Melanie Onn
MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Lab
7 May 2015 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I want to put on the record my condemnation of President Trump’s plain wrong comments that so undermine the commitment of our brave British servicemen and women at home and abroad, which the Deputy Prime Minister has rightly recognised. This Government have launched the Valour system to ensure that our veterans’ support offer on housing, health, welfare and work is fit for purpose—fully backing our forces. That is in stark contrast to the leader of Reform, the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage), who happily takes cash to champion the IRA. My local armed forces charities want to know if the Deputy Prime Minister can set out what urgent action is being taken by this Government to house homeless veterans under Valour.
Context
Sergeant Matthew Telford, Trooper Robert Pearson and Guardsman James “Jimmy” Major were three heroic servicemen from Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan. The government has launched the Valour system to support veterans.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr David Lammy)
One of the greatest privileges of my life is visiting our servicemen and women who are stationed abroad. We are renewing the contract with our veterans, providing millions to eradicate veteran homelessness, and investing £50 million into a nationwide network of support centres.
Session: PMQs 2026-01-28
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Tax evasion, money laundering, illicit goods, and illegal working all undermine our high streets. In my constituency of Freeman Street, this challenges local business confidence and community cohesion. Will the Prime Minister commit to working with his Cabinet to bring in a national strategy to tackle these scourges and restore high street confidence?
Context
The high street is facing issues such as tax evasion, money laundering, illicit goods sales, illegal working, and the proliferation of vape shops, fake barbershops, Harry Potter shops, and American candy stores.
The Prime Minister
My hon. Friend is right to highlight this issue. We have seen major crackdowns against criminals using high street businesses for money laundering, securing freezing orders over bank accounts totalling more than £1 million and arresting 35 individuals.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to developing a national strategy or addressing specific issues in detail.
Recent Actions
Session: PMQs 2025-07-09
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What progress is being made on carbon capture, usage and storage and hydrogen projects in the Humber?
Context
There is ongoing work on carbon capture, usage, and storage as well as hydrogen projects within the Humber region.
Michael Shanks
Given that it is topical questions, I might struggle to say all the progress that is being made, but the Government have committed in our energy strategy and in decisions made by the Chancellor to fund hydrogen and carbon capture, to ensure that those are important parts of our energy mix.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-02-10
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Local communities are worried about accessing local police due to concerns raised by Humberside police and the trade unions. Can she offer reassurance that they will be able to contact their local police when needed?
Context
Humberside police and trade unions are concerned about potential closures of counters under Operation Balance, affecting access to local police.
Sarah Jones
Police forces have £796 million of additional funding this year, which is a 4.5% cash increase and a 2.3% real-terms increase. The neighbourhood guarantee aims to ensure quick responses and accessibility in the community.
Session: Police Services In-person Access 2026-02-09
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My constituent had a dreadful experience following her daughter’s kidnapping and assault. The CPS has admitted that the handling of the case was flawed, including through the failure to offer a victim personal statement and by too readily accepting a plea from the perpetrator, which meant that he got just a 12-month referral order. This Government are firmly on the side of victims, so how will they ensure that CPS practice reflects that?
Context
MP Melanie Onn mentions a constituent's case involving the kidnapping and assault of her daughter, where the CPS acknowledged flaws in handling the case.
The Solicitor General
I am very sorry to hear about the experience of my hon. Friend’s constituent—my hon. Friend is a great champion for them. I am not aware of the specific details, but if she writes to me, I will raise the case with the CPS, and, again, if helpful, I will facilitate a meeting for her with her local CPS area.
Session: Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985 2026-02-05
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What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of access to NHS dental services in Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes constituency? The latest NHS statistics show that 7,000 more children saw a dentist in 2024-25 than in the previous year in the Humber and North Yorkshire integrated care board area. However, the rate for adults has slipped from 43% to 41% over the same period. How quickly does the Minister think that my adult constituents in Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes will benefit from more appointments and more dentists?
Context
The NHS dentistry system in Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes is under scrutiny due to concerns over access to dental services. The latest statistics show that while there has been an increase in children seeing a dentist, the rate for adults has declined.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
There is good news that we are making progress on children’s oral health, but we accept that there is still a way to go on the broader picture. We are making 27,196 additional urgent appointments available in the Humber and North Yorkshire ICB area. Our reforms will kick in from April of this year, significantly increasing the unit of dental activity fee rate for urgent care to incentivise more dentists to do urgent NHS dentistry. There is also a golden hello system and other measures to address underserved areas.
Session: NHS Dental Services Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes 2026-01-13
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Will the Chancellor please provide an update on the invaluable Viking CCS project in the Humber?
Context
The MP seeks an update on the Viking Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) project in the Humber.
Rachel Reeves
At the spending review, we were able to build on the investment we had already made in Merseyside and Teesside with Track-1 of carbon capture and storage, and put investment into both the Acorn project in Scotland and Viking CCS in the Humber to support the Government’s ambitions for Britain to lead the way in carbon capture and storage, creating more good jobs in all parts of the country, including in Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-07-01
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I thank the Minister for his answer, but I really do need to press him, because my constituents in Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes are as fed up as those of my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington and Bayswater (Joe Powell) with seeing high streets dominated by dodgy vape shops and unlicensed barbers. While some of those businesses are legitimate, a recent BBC investigative report shows that many are involved in money laundering and organised crime. Obviously, the Minister is aware of the situation, but is he working closely with the Home Office to try to tackle this blight? We probably need a national strategy, not a three-week operation.
Context
The MP echoed concerns about high streets being dominated by illegal vape shops and barbershops involved in money laundering and organized crime. She requested details of the government's strategy.
Gareth Thomas
My hon. Friend is right to say that this is not just an issue for our high streets, such as those mentioned by our hon. Friend the Member for Kensington and Bayswater (Joe Powell), but a concern up and down the country. The National Crime Agency and Home Office colleagues are seeking to take action against illegitimate businesses, and my hon. Friend will recognise that the announcement in yesterday’s spending review of additional police officers, with more to come over the spending review period, will help us with that activity.
Session: Support for Small Businesses 2025-06-12
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GrimFalfest is part of Grimsby’s brilliant award-winning Viking festival. It launched in 2022, attracting more than 20,000 visitors, and now talented local producer Julia Thompson is developing the concept and turning Grimsby into the destination of Havelok’s kingdom. What support can the Minister offer for heritage-led tourism projects, which create economic opportunities in places such as Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes?
Context
GrimFalfest is part of the award-winning Viking festival in Great Grimsby, attracting over 20,000 visitors. Local producer Julia Thompson is developing a concept to turn Grimsby into the kingdom of Havelok, aiming to create economic opportunities through heritage-led tourism.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
I have looked at some of the material for Havelok’s weekend—I think he is getting a weekend. I did not know the story of Grim, the fisherman who saved the young Prince Havelok, but it is a great story. It is also good to see that there is a new artwork to modernise the old artwork outside the Grimsby Institute. My hon. Friend is right that we need to do more for our coastal communities.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-05-22
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What steps are being taken to ensure that the proposed direct rail service from Cleethorpes to London definitely leaves the station? Local analysis shows this could deliver annual growth of over £30 million to our region.
Context
Local analysis shows a direct service from Cleethorpes to London could deliver annual growth of over £30 million. The project is supported by local businesses, industry, and constituents.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
Subject to final industry planning, East Midlands Railway plans to introduce an all-day direct Nottingham-Cleethorpes service in December. The Rail Minister has been looking into possible London-Cleethorpes trains and will discuss this with the hon. Member after the spending review. Grand Central's application for open-access services between London and Cleethorpes is under review by the Department, which will provide views to the regulator.
Session: Rail Access Grimsby and Cleethorpes 2025-05-15
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After an appalling rape incident on the Fuller Street bridge in my constituency, I was shocked to find that last year only 2.7% of recorded rapes in the UK resulted in a charge. What is the Minister doing to improve the charge rate and get justice for more survivors of this appalling crime?
Context
There is a need to address low conviction rates for rapes reported in the UK.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
I am very sorry to hear of the case in my hon. Friend’s constituency. It brings into sharp focus the need to tackle violence against women and girls, and to ensure that our mission to halve its incidence is delivered. Our inheritance from the Conservatives was shocking, with far too many women denied justice, cases never getting to court, and victims being left to wait for years for justice. That is why the Lord Chancellor has made it a priority to take action to deliver justice for women.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-19
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Carbon capture, utilisation and storage is the central plank of the Humber 2030 vision. Does the Secretary of State have any plans to meet the Humber Energy Board, and if he does not will he join me in doing so?
Context
Carbon capture, utilisation and storage is the central plank of the Humber 2030 vision. Melanie Onn is seeking a meeting with the Secretary of State.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
I talk every day to my hon. Friend about her constituency and I am very happy to meet whoever she wants me to, because we think this is an incredibly important matter. The opportunities for her area and the Humber are great if we can harness the talents of the people in her constituency.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-18
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Today’s Telegraph has done a right hatchet job on the most socially deprived ward in my constituency. The people of the East Marsh are sick and tired of journalists taking a day trip to write their poverty porn stories about people who are proud and keen to play their part in society in every way that they can. They have sought to pit older people against younger people, highlighting the NEET record. The young people in that ward are as keen to work as anyone else, but they need the jobs to do it. What discussions is the Secretary of State having about that?
Context
The MP criticizes the media for negative portrayal of poverty in her constituency.
Liz Kendall
There will be no greater representative for her constituents than my hon. Friend, who rightly said that they want the right chances, choices and support to work, as anyone else does. That is why we are creating good jobs in every part of the country through our modern industrial strategy. We are improving the quality of work and making work pay through our Employment Rights Bill. Our get Britain working plan will give the work, skills and—
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-17
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Apprenticeships, training and reskilling in new energy technologies will be essential to deliver growth in the hard-working Humber region. Can the Secretary of State tell us more about the training programmes that she mentioned, which will support businesses in expanding opportunities in Grimsby and Cleethorpes?
Context
Youth unemployment in Melanie Onn's constituency is almost twice the national average, and she highlights the importance of apprenticeships, training, and reskilling opportunities for economic growth.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Liz Kendall)
I know that my hon. Friend is passionate about helping more people into work. Youth unemployment in her constituency is almost twice the national average, so it is essential for her constituents that we sort this out. Alongside work experience, we want to expand the number of sector-based work programmes, which have tailored courses for employers. We will also hold summits in three key growth areas—construction, health and social care, and clean energy—to bring employers together with local areas so that we can really go for growth.
Session: Employers Economic Growth 2025-02-03
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What specific support is being provided for women entrepreneurs? They are the driving force behind small businesses in my Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes constituency, and deserve all the support that they can get.
Context
The question addresses the importance of supporting female business owners in Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, highlighting that they drive small businesses in the constituency.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
I strongly support my hon. Friend’s substantive point. We are backing the Invest in Women taskforce, which was set up to increase the number of female-powered businesses. We are looking at how to increase significantly the proportion of investment going to all-female founding teams; it has been stuck at just 2% of equity investment in the last decade.
Session: Encouraging Entrepreneurship 2025-01-30
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What additional support can the Government offer to Customs and Excise, local authorities and police forces in gathering supporting evidence that can then be provided to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs? High street money launderers are brazen fronts for significant criminal enterprises.
Context
High street money laundering is a significant concern, with criminal enterprises using retail fronts to launder large sums of money. The effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in gathering evidence and supporting HMRC's efforts is under scrutiny.
Emma Reynolds (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
We take this issue seriously. The Treasury owns the money laundering regulations, but the FCA has a key role as a major supervisor, and we work very closely with the criminal enforcement agencies. Of course, those agencies are independent, but we are absolutely committed to clamping down on money laundering.
Session: Money Laundering in Retail Businesses 2025-01-21
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Community benefits come in many forms—Ørsted has contributed £1 million to Horizon Youth Zone and RWE supports Projekt Renewable. The most wide-reaching benefit is to people's pockets with schemes like the Octopus fan club bringing down bills when renewables are used. How can other energy retailers deliver similar savings for consumers?
Context
The MP highlights various community benefits from renewable energy projects, particularly those that reduce consumer bills.
Michael Shanks
We aim to transform the energy system so all communities benefit. Improving smart systems across the energy sector will give people more flexibility in their options. In the clean power action plan, we committed to doing much more for consumers to take advantage of opportunities such as savings through renewables usage.
Session: New Energy Infrastructure Community Benefit Scheme 2024-12-17
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What is the timeline for GB Energy? When will it be up and running at full capacity? Can green skills support new jobs in North East Lincolnshire?
Context
The question seeks information on the timeline for full capacity operation of GB Energy, a publicly owned energy company.
Pat McFadden
In five months, £25 million for company establishment and £100 million capital funding next year have been announced. Headquarters in Aberdeen with partnership with the Crown Estate selected. More details on priorities will come from Secretary of State later.
Session: Government’s Five Missions 2024-12-05
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Will the Minister meet me to discuss how the Government could further develop an industrial strategy for this purpose?
Context
Talks about industrial strategy to bring up to 10,000 jobs in the offshore wind supply chain over the next decade.
Sarah Jones
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend often and regularly, as we do, to talk about these matters. Of course, the offshore wind supply chain is incredibly important. We have two big announcements, Orsted and Greenvolt, in relation to it.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-31
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Will the Secretary of State join me in commending staff at The Haven and all youth providers for their work in providing safety for young people and access to new skills?
Context
The MP commends the Haven Centre's role in reducing antisocial behaviour by 35% through sports, crafts, mentoring, and support.
Lisa Nandy
Delighted to pay tribute to youth workers; done incredible work facilitating Grimsby's OnSide youth club with the MP and will continue supporting such initiatives.
Session: Youth Services 2024-10-17
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What recent assessment has her Department made regarding the impact of youth services on levels of antisocial behaviour in my constituency?
Context
The MP highlights the significant reduction in youth funding under the previous government and its impact on towns like Great Grimsby.
Lisa Nandy
Grateful to my hon. Friend for supporting young people; youth funding under previous government decreased by 73% with no real strategy, and this Government aims to address it ensuring opportunities for young people in towns like Grimsby.
Session: Youth Services 2024-10-17
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Does the Minister agree it would be better to have the right electricity system in 2032 or 2035 than an undeliverable target by 2030?
Context
The MP questions the appropriateness of artificial targets for electricity system.
Michael Shanks
The previous Government's plans on onshore wind in England were not the right approach, which is why we lifted the onshore wind ban. We are now delivering climate action and an energy system fit for the future.
Session: Clean Electricity Generation 2024-10-08
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Are there any plans to crack down on the dodgy vape shops that are harming our high streets? Is consideration being given to improving trading standards to protect young people from exploitation?
Context
Dodgy vape shops are damaging high streets, exploiting young people and children.
Jonathan Reynolds
Good product regulation and public confidence in the system are important across every sector. The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will give powers to regulate fields like this.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-09-05
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Does he agree that Air Products' investment would be an ideal project for inclusion in the global investment summit? The Minister is invited to meet representatives and discuss future collaborations.
Context
Air Products plans to invest £2 billion in northern Lincolnshire, aiming to transform the south bank of the Humber with 1400 new jobs.
Jonathan Reynolds
It is wonderful to see my hon. Friend back. The Minister of State for Industry has already scheduled a meeting with Air Products, and we look forward to working together on this and many issues in the weeks and months ahead.
Session: Industrial Strategy 2024-09-05
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Can you provide a timeframe for discussions about devolution plans, which my constituents are keen to move forward with?
Context
Local authorities worked up proposals for devolution plans that did not go ahead before the last election.
Jim McMahon
We recognise local authorities' work and are currently reviewing proposals at pace. Clarity will be provided as soon as possible.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-09-02
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Fish and Chip Sector 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
It is good to see so many right hon. and hon. Members in their plaice as we skate through the choppy waters that are the fish and chip sector. The chips are down for fish suppers. While the word “icon...
Women’s State Pension Age Communication PHSO Report 2026-01-29
29 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Fishing Industry 2026-01-22
22 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The fishing industry is critical to food security as an island nation. It supports communities, especially in coastal areas, but faces challenges such as climate change impacts, regulatory issues, and...
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...
Offshore Wind 2026-01-14
14 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Oil Refining Sector 2026-01-14
14 January 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
For workers and their families across the Humber, the past six months have been bruising to say the least. People who have spent their working lives keeping a complex site safe, compliant and producti...
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...
INEOS Chemicals Grangemouth 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Jhoots Pharmacy 2025-10-15
15 October 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the adequacy and suitability of Jhoots pharmacy as an NHS provider, given their poor service provision, constant closures, unpaid staff, and potential breaches of regulations...
State of Climate and Nature 2025-07-14
14 July 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Grimsby Post Office
11 February 2025
The petitioners are concerned about the planned closure of the Grimsby Post Office, which they argue is essential for providing important services to residents in the town.
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Grimsby Post Office
08 January 2025
The petition concerns the potential closure of the Grimsby Post Office, which provides essential services including business banking, especially important for older residents in the town centre.
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Attendance
86.4%
19 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
8
36.4% of votes
No Votes
11
50.0% of votes
Abstentions
3
13.6% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
23
Ministerial Questions Asked
41
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
2
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
+190% above average
This MP:
23
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1634% above average
This MP:
41
Average:
2.4
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
5.1
Petitions Presented
-11% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.2
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+14% above average
This MP:
86.4
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 Melanie Onn's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.