Alex Norris
MP for Nottingham North and Kimberley
Labour (Co-op)
8 Jun 2017 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I am concerned about the increase in food parcel distributions at Bestwood & Bulwell Foodbank from 3,527 in 2021 to 6,500 last year, with nearly half going to children. Despite this crisis, why does the government pretend that things are improving instead of addressing widespread destitution?
Context
In 2021, Bestwood & Bulwell Foodbank gave out 3,527 food parcels which increased to 6,500 in the previous year. The food bank is struggling to sustain its operations.
Rishi Sunak
I do not want to see anyone reliant on food banks, but while they are in place I have nothing but praise and thanks for the people who run them. However, it is wrong to say we are not making progress. When I came into this job, inflation was running at 11%, which has had the single biggest impact on families' cost of living. Now, thanks to the efforts of this Government—inflation has been more than halved, at 4%, and we are combining that with significant tax cuts to put more money into people's bank accounts at the end of every month.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not address the specific ask for an apology regarding widespread destitution caused by government policies.
Changing Subject
Downplaying Severity
Session: PMQs
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Can I ask the Prime Minister very simply, for the public record, whether he personally met Mr Akhil Tripathi in April last year prior to Mr Tripathi giving him £38,000 for the hire of a private jet?
Context
Mr Tripathi, who gave the PM £38,000 for a private jet hire in April last year, has been cited as an individual of interest.
Rishi Sunak
All my declarations are made in the usual way according to the usual processes.
Assessment
Did not answer the specific question about the meeting
All My Declarations Are Made In The Usual Way
Session: PMQs
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Jubilee LEAD Academy in my constituency, working with Nottingham citizens, recently asked me to visit the school to hear about their low pay campaign. They are tired of seeing people in our community working hard but living in poverty. Bills are rising and inflation is at 9%, yet the Government seem incapable and, frankly, a little disinterested in doing anything to help out. Our children can see the need for emergency action; why cannot our Government?
Context
Inflation is at a high of 9%, making it difficult for workers despite the low pay campaign in schools.
Boris Johnson
Everybody in work—30 million workers—will get a tax cut in July, on top of everything that we are already doing, but that is not the end of what this Government are going to do to look after people. I told the House before this afternoon that we will continue to use our fiscal firepower to look after the British people through the covid aftershocks and beyond.
Assessment
Specific actions addressing inflation and low pay were not provided
Tax Cut In July
Fiscal Firepower
Session: PMQs
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HS2, in full, will transform the east midlands and the north, reversing a 40-year trend of losing skilled work. In February, the Prime Minister promised that it would be built in full. Yesterday's National Infrastructure Commission review reduces the eastern leg to a small line between Birmingham and the disliked station at East Midlands Parkway. That will not deliver the connectivity or the economic uplift that the midlands and the north need. Will the Prime Minister reaffirm his previous commitment and reject the NIC's plan, or is this yet another broken promise to our community?
Context
The eastern leg of HS2 was promised to transform the east midlands and north but recent National Infrastructure Commission review reduces it, raising concerns about broken promises.
Boris Johnson
I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman is quite wrong. What the NIC is saying is that there are other things we can do as well, including massively improving the midland main line—I think everybody would want to do that—but the ambition to do the eastern leg, as I have said in the House before, remains absolutely unchanged.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister make a commitment that if his plans do not reduce the more than 400 incidents every day within six months, he will support legislative change?
Context
The Government published a response to their call for evidence regarding violence and abuse against shopworkers after a delay of over a year, during which there have been 150,000 such incidents.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
I think we should have absolutely zero tolerance for violence or aggression towards people who work in shops, just as we have zero tolerance for people who are aggressive towards those who work in our public services, and we will do everything we can to ensure that that is the case.
Assessment
Specific commitment to support legislative change if current measures fail
Generic Statement About Zero Tolerance
Session: PMQs
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The hon. Gentleman offers me two opportunities there. First, we talk about challenges on the high street, but I remind the House of the more than a decade of starved demand because the economic policies of the Conservatives and all the impacts that had, followed by—[Interruption.] The stag do on the Opposition Front Bench are making their rattle as usual, but they were all present during that disastrous fiscal event that led to the increased costs that we are still coping with now.
Context
Mr Norris references the long-term economic policies that have starved demand in local economies, leading to increased costs and challenges on high streets. He mentions specific impacts from Conservative fiscal events.
Mr Speaker
Every high street needs a Chorley market. That is the answer.
Session: Support for High Streets
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With incidents up by 70% since 2015, the public are looking for leadership on knife crime. Earlier this month, the Government would not support our plan, which includes broadening the ban on zombie knives to include ninja swords; an end-to-end review of online sales; and criminal penalties for tech execs who allow their platform to be used for illicit sales. The Government rejected our plan, but what they have in place simply is not working, so we will push again during the remaining stages of the Criminal Justice Bill. Will they accept it then?
Context
The MP is concerned about the increasing incidents of knife crime since 2015. A recent plan by Labour was rejected by the Government.
Chris Philp
According to the crime survey of England and Wales, violent crime has reduced by 51% since 2010. When the Online Safety Act 2023 is fully in force, strong action will be taken against online marketplaces for illegal knife sales. Legislation is being brought forward to ban a range of machetes and zombie-style knives.
Session: Knife Crime
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To this day we are feeling the devastating impact of the Tories' decision to cut 20,000 police officers. Why will the Government not match our commitment to get 13,000 more police officers and police community support officers out on the beat?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of Tory cuts on police forces, with a £3.2 billion cash shortfall and 6,000 officers being taken away from frontline duties to fill former staff roles.
James Cleverly
Unless Labour has a plan for paying for those figures, it is just empty rhetoric. There are record numbers of officers in police forces across the country, including Essex Police, which I visited this morning—it has never had more police officers than it has currently.
Session: Neighbourhood Policing
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Will the Government accept amendments adding protection for shop workers into legislation addressing retail crime?
Context
The MP discusses the Government's pledge to treat retail crime as organised crime but questions their Criminal Justice Bill.
James Cleverly
Attacking shop workers is already a statutory aggravating factor. We will look at what more can be done to protect them.
Session: Organised Crime
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When will the Home Secretary drop this pretence that things are going well and actually stand up for our shop workers?
Context
The question is about addressing the issues of shoplifting and retail theft.
Suella Braverman
We take these matters incredibly seriously. That is why my right hon. Friend the Policing Minister met the Co-op and other major retailers recently to discuss this issue in detail. Shoplifting and retail theft have become a challenge for retailers and our community, which is not right. That is why, a few weeks ago, we made a nationwide commitment whereby all police forces have agreed to follow every reasonable line of inquiry. That will mean that CCTV footage, online evidence of resale and other actionable evidence will be followed up by the police, leading the investigations and justice process.
Session: Crime Reduction
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Up and down the country, communities are struggling with the Tories' mortgage crisis and the cost of living crisis. Those hit hardest often live in communities that were promised levelling-up funding, yet the Government sit on £1 billion of promised levelling-up fund money—money that could make a difference to those who need it most. Where on earth is it? Will the Government commit today to starting a process for the allocation of it?
Context
The MP is concerned about the £1 billion of levelling-up fund money that has not been allocated.
Dehenna Davison
We got a lot of criticism from the Opposition about round 2 of the levelling-up fund. They wanted us to get round 3 right, and we are taking the time to ensure that we get round 3 allocations right. We will announce details on how we will allocate that money in due course.
Session: Levelling Up
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Will the Minister come clean? The Government have given up on levelling up by not appointing any levelling-up directors, right?
Context
Disappointment with the disorganisation regarding levelling-up directors announced but then dropped.
Dehenna Davison
Absolutely not.
Session: Levelling-up Fund Delivery of Funds
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What assurances can we hear from Defence Ministers that these people will not become homeless?
Context
8,000 Afghan relocations and assistance policy scheme families received eviction notices from the Home Office in March.
Ben Wallace
ARAP individuals have rights including housing benefit and immediate work, which help them integrate into society. It is time to move out of hotels and start working.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am told that some returning officers plan to use greeters at polling station entrances to check for proper identification. If people lack this ID, they will be turned away before reaching the main desk where refusals would normally be logged. This practice is illogical and could skew data for independent reviews of voter ID policies. Will the Minister commit today to correcting it?
Context
Concerns about the implementation of voter ID requirements at polling stations, particularly about greeters turning away those without correct ID and not logging refusals properly.
Dehenna Davison
We know that about 98% of electors have the right identification. We are confident that local authorities' measures will ensure people have the correct ID and this will not reduce voter turnout.
Session: Voter Identification Requirements Local Election Turnout
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Can the Minister confirm when the review will report and what he thinks about the findings of a falling success rate in compensation claims?
Context
A review on the armed forces compensation scheme found that processes are burdensome and distressing for claimants, with a fall in successful claims from 66% to 47%. The final report is expected soon.
Andrew Murrison
The final report will be delivered within a few weeks. The Minister is concerned about reports of poor service but notes there were 122 complaints versus 1,715 thank you letters.
Session: Veterans’ Welfare 2023-03-13 (2)
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Why should local volunteers and officials who put significant effort into their bids be apologised to if their time was wasted and their efforts deemed futile?
Context
The MP highlighted the waste of time by local authorities in developing bids that were ultimately rejected, questioning the confidence they should have in the process.
Dehenna Davison
I have already expressed my admiration for the incredible work put in by local government officials, volunteers and Members across the House, and I have apologised—the hon. Gentleman can read the Select Committee transcript for himself. We had £8.8 billion-worth of bids for round 3 of the levelling-up fund and only £2.1 billion to allocate.
Session: Levelling-up Fund Round 2
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It is surely right that non-UK veterans who settle here after their service do not pay visa fees, but it is surely not right that that does not extend to their dependents. Will the Minister match Labour's commitment to change that?
Context
The government does not extend visa fee waivers for non-UK veterans to their dependents.
Andrew Murrison
I cannot give the hon. Gentleman the undertaking that he asks of me; he will understand that. Obviously, all things are kept under review, but we clearly do value the service of those from overseas who serve in His Majesty's armed forces.
Session: Topical Questions
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It is clear that nationally led employment support simply is not working. Why are the Government not matching the Opposition's commitment to let local communities take charge of that crucial work so that local support matches local labour market need?
Context
Criticism of the Government's approach to employment support, suggesting local control would better address needs.
Guy Opperman
I stand up for our jobcentres, which provide fantastic employment to people across the country. We are also developing an in-work progression offer, about which the Labour party has nothing to say.
Session: Topical Questions
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Happy new year, Mr Speaker, to you and to all our colleagues. The Government have been clear that it is important to ensure the ballot box has integrity. Will the Minister continue to work with everyone to deliver this in 115 days?
Context
Government is committed to delivering voter ID by May 2023 despite warnings from experts about feasibility.
Lee Rowley
The Government have been clear for a number of years that it is important that the ballot box has integrity, so we are bringing forward voter identification and will continue to work with all organisations to make sure it happens.
Session: Voter ID May 2023 Local Elections
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Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to meet the Minister to discuss their challenges, particularly regarding funding. Will he take a meeting with them and local MPs?
Context
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service staff work in increasingly difficult circumstances due to funding issues, despite well-led service.
Chris Philp
Yes, I would be very happy to meet the hon. Member and his colleagues from Nottinghamshire early in the new year to discuss this issue. The current year saw a 5.2% funding increase for Nottinghamshire fire services, with more good news expected when full settlement is published tomorrow.
Session: Fire Cover Nottinghamshire
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The autumn statement confirmed that round two of the levelling-up fund is to be frozen in cash terms, meaning that the Government's inflation crisis has significantly eroded the value of the fund in real terms. The Government must now either reduce the quality and scope of the winning bids, or accept fewer bids—which will it be?
Context
The autumn statement confirmed that round two of the levelling-up fund is frozen in cash terms, leading to a significant erosion of its value due to inflation. This raises concerns about the quality and scope of winning bids.
Dehenna Davison
This is an incredibly difficult time for economies across the world, based on global factors. We are working with local authorities to see how we can help support them to ensure that they deliver their bids to the maximum potential. We have made adjustments to the project adjustment request process, to make it easier for local authorities to take that autonomy and make decisions about what is right for their community.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
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I am grateful for that answer, but the reality is that the Government have taken £431 per head in funding from local authorities. Now, through the programme that the Secretary of State trumpets, they will be handing back just £31 per head from the levelling-up fund. Even the winners lose. Those who have been promised money are now concerned that Downing Street's economic crisis and soaring inflation will mean their bids are no longer affordable. Will the Secretary of State commit that no bid either submitted or approved will have to be downgraded to accommodate the mess the Government have made of the economy?
Context
Local authorities have received £431 per head in funding but only £31 per head from the levelling-up fund. Concern about downgrading bids due to economic issues.
Simon Clarke
The hon. Gentleman has to understand the situation we are in with regard to inflation. It is absolutely the case that, owing to the consequences of Putin's war, prices are rising—[Interruption.] I will accept many things at the Government's door, but I will not accept inflation as a consequence of Putin's war. There is a clear read through to the costs of many issues, and this affects economies across the west. Neither central Government nor local government can expect to buck inflation, or to accommodate the cost of inflation in our settlements. There is therefore a mechanism within the levelling-up fund to allow bids to be resized for inflation.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
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The Government's levelling-up plans have made so little impact that they have had to resort to paying local newspapers to carry positive stories. That is right: they are paying for positive coverage. These ads breach Advertising Standards Authority rules and have subsequently been banned. This is a risible episode. Will the Secretary of State come clean that the only conclusion to be drawn is that levelling up is a sham?
Context
The Government have been paying for positive coverage in local newspapers, which has led to the Advertising Standards Authority banning these ads.
Simon Clarke
I am afraid I will neither do that nor accept the premise. With regard to these seven adverts, we have apologised. They all bore the HMG logo very clearly and were marked as advertorials. We accept the ASA's decision, but we fundamentally believe it was appropriate for us to try to spread the message that levelling up has applicability across this country and is doing real good.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
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The recent report from the Public Accounts Committee was a huge blow to the way in which the Government are seeking to level up and it exposed once again the debilitating impact of beauty parades and unclear allocation criteria. If the Secretary of State thinks that was praise, then goodness me! This can be resolved in future by the Government accepting our calls for proper, sustained funding that is targeted at need. Therefore, to make sure that we are never in this situation again, will the Minister commit to accepting amendment 13 to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill?
Context
MP referred to a critical Public Accounts Committee report on the levelling-up approach, advocating for sustained funding targeted at need.
Kemi Badenoch
No, I will not commit to that. While we hold the Public Accounts Committee in high esteem, we reject much of the criticism and we will publish our response to its report in the summer.
Session: Levelling-up Funds Criteria
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My constituent Godwin Suh from Bafut in Cameroon, who now lives in Nottingham, came to see me. He described the political violence that, as anglophones, he and his family have suffered. His brother is missing, his nieces and nephews have been hospitalised, and lately his house there has been badly damaged by Government forces. Will the Minister for Africa meet me and Godwin to hear more about the human rights challenges that many face in north-west and south-west Cameroon?
Context
A constituent from Nottingham described severe human rights abuses, including political violence and property damage, affecting anglophones in north-west and south-west Cameroon.
Vicky Ford
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right; the human rights situation in north-west and south-west Cameroon is really concerning. There have been recent incidents with tragic civilian casualties. I would be happy to meet and discuss it with him.
Session: Topical Questions
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More than 170,000 people have lost their lives to covid-19. The families desire rightly to know what happened; I did not hear him say that it would be valuable to have those answers as quickly as possible within the life of this Parliament.
Context
The UK has seen over 170,000 deaths due to the pandemic, prompting families of victims to seek answers.
Michael Ellis
To be fair, Baroness Hallett has made it clear that she will do everything in her power to deliver recommendations as soon as possible. I agree with that—it is part of the terms of reference—and we will work to that, as I know she will.
Session: Covid-19 Inquiry Final Report
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Our constituents face ridiculous backlogs for passports, driving licences, decisions from the Home Office and much more across Government. I am afraid that my hon. Friend the Member for York Central (Rachael Maskell) did not get an answer to her question: we are told that this will get better, but we are also told that we can afford to cut 91,000 civil servants—how are those two things compatible?
Context
Concerns raised about delays in passport and driving licence processing while civil service cuts are announced.
Steve Barclay
Let me take that question on directly. First, the situation has got better, and the response has been addressed in Prime Minister's questions and in other questions today. To be specific about how we are dealing with this, we are looking at business and the scope of machine learning and technology.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last year saw the dropping of 1.3 million cases due to victim attrition, on top of low charge rates for crimes like robbery (7%) and theft (3%). How is progress quick enough given these factors?
Context
The Minister previously mentioned progress in reducing court delays but did not address low charge rates for certain crimes, such as robbery at 7% and theft at 3%. This issue affects crime statistics negatively.
James Cartlidge
Attrition is a significant issue, particularly for rape cases. Last year saw a 67% increase in rape convictions with an additional 15% increase in Q4. We have put measures in place to address capacity issues and improve court operations.
Session: Court Delays Attrition
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I am concerned about the impact of court delays on victim attrition rates. With 1.3 million cases dropped last year and low charge rates for certain crimes, how is the government addressing these issues adequately?
Context
Court delays have led to a backlog, with 57,800 cases outstanding as of March 2022. Last year saw 1.3 million cases dropped due to victim attrition.
James Cartlidge
We are making progress on court delays in the Crown Court. The backlog has reduced by 5% since June 2021, but we recognise the need to address victim attrition rates. We have increased victim support funding to £185 million by 2024-25 and will fund over 1,000 independent sexual and domestic abuse advisers.
Session: Court Delays Attrition
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Local government in my area has suffered significant cuts over the last ten years. Even if areas are successful in competitive bids, they remain worse off overall due to these cuts. The Government's commitment to levelling up is not matching their press releases, and the shared prosperity fund falls short of promised levels. Can you confirm that levelling up is a sham?
Context
The MP is critical of the government's levelling-up fund, citing cuts to local government over the past decade.
Kemi Badenoch
I completely reject the hon. Member's assertion. It is not true that the shared prosperity fund is less; it is more. The Opposition are looking at different sources of funding to arrive at their inaccurate figures. If he would like us to explain how it works, I would be very happy to provide him with a letter.
Session: Long-term Funding Settlements
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A recent study by the Centre for Business Research found that more than half of the UK's slowest-growing economies will be in the north of England. Despite this, the Government's levelling-up agenda seems to lack real investment and resorts to competitive funding bids which only create winners and losers. Do you truly believe levelling up is best served by making communities compete for funds?
Context
A new study shows that many of the slowest-growing economies in the UK are in the north, contradicting government claims.
Kemi Badenoch
Competitive funding has its place, and we think that it has been an effective tool for protecting value for taxpayers' money. The hon. Gentleman knows that, as I said in answer to his colleague the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston (Justin Madders), that is not the only funding that we are providing. We have increased funding for local government by £3.7 billion.
Session: Long-term Funding Settlements
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Will the Secretary of State concede that local health leaders should be driving the resolution of this issue locally as a matter of urgency?
Context
Tens of thousands of patients are fit to leave hospital but cannot due to lack of social care, calling for local health leaders to drive this issue urgently.
Sajid Javid
The new integrated care systems are all about it. My understanding is that the hon. Gentleman sat on the Health and Care Public Bill Committee which made this a reality.
Session: Health and Care Integration
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Given recent events, why won't Ministers commit to 'British-built by default' for defence procurement?
Context
The MP questioned the government's commitment to British-built defence equipment.
Jeremy Quin
The approach is supporting British industry while also considering the best available kit from US and NATO allies. We are part of an alliance, focusing on British investment and capability through the defence strategy.
Session: Topical Questions
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Mr Speaker, you are aware that several Members have inquired. The Defence Secretary has had a brief brush with covid but is working virtually and will return physically by evening.
Context
Members inquired about the Defence Secretary's ability to perform his duties due to a recent illness.
Jeremy Quin
The Defence Secretary has had a second negative test today, confirming he will be back to work by this evening. He remains on course to deliver the objectives of the integrated review despite his illness.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will he give an assurance to bingo players that in review of the Gambling Act, bingo will be assessed on its own merits based on evidence and not just chucked in with other gambling forms?
Context
The MP sought assurance that the low-risk nature of bingo would be assessed independently during the Gambling Act review.
Chris Philp
I can give this assurance. We have met with industry representatives and recognise that bingo poses very low risk compared to high-risk forms of gambling, which we are distinguishing in our assessment.
Session: Bingo Clubs
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What recent assessment has she made of the future prospects of bingo clubs?
Context
The MP inquired about the government's assessment of bingo clubs' future, given their importance to local communities.
Chris Philp
Bingo clubs are important and pose low risks in the gambling environment. The government will review the Gambling Act 2005 to assess support measures for bingo clubs.
Session: Bingo Clubs
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The lack of reporting, understanding and prosecution of domestic abuse at child contact centres is creating a potential risk at those venues. Happily, the Domestic Abuse Act committed the Government to producing a report on this. Is the Minister willing to meet the all-party parliamentary group on child contact centres and services to discuss the matter further?
Context
The question arises from a concern about the lack of reporting, understanding, and prosecution of domestic abuse at child contact centres.
Victoria Atkins
I am happy to take up the hon. Gentleman's kind invitation. In February, we launched an integrated domestic abuse courts pilot in Dorset and north Wales, testing a more investigative and less adversarial approach to family court proceedings.
Session: Domestic Abuse Offences Prosecution Rate
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The reality is that the rhetoric is just not matching up to what the Government say they want it to deliver, but those analysts at Oxford Economics are not fooled. They say the levelling-up White Paper contains little that is new or significant. That is a damning indictment. What we needed was a plan to bring good jobs back to all communities to breathe life into our high streets and to transfer power from Whitehall to local communities. This White Paper is not going to address regional inequalities, is it?
Context
Analysts at Oxford Economics have criticized the levelling-up White Paper, stating it contains little that is new or significant and fails to revise national and regional growth forecasts. The paper aims to address regional inequalities by bringing good jobs back to communities and transferring power from central government to local areas.
Michael Gove
The hon. Gentleman said that the rhetoric is not matching up to the delivery, which suggests actually that we are underselling what we are doing. A plethora of organisations from Onward to the Institute for Public Policy Research have pointed out that everything in the levelling-up White Paper is what Labour should have been doing when it was in power.
Session: Levelling-up White Paper Impact on Regional Inequality
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Analysis of levelling-up funding published recently by NPC—New Philanthropy Capital—found that despite strong public support, homelessness is not being properly addressed. It found that communities with the highest concentrations of black, African and Caribbean communities fared poorly, and that four of the most deprived communities missed out entirely. Both the Secretary of State and the Under-Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities have sought to make a supposed joke of this, but I do not think it is laughing matter that while poorer communities have missed out, the constituencies of at least three Cabinet Ministers which are considerably more affluent were successful in their bids. Beyond the jokes and the spin, does the Secretary of State honestly expect the House to believe that the Government have acted equitably rather than defaulting to the usual approach of pursuing narrow self-interest?
Context
Analysis by NPC found that levelling-up funding is not effectively addressing homelessness in deprived communities, especially those with high concentrations of black, African and Caribbean populations.
Michael Gove
I cannot see how it would be in the narrow self-interest of the Government, if operating on partisan lines, to have given the hon. Gentleman's constituency £18 million for transport improvements from the levelling-up fund. These are not jokes; these are serious matters. We work with people across this House, including and especially in the Labour party, to ensure that funding goes where it is required. Lying behind the allegations made by him and others is a suggestion that somehow civil servants would conspire with Ministers deliberately to favour constituencies on the basis of political colouration.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
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To ensure the best cancer outcomes for patients, they need timely access to treatment. However, recent data shows a record high number of patients waiting more than two weeks to see a specialist, with over 55,000 people in November alone. Macmillan Cancer Support reports that over 31,000 people are still awaiting their first cancer treatment. When will the Government publish a properly resourced and staffed national recovery plan for cancer care?
Context
The question concerns the high number of patients waiting more than two weeks to see a specialist, increasing to over 55,000 people in November. Macmillan Cancer Support reports that over 31,000 people are still awaiting their first cancer treatment.
Maria Caulfield
I reassure the hon. Gentleman that cancer has been an absolute priority throughout this pandemic, with treatment and services continuing. Ninety-five per cent of people started treatment within a month of diagnosis throughout the pandemic, resulting in over 4 million urgent referrals and 960,000 patients receiving cancer treatment during that time.
Session: Cancer Outcomes
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What recent assessment has been made of cancer outcomes? To ensure the best outcomes for patients, they need to start treatment as soon as possible. However, in the latest data addressed by the Minister, there is a record high number of patients waiting more than two weeks to see a specialist, increasing to over 55,000 people in November before the pandemic peak. Macmillan Cancer Support reports that over 31,000 people are still waiting for their first cancer treatment. When will the Government publish a properly resourced and staffed national recovery plan for cancer care?
Context
The question arises from the concern over cancer outcomes and treatment delays. The latest data shows a record high number of people waiting more than two weeks to see a specialist, with 55,000 patients in November alone. Additionally, Macmillan Cancer Support reports that over 31,000 people are still awaiting their first cancer treatment.
Maria Caulfield
Cancer has been an absolute priority throughout this pandemic, with treatment and services continuing. Ninety-five percent of people started treatment within a month of diagnosis during the pandemic, resulting in over 4 million urgent referrals and 960,000 patients receiving cancer treatment.
Session: Cancer Outcomes
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The Biya Government's hard-handed approach to calls for reform from those living in the Anglophone region has led to violence, 765,000 persons being displaced from their homes, and 800,000 children out of school. We have a long-standing connection to Cameroon and I am glad to hear from the Minister about efforts so far, but will she make a full-throated commitment today to a peaceful resolution to the crisis?
Context
Cameroon's government actions have led to significant humanitarian crises, affecting millions of people.
Vicky Ford
We are urging all actors, including the Cameroonian Government, to remain engaged in efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Our planned humanitarian aid to Cameroon this year will be £5 million.
Session: Cameroon Human Rights
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What recent assessment has been made of the human rights situation in Cameroon? The Biya Government's hard-handed approach to calls for reform from those living in the Anglophone region has led to violence, 765,000 persons being displaced from their homes, and 800,000 children out of school. We have a long-standing connection to Cameroon and I am glad to hear from the Minister about efforts so far, but will she make a full-throated commitment today to a peaceful resolution to the crisis?
Context
The situation in Anglophone regions of Cameroon has deteriorated due to government actions, leading to widespread displacement and educational disruptions.
Vicky Ford
We will continue to work with partners, such as the US and France, to raise the north-west and south-west crisis in multilateral forums. We urge all parties to remain engaged with the Swiss-led process to promote a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Session: Cameroon Human Rights
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The vaccination programme has lost momentum, with only around 30% of eligible individuals receiving their boosters. To ensure everyone gets vaccinated by Christmas, we need half a million people vaccinated daily but are not near this figure yet. Will the Secretary of State commit to mobilising retired medics and using pop-up clinics, confirming by what date will the target be met?
Context
Concern about the slowing of vaccine uptake over summer and autumn. Need for daily vaccinations to reach half a million people by Christmas.
Sajid Javid
We have delivered more than 15 million booster vaccines across the UK to 26% of the population over the age of 12—the most successful programme in Europe. I know the hon. Gentleman sees it as his job always to be negative about the Government, although on vaccination he has been cooperative.
Session: Covid-19 Booster Doses Shipley
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Channel 4 makes a huge contribution to job growth. Will the Minister concede that privatising Channel 4 will endanger jobs and undermine the levelling-up agenda?
Context
Channel 4 contributes significantly to job growth in regional media production, with over 130 companies relying heavily on it for their work.
Julia Lopez
We are looking at all consultation responses regarding Channel 4's privatisation. We will examine the health of the independent sector and its relationship with public service broadcasting.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
What Works Network: Centre for Food
02 March 2022
Responding: Victoria Prentis
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the need to ensure that evidence-based policy is developed in order to improve food sustainability and health. The University of Nottingham's research on food sustainability is highlighted, with its Sutton Bonington campus conducting significant work in this area. I am concerned about the impact of food insecurity and the environmental damage caused by the current food system. According to the Food Foundation, 4.9 million adults are affected by food insecurity in the UK, a significant increase from 5.6% five years ago. The agrifood sector contributes £121 billion to our national gross value added but also causes substantial greenhouse gas emissions and land degradation. Additionally, 80% of processed foods sold in the UK are unhealthy, leading to widespread obesity and diabetes."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to visit the Sutton Bonington campus to see the fantastic research being conducted there and to recognise the importance of evidence-based policy that benefits both health and environmental sustainability. I ask the Government to establish a What Works Centre for Food as recommended by their own food strategy report. The centre would help drive evidence-based policies to improve health and sustainability in our food system.']
Criminal Justice Reform
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Immigration and Asylum Bill
13 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The speaker has selected the reasoned amendment in the name of the Leader of the Opposition, but no specific opening argument is provided in this excerpt.
European Entry and Exit System
08 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Rochdale Grooming Gang: Offender Deportation
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Asylum Accommodation
29 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Immigration Policy
09 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill 2025-11-19
19 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Introduced the debate on the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill considering Lords amendments.
Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill (Programme) (No. 2) 2025-11-19
19 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Contribution of Muslims to Communities 2025-03-13
13 March 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ramadan 2025 marks the first I am observing since being elected as an MP. As Glasgow South West's ethnic-minority and Muslim MP, I highlight the significant contributions Muslims make to society. Over...
Plan for Neighbourhoods 2025-03-04
04 March 2025
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced a £1.5 billion plan for neighbourhoods across the UK, aiming to support growth and access to opportun...
Attendance
63.3%
62 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
23
23.5% of votes
No Votes
39
39.8% of votes
Abstentions
36
36.7% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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 NO
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 NO
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
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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 NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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 NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
5
PMQs Asked
58
Ministerial Questions Asked
88
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
16
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+333% above average
This MP:
58
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1711% above average
This MP:
88
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+69% above average
This MP:
16
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-9% below average
This MP:
63.3
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 Alex Norris's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.