Phil Brickell
MP for Bolton West
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Places of worship are vitally important not just for practising one's faith, but for local heritage. The Government's listed places of worship grant scheme currently provides much-needed tax relief for religious buildings in need of renovation, but it is scheduled to end next year. What assurances can the Prime Minister provide my constituents that the Government will continue to support restoring our much-cherished places of worship, such as Holy Trinity church in Horwich?
Context
The MP raises concern about the scheduled end to the Government's listed places of worship grant scheme, which provides tax relief for restoring religious buildings. He asks for assurances that support will continue.
Keir Starmer
I thank my hon. Friend for that question and recognise the important roles that these buildings play at the heart of communities, particularly at a time like Christmas. A wide range of funds are available for maintenance and restoration, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund's places of worship scheme.
Assessment
Did not provide specific assurances on continuation of support post 2023.
Future Plans
Session: PMQs 2024-12-11
View Full Session -->
My constituents were pleased to hear last week's Budget prioritise investment in public infrastructure, including important projects such as the electrification of the Wigan to Bolton railway line, which will deliver more reliable and greener journeys. Does the Prime Minister agree that investment in the key infrastructure of towns such as Horwich, Westhoughton, Blackrod and Bolton is the only way to deliver economic growth and prosperity for all?
Context
The Prime Minister's Budget prioritized investment in public infrastructure, including the electrification of the Wigan to Bolton railway line.
Keir Starmer
My hon. Friend is a champion for the north-west, and the Budget secured investment for vital transport projects to transform connectivity across the north of England and drive economic growth. That includes completing the Wigan to Bolton electrification—a really important moment on Northern Powerhouse Rail. Over £5 billion has been allocated to support everyday journeys for working people.
Session: PMQs 2024-11-06
View Full Session -->
Bolton Hospice provides vital services to individuals with life-limiting conditions yet, like hospices across the country, it faces a difficult financial future and is reliant on fundraising, including the kind donations I was able to raise when I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro last year and from the campaign run by . What steps is the Prime Minister taking to ensure hospices, like the one in Bolton, are put on a sustainable financial footing?
Context
Bolton Hospice faces a difficult financial future and relies heavily on fundraising. The MP raised concerns about the sustainability of such services.
Keir Starmer
I congratulate my hon. Friend on his efforts in relation to his local hospice. We want everyone to have access to high-quality care, including end of life care. That is why we require all local NHS bodies to commission services from hospices to meet the needs of their local populations. Most hospices are charitable, independent organisations that also receive funding for providing NHS services.
Assessment
The question specifically asked about sustainable financial footing but no concrete steps or commitments were given.
Session: PMQs 2024-10-09
View Full Session -->
Almost 4,000 people with jobs in my Bolton West constituency still need universal credit to cope with the cost of living. Heating, water and food bills have been stubbornly high. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that families in my constituency get the support they need to pay the bills?
Context
The MP notes that despite having jobs, almost 4,000 people in his constituency still rely on universal credit to cover basic needs. He highlights persistently high heating, water, and food bills.
Diana Johnson
We recognise that too many homes in England struggle to afford heating, and tackling fuel poverty is a Government priority. On 21 January, we published a new fuel poverty strategy, alongside the warm homes plan, to better protect fuel-poor households by 2030. At Budget 2025, we cut energy bills by an average of £150 and expanded the warm home discount, providing £150 rebate to a further 2.7 million low-income households.
Session: Cost of Living Support for Families 2026-01-26
View All Questions -->
My constituent was informed that his chosen provider’s funding had been cut by the ICP. With his GP’s help, he was able to transfer to a different provider, whose funding has also been cut, and his application is now on hold, with no timetable for a resolution. Given the current NHS waiting times for autism assessment, can we have a debate in Government time on the steps being taken to ensure that children get the reviews they need?
Context
A constituent contacted Phil Brickell regarding the Greater Manchester integrated care partnership cutting the funding of an autism assessment provider, leaving his son's application on hold with no resolution timeline.
Alan Campbell
We are acutely aware of this issue, which is why we are bringing forward proposals to fundamentally alter the special educational needs and disabilities system. I will raise my hon. Friend’s concerns with Ministers to see what further action can be taken to assist his constituent.
Session: Business of the House 2025-11-13
View All Questions -->
Horwich trailer manufacturer Indespension tells me that the post-Brexit regulatory system has significantly increased the approval cost for new trailer designs because of differing rules between GB, EU and Northern Irish markets. The business now spends more than £100,000 a year completing relevant paperwork. What measures is the Secretary of State taking to remove the administrative burden on firms so that instead of form filling, they can invest and create the well-paid jobs that I want to see in my local economy?
Context
Indespension, a trailer manufacturer in Bolton West, is facing increased costs due to differing rules between GB, EU and Northern Irish markets.
Peter Kyle
I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s passionate question. As he will know, we have struck a trade deal with the EU and reset the relationship with it. We will continue to build on that to deliver for all parts of our economy.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-10-30
View All Questions -->
Members of the all-party group on anti-corruption and responsible tax, which I chair, had the opportunity to meet National Economic Crime Centre officers last week and discuss the work that NECC is doing to disrupt money laundering and tax evasion. High-street money laundering is of huge concern to me... What measures is the Minister taking to empower trading standards?
Context
The MP highlights concerns about high-street money laundering and seeks measures to combat it.
The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend and the APPG for their work. The Government are absolutely committed to tackling high street money laundering... We have strengthened the powers under the Economic, Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, and have funded 475 new roles under the anti-money laundering and asset recovery programme.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-09-15
View All Questions -->
Following last month’s Supreme Court ruling about wild camping on Dartmoor, will the Secretary of State confirm whether he believes that responsible wild camping should be permitted in the other national parks?
Context
A Supreme Court ruling about wild camping on Dartmoor has raised questions about whether responsible wild camping should be permitted in other national parks.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mary Creagh)
We were delighted by the Supreme Court judgment on Dartmoor wild camping and we understand the calls to expand it. However, we have no plans to extend it, as it does need to be balanced with landowner rights and habitat protection.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-19
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has her Department made of the adequacy of outdoor education provision in the national curriculum? Learning in the outdoors allows children and young people to build their confidence and push their boundaries in a safe but challenging environment, yet all too often young people from more deprived communities, including in my constituency, do not have access to opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s award. Will the Minister meet me to discuss what more can be done to support schools in rolling out the Duke of Edinburgh’s award across Bolton, Blackrod, Horwich and Westhoughton?
Context
The MP is concerned about young people from deprived communities not having access to opportunities like the Duke of Edinburgh’s award.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
I join my hon. Friend in recognising the value of outdoor pursuits and the value of the Duke of Edinburgh's award, which I benefited from taking part in myself when I was at school. The Department has funded 300 schools in areas of high deprivation to start offering the award, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is providing funding of a further £1.5 million this financial year to extend the scheme. My hon. Friend is of course keen to ensure that his constituents benefit and I would be delighted to meet him to discuss that further.
Session: Outdoor Education National Curriculum 2025-06-16
View All Questions -->
The Electoral Commission has the power to issue fines only up to £20,000. Does the right hon. and learned Member agree with the Committee on Standards in Public Life's recommendation that this threshold needs to be increased to ensure proper deterrence against bad faith actors?
Context
Concerns about the effectiveness of current maximum fine levels set by the Electoral Commission, which is limited to £20,000.
Jeremy Wright (Kenilworth and Southam)
Having been a member of that Committee, I do agree with its recommendations. The Electoral Commission has made clear its views on increasing fine levels from £20,000 to £500,000.
Session: Political Donation Rules 2025-04-03
View All Questions -->
What assessment has the Committee made of the effectiveness of the Electoral Commission's powers to enforce compliance with political donation rules?
Context
The question stems from concerns about the effectiveness of current measures in place to enforce compliance with political donation rules, as assessed by the Committee on Standards in Public Life.
Jeremy Wright (Kenilworth and Southam)
There are high levels of compliance with UK's political donation laws. The Electoral Commission has powers to investigate and sanction breaches but recommends making these more effective by increasing the maximum fine from £20,000 to £500,000.
Session: Political Donation Rules 2025-04-03
View All Questions -->
I have received complaints about poorly performing leasehold managing agents. There are unacceptably long delays for repairs at Greenmount Court in Smithills despite spiralling fees and poor transparency. What steps is the Minister taking to deliver a fairer deal for existing leaseholders?
Context
Residents are experiencing long delays for repairs, high costs, poor transparency, and lack of communication from leasehold managing agents.
Matthew Pennycook
We need to balance speed with care, ensuring we do not make the mistake of passing flawed legislation like the previous Government. We will introduce provisions of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 to allow transparency around service charges for leaseholders to challenge unreasonable increases, and strengthen regulation of managing agents.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-03-03
View All Questions -->
The payment systems regulator has found that more than half of the bank transfer scams recorded in 2023 originated on Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp. What progress has the Secretary of State made to ensure that tech companies are held to account for fraud originating from their platforms?
Context
The Payment Systems Regulator found that over half of bank transfer scams in 2023 originated from Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp. There is a need to ensure tech companies are held accountable.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
My hon. Friend makes a good point, we need to look at that specifically at the Committee stage of the Data (Use and Access) Bill. Perhaps he will sit on the Bill Committee.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-02-12
View All Questions -->
Vast swathes of infrastructure in Gaza have been destroyed. What work are the Government undertaking on supporting the Palestinian people to rebuild their homes and communities, as is their right under international law?
Context
The question is prompted by the destruction of infrastructure in Gaza, which has left many Palestinians homeless and without essential services. The UK's position on supporting reconstruction efforts under international law is questioned.
Anneliese Dodds (The Minister for Development)
This is a critical issue. Of course, we need the ceasefire to be held to. As I said, we have to move through phase 1 to phases 2 and 3, but we also need to ensure that there is day-after-next-phase planning in Gaza, so that we can see the building up of Gaza’s governance and security institutions and, of course, infrastructure. We are clear that Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction must be Palestinian-led. We have supported the Palestinian Authority in particular on this. I am very proud that UK expertise has been supporting that work, so that this important reconstruction can continue at the required pace and scale.
Session: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories 2025-02-06
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister close political donation loopholes to protect our democracy from foreign influence by banning unincorporated associations and shell companies that have never turned a profit from donating to political parties?
Context
Transparency International reported that since 2010, £38.6 million of donations into UK politics have come from unincorporated associations, which are not required to report their source of income.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
Effective regulation of political finance is crucial for maintaining trust in our electoral system and our democracy. The UK already has a strong framework that makes clear that only those with a legitimate interest in UK elections can make political donations.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-01-20
View All Questions -->
How is the Minister working with local leaders in particular to drive improvements to road safety?
Context
St Helens Road in Phil Brickell's constituency has become the site of numerous serious car crashes, and local residents have raised their grave concerns with him about both speeding and dangerous driving.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
My hon. Friend is right to raise the concerns of his constituents. Local authorities have a vital role to play; they are responsible for introducing road safety measures appropriate to their areas. Of course, the Department is responsible for legislation and the guidance to help them to do so. I continue to engage with local authorities to ensure we are providing them with the support they need to make our roads safer.
Session: Road Safety Vulnerable Road Users 2025-01-09
View All Questions -->
Can the Minister explain how the UK-Germany bilateral defence agreement fits into wider discussions with EU and NATO counterparts around defence and security?
Context
The MP welcomes the recent UK-Germany bilateral defence agreement, signed at Trinity House. He asks about its alignment with wider discussions.
Stephen Doughty
I thank my hon. Friend for his remarks; we continue to engage with German colleagues from across the spectrum. We are keen to get this treaty agreed as soon as possible, fitting naturally with our NATO membership and enhanced dialogue with the EU.
Session: EU Security and Defence Co-operation 2024-11-26
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister agree that my hard-working constituents in Bolton West deserve better?
Context
One of the questioner's constituents experienced multiple cancellations and an overcrowded train on their commute.
Louise Haigh
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. I have repeatedly made clear that it is not good enough. We inherited a railway where workforce terms and conditions were completely outdated and not fit for a modern railway. We are addressing that, and as a result Northern's cancellations are starting to come down, but we appreciate that there is still a long way to go.
Session: Topical Questions 2024-11-21
View All Questions -->
Will the Secretary of State consider how enforcement agencies might be self-funding through money raised from fines levied on polluting water firms?
Context
Laws need to be enforced with adequate resources, and the question is about how enforcement agencies can be self-funded through fines levied on polluting water firms.
Steve Reed
Points regarding polluters paying for further enforcement action will be brought into the Water (Special Measures) Bill, creating a virtuous circle to clean up waterways.
Session: Water Pollution 2024-11-14
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to help prevent water pollution by utility companies?
Context
Water companies have discharged record levels of sewage into rivers under the previous government, leaving waterways in a polluted state.
Steve Reed
We are placing water companies under special measures with legislation banning unfair bonuses and launching a root and branch review of the sector. Legislation will go through Parliament.
Session: Water Pollution 2024-11-14
View All Questions -->
What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that the NCA is able to protect my constituents from financial crime? A recent report found the NCA was “on its knees”, spending millions on consultants and failing to retain investigators. What specific measures are being taken?
Context
The National Crime Agency is tasked with protecting constituents from foreign origin fraud and serious organised crime, but a report found the NCA was struggling to retain investigators after 14 years of Conservative government.
Dan Jarvis
The NCA is operational and tackling economic crime, collaborating with jurisdictions at risk. The national fraud squad run by the NCA's national economic crime centre has 400 new officers to tackle high-harm international offenders. A workforce strategy addresses retention challenges for fraud investigators.
Session: Fraud and Economic Crime 2024-10-21
View All Questions -->
What steps her Department is taking to tackle fraud and economic crime? We know that 39% of all reported crime is fraud, and many of those offences are carried out by serious organised crime gangs. The National Crime Agency is tasked with protecting my constituents from foreign origin fraud and serious organised crime, but a recent report found the NCA was “on its knees”, spending millions on consultants and failing to retain investigators. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that the NCA is able to protect my constituents from financial crime?
Context
Fraud accounts for 39% of all crime in England and Wales, with serious organised crime gangs committing many offences. The National Crime Agency is struggling to protect constituents from foreign origin fraud and serious organised crime.
Dan Jarvis
Fraud accounts for 39% of all crime, and it is a priority. We work with law enforcement and industry to protect the public from economic crime. The NCA's national economic crime centre has a national fraud squad working with City of London police, adding 400 new officers by next year. A workforce strategy addresses retention challenges for fraud investigators.
Session: Fraud and Economic Crime 2024-10-21
View All Questions -->
What discussions is the Minister having with his counterparts across Government to ensure that those who evade sanctions are held to account and that money held unlawfully is secured for the public purse?
Context
The UK has sanctioned over 2,000 individuals and entities since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014. Despite this, there is only one instance of law enforcement securing sanctioned funds.
Stephen Doughty
This Government will not hesitate to take firm action to close loopholes and strengthen the enforcement of sanctions. While some steps have been taken, such as sanctioning an additional 11 ships through the European Political Community, more work is needed.
Session: Russian Sanctions Regime 2024-07-30
View All Questions -->
Whether he plans to review the sanctions regime against Russia. This Government are determined to increase pressure on Russia and support Ukraine. However, since Russia's unlawful full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there has been just one instance of UK law enforcement securing sanctioned funds despite over 2,000 individuals and entities being sanctioned.
Context
The MP raises concerns about the effectiveness of UK sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, noting that while over 2,000 individuals and entities have been sanctioned since 2014, enforcement efforts are lacking.
Stephen Doughty
This Government are determined to increase the pressure on Russia and support Ukraine. We will keep our Russia sanctions regime under close review and go further to reduce Russia's capacity to wage war. The government has sanctioned an additional 11 ships as part of efforts to disrupt and deter Russia's shadow fleet.
Session: Russian Sanctions Regime 2024-07-30
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Financial Transparency: Overseas Territories
05 November 2025
Responding: Stephen Doughty
Main Concerns
['The debate addresses the impact of financial secrecy in UK overseas territories on domestic communities, citing specific instances such as the Panama Papers and Paradise Papers leaks. It highlights how low tax rates and lack of transparency attract criminal activities like money laundering and tax evasion, harming public services and economic growth.']
Specific Asks
['Phil Brickell calls for more transparency to support law enforcement in identifying real owners of businesses linked to overseas territories and stresses the need for stronger measures against financial secrecy.']
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill 2026-01-20
20 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
National security must always be the first priority of any Government, especially during uncertain times. The deal secures the vital military asset for future generations, allowing the base to continu...
Local Elections Cancellation 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the scheduled local government elections in May 2026 will not be cancelled, and explain why it is necessary to do so at this late stage despite the Government's previous...
Arctic Security 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ukraine 2026-01-14
14 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office commends the support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and outlines the UK's commitment to peace negotiations. He highlights th...
Human Rights Abuses Magnitsky Sanctions 2026-01-08
08 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion expresses concern over the escalation of human rights abuses and corruption globally, highlighting the inconsistent implementation of Magnitsky sanctions in the UK. It urges for a more robu...
Business of the House 2026-01-08
08 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The MP expressed dissatisfaction with the Government’s practice of making significant policy announcements when Parliament is not sitting. He cited several examples of U-turns on policies related to i...
High Street Gambling Reform 2026-01-08
08 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls for reform of planning policy to prevent proliferation of betting shops and adult gaming centres in economically deprived areas. Emphasises the negative impact on local communities, citing insta...
UK-EU Common Understanding Negotiations 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government were elected with a manifesto commitment to reset relations with European partners; to fix the bad deal passed on by the previous government; and to support jobs here in the UK. A new s...
Sudden Cardiac Death in Young People 2025-12-15
15 December 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
I thank the Speaker’s Office for finding time for this important Adjournment debate, and my hon. Friend the Minister for being in her place to hear it. I look forward to her response. I know that many...
Foreign Interference 2025-12-11
11 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate highlights the urgent need to address foreign interference which strikes at the core of Britain's democratic institutions, economy, and national security. The post-war and post-cold war str...
Attendance
100.0%
22 of 22 votes
Aye Votes
9
40.9% of votes
No Votes
13
59.1% of votes
Abstentions
0
0.0% 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
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
3
PMQs Asked
21
Ministerial Questions Asked
64
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
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
+55% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+165% above average
This MP:
21
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-35% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2606% above average
This MP:
64
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 (%)
+32% above average
This MP:
100.0
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 Phil Brickell's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.