on preparations for the public inquiry into the Government's response to the covid-19 pandemic, announced on 21 May 2021.

On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed that a public inquiry into COVID-19 would be established on a statutory basis, with full formal powers, and that it will begin its work in spring 2022.

Further details will be set out in due course.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
18th Aug 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of including the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group in the public inquiry into the Government's response to the covid-19 pandemic, announced on 21 May 2021.

On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed the public inquiry into COVID-19 will begin in Spring 2022. The Government understands that to ensure we learn lessons from the pandemic, it is imperative that we engage and consult with bereaved families and others, before the terms of reference are finalised. Throughout the pandemic senior ministers, including the Prime Minister, have met and will continue to meet with bereaved families.

I want to thank the Bereaved Families for Justice group for all their efforts in representing bereaved families throughout the pandemic. Every death from this virus is a tragedy and our deepest sympathies are with everyone who has lost loved ones. The Government remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that these families have the scrutiny of the Government’s response to managing the pandemic that they deserve.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
18th Aug 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment the Government has made to the potential merits of including the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group in the Commission on Covid Commemoration.

Every death during the pandemic has been a tragic loss, made so much harder for those unable to say goodbye or grieve as they would have wished. It is absolutely right that we come together to mark and remember this period appropriately.

The Prime Minister announced on 12th May that the Government will support these efforts by establishing a UK Commission on Covid Commemoration. The Commission will carefully consider how communities across the country can remember those who have lost their lives and recognise those involved in the response in a fitting and permanent way.

The Government is aware of Bereaved Families for Justice’ call to be included in the membership of the Commission. I am thankful to them for all their efforts throughout the pandemic. We recognise the need for bereaved families to be represented on the Commission and are committed to ensuring this happens. The Government will set out the Commission membership and terms of reference in due course.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
30th Dec 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government plans to (a) issue any official commemorative items and (b) organise any celebratory events to mark the end of the transition period and coming into force of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

The Government was elected on a manifesto which made clear our plans to exit the EU and that the transition period would end on 31 December 2020. The UK Government has agreed and delivered a deal with the EU which fully delivers on this manifesto commitment.

While efforts are currently focused on dealing with the pandemic and supporting businesses and citizens, many millions of people welcome this outcome and will mark it in their own private ways. Suggestions from colleagues and the public are always welcomed.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
26th Nov 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the value of goods (a) imported from and (b) exported to the non-self-governing territory of Western Sahara was in 2019.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

26th Nov 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the value of goods (a) imported from and (b) exported to Morocco was in 2019.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

18th Nov 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will establish a full public inquiry into the Government's awarding of contracts during the covid-19 outbreak.

The National Audit Office, the public spending watchdog, has published its report on Government procurement activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as outlined in the statement on gov.uk.

The Government has always been clear that there will be opportunities to look back, analyse and reflect on all aspects of COVID-19. This will include an independent inquiry at the appropriate time. For now the Government is focused entirely on responding to the pandemic and saving lives, particularly as the country is experiencing a second wave of the virus.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
17th Sep 2020
To ask the Prime Minister, what plans he has to appoint a new Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

An appointment will be announced in due course.

23rd Jan 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish a response to the Early Day Motion tabled by the hon. Member for Glasgow North on 23 January 2020 entitled Scotland's representation in the European Parliament.

We have notified the Regional Returning Officer for Scotland of the MEP vacancy and asked them to take the necessary steps to fill the MEP seat in accordance with the European Parliamentary Elections Regulations 2004.

23rd Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she is taking to ensure that (a) human rights and (b) environmental protections are incorporated in the critical minerals supply chain strategy.

Last year my Department published the UK's Critical Minerals Strategy to accelerate domestic production, collaborate with international partners, and enhance international markets to strengthen supply chains.

The Strategy commits to boost global environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance to support a more transparent, responsible, and sustainable critical minerals and mining industry. The UK is playing a leading role in international efforts to drive up ESG performance through its bilateral and multilateral engagements, including the Minerals Security Partnership. The UK is also a strong supporter and implementing country of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

Further, we will ensure UK domestic mining complies with permitting and planning regulations that protect the interests of communities and our natural environment.

Nusrat Ghani
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade) (jointly with the Cabinet Office)
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the report entitled The results are in: the UK's four-day week pilot, published by Autonomy in February 2023, whether she has made an assessment of the implication for her Department's policies on working practices of the conclusions of that report.

The Department routinely considers the implications of evidence from a range of sources when assessing the effectiveness of its policies on working practices. The government has no plans to implement a four-day week but has recently supported the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023.

The Act makes changes to the right to request flexible working to better support employers and employees to agree flexible working arrangements that work for everyone.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
19th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions she has had with Royal Mail on the compatibility of decreasing operating hours at customer service points with the universal service agreement.

Decisions on the opening hours of Royal Mail’s customer service points are an operational matter for the business. The Government does not have a role in Royal Mail's operational or commercial decisions.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the contribution of the Minister for Nuclear and Networks in the debate on the Energy Bill on 5 September 2023, Official Report, column 281, when her Department plans to publish (a) an annual report on community energy and (b) a consultation on the potential barriers facing the sector.

The Government is working with the Community Energy Contact Group on the content of the annual report and consultation. Whilst it hopes to publish these products as soon as possible, until these discussions have concluded the Government is unable to outline a definitive timeline.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
7th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the advertising of high-carbon products on (a) consumer choice and (b) the ability of the Government to fulfill its net zero ambitions.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is responsible for regulating advertising in the UK across traditional forms of media and operates independently of the Government. The ASA takes environmental issues seriously and addresses them through the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) Codes, which set the rules and standards for advertising to the marketing industry.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions her Department has had with energy providers on the provision of (a) financial and (b) welfare support to households which include a disabled person.

I have had regular meetings with energy suppliers, charities – including disability charities - and other external organisations in recent months on a range of consumer and affordability issues, including the energy needs of households that include a disabled person.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 24 April 2023 to Question 180105 on Energy: Prices, whether he plans to launch a consultation on an energy social tariff by 31 December 2023.

As set out in the 2022 autumn statement, the Government is exploring the best approach to consumer protection, as part of wider retail market reforms.

The Government continues to monitor the situation and will keep options under review.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 24 April 2023 to Question 181721 on Energy: Prices, what progress her Department has made on introducing a consultation on social tariffs for energy.

As set out in the 2022 autumn statement, the Government is exploring the best approach to consumer protection, as part of wider retail market reforms.

The Government continues to monitor the situation and will keep options under review.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
17th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of self-disconnection of prepayment meters.

Ofgem rules require suppliers to proactively identify and provide support to those that are self-disconnecting. My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State is writing to suppliers to stress the importance that the rules are followed and will publish his letter. There is also immediate financial support, including the Energy Price Guarantee and Energy Bills Support Scheme.

16th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent steps he has taken to support flexible working arrangements for (a) parents, (b) people with disabilities and (c) older people.

On 5 December the Government published the response to the consultation “Making flexible working the default”[1]. This committed to make a number of changes to the existing Right to Request Flexible Working, including making it apply from the first day of employment. It also committed the Government to issue a call for evidence on non-contractual and ad hoc flexible working. These steps will support parents, people with disabilities and older workers who wish to remain in or return to work.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/making-flexible-working-the-default

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
15th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing an energy assistance payment to help families with the cost of running lifesaving medical equipment at home.

The Government is delivering the Energy Bills Support Scheme, a £400 non-repayable grant to support all families with their energy bills. The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will save a typical household in Great Britain £900 this Winter. In addition, families with disabled children are entitled to a one-off £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment. The Government is currently reviewing the EPG. The consultation will explore the best ways to ensure that vulnerable high energy users, such as those with medical requirements, are not put at risk of having to pay more.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he made of the needs of families with seriously ill and disabled children who need to run lifesaving medical equipment at home when determining his policy on the energy price guarantee.

The Government is delivering the Energy Bills Support Scheme, a £400 non-repayable grant to support all families with their energy bills. The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will save a typical household in Great Britain £900 this Winter. In addition, families with disabled children are entitled to a one-off £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment.

The Government is currently reviewing the EPG. The consultation will explore the best ways to ensure that vulnerable high energy users, such as those with medical requirements, are not put at risk of having to pay more.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of increasing employee rights for flexible working on (a) absenteeism and (b) staff retention.

As set out in the Flexible Working Post Implementation Review which was published in September 2021[1], research shows lower levels of absenteeism and higher levels of employer loyalty among those who have taken up a flexible working arrangement. However it remains difficult to isolate the specific impact of the role played by legislation.

[1] https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1398/pdfs/uksiod_20141398_en.pdf

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with external stakeholders about the potential merits of establishing a fashion industry regulator.

Ministers regularly meet with representatives from the fashion sector, including most recently from the Leicester textile industry, to discuss the key issues affecting the sector, including the introduction of a Fashion Watchdog / Garment Trade Adjudicator.

The Government continues to engage with enforcement bodies and industry partners to strengthen our understanding of the garment trade. The Government will continue to review this issue and consider options to drive up standards across the sector.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
24th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department is taking steps to cap the profits of Distribution Network Operators.

Ofgem, as the independent energy regulator, uses the price control process to set the amount that Network Operators can spend and the returns they can make on investment, in a way that allows the funding needed for a more resilient, low-carbon network while protecting consumers from excessive costs. The Government engages regularly with Ofgem and the network companies throughout the development of the price controls. The next electricity distribution network price control will commence in April 2023, with Final Determinations from Ofgem expected shortly.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
24th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what consideration he has given to the potential merits of reopening the public consultation on the RIIO-ED2 Draft Determinations, in the context of the cost of living crisis.

Ofgem, as the independent energy regulator, uses the price control process to set the amount that Network Operators can spend and the returns they can make on investment, in a way that allows the funding needed for a more resilient, low-carbon network while protecting consumers from excessive costs. The Government engages regularly with Ofgem, the network companies and stakeholders, including consumer interest groups, throughout the development of the price controls. The new electricity distribution network price control will commence in April 2023, and Final Determinations from Ofgem were published on 30th November.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
24th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with (a) energy workers and (b) consumers on price regulation for Distribution Network Operators.

Ofgem, as the independent energy regulator, uses the price control process to set the amount that Network Operators can spend and the returns they can make on investment, in a way that allows the funding needed for a more resilient, low-carbon network while protecting consumers from excessive costs. The Government engages regularly with Ofgem, the network companies and stakeholders, including consumer interest groups, throughout the development of the price controls. The new electricity distribution network price control will commence in April 2023, and Final Determinations from Ofgem were published on 30th November.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of decoupling the cost of renewable energy from gas prices.

The Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) is considering how to reduce the role of gas as a price setter for electricity. This includes reforms for bringing forward investment in low carbon generation, leading to less frequent use of gas, as well as options around wholesale market reform.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Departments position on the UK's membership of the Energy Charter Treaty of the withdrawal of (a) Germany, (b) France, (c) the Netherlands, (d) Spain, (e) Poland and (f) Luxembourg from that treaty.

The UK is closely monitoring the situation surrounding the Energy Charter Treaty’s modernisation process, including the positions taken by other Contracting Parties.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
31st Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of changes to fireworks regulations in Scotland.

The Scottish Government has introduced legislative changes on fireworks in response to issues specific to Scotland. The Government continues to monitor these changes and work closely with all Devolved Administrations to ensure the safety of the public across the UK.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
14th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential role of solar energy generation in tackling the (a) climate and (b) cost of living crisis.

Solar is a key part of the UK’s energy mix and the Government’s strategy for decarbonising the electricity system by 2035. The Government needs sustained growth in both rooftop and ground mounted capacity in the next decade to support delivery of net zero. Utility scale solar is now one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation. Deploying more home grown solar will help limit household electricity bills and ensure Britain is less affected by fluctuations in volatile global gas prices.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)