Connor Naismith
MP for Crewe and Nantwich
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Crewe railway station is the gateway to the north, and indeed the shop window for my constituency, with an average annual footfall of 4.5 million people. I am working with Cheshire East council on ambitious plans for Crewe360 to deliver much-needed investment into the station and the land around it. We want to adopt the Railway Industry Association’s station investment zone proposals, which could deliver much-needed improvements in transport, housing, regeneration and economic growth. Does the Prime Minister agree that Crewe would make a perfect pilot for those proposals, and will he work with me to bring Departments round the table to make these plans a reality?
Context
The MP is working on ambitious plans for the redevelopment of Crewe railway station, which has an annual footfall of 4.5 million people.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. Because of our actions, house building near stations like Crewe will now be a default yes. That means tens of thousands of homes delivered far sooner for families, with great transport links as standard. I will make sure that he meets the relevant Ministers to drive forward growth.
Session: PMQs 2025-11-19
View Full Session -->
Crewe in my constituency has a proud rail heritage, with Crewe station boasting unrivalled 360° connectivity to all four corners of our country. When the Conservative Government took the decision to cancel the second leg of HS2, it was a great betrayal of my constituents, taking a sledgehammer to our town’s prospects for regeneration and prosperity. Will the Prime Minister look kindly upon proposals to extend High Speed rail north of Birmingham, which would utilise Crewe’s unique strategic value to the rail network and bring opportunity and prosperity to the north of England?
Context
The Conservative government cancelled the second leg of HS2, affecting Crewe's prospects for regeneration and prosperity.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Unfortunately, there is no direct answer provided in the given text for this specific question. The response would typically address whether the proposal to extend High Speed rail north of Birmingham will be considered or supported by the government.
Session: PMQs 2025-05-07
View Full Session -->
I am concerned about attainment levels across secondary schools in Crewe, where, on average, only about 46% of pupils achieve a grade 4 in English and maths. Will the Minister meet me to discuss what further support we can provide to our hard-working school leaders and teaching staff to help raise outcomes and ensure that every child in Crewe gets the opportunities that they deserve?
Context
Attainment levels in Crewe's secondary schools are low, with only about 46% of pupils achieving a grade 4 in English and maths.
The Minister for School Standards (Georgia Gould)
I know how hard the leaders, teachers and support staff in Crewe will be working, and we want to get behind them to deliver outcomes for students. We will support schools to use formative assessments in writing and maths, and introduce a new statutory reading test for all year 8 pupils, to prevent children slipping through the net. Of course, I will be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this further.
Session: Attainment in Schools 2025-12-01
View All Questions -->
Cheshire East council area has pockets of severe deprivation, centred largely around my constituency. Under the previous Government, local government funding allocations never really took account of those deprivations. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can rebalance funding towards the deprived areas in my constituency that have been left behind for too long?
Context
Cheshire East council area has pockets of severe deprivation, centred largely around my constituency. Under the previous Government, local government funding allocations never really took account of those deprivations.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
I will happily meet my hon. Friend—great railway towns like Crewe ought to be invested in. He will have heard from previous answers today that the new measure of deprivation uses fine-grain data, so we can identify those pockets of deprivation, like in Crewe and Nantwich. I look forward to talking with him at length on this subject.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-11-24
View All Questions -->
My constituent Cate Maddison suffered with severe vasa praevia in childbirth. This condition causes severe bleeding and can often result in the death of infants during childbirth and complications for the mother. However, the risks are significantly reduced when identified during pregnancy. Thankfully, Cate’s child survived, but she is campaigning to reduce unnecessary complications and deaths arising from the condition. Will the Minister meet me and Cate to discuss how we can tackle this important issue?
Context
The constituent Cate Maddison suffered from severe vasa praevia during childbirth, which can cause significant bleeding and complications for both the mother and infant. She is campaigning to reduce unnecessary deaths and complications arising from this condition.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
I am incredibly sorry to hear about Cate’s experience. We want to ensure that women receive safe, personalised and compassionate maternity care and that women with the condition are supported. That is why we have asked the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to look at the guidance. I will of course be happy to meet my hon. Friend and his constituent.
Session: Antenatal Care Vasa Praevia Screening 2025-02-11
View All Questions -->
Crewe town centre is in desperate need of regeneration with 'new year, new me'. Vacant shops are a major issue, particularly an M&S unit now owned by an absent landlord and left to go to rack and ruin. How can obstacles be removed to bring this crucial unit back into use?
Context
The MP referenced the need to regenerate Crewe town centre, citing specific examples of vacant shops owned by irresponsible landlords. He highlighted a particular case where an M&S unit has been left unoccupied.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)
High street rental auctions are recognised as a means to address the issue of vacant shops. The Minister acknowledges Crewe's struggles with absent landlords and is willing to meet the MP to discuss how obstacles can be removed.
Session: High Street Rental Auctions 2025-01-20
View All Questions -->
Average wages in my constituency of Crewe and Nantwich—a place with a proud industrial heritage—lag behind the regional and national averages at just £686 a week before tax. Will the Secretary of State outline how the “Get Britain Working” White Paper will support growth as well as high-skilled, well-paid jobs in my constituency, not just the biggest cities?
Context
Average wages in Connor Naismith's constituency lag behind regional and national averages at £686 a week before tax, impacting the local economy.
Liz Kendall
The Government share my hon. Friend's determination to boost the living standards of his constituents, so the “Get Britain Working” White Paper will ensure that every local area—including in his constituency—produces its own get Britain working plan. Alongside our industrial strategy, our plan to make work pay, the national wealth fund and Skills England, that will help people to get work and progress in their careers, with good opportunities for employment right across the country.
Session: Low-paid Work 2024-12-16
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce the number of people in low-paid work. When only one in six people ever fully escape low pay, the Labour party believes that is not good enough, so what steps are being taken?
Context
The question arises from the ongoing challenge of many people being trapped in low-paying jobs, with only one in six fully escaping it.
Liz Kendall
Our plan to get Britain working is crucial to tackling low pay and increasing living standards in every corner of the country. Our new jobs and careers service, backed by £55 million of additional funding next year, will kick-start our reforms to help more people get work and get on in their work so that they boost their living standards, too.
Session: Low-paid Work 2024-12-16
View All Questions -->
Ahead of Small Business Saturday, I congratulate St Martha Greek taverna in Nantwich on being the first winner of my Crewe and Nantwich small business of the month competition. Small businesses on our high streets, such as St Martha, regularly highlight business rates as a significant challenge, so what steps is the Minister taking to ensure that they can continue to thrive?
Context
The question addresses the financial challenges faced by local independent businesses due to business rates.
James Murray
May I extend my congratulations to St Martha Greek taverna in Nantwich? Given the time, I am feeling a bit hungry now that we are talking about food. I reassure my hon. Friend that our plans to reform the business rates system would see a permanent tax cut for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.
Session: Business Rates High Street Retailers 2024-12-03
View All Questions -->
What engagement has the Department had with Labour mayors on their proposal for a rail link between Birmingham and Manchester?
Context
The MP is concerned about the engagement of the Department with Labour mayors developing proposals for a new rail link.
Louise Haigh
I met Mayors Burnham and Parker to discuss their proposals. The Department continues to engage with all relevant stakeholders on this topic, recognising Crewe's importance in future rail infrastructure connecting the north and midlands.
Session: Transport Infrastructure 2024-11-21
View All Questions -->
Can I add to the Minister's list of beautiful villages to visit the wonderful villages of Cranleigh, Shamley Green, Peaslake, Gomshall and Bramley? They are all having big problems with 4G and 5G mobile phone reception, not least because apps need to be used to pay for parking there. Can he meet me to discuss what more can be done to help those beautiful, but also economically important, places?
Context
Villages such as Cranleigh, Shamley Green, Peaslake, Gomshall, and Bramley have significant issues with 4G and 5G mobile phone reception, impacting the use of apps for activities like parking.
Chris Bryant
I am very happy to meet the right hon. Gentleman as well. I am not the Pope, but it feels like I will be having a series of audiences over the next few weeks. The right hon. Gentleman has villages, I have villages. If only he knew someone who had been the Chancellor in recent years, who would have been able to deliver the financial support that we really needed to secure the investment.
Session: Digital Connectivity Rural Areas 2024-11-20
View All Questions -->
A number of my constituents in the village of Haslington have been in touch with me about poor mobile signal and digital connectivity in the village. One constituent was unable to contact emergency services in the event of a medical emergency. Does the Minister agree that the lack of progress on connectivity in our rural areas under 14 years of Conservative Government is unacceptable? Will he meet me to discuss how we can improve matters for my constituents?
Context
Haslington village constituents face poor mobile signal, impacting emergency services access. The question arises from the lack of progress on digital connectivity issues under Conservative government over 14 years.
Chris Bryant
I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend, not necessarily at the same time as I am meeting the hon. Member for Mid Buckinghamshire (Greg Smith), but Haslington is a bit like Cuddington: they have exactly the same set of problems. I am sure many hon. Members from across the House have similar issues in their constituencies that they have a burning desire to raise with me. I am happy to make arrangements for hon. Members to meet officials and go through issues case by case. In relation to the 999 emergency my hon. Friend referred to, I would be grateful if he could provide me with specific details. All 999 calls from mobile phones should automatically roam on to another available network if there is no signal from their own provider, so I want to get to the bottom of the issue in that case.
Session: Digital Connectivity Rural Areas 2024-11-20
View All Questions -->
Crewe and Nantwich athletic club, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, is home to the only competitive-standard athletics track in south Cheshire. However, the track is in desperate need of improvements so that the club can continue to flourish and support the young people who use its facilities. Will the Minister meet me to discuss what support might be available to deliver those crucial improvements?
Context
The MP is concerned about the maintenance of facilities at grassroots sports clubs, specifically mentioning Crewe and Nantwich athletic club which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.
Stephanie Peacock
I thank my hon. Friend for his important question and congratulate Crewe and Nantwich athletic club on half a century—what a great achievement! Such sports clubs are crucial to helping our young people to pursue their sporting passions. I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the matter, but in the meantime I will ask my Department to link the club up with England Athletics and other bodies for further discussion of the support available.
Session: Grassroots Athletics Clubs 2024-10-17
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to support grassroots athletics clubs to maintain their facilities. Crewe and Nantwich athletic club is home to the only competitive-standard athletics track in south Cheshire but it needs improvements. Will the Minister meet me to discuss available support?
Context
The MP is concerned about the maintenance of facilities at grassroots sports clubs, specifically mentioning Crewe and Nantwich athletic club which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.
Stephanie Peacock
I thank my hon. Friend for his important question and congratulate Crewe and Nantwich athletic club on half a century—what a great achievement! Such sports clubs are crucial to helping our young people to pursue their sporting passions. I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the matter, but in the meantime I will ask my Department to link the club up with England Athletics and other bodies for further discussion of the support available.
Session: Grassroots Athletics Clubs 2024-10-17
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
West Coast Main Line
15 July 2025
Responding: Lilian Greenwood
Main Concerns
['The west coast main line faces critical problems, including daily disruptions affecting MPs and constituents. It serves more than 75 million passengers a year, with over 40% of the UK’s rail freight moving along it, making it one of the busiest mixed-use railways in Europe. However, it lacks a strategic vision or plan for future capacity shortages.']
Specific Asks
['Connor Naismith asks that the Government address the issues affecting the west coast main line and ensure better connectivity within Cheshire to support local transport options.']
Police Reform White Paper 2026-01-26
26 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
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...
Water White Paper 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Powerhouse Rail 2026-01-14
14 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Asylum Policy 2025-11-17
17 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Supporting High Streets 2025-11-04
04 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls on the Government to support high streets by cutting public expenditure, abolishing business rates for thousands of retail, hospitality and leisure premises; avoiding hiring freezes a...
Stamp Duty Land Tax 2025-10-28
28 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Conservative party calls on the Government to reduce public expenditure to fund the abolition of stamp duty land tax on primary residences purchased by UK residents, arguing that it will get Brita...
UK-France Migration Co-operation 2025-07-14
14 July 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Condition of Roads Cheshire 2025-07-14
14 July 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
I am grateful to have secured today’s Adjournment debate on an issue that affects communities across the country: the condition of our roads. The Public Accounts Committee recently published a report ...
Road and Rail Projects 2025-07-08
08 July 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
100.0%
22 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
9
40.9% of votes
No Votes
13
59.1% of votes
Abstentions
0
0.0% 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
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
2
PMQs Asked
12
Ministerial Questions Asked
31
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
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
+3% above average
This MP:
2
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+51% above average
This MP:
12
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1211% above average
This MP:
31
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 (%)
+32% above average
This MP:
100.0
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 Connor Naismith's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.