Chris Bloore
MP for Redditch
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Parents should feel confident that when their child is sick, they can take them to their local hospital to be treated as soon as possible. But last year, when my son was having difficulty breathing, like many parents I could not take him to the Alexandra hospital in Redditch, as paediatric services were temporarily closed in 2016 and have never been reinstated. As part of this Government’s record investment in our NHS, will the Prime Minister meet me to explore ways to enable local integrated care boards to reinstate critical services for growing towns like Redditch?
Context
Labour MP Chris Bloore raised concerns about the closure of paediatric services at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch since 2016 and asked for support to reinstate these critical services.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue, which I know he has campaigned on for a very long time. We are investing a record £25 billion in the NHS as part of our plan for change. Building an NHS fit for the future means that places like Redditch will see lower waiting lists and services that reflect needs. While responsibility over service rests with the appropriate NHS commissioner, I will ensure that he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister.
Session: PMQs 2025-01-22
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I thank the Minister for her answer. She will know that too many parcel couriers in my constituency and across the country are on bogus self-employment contracts and worse terms and conditions, with no holiday pay or sick leave. That is driving down standards across the sector and, of course, robbing the public purse of national insurance contributions. I welcome her commitment to announcing the consultation on single worker status. Can she guarantee that both employer and employee representations will be included in the consultation?
Context
Chris Bloore, with business experience as a chief executive, raised concerns about parcel couriers in his constituency being on bogus self-employment contracts, lacking holiday pay and sick leave. This issue is driving down standards across the sector and reducing national insurance contributions.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Kate Dearden)
My hon. Friend raises an important issue, and I thank him for doing so. I agree that it is completely unacceptable for businesses to seek to undercut others in a race to the bottom through bogus self-employment. Employers should never seek to deny people their employment rights and to avoid their own legal obligations by claiming that someone is self-employed when in reality they might not be. We will therefore consult on the changes to the status framework and our action to improve compliance, and we will of course engage with all stakeholders as part of that.
Session: Single Worker Status 2026-01-29
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What assessment has her Department made of the effectiveness of powers to intervene where local authorities are not meeting statutory SEND duties? She knows that Worcestershire county council has repeatedly failed children with special educational needs and disabilities and their families. Many parents report persistent failures to meet statutory duties and experiences of being dismissed or gaslit, causing prolonged distress to families already under extreme pressure.
Context
Worcestershire county council has repeatedly failed to meet the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities, leading to distress for families.
The Minister for School Standards (Georgia Gould)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue. I have travelled around the country talking to parents and, sadly, the story he has set out in his constituency of parents having to battle for support is one we hear in too many communities. We want to ensure that the voices of children and their parents are at the heart of reform, and we want a system based on partnership and collaboration, but we know that it has to be underpinned by robust accountability. In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with Ofsted to ensure that performance is monitored and, where it drops, that we are taking action.
Session: Statutory SEND Duties Intervention Powers 2026-01-19
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I thank the Minister for that answer, and for the extra £39 million given to West Mercia police. But residents in Redditch have told me clearly that they want to be able to walk into their local police station and speak to an officer face to face. Does the Minister agree with me, and the many hundreds of constituents who have already signed my petition, that the new police station in Redditch should reinstate a public-facing front desk?
Context
Residents of Redditch have expressed a desire for direct face-to-face interaction with police officers at the local station, leading to a petition signed by hundreds of constituents.
The Minister for Policing and Crime (Sarah Jones)
As my hon. Friend will know, how resources are spent is a matter for the chief constable, but the Government are clear that visible policing is essential to restoring public confidence in the police, and we have invested £30 million since we came to power in new IT systems to make it easier for the public to report crime. That is also why we are ensuring that everyone has a named, contactable neighbourhood officer that they can call on.
Session: Police Officers Redditch 2025-11-17
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With the changing nature of the threats we face, does the Secretary of State agree that working even more closely with our NATO allies is crucial to keeping the UK secure at home and stronger abroad?
Context
NATO summit concluded with increased commitments for future defense and deterrence. Question regarding the importance of closer collaboration within NATO.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
I do indeed. NATO is bigger, stronger and more lethal than ever before. It is our guarantee that we will never fight alone. That is why the leading contribution that Britain makes to NATO deterrence and defence is a big part of keeping us safe for the future.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-30
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Will the Secretary of State join me in welcoming the recent NHS waiting list figures that show that the Worcestershire acute hospitals NHS trust has seen a fall of over 6,000 since this Government came into office? Does he agree that progress like this shows that, in partnership with our hard-working NHS staff, we can be the generation that takes the NHS from the worst crisis in its history to the NHS that people deserve?
Wes Streeting
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. It is thanks to the fact that his constituents sent him to this House of Commons that we have a Labour Government able to deliver, with him, for his community.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-17
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I recently visited Matchborough first school, one of the first schools in the country to receive substantial funding to transform unused classrooms into much-needed nursery spaces. Can I therefore cheekily ask the Secretary of State to confirm when the next round of funding will be available?
Context
Matchborough first school in Redditch received funding to transform unused classrooms into nursery spaces. The constituency MP seeks confirmation on when the next round of funding will be available.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
It is because we know the benefits that primary-based nurseries can bring, often working with the private, voluntary and independent sector, that we are determined to move as fast as we can to deliver the next phase. I look forward to discussing that further with my hon. Friend.
Session: School-based Nurseries 2025-06-16
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Owners Russell and Amee have successfully moved from online to the high street. Can the Minister explain how the Government will help more entrepreneurs like them to turn great ideas into high-street businesses?
Context
Rusty’s Collectables is a new addition to Redditch high street, offering unique items such as Pokémon and Marvel collectibles.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
Through our small business strategy, we will set out very shortly further plans to support businesses to get on the high street. The increase in money in the British Business Bank, announced yesterday by the Chancellor, will also significantly increase access to finance for such businesses.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-12
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What steps her Department is taking to help tackle knife crime. I thank the Secretary of State for her answer, and for the seriousness with which this Government are tackling the scourge of knife crime in constituencies like mine. In Redditch, the anti-knife-crime campaigner Pete Martin is making a real difference by educating young people in schools about the dangers of knife crime. Will the Secretary of State consider visiting Redditch to see Pete’s work at first hand, and the real difference that it is making in our schools?
Context
The question arises from efforts to address the increasing problem of knife crime in Redditch and other constituencies. It references specific actions by a local campaigner, Pete Martin, who is working to educate young people about the dangers of knife crime.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)
Can I pass on my thanks, through my hon. Friend, to the team who are doing such good work in his community? We are certainly keen to know more about that, because he is right about local work preventing young people from being drawn into knife crime. That is why we are setting up the Young Futures prevention programme, and we are introducing a new law on child criminal exploitation to go after the gangs who draw young people into crime.
Session: Knife Crime 2025-06-02
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Admissions to acute medical wards for children and young people with mental health concerns increased by 65% between 2012 and 2022. Given that gaining parity of esteem between mental health and physical health is so important, will the Minister update us on the talks with the NHS about ensuring that there is mental health provision and support in every school?
Context
Admissions to acute medical wards for children and young people with mental health concerns increased by 65% between 2012 and 2022.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
We will recruit an additional 8,500 new mental health staff to treat children and adults, as well as open new Young Futures hubs, which will provide support for children and young people across the country. The Department also provides a range of guidance and resources on promoting and supporting pupils’ mental health and wellbeing.
Session: School Students Mental Health and Wellbeing 2025-04-28
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Does he agree it is vital that the Government continue to work with such organisations to ensure that no veteran misses out on the support they deserve?
Context
The Veterans Minister visited Redditch for a roundtable, where he heard from veterans about the excellent work by the Redditch armed forces and veterans breakfast club.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. The visit to Redditch was truly enlightening; the charitable sector there is doing amazing work to support veterans in his constituency. I fully champion the breakfast clubs they are putting on.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-02-10
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Children with Allergies: School Safeguarding
03 July 2025
Responding: Stephen Morgan
Main Concerns
['One in three people in the UK now live with allergic disease. Hospital admissions for allergic reactions have risen by over 160% in the past 20 years, and 50% of children are now affected by at least one allergic condition. Every year, approximately 43,000 new cases of child allergy require care.']
Specific Asks
['The hon. Member proposes the creation of a cross-departmental allergy tsar who could advise the Government on all the ways that allergies affect the sufferer.']
New Towns 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The New Towns Act of 1946 aimed to address severe housing shortages, overcrowding, and poor living conditions post-war by planning whole communities with homes alongside jobs, schools, services, and g...
Business of the House 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The MP expressed concern over the lack of full costing in the strategic defence review, resulting in delays to the Defence Investment Plan. He highlighted issues faced by local businesses such as the ...
Prisons Illegal Drugs 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Justice Committee is concerned by the growing level of drug use in prisons, leading to a human tragedy with over 136 drug-related deaths between December 2022 and December 2024. The committee's si...
Employment Rights Bill 2025-12-08
08 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's plan to make work pay through the Employment Rights Bill will bring employment rights legislation into the 21st century, extending protections for all workers. This includes reducing ...
Northern Ireland Legacy of the Past 2025-12-04
04 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The report emphasises the importance of addressing the legacy of past conflicts in Northern Ireland to preserve peace and justice for victims. It critiques current measures, such as the Independent Co...
International Men’s Day 2025-11-20
20 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Emphasised the importance of addressing prostate cancer by prioritising it in the national cancer plan, updating GP guidelines for early conversations with men at risk, providing clear advice on onlin...
Northwich Railway Station Accessibility 2025-11-19
19 November 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
I am proud to raise the issue of accessibility at Northwich railway station, which has lacked step-free access to its second platform since 2013. This affects disabled people and others who cannot use...
Support for Disabled Veterans 2025-10-28
28 October 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
I am grateful for the opportunity to highlight the issues faced by disabled veterans. At the last census, more than 3,000 people in Eastleigh reported that they had previously served in the armed forc...
Early Education and Childcare 2025-09-04
04 September 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister outlined the Government's plan to improve early education and childcare, including expanding funded childcare hours to 30 hours for working parents with children aged nine months to four ...
Diabetes in Sport 2025-09-03
03 September 2025
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
It is a real privilege to speak on the vital topic of diabetes and sport. I thank Chris Bright and others for their support. Diabetes affects 12 million people in the UK, causing severe health issues....
Postal services in Inkberrow
15 January 2026
The petition addresses the unreliable postal delivery services in Inkberrow village, resulting in missed healthcare and business communications despite Royal Mail’s assurances of improvement.
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Attendance
77.3%
17 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
9
40.9% of votes
No Votes
8
36.4% of votes
Abstentions
5
22.7% 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
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
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
10
Ministerial Questions Asked
32
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
1
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
+26% above average
This MP:
10
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1253% above average
This MP:
32
Average:
2.4
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
5.1
Petitions Presented
-55% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.2
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+2% above average
This MP:
77.3
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 Chris Bloore's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.