Chris Hinchliff
MP for North East Hertfordshire
Lab
Labour
-
4 Jul 2024 - 16 Jul 2025
Independent
-
16 Jul 2025 - 7 Nov 2025
Labour
-
7 Nov 2025 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Will the Prime Minister consider broader reform to put hospice funding on a sustainable footing, and will he ensure that Ministers meet me to explore every option to keep Garden House hospice open?
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of palliative care provided by hospices, which have been left reliant on donations and charity for far too long.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I am pleased to tell my hon. Friend that £100 million has now been passed to Hospice UK, and we are also investing over £3 million in researching palliative and end-of-life care through the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Session: PMQs 2025-11-12
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May I associate myself with the Prime Minister's remarks? In 2021, Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis tragically lost their son Hugh at age six to a rare form of cancer. They are courageously campaigning for financial support for parents who must leave work to care for sick children from day one. Will the Prime Minister meet them and me to discuss implementing Hugh's law?
Context
Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis tragically lost their son Hugh to a rare form of cancer in 2021 and are campaigning for financial support for parents who must leave work to care for sick children.
Keir Starmer
Can I pay tribute to Ceri and Frances—it is a heartbreaking case—and commend them for their campaign on behalf of other families? We are investing £1.5 billion for new surgical hubs and scanners, and £70 million for new radiotherapy machines.
Assessment
The meeting request was not addressed, only a tribute to the family and mention of funding investments.
Paid Tribute
Investment Details Instead
Session: PMQs 2024-12-18
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What steps she is taking to help reduce rail fares. The fact that this Labour Government have frozen rail fares for the first time in 30 years is hugely welcome, but for many of my constituents, recent years have felt like death by a thousand cuts, and they desperately need to see rail fares come down even further. Would the Secretary of State meet me to discuss the amendment that I have tabled to the Railways Bill, which sets out an option for going even further and securing permanent reductions in rail fares for every traveller?
Context
The Labour Government has frozen rail fares for the first time in 30 years, but constituents are facing rising costs over recent years.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
My hon. Friend is completely right to raise the issue of affordability for the travelling public. After the relentless fare hikes under the last Government—ticket prices went up by 60%—I think the announcement by this Labour Government will be welcomed by millions of people who are using our trains this year. I will certainly ask the Rail Minister to sit down with my hon. Friend to discuss his amendment. I can assure him that as we set up Great British Railways, affordability will be a key priority for that new organisation, alongside balancing costs for taxpayers.
Session: Rail Fares 2026-01-08
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I thank the Minister for meeting me recently to discuss the campaign for Hugh’s law and the Government’s plan to consult on support for families with seriously ill children. One parent recently told me, “our savings disappeared under the cost of surviving”, while their disability living allowance took six months to be approved. No parents in this country should face financial ruin while their child fights for their life. Does the Minister agree that the provisions for Hugh’s law must form their own chapter in the carer’s leave review?
Context
The Minister met the MP to discuss Hugh's Law and the Government’s plan to consult on support for families with seriously ill children. A parent mentioned that their savings disappeared under the cost of surviving, while their disability living allowance took six months to be approved.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Kate Dearden)
I thank my hon. Friend for his engagement with me and the Department. I pay tribute to Ceri and Frances for their incredible campaigns and work raising awareness in memory of their son, Hugh. I am happy to plan for Hugh’s law to have a separate chapter in the consultation and to work with my hon. Friend its development.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-12-11
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More than 1.6 million animals have been approved for testing over the next five years, including through licences for invasive brain research on monkeys and for looking at different methods of killing animals in laboratories. Labour’s manifesto committed to phasing out animal testing. Can the Minister reassure me that the non-animal methods strategy will commit to Herbie's law and provide a clear framework for phasing out animal experiments within the next decade?
Context
Over 1.6 million animals have been approved for use in scientific procedures between April and June 2025, including invasive brain research on monkeys and methods of killing animals in laboratories.
The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)
Herbie’s law is a proposed legislative framework to phase out animal experiments, specifically in medical research, in the UK by 2035. The Government’s commitment is clear: we will partner with scientists, industry and civil society to work towards a long-term goal of phasing out the use of animals in scientific research and testing. I will ensure that he receives a letter from the relevant Minister.
Session: Scientific Procedures Use of Animals 2025-09-15
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Many of my constituents have raised concerns about the use of RAF Akrotiri to support Israel’s military activity in Gaza. Given the rapidly developing situation with Iran, can Ministers assure this House that British arms and military bases will not be likewise implicated in any further escalations of that conflict?
Context
There are concerns about the use of British military bases in supporting Israeli operations in Gaza.
David Lammy
I cannot comment on hypotheticals, but I can assure my hon. Friend that we will do all we can to protect our assets and our troops in the region and always to stay within international law.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-24
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Making community energy the centrepiece of the Government’s clean power plan will foster support for new schemes by putting the public in the driving seat to choose where, and at what scale, projects can fit into local landscapes. To unleash the full potential of community energy, will Ministers consider implementing the long-standing proposals to enable these schemes to sell electricity directly to local people?
Context
Community energy initiatives can foster local support for clean power projects.
Kerry McCarthy
The Government’s licence exemption schemes already allow small-scale suppliers, including many community energy groups, to come to market to supply local customers. The Secretary of State has also commissioned Ofgem to work with the Department to explore some of the policy and regulatory barriers to local supply.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-10
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Making community energy the centrepiece of the Government’s clean power plan will foster support for new schemes by putting the public in the driving seat to choose where, and at what scale, projects can fit into local landscapes. To unleash the full potential of community energy, will Ministers consider implementing the long-standing proposals to enable these schemes to sell electricity directly to local people?
Context
Community energy initiatives can foster local support for clean power projects.
Kerry McCarthy
The Government’s licence exemption schemes already allow small-scale suppliers, including many community energy groups, to come to market to supply local customers. The Secretary of State has also commissioned Ofgem to work with the Department to explore some of the policy and regulatory barriers to local supply.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-10
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Do Ministers agree that a logical conclusion of the Darzi report is that the national care service that we are committed to creating must be free at the point of use? As Lord Darzi found, as long as the social care system remains means-tested and the NHS is a universally free service, unmet care needs will continue to put unsustainable pressure on our health services.
Context
The Darzi report suggests a logical conclusion is that the national care service should be free at the point of use to address unmet care needs.
Stephen Kinnock
That is a vital issue. The Casey commission will look at how best to create a fair and affordable adult social care system, and at which structural reforms will be needed where health and social care intersect.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-25
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School staff in North East Hertfordshire work tirelessly in dilapidated facilities to support students with special educational needs while parents face absurdly long journeys to reach specialist schools, and in the meantime the old Roysia school site in Royston lies vacant. Will the Minister meet me to discuss the school estate in my constituency, and how we can use the Roysia site to meet local special educational needs?
Context
Issues with special educational needs and dilapidated facilities.
Catherine McKinnell
We are very open to ideas for how we can best use the school estate to meet the needs of young people, including those with SEND. We are determined to deliver a wide range of reforms, and I—or, indeed, the early years Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth South (Stephen Morgan)—would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss how we can best use the resource in his constituency for the benefit of all the children who need it.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-10
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Will the Minister meet me to discuss specific investment needed for my constituency's growing population?
Context
Population growth in North East Hertfordshire has not been matched by education opportunities.
Stephen Morgan
I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the matter.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-11-04
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Seriously Ill Children: Financial Support for Parents
25 March 2025
Responding: Sir Stephen Timms
Main Concerns
["The debate highlights the challenges faced by families caring for seriously ill children, with Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis's experience illustrating the unfairness of navigating burdensome and insufficient systems. Approximately 68% of women and 75% of men with mental health problems are parents, adding emotional strain. Last year, a quarter of parents struggled to provide sufficient food for their children."]
Specific Asks
['Chris Hinchliff calls on the government to ensure that all families facing such challenges receive day one financial support as advocated by Hugh’s law.']
Social Rented Housing Sector
12 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Energy Costs 2026-01-22
22 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Welcomes the Government’s decision to reduce energy bills by £150 from April but emphasises that high energy costs are not easy solutions. The report recommends targeted funding for warm home discount...
Business of the House 2026-01-22
22 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr. Norman discussed various topics including the launch of a new autonomous robotics degree at his constituency's university, criticised the hon. Member for Clacton for attending Davos, raised concer...
Digital ID 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the mandatory digital ID policy will continue as planned? The MP expresses concern about the policy's cost, effectiveness, and whether it is still necessary given its ev...
Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The listed places scheme is a lifeline for volunteers and charities that look after historic churches, such as the Friends of Friendless Churches. The uncertainty surrounding the future of the scheme ...
New Towns 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The New Towns Act of 1946 aimed to address severe housing shortages, overcrowding, and poor living conditions post-war by planning whole communities with homes alongside jobs, schools, services, and g...
Road Safety Strategy 2026-01-08
08 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister highlighted the new national road safety strategy aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries on British roads by 65% by 2035. She emphasised the current plateau in road safety improvem...
Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2025-12-08
08 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Business of the House 2025-12-04
04 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Expressed sorrow at Sir John Stanley's death, congratulated Joe Root on his test century, criticised the Government for not supporting economic growth with their Budget and for the Prime Minister misu...
Budget Resolutions 2025-12-02
02 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Reform of Planning System
01 September 2025
The petition calls for reform of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to prioritise people and nature over profit, advocating for affordable housing based on local incomes, delivery of developer promi...
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Reform of Planning System
05 June 2025
The petition addresses the current planning system in the UK, which is perceived as flawed due to its developer-led model that prioritises profit over affordable housing and environmental protection.
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Repairs to Whitebarns Lane in Furneux Pelham
13 March 2025
The petition addresses the dangerous disrepair of Whitebarns Lane in Furneux Pelham, which is the sole access for residents in social housing, leading to falls and injuries among vulnerable groups lik...
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Repairs to Whitebarns Lane in Furneux Pelham
26 February 2025
The petition addresses the prolonged neglect of Whitebarns Lane in Furneux Pelham, which is the only access road for many social housing residents, including vulnerable groups such as the elderly and ...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
90.9%
20 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
9
40.9% of votes
No Votes
11
50.0% of votes
Abstentions
2
9.1% 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
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
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 AYE
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
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
2
PMQs Asked
9
Ministerial Questions Asked
35
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
4
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
+3% above average
This MP:
2
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+13% above average
This MP:
9
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1380% above average
This MP:
35
Average:
2.4
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
5.1
Petitions Presented
+78% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.2
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+20% above average
This MP:
90.9
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 Chris Hinchliff's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.