Sarah Smith
MP for Hyndburn
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Last week, I visited Sacred Heart primary school in Hyndburn, where the excellent teachers expressed their frustration at the current special educational needs and disabilities system. One wonderful boy, despite being non-verbal and requiring personal support, has been waiting for over 18 months for an education, health and care plan. There is a risk that he will not get a place in a school for the year ahead that suits his needs. How will the Prime Minister ensure that the voices of parents and children are at the heart of the SEND reforms that the Government will bring forward?
Context
The question highlights the frustration of teachers regarding delays in issuing education, health and care plans for children with special educational needs.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank my hon. Friend; she is a powerful champion on this issue. Our principle is that every young person with special educational needs should receive the right support to succeed. We have immediately announced an additional £1 billion for high-needs funding, including almost £20 million for schools in Lancashire. We will support special schools, and deliver truly inclusive places and expertise in mainstream schools to help every child thrive.
Assessment
No specific commitment was made regarding prioritizing parent and child voices in the reforms.
Redirection
Session: PMQs 2025-05-14
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What steps is he taking to support armed forces families? Another important factor in supporting our troops is ensuring they have adequate military clothing. The previous Conservative Government tied us into contracts where 90% of Army clothing comes from overseas, with much sourced from China. In Hyndburn, many businesses are ready to meet the needs of British troops. Will he review this and consider if British companies can supply these needs?
Context
The question follows concerns about the support provided to armed forces families and highlights a specific issue regarding military clothing supply.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones)
Armed forces families will be concerned about the kits their loved ones wear. It is hoped that most of our clothing comes from British companies, but the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry will speak to my hon. Friend in more depth on this issue.
Session: Armed Forces Families 2026-02-02
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My constituent Jay Slater's family have faced horrific harassment and misinformation while grieving his death. Sadly, this is not unique; the same content creators target other victims. Will the Minister meet these victims to explore tackling this abuse and allowing families peace?
Context
The family of Jay Slater, a constituent who tragically died last summer, has been subjected to online harassment and misinformation. This is not an isolated case, as similar content creators are targeting multiple victims through 'tragedy trolling'.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Kanishka Narayan)
I thank my hon. Friend and pay tribute to Debbie, Jay Slater's mother, who has dealt not only with her son’s death but also ongoing harassment. After meeting the MP and Debbie, I raised this issue with platforms. The Secretary of State will meet bereaved families in the new year; I am keen to continue our engagement to support victims.
Session: Online Harassment 2025-12-17
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Will the Chancellor join me in congratulating the great work of Red Hat, a catapult based in Hyndburn that has supported the safeguarding of over 300 jobs and the development of 46 new products? Will she meet me to consider the role of catapults in supporting economic growth in places such as Hyndburn?
Context
The Chancellor is being asked to meet with the questioner and consider how catapults can support economic growth.
Rachel Reeves
I thank my hon. Friend again for raising the opportunities in Portland. As he knows, we are working closely with Dorset council, the project and him to bring that to fruition.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-11-04
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As you may be aware, Mr Speaker, Reform-led Lancashire county council has opened a consultation on the future of care homes across Lancashire, including the proposal to close Woodlands care home in my constituency of Hyndburn. Will the Minister join me in urging Lancashire county council not to take forward these proposals, to protect much-valued local services, and to keep care close to the community and to the amazing staff who support our residents in Woodlands care home?
Context
Reform-led Lancashire county council has opened a consultation on the future of care homes, including proposals to close Woodlands care home in Hyndburn.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
I absolutely agree. It has been very interesting to see that all the rhetoric of many Reform-led councils has come crashing down as they face the reality of the situation. Adult social care plays an absolutely vital role in the shift from hospital to community, and I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the matter further.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-10-21
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I thank my hon. Friend for the work she is doing representing the Church Commissioners. The community of Hyndburn is vibrant and rich in its diversity, and I was proud to see how we responded to the awful riots last summer. What conversations has she had with the Church Commissioners on how the Church can continue to strengthen its work on integration and work with the Government as they develop a community cohesion strategy following the immigration White Paper?
Context
The MP highlights the diversity and social response to riots in her constituency, asking about conversations with Church Commissioners on strengthening work on integration and collaboration with Government.
Marsha De Cordova (Second Church Estates Commissioner)
I pay tribute to the social cohesion work happening in my hon. Friend’s constituency. I would just highlight that bishops and church officials have been in discussion with the Minister for Faith in the other place on community cohesion issues. The Church did write to the Prime Minister following the publication of the White Paper to call for a more holistic integration strategy, and this has also been raised in meetings.
Session: Community Cohesion 2025-07-03
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There exists in Hyndburn an outstanding opportunity to create a freight rail terminal that would fit with the Department for Transport’s targets for increasing rail freight capacity by 75%. The proposal also adds value in increasing east-west rail freight capacity, which must currently pass through Manchester. Sadly, no progress was made on this under the last Government. Does the Secretary of State agree that a north-west freight strategy should be a priority, and will she meet me to explore the potential of this as a priority project in the north-west?
Context
The MP highlights an opportunity to create a freight rail terminal that would support the government's targets for increasing rail freight capacity by 75% and improve east-west rail freight capacity.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
My hon. Friend is right to highlight the importance of rail freight, and I am clear that with a reformed railway, we must do more to shift freight from the roads to rail. I am keen that Network Rail works collaboratively with industry to develop terminals where there is either current demand or the potential for future growth. If there is viable interest in developing this land, my officials and Network Rail would be happy to engage with interested parties.
Session: Economic Growth 2025-05-15
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Sarah Smith noted the intentional blockade of food, water and medicine by the Israeli Government which is preventing life-sustaining supplies from reaching thousands of vulnerable children in Gaza who face malnutrition and premature death due to lack of aid. She asked for decisive action beyond the E3 statement to make clear that Israel's siege must end immediately and a humanitarian aid system cannot be replaced with military control. Will he consider sanctions and cessation of arms trade as a means to address this situation?
Context
The current blockade by the Israeli Government is preventing essential supplies from reaching thousands of children in Gaza, leading to a dire humanitarian situation. Save the Children estimates that over 65,000 children are suffering.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
My hon. Friend is right to raise the plight of children in Gaza and all those suffering from lack of aid and conflict. The Government have been clear that the ceasefire must be restored. Since the E3 statement, we have taken the decision jointly with partners to call an urgent session of the UN Security Council, given the gravity of the situation.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation 2025-05-13
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Access to arts and culture can help to break down barriers to opportunity. Sadly, our much-loved Oswaldtwistle civic theatre closed in 2023 and had to be placed on the theatres at risk register. I welcome the recent grants awarded by Theatres Trust and Hyndburn borough council, but will the Minister meet me to see how the Government could help to secure the future of this much-loved and important community asset?
Context
The Oswaldtwistle civic theatre closed in Hyndburn and Haslingden in 2023 and is on the theatres at risk register. Recent grants have been awarded by Theatres Trust and Hyndburn borough council.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
I would be more than happy to meet my hon. Friend. I know that a lot of work has gone in to try to get that back up, to get actors back on the stage and to get audiences back in. I hope that we can arrange a meeting as soon as possible.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-04-03
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Last year we faced the devastating closure of the Accrington Victoria hospital. A fully purposed building for children with SEND had to be used to relocate clinical services. How does the Minister plan to ensure that those with SEND are at the heart of commissioning plans and service development?
Context
The Accrington Victoria hospital closed last year after 14 years of mismanagement, leading to the relocation of clinical services from a fully purposed building for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ashley Dalton)
We will consider policies through the 10-year health plan to ensure that children with SEND are at the heart of commissioning plans. We hosted a roundtable recently with children and young people, including those with SEND, so their voices can feed directly into the 10-year plan.
Session: Special Educational and Disability Needs 2025-03-25
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There are currently thousands of disabled children and adults across the country, including in Hyndburn and Haslingden, who cannot access their childhood tax funds. How is the Minister working to address this issue with the Ministry of Justice to help families to gain quick and easy access to these funds? Will he give further consideration to increasing the scope of the DWP appointee scheme to cover child tax funds and junior individual savings accounts up to £5,000?
Context
The MP inquires about disabled individuals across the country who are unable to access their childhood tax funds.
Stephen Timms
I welcome my hon. Friend’s interest in this subject, which she and I have met to discuss. She is absolutely right: there should be no barriers to young people and their families accessing these funds. The Ministry of Justice has made some progress already. I do not think the answer will be altering the DWP appointee scheme, but there will be further progress to make things easier.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-17
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Permanent exclusion from primary school should be an almost non-existent occurrence. Any primary-age pupils exhibiting difficult behaviours should undertake diagnosis for SEND, and best efforts should be made to understand any trauma that the child may have suffered. What is the Minister doing to ensure that we build a system that prioritises the early identification of needs and quick delivery of intervention so that children do not fall behind?
Context
The MP emphasized the need for early identification of special educational needs and quick delivery of intervention to avoid permanent exclusion.
Stephen Morgan
We are aware that some groups of children have a higher risk of exclusion, which is why we are breaking down barriers to opportunity to ensure every child can achieve and thrive. We are committed to ensuring earlier intervention in mainstream schools for pupils, particularly those at risk of exclusion.
Session: School Exclusion Pupils with SEND 2025-03-10
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The Bloody Good Period campaign research reveals that one in five women and girls experiences period poverty, causing a further gender penalty beyond socioeconomic disadvantage. This costs the UK billions (£3.3 billion) in annual lost work. What is the Government doing to tackle period poverty? Are there plans for the taskforce on this issue to reconvene?
Context
Research shows one in five women and girls experience period poverty, leading to a gender-based injustice costing £3.3 billion annually in lost work.
Bridget Phillipson
We are tackling root causes of poverty through measures like boosting the living wage, investing in public services so no one goes without essentials. There are great programmes supporting women with period products in education settings.
Session: Future Earnings Impact of Socioeconomic Disadvantage 2024-12-18
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I welcome this Government's ambition to ensure that 40,000 extra children are school ready every year. However, at schools such as West End school in Oswaldtwistle in my constituency, there are no extra classrooms to make extra nursery provision available. Will the Minister consider capital funding to ensure that lots of primary schools have the opportunity to extend high quality nursery provision?
Context
The government aims to ensure that 40,000 extra children are school ready every year but many schools lack the space for additional nursery provision.
Stephen Morgan
The Government are committed to rolling out school-based nurseries. I would welcome the opportunity to meet my hon. Friend to discuss those issues further.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-12-09
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How can we be sure that the voices of parents and children will remain at the heart of any policy change as reforms are made?
Context
The MP is concerned about the adversarial nature of the EHCP process and its inadequacy in assessing needs, questioning how to ensure that reform involves parent voices.
Catherine McKinnell
We engage with children, young people, parents, and carers through our participation contract. Next week I will meet the National Young People's Group to hear their views and experiences on the policy changes.
Session: SEND System Effectiveness 2024-11-04
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Armed Conflict: Children
04 February 2026
Responding: Mr Hamish Falconer
Main Concerns
['Today one in five children across the world are growing up in conflict zones. Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 50,000 have become casualties of war—the equivalent of 200 full passenger planes. More than 100 children have been killed in Gaza alone since the ceasefire in early October 2025. Children are seven times more likely than adults to die from blast injuries.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister whether the Government will push Israel to agree to and implement a UN action plan to reduce harm to children, and ensure it remains listed in the report until that has been fully achieved.']
Jammu and Kashmir: Human Rights
05 March 2025
Responding: Catherine West
Main Concerns
['The region is one of the most militarised places in the world with widespread abuse at the hands of state and non-state actors. Human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch continue to highlight human rights concerns including repression of media and freedom of speech, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings, and other serious abuses.']
Specific Asks
['The UK Government should raise their concerns in ongoing trade talks and diplomatic negotiations with India. They should support the call for the release of journalists and press for an open media environment that can function meaningfully to promote a healthy democratic process.']
National Cancer Plan 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's national cancer plan aims to save 320,000 more lives by 2035. The plan includes modernising the NHS, harnessing science and technology, prioritising clinical trials, early detection t...
Railways Bill (Seventh sitting) 2026-01-29
29 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Proposes amendment to ensure rail strategy covers a period of 30 years, arguing that a long-term vision is necessary for sustainable railway development. Emphasises the need for strategic planning in ...
Railways Bill (Eighth sitting) 2026-01-29
29 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State should require Great British Railways to 'take into account in all relevant decisions' rather than just 'have regard' to the rail freight target. This amendment would strengthen...
Arctic Security 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Gaza and Sudan 2025-11-18
18 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Welfare Spending 2025-11-04
04 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The hon. Member regrets the Government's failure to get people off welfare and into work, believing reforming the welfare system is a moral mission. She calls for urgent action such as restricting wel...
Public Office (Accountability) Bill 2025-11-03
03 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister opened the debate by paying tribute to those involved in a recent train attack, reflecting on the Hillsborough disaster, acknowledging the failure of the British state towards victi...
Sentencing Bill 2025-10-29
29 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. The new clauses would require the Secretary of State to assess the effectiveness and use by courts of parenting orders and financial orders for yo...
Gaza and Hamas 2025-10-29
29 October 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the actions being taken to secure the elimination of Hamas from Gaza and the preservation of the ceasefire? The situation in Gaza is fragile, with reported violence and lack ...
Middle East 2025-10-14
14 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister condemned antisemitic attacks and expressed relief at the end of the Gaza conflict, highlighting the release of hostages and cessation of bombardment. He announced £20 million in ad...
Attendance
72.7%
16 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
7
31.8% of votes
No Votes
9
40.9% of votes
Abstentions
6
27.3% of votes
03 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
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 NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 63 Stand part
Ayes: 348
Noes: 167
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 26
Ayes: 172
Noes: 334
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 9
Ayes: 181
Noes: 335
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 25
Ayes: 187
Noes: 351
Failed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 24
Ayes: 184
Noes: 331
Failed
12 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
1
PMQs Asked
14
Ministerial Questions Asked
20
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
22
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 649 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-48% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+76% above average
This MP:
14
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+30% above average
This MP:
2
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+746% above average
This MP:
20
Average:
2.4
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
5.1
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.2
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-4% below average
This MP:
72.7
Average:
75.6
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Sarah Smith's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.