Gavin Robinson
MP for Belfast East
DUP
7 May 2015 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Does the Prime Minister know that the Treasury did not look favourably on a request to draw on reserves for a £120 million data breach cost? Can he recognise that this incident matches Treasury criteria and ensure engagement with the Chancellor to support the PSNI's financial needs?
Context
The PSNI faces an ongoing national security threat and additional costs due to historical legacies. It has been underfunded, with a shortfall in police officers despite recommendations for 7,500 officers.
The Prime Minister
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for raising this important issue, which I know is of real concern to him. I reassure him that I am in regular contact with Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and the PSNI on it. As he is aware, we provided a record settlement of £19.3 billion a year on average for the Executive, and we invested £113 million in additional security funding for the PSNI to help address specific security challenges.
Assessment
Did not directly address the request for reconsideration of the funding issue or engagement with the Chancellor.
Reassurance
Acknowledgement
Session: PMQs 2025-10-29
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My constituent Catherine Flanagan fled domestic violence in Beirut with her three-year-old son, who should be returned to her according to a court order. However, neither the UK embassy nor the FCO have provided assistance. Will the Prime Minister engage this issue and ask the Foreign Secretary to assist my constituent in reuniting with her son?
Context
Catherine Flanagan, a constituent from Belfast East, fled domestic violence in Beirut with her three-year-old son David. The High Court has ordered the return of David to his mother but she is unable to get help from the UK embassy or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Keir Starmer
I thank the right hon. Member for raising this case, and for all he is doing on behalf of Catherine and David—I hope they get some comfort from knowing that they have an MP working so hard on their behalf. It is a complex and difficult situation, but of course I will make sure that the relevant meetings are set up with the relevant Ministers to ensure the right hon. Member gets the answers he needs on behalf of his constituents.
Assessment
No specific commitment or timeline was provided for helping reunite Catherine Flanagan and her son
Session: PMQs 2024-11-13
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Can he update the House on engaging with this to ensure that Northern Ireland is not a casualty as a result of the imposition of EU regulation?
Context
EU regulation could impose an additional requirement of 60,000 GP appointments.
Matthew Patrick
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for raising this matter powerfully last month and again this month. We raised his concerns with the European Union, and I am pleased—I hope he is, too—that the latest draft of the EU regulations includes a full exemption for Northern Ireland regarding the prescription status of antimicrobial-resistant medicines. That shows the benefits of a grown-up working relationship with the European Union, so that we can address issues as and when they arise.
Session: Public Services 2026-02-11
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Does he believe that it is sustainable for the Northern Ireland civil service to ignore such changes for reform if we want to see the delivery of good public services?
Context
The Northern Ireland Audit Office reported frailty within the civil service.
Matthew Patrick
This Government are committed to civil service reform here. We have said that we wish to move fast and fix things. We will share our learnings with the Northern Ireland civil service. The right hon. Member also mentioned the reserve claim. He will have seen in yesterday's supplementary estimates that £400 million has been given to the Northern Ireland Executive. That is exceptional. It will be repayable over three years and accompanied by an open-book exercise looking at the Executive budget.
Session: Public Services 2026-02-11
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The Minister will be aware that the Finance Minister yesterday, in an ill-considered way, published his budget—not an agreed budget—for consultation. The Minister will know the pressures associated with that decision and he will know the challenges that brings for politics in Northern Ireland. One thing that has been absent from the lexicon of politics in Northern Ireland over a number of years is the fiscal framework. Can he update us on where his Government are on negotiations with the Treasury and the Northern Ireland Executive? The Minister will also know of the pressures that affect our health service in Northern Ireland. Alarmingly, we understand that the European Union is going to ban the sale of antimicrobial drugs without prescription. Although that should not apply in Northern Ireland, it will. Some 60,000 products are sold over the counter. Our health service could not facilitate 60,000 additional GP appointments. This is an alarming development and I would like to hear the Minister indicate that he not only understands the severity and impact of it, but is going to take steps to address it.
Context
The MP expresses concerns about the recently published budget consultation in Northern Ireland, as well as an EU decision to ban over-the-counter sales of antimicrobial drugs. He requests updates on fiscal framework negotiations and actions to address the potential impact on health services.
Matthew Patrick
I am pleased that, as part of that consultation, there is a record settlement of £19.3 billion to fund those services. The negotiations that the right hon. Gentleman mentions are continuing. I am aware of the reforms that the right hon. Gentleman mentions. The Government share the EU’s ambition to take action against antimicrobial resistance, but I am also aware of the potential impact on Northern Ireland’s health service, particularly the demand for GP appointments, as he mentioned. We have raised this, and I will be happy to write to him with an update in due course.
Session: Public Services 2026-01-07
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The Secretary of State will know that in my constituency we have an advanced manufacturing cluster and proudly boast over 5,000 high-skilled jobs in defence, maritime and aerospace. She will understand that last week Boeing concluded its deal to become the successor owner of Short Brothers. Will she confirm that the Government will continue to support advanced manufacturing in my constituency, whether it be with Boeing, Airbus, Thales or Harland & Wolff?
Context
The MP highlighted an advanced manufacturing cluster and over 5,000 high-skilled jobs in his constituency. He specifically mentioned the deal concluded by Boeing to become the successor owner of Short Brothers.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)
Yes, I absolutely reaffirm that commitment. The right hon. Member will know that we are increasing our defence spending, and alongside that is the work we are doing in our Department. The defence sector is critical for jobs and backing the research and development that will lead to further demand and further innovation.
Session: Modern Industrial Strategy 2025-12-17
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In drawing upon the bonds of our country, the Minister will know while Northern Ireland has a greater than average growth rate compared with the rest of the United Kingdom, we still have a productivity gap. Behind that is the fact that our growth is masked by an over-reliance on our public sector. The Minister’s colleagues agreed in the last Parliament—as I am sure he does now—with cross-fertilisation between the Northern Ireland civil service and the home civil service. What plans does he have to increase our ability to draw on expertise and encourage secondments across this United Kingdom?
Context
The MP highlighted the productivity gap in Northern Ireland, which is masked by an over-reliance on the public sector. He suggested that cross-fertilisation between the Northern Ireland civil service and the home civil service could be beneficial.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Matthew Patrick)
I thank the right hon. Member for the opportunity to champion the growth taking place in Northern Ireland, with exciting work in the creative industries and the tech sector. On the opportunities for secondments and shared learning, I made the offer to the Executive Ministers I met last month that where we can share best practice, knowledge and learning, we should do so. I am happy to take forward other suggestions that the right hon. Member may have.
Session: Community Groups Northern Ireland and Great Britain 2025-11-19
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The Minister will be enjoying his opportunity to travel across Northern Ireland and see some of the wonderful groups we have. He knows the strength of this United Kingdom, and he knows that increasing the bonds across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England is crucial. He should know that the last Government—supported by his Labour colleagues—agreed that through the East-West Council there should be educational collaboration, so that our young people can mix with one another and draw upon each other’s strengths. Could he indicate how many times he believes the East-West Council has progressed that matter and what plans he has to strengthen those bonds?
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of increasing bonds across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England through initiatives like the East-West Council. He noted that his party agreed in the last Parliament on education collaboration.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Matthew Patrick)
I look forward to the next meeting of the East-West Council. The right hon. Member will know that I met Minister Givan to discuss education matters and how we can ensure that students in Northern Ireland have the best education possible. I agree with the right hon. Member about the importance of shared bonds, and I hope we can progress those further.
Session: Community Groups Northern Ireland and Great Britain 2025-11-19
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Given that yesterday the Secretary of State highlighted the protections for veterans in this legislation, could he tell the House which page, which clause or which line uses the word “veteran”?
Context
Yesterday, the Secretary of State highlighted protections for veterans in this legislation but did not answer whether the Attorney General had been excluded or recused. Today’s easier question asks about specific clauses.
Hilary Benn
The clauses that would implement the protections in relation to veterans and others are clauses 30, 31, 36, 51, 54, 56, 69 and 84.
Session: Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 2025-10-15
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Over the last 10 days in my constituency, there have been five of the most appalling and violent acts by self-styled vigilante groups. In each case, they livestream on Facebook Live and TikTok LIVE. Those videos disappear, and the creators remain anonymous. There will be a criminal justice response, but may I ask the Minister to relook at the protections for those who continue not only to abuse and act racistly in our society, but to do so under the cloak of anonymity?
Context
There have been violent acts livestreamed on platforms like Facebook Live and TikTok, with perpetrators remaining anonymous.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Kanishka Narayan)
This is an incredibly important issue. We will look closely at the evidence base and if there are found to be deficiencies in practice by any of the firms mentioned, we will take appropriate action.
Session: Technology Companies Accountability 2025-09-10
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The Secretary of State might recall that two years ago I launched a report that highlighted that Northern Ireland receives one fifth of the UK average spend on defence. That incorporates the commitment for Harland and Wolff, which I worked on and greatly welcome. I also welcome the announcement of a £1.6 billion contract for Thales. However, does he accept that the previous Government committed to a thorough and thoughtful publication of how they would support continued growth in Northern Ireland’s defence sector? Will he similarly commit to doing so?
Context
Northern Ireland receives one fifth of the UK average spend on defence. Previous government commitments are mentioned.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
The Ministry of Defence has agreed to deliver precisely that “Safeguarding the Union” commitment through its defence industrial strategy, which will look at how the UK’s defence, technological and industrial base can contribute to the Government’s growth mission, including in Northern Ireland.
Session: Defence Expenditure Supply Chain 2025-04-02
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Does that form part of the sentencing review or the Leveson review? The Minister will know that an increase in prisoners is often because of logjams within the Crown court system, leading to too many individuals being held on remand who are then convicted and released without rehabilitation or mentoring opportunities.
Context
The increase in prisoner numbers is often due to delays within the Crown court system, with many on remand who are then convicted and released without rehabilitation or mentoring opportunities.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
We are conducting a comprehensive system relook. The Member is correct to highlight this issue, and we will address it and resolve the problem.
Session: Prison Capacity 2025-03-11
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The Secretary of State will have heard the exchanges earlier about the grave injustice and slur that was delivered upon SAS personnel in the coroner’s judgment last week, following the incidents in Clonoe. Will the Secretary of State take this opportunity to indicate not only to the House but to service personnel and the nation that he, as Defence Secretary, supports those who bravely served in Northern Ireland and stood on the precipice between peace and tyranny?
Context
The question arises from a coroner's judgment regarding the actions of SAS personnel during incidents in Clonoe, which was perceived as an injustice and a slur against those who served in Northern Ireland. This issue is sensitive due to historical conflicts and ongoing efforts towards peace.
John Healey (Secretary of State for Defence)
I am glad to accept the right hon. Gentleman’s invitation to do just that. It behoves us all to remember that those who served in our forces in Northern Ireland were part of a campaign that led to more deaths of UK security personnel in Northern Ireland than in Afghanistan. They deserve, and they will have, our fullest support.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-02-10
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The Secretary of State will know that the facility would not be there had it not been for Government investment and support. Guarantees were given not just to the people of Belfast, but to the staff directly employed at Spirit AeroSystems. The Government have also engaged in discussions about Harland and Wolff and Navantia, and the fleet solid support ships. Can the Secretary of State indicate his endeavour to ensure that viability will be at the forefront of his mind so that we can deliver the fleet solid support ships in Belfast and Devon?
Context
Gavin Robinson expressed concern about the future of Spirit AeroSystems and its impact on advanced manufacturing and supply chains.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
The administration announcement, which involves the other side of the runway, is part of a process to ensure that the takeover by Navantia goes ahead, because it is very good news. The right hon. Gentleman and I were present to celebrate that announcement, which provides security for the future. Ultimately the question of how to relate to those suppliers is a commercial matter for Navantia, but I am sure that it wants to build a good relationship with firms that will help Harland and Wolff to build the three fleet solid support ships.
Session: Aerospace Sector 2025-01-15
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The Secretary of State knows that city and growth deals are about economic growth and ensuring prosperity within Northern Ireland. Is he aware of the concerns among businesses in England, Wales and Scotland, who are saying that, as a result of the general product safety standards emanating from the European Union, they cannot send their products to Northern Ireland? That is in stark contrast to the British Government's position to maintain standards on CE markings with the European Union. What advice and support can he give those businesses in Northern Ireland who want to trade, and to consumers who want to buy, in their own country but are currently frustrated from doing so?
Context
Businesses are concerned about product safety standards hindering trade between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Hilary Benn
Advice is being provided about the general product safety regulation. Many companies already meet its terms, because they are exporting from the UK to the European Union. There are steps that some businesses will have to take, but I hope the impact will be very small, because there is a way to get through it.
Session: City and Growth Deals 2024-11-27
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I associate myself with the Minister of State's remarks about Ken Reid. He was a colossus of Northern Ireland politics, and journalism more broadly across the country. I thank her for those comments. The Secretary of State will know that getting the city and growth deals back on track was good, following the disappointment of the pause that followed the incoming Government. He will also know that there was a commitment in the spring Budget to support a skills and education centre at the Crusaders football club, for £2.2 million. That remains paused. I think the Minister of State has taken an interest in that project, and I would be keen for the Secretary of State to confirm that he will raise it with the Deputy Prime Minister.
Context
The project to support a skills and education centre has been paused.
Hilary Benn
I am aware of the pause that affects the particular project to which the right hon. Gentleman referred. Consideration will then have to be given to how that may or may not be taken forward, but I note his interest and I will follow developments carefully.
Session: City and Growth Deals 2024-11-27
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I thank the Minister for her reply. She will know from discussions with her Cabinet colleagues that decisions have been taken to delay the agreement on parcels, to delay the agreement on customs, and to avoid taking the decision on UK-wide labelling. Myriad other decisions were also made and supported by this House, including Labour Members, that are required to be implemented from the “Safeguarding the Union” document. She will know about the interface between trade and constitutional politics, so I urge her to engage with the Secretary of State, the Paymaster General and others within the Cabinet to get on and deliver what businesses and the people of Northern Ireland need?
Context
The Minister previously responded to concerns about delays in implementing agreements related to parcels, customs, and UK-wide labelling.
Fleur Anderson
We are not the only Ministers who came into office three months ago to have faced all sorts of decisions that should have been taken by the previous Government. We have taken up those decisions on parcels and on every aspect that the right hon. Member mentions. He is right to raise them, because we do need to work on them to ensure that we protect the UK internal market and that we create the best possible regime for business.
Session: Promoting Business and Growth 2024-10-23
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The MP asks about the progress on establishing Intertrade UK, including setting terms of reference and engaging businesses to support trade within the country.
Context
The Minister acknowledges the importance of Intertrade UK for encouraging investment between regions and nations within the UK.
Fleur Anderson
I agree with the right hon. Member that Intertrade UK needs to get going with its work to encourage investment between regions and nations of the UK. We are working on setting terms of reference as fast as we can.
Session: Promoting Business and Growth 2024-10-23
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I welcome the Minister of State and Secretary of State to their positions. I am delighted to see them in post, and I know they are committed to effective public services and stability of the institutions in Northern Ireland. May I caution that in a number of responses that we have received from the Front Bench, we are having a recurring conversation that the fiscal framework that was announced back in December on an interim basis does not solve the problems we have? Even the stabilisation money that was agreed back in December has already been forecast as necessary to sustain pay in Northern Ireland. Will the Minister of State engage earnestly not only with what the Government—both of this hue and the previous Government—have been saying for the past six months, and recognise that to provide good public services in Northern Ireland we need not only to sustain, but to transform?
Context
The question stems from ongoing concerns about the adequacy of funding and the effectiveness of fiscal frameworks, particularly after recent interim announcements did not solve existing issues.
Fleur Anderson
I agree with the right hon. Member. Money is allocated specifically for transformation of public services to improve service delivery outcomes. In Northern Ireland, three in 10 people are on an NHS waiting list; that number is one in 10 here in England. That figure needs to be transformed for health outcomes. I will be talking about funding when I meet Executive Ministers, but I will also be talking about other ways in which our doors, and those of other Government Ministers, too, are open. We are determined to work together to transform public services.
Session: Public Services 2024-07-24
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What steps he plans to take to support public services in Northern Ireland?
Context
The question arises from the need to address ongoing issues with public service provision and funding challenges in Northern Ireland.
Fleur Anderson
I am delighted to be appointed to this role, and I look forward to working closely with Executive Ministers to see public services transformed in Northern Ireland. I will be meeting the First and Deputy First Ministers tomorrow in Stormont, as well as the Northern Ireland Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt.
Session: Public Services 2024-07-24
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Irish Guards: 125th Anniversary
02 April 2025
Responding: Al Carns
Main Concerns
['The formation of the Irish Guards was a tribute to the bravery of Irish regiments during the Boer War, and they have served with distinction in various conflicts including World Wars I and II, as well as recent operations such as Operation Interflex in support of Ukraine.']
Specific Asks
['Recognise the long-standing service and sacrifice of the Irish Guards through continued ceremonial duties and national recognition.']
Standards in Public Life
09 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Mobile Phones and Social Media Use by Children 2026-01-20
20 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that they will not push their remedial order to a vote until the Supreme Court has finally ruled, considering the potential legal implications of proceeding without full dete...
Northern Ireland Troubles Operation Kenova 2025-12-09
09 December 2025
Urgent Question
Led by this MP
Will the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland make a statement on the latest publication from Operation Kenova and the Government’s response to its findings?
Budget Resolutions 2025-12-01
01 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
G20 and Ukraine 2025-11-25
25 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister discussed the ongoing situation in Ukraine, emphasising the need for a ceasefire and just and lasting peace. He highlighted the coalition of willing nations' efforts to maintain Ukr...
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill 2025-11-18
18 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
BBC Leadership 2025-11-11
11 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Troubles 2025-10-14
14 October 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
72.7%
16 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
9
40.9% of votes
No Votes
7
31.8% of votes
Abstentions
6
27.3% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 63 Stand part
Ayes: 348
Noes: 167
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 25
Ayes: 187
Noes: 351
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 24
Ayes: 184
Noes: 331
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
2
PMQs Asked
18
Ministerial Questions Asked
32
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
+127% above average
This MP:
18
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1253% above average
This MP:
32
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 (%)
-4% below average
This MP:
72.7
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 Gavin Robinson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.