Lisa Smart
MP for Hazel Grove
Lib Dem
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.
The community of Woodley is plagued by retail crime. Bredbury police station was closed a few years ago. The Lib Dems propose a police counter in every community for better access and reassurance. What steps are being taken to ensure that communities like Woodley can access police services in person?
Context
Retail crime in Woodley has increased, leading to concerns about the accessibility of local police services following the closure of Bredbury station.
Sarah Jones
Every ward will have a named community officer, and the £200 rule for retail crime has been scrapped. There are more officers deployed to address increased theft. Innovative solutions can be considered but having a named officer is key progress.
Session: Police Services In-person Access 2026-02-09
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What steps she is taking to help ensure in-person access to police services. Of concern is the increased antisocial behaviour and violent incidents, especially retail crime. The community wants reassurance that they can access police in person for various reasons including accessibility and reassurance.
Context
The Liberal Democrat MP for Hazel Grove is concerned about in-person accessibility of police services following the closure of Bredbury police station.
Sarah Jones
Every ward will have a named community officer. The £200 rule for retail crime is scrapped, and more officers are deployed to address increased theft. Additional steps include innovative solutions for visibility but the priority is having a named police officer in each ward.
Session: Police Services In-person Access 2026-02-09
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One of the topics that constituents get in touch with me about a lot, particularly over the autumn, is the impact that fireworks can have on domestic animals—both the number and volume of displays and kids deploying fireworks in the street or their back gardens. Those cause distress to animals, and also to people who have suffered trauma or have served as veterans. I urge the Department to look at limiting the volume of fireworks or restricting their use solely to licensed displays.
Context
Autumn is a time when constituents often report distress caused to pets and veterans due to fireworks in the community.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Dame Angela Eagle)
We are aware of the welfare issues around fireworks, and we are looking at the evidence to see whether any such changes would actually make a difference.
Session: Domestic Animals Welfare 2026-02-05
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I am grateful to the Solicitor General for the work she and others are doing on this topic. I have had previous conversations with Justice Ministers who have outlined plans about initiating qualitative research on the operation of the 1980 Hague convention, particularly in domestic abuse cases, which is welcome for all the Hague mothers and their families. However, many women across the country, including at least two in my constituency, remain in limbo. What discussions has the Solicitor General had with the Crown Prosecution Service about how it co-ordinates with family courts when they are hearing Hague convention applications where domestic abuse is alleged? Could she update the House on what plans the Government have to strengthen legal protections for mothers and children fleeing abuse under the Hague convention?
Context
MP Lisa Smart has previously campaigned on child abduction issues. She mentions two constituents in limbo and ongoing research by Justice Ministers on the 1980 Hague Convention.
The Solicitor General
I am very sorry to hear of situation of the hon. Member’s constituents. I am aware that the hon. Member has met colleagues from the Ministry of Justice, and I commend her for her dedication to championing these issues. We are considering further qualitative research on the operation of the Hague convention in cases of domestic abuse, and we will ensure that research is given full and proper consideration. I am not sure of the exact details of her constituents’ cases, but if she writes to me with more detail, I can take it up with the CPS. Alternatively, she may wish to meet the chief Crown prosecutor in her region to discuss it further.
Session: Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985 2026-02-05
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Will the Minister undertake to look at Harry’s case and ensure that appointees such as Helen do not find it too hard to access Access to Work so that we can keep brilliant people like Harry in work?
Context
A constituent named Harry, who has a learning disability and holds two jobs, faces difficulty accessing his Access to Work paperwork online. His mother Helen, acting as an appointee, must print out 24 bits of paper and manually sign them before posting.
Stephen Timms
The hon. Lady makes a good point, reforming Access to Work is needed; we consulted on this in the Green Paper last year and agree that less bureaucracy for access is required.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-01-26
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Yesterday, the Trade Secretary was the latest senior Government figure to break ranks by saying that it would be “crazy” not to look at a customs union with the EU. Does the Minister accept that it would save us all a lot of time, be the single biggest lever that the Government could pull to generate growth, and give those on his own Benches something that they are crying out for if he just agreed to crack on and start negotiations for a bespoke customs union with the EU?
Context
The Trade Secretary and others suggested it would be 'crazy' not to look at a customs union with the EU. Many businesses face trade barriers post-Brexit.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
No, and the situation is not as the hon. Lady has described. The work that the Government are doing in building a closer EU-UK relationship is crucial, and we can do it alongside a trade deal with India and an economic deal with the United States that is saving jobs at Jaguar Land Rover.
Session: UK-EU Relations 2026-01-22
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We expect an EU reset Bill in the coming months to update the arrangements around our relationship with our European neighbours. Does the Minister agree that Parliament should have the ability to fully scrutinise the legislation to ensure that the Government deliver the change that we need and that we can hold Ministers’ feet to the fire as they set up new structures or committees as needed?
Context
The Liberal Democrats expect an EU reset Bill to update arrangements around the UK's relationship with its European neighbours, following a Brexit deal that trashed the economy and international standing.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
Well, on the basis of my exchange with the shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, I thoroughly look forward to bringing the Bill to the Commons and debating it fully. Members should not just believe what I say, but look at what the supermarkets said about the deal that was struck last year.
Session: UK-EU Relations 2026-01-22
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What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the implementation of the Hague convention on international child abduction involving domestic abuse? Two constituents have fled Australia and Poland due to abuse, facing potential returns under the Hague convention. The second forum on domestic violence took place in Brazil. What progress was made at that forum and what legislative or other proposals will be brought forward to strengthen protections for mothers and children?
Context
Two Hazel Grove constituents have fled Australia and Poland with their children due to domestic abuse, facing the prospect of returning under the Hague convention. A second forum on domestic violence and the 1980 child abduction convention took place in Brazil.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
The Government are considering initiating further qualitative research on the operation of the 1980 Hague convention in cases relating to domestic abuse. This research will inform future policy and ensure reforms are grounded in robust evidence, improving outcomes for both children and survivors.
Session: International Child Abduction Domestic Abuse 2025-12-16
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I note the right hon. Gentleman’s response. It may well be good for the pharma industry; my question was whether it is good for the NHS. Just four days ago, the Prime Minister said that the Brexit deal “significantly hurt our economy” and that we have to keep moving towards a closer relationship with the EU. I agree with the Prime Minister. A clear and welcome step for jobs and growth would be to create a bespoke customs union with the EU. The Liberal Democrats want to cut unnecessary red tape, support British businesses and deliver sustainable long-term economic growth. I am sure the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster does, too. I agree with his earlier comment that what happens in this House matters, so will he at least agree not to block his colleagues on the Government Benches from backing the ten-minute rule Bill that my hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Dr Pinkerton) will move next Wednesday, which sets a path towards a bespoke EU-UK customs union—
Context
The question addresses concerns about the impact of Brexit on the NHS and the broader economy, particularly regarding the trade agreement with the US.
Darren Jones (The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster)
Mr Speaker, there is obviously a great deal of interest on the Liberal Democrat Benches in their ten-minute rule Bill, which I look forward to reading in due course.
Session: EU Relations 2025-12-04
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I am an adoptive auntie, and I know the power that comes to young children when they are in a stable, loving family and the impact that that can have on their lives. One of my constituents from Romiley tells me that despite a likely diagnosis of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder for two of her three adopted children, their therapy funding will soon come to an abrupt end, and there is no clarity on whether it will be extended. The only way she can see for her family and for many others like them to achieve safety, security and certainty for their children is through that support. Will the Minister update the House on whether they plan to extend the adoption and special guardianship support fund? If so, will they consider making a multi-year funding guarantee to offer adoptive families and—let us face it—some of the country’s most vulnerable children greater certainty about future support?
Context
A constituent with adopted children likely diagnosed with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder faces the end of therapy funding for two of her three adopted children, leaving no clarity on whether it will be extended. This lack of certainty impacts many families similarly situated.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)
We want to ensure a sustainable, long-term future for adoption support in this country. I will set out plans in the near future that will hopefully address a number of the concerns that the hon. Member has mentioned. That sits on top of the really quite widespread changes and improvements we are making to children’s social care, with £2.4 billion of investment over the next three years to ensure that earlier family help is there for all families, regardless of their legal status, whether they are an adopter or a birth parent.
Session: Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund 2025-12-01
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Over the summer, my team and I conducted a health survey across my constituency, and 40% of those living in the most deprived and most urban parts of my patch—Heaviley, Little Moor and Great Moor—were struggling to access GPs. What more can the Secretary of State do to ensure that urban and deprived communities get their fair share of GP access?
Context
A health survey found that 40% of those living in the most deprived parts of the constituency struggled to access GPs.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
We are reforming the Carr-Hill formula so that deprivation is the driver of funding and prioritisation, which will help us to improve services for everyone and tackle the gross health inequalities that blight our society.
Session: Access to GPs 2025-11-25
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More community energy is obviously good for the planet and for the pockets of bill payers, and it is certainly good for our energy security. The amazing volunteers at Stockport Hydro, Greater Manchester’s first hydroelectric producing plant which is in the River Goyt in my Hazel Grove constituency, tell me about the problems they are having with the Environment Agency stopping them doing their work. They were kept waiting for 227 days for the result of a licence inspection, and they have struggled to get information from it. A lead volunteer told me that if the EA continues in this way, community energy is “doomed”. What conversations is the Minister having across the Government to ensure that community energy delivers the clean power that we need?
Context
The question arises from issues faced by Stockport Hydro, a community project in Hazel Grove that has encountered difficulties with the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency delayed the licence inspection for 227 days and struggled to provide necessary information.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
I thank the hon. Lady for that question, and pay tribute to all those involved in Stockport Hydro for the work they are doing. Clearly, it has been too much of a challenge, and we need to make it easier. Alongside much-needed funding, we must make the regulatory landscape much easier, and across Government we are having a review of regulation to ensure that we can move faster to build things in this country. Nowhere is that more important than in communities that have come together to deliver a project. That is good for us as a country, good for social and economic growth and good for local communities, and we need to make it easier. I am happy to discuss the issue further with the hon. Lady, because these are the kinds of projects that we want across the country.
Session: Community Energy Projects 2025-11-18
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T5. Starting Point in Woodley is a social enterprise that works to tackle digital exclusion. It tells me that the lack of access to a device is a barrier for too many of my constituents. What plans do the Government have to enable the refurbishment of Government and civil service devices to make it easier for my constituents to get online?
Context
Starting Point in Woodley is a social enterprise that works to tackle digital exclusion, highlighting the lack of access to devices as a barrier for many constituents.
The Minister for Digital Government and Data (Ian Murray)
The hon. Lady raises an important question about digital inclusion, which is right at the heart of the Government’s strategy. We just heard from the Opposition that they are against digital ID and digitalising this country—I am very happy to meet the hon. Lady to talk about that specific project in her constituency.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-11-12
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Following the recent cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover which cost £1.9 billion, can the Minister update the House on the progress being made to address such threats under the Government’s resilience action plan? Additionally, when is the introduction of the cyber-security and resilience Bill expected?
Context
The UK experienced the most expensive cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover, costing £1.9 billion, highlighting the need for national security measures against such attacks.
Dan Jarvis (The Minister of State, Cabinet Office)
Protecting national security from cyber-attacks is a priority. The Home Office is progressing legislative measures to protect UK businesses from ransomware attacks. My first visit as a Cabinet Office Minister was to the National Cyber Security Centre.
Session: Strengthening National Resilience 2025-10-23
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I think the Government are right to identify economic growth as a key priority. I also agree with the Chancellor, who this week identified Brexit as one of the reasons that they are finding growth tough to find. Brexit red tape is a millstone around the neck of our economy; it has added 2 billion pieces of extra business paperwork, piled on costs and stifled innovation. Businesses in my constituency tell me they have stopped selling to our nearest neighbours in the world’s largest trading bloc altogether. Does the Minister agree that if the Government are serious about growing our economy, they should unleash trade by joining a bespoke customs union with the European Union?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of Brexit on economic growth, specifically mentioning increased business paperwork and costs.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister)
May I welcome the hon. Lady to her new spokesperson role? We recognise the impact that Brexit has had on the UK economy, which is why we have entered into a new trade deal in our first year in government with the European Union. A very key part of that is the sanitary and phytosanitary agreement for food and drink trade, which my right hon. Friend the Member for Torfaen (Nick Thomas-Symonds) is working on with European counterparts at the moment. Once that is implemented, we look forward to seeing trade improve, growth increasing and prices coming down on the shelves in supermarkets across the United Kingdom.
Session: Delivery of Government Priorities 2025-10-23
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My constituent Louise reported her sexual assault to the police back in 2021. She has had court dates pushed back twice and the trial is now expected in December 2026, nearly six years after reporting it to the police. What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of such delays on victim-survivors, who are also witnesses, and of the impact on the quality of the eventual court case?
Context
The MP mentioned a constituent's case where the court date for her sexual assault trial was pushed back multiple times over several years, highlighting the negative impact of such delays.
Alex Davies-Jones
I thank the hon. Member for that really important question. All my thoughts are with Louise and, sadly, so many like her who are waiting for justice. We know that justice delayed is justice denied. That is why we asked Sir Brian Leveson to conduct the once-in-a-generation reform of our criminal courts system: to ensure that we have a criminal justice system fit for the future, which breaks down the backlog on our court cases so that victims such as Louise are no longer waiting for justice.
Session: Support for Victims of Rape and Sexual Violence 2025-09-16
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Does the Home Secretary agree that it is better to do what works, both for refugees and for communities welcoming them, and will she look again at reinstating a policy that worked, rather than chasing headlines?
Context
The move-on period extension was effective in providing stability for newly arrived refugees and local communities.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood)
We are following what is working. Rather than having an arbitrary time period, we work with local authorities to ensure appropriate move-on periods. People should remain in hotels only as long as necessary; this Government will end the use of asylum hotels.
Session: Channel Crossings 2025-09-15
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This weekend, as the Home Secretary said, Elon Musk used a rally to call—alongside convicted criminal, so-called Tommy Robinson—for the Dissolution of Parliament, and to incite violence on our streets. What assessment has the Home Office made of these statements?
Context
The MP raises concerns over high-profile figures calling for the dissolution of Parliament and inciting violence.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood)
There is both a legal question here and a political question. On the legal question, in all cases, including the one that the hon. Lady raises, it is for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service to decide independently whether the law has been broken and charges should be brought.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-09-15
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Does the Secretary of State agree that parliamentary scrutiny is needed once final guidance from the EHRC is published to ensure clarity and security for trans people?
Context
The interim EHRC guidance has caused confusion, leading to cases where trans individuals are denied access to facilities aligned with their gender identity.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
Trans people and women deserve appropriate access to safe spaces. The government has not seen advanced versions of interim updates from the EHRC but will ensure full consideration once the final draft updated code is received.
Session: Support for Trans People 2025-09-03
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I recently had the pleasure of getting a robust grilling from some 16 and 17-year-olds from Aquinas sixth-form college in my constituency, which left me filled with optimism and a real sense that our democracy is in good hands. My worry, though, is that these sixth-formers and young people like them might lose their enthusiasm for our democracy and for voting because they feel that our first-past-the-post voting system leads to politicians taking a majority of power on a minority of votes. With more than 40% of MPs elected with under 40% of the votes cast in their constituency, does the Minister agree with her own Government’s statement on why they are scrapping first past the post for mayoral and police and crime commissioner elections, and should we expect a different voting system when the Aquinas sixth-formers vote at the next general election?
Context
The MP references recent discussions with 16 and 17-year-olds from Aquinas sixth-form college who expressed concerns about the first-past-the-post voting system.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her question. Her party had the opportunity when in government to introduce electoral reform. This Government are focused on ensuring that young people are enfranchised. I look forward to working with her to deliver votes at 16 for young people in our country.
Session: Elections Participation 2025-07-14
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My constituent Andy from Offerton often plays a caring role for his adult son, as his son has serious mental ill health. During his son’s recent stay in prison, Andy struggled to get quality information from the prison about his son’s health situation and living conditions. What more will the Government do to ensure that parent carers such as Andy get the information they need and deserve during a child’s stay in prison?
Context
A constituent Andy often plays a caring role for his adult son with serious mental health issues and struggles to get quality information from the prison about his son’s health situation.
Nicholas Dakin
The hon. Lady is right: it is important that parent carers get the information they need that helps with rehabilitation and getting things to the right place. If she wants to write to me about that particular case, I will look into it and write back to her.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-07-08
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The best community policing is embedded within communities, responding to their needs. Whether it is attacks on Jewish-owned businesses or hateful chants at music festivals, there are too many sobering reminders of the reality of the antisemitism that too many within the Jewish community across the UK are facing right now. Home Office figures have shown that religious hate crimes are at record highs, and that the number of hate crimes specifically targeting Jewish people has more than doubled. Everyone deserves to feel safe in our society, and that must include British Jewish communities, so what steps is the Home Secretary taking to ensure that police have the training and resources needed to effectively tackle antisemitic hate crimes, while supporting survivors?
Context
Home Office figures have shown a significant increase in religious hate crimes, with antisemitic hate crimes more than doubling. Jewish communities are facing heightened threats.
Yvette Cooper
The hon. Member is right to highlight the appalling increase in antisemitism, antisemitic hate crime and assaults that took place after the events in the middle east. She will know that, in order to tackle antisemitism, we and the police work very closely with the Community Security Trust and we are introducing new measures to deal with intimidating protests outside synagogues.
Session: Neighbourhood Policing 2025-07-07
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The Secretary of State and I are lucky enough to represent Greater Manchester constituencies, in a part of the country that played a pivotal role in our industrial heritage. Now, although Wigan is lovely, it is not Hazel Grove, so she will not have the junction of the Macclesfield and Peak Forest canal, she will not have our wonderful Marple aqueduct and she will not have one of the longest lock flights in the country. What support will the Minister give to communities like mine that are keen to see our area have world heritage site status so that these heritage assets get the support, funding and protection that they deserve?
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of communities in Greater Manchester seeking world heritage site status to protect and support their heritage assets.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
Well, I have just been told that I am on the side of Wigan. [Laughter.] But there is a more serious point here, which is that the UK has 35 UNESCO world heritage sites. We are one of the two biggest contributors in the world to UNESCO and passionate supporters of it. There is a slight danger that if we have too many and we add too many to the list, people will start trying to take others off us, so we have to manage it carefully. None the less, the hon. Lady makes a good point about the historic sites in many of our constituencies that we need to preserve, not least as part of our tourism offer for international visitors.
Session: Heritage Sector Impact of Spending Review 2025-07-03
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I saw for myself the impact of Russia’s barbarism in Kyiv and Chernihiv last month, and I heard directly from some of the brave Ukrainians who had been subject to war crimes in Yahidne. There is a lot going on in the world at the moment, but what assurances can the Foreign Secretary give the House and those Ukrainians waiting to be able to go home that he is straining every sinew so that Russia pays for its crimes and war crimes?
Context
The MP references her recent visit to Ukraine and the impact of Russia's war on Ukrainian cities. She raises concerns about Ukrainian citizens waiting for justice.
David Lammy
Our support is iron-clad. The hon. Lady will have seen our continuing package of sanctions on Russia and will recognise that this issue will be central to our discussions at NATO later on today and tomorrow. Whether it is at the G7, NATO or Weimar+, the UK continues to lead on this critical issue, not just for Ukraine but for European security.
Session: Frozen Russian Assets 2025-06-24
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Happy birthday, Mr Speaker. My Lib Dem predecessor, the much-missed Andrew Stunell, pushed for the zero carbon homes programme during his time in the 2010 to 2015 Government, having brought in his first Bill on that subject back in 2004. Sadly, those standards were scrapped as soon as the Conservatives were governing on their own. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit has estimated that, had those standards been reached in 2016, households would have paid £5 billion less in energy bills as a result of living in better insulated and more energy-efficient homes. The Secretary of State earlier mentioned the future homes standard, which is bringing in welcome steps on solar panels and so on. When will the Government go further to reach zero carbon homes standards with a fabric-first approach?
Context
The question follows up on the Secretary of State's earlier statements about upgrading homes through the warm homes plan. Lisa Smart references her predecessor Andrew Stunell and the scrapped zero carbon homes programme.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
The hon. Lady raises an important question. The failure to have a zero carbon homes standard or future homes standard in place has meant that we have built over 1 million homes since then that are now going to have to be retrofitted. That makes no financial sense. It is right to put those upgrades in as standard from the get-go, and we have done a lot of work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and house builders to make sure that can be done in a way that also means we can build lots of homes.
Session: Energy Efficiency 2025-06-10
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Peaceful protest is a fundamental right in any free society, but for protests to remain safe and orderly, a visible, well-trained and effective police presence is often needed on top of existing neighbourhood police teams. Cities such as Manchester are seeing rising numbers of demonstrations, which the combined authority estimates will cost up to £2 million this year to police. While the Met receives specific grants to cover the cost of policing protests, Greater Manchester police receives no such allocation. That is not only unfair to my constituents, but unsustainable. In the light of the worries highlighted by police leaders about their funding being cut in the upcoming spending review, can the Home Secretary ensure that areas such as Greater Manchester receive the funding they need to police protests properly without taking away from the neighbourhood policing our communities deserve?
Context
Cities such as Manchester are seeing rising numbers of demonstrations, which the combined authority estimates will cost up to £2 million this year to police. Greater Manchester Police does not receive specific grants to cover these costs.
Yvette Cooper
We will continue to support Greater Manchester police and police forces across the country. It is right that they should be able to deal with issues and challenges, including public order. We are strengthening the system in that area as a result of weaknesses in the national co-ordination that we have inherited. I can tell the hon. Lady that Greater Manchester police will be getting 176 additional police officers for their neighbourhood teams over the course of this year.
Session: Neighbourhood Policing 2025-06-02
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Another group for whom the immigration White Paper is creating uncertainty is refugee families. Family reunion is a vital route by which refugees can safely reach the UK, free from the grasps of criminal trafficking gangs. The Government should be looking for more ways to facilitate refugee family reunion, not hindering it. It is unclear how the White Paper’s reforms on English language requirements will apply to refugee family reunion. Will the Minister acknowledge the needs of this unique and vulnerable group? Is she able to provide clarity on the level of English language proficiency that people who apply for refugee family reunion will be expected to have once the reforms are implemented?
Context
The immigration White Paper may affect refugee families seeking to reunite with their loved ones in the UK through a family reunion route.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Seema Malhotra)
I thank the hon. Member for her question. She will know that in the immigration White Paper we have referenced that we will be looking at reform of the family rules, and we will be consulting on that.
Session: Qualifying Period for Settlement 2025-06-02
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My Hazel Grove constituents are content to pay their fair share of tax, but they are understandably disappointed when His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs overcharges and then ghosts them. Gail from Romiley is a foster carer who was owed a tax repayment. She repeatedly contacted HMRC over a nine-month period, but it was only when my superstar casework team got involved that she got a £1,200 rebate. What assurance can Ministers give my constituents that HMRC is adequately resourced to give them the support they need to pay their fair share of tax?
Context
A constituent, Gail from Romiley, faced an HMRC overcharge and only received a rebate after extensive casework support. This highlights concerns about HMRC's ability to handle such cases efficiently.
James Murray
To reassure her and her constituent, one of my priorities as chair of the HMRC board is to improve HMRC’s day-to-day performance. We have seen the percentage of telephony adviser attempts handled go from 59% last March to 80% this March. It will remain a priority for me to modernise and digitise the service.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-05-20
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Bear with me on this, Mr Speaker. The previous Conservative Government did not get absolutely everything wrong. They rightly identified that Treasury spending was a powerful tool to rebalance our economy in favour of areas like ours in the north of England. They then failed to deliver, and voters delivered their verdict at the ballot box. This Government have the opportunity to use this powerful tool and ensure that regional disparities are not further entrenched when they look at the Green Book. What reassurance can the Chancellor give my constituents that projects such as repairing Stepping Hill hospital, or bringing the tram-train to Marple, will get a fair crack of the Treasury spending whip?
Context
The previous Conservative Government identified Treasury spending as a tool for economic rebalancing but failed to deliver. The current Labour government has an opportunity to use this tool effectively.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
I totally agree with the hon. Lady. The plans that we inherited from the Conservative party saw capital spending decline as a share of GDP, which is totally the wrong decision if we want to grow the economy and improve prospects in towns and cities across the north of England. Over the course of this Parliament, we are putting £113 billion more into capital spending so that we can build the road and rail infrastructure, the energy infrastructure, the digital infrastructure and the housing that our country desperately needs. Under our reforms to the Green Book, we will make sure that we get more investment to the places that need it, including towns and cities in the north of England.
Session: Public Spending Value for Money 2025-05-20
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Ukrainians in the UK deserve stability after fleeing war, yet almost half report severe stress and anxiety caused by prolonged uncertainty about their visa status. Some 44% have lost a job opportunity, 26% have been unable to sign new tenancy agreements and 25% have had a student loan rejected, all because of that uncertainty. Does the Minister agree that this is an unacceptable way of treating those to whom we opened our arms, and will she commit to giving Ukrainian refugees the certainty about their visas that they deserve?
Context
Many Ukrainians in the UK are reporting severe stress and anxiety due to uncertainty about their visa status, affecting job opportunities and tenancy agreements.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Seema Malhotra)
The hon. Lady will be aware that we continue to stand by Ukraine, and to support those whom we have been able to welcome to our country. We have provided certainty under the Ukraine permission extension scheme, which we opened on 4 February. Under that scheme, people can prove that they have ongoing status through section 3C leave during their application process.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-31
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As the Minister has said, getting more bobbies on the beat in Gloucestershire and across the country is crucial to delivering the frontline policing that our communities deserve. However, recent freedom of information figures show that more than 1,500 police officers are stuck on long-term sick leave, including 148 in my own Greater Manchester police force. On the job, officers witness violent and traumatic events that can damage their mental health, but too many report being left without enough support. What plans does the Minister have to ensure that mental health support is good enough in the police? That is one of the ways to get officers fit for a return to work more quickly, to be part of restoring the proper community policing that our communities deserve.
Context
Recent freedom of information figures show that more than 1,500 police officers are on long-term sick leave due to mental health issues.
The Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)
The hon. Lady raises a very important point about the wellbeing of police officers and police staff. We have the police covenant, which is very important. I have already had the first meeting about the steps we are taking to improve work around the police covenant, but fundamentally occupational health is a matter for chief constables in their own forces. We are very keen that the work that has gone on to improve those occupational health standards continues and that the wellbeing of police officers is at the front and centre of our work, so that we have a healthy workforce to deliver for us on our safer streets mission.
Session: Police Forces Gloucestershire 2025-03-31
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Stepping Hill hospital in Hazel Grove has a huge repairs backlog. Patients are having to park miles away to get to the hospital, corridors have been flooded and there have been frequent power cuts. Alongside Stockport council, the local hospital trust and the community, I am calling for an additional site in Stockport town centre, whether that is a diagnostic centre or otherwise. What assurance can the Health Secretary give my constituents that they will be able to get the health services they need closer to them, and what support can he provide?
Context
Stepping Hill hospital has a large repairs backlog and patients face difficulties accessing care due to parking issues, flooding, and power cuts.
Wes Streeting
I am well aware of the challenges at Stepping Hill hospital and the need for support and investment in services in Stockport, not least thanks to the representations of my hon. Friend the Member for Stockport (Navendu Mishra). We are looking carefully at this situation and are committed to working with leaders locally to try to improve the quality of and access to services to give local people what they deserve.
Session: Community Hospitals 2025-03-25
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What steps is the Minister taking to ensure proper protection of national security and civil liberties? Why does the Government believe Apple’s UK customers should not have the same privacy rights as those in other countries?
Context
Apple discontinued advanced data protection services in the UK due to Home Office demands for back-door access, raising concerns about civil liberties. Liberal Democrats argue that investigatory powers must be proportionate.
The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)
I cannot confirm or deny the existence of any notices under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 due to national security reasons. Privacy and security are not at odds; robust safeguards and independent oversight ensure data is obtained only when necessary and proportionate.
Session: Hostile State Threats 2025-02-24
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I am grateful to the Minister for her response and our ongoing correspondence on this issue. I very much look forward to meeting her on site at Stepping Hill so that she can see for herself the reported £134 million repairs backlog at the site. The most recent board papers mentioned a £19.9 million significant risk backlog, which is having a detrimental effect on the hospital team’s ability to see and treat patients. What hope can the Minister give that there is a plan for the funding of buildings at Stepping Hill so that my constituents get the treatment that they deserve?
Context
The hon. Member has been working on the issue of repairs needed at Stepping Hill hospital, which has a reported £134 million backlog and a significant risk backlog of £19.9 million.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
The hon. Lady outlines for her constituents what many across the House will recognise: the state that the last Government left the capital estate in. The autumn Budget committed over £13 billion into next year, with £4 billion for ICBs to start prioritising some of this work. We have allocated £1 billion for critical backlogs, maintenance and upgrades. A longer-term capital plan will follow the 10-year plan that we are currently developing to offer the hope for her constituents that she asks for.
Session: Stepping Hill Hospital 2025-02-11
View All Questions -->
My constituent, who is a British citizen and the mother of two young children, faces the prospect of being forced to return to Poland to accompany those children under the Hague convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction, having fled escalating domestic abuse. If she does, her inability to speak the language or work will leave her entirely dependent on her abuser, even though he is barred from contacting her. Will the Minister work with me to ensure that domestic abuse is explicitly recognised as a valid defence against return orders of this type?
Context
A British citizen facing return to Poland due to domestic abuse, despite being barred from contacting her.
Sarah Sackman
I thank the hon. Lady for her question, and I invite her to write to me about that specific case, which sounds like it throws up a very difficult set of factual circumstances that I would like the opportunity to consider.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-28
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One of my constituents has contacted me to ask why he has been waiting nine long months for a decision from the Court of Protection on his deputyship application. He needs to secure the deputyship in order to make crucial decisions for a vulnerable loved one. Another constituent, in a similar position, waited for two months without any acknowledgement that his application was being looked into. Their experiences are not unique; solicitors and judges alike acknowledge the systemic delays plaguing the system. Does the Minister agree that such long delays in processing times are unacceptable, and what does she think is acceptable?
Context
A constituent has waited nine months for a deputyship decision from the Court of Protection, another two months with no acknowledgment. Solicitors and judges agree that such long delays are problematic.
Sarah Sackman (Minister of State, Ministry of Justice)
I agree with the hon. Lady that such delays are not acceptable, and I am sorry to hear of the distress that this will have caused. It is right that we continue to invest in our improvement plan and continue to see progress with digitisation. Digitising the application forms is a first step, but we want to see end-to-end digitisation, which we know is resulting in decent progress and has sped up those times over recent months. There is more to do, and we shall do it.
Session: Deputyship Applications 2025-01-28
View All Questions -->
What pressure are the UK Government putting on the Taliban to ensure that women and girls can go back to school?
Context
Women's rights have been under assault since the Taliban’s return to power, barring them from attending school and university.
Anneliese Dodds (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
I agree with the hon. Lady. We are deeply concerned by the appalling erosion of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, and we are seeking to use every avenue to exert pressure. I remind the House that on 9 January I announced that the UK had formally joined the list of countries pledging political support to the initiative to refer Afghanistan to the International Court of Justice for violations of the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-14
View All Questions -->
My constituent Majida and her three children are asylum seekers from Syria, living in one of two asylum hotels in my Hazel Grove constituency. They have been living in limbo for nine months as they wait for a decision on their asylum claim. What circumstances is the Minister waiting for to resume decision making on asylum applications from Syrians, and when does she expect that to happen?
Context
MP highlighted a constituent's case and the temporary pause in decision making for Syrian asylum seekers.
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Dame Angela Eagle)
Until Syria’s future becomes a little more settled, it is difficult to decide those claims. We inherited 5,500 Syrian asylum seekers in our system who fled the Assad regime. We are keeping the matter under close observation.
Session: Asylum Hotels 2025-01-13
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My constituents often ask me how pension funds can better address climate change. Will the Secretary of State update the House on conversations with the Pensions Minister regarding net zero goals?
Context
The MP mentioned frequently being asked about what pension funds could do to tackle climate change, particularly in relation to investing in fossil fuels.
Ed Miliband
That is an excellent question, Mr Speaker. I will write to the hon. Lady with a good answer.
Session: Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme Living Standards 2024-12-17
View All Questions -->
My constituent Kirsty is self-employed and is looking to adopt a child, but she does not qualify for adoption leave or adoption pay and, because she is not having her child biologically, she does not qualify for maternity allowance. Would the Government support changing that, whether through the Employment Rights Bill or otherwise, so that brilliant future parents are not put off from adopting because they cannot afford it?
Context
A constituent, Kirsty, who is self-employed and looking to adopt a child, does not qualify for adoption leave or adoption pay. This highlights the need for parental rights reform.
Justin Madders
That is an interesting question. There is a great interplay with rights for self-employed people. We are committing to a review on that in due course, together with a wider look at the parental leave system. We will get back to the hon. Lady on that.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-12
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Autistic Adults: Employment
11 November 2025
Responding: Dame Diana Johnson
Main Concerns
["The issue of employment barriers faced by autistic individuals has risen in prominence due to increased awareness and diagnosis. Lisa Smart mentions specific cases, such as Tom Boyd's difficulties with Waitrose and her constituent Bradley who struggles to secure a job despite his qualifications."]
Specific Asks
['Lisa asks for the government to promote opportunities and provide bespoke internship schemes like those offered by Stockport council to help autistic individuals thrive in their careers.']
Community Theatre
12 March 2025
Responding: Chris Bryant
Main Concerns
['The Forum theatre in Romiley faces a £2 million renovation cost due to RAAC roof issues, which is putting its future at risk. Local government funding constraints make it difficult for Stockport council to afford the necessary building renovations.']
Specific Asks
['Calls for capital funding and sustainable funding for local councils to support community theatres like the Forum theatre in Romiley.']
Adoptive Parents: Financial Support
14 January 2025
Responding: Andrew Western
Main Concerns
['The case of Kirsty highlights a significant gap in the financial support system that discourages self-employed individuals from adopting. Despite statutory guidance allowing local authorities to make discretionary means-tested payments, such support is not guaranteed and only 66% of local authorities have any policy for providing this assistance, leaving many adoptive parents with no financial safety net.']
Specific Asks
['I urge Departments across Government to prioritise financial support for self-employed adopters and extend statutory adoption pay or introduce an equivalent benefit to ensure that all prospective adopters receive the same level of support as employed individuals.']
Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals
06 November 2024
Responding: Mary Creagh
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the protection of the Peak Forest and Macclesfield canals, which are part of our national heritage and community fabric. The canals face significant funding challenges due to cuts imposed by the previous Conservative Government, amounting to nearly £300 million over ten years. Protecting these landmarks costs money, with each lock gate costing approximately £150,000. There is also a need for substantial restoration work, such as the Toddbrook reservoir repairs in 2019 which cost £15 million. The canals are vital for nature, health and wellbeing, tourism, and water management, but face an uncertain future without adequate funding.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to protect our canals as precious green corridors and industrial heritage; to fund them as a critical part of our infrastructure; and to value them as assets that could save money for the NHS and transport budget rather than liabilities to be managed. I also seek recognition for the 16-lock flight in Marple as a world heritage site.']
Standards in Public Life
09 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Jimmy Lai: Prison Sentence
09 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 ...
Business Rates 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government is taking steps to protect high street businesses from upward-only rent review clauses, introducing a strong new community right to buy to safeguard valued community assets. They are al...
Police Reform White Paper 2026-01-26
26 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water White Paper 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Chinese Embassy 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
Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief, explain why a U-turn was necessary after significant opposition from farmers and rural communities, ...
Venezuela 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Communications infrastructure in Hazel Grove
31 March 2025
The petition addresses residents' concerns about the proposed installation of telegraph poles and overhead fibre optic cables south of Dean Lane in Hazel Grove, which they view as unnecessary and an e...
View Full Petition -->
Communications Infrastructure in Hazel Grove
05 February 2025
The petitioners are concerned that proposed new infrastructure such as telegraph poles and overhead fibre optic cables in the area south of Dean Lane in Hazel Grove are unnecessary and an eyesore.
View Full Petition -->
Closure of High Lane Post Office
03 September 2024
The petition concerns the proposed closure of the High Line post office in Hazel Grove constituency, which residents argue is vital for the local community.
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
68.2%
15 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
9
40.9% of votes
No Votes
6
27.3% of votes
Abstentions
7
31.8% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
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 AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
13 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED 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
0
PMQs Asked
50
Ministerial Questions Asked
98
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
3
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
+530% above average
This MP:
50
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+160% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+4044% above average
This MP:
98
Average:
2.4
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
5.1
Petitions Presented
+34% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.2
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-10% below average
This MP:
68.2
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 Lisa Smart's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.