Alec Shelbrooke
MP for Wetherby and Easingwold
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Will the Government commit to two days—16 hours—of protected Government time on Report for this Bill, so we can fully examine and debate it?
Context
On November 29, the House will consider a significant piece of legislation. There are concerns about the short time available for debate.
Keir Starmer
There is sufficient time allocated for debate. Every Member needs to decide how they will vote in a free vote.
Session: PMQs
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I put on the record my best wishes to His Majesty the King and to Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales. Building on the question asked by my right hon. Friend the Member for Romsey and Southampton North, I know that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is exceptionally pleased about the Hughes report, which has been published today. May I press my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the fact that tens of thousands of women and children have suffered immensely since the 1970s, with Government after Government doing nothing about it? I am proud that this Government have done something about it, but I urge him, in the strongest terms, to talk to the Chancellor to ensure that we can address the issues raised in the Hughes report at the Budget.
Context
The Hughes report has been published today, highlighting issues affecting thousands of women and children since the 1970s. Previous governments have failed to address these problems.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my right hon. Friend and colleagues from all parts of the House for their campaigning over many years on this issue. As I said, it is right not only that we extend our sympathies to those affected, but that we carefully consider the recommendations from the Patient Safety Commissioner's report. I can assure my right hon. Friend that we will do that with all due haste, and I know that the Health Secretary will keep the House updated.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to discussing Hughes report issues directly with the Chancellor for inclusion in the budget.
All Due Haste
Health Secretary Will Keep The House Updated
Session: PMQs
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May I start by fully associating myself with all the Prime Minister's opening comments? Will he join me in welcoming the fact that free school meal pupils in Elmet and Rothwell will continue to receive free lunches over the forthcoming school holidays, thanks to the winter grant fund provided to Leeds City Council by this Government?
Context
Eligible pupils in Leeds will continue to receive free lunches over the February half-term through the covid winter grant fund provided by the government.
Boris Johnson
Yes, indeed. I can confirm that eligible pupils in Leeds will continue to receive free school meal support over the February half-term. This Conservative Government have given over £2 million to Leeds City Council through the covid winter grant scheme to support vulnerable families in the coldest months, and it is the intention of this Government, on this side of the House, that no child should go hungry this winter as a result of the covid pandemic.
Session: PMQs
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Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking teachers across Elmet and Rothwell, and does he share my frustration that half the laptops remain unused? What can be done to get Leeds City Council to distribute these resources?
Context
Leeds City Council has not distributed half the laptops provided by the government to disadvantaged pupils.
Boris Johnson
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his point. Over 2,500 laptops and tablets were delivered to Leeds City Council for disadvantaged pupils; I will do whatever possible to get them out of the storeroom.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not address what can be done about distribution by Leeds City Council.
Acknowledging Distribution Issue But No Specifics
Session: PMQs
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The Home Secretary will potentially soon be asking the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to use a Crown development order to approve planning in Linton-on-Ouse for an asylum centre. I ask the Secretary of State to reject that as undemocratic, and to ensure that the application goes through the locally elected North Yorkshire planning authority.
Context
The Home Secretary may use a Crown development order to approve planning for an asylum centre in Linton-on-Ouse, bypassing the local planning authority.
Matthew Pennycook
It will depend on whether the application in question meets the criteria to allow it to proceed down the Crown development route. Obviously, the applicant is separate from our Department; we are the stewards of the process and will make the determination on the basis of those criteria.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-07
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Will she now rule out RAF Linton-on-Ouse as an inappropriate site because of the proximity to a primary school? The concern is for community cohesion and appropriate placement of asylum seekers.
Context
Up to 1,500 asylum seekers may be placed at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in a village of around 600 adults. A nearby primary school is also affected.
Shabana Mahmood
No decision has been taken yet, but all factors including proximity to schools and community facilities are considered in the decision-making process.
Session: Asylum Hotels 2026-07-13
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I welcome the move to commit to the procurement of six common combat vessels in the DIP. I hope that they will be based on the hull of the Type 31, which is being built by the very skilled workforce at Rosyth in my constituency. Will the Minister take immediate action and work with me to progress the CCV programme so that hopefully we do not see a gap between the end of the Type 31 programme and the start of CCV construction?
Context
The DIP commits to the procurement of six common combat vessels.
Luke Pollard
I say seriously to the House that my hon. Friend has been an incredible advocate for Rosyth. I have met him on a large number of occasions, and he has been absolutely determined to talk not just about the potential of Rosyth, but about the professionalism of the men and women who work there and the opportunity for young people to have a career in shipbuilding.
Session: Royal Navy Surface Fleet 2026-07-06
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What steps are being taken to increase the availability of the Royal Navy surface fleet? With the retirement of HMS Iron Duke, the number of deployable Type 23s is reducing. In government, we ordered a total of 13 Type 26s and Type 31s. With the Chagos deal now dead, does the Minister agree with our policy that the immediate saving of £400 million should be used to accelerate the commissioning and launching of the Type 26s and Type 31s?
Context
The number of deployable Type 23s is reducing due to the retirement of HMS Iron Duke.
Luke Pollard
As the Member of Parliament for Devonport, where we not only base-port but refit Type 23s, I know that many of those ships that have given decades of service are no longer able to provide the capabilities we need. That is why we are accelerating the out-of-service dates for a number of those platforms while still investing in accelerating shipbuilding on the Clyde, where we are building the Type 26s, and investing in the hybrid Navy.
Session: Royal Navy Surface Fleet 2026-07-06
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Many of my constituents have contacted me about the problems they have been having with digital verification on gov.uk websites. What routes do people have if they are unable to use digital verification to access services?
Context
The MP is addressing concerns from constituents about problems with digital verification on gov.uk websites, particularly facial recognition.
James Frith
The Government's preparations for digital ID will ensure that all existing routes for accessing public services will remain in place. The preparation for digital ID, which will make digital access to public services easier, as I described earlier, will be built with the highest trusted status and will be road-tested by the public.
Session: Topical Questions
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The negotiations for the new relationship with the EU have been the body of the Minister's work, so what pitch will he make to the right hon. Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham) about how important it is that he carries on doing this work, or will he give up so that he does not have to be involved in the right hon. Member's flip-flopping?
Context
Questions about the Minister's position regarding his work on UK-EU relations.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
I am very proud of the Government's work over the past two years. I do not think there is any doubt at all that the UK-EU relationship is in a significantly better place today than when we came into office. I look forward to making the case for a deal that will be good for jobs and for securing our borders.
Session: UK-EU Relations
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Before the charter review comes out, may I ask her to ensure that she absolutely emphasises the need for radio news?
Context
The charter review is an opportunity to address issues related to media consumption.
Lisa Nandy
I agree with the hon. Member about the importance of radio and regional news. Recently, the outgoing director general of the BBC told me that regional news now has greater reach than national news. That includes local radio as well, and we will ensure that it becomes a priority through the charter review.
Session: Topical Questions
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I must raise a very important issue with the Secretary of State: there is concern about thermal runaway in batteries, especially those on prime agricultural land. Heavy metals vaporise at 900° and thermal runaway burns at over 1,000°. What research and assessment has been done on the evaporation of these heavy metals, which would poison agricultural land?
Context
Concerns have been raised about the potential for thermal runaway in batteries used on prime agricultural land, with worries that heavy metals could vaporize at high temperatures.
Michael Shanks
The right hon. Gentleman raises an important point. All the evidence points to the fact that the fire risk from batteries is less than in residential homes, but we take safety incredibly seriously. I recently convened a roundtable of those involved to look at what more we might do in the regulatory space, and DEFRA is looking at environmental regulations on batteries.
Session: Topical Questions
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I have a fantastic Yorkshire brick company in my constituency. Unfortunately it had to go into administration, but it was rescued. As welcome as the supercharger scheme is, the problem was that the company did not qualify because it did not meet the business level test, so it did not get any Government support. Can the Government engage directly with ceramics manufacturers, which are huge users of electricity, gas and various other products, because if we export products to be made elsewhere, the carbon footprint is often much bigger than if we had made them locally?
Context
A Yorkshire brick company in Sir Alec's constituency faced administration but was rescued. The current supercharger scheme does not support companies that do not meet the business level test, excluding many ceramics manufacturers.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Chris McDonald)
The right hon. Gentleman knows that I share his concerns about the ceramics industry. He is quite right that many ceramics companies failed to qualify for the supercharger. There will be a review of the supercharger this year, and I have asked officials to look very carefully at the potential to include ceramics companies in it. I discussed that with the ceramics industry at an event in Parliament this week, which the right hon. Member attended—as, I think, did the Yorkshire brick company that he mentioned. I can also inform him that I and my hon. Friend the Minister for Trade will meet ceramics industries in the near future.
Session: Industrial Energy Costs
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Will the Minister update the House on the delay to the pension payment of civil servants who left employment under the voluntary exit scheme? A number of constituents have complained to me that they have been left without any income, due to the delay by the pension administrator Capita. Will the Minister take personal control of the situation, and will he update the House at some point on contingencies and a new escalation process for people who are affected?
Context
Several constituents of the questioner have experienced delays in receiving their pension payments due to an issue with the pension administrator Capita.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
The right hon. Gentleman raises an important issue. If he writes to me on those specific points, I will be happy to look at them. I have seen the chief executive of Capita and have made clear the standards that I expect. Capita should be in no doubt about the contractual tools available to me, which I will employ to drive performance.
Session: Topical Questions
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As the Energy Secretary insists that we move as quickly as possible to renewables, may I ask the Minister what steps he has in place to ensure that the materials—90% of them are processed materials—used in renewables are made without slave labour and human rights abuses?
Context
The Energy Secretary emphasized the need to transition quickly towards renewable energy, raising concerns about potential human rights abuses in the supply chains of these renewables.
Chris Elmore
We of course support voluntary human rights due diligence by businesses, as recommended in the UN’s “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights”. As I mentioned in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight West (Mr Quigley), in the Government’s review on responsible business conduct, those will be some of the options that we take forward.
Session: Tackling Forced Labour Practices
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It is indeed time for a step change in the UK’s response to the sinister crackdown on freedom and political opposition in Georgia. It is welcome that the Minister is assessing asset bans and freezes on those responsible for this wholly unacceptable situation. May I ask that he steps up efforts for the Georgian civil society counter-destabilisation hybrid activities, especially in the information space and the actors that might be involved in that? What discussions has he had with the US Administration in the light of the MEGOBARI Bill going through Congress?
Context
The right hon. Gentleman suggests a step change in the UK’s response to the crackdown on freedom and political opposition in Georgia, mentioning potential asset bans and information space actors.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We engage regularly with international counterparts on Georgia and on wider stability in the south Caucasus. The right hon. Gentleman mentioned the importance of media freedom. He will know that we condemned the disproportionate and politically motivated sentencing of Mzia Amaglobeli in August; she has been sentenced to two years in prison, and we call for her immediate release. I also discussed the wider situation with Georgia’s fifth president, President Zourabichvili, on her recent visit to the UK, and I expressed my support for her work supporting democracy in Georgia.
Session: Georgia Democracy
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I thank the Minister for the clarity of her answers today. We are all aware that Iran played a major role through its antisemitic regime in funding Hamas and Hezbollah, with the stated aim of destroying the state of Israel. If there is to be faith in the reconstruction of Gaza, people who want to do that will have to have faith that there is a secure situation. The attitude of this White House towards Iran is different from the previous one. What action are the Government taking and how are they involved in ensuring that Iran is not able to re-establish itself to fund and arm the groups that specifically want to destroy the state of Israel?
Context
The UK Government are concerned about Iran’s support for militia groups that threaten regional stability. The questioner asks about actions taken against Iran.
Anneliese Dodds
I am grateful to the right hon. Member for his comments. The UK Government are clear that Iran has long destabilised the middle east. That has obviously been done through military means, but it has also given financial and political support to its proxies and partners, including Iranian-aligned militia groups in Iraq and Syria, Hezbollah in Lebanon, which he mentioned, and the Houthis in Yemen. We will continue to work with international partners to encourage de-escalation. Long-term peace and security in the middle east cannot be achieved without addressing Iran’s destabilising activity—the UK Government are clear on that.
Session: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
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In light of the latest Hezbollah attack, will the Secretary of State assure the House that we will continue to supply defensive equipment to Israel?
Context
Latest Hezbollah attack on Israel.
John Healey
We have an unshakeable commitment to the right of Israel to defend itself and we have demonstrated a willingness to stand with Israel, particularly when it has been under attack from Iran.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Minister confirm that the project is going ahead?
Context
Historical context of Labour's past performance on mass transit projects. Project seen as transformative but concerns about delays.
Simon Lightwood
The Conservatives were in government for 14 years, and now the hon. Gentleman asks why we are not getting on with it. This Government are moving quick and fixing things.
Session: Trams Leeds and West Yorkshire
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Will he reassess where potential gaps might occur between old platforms being retired and new platforms being delayed?
Context
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the procurement of additional Chinooks.
James Cartlidge
My right hon. Friend makes an excellent point. He made a similar point in the debate on readiness last week about the importance of accommodation. I think we can all agree that there is a tendency in defence to focus on the big shiny platforms. Accommodation is a key priority; we are very committed to improving accommodation.
Session: Defence Procurement
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Will my hon. Friend join me in welcoming the construction taking place on the Access for All bridge in Garforth? It shows that Conservative MPs working with Conservative Governments improve rail services for all constituents.
Context
The Leeds to Selby railway line had only a footbridge, restricting access for many people.
Huw Merriman
My right hon. Friend is spot on, as always. I thank him for his work, because ultimately that project would not have got off the ground without the campaigning and partnership he provided.
Session: Rail Services
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Labour-run Leeds City Council has decided that it wants to bring parking charges to my market town of Wetherby—it currently has no parking charges. Does my hon. Friend agree that the investments we are making are all very well, but if local authorities make it harder for shoppers by increasing their costs, that will choke off the high street rather than help it?
Context
The questioner raised concerns about Leeds City Council's decision to introduce parking charges in the market town of Wetherby, which currently has no such charges.
Kevin Hollinrake
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question and he is absolutely right to say that some local authorities see parking charges as potential revenue raisers, but this is in effect a tax on business. Local authorities can, of course, make charges where appropriate, but they should only cover the cost of maintaining those car parks; they should not be a punitive tax on businesses.
Session: High Street Outlets
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Is there any financial recourse to the manufacturer in getting the Prince of Wales operational again?
Context
HMS Prince of Wales faced an engineering tolerance issue delaying its operation.
Ben Wallace
We are examining liabilities and who should pay for the misalignment. The good news is that it has not delayed the work-up significantly, and we will be back on track.
Session: Topical Questions
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Would my right hon. Friend agree that defence procurement is a complex issue but not the total disaster that it is often presented as? When compared with the naval procurement of some of our closest allies—for example, the United States ended up spending $5 billion per destroyer in the Zumwalt class and the Canadians took over 30 years to procure a ship—the MOD produces Type 26s, Type 31s, aircraft carriers, hunter-killer submarines and more under a fixed price, showing that it tries to do its best in always tight financial circumstances.
Context
Concerns over the perception that the UK's defence procurement is a failure, despite successes in producing Type 26s, Type 31s, aircraft carriers, hunter-killer submarines and more under fixed prices.
Ben Wallace
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend who served with me in the Department. I miss his time in the Department. One of the biggest drivers of cost overruns is a decision by the Government of the day to defer decisions about whether they should cut or delete something. Deferring the aircraft carrier under the Labour Government cost £1 billion. Deferring the F-35 buy under this Government cost about £500 million.
Session: Defence Procurement
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Does my hon. Friend agree that the emerging threats from China show NATO was right to make cyber and space among the key frontiers, along with the traditional three, and that, when looking at defence procurement and how money is spent, we are world leading in these vital areas of defence?
Context
Concerns about emerging threats from China have prompted a reevaluation of NATO's priorities, including the importance of defending in cyber and space.
James Heappey
I absolutely agree with my right hon. Friend, but we should not think that our competition with China is exclusively concentrated on the high-end warfighting capabilities that may or may not be required in the first and second island chains. Every single week, we compete with China for influence around the world. Maintaining the defence effort across the global south to protect our interests around the Commonwealth is every bit as important as preparing to stand alongside the US in anything that might happen in the Pacific.
Session: China Countering Threats
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Supporting NATO allies is about not just the eastern front and the situation in and around Russia, but the threat from Russian naval activity. Does my hon. Friend agree that the focus must equally be on the activities of Russian submarines in the north Atlantic, around our allied coast?
Context
Concerns about Russian naval activities, especially submarine operations in the north Atlantic.
James Heappey
Submarine operations in the north Atlantic are not routinely spoken about in public, but my right hon. Friend will be reassured to know that we are acutely aware that we must maintain awareness of what Russia is doing in the whole Euro-Atlantic and that the focus should not just be on the obvious point of conflict in Ukraine.
Session: Russian Aggression Support for NATO Allies
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Is my right hon. Friend having conversations about contingency plans if Russian forces start to attack nuclear facilities near the western borders? Such an event would lead to a mass movement of refugees and could constitute an attack on NATO allies.
Context
There are concerns about the potential deliberate attacks on nuclear facilities near the western borders of Ukraine.
James Cleverly
We take attacks, or the threat of attacks, against nuclear facilities very seriously. Nuclear safeguarding remains a priority for this Government. I will not be drawn on the conditions of what might be defined as an attack on NATO, but nevertheless we have made it absolutely clear that NATO is a defensive organisation. It has never expanded by force or coercion. Our support to the Ukrainians is steadfast, but there is a clear dividing line between an attack on one of our good friends—Ukraine—and an attack on a NATO member state.
Session: Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis
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To build on my right hon. Friend's answer, what assessment has her Department made of Russia's other surrounding nations and their territorial and sovereign integrity? I am thinking especially of Azerbaijan and Armenia. Are the actions going on in Ukraine being assessed in respect of whether the west would take any intervention on Russian invasion in those areas?
Context
The actions of Russia towards Ukraine have raised concerns about its influence over other countries.
Elizabeth Truss
My right hon. Friend makes a very good point. We are working with allies and partners across the world because this is a threat not just to Europe, but to broader global stability.
Session: Ukraine Diplomatic Efforts
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Does my hon. Friend agree that one of the problems with the HS2 phase 2b eastern leg is that local authorities seem constantly to be adding to the cost?
Context
Local authorities' demands are causing delays and increased costs for the HS2 eastern leg.
Andrew Stephenson
We are very keen to ensure that the benefits of HS2 are delivered as affordably as possible. Leeds and regional stakeholders have brought forward plans for regeneration around a new station, which is being considered by Ministers across Government.
Session: HS2 and East West Rail Construction Traffic
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I welcome my hon. Friend's commitment to rail in the north. Will he give me and my constituents an update on step-free access at Garforth station, which I have been campaigning on for many years?
Context
The MP asked for an update on step-free access improvements at Garforth station, which he has campaigned on for years.
Andrew Stephenson
My right hon. Friend has been a tireless champion for the much-needed improvements at Garforth station, to make it safer for all passengers, especially those with restricted mobility or those with pushchairs. I share his frustration at the length of time it has taken to deliver the improvements that he has secured for his constituents, and we will seek an update on timescales from Network Rail.
Session: Rail Connections North of England
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Small and medium-sized enterprises in my constituency have raised concerns about the time it takes to apply for the kickstart scheme. What action is the Department taking to ensure that applications are processed as quickly as possible?
Context
Local businesses in the constituency have raised concerns about delays in processing their kickstart scheme applications. The question aims to address these specific issues.
Mims Davies
The Department worked at pace to launch the kickstart scheme in September, with the first applications open in November. Our aim is to take forward applications within one month, but it can take longer if we require additional information. We expect the situation to improve as we adopt processes and embed learnings from the thousands of employers and hundreds of gateways that have joined the scheme early on. My hon. Friend will be pleased to hear that the application from Fotofabric Ltd in his constituency has now been approved.
Session: Covid-19 Youth Employment
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What steps her Department is taking to help increase levels of employment among young people (a) during and (b) after the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
The question arises from concerns about unemployment among young people due to the economic impacts of the pandemic. The Department is tasked with mitigating long-term effects on youth employment.
Mims Davies
This Conservative Government and I, as the employment Minister, are committed to providing support to help our young people to move into work and avoid the long-term scarring effects of unemployment, both during the pandemic and as we recover from its impact. Our plan for jobs includes an expanded DWP youth offer, kickstart and more than 100 new youth hubs to assist young people to move into meaningful, sustained employment.
Session: Covid-19 Youth Employment
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Given the tragic loss of Captain Dean Sprouting, is the British Government allowing US forces to investigate themselves and defend their own actions?
Context
Captain Dean Sprouting's widow has been seeking justice on behalf of her husband, who died due to an incident involving American soldiers in 2018.
Johnny Mercer
I have met the widow on a couple of occasions and am happy to do so again. This incident has been investigated, and I am more than happy to speak with her but not sure there is much more we can do.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will my right hon. Friend meet me and other members of the Assembly so that we may feed into the review of forward and ongoing naval demands for the foreseeable future?
Context
In 2019, a report by the NATO Parliamentary Assembly highlighted the growing maritime threat from Russia. The MP requested to meet with relevant officials to feed into naval demands for the future.
Ben Wallace
I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his work in leading the UK delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. The UK, along with NATO allies, takes the maritime threat from Russia very seriously. This tempo and assertiveness of our operational output will continue for as long as Russia continues to pose a threat and challenge to freedom of navigation. My hon. Friend the Minister for the Armed Forces would be delighted to meet him and his colleagues to discuss it further.
Session: Strategic Defence Review Timescale
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What is his proposed timescale for the next strategic defence review?
Context
The MP inquired about the timeline for conducting a strategic defence review.
Ben Wallace
The Government announced on 21 October that they will conduct a one-year spending review for 2021-22. The implications of that decision for the integrated review are currently being considered. The Government will provide an update to Parliament once this has been decided.
Session: Strategic Defence Review Timescale
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What assessment has my right hon. Friend's Department made of the potential shifting geopolitical centre of gravity on natural resources as the world moves from oil vehicles to electric vehicles?
Context
The question asks about the assessment of potential shifting geopolitical center as the world moves from oil to electric vehicles.
Dominic Raab
My right hon. Friend makes a good point about the shifting economics and the shifting geopolitical centre of gravity. We have more co-operation with South America, as well as other regions, and that will be crucial if we are to shift the dial on climate change. Earlier this week I had a strategic dialogue with my Brazilian opposite number that was very much about not only the issues he raises but tackling deforestation and sustainable commodity use.
Session: Topical Questions
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In light of the suggestion about moving the 2021 exam season back by two months to give pupils more classroom learning time before exams, has the Secretary of State considered this or other ways to provide additional teaching time?
Context
Suggestion to move the 2021 exam season from May to July, allowing more classroom time for students and teachers.
Gavin Williamson (Secretary of State for Education)
As part of the £1 billion package, plans are in place to support disadvantaged children through one-on-one tutoring and group sessions. The suggestion about providing more teaching time before exams is being reviewed by consulting Ofqual on moving exam dates back to give students extra learning opportunities.
Session: Educational Disadvantage Covid-19
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What specific actions is the Department taking to address difficulties patients face in obtaining emergency dental care in Leeds?
Context
Concerns raised by constituents about accessing emergency dental care in Leeds.
Jo Churchill
As of 30 April, there were two urgent dental care centres in the Leeds area providing treatment and care. A triage service gives advice and referrals as needed. There are 308 urgent dental centres open nationwide. I regularly consult with the chief dental officer and British Dental Association to address patient needs.
Session: Covid-19 Dental Practices
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Endometriosis Education in Schools
21 May 2024
Responding: Damian Hinds
Main Concerns
['Mr Shelbrooke is concerned about the lack of awareness regarding endometriosis, a disease affecting millions of women. He cited an e-petition that only gained 3,105 signatures despite the condition impacting numerous individuals. The MP highlighted significant physical and emotional symptoms such as severe menstrual cramps, back pain, infertility, and increased risk of various cancers. He also emphasized the social impacts like isolation from friends and family due to misunderstandings and stigma.']
Specific Asks
['Mr Shelbrooke asks the Minister to prescribe the teaching of endometriosis in the national curriculum for September. He seeks guidance on when health professionals will consider including this education in school curriculums, particularly before menstruation begins.']
NATO Summit: Vilnius
06 July 2023
Responding: Andrew Mitchell
Main Concerns
["Mr. Shelbrooke highlighted the importance of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly as a cross-party political body that contributes to strategic discussions on defence, politics, science, technology, economics, and security across allied nations. He mentioned concerns about the rapid evolution of Baltic security following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the effectiveness of Article 5 in emergency situations, and the challenges posed by climate change impacting military infrastructure in Canada's High North region."]
Specific Asks
['Mr. Shelbrooke urged for continued investment in defence procurement to maintain a constant supply line and industry confidence, as well as highlighting the need for NATO allies to renew their nuclear deterrent capabilities such as Trident and Dreadnought fleet to ensure effective counterbalance against potential threats from Russia.']
Endometriosis Workplace Support — [Geraint Davies in the Chair]
09 February 2022
Responding: Paul Scully
Main Concerns
["Mr Shelbrooke is concerned about the significant workplace challenges faced by women suffering from endometriosis. He highlights that it takes an average of eight years to diagnose the condition, resulting in substantial discrimination against sufferers at work due to a lack of understanding and support. This includes difficulties with employment continuity, flexibility issues, and discriminatory practices such as dismissal or undermining of job performance. The MP also emphasizes the need for better awareness among employers about endometriosis and its impact on women's ability to perform their jobs effectively."]
Specific Asks
['Mr Shelbrooke asks the Government to promote the endometriosis-friendly employer scheme, interact with the menopause taskforce regarding fertility issues, ensure that the Department for Work and Pensions recognises endometriosis as a disability, educate employers on the Equality Act, and create an initiative to support endometriosis-friendly workplaces.']
Cumberlege Report
03 February 2022
Responding: Maria Caulfield
Main Concerns
["The lead MP is concerned about the lack of progress in implementing recommendations from the Cumberlege report. He highlights numerous cases where women have been harmed by mesh implants, including one constituent who had her life 'destroyed' due to complications from a mesh implantation procedure that she was convinced she should undergo. The MP also mentions Paula Goss, a constituent of his colleague Luke Hall, who set up an organisation for rectopexy mesh victims and has over 1,100 members. He emphasizes the importance of taking mesh complications seriously and ensuring proper redress for those affected."]
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the Government to update on the progress towards appointing a Patient Safety Commissioner as recommended in recommendation 2. He requests an explanation as to why a Redress Agency is not being set up despite its importance in providing compensation and support for victims, especially when many are facing severe physical and financial consequences.']
Air Traffic Control Disruption
10 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Dover and Portsmouth: Protests
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Iran
15 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The speaker highlighted the critical situation in Iran, noting Britain’s armed forces' commendable work. He mentioned recent US strikes against Iranian targets, stressing the need for a diplomatic sol...
Opposition Day
07 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Asylum Accommodation
29 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sudan
25 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
Russian Shadow Fleet
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
68.4%
67 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
37
37.8% of votes
No Votes
30
30.6% of votes
Abstentions
31
31.6% 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
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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 AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
4
PMQs Asked
34
Ministerial Questions Asked
166
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
1
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+154% above average
This MP:
34
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3316% above average
This MP:
166
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-89% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-1% below average
This MP:
68.4
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 Alec Shelbrooke's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.