Irene Campbell
MP for North Ayrshire and Arran
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
In my constituency of North Ayrshire and Arran, the SNP ferry fiasco is having a devastating social and economic impact on Ardrossan and the Isle of Arran. As well as a CalMac ferry being built that does not fit into the existing harbour, the Fraser of Allander Institute estimates that the disrupted ferries cost the Isle of Arran £170,000 of lost revenue per day. Does the Prime Minister agree that the SNP Government need to find a rapid solution to swiftly address this serious situation?
Context
CalMac ferry fiasco in North Ayrshire and Arran has a negative social and economic impact, with daily revenue losses of £170,000.
The Prime Minister
I thank my hon. Friend for fighting SNP incompetence on behalf of her constituents. Yet again, the SNP is failing island communities. Hospital appointments are being missed and livelihoods destroyed. Scotland has a proud history of shipbuilding and engineering. The SNP should be supporting Scottish workers and focusing on delivering for our communities.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not address the need for a rapid solution to the ferry fiasco.
Attacking The Opposition
Session: PMQs 2025-03-26
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An SMR and new nuclear at Hunterston would support 650 skilled jobs but relocation is happening due to opposition. Does the Secretary of State agree we are losing talent because SNP opposes nuclear?
Context
MP referenced an article about Scottish workers relocating due to lack of new nuclear development in Scotland.
Ed Miliband
The SNP's dogmatic opposition means new nuclear is not happening in Scotland. The answer to it is to vote Labour in May.
Session: Small Modular Nuclear Reactors Jobs 2026-02-10
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What estimate has been made of the potential impact of constructing small modular reactors on the number of clean energy jobs?
Context
The MP is concerned about the potential for clean energy jobs in her constituency due to the construction of SMRs.
Ed Miliband
There is huge potential for small modular reactors to support up to 3,000 jobs at Wylfa and thousands more across the supply chain. The Government aims to enable every part of the country to benefit.
Session: Small Modular Nuclear Reactors Jobs 2026-02-10
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In my constituency of North Ayrshire and Arran, healthy life expectancy for women and men is 52.5 years, which is the lowest in Scotland. This highlights increasing health inequalities compared to other parts of Scotland. Does the Minister agree that this is unacceptable and that more needs to be done by the Scottish Government given their significant financial settlement?
Context
Healthy life expectancy in North Ayrshire is the lowest in Scotland, indicating significant health disparities.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
Those are truly shocking statistics. I know that my hon. Friend, Anas Sarwar and all Scottish Labour colleagues are working to kick out the SNP and show how Labour can make the NHS fit for the future alongside our child poverty strategy, which will lift thousands of children in Scotland out of poverty.
Session: Children in Poverty 2026-01-28
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What steps is the Department taking to help protect victims of online misogyny through the criminal justice system? My constituent Dr Sam Rice has set up a grassroots charity called Kids For Now, which supports parents who want to delay smartphones for their children. There is much evidence to support that approach. For example, Ofsted has found that 80% of teenage girls are put under pressure to provide sexual images of themselves, which often end up online. Does the Minister agree that the effect that online misogyny has on children must be tackled?
Context
Dr Sam Rice has established a charity called Kids For Now, supporting parents in delaying smartphone use for their children. Ofsted reports indicate that 80% of teenage girls face pressure to share sexual images, which often become public online.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
I totally agree with my hon. Friend. Online misogyny radicalises our boys, pressures our girls, and fuels harmful attitudes. It must be tackled in order to protect all our children. The Government are acting through tougher laws, including the Online Safety Act 2023, and our upcoming violence against women and girls strategy will protect children from harm online. Prevention is fundamental, so we are supporting schools to teach children about respect, consent and healthy relationships.
Session: Online Misogyny Victims 2025-12-16
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Does the Minister agree that with a Labour Government at Holyrood working with a UK Labour Government, constituencies like North Ayrshire and Arran could be much better off, because nuclear policy in Scotland could change and sites like Hunterston, which is currently blocked from investment by SNP policy, could be developed to support small modular reactors, bringing good jobs to the community and playing a key part in our energy supply?
Context
Scottish Labour MP Irene Campbell discusses potential economic benefits of nuclear policy changes in Scotland, particularly regarding Hunterston power station.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Darren Jones)
In England and Wales, Labour Governments are investing billions of pounds to deliver a new generation of clean, safe nuclear power. Hunterston, in my hon. Friend’s constituency, is just one of the communities in Scotland that could benefit from this investment, if it was not for the SNP Government’s outdated and ideological ban on nuclear power. Their student politics approach is holding Scotland back. Only a vote for Scottish Labour and Anas Sarwar next May will deliver the jobs and growth that nuclear power could offer Scotland.
Session: Devolved Administrations 2025-12-04
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I was concerned to read reports that sexual assault and harassment of women and girls on trains has risen by more than a third over the past 10 years, adding up to 2,661 incidents reported across England, Scotland and Wales last year, with one in ten of them affecting children. Does the Minister agree that this cannot be allowed to continue, and that we must do more to tackle this shocking rise in violence against women and girls?
Context
Reports indicate that sexual assault and harassment of women and girls on trains has increased by more than a third over the past 10 years, with 2,661 incidents reported in England, Scotland, and Wales last year. One in ten victims were children.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. However, there have been recent successful campaigns by British Transport police and the Rail Delivery Group to encourage reporting of offences against women and girls, which we believe has contributed to some of the rise in recorded offences due to increased willingness of victims to come forward and bystanders to report on their behalf. We are not complacent and have announced £17 million of investment to better connect CCTV at train stations to accelerate investigations and identify offenders as quickly as possible.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls 2025-11-05
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Does the Minister agree that, while waiting lists in England are falling thanks to billions of pounds of investment into our national health service, it is an absolute disgrace that, despite record levels of money being provided to the Scottish Government, waiting lists in Scotland continue to rise?
Context
The MP noted the disparity between falling waiting lists in England due to significant NHS investment, and rising waiting lists in Scotland despite record funding.
Georgia Gould (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
As my hon. Friend has set out, since Labour came to power, we have seen waiting lists continue to fall, with our 2 million new appointments, but the Scottish people have not seen the same benefits. Luckily, though, they do not need to wait long to vote for a Labour Government with a plan to change that.
Session: Public Service Reform 2025-07-10
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What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to reform public services. From our Best Start strategy to new neighbourhood health centres, we are reforming public services, so that money is invested in prevention, services are designed with and for local communities, and people always come first.
Context
The MP highlighted the ongoing issues with fragmented and underfunded public services, affecting both residents and frontline workers.
Georgia Gould (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
For too long, residents and frontline workers have had to navigate fragmented and underfunded services, and have had to arm up for battle when using public services. From our Best Start strategy to new neighbourhood health centres, we are reforming public services, so that money is invested in prevention, services are designed with and for local communities, and people always come first.
Session: Public Service Reform 2025-07-10
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I was shocked to read recently that Ofsted found that 80% of teenage girls are being put under pressure to provide sexual images of themselves; they can be asked for these pictures multiple times a night. What consideration will there be of social media in the wider strategy to tackle violence against women and girls?
Context
The MP cited a recent Ofsted report indicating that 80% of teenage girls face pressure to provide sexual images, highlighting the need for addressing such issues in the context of social media.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her question. I share her concern about the issue and its impact on young women and girls. That is why the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology is bringing forward further action to ensure that girls are protected from harm, and why later this year, we will publish updated guidance on relationships, sex and health education to tackle all forms of misogyny and ensure that young men and women can thrive in our country.
Session: Topical Questions 2025-06-18
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It saddened me to see an article in the Glasgow Times about the rise of sex crimes at Scottish train stations. Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice found that there has been a 45% increase in sex crimes at Scottish stations, with a total of 87 crimes reported in 2024. Does the Minister agree that women should be able to use public transport without fear of assault? Will she tell me what her Department is doing to tackle such issues?
Context
An article in the Glasgow Times reported a 45% increase in sex crimes at Scottish train stations, with a total of 87 crimes reported in 2024. The article highlights concerns about public transport safety for women.
The Minister for Equalities (Seema Malhotra)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue. She is absolutely right: everyone should feel safe while on public transport. That is why we have developed an ambitious programme to help make the transport network safe for women and girls. The British Transport police use overt and covert policing techniques to target offenders who are using the network, promote the reporting of sexual offences, and have committed to tackling violence against women and girls in their 2025-to-27 policing plan.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls 2025-06-18
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There has been a noticeable increase in people contacting my office about accessing GP services, and long waiting times for hospital appointments and operations. On the Isle of Arran, many cannot get back-and-forth ferry trips on same day due to these issues. Given my experience as an ex-NHS manager, I see consequences of GP shortage in Scotland. With a recent successful recruitment campaign in England, should the Scottish Government utilise Barnett consequentials for robust workforce planning and GP recruitment?
Context
Recent discussions with the Scottish Government regarding the impact of the Barnett formula on NHS funding, particularly concerns about access to GP services and long waiting times for hospital appointments and operations.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)
Thanks my hon. Friend for her service. With Labour's financial support, NHS waiting lists in England have fallen monthly due to our investment plan. In contrast, nearly one sixth of Scots are on waiting lists; John Swinney announced the fifth NHS recovery plan under SNP but it falls short; we need a new direction.
Session: Barnett Formula NHS Funding 2025-04-23
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I am chair of the all-party parliamentary group on phasing out animal experiments in medical research. Will the Minister meet me and the APPG to discuss future plans and a strategy for the manifesto commitment on phasing out animal testing?
Context
The question arises from the all-party parliamentary group on phasing out animal experiments in medical research, where Members work together to push for non-animal replacements in scientific experiments.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
I did not know that my hon. Friend had taken over the APPG; it is a good thing that it exists. We will work very closely with the APPG. Whether I am the right Minister or whether there is a more intelligent Minister—or a more charming one, perhaps—who might be of more assistance to her, I will make sure that she gets all the Ministers that she needs.
Session: Animal Testing 2025-02-12
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We have delivered the biggest Budget settlement for the Scottish Government in the history of devolution, with more than £4.9 billion of extra funding that can go towards public services. Does the Secretary of State agree there are no excuses for the SNP to deliver and improve public services?
Context
The Scottish Government received a £4.9 billion funding increase, the largest in devolution history. The Labour party delivered additional investment outside of Barnett consequentials.
Ian Murray
Of course, I could not agree more. It is not just the £4.9 billion but all the other investment that the UK Government made outside the Barnett consequentials. The Labour Government have delivered billions of pounds more for schools and hospitals in Scotland.
Session: Autumn Budget Discussions with Scottish Government 2024-12-04
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What discussions has he had with the Scottish Government on the autumn Budget 2024?
Context
Discussions regarding the autumn Budget 2024 between the UK government and the Scottish Government.
Ian Murray
We have reset the relationship with the Scottish Government, and I have met the Deputy First Minister numerous times to discuss the autumn Budget and other issues. Scotland was better off to the tune of £4.9 billion in Barnett consequentials alone—money that the SNP voted against but will spend today. I encourage the Scottish Government to use that money to strengthen frontline services, bring down NHS waiting times and lift attainment in our schools.
Session: Autumn Budget Discussions with Scottish Government 2024-12-04
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Animal Rescue Centres
26 January 2026
Responding: Dame Angela Eagle
Main Concerns
['The petition has gathered almost 110,000 signatures calling for mandatory licensing and regular inspections of animal rescue centres to protect welfare. Current voluntary frameworks do not provide sufficient oversight, with examples of rescues operating without clear legal oversight and risking public trust and animal welfare.']
Specific Asks
['Irene Campbell asks the Government to introduce statutory codes for rescue centres and enforceable standards to prevent unethical practices, improve accountability, and ensure rescued animals receive proper care.']
Gaza: Humanitarian Obligations
24 November 2025
Responding: Mr Hamish Falconer
Main Concerns
["The petition 'Urgently fulfil humanitarian obligations to Gaza' has received nearly 200,000 signatures. The situation is dire with famine conditions affecting more than half a million people in Gaza. Only a fraction of the promised aid has reached Gaza since the ceasefire, and Israel's restrictions on access continue to exacerbate the crisis."]
Specific Asks
['The UK Government should urgently find alternative means to deliver aid to Gaza without relying solely on Israeli facilitation and ensure that the International Court of Justice’s determination is followed.']
Bovine Tuberculosis Control and Badger Culling
13 October 2025
Responding: Rebecca Pow
Main Concerns
['The petition has gathered more than 102,000 signatures expressing concern over the badger cull. In the past decade, 278,000 infected cattle have been ordered to be slaughtered and more than 230,000 badgers have been culled. The petitioner’s view is that vaccinating badgers continues to blame them for bovine TB, which they believe is unjustified.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should stop issuing new licences for culls and focus on non-lethal interventions like enhancing biosecurity measures and cattle-based testing and vaccination.']
Farmed Animals: Cages and Crates
16 June 2025
Responding: Daniel Zeichner
Main Concerns
["The petition titled 'End the use of cages and crates for all farmed animals' has reached over 105,000 signatures. It highlights the suffering of millions of farmed animals confined in cages, including laying hens and mother pigs nursing piglets in narrow crates. Sows spend nearly a quarter of their lives in cramped conditions that prevent natural behaviours such as nesting or rooting."]
Specific Asks
['The debate aims to encourage a more rapid solution and approach to phasing out cages for farmed animals, with a focus on implementing free-range systems and better labelling of products. The Government is urged to take action based on consensus from various organisations that support banning farrowing crates over shorter timelines.']
Scientific and Regulatory Procedures: Use of Dogs
28 April 2025
Responding: Feryal Clark
Main Concerns
['The petition has almost 236,000 signatures... In 2023, 2,456 dogs were used in scientific procedures, with 734 classified as causing severe or moderate harm. There are studies questioning the reliability and human-relevant value of these tests.']
Specific Asks
['Calls for an immediate ban on the use of dogs... Hopes this debate will reignite discussion on banning dog testing...']
Political Donations
31 March 2025
Main Concerns
["The petition 'Tighten the rules on political donations' gathered over 140,000 signatures. The debate highlighted issues such as foreign interference through donations, transparency in political funding, and complex regulations allowing unclear sources of money to enter UK politics. It also mentioned Transparency International's research indicating that almost £1 in every £10 reported by political parties since 2001 has come from unknown or questionable sources."]
Specific Asks
['The lead MP called for the tightening of rules on political donations and the capping of all donations to a reasonable amount. She also requested a review of limits on fines that can be levied for breaking donation rules.']
Family Visas: Income Requirement
20 January 2025
Responding: Seema Malhotra
Main Concerns
['The petition gathered more than 100,000 signatures arguing that the minimum income requirement for family visas is inhumane. The income threshold was raised from £29,000 to £38,700, making it difficult for many families to be together and leading to a sense of second-class citizenship among applicants and sponsors.']
Specific Asks
['The petitioners ask the government to reconsider the proposed policy changes and work towards simplifying family migration rules that do not hinder integration into British society.']
Male Chick Culling 2025-09-11
11 September 2025
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
I declare an interest: earlier this week, I hosted the 'Ban Hatch and Dispatch' event in Parliament with the Vegetarian Society. The practice of culling male chicks is a cruel process where newly hatc...
Global Plastics Treaty 2025-07-17
17 July 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate discusses the upcoming UN global plastics treaty negotiations in Geneva, emphasising the importance of reducing plastic production, improving design for minimum environmental impact, provid...
Incontinence 2025-06-19
19 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moved the debate on incontinence, highlighting its prevalence and stigma. Emphasised the need for awareness, prevention through physiotherapy, school curriculum inclusion, specialist workforce develop...
Water Safety Education 2025-06-19
19 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Paffey opened by highlighting the ongoing issue of drowning in the UK, citing over 300 annual deaths and a doubling of such incidents since 2020. He pointed out that despite the national curriculum...
Animal Experiments Medical Research 2025-06-16
16 June 2025
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Before I start, I must declare an interest as the chair of the all-party parliamentary group on phasing out animal experiments in medical research. Five animals are used every minute in UK research, w...
Access to NHS Dentistry 2025-05-22
22 May 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Labour has promised to tackle the lack of NHS dental services, with progress including extra urgent appointments. The Government is focusing on prevention through supervised tooth-brushing schemes in ...
Trail Hunting 2025-04-01
01 April 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Put simply, animal cruelty should have no place in modern, progressive 21st-century Britain. Having spent most of my life living in rural areas, I have witnessed at first hand the brutal reality of hu...
Business of the House 2025-01-30
30 January 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Serves with Lucy Powell on the Modernisation Committee, observing her energy in bringing the House into the second quarter of the 21st century. Calls for commitment from the Leader of the House to pro...
Ways and Means
06 November 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Chancellor's growth budget is a path to prosperity through investment in infrastructure, public services, cities, and regions. It includes £100 billion of public investment into roads, railways, p...
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
1
PMQs Asked
14
Ministerial Questions Asked
9
House of Commons Debates Involved
7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
22
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 649 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-48% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
1.9
Ministerial Questions
+76% above average
This MP:
14
Average:
7.9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+355% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
1.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+281% above average
This MP:
9
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 (%)
+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 Irene Campbell's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.