Neil Shastri-Hurst
MP for Solihull West and Shirley
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I am sure the Prime Minister will join me in celebrating the opening of the new Brixton blood donation centre in my constituency, which in three months has seen over 3,700 people donate, more than 1,000 of them first-timers and 10% of them black. However, given that sickle cell anaemia is the fastest growing genetic condition in the UK, that is not enough. Demand for the Ro blood subtype—more common in people of African descent—is rising by 10% to 15% annually, and it is crucial for treating sickle cell. Rules around travellers as well as inaccurate iron tests mean that we are seeing willing black donors turned away for four to twelve months.
Context
The MP is concerned about the UK government's approach to China, considering it a hostile state.
The Prime Minister
I will leave that to you, Mr Speaker. I do not think it is for me to suggest that you donate your blood, although I am sure that you do and that we can support this jointly. We should take that up across the House under your leadership, Mr Speaker. Let me join my hon. Friend in welcoming the new Brixton blood donor centre and the lifesaving support that it provides. Increasing donor diversity is a priority for the NHS, and we are working to increase Ro blood donations by engaging with communities who are more likely to have that blood type.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to reviewing specific rules but suggested involving Mr Speaker in facilitating a biannual blood drive in Parliament.
Leaving It To Mr Speaker
Session: PMQs 2025-04-23
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In my constituency, schools are closing due to VAT on school fees and increases in national insurance contributions under this Government's policies. Will the Prime Minister do the decent thing, abandon this policy and apologise?
Context
A pattern of school closures is reported across the country as a result of policy changes. This has led to staff being unemployed and parents seeking alternative education options.
Keir Starmer
I understand concerns of those saving to send children to private school for aspiration and opportunity. Every parent shares this aspiration regardless of school choice. Under last Government, we did not have enough teachers in basic subjects in state secondary schools; Tories tolerated that whereas I am proud to increase national minimum wage by over 16%.
Assessment
No commitment or apology was given regarding the policy and its consequences on school closures, jobs, and families
Session: PMQs 2024-11-13
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Can he provide some clarity on when the George hotel will close?
Context
Concerns have been raised about a specific hotel in Solihull.
Alex Norris
The George hotel will be closed, but no specific date is given in the Chamber. The closure is part of a commitment to end asylum hotels opened by Conservatives and close them under Labour.
Session: Asylum Seekers Hotels 2026-02-09
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How many asylum seekers were accommodated in hotels on 30 September 2025 and 30 June 2024?
Context
Asylum accommodation has been a contentious issue with high numbers reported.
Alex Norris
In June 2024, there were 29,561 asylum seekers in hotels. By September 2025, that number had reduced to 36,273. The next release of statistics will be at the end of this month.
Session: Asylum Seekers Hotels 2026-02-09
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One of the contributing factors to the court backlog is the state of disrepair of our court infrastructure. Will the Minister set out how many of the more than 500 Crown court rooms are currently unusable because of their state of disrepair?
Context
The state of disrepair of court buildings is a factor contributing to the backlog. The question seeks information on unusable Crown court rooms.
The Minister for Courts and Legal Services (Sarah Sackman)
The hon. Gentleman is right that the crumbling and decaying state of our court estate has become a metaphor for the justice system that we inherited from the previous Government. It is why we are opening new courts in Blackpool and putting shovels in the ground in inner London, and why we have increased the court estate budget by £28 million, so that we can improve maintenance and keep as many court rooms running as possible.
Session: Court Backlogs 2025-12-16
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When will we see a reduction in shoplifting levels rather than an increase as they have under this Government?
Context
Shoplifting levels have risen under the current government, causing significant challenges for retailers.
Sarah Jones
As we were discussing earlier, targeting shoplifting is an absolute priority for this Government. We have a raft of interventions and we are taking legislative action to protect our retail workers, who have been particularly affected by a massive increase in abuse as well as a rise in crime.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-09-15
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Will the Minister use their arts of persuasion on the Prime Minister to ensure an independent inquiry, so that we can find out the extent of this issue and how we can prevent it from happening again?
Context
Veterans are experiencing hearing loss linked to defective 3M hearing equipment.
Al Carns
Anyone with hearing loss from equipment can absolutely apply for compensation through the war pension scheme or the armed forces compensation scheme. Broader work is happening on those specific bits of capability outside this place.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-09-08
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Can the Minister solve this equation? VAT is pushing more students into the state sector and increases in national insurance are squeezing staff budgets, yet the Government say their ambition is to improve school standards and staff retention. How does that add up?
Context
VAT is pushing more students into the state sector, increases in national insurance are squeezing staff budgets, yet the Government say their ambition is to improve school standards and staff retention.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
This is just scaremongering from the Conservative party, because the Tories have no plan for the future of our education system. They have no plan to deliver high and rising standards. Their only education priority is to hand tax breaks back to private schools, which means cutting free breakfast clubs, cutting school-based nurseries and cutting school building.
Session: School Costs and Employer’s National Insurance Contributions 2025-04-28
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I concur with my hon. Friend the Member for South Suffolk that it is deeply disappointing that France has blocked EU countries from allowing SAFE funds to be used for the procurement of British weapons. With that in mind, what has the Minister done to ensure that actions are being taken to guarantee a multilateral, NATO-wide procurement strategy, with the UK at its centre?
Context
The issue of France blocking European Union countries from allowing SAFE funds to be used for the procurement of British weapons. This is in the context of a multilateral, NATO-wide procurement strategy.
The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle)
I have met a number of my equivalents bilaterally. We welcome the ReArm initiative and it is in all our interests for SAFE to allow member states to partner with the UK. We will continue to emphasise the need for EU defence financing and wider defence industrial initiatives to include third countries like the UK. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said in answer to an earlier question, we want to conclude a UK-EU defence and security pact that will give us access to that scheme.
Session: NATO Defence Industrial Capacity 2025-03-24
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Will the Solicitor General tell the House which crimes are to be included, and the date by which that will be achieved?
Context
The MP, as a former trauma surgeon, has seen the devastating effects of knife and other serious violent crime. The Government have committed to halving knife crime within a decade.
Lucy Rigby
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that knife crime is still too high—more than 50,000 instances in the year to June 2024. He is also right to highlight that this Government are taking strong action to combat knife crime.
Session: Knife Offences 2024-12-19
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Will the Minister answer a simple question: since the Budget, have unemployment rates gone up or down?
Context
Following the initial question about potential impacts of the budget on unemployment, the MP seeks clarification on whether unemployment rates have increased or decreased since the Autumn Budget announcement.
Alison McGovern
I have just given the OBR's assessment. It is worth noting that there are still a significant number of vacancies in the economy. We are determined that the Department for Work and Pensions will be reformed to serve employers better, so that they can fill those vacancies.
Session: Budget 2024 Unemployment 2024-12-16
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What assessment has she made of the potential impact of the Autumn Budget 2024 on levels of unemployment?
Context
The question follows the announcement of the Autumn Budget 2024, which is expected to have implications for employment levels. The MP is seeking a direct assessment of how these policies will affect unemployment rates.
Alison McGovern
The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts that unemployment will fall to 4.1% next year and remain low until 2029. We are taking action to support jobs and growth, and to transform employment support to get Britain working.
Session: Budget 2024 Unemployment 2024-12-16
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Will the Minister work with the Treasury to resolve the issue and ensure that businesses are protected from hefty bills they should not have been sent?
Context
Companies in the west midlands are affected by retrospective charging of steel safeguarding duties, imposed during the chaotic Brexit transition period.
Jonathan Reynolds
The duties relate to taxation during a period of political uncertainty. We will get her the meeting she needs and ensure that she gets answers for her constituents.
Session: Business Confidence 2024-12-12
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After the Budget, I spoke with many business leaders who told me they are pausing recruitment and freezing growth plans. What does the Secretary of State say to businesses that no longer have confidence in the Government?
Context
Business leaders in Solihull West and Shirley are concerned about the impact of recent decisions on taxation and the Employment Rights Bill.
Jonathan Reynolds
The Conservative party made promises without a plan, while we fix foundations and improve the business environment through political stability, openness to the EU, and willingness to use our mandate.
Session: Business Confidence 2024-12-12
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With 17 inmate deaths this year at HMP Parc, which has been under G4S control since its opening in 1997, what consideration has the Lord Chancellor made of returning the prison to Ministry of Justice control?
Context
Since the beginning of this year, 17 inmates have died at HMP Parc. It has been under G4S management since opening in 1997.
Nicholas Dakin
HMP Parc is receiving a lot of attention. The Minister for prisons in the other place will be answering questions tomorrow regarding this and other matters.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-10
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There is significant variability in the provision of veteran services across the nations. What steps is the Secretary of State taking, alongside his Cabinet colleagues, to ensure parity of services across the nations, and in particular in Scotland?
Context
The question focuses on the uneven distribution of resources and support for veterans in different regions, with specific concern about Scotland.
Kirsty McNeill
The Minister for Veterans and People is leading this work. The Prime Minister recently made an announcement on giving veterans a social housing exemption, which, I can confirm, will bring England in line with Scotland, where veterans are already exempt from the local connection requirement to access social housing. We are creating a level playing field across the nations to support veterans, as I mentioned in my first answer.
Session: Support for Veterans 2024-12-04
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Chiltern Railways has an old fleet over 30 years of age, necessitating additional capacity. The Department is committed to reducing overcrowding by moving rolling stock where needed. Can the Minister elaborate on specific steps being taken to reduce crowding on the Chiltern main line?
Context
The MP is concerned about overcrowding due to the aging fleet and seeks specific steps to address this issue for constituents in Solihull.
Simon Lightwood
Chiltern's business case assesses like-for-like and enhanced capacity options. Like-for-like offers similar capacity but with modern trains, while enhanced capacity would run more services to relieve crowding. Both are under consideration ahead of further market engagement for a final decision based on value for money.
Session: Chiltern Railways Capacity 2024-10-10
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If she will take steps to help expedite the approval of additional trains to increase capacity on Chiltern Railways. Chiltern Railways has the oldest fleet and needs additional capacity to meet constituent demands in Solihull West and Shirley.
Context
The question arises from the need to increase passenger capacity on Chiltern Railways, which has an aging fleet over 30 years old. The MP seeks steps to expedite train approval for improved service.
Simon Lightwood
Officials will continue to work with Children Railways to support its fleet renewal programme, exploring options to expedite procurement of additional trains while ensuring robust assurance steps are followed for value for money.
Session: Chiltern Railways Capacity 2024-10-10
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Does the Solicitor General agree that there is an urgent need to address the gap in fees for prosecuting and defending counsel?
Context
The question highlights the issue of delays in rape cases due to difficulties in securing experienced prosecutors, often attributed to disparities in fee structures.
Sarah Sackman
We know that the availability of sufficiently experienced prosecutors is a problem that needs to be looked at. That is why, in appropriate cases, we are looking at using associate prosecutors to clear the backlog in our courts more generally, but for the most serious crimes of rape and violence against women and girls, we need specialist prosecutors. The Government will be looking closely at both recruitment and retention.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls 2024-09-12
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When does the Secretary of State anticipate that the Horizon shortfall scheme appeal process will be fully operational?
Context
Postmasters have been adversely affected by errors in the Horizon IT system.
Jonathan Reynolds
We have moved at pace to put the scheme in place due to legislation from the last Parliament. We are working on letters and information distribution.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-09-05
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I congratulate the Minister and the rest of the Front-Bench team on their appointments. As a former orthopaedic surgeon, I am mindful of the impact of osteoporosis on many constituents in Solihull West and Shirley. Currently half of the country has access to fracture liaison services, which can prevent fractures when delivered well. The last Conservative Government made a commitment to roll out these services across the whole country by 2030. Will the Minister honour that commitment?
Context
More than 67,000 people suffer a fracture every year in England. Half the country has access to fracture liaison services, which are known to prevent fractures when delivered well.
Andrew Gwynne
We are committed to improving these services in specific parts of the country, but we are not looking at health rationing or cutting back on treatment as written about in “ConservativeHome”. We will be looking at detailed plans for improvement.
Session: Fracture Liaison Services 2024-07-23
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I am concerned about the provision of fracture liaison services in all hospitals. More than 500,000 fragility fractures occur every year, and up to 40% of fracture patients will suffer another fracture. I praise the campaigns by The Mail on Sunday and the Royal Osteoporosis Society for their work.
Context
More than 500,000 fragility fractures occur annually in the UK, with up to 40% of fracture patients suffering another fracture.
Andrew Gwynne
The Government is committed to expanding access to fracture liaison services. The Department is working closely with NHS England to develop plans for better quality and access to these important preventive services.
Session: Fracture Liaison Services 2024-07-23
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Space Weather
02 July 2025
Responding: Chris Bryant
Main Concerns
['The threat posed by space weather, based on historical events such as the Carrington event in 1859 and a near-miss storm in 2012 estimated to cost over $2.6 trillion globally if it had hit Earth. Modern Britain’s reliance on digital infrastructure makes it vulnerable; severe storms could leave parts of the UK without electricity for days or weeks, disrupting essential services like supermarkets, mobile networks, hospitals, and water supply.']
Specific Asks
['The Government to publish a delivery plan with clear targets and funding for the 2021 strategy, bring forward statutory requirements for critical infrastructure operators to mitigate risk, and ensure that the armed forces are equipped and trained to operate in space weather blackout conditions.']
Court Reporting Data
10 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
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 ...
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Digital ID 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the mandatory digital ID policy will continue as planned? The MP expresses concern about the policy's cost, effectiveness, and whether it is still necessary given its ev...
Prisons Illegal Drugs 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Justice Committee is concerned by the growing level of drug use in prisons, leading to a human tragedy with over 136 drug-related deaths between December 2022 and December 2024. The committee's si...
Chinese Embassy 2026-01-13
13 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the status of the release of unredacted plans for the proposed Chinese embassy at Royal Mint Court, given concerns about security risks and the proximity to critical communic...
Emergency and Life-Saving Skills (Schools) 2026-01-13
13 January 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
This Bill seeks to ensure that every child leaving school possesses the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in emergencies, including life-threatening situations. It aims to equip young people...
Jury Trials 2026-01-07
07 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That this House believes that it is wrong to abolish jury trials for crimes with anticipated sentences of three years or less because jury trials are a fundamental part of the UK consti...
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the impact of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill on armed forces recruitment and retention? The MP is concerned that the new bill will negatively affect morale, recruitment, ...
HMP Leyhill Offender Abscondments 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the implications for public safety following the admission that two dangerous offenders, including a convicted murderer, absconded from HMP Leyhill on New Year's Day?
Attendance
86.4%
19 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
10
45.5% of votes
No Votes
9
40.9% of votes
Abstentions
3
13.6% of votes
03 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
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
20
Ministerial Questions Asked
62
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
+152% above average
This MP:
20
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2522% above average
This MP:
62
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 (%)
+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 Neil Shastri-Hurst's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.