Carla Denyer
MP for Bristol Central
Green
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The ICJ has mandated that Israel must ensure access to lifesaving aid in Gaza under article 2 of the genocide convention, yet the Israeli Government have voted to effectively block its delivery. As a human rights lawyer, does the Prime Minister agree that banning UNRWA is a breach of international law? How much more evidence does he need before he calls out what is happening as genocide and acts in line with the UK's responsibilities as a signatory to the genocide convention?
Context
The International Court of Justice has mandated that Israel ensure access to life-saving aid in Gaza, yet the Israeli government voted against this. This decision raises concerns about breaches of international law and humanitarian consequences.
Keir Starmer
I am very worried and concerned about the decision that has just been taken by the Parliament in relation to UNRWA. There is a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and that decision will only make it much worse, which is why I have expressed my concern about it already, before today, and will continue to do so. It needs to be reversed very quickly indeed. I have never described what is going on in Gaza as genocide, but I do agree that all sides should comply with international law.
Assessment
Whether banning UNRWA constitutes genocide and the amount of evidence needed to label it as such
Never Described What Is Going On In Gaza As Genocide
Session: PMQs 2024-10-30
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What steps is your Department taking to ensure that all UK oil and gas projects respect international law?
Context
The proposed Rosebank oil field could break international law and support companies accused of illegal settlements.
Michael Shanks
Of course, all projects that are consented and licensed have to follow the law, and the North Sea Transition Authority as a regulator makes that happen. I will not comment on projects that are currently going through the consenting process.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-02-10
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Some 300,000 children living legally in the UK will face a decade of limbo under the Government's earned settlement proposals. The wait for settled status is extended by at least five years during which families may face restrictions and increased risks of homelessness and destitution. How does this reconcile with the new child poverty strategy?
Context
Research by the Institute for Public Policy Research indicates that some 300,000 children living legally in the UK will face a decade of uncertainty under new immigration policies.
Mike Tapp
When migrants enter the UK on economic routes, it is expected that they will be able to support their families. We are maintaining that principle, and it is right that we look into how we can do so better in response to circumstances. We will continue to ensure that migrant children are considered when we make decisions on requirements for settlement.
Session: Indefinite Leave to Remain Poverty 2026-02-09
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What assessment has the government made of the potential impact of proposed changes to indefinite leave to remain on the number of people living in poverty?
Context
Proposed changes to indefinite leave to remain have sparked concern over their potential impact on poverty.
Mike Tapp
We understand how important the details of the proposals are to people, and that is precisely why the Government opened a public consultation to gather views on those proposals. Once the consultation closes, we will analyse those responses, which will help to inform the development of the final earned settlement model. We have also committed to publishing the impact assessments for the settlement proposals, as well as the Government's response to the consultation.
Session: Indefinite Leave to Remain Poverty 2026-02-09
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Climate change made 2025 the UK’s hottest year on record and fuelled deadly extreme weather events across the globe. We know that every drop of oil and gas used makes those events more likely, so will the Secretary of State confirm how much more new oil and gas could be extracted via the tiebacks that the Government have decided to allow, despite the new oil and gas ban? When developers apply for permission for those tiebacks, will they be required to include scope 3 emissions in their environmental impact assessments?
Context
The UK experienced record-breaking heat in 2025, attributed to climate change. The government has allowed tiebacks for existing oil and gas fields despite a new ban on new licenses.
Ed Miliband
We have produced a world-leading plan for the North sea, which combines the just transition—the just and prosperous transition—with environmental leadership, while keeping to our manifesto commitment not to issue new licences to explore new fields. It is absolutely right that we have tiebacks to ensure that existing oil and gas fields are kept open for their lifetime. Obviously, the North Sea Transition Authority will consult on the details of how that will work, but it is absolutely the right thing to do for jobs and the environment.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-01-06
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What steps he is taking to ensure the forthcoming carbon budget delivery plan includes measures to financially support people on low and middle incomes?
Context
The question pertains to ensuring that the forthcoming carbon budget delivery plan supports people on low and middle incomes. This is a crucial issue as energy transitions can disproportionately affect lower income households.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Katie White)
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I thank the hon. Lady for her continued advocacy on this agenda. I have enjoyed working with her from the Back Benches and hope to continue to do so in this new post. I am excited to share with her and the whole House the carbon budget growth and delivery plan later this month. What I can say now is that ensuring that low and middle-income families can benefit from the energy transition is absolutely central to our mission. It is why we are rolling out the biggest home upgrade scheme in a generation and why we are moving away from expensive fossil fuels towards cheap, clean British power in homes and communities across our country.
Session: Carbon Budget Delivery Plan 2025-10-14
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Thanking the Minister for his response on reducing the reliance on fossil fuels; no more backing for oil and gas is essential for protecting our children’s futures. However, that positive change requires a plan to future-proof British industries that works for everyone, particularly those who are currently working in those high-carbon sectors. Will the Minister and his colleagues commit to publishing an energy jobs plan for how those workers can be supported in that transition, particularly around being provided with retraining opportunities?
Context
Acknowledging the need for a plan to support workers in high-carbon sectors during the transition away from fossil fuels.
Michael Shanks
We consulted on a detailed plan around the future of energy in the North sea, which includes a detailed section on workforce planning. I am sure the hon. Lady was able to submit a response to that consultation, and we will look carefully at her views. We take the question of workforce incredibly seriously. Jobs will be created right across the clean power mission, including in the biggest upgrade to the transmission infrastructure that we have seen in this country for many years, much of which her party seems to oppose.
Session: Fossil Fuels 2025-06-10
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Research undertaken by Women for Refugee Women has found that banning work for women seeking asylum leads many women, sadly, to stay in unwanted and abusive relationships. Will the Minister consider lifting the ban on asylum seekers working, and will she specifically include women seeking asylum in the Government’s upcoming strategy to tackle violence against women and girls?
Context
Research found that banning work for women seeking asylum leads many women to stay in abusive relationships.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)
It is well beyond my remit as safeguarding Minister to make asylum policy, but I can absolutely guarantee the hon. Lady that migrant women and their experiences will be part of the violence against women and girls strategy; this issue has received some of the money from the recent uplift in victim services. Working together with by-and-for services across the country, we will always take account of the experiences of all women and girls in our country.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls 2025-06-02
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Global leadership is about both mitigation and adaptation. Does the Minister expect the Climate Change Committee’s report on adaptation, due out tomorrow, to say that the Government are doing enough? Furthermore, will she show real leadership by requiring local authorities and major infrastructure providers to carry out climate risk assessments?
Context
The Climate Change Committee’s report on adaptation is due out tomorrow. Local authorities and major infrastructure providers need to carry out climate risk assessments.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Kerry McCarthy)
I cannot pre-empt what is in the report. We will wait for it to come out, and then respond in due course. On local leadership, I would be very happy to discuss with Bristol how we can set an example on climate resilience.
Session: Climate Change International Leadership 2025-04-29
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In response to the minimum energy efficiency standards consultation for privately rented homes, landlord groups are saying that they would pass the cost of energy efficiency works on to tenants, despite that being the cost of bringing their properties up to basic minimum standards. Relying on council guidance that that should not happen is too weak. What additional measures will the Minister take to enforce that and ensure that it is private tenants—who are already at the greatest risk of fuel poverty—who will benefit, and not landlords?
Context
Landlord groups have indicated that they would pass the cost of energy efficiency works on to tenants despite it being part of basic minimum standards.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
I refer the hon. Member to my earlier answer to that precise question. The Renters’ Rights Bill will protect tenants from having costs passed on to them.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-03
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No doubt we all agree that preventable deaths should be prevented, and tragedies like Hillsborough and Grenfell must not be repeated because we fail to make changes, so what consideration has the Secretary of State given to creating a national oversight mechanism to ensure that lessons are learned from every state-related death?
Context
Campaigners are calling for a national oversight mechanism to ensure lessons are learned from state-related deaths.
Shabana Mahmood
The Government will shortly be publishing the Bill that campaigners refer to as the Hillsborough law, which will reflect issues relating to the duty of candour, which this Government are committed to, and I know that campaigners are making representations to the Home Office on the national oversight mechanism that it is currently considering.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-28
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The hon. Member asks the Secretary of State about licences awaiting final approval for dangerous fossil fuels, urging him to ensure they will not be granted given the climate targets.
Context
Thirteen oil and gas fields have been licensed for new drilling but await final approval. The project poses risks to meeting climate goals.
Ed Miliband
This Government take a world-leading position on oil and gas issues. We will do what is right for the environment, ensuring there's a just transition in the North Sea.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-17
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What conversations are we having with international partners to bring western nations together in showing equal ambition?
Context
The Prime Minister is attending COP29 and there are ongoing international discussions on climate action.
Kerry McCarthy
We are looking at nature-based solutions and the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will be out there as well. We cannot deal with one crisis in isolation from the other.
Session: Climate Change International Leadership 2024-11-12
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I thank the Minister for her response. Unfortunately, the unjust transitions we are seeing in Grangemouth and Port Talbot are a damning indictment of the lack of a proactive approach to a just transition over the last few years. Tomorrow at the Treasury, over 50 major unions and climate groups will be calling for a new approach to the energy transition where, instead of just de-risking private profit, there is a governmental ringfenced funding package for North sea oil and gas workers, including help with skills and job creation.
Context
The MP highlights the lack of proactive approach to a just transition, citing incidents at Grangemouth and Port Talbot where transitions were unjust.
Sarah Jones
At Grangemouth we provided a package of support for workers, and at Port Talbot we managed to negotiate a better deal than the last Government. We will use all the levers that we have—Great British Energy, the national wealth fund, the British jobs bonus and the office of green energy jobs that we have set up—to ensure that we get the transition right.
Session: Workers in High-Carbon Sectors 2024-10-08
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What steps he is taking to ensure a just transition for workers in high-carbon sectors. I thank the Minister for her response. Unfortunately, the unjust transitions we are seeing in Grangemouth and Port Talbot are a damning indictment of the lack of a proactive approach to a just transition over the last few years.
Context
The MP highlights the lack of proactive approach to a just transition, citing incidents at Grangemouth and Port Talbot where transitions were unjust.
Sarah Jones
Last week was the historic week when 142 years of coal-fired electricity generation came to an end, and this week we have announced the new era of carbon capture and storage. We will work in a different way from the last Government, adopting a proactive approach to ensure that the transition works for people and that we create new jobs as well.
Session: Workers in High-Carbon Sectors 2024-10-08
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Can you confirm that the Government's mission to improve opportunity for all extends to refugee children and that they will amend the immigration rules accordingly?
Context
The UK scrapped the Rwanda scheme but is lagging behind international counterparts in providing safe routes for refugees, notably preventing refugee children from sponsoring family members to join them.
Yvette Cooper
We do not have strong border security or a properly managed asylum system at present; we are strengthening our border security and supporting important routes such as Homes for Ukraine and Afghanistan support.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-07-29
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No recourse to public funds is a policy that prevents most migrants in the UK from accessing most forms of welfare support. I would like to see the policy scrapped altogether to reduce child poverty and homelessness, but, at the very least, will the Minister stop applying it to the visas of any parents of children under 18 to ensure that children can be adequately protected against poverty and destitution?
Context
The no recourse to public funds policy prevents most migrants from accessing welfare support. This has led to child poverty and homelessness.
Angela Eagle
No, the best way to deal with the issue of destitution is to decide asylum claims quickly and accurately so that those who are entitled to work can do so and have such recourse, and those who are not can be swiftly removed.
Session: Asylum Seekers Government Support 2024-07-29
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The Government lost control over the asylum system leading to high accommodation costs and cases where people became destitute. What steps are being taken to help prevent asylum seekers from becoming destitute?
Context
High asylum accommodation costs and backlogs have led to many cases of destitution, adding burden on local authorities. The last government failed to control the system.
Angela Eagle
The last Government lost control of the asylum system, which has meant sky-high asylum accommodation costs but also too many cases in which people have fallen through the net and ended up destitute. This Government will get a grip. We have already set out plans to process asylum claims that have been stuck in record high backlogs, and have given assurances to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government that we will take action to reset the relationship between the Home Office and local authorities.
Session: Asylum Seekers Government Support 2024-07-29
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Holocaust Memorial Day 2026-01-29
29 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The hon. Member for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket opened the debate by highlighting the importance of Holocaust Memorial Day, especially in the context of recent events in Gaza which have polarized c...
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Warm Homes Plan 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Offshore Wind 2026-01-14
14 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Puberty Suppressants Trial 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the pathways puberty blockers trial will continue, and if so why? The urgency lies in concerns about the safety of physically healthy children involved in the trial. Dr Johns...
Violence against Women and Girls Strategy 2025-12-15
15 December 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the violence against women and girls strategy will be published this Thursday, despite it being delayed three times this year? What steps are being taken to ensure the s...
Asylum Policy 2025-11-17
17 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill 2025-11-17
17 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill will enable the United Kingdom to implement obligations in the United Nations biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction agreement into UK law, allowing for ratification of this historic agree...
Asylum Seekers MOD Housing 2025-10-29
29 October 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm plans for the temporary use of Ministry of Defence sites at Cameron barracks in Inverness and at Crowborough training camp in East Sussex to house asylum seekers. The MP rais...
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill 2025-10-16
16 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The BBNJ Bill will implement obligations in the United Nations BBNJ agreement, marking a significant step towards ratification. The Minister acknowledges contributions from Members and stakeholders, i...
Attendance
63.6%
14 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
10
45.5% of votes
No Votes
4
18.2% of votes
Abstentions
8
36.4% of votes
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 63 Stand part
Ayes: 348
Noes: 167
Passed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 25
Ayes: 187
Noes: 351
Failed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 24
Ayes: 184
Noes: 331
Failed
12 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
1
PMQs Asked
17
Ministerial Questions Asked
38
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
22
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 649 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-48% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+114% above average
This MP:
17
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1507% above average
This MP:
38
Average:
2.4
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
5.1
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.2
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-16% below average
This MP:
63.6
Average:
75.6
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Carla Denyer's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.