Al Pinkerton
MP for Surrey Heath
Lib Dem
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I associate myself with the Prime Minister's condolences and his birthday good wishes to the NHS. Everyone in my constituency of Surrey Heath wants a new Frimley Park hospital, but the chosen site is wholly inappropriate. I have received troubling evidence that local political figures openly discussed this site before the official selection process. This project has been compromised from the outset with a predetermined site. Will the Prime Minister step in and commission an urgent independent review?
Context
The chosen site for the new Frimley Park hospital is considered inappropriate by local residents, being environmentally destructive and inaccessible. Evidence suggests that the preferred location was known before the official process began.
Keir Starmer
The hon. Gentleman's NHS trust has identified its preferred site for the new Frimley Park hospital, and detailed technical work can now start. The Tories promised 40 new hospitals with no funding or delivery plan, but thanks to Labour investment, his hospital will be one of the first rebuilt. His approach opposes building it because of golf courses.
Assessment
Commissioning an independent review into the site selection process for Frimley Park Hospital
Redirecting To Opposition'S Record
Personal Attack
Session: PMQs 2026-07-01
View Full Session -->
My Surrey Heath constituent Christopher was discharged from the RAF in 1966 solely for being gay, but—despite the Government committing to restoring the medals and the berets—his case has been dismissed out of hand, with only a letter that contained the tracked changes from the template. Can I ask the Prime Minister to take a personal interest in this case to ensure that it is resolved swiftly?
Context
A constituent was dishonorably discharged from the RAF in 1966 for being gay. The case has been dismissed.
Keir Starmer
I will do everything that I can to ensure that that happens, which is absolutely what should happen. This was an absolute scandal—the gays in the military ban—and it is absolutely right that it was overturned, but we must follow through on that.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
In my constituency of Surrey Heath, the M3/A322 junction remains a serious congestion bottleneck for local residents and a source of frustration for motorway users. Poor advance signage and confusing road layout cause frequent near misses and dangerous manoeuvres. Given the doubling of housing targets in our area, what steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that critical junctions are safe, clearly signposted and fit for future population growth?
Context
The M3/A322 junction between Bagshot and Lightwater in Surrey Heath is a significant congestion bottleneck with poor signage causing near misses and dangerous manoeuvres. The area also faces increased population growth due to higher housing targets.
Heidi Alexander
I am aware of concerns about the M3/A322 junction, where some improvements have already been made to the northbound section. Surrey county council has responsibility for making further changes, including alterations to traffic lights. I suggest continuing discussions with the local authority.
Session: Road Junction Safety
View All Questions -->
In my constituency of Surrey Heath, the M3/A322 junction remains a serious congestion bottleneck for local residents and a source of frustration for motorway users. Poor advance signage and confusing road layout cause frequent near misses and dangerous manoeuvres. Given the doubling of housing targets in our area, what steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that critical junctions are safe, clearly signposted and fit for future population growth?
Context
The M3/A322 junction between Bagshot and Lightwater in Surrey Heath is a significant congestion bottleneck with poor signage causing near misses and dangerous manoeuvres. The area also faces increased population growth due to higher housing targets.
Heidi Alexander
I am aware of concerns about the M3/A322 junction, where some improvements have already been made to the northbound section. Surrey county council has responsibility for making further changes, including alterations to traffic lights. I suggest continuing discussions with the local authority.
Session: Road Junction Safety
View All Questions -->
The relocation of Frimley Park hospital in my constituency is a £1.8 billion project, but none of the costs of the essential infrastructure to enable the new site to go ahead have been costed or budgeted for. The chief executives of the hospital simply said that those costs will have to come from the contingency fund. Does the Secretary of State agree that this is no way to start a project of such size, scale and significance, and will he meet me to address these concerns?
Context
The relocation of Frimley Park hospital is a £1.8 billion project, but none of the costs for essential infrastructure have been costed or budgeted.
James Murray
The hon. Gentleman is persistent in raising this issue—he has also raised it with me in the lunch queue. It clearly matters to him, and indeed to hon. Friends on my side of the House—
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
My constituent, Richard, has been unable to work for four months because of Disclosure and Barring Service delays. Things are getting desperate at home, and he faces the prospect of defaulting on his mortgage this month. There has been a 10-month delay from the point of application to now. Will one of the Front-Bench team look at his case in particular, to help him out, but also try to take a hand of the DBS more generally?
Context
A constituent, Richard, has faced a 10-month delay in getting a DBS check which is impacting his ability to work and potentially defaulting on mortgage payments.
Sarah Jones
I am certainly happy to look at that particular case. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman could write to me and I will look into it.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
At a time of intense geopolitical instability, British households remain particularly exposed to volatile global energy prices. Given that there are interconnectors with six European countries already, does the Minister agree with esteemed energy economists that recoupling our electricity market with the EU would strengthen energy security and lower bills?
Context
Ofgem has announced a 13% rise in the energy price cap from July, highlighting households' vulnerability to volatile global energy prices.
Michael Shanks
I agree with the hon. Member. We have this bizarre situation where we have interconnections with Europe for decades, and they are important to our energy security. In a moment of geopolitical uncertainty, closer links with Europe are important. Our interconnectors import and export every single day to the benefit of consumers in Britain. We want to see much more efficient energy trading, and that is why we are working on formal negotiations about the EU internal electricity market.
Session: EU Internal Electricity Market
View All Questions -->
What recent discussions has the Minister had with his EU counterparts on the UK's participation in the EU's internal electricity market?
Context
Discussions on energy security with EU counterparts are ongoing, and there is a need to address British households' exposure to volatile global energy prices.
Michael Shanks
Co-operation with our EU counterparts is vitally important when it comes to energy security. I recently travelled to the WindEurope conference in Madrid, where I joined other European Ministers to discuss how recent global events have shown that we have to work together to deliver on our energy security. We have held constructive discussions with the EU on the internal electricity market and those continue.
Session: EU Internal Electricity Market
View All Questions -->
I am grateful for that response. My constituent Olivia is an extraordinary survivor of sustained coercive control involving psychological, physical and financial abuse—a set of abuses that continued even after her separation from her partner, because of child contact arrangements, which left her in persistent fear for both her safety and that of her child. What steps are the Secretary of State and his Front Bench team taking to strengthen safeguarding in the family courts and to protect domestic abuse survivors from re-traumatisation, particularly when perpetrators use mechanisms such as child contact arrangements to continue their abuse?
Context
The MP is concerned about the need for stronger safeguarding measures in family courts to protect survivors from re-traumatisation through mechanisms such as child contact arrangements.
David Lammy
The whole House will have sympathy for Olivia. The family courts must never be a place for perpetrators to continue their abuse. Repealing the presumption of parental involvement will ensure that children's wellbeing continues to be the court's primary focus when considering contact. Under the child-focused model, independent domestic violence advisers can provide victims with specialist family support.
Session: Family Courts
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to reform the family courts?
Context
The MP is concerned about the need for reforms in the family justice system to better support families and children.
David Lammy
The Government are reforming the family justice system to better support families and children. We are rolling out the child-focused model nationally, developing a cross-system family justice strategy and legislating for new child safety measures that ensure that child welfare continues to be prioritised.
Session: Family Courts
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister update the House on the Secretary of State's visit to Cyprus earlier this month? Could he also say what reassurance the Cypriot Government need from us?
Context
There is growing disquiet in Cyprus and the Cypriot community regarding the future of the sovereign base areas.
Alistair Carns
Our sovereign base in Cyprus is not in question. When the Secretary of State for Defence visited Cyprus, the Cypriot national guard reaffirmed that our relationship is closer now than ever before.
Session: Defence UK Allies
View All Questions -->
Yesterday I met representatives of the British Chambers of Commerce, who relayed the profound concerns of the UK automative industry that it might be excluded from the European Union's proposed industrial accelerator Act. What is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that the UK automotive sector is not placed at a competitive disadvantage?
Context
Representatives of the British Chambers of Commerce relayed concerns about the UK automotive industry potentially being excluded from the EU's proposed industrial accelerator Act. Nissan and Honda have expressed uncertainty about their future if included.
Peter Kyle
My ministerial team and I have been very active on this issue, raising it directly with Commissioners. We are working with our EU colleagues to make sure that the automotive sector is respected, valued, and secure in the future.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
My constituent Michael, who is autistic, lost his personal independence payment in January when he was moved to employment and support allowance without explanation. He is attempting to appeal that decision. Given warnings from the National Autistic Society about barriers that autistic people face in navigating the benefits system, what steps is the Department taking to improve communication and staff training to better support neurodiverse claimants?
Context
The National Autistic Society has warned about barriers that autistic people face in navigating the benefits system.
Stephen Timms
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise that matter. It is fair to say that the PIP application process is old-fashioned, clunky and difficult for many. I mentioned earlier the review of PIP that is being undertaken. Members of the steering group have described applying for PIP as “dehumanising”. The health transformation programme is under way, and we are improving the process, including by making claims fully online in a trial number of postcode areas. I hope that a broadly much better approach will come out of the review.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Might the Minister be willing to take this case on, work with GPs, the NHS and other relevant bodies to review guidance in that area, and remove the barriers that can all too often prevent young people from engaging with the physical and sporting activities that are so vital to their physical and mental wellbeing?
Context
Following a meeting with British Gymnastics, the charity Stepping Stones, and Prime Acrobatics about barriers preventing young people with Down's syndrome from participating in sports due to neck stability concerns.
Zubir Ahmed
The hon. Member is not the first colleague to raise that issue. Clearly, the safety of patients and children is paramount, but it must be proportionate and led by evidence. I would be very happy to explore this further with him.
Session: People with Down’s Syndrome Sport and Health
View All Questions -->
What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the role of sport in health outcomes for young people with Down's syndrome.
Context
Discussions about the role of sports and physical activity in improving health outcomes for children with disabilities, particularly those with Down's syndrome.
Zubir Ahmed
Every child with a disability should have the opportunity to reap the health and wellbeing benefits of being active. We are working across health, education and sports to break down barriers to physical activity, including for children with Down's syndrome. That includes ensuring that they have access to inclusive, sensory-rich activities that they can enjoy with friends, families and carers.
Session: People with Down’s Syndrome Sport and Health
View All Questions -->
What protections will the Minister put in place as at least a temporary measure to protect our communities from speculative development?
Context
In areas like Surrey Heath and Guildford, housing targets have nearly doubled, stripping away protections from local plans.
Matthew Pennycook
Local plans that are up to date provide protection from speculative development. Local authorities have to ensure they meet housing delivery targets, which is essential.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Can the Minister indicate what proportion of a typical business energy bill is driven by wholesale costs, network charges and policy costs?
Context
Small and large businesses in Surrey Heath face high operating costs due to energy prices.
Chris McDonald
UK gas costs are competitive with Europe after policy costs, but we aim to remove businesses from relying on fossil fuel market fluctuations through renewable energy investment. The clean power mission aims to provide low-cost and secure home-grown energy.
Session: Businesses Cost of Energy
View All Questions -->
Why has the opportunity for Chagossians to have a referendum been stripped from today’s discussions on the Chagos Bill, when the same rights are considered fundamental for Greenlanders?
Context
In answer to an earlier question, the Foreign Secretary stated that Greenland's future should be decided by Greenlanders and Danes. The Chagos Islands are currently under discussion in a bill.
Stephen Doughty
We will be discussing these issues this afternoon and there will be ample time to discuss amendments. We have engaged extensively with Chagossian communities.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
May I take the Minister back to the circumstances of constituents who are living in retirement communities? I have a community of constituents who live at Mytchett Heath, owned by Cognatum Estates. They are experiencing very high service charges, and I have written to the Minister about that before. They are made nervous by talk of delay. They are often on a fixed income with fixed-income pensions. They are getting older, and they want to enjoy their retirement in peace. Can the Minister offer them any reassurance today?
Context
Residents of a retirement community called Mytchett Heath are experiencing high service charges and are concerned about the delay in leasehold reforms. Dr Pinkerton has previously written to the Minister regarding this issue.
Matthew Pennycook (The Minister for Housing and Planning)
The hon. Gentleman has written to me about that issue and he has, if I may politely say, generated a huge number of questions on it. We have met about it on one occasion, I think, and I am more than happy to have another conversation with him to try to get to the root of his concerns.
Session: Leasehold Reform
View All Questions -->
With growing Chinese espionage, Russian aggression on the European continent and a capricious President in the United States, it is more important than ever that we deepen our security co-operation with our European allies. Can I ask the Minister explicitly whether he recognises, as I do, that the UK’s deepest possible participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe scheme is vital to common European security? What have he and the Government done to try to prompt the restart of the negotiations with the European Union that sadly broke down last week?
Context
With increasing concerns about Chinese espionage, Russian aggression in Europe, and US foreign policy instability, the UK needs to deepen its security co-operation with European allies.
Stephen Doughty
Our security and defence partnership is broad. The UK entered discussions with the EU on the SAFE scheme in good faith, recognising mutual strategic interest and continued commitment. We were clear with the EU that we were prepared to make a fair financial contribution that reflects the potential for a mutually beneficial relationship and value for the taxpayer. However, we have always said that we will not sign deals unless they are genuinely in the national interest, and in this case the deal on offer from the EU did not pass that test. But I am absolutely confident that our wider defence and industrial relationships are not affected. In fact, our deal with Norway on frigates, our £8 billion agreement with Turkey for the purchase of 20 Typhoon jets, and our agreement with Germany on joint export campaigns in relation to Boxer armoured vehicles all very much represent the very best of European defence industrial co-operation.
Session: UK-EU Relations
View All Questions -->
What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that homes in Surrey Heath insulated under those schemes are remediated in a timely and trustworthy manner, and what assessment has he made of the role that home insulation will play in our wider efforts to reduce bills but also protect climate and nature?
Context
The National Audit Office reported that homes insulated under previous government schemes are at risk of damp and mould unless remediated.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Martin McCluskey)
All those affected by the ECO4 situation will receive letters offering them a free audit, many have already received these letters. I encourage hon Members across the House to make sure that their constituents are taking up this offer as it is the gateway to remediation. The future system is being designed on principles ensuring we do not get into a situation like this ever again.
Session: Reducing Energy Bills
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister commit today to implementing the Domestic Abuse Commissioner's recent recommendations to better protect children at risk?
Context
A Surrey Heath resident is enduring the family court process following domestic abuse, and has raised concerns about child safety during court-ordered contact.
Alex Davies-Jones
This Government are clear that child safety during court-ordered contact is vital. We are improving multi-agency working to support early identification of risk and enable referral to specialist domestic abuse support. We are carefully considering the Domestic Abuse Commissioner's report, and we will publish our response by the end of this year.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
May I begin by associating myself and my party with the sentiments reflected by the Secretary of State about the terrible events in Huntingdon at the weekend? The Secretary of State’s ambition to reverse the outflows from our armed forces is absolutely right, particularly considering the damage the last Government did to our military, but it is far from clear that the Government are doing enough to achieve the necessary changes. There continue to be more service personnel leaving the Army year on year than are joining. In order to strengthen our defence, we need to give more people better incentives to join the armed forces. Will the Minister consider accelerating recruitment properly and tackling outflow rates by backing Liberal Democrat proposals for a £10,000 signing bonus to attract new recruits?
Context
Al Pinkerton thanked the Secretary of State for his sentiments regarding recent events in Huntingdon. He expressed concern about the outflow rates from the armed forces and proposed a £10,000 signing bonus to attract new recruits.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones)
In addition to the measures I have outlined to speed up recruitment, we are looking at expanding novel ways of entry into the armed forces, such as direct entry in the cyber stream. We are hugely focused on retention, and this is a very personal mission for me, having left the forces in 2020 and knowing what measures might have helped retain me in service for longer. We are utterly dedicated to addressing the reasons that people give for leaving, not least with our multibillion-pound investment into fixing forces housing.
Session: Army Recruitment
View All Questions -->
Like the Minister, I had the pleasure of being in Gibraltar in the summer at the invitation of the Government, and I draw the House’s attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. I saw for myself the vital necessity of this deal to secure the economy and the social fabric of Gibraltar and, in particular, the movement of 15,000 people across the Spain-Gibraltar frontier every day. Can the Minister commit himself to bringing the treaty to the House at the first possible opportunity, so that the details can be given the fullest possible scrutiny?
Context
The UK-EU agreement in June aims to secure the economy and social fabric of Gibraltar, addressing daily border crossings for 15,000 people.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Absolutely. The hon. Gentleman mentioned the challenges that have existed at the border. I have been stuck in those queues, Mr Speaker, and you may have been as well. This deal will mean an end to that, and a new, positive relationship. Indeed, much will be positive for the economy and for all the people of Gibraltar. We will bring the treaty to the House as soon as possible—as soon as it is finalised—and it will go through the normal processes. Parliament will, of course, be able to debate its terms if it wishes to do so.
Session: Gibraltar UK-EU Agreement
View All Questions -->
The FSB report highlights continuing disruption for small and medium-sized enterprises in Northern Ireland despite dual market access through the Windsor framework. The Government's failure to effectively communicate these benefits has led to increased scepticism among businesses. Can the Secretary of State identify concrete benefits that this dual market access is currently providing to Northern Ireland firms? How does he respond to growing criticism from UK companies burdened by bureaucratic red tape and uncertainty?
Context
The Federation of Small Businesses has warned that Northern Ireland businesses face ongoing disruption under the Windsor framework, with inadequate communication from the Government on its supposed advantages. There is growing criticism from firms across the UK due to red tape and uncertainty.
Hilary Benn
The Secretary of State acknowledges the FSB report and notes that he regularly speaks with companies in Northern Ireland who report experiencing benefits from dual market access. He emphasises the responsibility to highlight these opportunities, as businesses tend to seize such advantages when they see them. However, he did not provide specific examples or evidence of concrete benefits.
Session: EU Trade Agreement Economic Impact
View All Questions -->
I am grateful to the Secretary of State for his response. Now that the Prime Minister has made a cast-iron commitment to meet NATO’s 5% defence spending target, will the Secretary of State make a similarly welcome commitment to cross-party talks to establish a credible and durable path towards meeting that goal ahead of NATO’s 2029 capability review?
Context
Following last week's NATO summit in The Hague, where member nations agreed to increase defence spending targets and capability pledges.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
I welcome the Liberal Democrats’ support for the commitment we have made at NATO; the Leader of the Opposition was unable to offer that support at Prime Minister’s questions last week. If the hon. Gentleman has ideas about how we should fund that commitment in the next Parliament, I would be perfectly happy to hear them.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
An increasing number of pensioners are reaching the end of their mortgages with outstanding borrowing and finding themselves unable to meet later-life lending criteria, and this is likely to become even more prevalent in years to come as house price rises continue to outstrip earnings. What discussions is the Minister having with lenders and the mortgage industry about expanding those criteria and giving hard-working pensioners who might otherwise be forced to seek council support the opportunity to remain in their own homes?
Context
An increasing number of pensioners are reaching the end of their mortgages with outstanding borrowing and finding themselves unable to meet later-life lending criteria, a trend likely to increase due to rising house prices.
Emma Reynolds (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this important issue. I discuss mortgages with lenders and, indeed, with the Financial Conduct Authority on a weekly basis, and I will ensure that I pass on his comments.
Session: Lifetime Mortgages Support for Older People
View All Questions -->
What assessment has the Northern Ireland Office made of the impact of those tax rises on small and medium-sized enterprises? What practical discussions is the Secretary of State having with the Northern Ireland Executive to support SMEs, which are the future of Northern Ireland’s growth?
Context
Belfast Chamber, representing 600 businesses, warned that many Northern Irish businesses are being forced to freeze growth plans, halt recruitment, and cut jobs due to rising costs from national insurance contributions.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
Of course the increase in employer’s national insurance will be difficult for some firms—that is clearly the case—but, as I said, the North Ireland economy is growing faster than the rest of the United Kingdom and has low unemployment. The rest of today’s questions time has highlighted the huge areas of potential that the Northern Ireland economy has to continue to grow and create new jobs and businesses.
Session: Autumn Budget 2024
View All Questions -->
The hon. Gentleman noted his recent visit to the 77th Brigade and learned about their work tackling Russian disinformation in eastern Europe. Following the US announcement of ceasing offensive cyber-operations against Russia, Dr Pinkerton raised concerns over UK capabilities to address this threat, particularly for the 77th Brigade and other agencies.
Context
Following a visit to the 77th Brigade as part of the armed forces parliamentary scheme, Dr Pinkerton is concerned about the growing pressure on UK capabilities after the U.S. President's decision to cease American offensive cyber-operations.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard)
UK defence networks face a range of state threats from malign actors. The Government are expanding provision and range of capabilities, including creating a new direct entry cyber-pathway to recruit people into our cyber-forces. The hon. Gentleman will understand that I cannot talk about ongoing operations, but we are investing more in this area.
Session: US Cyber-operations against Russia
View All Questions -->
Hon. Members across the House have raised concerns about the now-expelled fire safety engineer Adam Kiziak, following investigations into alleged signature fraud, including in my constituency of Surrey Heath. From what I understand, a second fire engineer, Adair Lewis, has now disowned a further 20 Tri Fire EWS1 forms that he alleges falsely bear his signature. Will the Secretary of State join me in requesting an urgent police investigation into these fraud allegations? Does she agree that her Department must urgently reassess buildings that have been surveyed by Tri Fire to protect residents from further uncertainty and market disruption?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the now-expelled fire safety engineer Adam Kiziak, alleging signature fraud. A second fire engineer, Adair Lewis, has also disowned 20 Tri Fire EWS1 forms that he alleges falsely bear his signature.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)
I stress that the EWS1 form is an industry form rather than a fire safety one. If those buildings are in a Government scheme, any fire risk assessment will have been quality assured. If they are in the developer contract, those schemes have been audited as well, which should give cover. I would not want to speak about individual cases at the Dispatch Box. We believe that the quality of those assessments must be sacrosanct and they must be done in good faith. That is why, as part of our response to the Grenfell inquiry, we have made significant commitments on standards in this area.
Session: Building Safety Documentation
View All Questions -->
Pharmacies in Northern Ireland are in a declared state of crisis. Pharmacists are having to dip into their savings just to stay afloat, and they are cutting staff numbers and opening hours. The National Pharmacy Association has warned that its members may have to further cut opening hours, halt home deliveries and reduce local support services. What conversations has the Secretary of State had with the Northern Ireland Executive to safeguard access to crucial pharmacy services across rural and urban regions? Does he agree that an urgent impact assessment on pharmacy underfunding is required to highlight the scale of the crisis?
Context
Pharmacies across Northern Ireland are facing financial difficulties, threatening reduced opening hours and service reductions.
Hilary Benn
That issue did not figure in the discussions I had recently with the NI Health Minister, but it will be addressed in future conversations.
Session: Public Services
View All Questions -->
Last week, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr Falconer), left open the possibility that the FCDO might revisit the issue of explicit carbon monoxide warnings on FCDO travel advisory pages—a change that we contend would have a cascading effect on the UK travel industry, drive up the use of carbon monoxide alarms and save lives of British travellers overseas. May I encourage the Front-Bench team to pick up this issue in the name of my constituent, Hudson Foley, to ensure that the lives of British travellers overseas are kept safe?
Context
The FCDO may revisit the issue of explicit carbon monoxide warnings on travel advisory pages. The questioner wants to encourage the Front-Bench team to ensure that this change is made in the name of a constituent.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
I can confirm that I will be adding information to our dedicated page for independent travellers to highlight the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning globally. I shall be writing to Cathy Foley, who I was moved to meet, and to the hon. Member.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
In 2019, the Wigston review identified that serving personnel from ethnic minority backgrounds are subject to higher levels of harassment and bullying than their white British counterparts. Given the recent success of the Atherton review, which cast light on the structural challenges faced by women in the armed forces, and given that 16% of the British Army workforce comes from ethnic minority groups, does the ministerial team think it might be time to have an Atherton-style review, independent of the MOD, into the challenges faced by ethnic minority groups to ensure and enhance recruitment, retention and promotional opportunities?
Context
The Wigston review identified higher levels of harassment and bullying against ethnic minority serving personnel compared to white British counterparts. The Atherton review recently addressed structural challenges faced by women in the military.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
I thank the hon. Member for his useful comments. We have launched our Raising our Standards programme, which will take standards from where they were and raise them. We will make Defence the most inclusive career and, indeed, the most rewarding for any part of society to join. The Defence Committee will hold us to account on some of that.
Session: Minority Groups in the Armed Forces
View All Questions -->
Residents of Mytchett Heath report regular withholding of invoices, excessive insurance charges, and significant maintenance costs without rationale. What is the Minister doing to hold not-for-profit companies accountable for these issues?
Context
Residents in a retirement community face high service charges, withheld invoices, and excessive insurance charges.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
We intend to implement service charge transparency provisions of the 2024 Act, enabling easier challenges to unreasonable increases. Complaints can be made to the housing ombudsman, and I am willing to hear more about this case.
Session: Leasehold Reform
View All Questions -->
What conversations have the Secretary of State and Minister had with the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure they have the resources needed for this immediate healthcare crisis?
Context
A&E waiting times exceeding 12 hours, lack of beds leading to treatment in ambulances.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Fleur Anderson)
I have met the Minister for Health, and I have been round and visited many of the healthcare provision services, all of which are feeling pressures at this time as a result of successive Executives not tackling reform and being absent along the way. That is why we set up the Public Service Transformation Board. The Executive face huge challenges, and this Government’s priority is to work with them. The funding is there, the Executive are committed, and they need to work together to deliver change urgently.
Session: Public Services
View All Questions -->
Across Surrey last year, more than 1,800 children with special educational needs were absent from school for more than a third of the time. Special educational needs co-ordinators are incredibly frustrated that EHCPs are coming back from our local council with the wrong names, describing the wrong conditions and offering the wrong packages of care. Teachers are stretched, headteachers cannot stretch their budgets any further, and one or both parents are having to give up employment to look after their children, yet the leadership of Surrey county council has said that there is not a problem with special educational needs, but that there are parents who are too articulate. Would the Minister please meet me and SENCOs to discuss this very serious situation?
Context
The question focuses on problems with special educational needs co-ordination, including issues with education, health and care plans and the impact on families.
Catherine McKinnell
Following the most recent local area SEND inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission in September 2023, the Department—working alongside NHS England—continues to track the progress that the Surrey partnership is making against the areas for improvement that were identified, offering support and advice to the local authority. I appreciate the significant concerns that the hon. Gentleman outlines, and we will continue to keep the situation under review.
Session: SEND Pupils Support
View All Questions -->
What steps her Department is taking to improve support for children with special educational needs and disabilities?
Context
The question addresses the need to improve support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, seeking specifics on steps being taken by the Department.
Catherine McKinnell
The Government's ambition is that all children with special educational needs receive the right support to succeed, where possible in mainstream schools. We will strengthen accountability and improve inclusivity through Ofsted, and we will support professionals to develop their SEND expertise. High needs funding will increase by almost £1 billion in the next spending year.
Session: SEND Pupils Support
View All Questions -->
Northern Ireland has been systemically underfunded since 2022. The fiscal council estimates an annual shortfall of between £300 million and £400 million, with a reported £559 million overspend from 2022 to 2024. What measures are the Government taking to address Northern Ireland's immediate budgetary pressures, ensure long-term financial stability and equitable funding, and guarantee sustainable public services?
Context
The Northern Ireland fiscal council estimates an annual shortfall of between £300 million and £400 million since 2022, with a reported £559 million overspend from 2022 to 2024.
Hilary Benn
In addition to the £3.3 billion package that followed the restoration of the Executive, the Executive gained £185 million in July when the main estimates were published. In order to avoid having to repay the debt, they have to put their finances on a sustainable path, deliver a balanced budget, and raise the additional £130 million revenue to which they committed when the deal was done. The fiscal council's view is that 124% is the right funding.
Session: Budget Sustainability Plan
View All Questions -->
The Government have announced a strategic defence review, but the challenges faced by the UK in the mid-21st century are military-related, development-related and diplomacy-related. May I have an assurance that the Foreign Office will have a distinct role to play in the strategic defence review—especially in the light of the conversation that we have just had, which has shown the complexities of the UK's global posture in the 21st century?
Context
The Government have announced a strategic defence review, but there is concern about the complexities of the UK's global posture in the 21st century.
Anneliese Dodds
I am grateful to the hon. Member for his point. Of course, all these issues are strongly related. We are absolutely determined to work with colleagues in Defence, as well as across the whole Government, so that we ensure that we are putting our country's interests first and, above all, protecting our security—the first responsibility of any Government.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Local Government Reorganisation: South-east — [Martin Vickers in the Chair]
10 March 2026
Responding: Alison McGovern
Main Concerns
["Al Pinkerton is concerned about the implementation of local government reorganisation in Surrey, citing issues with scale, financial sustainability, and a democratic deficit. He mentions the cancellation of local elections and the significant debt of £4.5 billion across six councils potentially forming the proposed West Surrey council. He specifically highlights Surrey Heath's £113 million investment in a shopping centre that is now worth around £30 million and is operationally loss-making, risking the borough's financial stability. Pinkerton also expresses worries about the lack of proper investigation into the pattern of high-risk commercial strategies and the financial prudence of section 151 officers, who currently face no separate mechanism to determine their ability to fulfill financial obligations."]
Specific Asks
['Pinkerton asks the Minister for assurances that the new West Surrey authority will start on a financially sustainable footing and inquires if the Government have undertaken independent economic modelling to substantiate the claimed financial benefits of the reorganisation. He also seeks clarification on whether additional safeguards or oversight mechanisms are needed to prevent similar financial issues from arising in the future.']
Driving Test Availability: South-east
26 November 2025
Responding: Simon Lightwood
Main Concerns
['The driving test availability issue in Surrey Heath is persistent with constituents facing a weekly ritual of early morning online queues for slots. Families report a practical and emotional toll, with young people losing confidence and opportunities due to delays. Some face up to one year wait times, affecting their education, training, and employment prospects.']
Specific Asks
['Calls for more funding to support the recruitment of driving examiners with sufficient pay benefits and better leadership at DVSA to address the problem of bots capturing test slots.']
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Travel Advice
11 February 2025
Responding: Mr Hamish Falconer
Main Concerns
['The debate addresses the lack of accurate data on carbon monoxide-related deaths overseas, highlighting a case where Hudson Foley died from undetected carbon monoxide levels in Ecuador. The issue involves under-recognition and misdiagnosis of CO poisoning in post-mortem reports. Survivors face long-term health implications such as cognitive impairments.']
Specific Asks
['The Government is urged to increase awareness of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning among travellers and ensure that all accommodation providers pay attention to CO safety measures.']
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Gibraltar: UK-EU Treaty
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
European Entry and Exit System
08 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Media Green Paper
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Opposition Day
23 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the motion expressing regret over the chaos in Government, particularly regarding the temporary Prime Minister's attendance at the NATO summit. Calls on the Government to spend 3% of GDP on defe...
G7 Summit
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
10 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
North Belfast: Violent Attack
09 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Armed Forces Act 2026 - Amendments 2, 3, 4, 88, and 89
02 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms. Nusrat Ghani proposes several amendments to the Armed Forces Act 2026 aimed at ensuring continuity of support for children with special educational needs, adoption and fostering arrangements, NHS ...
Attendance
58.2%
57 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
41
41.8% of votes
No Votes
16
16.3% of votes
Abstentions
41
41.8% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
37
Ministerial Questions Asked
84
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+176% above average
This MP:
37
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1628% above average
This MP:
84
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-16% below average
This MP:
58.2
Average:
69.2
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 Al Pinkerton's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.