What would you ask a Minister?
In Parliament, I can ask questions in writing of Government Ministers about the major issues of the day, and Ministers are obliged to respond quickly. I am now inviting constituents to suggest questions for me to ask about the issues which matter most to you.
If you have an enquiry about something the Government is doing – or not doing – at the moment, please fill out the form below. When the answers come back, I will let you know and post the replies below.
Law and order
> John from Billericay asked about law and order
These answers are interesting, but they don't tell the whole story. Our prisons are full to bursting, and 500 new places by January are not going to be enough. Dangerous criminals are avoiding jail or being released early, with these answers confirming that some of them go on to re-offend when they should be behind bars. I am shocked that it takes almost 5 months to bring someone through the Magistrates Court system. We need a much swifter response.
State pensions
> Sidney from Billericay asked about the state pension
When Labour came to power, Britain had one of the strongest pension provisions in Europe, but now we probably have one of the weakest. 5 million pensioners are suffering from complex and degrading means-testing. The pension credit is so complicated and unpopular that 1.7 million pensioners are failing to claim the benefits they are entitled to. Meanwhile, fuel bills and council taxes are going through the roof – with little help coming from Government.
