Mr Jonathan Brash
MP for Hartlepool
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Football is a game based on fairness, yet brilliant clubs that unite communities every week, like Hartlepool, are being held back by a fundamental unfairness. The 3UP campaign—backed by 72 national league clubs, including Hartlepool United, and championed by Hartlepool legend Jeff Stelling—seeks to grant a third promotion place from the National League to League Two. This simple change would be transformational for these historic clubs, many of which are over a century old. While I accept Arsenal may never directly benefit from such a change, does the Prime Minister agree that this campaign to put football first would help the new football regulator to protect club heritage, ensure stability, and put fairness and fans back at the heart of our game?
Context
The 3UP campaign seeks to grant a third promotion place from the National League to League Two, aiming to benefit historic clubs and ensure stability in football. The current structure is seen as unfair by many clubs.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Can I start by wishing Hartlepool United the best for this season? My hon. Friend will appreciate that the structure of the leagues is a matter for the leagues themselves, but I commend his campaign and everything that he is putting behind it. I also pay tribute to the staff, fans and players of Sheffield Wednesday at this difficult time. We have delivered the Independent Football Regulator to stand up for fans and to make sure that clubs have fit and proper owners. The Conservatives used to support that, but now they oppose it.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not explicitly state whether he supports or opposes the 3UP campaign but highlighted his support for the Independent Football Regulator instead.
Session: PMQs 2025-10-29
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Council tax is the most regressive and unfair tax in this country. It has become a tax on deprivation: the less affluent an area, the more you pay; the greater your need, the more you pay. A band D property in Westminster pays just £1,017 a year. In Hartlepool, it is £2,495 a year. For a band H property, the difference between the two areas is £3,000. It is hammering people in towns like Hartlepool. Does the Prime Minister agree that this unfairness cannot continue? Will he commit to addressing this inequality once and for all?
Context
The question addresses the regressive nature of council tax in England, highlighting disparities between affluent and less affluent areas.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank my hon. Friend; he has been a dedicated campaigner on this issue for a very long time. As he knows, 14 years of mismanagement by the Conservative party left councils on their knees, with a total failure to improve and update how councils are funded. Through £69 billion of funding this year and the upcoming multi-year settlement—the first in over a decade—we will give councils far greater certainty and stability. Our detailed funding review will create a fairer system to make sure that his constituents see strong, affordable local services.
Assessment
No specific commitment to addressing the regressive nature of council tax was made beyond mentioning a review.
Under Review
Session: PMQs 2025-05-14
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I recognise the Justice Secretary’s sincere commitment to tackling the court backlog that was disgracefully left by Conservative and Reform politicians. However, one of the most troubling aspects of the proposals on jury trials is the suggestion that the changes will be permanent, regardless of whether the backlog persists. Will he consider explicitly making these measures temporary and subject to review, so that their impact, if any, on reducing the court backlog can be properly assessed?
Context
The Lord Chancellor proposed changes to restrict the right to a jury trial for certain offences, affecting the court backlog. There is concern about making these measures permanent without proper assessment.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr David Lammy)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that, but may I refer him to Sir Brian’s report, and to his article in The Sunday Times this weekend? He talks about trials being longer, DNA evidence, the fact that we are passing more legislation in this place, and the police arresting more people. For all those reasons, and if we are serious about tackling the backlog and getting to a properly established system in which people do not wait much longer than six months to a year for their trial, the changes that we are making have to be permanent.
Session: Changes to Jury Trials 2026-02-03
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What steps his Department is taking to support the hospitality sector in Hartlepool? The MP asked for help for businesses like the Marine hotel which has seen their business rates rise significantly despite no change in rateable value. He welcomed recent pub support measures but sought a meeting to address the failure of the business rates system for hotels and wider hospitality.
Context
The MP noted that local businesses like Camerons Brewery are crucial to the economy of Hartlepool. He highlighted a specific case study of Lee and Claire Dexter who run the Marine hotel, facing significant business rates rises unrelated to property value increase.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Kate Dearden)
The Minister thanked the MP for his advocacy on behalf of local businesses such as Camerons Brewery. She detailed support measures including permanently lower tax rates, £4.3 billion to shield ratepayers from bill increases, a 15% reduction in new business rates bills for pubs and live music venues, licensing and planning reforms, and a £10 million hospitality support fund. The Minister acknowledged concerns about hotel valuations and announced a review of the methodology used to value hotels for business rates purposes.
Session: Hospitality Sector Hartlepool 2026-01-29
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What more will be done to fix NHS dentistry in Hartlepool and across the country?
Context
The MP noted that not a single NHS dentist is taking on new patients in Hartlepool, and highlighted the progress made with an urgent dental access centre but acknowledged it was insufficient.
Stephen Kinnock
We are looking to improve the unacceptable situation by offering £20,000 to work in underserved areas and making it a requirement for new dentists to practice in the NHS. However, the current situation is not acceptable.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-01-13
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I thank the Minister for her answer, and for her positive response during a recent Westminster Hall debate on this issue. My constituent Trevor Jones died in September last year from glioblastoma. Samantha, his widow, learned later that life-extending treatment options might have been available had his brain biopsy not been stored in paraffin blocks but instead flash frozen. Will the Minister recommit to examining how flash freezing can be made standard practice for brain biopsies across the NHS?
Context
Following a recent Westminster Hall debate, Mr Brash referenced the case of his constituent Trevor Jones who died from glioblastoma. Samantha, Trevor's widow, learned later that flash freezing brain biopsies could have provided life-extending treatment options.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ashley Dalton)
As my hon. Friend rightly points out, I was privileged to answer for the Government in the Westminster Hall debate last week on this very issue, and I vividly remember Trevor’s story. Last week, I did commit to exploring current arrangements for tissue freezing options and the options for change, and I recommit to doing that today. I would be more than happy to meet him and his constituent to discuss this further.
Session: Brain Cancer Treatment Hartlepool 2026-01-13
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In purporting to discharge their homelessness duties, some southern local authorities are bundling vulnerable people into taxis in the middle of the night and dumping them in Hartlepool because our housing is cheaper. They are acting in a vile way. I welcome the fact that the Minister has written to me and set out her belief that we need to ban this poor practice. Does she agree that we need to ban it outright?
Context
Some southern local authorities are bundling vulnerable people into taxis in the middle of the night and dumping them in Hartlepool.
Alison McGovern
I would like to give personal thanks to my hon. Friend for his comments on this issue. In the homelessness strategy, we noted that this problem is extraordinarily challenging and important, and I want to take action on it. I thank him for the work that he has done on behalf of Hartlepool residents. We will continue to work together to sort this problem out.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-01-12
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My constituent Lyndsay Hogg has successfully brought a Penguin little library to her community in Hartlepool. It is designed to celebrate Penguin’s 90th anniversary, and the aim is to promote the joy of reading. Hartlepool borough council’s leader, Labour’s Pamela Hargreaves, inspired by Lyndsay’s brilliant work, has promised to expand this excellent idea right across the town. Does the Minister agree that this fantastic initiative will help families with access to books and inspire a love of reading, and will she commit to visiting Hartlepool to see these little libraries for herself?
Context
Lyndsay Hogg, a constituent in Hartlepool, has successfully introduced Penguin little libraries to celebrate the Penguin's 90th anniversary. The aim is to promote reading and inspire a love for books among local residents.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Olivia Bailey)
I do agree. I would love to visit, and I congratulate Lyndsay Hogg and Hartlepool borough council on this brilliant idea. “Matilda” is one of my favourite Penguin books, and it is a perfect allegory for our times: smart women who love reading standing up to snake oil salesmen and bullies.
Session: Reading Pre-school Support 2025-12-01
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My constituent, Terry Rowley, received an IPP sentence on 8 February 2008. His minimum tariff was set at one year and 126 days. That was 6,486 days ago—almost 18 years—and he remains in prison. No one disputes the seriousness of his offences, but the issue for Terry and his family is one of equal justice. Someone sentenced to the same crime today would not receive an IPP. Does the Secretary of State accept that this raises fundamental concerns about fairness and equality before the law for those serving under the IPP regime, and what steps will he take to fix it?
Context
The number of unreleased IPP prisoners fell to 946 as of September 2025, a reduction from the previous year. Terry Rowley received an IPP sentence in February 2008 and remains imprisoned despite completing his minimum tariff years ago.
David Lammy (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
I recognise the challenges for Terry and his family. We are determined to support those in prison to progress towards safe and sustainable releases, but understandably that cannot be in a way that undermines public protection. We are not giving up on any individual serving an IPP sentence. We will ensure that each one gets the support and access to the risk education and risk reduction work that they need. I will ensure that Terry is receiving all the support he needs.
Session: Imprisonment for Public Protection 2025-11-11
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Residents in Wynyard, in my Hartlepool constituency, have waited for far too long, thanks primarily to the mess left by the Conservative party, for their new primary school, St Joseph’s, which has been caught up in this review. Understandably, parents are frustrated by the continued delays, so will the Minister commit to using every possible lever at his disposal to expedite the decision, so that Wynyard families can finally have access to the high-quality school provision that they have been promised for so long?
Context
Residents in Wynyard, Hartlepool constituency, have been waiting for the new primary school, St Joseph’s Catholic primary school, due to delays caused by the Conservative party's free schools programme.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)
My hon. Friend has been a vocal champion for St Joseph’s Catholic primary school since he entered this place last year. I want every child in the country to go to school in an appropriate building. His community wants certainty, and that is what we want too. An update will be provided later this year, and I would be happy to speak to him before that time.
Session: Free Schools Application Decisions 2025-10-20
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In Hartlepool, the Tees Valley Mayor’s development corporation has removed planning powers for large swathes of the town from all democratic control. In turn, much of the planning function has been outsourced to a private company with no connection to Hartlepool, which is ruling out any community involvement. Will the Minister look at curbing the powers of development corporations so that planning remains in the hands of democratically elected politicians?
Context
The Tees Valley Mayor’s development corporation has removed planning powers from Hartlepool, with much of the function outsourced to a private company.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
I note my hon. Friend’s concerns in relation to the Tees Valley. In general, we are looking to streamline the powers given to development corporations—we took measures in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to allow them, for example, to shape transport in areas—but if he wants to write to me or Ministers to raise more of the specifics of that case, we would be more than happy to take a look.
Session: Planning System Community Involvement 2025-07-14
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The Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) Act 2025 has now received Royal Assent and I congratulate the Lord Chancellor on her swift action, but it would never have been necessary if sentencing guidelines were not the preserve of an unelected, undemocratic quango in the form of the Sentencing Council. Does she agree that we need a democratic lock, or even a vote in this place, to approve new sentencing guidelines?
Context
The Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) Act 2025 has received Royal Assent, and the Member questions the role of unelected bodies in setting sentencing guidelines.
Shabana Mahmood
I have said many times at this Dispatch Box that that whole episode revealed a democratic deficit. I am reviewing the roles and powers and we will come forward with legislative changes in due course.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-07-08
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Does the Secretary of State share my concern that different subjects attract vastly different numbers of boys versus girls? Is there any plan to address this disparity?
Context
As a former A-level teacher, the MP is concerned about disparities in subject choice between boys and girls. For instance, physics and maths classes are largely composed of boys while English literature and psychology are dominated by girls.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
My hon. Friend’s expertise is noted; we will consider these issues through the schools White Paper later this autumn. The curriculum and assessment review under way aims at ensuring a broad and rich curriculum, with poverty being identified as a key barrier.
Session: Educational Outcomes for Boys 2025-06-18
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Wasco Coatings in my constituency has invested significantly in its Hartlepool operation in anticipation of the ambitious net zero plans on Teesside. We now learn that there is a possibility that the contract may go abroad, which threatens Hartlepool jobs. Does the Minister agree that British investment must back British jobs, and does she have a message for those deciding on the contract?
Context
Wasco Coatings has invested significantly in its Hartlepool operation based on the UK’s net zero plans. There is a possibility that the contract may go abroad, threatening jobs.
Sarah Jones
The Northern Endurance Partnership, which is developing the infrastructure to transport CO2 across Teesside and the Humber, will create thousands of jobs. There is a 50% local content target, but we want to exceed that, and I urge the partnership to use British suppliers. I think my hon. Friend is meeting its representatives this week. We stand ready to do so, and we want everyone to buy British.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-10
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In Hartlepool, 24,000 existing homes have an energy performance certificate rating of D or below. That means too many homes are too cold and have bills that are too high. What can the Minister do to accelerate the improvement of those homes to ensure warm homes for Hartlepool constituents?
Context
The MP highlighted the issue of poor energy performance in existing homes in Hartlepool, with 24,000 homes having an EPC rating of D or below.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
My hon. Friend tempts me into the responsibilities of another Department, but I will get the relevant Minister from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to write to him to set out what measures are being put in place as part of the warm homes plan.
Session: New Homes Minimum EPC Rating 2025-06-09
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I am campaigning to secure funding to realise the Environment Agency’s ambitious multimillion-pound plan to upgrade flood defences around Greatham Creek in Hartlepool and create a new habitat. Will the Minister commit to delivering that funding for Hartlepool?
Context
The flood defences around Greatham Creek in Hartlepool date back to the 19th century and are nearing the end of their usable life. The Environment Agency has proposed a multimillion-pound plan for upgrading these defences, which would also create new habitats extending biodiversity.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue and for his recent letter. He is right to be angry about the poor state of his flood defences, and I am sure his constituents value him as a local champion, raising that in the Chamber. To rebuild after Conservative failure, we have had to urgently move £36 million into maintenance funding this year. As I have mentioned, the projects to receive funding in the next financial year are being agreed and will be announced shortly.
Session: Flood Defences Hartlepool 2025-03-20
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The Secretary of State will be aware of the ongoing work to deliver new nuclear investment in Hartlepool. Billions of pounds are on the table, which will mean jobs and skills for generations to come. Will he meet me to discuss how we can get this deal over the line?
Context
The Secretary of State is aware of the ongoing work to deliver new nuclear investment in Hartlepool. Billions of pounds are on the table, which will mean jobs and skills for generations to come.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
New nuclear is an essential part of our future energy plans. My Ministers and I would be absolutely delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss those plans.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-18
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Work is good for us: it is good for our physical and mental health, and for our general wellbeing. When someone can work, it is essential that they are given all the support to do so. That said, it is also imperative that those who are sick, vulnerable or disabled are always protected. Does the Minister agree that striking the balance between supporting those who can work and protecting those who cannot work must be central to any welfare reform?
Context
The MP addresses the balance required in welfare reform to ensure that those who can work are supported while protecting those unable to work due to disability or illness.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. That balance will be at the heart of the Green Paper that we are bringing forward. We will deliver proper employment support for disabled people, which has been taken away since 2010. We will deal with the incentives to inactivity that the current system presents. Of course, there will always be people who are unable to work through disability or ill health, and we are committed to fully supporting them too.
Session: Benefit Reforms Disabled People 2025-03-17
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My dad was a GP in Hartlepool for over 30 years—the Secretary of State was kind enough to meet him the last time he was in Hartlepool—and he has Alzheimer’s. Every day, I think about why we did not spot the signs early enough to get the treatment that he needed at an earlier stage. The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that only 29% of social care workers have any form of dementia training. Does the Secretary of State agree that it is critical that we up that number and ensure that all social care workers have dementia training, to ensure early diagnosis?
Context
The Secretary of State met Mr Brash's father, a GP in Hartlepool with Alzheimer’s, during a visit. The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that only 29% of social care workers have any form of dementia training.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his question—I know how personal this issue is for him. I was delighted to meet his father on my visit to Hartlepool, and wish him very well. I take very seriously what my hon. Friend has said about the importance of workforce training. He mentioned training for health and social care staff, which is important, but I would argue that the point applies more broadly across our society. On 6 September, the Department launched the adult social care learning and development support scheme, which allows eligible employers to claim for funding for certain training courses and qualifications, including relevant dementia training, for eligible care staff. We will continue to keep this under observation and review.
Session: Dementia Diagnosis Rates 2025-02-11
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
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...
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Police Reform White Paper 2026-01-26
26 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Warm Homes Plan 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water White Paper 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Mobile Phones and Social Media Use by Children 2026-01-20
20 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Finance 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Business of the House 2025-12-04
04 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Expressed sorrow at Sir John Stanley's death, congratulated Joe Root on his test century, criticised the Government for not supporting economic growth with their Budget and for the Prime Minister misu...
Budget Resolutions 2025-12-02
02 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Council tax reform
01 December 2025
The petition highlights that the current Council Tax system is unfair due to significant variations in property band prices across different local authorities, making it no longer fit for purpose.
View Full Petition -->
Council Tax Reform
11 November 2025
The petitioners from Hartlepool oppose the current council tax system, which they describe as regressive and unfair, particularly affecting deprived towns like Hartlepool.
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
95.5%
21 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
8
36.4% of votes
No Votes
13
59.1% of votes
Abstentions
1
4.5% of votes
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
21 Jan 2026
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
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
2
PMQs Asked
17
Ministerial Questions Asked
47
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
2
Petitions Presented
22
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 649 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+3% above average
This MP:
2
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+114% above average
This MP:
17
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1887% above average
This MP:
47
Average:
2.4
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
5.1
Petitions Presented
-11% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.2
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+26% above average
This MP:
95.5
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 Mr Jonathan Brash's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.