Peter Prinsley
MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
We have in our NHS many brilliant émigré and refugee surgeons from the greatly troubled middle east, and I have been privileged to work alongside some of them from Iran, Iraq and from Syria, which we think especially now. What practical measures can the UK take to help ensure that Syria now has the best chance of becoming an open society and the second functional democracy in the region?
Context
The MP mentioned the contribution of Syrian surgeons in the NHS.
Keir Starmer
I thank my hon. Friend for drawing attention to the people of Syria and to the health workers of all backgrounds who do vital work in our NHS. The fall of Assad's brutal regime is to be welcomed and should be welcomed, but we must be cautious about what comes next. We have provided £50 million of extra support to vulnerable Syrians and I have spoken to G7 leaders to work towards a Syrian Government that respects international law, universal human rights and protects all citizens across all sectors.
Session: PMQs 2024-12-18
View Full Session -->
Does the Minister agree that close and easier energy interconnection between the EU and the UK is a key strategic component of our continent's energy security, reducing costs for businesses and customers?
Context
The 2025 EU-UK summit set ambitions for the UK to join the single electricity market.
Katie White
At the recent North sea summit, we committed to a joint ambition of 100 GW of offshore renewable projects with our European neighbours, including through co-ordinated energy infrastructure planning.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-02-10
View All Questions -->
Given Iranian malign influence on the streets of London and recent reports that up to 30,000 protesters may have been killed by the IRGC, will the UK join the EU, US, Canada, and Ukraine in imposing further sanctions? Is it not time for our Government to formally proscribe the IRGC?
Context
The EU has designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. There are concerns about Iranian influence on UK streets, including reports of 30,000 protesters killed by the IRGC.
Dan Jarvis
My hon. Friend is right to raise his concerns; we are closely monitoring the situation and last week announced a sanctions package targeting 10 individuals and one organisation involved in human rights abuses in Iran.
Session: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps 2026-02-09
View All Questions -->
Given Iranian malign influence on the streets of London and recent reports that up to 30,000 protesters may have been killed by the IRGC, will the UK join the EU, US, Canada, and Ukraine in imposing further sanctions? Is it not time for our Government to formally proscribe the IRGC?
Context
The EU has designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. There are concerns about Iranian influence on UK streets, including reports of 30,000 protesters killed by the IRGC.
Dan Jarvis
My hon. Friend is right to raise his concerns; we are closely monitoring the situation and last week announced a sanctions package targeting 10 individuals and one organisation involved in human rights abuses in Iran.
Session: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps 2026-02-09
View All Questions -->
In Bury St Edmunds, we have many US servicemen from Lakenheath who are living off-base. They are a huge asset and greatly welcome. Does the Minister agree that the US remains our most essential ally, and will he join me in expressing gratitude for the service of those brave US servicemen and women, who are so important for our security?
Context
The MP highlights the presence of US servicemen from Lakenheath stationed in the UK, stating their importance to both national security and community life.
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
There are thousands of US personnel stationed in Britain. Their presence here helps keep us safe, as well as protecting American interests. We will continue to work closely with our US allies—it is important to do so—and will continue to invest in deepening the security partnership with personnel based in the United Kingdom, to keep us safe in these more dangerous times.
Session: Military Independence from US 2026-02-02
View All Questions -->
My surgical colleague Mr Rahbour, of West Suffolk Hospital, spent a month at the Nasser hospital in Gaza. When I met him last week, he gave a graphic description of the situation in and around the hospital. He is one of the brave NHS workers of whom we can all be intensely proud. As we have said, access to humanitarian aid is very difficult, and many internationally recognised agencies have lately been banned—as, indeed, I am myself banned. What further representation can we make to resolve this? Surely it is in the interests of all people in Israel and in Palestine for this fragile peace to be preserved.
Context
A UK surgical colleague of Peter Prinsley's provided a graphic description of the difficult conditions at the Nasser hospital in Gaza, highlighting access issues for humanitarian aid and bans on international agencies.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
I agree with my hon. Friend. We need to maintain the fragile ceasefire and to make progress towards peace and, ultimately, the two-state solution that is in the interests of the people of Israel and the people of Palestine. I, too, have heard horrendous stories about medical conditions from some of the brave doctors who were operating there, before the ceasefire, in the most difficult and dangerous of conditions. We are very clear that the humanitarian support that still needs to be surged must include medical supplies and healthcare support. Not only is this an issue that we raise continually with the Israeli Government; we are also raising it as part of phase 2 of the peace process.
Session: Gaza and the West Bank Humanitarian Situation 2026-01-20
View All Questions -->
I am concerned about the villages in my most beautiful constituency of Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket; there, people tell me that they are increasingly concerned about the lack of affordable housing in rural communities. What steps is the Minister taking to increase the supply of affordable housing for local people in rural villages through reforms to the planning system, and how will those reforms support the rejuvenation and long-term sustainability of our villages?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of affordable housing in villages within his constituency. He mentions that people in his area are worried about this issue.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Steve Reed)
Our planning changes will support affordable rural housing by giving rural authorities greater flexibility to require affordable housing on smaller sites. Our £39 billion social and affordable homes programme, which opens to bids next month, is available to rural authorities as well.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-01-12
View All Questions -->
There remain several hazardous crossings on the busy east-west line between Ipswich and Cambridge, including at Thurston, where pedestrians are obliged to walk across the track. Does the Secretary of State agree that we must support all initiatives to improve the safety of such crossings?
Context
There are hazardous rail crossings on the east-west line between Ipswich and Cambridge, including at Thurston.
Heidi Alexander
I do agree. I am pleased to hear that progress has been made in one location, but our ambition to improve safety in and around the rail network does not stop there.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-01-08
View All Questions -->
Happy new year, Mr Speaker. My visit to France with the Select Committee on Home Affairs exposed the reality on the beaches: French officers facing pitched battles against violent smuggling gangs to stop hazardous boats launching. Does the Minister agree that the populist myth that our French partners are simply waving migrants through is not only offensive but undermines intelligence sharing?
Context
The MP visited France with the Select Committee on Home Affairs, witnessing challenges faced by French officers against violent smuggling gangs.
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Alex Norris)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his work in this area and to the Select Committee for its work and its recent visit. My experience of working with France is that it wants to solve the shared challenge. There is no silver bullet, but my hon. Friend has mentioned ways in which it can be solved. That is why we have the “one in, one out” pilot, as well as our ordinary day-to-day intelligence co-operation.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-01-05
View All Questions -->
Would my right hon. Friend agree that we have an absolute duty to address this urgently?
Context
The MP mentioned that rural domestic violence cases often go unreported due to lengthy trial delays, citing concerns from the chief constable of Suffolk.
The Solicitor General
We are investing £500 million extra funding in criminal courts to support victims, provide 5,000 more sitting days, and implement a package of support and reform to expedite the processing of cases involving violence against women and girls.
Session: Rural Crime 2025-12-18
View All Questions -->
During a recent visit to Westgate community primary school in Bury St Edmunds, I was asked by an eight-year-old whether Parliament could pass a law to make it snow more often. Does my hon. Friend agree that meaningful engagement between Parliament and our children is essential to safeguard our democracy?
Context
Following a visit to Westgate community primary school, where an eight-year-old student asked about snow-related legislation. The question highlights the importance of meaningful engagement between Parliament and children.
Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney)
My constituency gets a lot of snow, so I would advise caution when making such requests. However, improving access to Parliament is crucial for our democracy. Our education department works towards this goal, but further inquiries from the hon. Gentleman are welcome.
Session: Palace of Westminster School Visits 2025-11-27
View All Questions -->
At a lively church hall meeting in Barningham, which is a quintessential Suffolk village, a number of my constituents raised concerns about the state of rural bus provision. They highlighted not only the infrequency of the services, but the fact that the buses are larger than demand requires; many seats are unused. Does the Minister agree that a more flexible approach, including the use of smaller, more frequent buses, potentially powered by electric motors, would be preferable in rural areas?
Context
Constituents in rural areas such as Suffolk are concerned about the state of local bus provision, highlighting infrequency and oversized vehicles.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
I agree with my hon. Friend that everyone should have access to reliable and frequent bus services. While it is for operators to manage their fleets, our ambitious bus reforms are giving local leaders the tools to deliver buses on which communities can rely, including by using flexible service models.
Session: Bus Services 2025-11-20
View All Questions -->
In my constituency, I recently visited an inspirational charity called Restore, which provides vital refuge for women fleeing domestic abuse. When I spoke with the dedicated staff there, I was concerned to learn that victims of domestic abuse in rural areas such as parts of my constituency are only half as likely to report their abuse as others. What steps is the CPS taking to ensure that victims in rural communities such as mine are confident to come forward?
Context
The MP visited Restore, a charity that provides refuge for women fleeing domestic abuse. Staff at the charity reported that victims in rural areas are only half as likely to report their abuse compared to others.
The Solicitor General
I thank Restore for its excellent work—the organisation has been diligently supporting victims of domestic abuse for decades now. Under the joint justice plan, CPS areas and police forces have worked together to tailor their response to domestic abuse, addressing local priorities and community needs, including those in rural areas. In the new year, police and CPS will hold a joint knowledge-sharing event on domestic abuse in rural areas, to build improved understanding of the barriers these victims often face.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls 2025-11-13
View All Questions -->
We have all witnessed the devastating effect of mass drone attacks, and MPs could see for themselves the sinister looking Iranian Russian drone that was here in Parliament only last week. What measures is the Ministry taking to develop a strategy in this country to defend ourselves from such a mass drone attack?
Context
The question is about measures to develop a strategy for defending the UK from mass drone attacks, following recent incidents of Iranian-Russian drones being displayed in Parliament.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Al Carns)
I recall that a quadcopter landed on the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth when she set sail several years ago, and since then investment in taking out uncrewed air systems has been relatively limited. However, in the strategic defence review we have pledged £1 billion to integrated air defence here in the UK, and my hon. Friend will see many procurements moving forward in the defence investment plan.
Session: Drone Procurement 2025-11-03
View All Questions -->
My hon. Friend Mr Yaxley-Lennon was recently fêted in Israel at the invitation of a Government Minister, while I have been banned from entering Israel. What does the Minister think can be usefully done to rectify that?
Context
Dr Peter Prinsley, a British Jew and member of the Board of Deputies, has been banned from entering Israel by its government.
Falconer
My hon. Friend is an incredibly thoughtful, long-standing commentator on these issues. Both he and his family have made a great contribution to UK-Israeli relations. It was an act of great foolishness to prevent him from entering Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We called on the Israeli Government at the time, as we did in previous such instances. We cannot prevent the Israeli Government from making decisions that are not in their interests, but that was clearly one of them.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-10-28
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for his answer to the previous question. In my constituency of Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, leaseholders are facing soaring service charges and falling standards. Some have told me that they are considering withholding payment. Does my hon. Friend agree that much greater regulation of property managers is urgently needed to ensure accountability and standards?
Context
In Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, leaseholders are facing soaring service charges and falling standards. Some have considered withholding payment due to these issues.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
My hon. Friend highlights that, as many of us know, the reality of home ownership for so many leaseholders falls far short of the dream. We absolutely agree that we need to strengthen the regulation of managing agents, to drive up the standard of their service. We are looking again at Lord Best’s 2019 report on regulating the property agent sector, particularly in the light of the recommendations in the final Grenfell inquiry report. We have set out a number of specific proposals in the consultation that I referred to in my previous answer.
Session: Leasehold System 2025-10-13
View All Questions -->
The east of England has a proud record of defence innovation. Indeed, on my holiday to Lincoln, I stayed at the White Hart hotel, where the battle tank was first conceived during the first world war. Does the Minister agree that investment in technical colleges of excellence, such as that at Bury St Edmonds, are absolutely key to defence innovation?
Context
Prinsley highlighted the east of England's record in defence innovation, mentioning the White Hart hotel in Lincoln where the battle tank was first conceived during World War I. He also referred to technical colleges as key to defence innovation.
Luke Pollard (Minister of State, Ministry of Defence)
I have some recommendations for other defence holiday tourism, if my hon. Friend would like some. He is absolutely right to raise the importance of skills. There are huge opportunities across the nation in defence industries, but we need the workforce of the future to deliver them. That is why, in the defence industrial strategy being announced this afternoon, he will see more investment in skills, not just in defence technical colleges of excellence but in schools and university clusters, to maximise the opportunity to enhance our skills offer and make defence an engine for growth everywhere in the country.
Session: Defence Investment Plan 2025-09-08
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister agree that we must invest in community mental health services if we are to reduce spending on mental health disability?
Context
The NHS 10-year plan published by the Health Secretary gives a new priority to mental health support.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
I very much welcome the NHS 10-year plan published by our right hon. Friend the Health Secretary, which gives a new priority and commitment to mental health support. I agree with my hon. Friend that that is an important part of tackling the problems that we need to resolve.
Session: Health and Disability Benefits Spending Estimate 2025-09-01
View All Questions -->
I feel sure that the Minister is aware that the outstanding West Suffolk college in Bury St Edmunds, with more than 10,000 enrolled students, is part of the outstanding Eastern Education Group, under the leadership of Nikos Savvas. Does she agree that West Suffolk college is an outstanding candidate to be awarded the status of being the construction technical college of excellence for the east of England? That would boost skills in construction, which are crucial for the new West Suffolk hospital and the Sizewell C construction site, which is the largest construction site in Europe.
Context
West Suffolk College, with over 10,000 enrolled students, is part of the outstanding Eastern Education Group. The college is considered an excellent candidate to be awarded as a technical excellence college in construction.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)
I thank my hon. Friend for his questions and, indeed, for his lobbying. Labour’s technical excellence colleges will be crucial to our plans to rewire our school system to unlock opportunity for young people and drive growth for our country. My hon. Friend is right: West Suffolk College is an outstanding provider, and I am sure that its remarkable achievements will be considered during the selection of our technical excellence colleges.
Session: Apprenticeships 2025-07-21
View All Questions -->
Sadly, we have all seen the devastation caused by modern missiles. Germany is preparing to receive the Arrow 3 missile defence system, ordered just two years ago, which can intercept intercontinental missiles at 2,500 km. What plans have the Government to equip this country similarly?
Context
Concern about the development of an integrated air and missile defense system for the UK, especially in light of Germany's preparations.
John Healey
One of the recommendations in the strategic defence review was that we develop an integrated air and missile defence system in this country. We must take our homeland security more seriously than we have in the past, and that is exactly what we will do.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-30
View All Questions -->
I am grateful for the Minister’s answer. Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket is privileged to host thousands of servicemen and servicewomen from RAF Honington, RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall. They play a crucial part in the lives of our towns and villages. Can the Minister assure me that the Ministry of Defence is working with other Departments to ensure that places such as Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket will benefit from the announcements in the strategic defence review in the form of jobs, housing, investment and apprenticeships?
Context
The MP is concerned about the integration of Ministry of Defence with other Departments to ensure benefits for his constituency.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
My hon. Friend raises an important point. When the Prime Minister announced the strategic defence review a few days ago, he was clear that the uplift that has been approved by the Government in defence spending is a matter not just of the Ministry of Defence budget, but of industrial policy and skills policy. For example, we have announced an extra £1.5 billion for munitions over the next five years, creating six new munitions factories and over 1,000 jobs. It is really important that these investments are of benefit to different parts of the country as we make the necessary investments to improve our defence and national security in response to a changing world.
Session: Joining Up Government 2025-06-05
View All Questions -->
Some 9,000 UK medical graduates compete with 15,000 overseas graduates for postgraduate training, meaning that many of our own graduates simply cannot progress into higher professional training, and either go abroad themselves or leave medicine. Does the Minister agree that the Treasury has a crucial role to co-ordinate spending on medical university education by the Department for Education and on postgraduate training by the Department of Health and Social Care, so as to ensure that public money spent on medical student education is not wasted?
Context
UK medical graduates face intense competition with overseas graduates for postgraduate training positions, leading to many domestic graduates being unable to progress in their careers within the UK.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
The Government are committed to training the staff the NHS needs as part of our 10-year plan. International staff clearly play an important role in the mix of staff that we have, but we also want to create opportunities for people across the country to work in our national health service. That is why, thanks to changes this Government have made, we have already been able to recruit more than 1,500 additional GPs since October who would otherwise not have been able to seek that type of employment.
Session: Spending Review Cross-departmental Planning 2025-05-20
View All Questions -->
The president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists has stated that the widespread outsourcing of NHS cataract surgery to private, for-profit providers risks the integrity of hospital eye surgery departments meaning that there will be few services to treat patients with preventable blindness. How can we reassure the public that such services will be maintained?
Context
Prinsley cited the president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists who warned that outsourcing NHS cataract surgery to private providers risks the integrity of hospital eye surgery departments.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
Although the independent sector clearly has an important role to play in tackling waiting lists and backlogs, we will not tolerate any overpriced or sub-par care, and we will not tolerate any distortion of patient choice. The recently published partnership agreement between NHS England and the Independent Healthcare Provider Network commits to ending incentives that can lead to that, and to supporting equal access and genuine choice for all patients.
Session: Eye Care 10-year Health Plan 2025-05-06
View All Questions -->
Current rules require that any reactor must apply for regulatory justification as if nuclear power was an entirely new practice instead of an existing one. This delays reactors getting online and lowering energy bills for people across the country by up to two years. Will the Secretary of State consider working with his Cabinet colleagues to simplify the system and recognise that nuclear energy technology is an existing practice, thereby accelerating the deployment of small modular reactors?
Context
The MP from Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket raises concerns about regulatory delays for small modular reactors, citing a two-year delay imposed by the requirement to apply for regulatory justification.
The Minister for Industry (Sarah Jones)
I will happily investigate further the issue that my hon. Friend has raised. There are two pieces of work going on in this space: the draft nuclear planning policy statement and the nuclear regulatory taskforce. We want to make things as easy as we can, and I am very happy to talk to him further.
Session: Nuclear Power 2025-03-18
View All Questions -->
Palmerston said that this country has no eternal allies and no perpetual enemies, only interests which are eternal and perpetual. Does the Minister agree that it is in our eternal interests for there to be security in Europe and a sovereign Ukraine? Will he congratulate the Prime Minister on his statesmanship and leadership at this dangerous moment?
Context
The MP referenced Palmerston's quote about interests being eternal and perpetual, highlighting the importance of security in Europe and Ukraine.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
I certainly join my hon. Friend in congratulating the Prime Minister on the careful and considered leadership he is showing at a time when we face a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our country and our continent. We remain absolutely committed to securing a lasting peace in Ukraine.
Session: Relations with the EU 2025-03-06
View All Questions -->
Sadly, the misappropriation of religious belief to justify acts of terror and intimidation has become familiar across the world. We have seen the minds of too many of our young people corrupted by online pedlars of hate, so what action are this Government taking to tackle radicalisation at a time when xenophobia and intolerance are being promoted for political purposes?
Context
There is growing concern over the radicalisation of young people through online platforms that promote hate and extremism. The MP references the influence of xenophobia and intolerance in contemporary political discourse.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)
My hon. Friend is right that terrorists do not speak for any faith. Interfaith relationships are an important part of developing stronger communities, but we are clear that in the Government and across society we have to do more to prevent radicalisation and particularly the growing numbers of young people from being drawn into terrorism—both Islamist extremism and extreme right-wing threats. That is why tomorrow we will introduce new youth diversion orders through our crime and policing Bill to give the police new powers to divert young people away from terrorism.
Session: Counter-terrorism 2025-02-24
View All Questions -->
What steps her Department is taking with international partners to counter the threat of terrorism?
Context
Following a terrorist attack in Mulhouse, France, there is increased awareness of the threat from Islamist extremism. The incident has highlighted the need for global collaboration to combat terrorism.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)
This weekend’s horrific attack in Mulhouse has again reminded us of the threat from terrorists and Islamist extremism. I have spoken to the French Interior Minister this morning to offer our support and any assistance needed. We will continue to work with our European colleagues and the Five Eyes partnership to tackle these threats, both internationally and here in the UK.
Session: Counter-terrorism 2025-02-24
View All Questions -->
Energy projects in East Anglia will be crucial for generating the clean, cheap power that this country needs to grow, from wind and solar farms to nuclear power stations, including the much-needed Sizewell C. These projects will bring high-skilled jobs to East Anglia, including in my constituency of Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket. What action are the Government taking to ensure that the infrastructure improvements to connect these projects to the grid will not be hamstrung by the planning process?
Context
Projects in East Anglia, including wind farms, solar farms, and nuclear power stations like Sizewell C, are crucial for generating clean, cheap power. These projects require infrastructure to connect them to the grid.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and congratulate him on his advocacy. Members across the House have a decision to make here. As the Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, my hon. Friend the Member for Peckham (Miatta Fahnbulleh), said earlier, we are exposed to fossil fuels and we see what is happening in global markets with prices going up. If we want to change that and have clean home-grown power that we can control, we have to build the infrastructure we need. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket (Peter Prinsley) on supporting it and on supporting our planning reforms, and I urge Members across this House to do the same.
Session: Clean Power by 2030 2025-02-04
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help retain clinical academics in universities. The number of clinical academics is in worrying decline. These are the people who teach our doctors in universities and are conducting groundbreaking research. Consultant clinical academics’ contracts with universities give them pay parity with the NHS. However, the universities do not have the funding to match the costs of the new NHS pay structure for consultants. I have heard that, unable to retain them, 20 out of 26 medical schools in the country are offering voluntary redundancy to their staff, and sometimes not voluntary. Does the Minister agree that we must do all we can to support medical education and research in this country?
Context
The number of clinical academics is declining, impacting medical education and research. Universities are struggling to match the new NHS pay structure for consultants.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)
As autonomous institutions, universities are responsible for their staffing decisions, including recruitment and retention. Where the Tories left universities on the brink, we have acted decisively to secure the future of the higher education sector. We remain committed to working closely with education partners to ensure that clinical academia remains an attractive career choice for all, including students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Session: Clinical Academics 2025-01-27
View All Questions -->
I have just been visited by my former medical student, a young doctor in Yorkshire working in an intensive therapy unit, who told me that 40 of the 50 patients who were admitted with covid died. Many healthcare workers are suffering from flashbacks and post-traumatic stress disorder. What measures will the Government take to look after the mental health of the healthcare workers who so bravely helped us during the covid pandemic?
Context
Healthcare workers who helped during the COVID-19 pandemic are suffering from PTSD, flashbacks, and other mental health issues.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
My hon. Friend raises an important point, which provides an opportunity for us all to reflect on the incredible work of those working in our health service; they are, in many ways, heroes, and we should absolutely acknowledge that fact. We need to explore the point he has raised—we could meet to discuss it further, or I would be happy to write to him.
Session: Mental Health Services 2025-01-07
View All Questions -->
Will the Secretary of State explain what plans he has—if any—to limit the scope of practice of anaesthetic associates and physician associates, about whom there has been such publicity lately?
Context
The question addresses concerns about the scope of practice for anaesthetic associates and physician associates.
Wes Streeting
Indeed there has. Medical associate roles can and do play a valuable role in freeing up other clinicians' time to do the things that only they can do, but there are legitimate concerns within the professions about scope of practice, doctor substitution and transparency for patients. We need to grip that and address it. We will have a further announcement to make about that shortly.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-11-19
View All Questions -->
The BBC World Service is vital UK soft power. The Foreign Office's contribution to its funding is about £100 million per year—about the cost of an F-35 fighter jet. The UK has plans to acquire 74 of these fighter jets. Would the Minister agree that we might consider acquiring only 73 of them, if that was the price of preserving the BBC World Service?
Context
The MP is concerned about the BBC World Service's funding in comparison to defence spending.
Hamish Falconer
That is a very fine question. The BBC World Service is a UK soft power asset. We give £104 million to the BBC World Service—[Interruption.]
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-22
View All Questions -->
In March 1974, a Turkish Airlines jet crashed while flying from Paris to London. More than 400 people were killed. Among them were 19 members of the Bury St Edmunds rugby club. It was the greatest disaster to befall the town in living memory. This year, 60 cyclists cycled from Paris to Bury St Edmunds, raising £200,000 in their memory. Will the Secretary of State join me in congratulating these bold cyclists?
Context
A Turkish Airlines jet crash in March 1974 killed 19 members of the Bury St Edmunds rugby club, leading to a memorial event this year.
Stephanie Peacock
I thank my hon. Friend for his important question. I congratulate the cyclists on completing their fantastic ride and on the impressive sum of money that they raised. I pay particular tribute to Austin Cornish, the organiser of the ride, whose father died in that crash.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-10-17
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
BBC World Service Funding
26 June 2025
Responding: Catherine West
Main Concerns
['The BBC World Service costs £366 million annually to reach an audience of approximately 400 million people every week, bringing impartial news to some of the most dangerous and controlled places on Earth. It is vital in countering misinformation and defending free societies against rogue and authoritarian governments.']
Specific Asks
['The World Service needs additional funding to expand its digital content and compete effectively with online tech giants, particularly in reaching young people who consume news online.']
Long-term Medical Conditions
12 June 2025
Responding: Gen Kitchen
Main Concerns
['The NHS faces significant challenges in managing long-term conditions, with many patients feeling let down by the current system. The financial impact of untreated long-term conditions is substantial, estimated to increase GDP by between £109 billion and £177 billion over five years, while successful management could generate billions of pounds in additional tax revenue.']
Specific Asks
['The NHS must shift from being a sickness service to one that helps people manage their conditions better. This includes moving care from hospitals to the community through neighbourhood health hubs offering easier access to specialist services and multi-disciplinary teams, as well as embracing digital transitions and patient record management.']
Welfare of Doctors
21 January 2025
Responding: Karin Smyth
Main Concerns
['Doctors in the NHS are facing a crisis with high levels of burnout, fatigue, and stress. Young doctors graduate with substantial debts and face immediate challenges such as finding employment far from home, working long hours without adequate support or rest facilities, and dealing with inflexible work schedules that affect personal relationships. The British Medical Association reports that fewer than 10% of UK trusts offer hot food after midnight, indicating a lack of essential support for night workers.']
Specific Asks
['The government should address the welfare issues faced by doctors to encourage more people to enter and stay in the medical profession, offering better employment security, improved working conditions, and support facilities such as rest areas and affordable housing near work locations.']
Backbench Business - Brain Tumour Survival RatesBackbench Business
09 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The House is urged to note the poor survival rates of brain tumours in the UK, which ranks 22nd out of 29 comparable countries. McDonagh highlights the lack of progress due to a system that prioritise...
Occupied Palestinian Territories Genocide Risk Assessment 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls for the UK Government to recognise a serious risk of genocide in Gaza based on overwhelming evidence. Criticises the government's failure to meet its legal obligation under the genocide conventi...
National Cancer Plan 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's national cancer plan aims to save 320,000 more lives by 2035. The plan includes modernising the NHS, harnessing science and technology, prioritising clinical trials, early detection t...
Road Safety 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Road safety is a personal issue for me as my grandfather died in a road accident. Despite improvements, four people still die on our roads every day and 76 more are injured seriously. The fatal five c...
Lord Mandelson 2026-02-04
04 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, that an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to give directions to require the Government to lay before this House all papers relating to Lord ...
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...
US Department of Justice Release of Files 2026-02-02
02 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
As I know right hon. and hon. Members across the House will agree, Jeffrey Epstein was a despicable criminal who committed disgusting crimes and destroyed the lives of countless women and girls. His v...
Holocaust Memorial Day 2026-01-29
29 January 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
The hon. Member for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket opened the debate by highlighting the importance of Holocaust Memorial Day, especially in the context of recent events in Gaza which have polarized c...
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Arctic Security 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
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
1
PMQs Asked
32
Ministerial Questions Asked
65
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
22
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 649 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-48% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+303% above average
This MP:
32
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+95% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2649% above average
This MP:
65
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 (%)
+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 Peter Prinsley's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.