Kenneth Stevenson
MP for Airdrie and Shotts
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I commend the Prime Minister and his Government for the action taken to reform the NHS in England and make it fit for the modern day, with improved technology, more GPs and appointments, and waiting lists cut for consecutive months. However, it is deeply unfortunate that in Scotland the SNP Government have made the political choice to waste taxpayer money on vanity projects, flawed legislation and failed court cases rather than focus on improving our health service. Does the Prime Minister agree that the people of Airdrie and Shotts, who have been promised a new hospital for almost a decade, deserve far better than to suffer in pain while on waiting lists or to receive treatment in crumbling buildings as a direct consequence of SNP incompetence?
Context
The Prime Minister's government has taken steps to improve the NHS in England, but in Scotland, the SNP government faces criticism for its approach.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
We are committed to improving the NHS and ensuring that it is fit for the modern day. We have made significant progress in England, including improved technology, more GPs and appointments, and a reduction in waiting lists. However, I understand the frustration of those who feel let down by their local health service.
Session: PMQs 2025-04-23
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While passengers are experiencing short-term pain of long waits as the EU entry-exit system becomes fully operational, can the Minister confirm his Department is working to ensure that the agreement obtained by this Labour Government to allow British access to e-gates will, in the long term, cut queues and improve the travelling experience for my constituents in Airdrie and Shotts and other Members’ constituents?
Context
Passengers are experiencing long waits due to the EU entry-exit system becoming fully operational, causing short-term pain for constituents in Airdrie and Shotts.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Darren Jones)
British passport holders will be able to use e-gates across Europe, allowing for more time to be spent on holiday and less time spent held up in queues. This is a positive step forward in expanding our access across the EU. The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office is working with individual member states to make this happen as soon as possible.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-12-04
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Thanks to this Government embracing AI, constituencies such as Airdrie and Shotts are seeing substantial investment in data centres, which will create jobs and reindustrialise former industrial heartlands. On National Engineering Day, does the Minister agree that this Government’s commitment to vocational training and apprenticeships will open more doors for young women in towns and cities across the country to join the STEM workforce and lead the AI revolution?
Context
STEM industries are seeing substantial investment due to the Government's embrace of AI, particularly in constituencies like Airdrie and Shotts where data centres are being established. National Engineering Day highlights the importance of vocational training and apprenticeships.
The Minister for Equalities (Seema Malhotra)
My hon. Friend speaks from experience in education, and he is absolutely right. We are investing £187 million in our TechFirst programme to bring digital skills and AI learning into classrooms and communities, while 7.5 million workers are set to gain essential AI skills through our industry partnership. Training will open up opportunities in constituencies such as Airdrie and Shotts, and put women and girls at the centre of the AI revolution.
Session: STEM Industries Female Workforce 2025-11-05
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In less than 18 months, this Government have delivered defence contracts that will support Scottish jobs for years to come; invested in the pride of place scheme, which will see Scottish town centres rejuvenated, including those in North Lanarkshire; and committed record funding to the Scottish Parliament to invest in Scottish public services. Does my right hon. Friend agree that that stands in stark contrast to the priorities of the SNP in government in Holyrood, which has just wasted more taxpayers’ money on producing yet another tired paper on independence, while one in six Scots wait on NHS waiting lists?
Context
The MP is concerned about the delivery of government priorities in Scotland, particularly regarding public services like the NHS.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister)
My hon. Friend rightly recognises the defence dividend that Labour has delivered for Scotland, including the recent £10 billion frigate deal with Norway. As my hon. Friend’s constituents will know only too well, more people have waited over two years for NHS treatment in Lanarkshire alone compared with the whole of England—that is a remarkable stat. Next year, voters in Airdrie and Shotts and across Scotland will look at that record and have the chance to vote out the tired SNP Government, who are failing to deliver on public services in Scotland, and choose a new direction with Anas Sarwar and Scottish Labour.
Session: Delivery of Government Priorities 2025-10-23
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In his letter to GB Energy’s CEO outlining his strategic priorities, the Secretary of State rightly stated that reindustrialising our industrial heartlands ‘with good jobs and strong trade union representation’ goes hand in hand with tackling the climate crisis. Will he take the opportunity to reiterate that our investment in tackling the climate crisis and producing clean energy will deliver secure, long-term employment, and will be to the benefit of working people in Airdrie and Shotts and across the UK?
Context
The Secretary of State's strategic priorities letter emphasized the importance of reindustrialization with good jobs and strong trade union representation.
Ed Miliband
Yes, I will. My hon. Friend makes an important point about the role of trade unions in the renewable industry, too.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-10-14
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What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the future of artificial intelligence in Scotland. It is refreshing to have a UK Government so committed to investing in and developing AI, in comparison with John Swinney and the Scottish Government, who are stuck in an analogue age, unable even to provide patients and staff with a functioning NHS app. Does the Minister agree that the towns of Airdrie and Shotts and the former industrial heartland of North Lanarkshire are incredibly well placed to serve as an AI growth zone and capture the Government’s clear ambition?
Context
The MP references the UK Government's commitment to AI investment compared to the Scottish government's stance on digital technology, specifically mentioning issues with an NHS app.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)
Much like my hon. Friend, who is a truly passionate advocate for his community, I am proud to represent one of Scotland’s industrial heartlands. He is right to highlight the role that they can play in Scotland’s AI future. As for his comments regarding the First Minister, my right hon. Friend the Health Secretary was particularly astute in his assessment. I am afraid that the First Minister is from the age of “Taggart”, when what is upon us is the age of “Dept. Q”.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Scotland 2025-07-09
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Do the Secretary of State and the Minister agree that the industrial towns and villages that make up Lanarkshire must be central to any modern industrial strategy? Will they meet me, potentially in Airdrie and Shotts, to hear more about the excellent skills and potential that exist throughout the constituency that could undoubtedly contribute to their and this Government’s ambitious work?
Context
Lanarkshire is home to many industrial towns and villages, important for any modern industrial strategy.
The Minister for Industry (Sarah Jones)
Of course, our industrial strategy will speak to the whole country about the way that we are supporting businesses to grow and thrive. We have identified eight growth-driving sectors as the arrowheads of growth, but there are also policies that we believe will lift the whole country. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend. I congratulate him on the support that the local community showed in the recent Hamilton by-election, and look forward to talking to him further.
Session: Industrial Strategy 2025-06-12
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The Minister will be aware of last week’s historic UK Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman being based on biological sex, which provided important legal clarity. It is critical now that the UK and Scottish Governments work in a co-ordinated manner to ensure that the practical impacts are understood. How does the Minister plan to ensure that this co-ordinated approach delivers for women in Scotland and across the United Kingdom?
Context
The UK Supreme Court issued a ruling last week defining womanhood based on biological sex, providing legal clarity. The MP emphasizes the importance of coordinated action between the UK and Scottish governments to ensure practical impacts are understood.
The Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security (Mr Douglas Alexander)
The ruling upholds the protection of single-sex spaces based on biological sex and brings welcome clarity and confidence for women and, indeed, service providers. The Equality and Human Rights Commission, as Britain’s equality regulator, has already committed to supporting service providers with updated guidance. On the specific point raised by my hon. Friend, we will meet Scottish counterparts to discuss the implications of this significant judgment.
Session: Co-operation with Devolved Governments 2025-04-24
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What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the national minimum wage and national living wage on families in Airdrie and Shotts constituency. This question follows up on Parliament's approval of a new deal for working people, which will see a pay rise for more than 200,000 workers in Scotland.
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of recent changes to wages on his constituents in Airdrie and Shotts.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Jonathan Reynolds)
More than 3 million workers are expected to receive a pay rise due to increases to the national minimum wage in April, protecting the lowest paid in society. After our changes to the remit, we accepted in full the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission which considers the impact of rates on business, competitiveness, the labour market, the wider economy and the cost of living. Our impact assessments are available only by region—estimates by constituency are not available—but the simple truth is that workers in every constituency are better off under this Labour Government.
Session: Minimum and Living Wages 2025-03-13
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Will the Minister work with me to ensure that significant job creation from the Government's reindustrialisation initiative benefits my constituency of Airdrie and Shotts?
Context
The MP is seeking assurance that the government's programme will benefit his constituency which was once an industrial heartland.
Sarah Jones
I will work with my hon. Friend. Great British Energy is located in Aberdeen, with additional sites in Glasgow and Edinburgh. National wealth fund has invested £20 million in XLCC for a factory producing cables supporting 900 jobs. Sarens PSG has invested £1.6 million for equipment and workers, establishing a centre of excellence in Aberdeen.
Session: Great British Energy Job Creation 2024-12-17
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After years of Scotland being let down by two poor Governments, how does he see this new Labour Government approach benefiting my constituents in Airdrie and Shotts?
Context
The MP seeks to understand how the new Labour government's pro-worker, pro-business, pro-growth approach can benefit constituents in Airdrie and Shotts.
Ian Murray
The No. 1 benefit will be that they have him as their Member, championing them. A modern industrial strategy will reignite the industrial and technological potential in all our communities, including the national wealth fund and Great British Energy, which will help rebuild Scotland's industrial base.
Session: Inward Investment Scotland 2024-10-30
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What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on encouraging inward investment into Scotland?
Context
The MP seeks to discuss recent government efforts to encourage foreign investments into Scotland, following a new election result.
Ian Murray
Investment in the UK to drive growth is the Government's No. 1 priority, and we have already started delivery on it. Just this month, we hosted an international investment summit, at which we announced £63 billion of shovel-ready investment across the UK, including Greenvolt's £2.5 billion investment in Scotland and Iberdrola's £24 billion investment in green energy.
Session: Inward Investment Scotland 2024-10-30
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Devolution in Scotland 2025-10-22
22 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I lead this debate as someone who believes in the strength of our family of nations and that we can make people’s lives better through co-operation and partnership by pooling and sharing resources. I ...
Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill 2025-02-10
10 February 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Coalfield Communities 2025-02-06
06 February 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Adam Jogee, the Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme, opened the debate by highlighting the rich history and importance of coalfield communities in the United Kingdom. He cited specific examp...
Employment Rights (Transparency and Arbitration) Bill - Clause 1
21 October 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I move to read the Employment Rights (Transparency and Arbitration) Bill a Second time, declaring my lifelong commitment as a proud trade union member. The bill aims to deliver on our promise of upgra...
Attendance
86.4%
19 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
8
36.4% of votes
No Votes
11
50.0% of votes
Abstentions
3
13.6% of votes
03 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
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 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
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 7
Ayes: 188
Noes: 341
Failed
12 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 185
Noes: 344
Failed
1
PMQs Asked
11
Ministerial Questions Asked
4
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
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
+39% above average
This MP:
11
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+69% above average
This MP:
4
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 Kenneth Stevenson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.