Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown

Palantir – NHS Contract

jon — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:09:07 +0000

Palantir – NHS Contract

22 July 2026

jon Wed, 07/22/2026 - 13:09

Palantir – NHS Contract

Thank you for contacting me about the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP) being operated by Palantir.

I note your concerns about the delivery of the FDP by Palantir, and its adoption by NHS Trusts across England.

When awarding the FDP contract to Palantir in 2023, the last Government was clear that only authorised users should be granted access to data for approved purposes, such as NHS staff, those supporting them like administrators or bed managers, as well as social care staff supporting patients to move from hospital care.

Ministers at the time were also clear that the provider of the software should not hold or have access to NHS data for their own purposes, other than as directed by NHS.

Since taking office, the current Government has repeated these assurances, and also affirmed that personal data stored in the FDP and its associated services cannot be accessed by Palantir's own personnel or contractors from outside the UK.

This means that all data must be held within the UK and is subject to UK data protection law, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation.

However, while I understand your views about the FDP contract, therefore the Government must take further steps to reassure the public about the limits on how NHS data can be used in the FDP.

Early evidence suggests that the FDP may be having a positive impact on outcomes within the NHS in England. During the recent debate on the FDP, my colleague Neil Shastri-Hurst MP challenged the Government about whether it has assessed staff engagement with the FDP. He also called on the Minister to provide reassurance that the NHS will not be reliant on a single supplier over the long-term and how practical it would be to move to an alternative system if required.

My colleagues and I will continue to press the Government for clarity and reassurance on these issues, as well as its evaluation of the FDP contract over the next year. The Government must also provide clarity about future oversight of the FDP, given the proposed abolition of NHS England and restructuring of Integrated Care Boards.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown warns merging financially troubled councils won’t fix problems

jon — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:30:48 +0000

16 July 2026

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown warns merging financially troubled councils won’t fix problems

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown welcomes the decision to keep Gloucestershire intact after local government reorganisation but cautions that bringing together councils with financial problems doesn’t necessarily solve those financial problems.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (North Cotswolds) (Con)

If we had to have change, I thank the Secretary of State for listening to the vast majority of people Gloucestershire and coming up with the best proposal that was on the table. However, my real worry about all this—we have done a lot of work on the Public Accounts Committee on it—is what happens if small councils that have financial problems are merged into one big council. A number of small financial problems makes one very big financial problem. He really has to consider that when thinking about how we go forward with local government in the future.

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Steve Reed)

I believe that the option we have selected was the one supported by the Conservative party in Gloucestershire. We selected it because it was the strongest and most stable option, and presented the strongest financial case. There will be savings coming through this process, and they can be ploughed back into improving the frontline services that residents in Gloucestershire want to see running far better. It is good to know that they have the hon. Gentleman’s support in seeking to achieve that.

Hansard

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown visits Dowty Propellors in Brockworth

jon — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 08:52:30 +0000

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown visits Dowty Propellors in Brockworth jon Thu, 07/16/2026 - 08:52

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown visits Dowty Propellors in Brockworth

jon — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 08:52:08 +0000

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown visits Dowty Propellors in Brockworth jon Thu, 07/16/2026 - 08:52

Thames Water

jon — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:18:36 +0000

Thames Water

15 July 2026

jon Wed, 07/15/2026 - 10:18

Thames Water

I am very concerned by reports that Thames Water is close to securing a deal with Ofwat that could limit or defer financial penalties until 2030. I am working hard to try to persuade the Government to improve on the current deal with American arbitrators, which will seriously damage the company and environment.

It is important that Thames Water secures a financial arrangement that keeps it afloat to prevent nationalisation, which would cause further costs to taxpayers. However, this must not mean abandoning accountability.

Thames Water has repeatedly failed its customers and the environment, with a record of pollution incidents, leakage and underinvestment. At the same time, billpayers are facing significant increases in costs. Any arrangement that reduces regulatory penalties therefore raises serious questions about fairness and incentives across the sector.

I recognise that there may be circumstances in which some flexibility is required to avoid financial instability and ultimately risk of costs for the taxpayer. However, it is essential that any such relief is strictly limited, proportionate and tightly calibrated, and focused solely on preventing insolvency, therefore going no further than absolutely necessary.

I understand that all water companies, including Thames Water, have measures in place for customers who struggle to pay for their water and wastewater services, including measures such as WaterSure, voluntary social tariffs, payment breaks and holidays, and debt management support. I encourage anyone struggling to pay their water bills to reach out to their supplier to identify support.

At my most recent Flood Resilience and Rive Pollution Meetings in Northleach, we were joined by Tom Boichot (Director, Wastewater) and Ben Tritton (Head of Public Affairs) from Ofwat to address concerns. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for minutes from the meetings, please do send me an email.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown visits Dowty Propellors in Brockworth

jon — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:00:00 +0000

6 July 2026

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown visits Dowty Propellors in Brockworth

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown recently visited Dowty Propellors in Brockworth which is a subsidiary of GE Aerospace.

Sir Geoffrey said:

“I have visited previously and was pleased to be invited back to discuss the investment and future for the site.

“I enjoyed the visit immensely, especially the opportunity to talk to the apprentices and students. They shared their various routes into engineering and the importance of local options such as these being highly promoted to those at school and college, thinking about their next steps.

“I also met Henry Johnston, Chief Executive Officer and Jonathan Chestney, Global Engineering Leader. They shared details of GE Aerospace’s recent European investment announcement and how that includes investment in the Dowty site to upgrade manufacturing and testing capability and support continued growth in advanced propeller systems.

“It reinforces the site’s strategic role and positions the facility for further opportunities - including the next generation single aisle aircraft. With approximately £12M invested to date from GE Aerospace, for jobs and equipment, it's fantastic to see such innovation in the constituency.”

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown hosts Flood Resilience and River Pollution Meetings

jon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:47:30 +0000

3 July 2026

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown hosts Flood Resilience and River Pollution Meetings

Last week Sir Geoffrey held his Flood Resilience and River Pollution Meetings at The Westwoods Centre in Northleach.

Sir Geoffrey said:

“We were joined by Tom Boichot (Director, Wastewater) and Ben Tritton (Head of Public Affairs) from Ofwat, along with representatives from Thames Water, the Environment Agency, Gloucestershire County Council, Cotswold District Council, and other local stakeholders.

“Thank you to everyone that braved the heat and came to raise questions and concerns. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for the minutes and actions from the meetings, please email cliftonbrowng@parliament.uk”

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown hosts his Flood Resilience and River Pollution Meetings

jon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:47:03 +0000

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown hosts his Flood Resilience and River Pollution Meetings jon Fri, 07/03/2026 - 08:47

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown hosts his Flood Resilience and River Pollution Meetings

jon — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:46:30 +0000

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown hosts his Flood Resilience and River Pollution Meetings jon Fri, 07/03/2026 - 08:46

Consultation on proposals to prohibit trail hunting in England and Wales

jon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:38:27 +0000

Consultation on proposals to prohibit trail hunting in England and Wales

2 July 2026

jon Thu, 07/02/2026 - 16:38

Consultation on proposals to prohibit trail hunting in England and Wales

Thank you to all of those who have responded to the consultation about the application of the Hunting Act 2004 and the Government’s proposals to impose a ban on trail hunting, which is lawful within that Act. I was also sent a copy of many of these responses and as of the end of June, have received over 1400 emails from constituents about the consultation.

Under the Hunting Act 2004, it is an offence to hunt a wild mammal with dogs except where it is carried out in accordance with the exemptions in the Act. The investigation and prosecution of all criminal offences, including consideration of whether an actual offence has been committed, are matters for the police and Crown Prosecution Service, who have comprehensive powers to take action under criminal law.

On the rare occasion when dogs used for trail hunting may pick up and follow the scent of live foxes, it is the responsibility of the huntsmen and women and other members of the hunt staff to control their hounds and, if necessary, stop the hounds as soon as they are made aware that the hounds are no longer following the trail that has been laid.

Failure to prevent dogs from chasing or killing a fox may be taken as intent to break the law. Anyone who believes that an offence has taken place should report the matter to the police. Indeed, legislation has been working for over two decades. Since 2010 alone there have been 744 prosecutions under the Act leading to 416 convictions. It is important to note that the vast bulk of those convictions do not relate to registered hunts.

Trail hunting is a long-established humane alternative to fox hunting. It involves a pack of hounds following an artificially laid scent. It does not permit a hunt for a live fox, and is therefore lawful.

As with any other criminal offence, those who break the law should be investigated and prosecuted. The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, has announced that the next Conservative Government will launch a Rural Crime Taskforce pilot, which will be designed to tackle all types of rural crime. The specialist rural officers will work closely with farmers, landowners, and local authorities to address the full range of offences impacting rural areas.

In the midst of a cost of living crisis, rising unemployment and taxes increasing to the highest on record, it is absurd that the Government is prioritising a ban on trail hunting over tackling these issues that affect everyone’s day to day lives. The Government should instead prioritise cutting taxes on rural businesses, axing the Family Farm Tax and supporting rural communities.

I recognise the importance of trail hunting to rural communities. For many living in rural areas, trail hunting is an important tradition which one can enjoy in full compliance with the law. The Government's proposal to ban trail hunting demonstrates how little Ministers understand rural communities.

If people are breaking the law, then they should be dealt with. This proposed ban is rather like suggesting that because some people break the speed limit, all driving be banned.

Thank you again to those who took the time to respond to the consultation.