Chris McDonald
MP for Stockton North
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
May I commend my right hon. and learned Friend for his leadership on Ukraine, showing that the UK is once again at the forefront of protecting democratic freedoms? Does he agree that as our defence spending increases, we need to support our supply chain companies to increase their capability, creating good jobs and apprenticeships in places such as Stockton North and across the country? Will he meet me and the Teesside defence and innovation cluster that I have established, which is helping to create that new defence capability for the UK?
Context
The UK is increasing its defence spending to protect democratic freedoms, which should benefit British jobs and businesses.
The Prime Minister
This is a once-in-a-generation moment for the security of our country and our continent. We have set out the fully funded increase in defence spending to 2.5% in 2027, the biggest sustained boost since the cold war, but that must benefit British jobs and British businesses. That is why I will make sure that my hon. Friend gets the meeting that he wants with the relevant Minister.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not directly agree to meet Chris McDonald himself.
Session: PMQs 2025-03-26
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Next year marks the 200th anniversary of the Stockton to Darlington railway. Will the Deputy Prime Minister join me and others in ensuring no stone is left unturned as we fight for the future of the Hitachi rail factory?
Context
The MP raised concerns over job risks at Hitachi Rail due to lack of government action.
Angela Rayner
I welcome my hon. Friend and assure him that we are in close contact with Hitachi on operations to secure a sustainable future. We will support British manufacturing.
Session: PMQs 2024-10-23
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Will my right hon. and learned Friend the Prime Minister join me in praising our Labour police and crime commissioner for Cleveland, Matt Storey, who is working with me to tackle knife crime, drug crime and antisocial behaviour in Stockton North, and will he assure my constituents that under this Labour Government we will see more police officers in Stockton and Billingham?
Context
The Labour police and crime commissioner for Cleveland is working to tackle knife crime, drug crime, and antisocial behaviour.
Keir Starmer
I welcome my hon. Friend's work with the new Labour police and crime commissioner. It is sad to say that in Cleveland, the number of full-time equivalent police officers fell by over 12% under the last Government; when you fail on the economy and growth, those are the types of things that happen across the country. As part of our neighbourhood policing guarantee, we will put 13,000 more neighbourhood police and police community support officers back on our streets and ensure that every community has a named local officer. Through our safer streets mission, we will tackle illegal drugs, halve knife crime and crack down on antisocial behaviour, and go after the gangs that lure young people into violence.
Session: PMQs 2024-10-16
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How will the defence industrial strategy ensure that more public money is spent with supply chain businesses in the UK—particularly those in the Teesside defence and innovation cluster in Stockton, Billingham and Norton?
Context
The Minister announced a defence industrial strategy, which includes investment in shipbuilding on the Clyde and the Forth.
Luke Pollard
There is a real opportunity to grow further the 2,000 directly supported defence jobs in the north-east. I am happy to speak to my hon. Friend further about that. May I encourage him to stay for the defence industrial strategy statement?
Session: Topical Questions 2025-09-08
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Could the Solicitor General advise on how the Crown Prosecution Service is being empowered to tackle illegal migration and people smuggling?
Context
The Crown Prosecution Service has received new funding to step up surveillance and prosecutions.
The Solicitor General
My hon. Friend raises an important point and refers to a critical part of the Government’s plan to secure our borders. The CPS has recently received new funding to step up surveillance and prosecutions, which will mean that those who commit horrible crimes in relation to people smuggling feel the full force of the law.
Session: Immigration Government Legal Advice 2025-06-19
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I thank the Minister for his positive engagement with me on the issue of a safe crossing at roads on the Wynyard and Queensgate estates in my constituency, but can I also bring to his attention the issue of service charges at the Willow Sage Court estate? Does he agree that our leasehold reforms must ensure fair service charges? I can send him further information about this case if he wishes.
Context
Chris McDonald raised concerns about the service charges at the Willow Sage Court estate in his constituency.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that point, and I would like further information on that case. The Government recognise the considerable financial strain that rising service charges place on leaseholders and tenants. Overcharging through service charges is completely unacceptable. We intend to consult in the very near future on the measures in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 designed to drive up the transparency of service charges to make them more easily challengeable if leaseholders consider them to be unreasonable.
Session: Leasehold Reform 2025-06-09
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I particularly welcome the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster saying that he would like to hear more accents from different parts of the country in the civil service. Billingham in Stockton North is home to the UK’s biggest biomanufacturing cluster, and we are also somewhat exposed to international trade with our steel, chemical and automotive sectors. I very much welcome the expansion of the Darlington economic campus in the area of business and trade. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this will provide good jobs for my constituents in Stockton and Billingham, and will he ensure that policy implementation is closer to the source of economic activity?
Context
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster had confirmed plans for relocating thousands of civil service roles across different towns and cities, including Darlington, aiming to bring more employment opportunities.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
We have the former Prime Minister, the right hon. Member for Richmond and Northallerton (Rishi Sunak), with us today. He pushed for the Darlington economic campus, which is a good innovation, and I know the current Chancellor of the Exchequer values it greatly. We want not just to relocate jobs, though that is important, but to have thematic campuses that can build up real areas of expertise, whether in digital skills, financial skills, energy skills and so on, to make a real difference to the communities in which these offices are located.
Session: Relocating Civil Service Roles 2025-06-05
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Farmers in Northern Ireland who fear foot and mouth, and even dog owners like me, rely on good veterinary support, but this is no longer the world of James Herriot; a number of large companies dominate the market. The Competition and Markets Authority says that remedies are needed. Does the Minister agree, and will he commit to reviewing the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which is clearly no longer fit for purpose?
Context
The veterinary market in the UK is dominated by large companies, leading to concerns about competition and the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Daniel Zeichner)
My hon. Friend makes an important point. I can assure him that I and Baroness Hayman, who leads on this in the Department, are very well aware of the recent reports and the antiquated nature of the legislation. We will come back with proposals in due course.
Session: Foot and Mouth Disease 2025-05-08
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In the face of wider Russian aggression, could he expand on what conversations he has already had with NATO counterparts about how NATO can respond appropriately to the threat from Russia?
Context
There are concerns about the wider Russian aggression and how NATO can respond appropriately.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
Everyone in NATO is ready and stepping up on Euro-Atlantic security. This Wednesday I will chair the Ukraine defence contact group, a 50 nation-strong group that coordinates support to Ukraine.
Session: US Commitment to NATO 2025-02-10
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My constituent Darren, an unpaid carer, was wrongly refused a refund for prescription charges when moving from income support to universal credit. Does my right hon. Friend agree with me that there should be no gap in support in such circumstances?
Context
A constituent named Darren, an unpaid carer, was wrongly refused a refund for prescription charges when moving from income support to universal credit.
Stephen Timms
Yes, I do agree with my hon. Friend, and I am grateful to him for highlighting that case. We have asked the Department for Health and Social Care to review its decision in that case—I hope with a positive outcome.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-02-03
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I welcome the industry-led deal that will see Navantia UK purchase Harland and Wolff’s four shipyards in the UK, including that in Belfast. The Government have worked closely with Navantia UK to secure the future of the yards, the fleet solid support ship programme, and around 1,000 jobs across the UK. Does my right hon. Friend share my optimism that now that the future of the Harland and Wolff yard has been secured, the yard will be able to secure future orders?
Context
The purchase of Harland and Wolff's four UK shipyards by Navantia UK, including the Belfast yard, has been announced.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
I certainly do. That is one of the great benefits of the commercial agreement that has been reached with Navantia on buying Harland and Wolff, and the adjustments made to the contract to ensure that the fleet solid support ships could go ahead. This is a great facility, and it is open for business, including for other orders.
Session: Harland and Wolff 2025-01-15
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Can my right hon. Friend provide some assurance that funding for the holiday activities and food programme will continue into next year?
Context
During the summer, Chris McDonald visited a holiday activities and food programme run by Stockton borough council which provided meals for low-income families. He is concerned about the continuation of this funding.
Bridget Phillipson
I join my hon. Friend by extending thanks to the staff at Stockton borough council for their hard work on the holiday activities and food programme over the past year. We are working through our budget settlement to agree measures to support families during holidays, but no specific details about funding continuation.
Session: Child Poverty 2024-12-09
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Will my right hon. Friend join me in commending USDAW's Freedom from Fear campaign and affirm that the Government's commitment to removing immunity for shoplifting will proceed at pace?
Context
A report by the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers states that shop workers' risk of workplace assault has doubled in the last year. The USDAW's Freedom from Fear campaign aims to remove certain types of immunity introduced by the previous Conservative Government.
Diana R. Johnson
The Government is committed to introducing a new stand-alone offence of assaulting a retail worker in the forthcoming crime and policing Bill alongside scrapping the £200 limit.
Session: Retail Crime 2024-11-25
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Will my right hon. Friend assure the House of this Government's continued steadfast support for both Ukraine and NATO?
Context
The question is prompted by the 1,000-day anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine and recent Russian hostility, highlighting the importance of continued UK support.
John Healey
Yes, in four months, the UK has stepped up military aid to Ukraine more than ever before. The Government now spends more on military aid towards Ukraine than any previous government.
Session: UK Role in NATO 2024-11-18
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My constituent Mark has been unable to find an NHS dentist for his 19-month-old child, even at the seventh time of trying. My right hon Friend well understands the crisis he has inherited. Will he meet me to discuss the shortage of dentistry in Stockton North and across Teesside?
Context
A constituent has been unable to find an NHS dentist for their child despite multiple attempts.
Wes Streeting
I am sorry for my hon Friend's constituents who are dealing with the consequences of the Conservatives' failure on dentistry. I would be delighted to meet him to discuss the challenges in his area.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-15
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. The MP noted Dr Penny Dash's recent review highlighting significant issues within the CQC including fewer inspections and urgent follow-ups being neglected, posing risks to patient safety.
Context
Dr Penny Dash's review of the Care Quality Commission was recently published, indicating serious issues with fewer inspections and patient safety risks.
Wes Streeting
Today I am publishing Dr Penny Dash's full review findings making seven recommendations for CQC improvement which have been put into practice. A new chief executive, Sir Julian Hartley, will shortly begin with my support.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-15
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Will the Minister expand on his answer to the right hon. Member for New Forest East and describe how this investment in our defence capabilities will strengthen supply chains in places such as Billingham?
Context
A recent AUKUS Defence Ministers communiqué outlined an investment of £7 billion from the UK, highlighting the need for a secure industrial base.
Luke Pollard
We are working together with industry to deliver a new defence industrial strategy, in particular to strengthen our resilience and innovation and to harness expertise, including in my hon. Friend's constituency.
Session: AUKUS Strategic Partnership 2024-10-14
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What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of progress on the AUKUS strategic partnership?
Context
The AUKUS partnership between the UK, US, and Australia is under scrutiny.
Luke Pollard
The UK is fully committed to the AUKUS partnership. On 26 September, the Secretary of State hosted the first AUKUS Defence Ministers' meeting outside the US. During that discussion, he provided direction and guidance to accelerate our taking advantage of the opportunities that this landmark partnership presents.
Session: AUKUS Strategic Partnership 2024-10-14
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Can my right hon. Friend outline what steps the Government are taking to ensure that every veteran who has bravely served this country has access to safe and secure housing, so that they never face the injustice of homelessness?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of secure and safe housing for veterans who have served in the military. The context includes current programmes aimed at supporting veteran housing.
Alistair Carns
As I mentioned before, Op FORTITUDE is up and running. It is doing exceptionally well, with over 2,000 referrals and 700 veterans finding housing, and we will work to continue that programme for the foreseeable future.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-14
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Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer confirm that her decisions are targeted at winning new investment in green industry in places such as Billingham in my constituency?
Context
The question arises from the need for investment in green industries in places such as Billingham.
Emma Reynolds
I welcome my hon. Friend to this House, because he brings a great deal of expertise on green steel from his previous career. This Government's plan to launch the national wealth fund is precisely to create investment across the country in some very important strategic industries, and that includes decarbonisation of steel and the steel industry.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-09-03
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Draft Energy-Intensive Industry Electricity Support Payments and Levy (Amendment) Regulations 2026 2026-02-04
04 February 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
The draft regulations aim to deliver one of the Government’s commitments in the modern industrial strategy: to increase electricity price support to energy-intensive industries through the British ind...
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Maritime Activities) Order 2026 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
The UK ETS was established under the Climate Change Act 2008 to contribute to emissions reduction targets. The amendment expands the scheme to cover maritime activities, requiring operators to monitor...
INEOS Chemicals Grangemouth 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Critical Minerals Strategy 2025-11-24
24 November 2025
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Government has launched a new critical minerals strategy, Vision 2035, aimed at ensuring the UK can access vital materials for technology and energy while enhancing economic security. The UK alrea...
ExxonMobil Mossmorran 2025-11-18
18 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Defence Industrial Strategy 2025-09-08
08 September 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence announced the publication of the defence industrial strategy. He emphasised £773 million investment to strengthen UK security and grow its economy, focusing ...
Hospitality Sector 2025-09-03
03 September 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion regrets the combination of catastrophic choices made by the Government, leading to closures and downsizing of pubs, restaurants, hotels, and hospitality businesses with an estimated 84,000 ...
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2025-09-02
02 September 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Speciality Steel UK Insolvency 2025-09-02
02 September 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK-France Nuclear Partnership 2025-07-10
10 July 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the details of the UK-France nuclear partnership that is being announced today, including its implications for the operational independence and sovereign nature of the UK's T...
Attendance
40.9%
9 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
3
13.6% of votes
No Votes
6
27.3% of votes
Abstentions
13
59.1% 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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 24
Ayes: 184
Noes: 331
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
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
3
PMQs Asked
17
Ministerial Questions Asked
48
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
+55% above average
This MP:
3
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
+1930% above average
This MP:
48
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 (%)
-46% below average
This MP:
40.9
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 McDonald's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.