Sarah Russell
MP for Congleton
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
There is a massive problem with childcare for mothers doing PhDs. Even if they are fully funded for their university research, essentially by the Government, they will not be eligible for free childcare hours and that affects both parents. The average PhD stipend is just £15,000 a year, but the average nursery place is £12,500 a year. Will the Minister look into that?
Context
Mothers pursuing PhDs face challenges accessing free childcare hours despite being funded by the government for their university research, leading to financial strain and difficulties balancing work and family life.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
I am happy to discuss that further with my hon. Friend. We are committed to reviewing childcare support and making sure that it is accessible and simple for families. PhD students are not eligible for some elements of support, but depending on income they may be eligible for certain hours. Student parents are eligible for the universal 15 hours of early free childcare, which is also available for all three and four-year-olds, regardless of family circumstances.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-12-10
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What steps she is taking to help increase economic growth in Congleton constituency? In my constituency, Dane Valley Community Energy has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for solar panels on schools and other local buildings, including Daneside theatre and Havannah primary school. Unfortunately, recent Government guidance has suspended applications in respect of solar panels for schools. Will the Chancellor look at that guidance and work with Ministers in other Departments to review that outcome?
Context
The constituency of Congleton faces challenges in economic growth, prompting the MP to seek specific actions from the government. The issue is particularly pressing given recent changes that have impacted community energy projects.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
I thank my hon. Friend for drawing this issue to my attention. I agree that community projects such as solar panels are a fantastic opportunity to get down bills for schools so that they have more money to spend on teachers and on books. On my hon. Friend’s specific question about solar installations, there was a temporary pause in applications, but I am happy to confirm that the Department for Education has resumed approvals for solar panels on school sites. I would urge my hon. Friend to encourage the schools in her constituency to apply for the new projects in the normal way.
Session: Economic Growth Congleton 2025-11-04
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I recently visited Avocet, an innovative manufacturing company based in Holmes Chapel in my constituency. It is looking to grow its business by diversifying into supplying components and materials for drone battery production. However, it has expressed to me the potential for improved support and guidance from the Government in order to break into and thrive in this competitive international market. What steps is the Department taking to support British manufacturing businesses such as Avocet? Does he agree that helping these organisations will unlock vital opportunities for economic growth?
Context
Avocet, an innovative manufacturing company based in Holmes Chapel in Sarah Russell's constituency, is looking to grow its business by diversifying into supplying components and materials for drone battery production. The company has expressed the need for improved support and guidance from the Government.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
I do indeed, and my hon. Friend is right. Firms such as that in her constituency hold the future of our security and our economic growth. That is why we have set up UK Defence Innovation and ringfenced it with at least £400 million in the Budget this year, with fresh freedoms. We have also doubled to £4 billion the amount of money that we will invest in British drones and autonomy over this Parliament.
Session: Defence Industrial Base 2025-11-03
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I thank the Solicitor General for that answer. The courts system and all the associated IT have been left in the most catastrophic state by the previous Conservative Government. It is shocking that £2 billion was spent on a civil courts IT system that cannot even handle litigation where there is more than one claimant or defendant, which is basic and normal. The particular issue that worries me today, though, is the Legal Aid Agency and the state of its IT system; as she will know, it was the subject of a cyber-attack in the spring. Could she update us on that situation and on any potential plans to build back better?
Context
The previous government's neglect of the IT systems within the criminal justice system, leading to inefficiencies and security breaches. Specifically mentions a £2 billion expenditure on an unsuccessful civil courts IT system that cannot handle multi-party litigation.
The Solicitor General
Unfortunately, my hon. Friend accurately describes the years of neglect of the justice system under the previous Government. She asks specifically about the Legal Aid Agency. The Government took immediate action to bolster the security of the agency’s systems and an injunction was put in place to prohibit the sharing of any breached data. We have put in place contingency plans to ensure that those most in need of legal support can continue to access the help that they need, and we are working at pace to restore services quickly and safely.
Session: Criminal Justice System Technology 2025-09-04
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What steps she is taking to reduce the number of children in poverty in Congleton constituency?
Context
The issue of reducing the number of children in poverty, particularly within Sarah Russell's constituency of Congleton.
The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)
As my hon. Friend knows well, improved employment is at the heart of our approach to child poverty, and that is why reductions in economic inactivity and improvements in employment will be part of our child poverty strategy that is to be published very soon.
Session: Poverty Reduction 2025-09-01
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In 2016, 120,000 cases were disposed of—in concluded—in the Crown courts. That figure was never achieved again by the Conservative party, and by 2022 the figure was 17% lower. Conservative Members like to blame covid for everything, but there were problems in the system well before that. There has been a systematic failure to modernise processes in our courts for years, as we on the Justice Committee hear far too often. What more can we do to use technology to make our courts more efficient and, most importantly, ensure faster outcomes for victims?
Context
The number of cases disposed of in Crown courts fell by 17% from 2016 to 2022, with the lowest figures since then.
Shabana Mahmood (The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
My hon. Friend is right to note the issue of falling disposals—in layman’s terms, the number of cases that are completed. The rate of disposals has indeed fallen in recent years, which why I have asked Sir Brian Leveson, as part of his review, to consider how we improve the efficiency of our courts, including further technical or AI-related reform that might assist cases to move more quickly through the system. We will need a three-pronged approach: more funding, which I have already delivered; once-in-a-generation reform, which Sir Brian Leveson is looking at; and going further and faster on productivity and efficiency in the system.
Session: Crown Court Backlog 2025-03-11
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How will the Armed Forces Commissioner work with small charities like Listening Out Loud Foundation?
Context
The question concerns the relationship between the Armed Forces Commissioner and service charities.
Luke Pollard
The commissioner will have new relationships with service charities and organisations. The Minister would be happy to meet and visit Listening Out Loud Foundation soon.
Session: Independent Armed Forces Commissioner 2024-11-18
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AI-generated creations that mimic real people—deepfakes—can lead to financial and reputational damage for musicians and other creatives. However, as the domestic violence charity Refuge pointed out last year, the most common AI-generated deepfakes are non-consensual sexual depictions of women. How do the Government plan to ensure that creatives, as well as women and girls, are adequately protected from the misappropriation of their voice, image, name and likeness?
Context
The MP raised the issue of AI-generated deepfakes and their impact on women's reputations.
Chris Bryant
I am glad that my hon. Friend has raised this important issue that affects many people. In the words of Stephen Sondheim, “art isn't easy,” and neither is the legislation in this area, but we are determined to look into it. It is already a criminal offence to share an intimate image without consent, whether real or synthetically generated, and we will deliver on our manifesto commitment to ban the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes.
Session: Creative Industries Artificial Intelligence 2024-10-17
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What recent discussions have there been with representatives of the creative industries on artificial intelligence?
Context
The MP asked about recent discussions with representatives of the creative industries regarding artificial intelligence.
Chris Bryant
I have had many meetings with the creative industries, which have raised AI at every single one. I make it absolutely clear that human creativity deserves remuneration. Wherever we end up, the rights of artists, musicians, publishers and journalists need to be protected while we garner the significant benefits of artificial intelligence.
Session: Creative Industries Artificial Intelligence 2024-10-17
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Green Book Review
02 April 2025
Responding: Torsten Bell
Main Concerns
['The constituents of Congleton have not seen significant infrastructure spending for years except where it has been facilitated through house growth. The total capital public spending per person in the north-west was £13,297 per year compared to £14,842 in London. The Green Book needs to address issues that undermine regional economies and must be done with ambition and a willingness to challenge underlying customs and practices.']
Specific Asks
['The review must learn from previous failures, particularly the 2020 review, by valuing transformational impacts of interventions for specific areas, simplifying and speeding up Green Book processes, focusing on place-based analysis, and redressing investment imbalances between regions.']
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (First sitting) 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Second sitting) 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform 2026-01-27
27 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 Powerhouse Rail 2026-01-14
14 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Social Media Non-consensual Sexual Deepfakes 2026-01-12
12 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
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...
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill 2026-01-06
06 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Plan to End Homelessness 2025-12-11
11 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Child Poverty Strategy 2025-12-08
08 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sunday rail services in Congleton
17 December 2025
The petition highlights the absence of Sunday train services in Congleton for over a year, making weekend travel difficult and unacceptable given the town’s growth and size.
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Sunday rail services in Congleton
03 December 2025
The petitioners are concerned about the absence of Sunday rail services in Congleton for over a year, which makes weekend travel difficult and is deemed inadequate for a growing town.
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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
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
20 Jan 2026
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
0
PMQs Asked
9
Ministerial Questions Asked
41
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
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
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+13% above average
This MP:
9
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
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 Sarah Russell's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.