Alicia Kearns
MP for Rutland and Stamford
Con
12 Dec 2019 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Lindsay Foreman and her husband Craig have not eaten in 32 and 23 days respectively. They are being held hostage by the terrorist Government of Iran, but this Government's weak words have abandoned them, so will the Prime Minister stop raising their case and start fighting for them? He can do that by declaring today in this House that they are being arbitrarily detained—something he has refused to do—and by referring their case to the International Court of Justice, so we get them home.
Context
Lindsay Foreman and her husband Craig are being held hostage by the Iranian government. They have not eaten for a total of 55 days combined.
Keir Starmer
I thank the hon. Member for raising this important case and give her and the House the assurance that this is raised regularly by us. The Foreign Secretary has raised it very recently. We raise it every time we can; we do everything we can in relation to this case. We are doing everything that we can, as she would expect and as the Conservatives would have done in office, but she is right to raise the case.
Assessment
The specific commitment to declare detention as arbitrary or refer the case to the International Court of Justice was not addressed.
Session: PMQs
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The Bertie Arms is a fantastic family pub, but because of the Chancellor’s tax raid on local business, it faces a 2,000% increase in its business rates by 2029. That means that the Treasury will lose £200,000 in tax take and Uffington will lose the heart of its community. The Prime Minister promised not to put up taxes on working people, so how does he justify a 2,000% tax attack on working family businesses like this pub?
Context
The question addresses a significant business rate increase that threatens to close the Bertie Arms, a family pub in Uffington.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
We are working with the sector to put in the necessary support. I remind the hon. Lady that 7,000 pubs closed on the Conservatives’ watch, and she did not say a word about it.
Assessment
Justification for business rates increase
Working With The Sector
Reminding Of Previous Government
Session: PMQs
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Group Captain Lizzy Nicholl had an exemplary career with the RAF until she was forced to resign. Despite inquiries vindicating her, the RAF and MOD failed to offer fair compensation. Will the PM meet Lizzy and help ensure those responsible face consequences?
Context
Kearns discussed Group Captain Lizzy Nicholl, who resigned from the RAF due to illegal recruitment orders but received inadequate compensation.
Keir Starmer
I thank the hon. Member for raising this important case. It needs to be looked into. I will ensure she gets a meeting with the relevant Minister to lay out details and get answers.
Assessment
Meeting Group Captain Nicholl and addressing compensation and accountability issues
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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I give my heartfelt thanks to the Prime Minster for his support for our Melton, Harborough and Stamford villages following the recent devastating flooding. Tens of homes, farms and businesses in Rutland were also devastated, but our county is in effect excluded from ever receiving support in the future due to the arbitrary floor currently in place. Flood support should be based on the most affected or a percentage of population, but Rutland must have 1,000 times more flooding than next-door Lincolnshire for us ever to access support. Will my right hon. Friend please give a meeting to me and my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for South Swindon (Sir Robert Buckland) to discuss this important issue?
Context
Flooding in Rutland devastated tens of homes, farms, and businesses. The area is excluded from future flood support due to the arbitrary floor currently in place.
Rishi Sunak
I extend my sympathies to all those impacted by the recent storms and flooding. We are investing record sums in flood defence across England and a recovery support framework is in place for families and businesses in every area that has experienced exceptional flooding. I know that my hon. Friend is in touch with Ministers in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities about how those schemes affect her constituency, but I will ensure that she gets the correspondence and meetings that she needs to deliver for her local communities.
Assessment
The questioner asked for a meeting specifically regarding flood support for Rutland, but this specific request was not addressed directly.
Did Not Address Request For Meeting
Session: PMQs
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Conversion therapy is quackery packaged up by bigots seeking to promote their hate and to profit from it. On 19 January, a Minister promised at the Dispatch Box to bring forward a ban against conversion therapy and ensure that pre-legislative scrutiny was completed before the end of this parliamentary term. How does my right hon. Friend plan to continue that? May I also welcome his statement today and thank those LGBT veterans who are with us?
Context
MP criticized conversion therapy as a harmful practice and welcomed Minister's promise to ban it with pre-legislative scrutiny completed before the end of parliamentary term.
Rishi Sunak
I agree with her that conversion therapy is an abhorrent practice, and we need to do everything we can to stamp it out wherever we see it. The Minister for Women and Equalities, my right hon. Friend the Member for Saffron Walden (Kemi Badenoch), will continue to keep my hon. Friend and the House updated on her progress.
Assessment
Specific ask about following up not directly addressed
Session: PMQs
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This week, Rutlander Andrew Osborne solo-sailed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic ocean, taking 78 days and raising £142,000 for Cardiac Risk in the Young, after his daughter Amy died in her sleep aged 25, being discovered by her sister the next morning. Twelve young people a week die of an undiagnosed heart condition. What are we doing to increase the diagnosis of heart conditions in children and young people?
Context
Andrew Osborne sailed solo across the Atlantic to raise £142,000 for Cardiac Risk in the Young following his daughter Amy's death from an undiagnosed heart condition at age 25.
Dominic Raab
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this question. Our heartfelt condolences go to Amy's family. Likewise, our congratulations go to Andrew on his incredible feat. We all want to see an end to 12 young people a week dying of undiagnosed heart conditions. There is more resource and research going in, and I will arrange for a meeting between my hon. Friend and the relevant Minister.
Assessment
The specific actions or resources allocated to diagnose heart conditions were not detailed.
Session: PMQs
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Can he assure me that not just urban, but rural areas will be levelled up?
Context
The Government are in the final stages of giving out levelling-up bids.
Rishi Sunak
I confirm that the Government believe that levelling up should apply equally everywhere across our United Kingdom. Urban and rural communities up and down the country will get the benefit of investment they deserve.
Session: PMQs
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The motto of England's smallest county, Rutland, is “multum in parvo”—much in little—and never has that been more true than in the last two weeks, with the greatest Roman discovery in 200 years and the discovery of an ichthyosaur, the greatest fossil discovery in 100 years. Will my right hon. Friend please support us to build a new tourism industry and two heritage museums in Rutland to preserve these amazing discoveries?
Context
Significant Roman and fossil discoveries have been made recently in Rutland, prompting a call to build new tourism infrastructure.
Boris Johnson
I am agog. I long to come to see these extraordinary additions to the cultural heritage of Rutland. I thank my hon. Friend for drawing it to my attention, and I look forward to making a visit as soon as I can.
Assessment
No commitment was made regarding support for building new tourism infrastructure or museums.
Session: PMQs
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For almost 500 years, the Royal Navy has protected our country from enemies and promoted freedom around the world. As HMS Queen Elizabeth sails from the Mediterranean to the South China Sea carrying British values, what are your plans for the future of her white ensign?
Context
The pride of the Royal Navy, HMS Queen Elizabeth, has recently sailed with its strike group. The ship represents British values and naval presence worldwide.
Boris Johnson
The HMS Queen Elizabeth is a significant statement about Britain's global role and determination to expand naval presence, benefiting national security and economic growth.
Assessment
Did not provide specific plans or commitments for the future of HMS Queen Elizabeth's operations
Broad Statements Without Specifics
Session: PMQs
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Nine weeks ago, the Government were told that Chinese embassy guards were brandishing prohibited electroshock weapons and threatening peaceful vigil holders with them. The Chinese Communist party either breached articles 41 and 27 of the Vienna convention, or it procured these weapons illegally in the UK. The Chinese Communist party will not waive diplomatic immunity, so when will Ministers stop hiding behind a dead-end Metropolitan police investigation and do something to deter future hostilities in the UK?
Context
Nine weeks ago, it was reported that Chinese embassy guards were brandishing prohibited electroshock weapons and threatening peaceful vigil holders. The Chinese Government either breached articles 41 and 27 of the Vienna convention, or they illegally obtained the weapons in the UK.
Chris Elmore
Let me be clear: any attempt by a foreign state to coerce, intimidate, harass or harm individuals on UK soil will never be tolerated, but the hon. Lady knows as well as I do that there is a live investigation by the Metropolitan police. Members of this House should respect the fact that the Metropolitan police are investigating. Frankly, she knows better, and I hope that she will wait for the investigation. That is when we will listen to what it has to say.
Session: China Threat to UK Interests 2026-09-01
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I am grateful to the Government for considering improvements to the A605 and Tinwell junctions on the A1, but the current plan is to put traffic lights in place and National Highways agrees that that is not the right approach. Will the Government put the funding, which is welcome, into widening the slip roads, which are far substandard and below the national requirements?
Context
The current plan to put traffic lights in place for improvements to A605 and Tinwell junctions on the A1 is not seen as the right approach by National Highways.
Simon Lightwood
I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss this further.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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Do the Government really believe that not a single organisation in the UK is engaged in political influence on behalf of the Chinese Communist party, and if not, how many investigations have there been into those failing to disclose?
Context
The BNO route has provided sanctuary for Hongkongers but raises concerns about safety under CCP influence, especially with no registrations under the foreign influence registration scheme.
Mike Tapp
I thank the hon. Lady for her important point. It is essential that we keep those who are here safe. The Minister for Security is keeping this matter under review, and will write to her in due course.
Session: British National Overseas Visa 2026-07-13
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In early 2025, Rutland police caught a local shop owner red-handed with a carload of illegal fake cigarettes. Since then, I have reported this to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs, the police and trading standards, and nothing has happened. Will the Minister please haul in trading standards, because this individual runs two shops in my constituency, which are both still open, attracting in children and encouraging the sale of vapes? That is wrong, and such shops are clearly part of the black economy.
Context
In Rutland, a local shop owner was caught with carload of illegal fake cigarettes but no action has been taken since.
Blair McDougall
It is infuriating when we see bogus businesses forcing legitimate retailers out. Operation Machinize has significant resources tackling such crime. We meet Companies House and the Insolvency Service to improve enforcement efforts.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-02
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Self-swab rape kits are not admissible in court, yet the company Enough is using SLAPPs to attack rape charities and survivors who dare to speak out against it. This is exactly why we need the sort of legislation that has been mentioned to come forward: to protect the victims and survivors of sexual violence who have been ruthlessly targeted. I implore the Government to please bring forward the legislation at the earliest possible opportunity and to ban Enough from having its illegal equipment in our country.
Context
Enough, a company manufacturing self-swab rape kits, is using SLAPPs to attack rape charities and survivors.
David Lammy
We are aware of this issue, it is hugely concerning, and we have to legislate. We hope that by working cross-party, we can move swiftly in this area.
Session: Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation 2026-06-30
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Why will the Government not extradite Andrew and Tristan Tate to face Crown Prosecution Service charges?
Context
The Minister responsible for violence against women has resigned, and the resignation letter cited political pressure as a catalyst for progress.
Shabana Mahmood
The Home Secretary refuses to comment on matters related to extradition or specific cases, citing the potential for prejudicing future actions.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Strategy Implementation
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Paedophiles should be behind bars, not roaming our communities. I am afraid that the Minister’s words will ring hollow for my constituent who received a call in January and was told that her abuser, the paedophile, who was only two years into a nine-year sentence, had been moved into an open prison, and now had the right to leave the site freely, and even stay out overnight. Will the Government review these moves? Clearly something is not working. Will the Minister also specifically look into this case, which is utterly unacceptable?
Jake Richards
As I said, each case is considered on its own circumstances, and the risk is assessed by the professionals. I am very happy to look into that case and make sure that the appropriate officials look into it too.
Session: Open Prisons Policy on Convicted Paedophiles
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Whether his Department has a policy on the housing of convicted paedophiles in open prisons.
Jake Richards
Prisoners are moved to an open prison as part of the rehabilitation process, but only after they pass a thorough risk assessment. Every prisoner, including those serving a sentence for a sexual offence, is subject to an individual risk assessment. They will not be allowed to move to an open prison unless they are assessed as presenting a low enough risk. A prisoner can be immediately returned from an open prison to closed conditions if their risk increases.
Session: Open Prisons Policy on Convicted Paedophiles
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In rural areas like Rutland and Stamford, we are reliant on our cars, so fuel costs are hitting us hard. I have a simple ask that the Chancellor could deliver on now: will she expand the 5p per litre rural fuel duty relief to more areas as soon as possible, particularly Leicestershire, Rutland and Lincolnshire, where it is desperately needed?
James Murray
As my hon. Friend the Exchequer Secretary has already set out many times today on fuel duty, we inherited plans from the previous Government that would have seen fuel costs go up for people across the country. We have extended the 5p cut on fuel duty and extended the freeze, which is an important way of helping people with the cost of living right now.
Session: Costs for Commuters
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Online cowards such as Andrew Tate make money by radicalizing boys and women as prey, laid bare in Louis Theroux's documentary “Manosphere”. Meanwhile, religious preachers encourage violence against women. Will the Home Secretary issue statutory guidance requiring police forces to use incitement legislation to prosecute those who incite sexual violence against women and girls?
Context
Louis Theroux's documentary “Manosphere” highlighted the exploitation of boys by online cowards like Andrew Tate, who make money radicalising them into viewing women as prey. There are also religious preachers encouraging men to beat or rape their wives.
Jess Phillips
I feel equally disgusted by these examples. The violence against women and girls strategy will look across regulation, legislation and education to protect both boys and girls in our country.
Session: Child Exploitation
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I am afraid that this question may feel like groundhog day. This time last month, I asked for a meeting about local government reform, because my residents are so concerned. I was promised a meeting, yet despite having chased at least twice a week every single week for the past month, we have had zero response from the Department. When are we going to get the meetings on really important matters that we are promised in this Chamber?
Context
The questioner has been promised a meeting about local government reform but despite chasing multiple times, there is no response.
Alison McGovern
I thank the hon. Lady for chasing that. I am sure we will meet before too long.
Session: Topical Questions
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Many practitioners who sell FGM also sell dangerous exorcisms that have led to numerous child deaths in the UK. What legal actions are being considered to protect these children?
Context
Practitioners selling FGM often also sell exorcisms for children, leading to thousands of child fatalities over the past decade in the UK's black African community.
The Solicitor General
This Government is committed to tackling violence against women and girls in every form, which is why we announced our cross-Government strategy for tackling VAWG in December. I will speak to colleagues across the Home Office and Ministry of Justice to address these points.
Session: Female Genital Mutilation
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It has been over a year since I raised the issue of 5,700 women wrongly dismissed from the armed forces for falling pregnant while in service. What actions have you taken to ensure these women receive their caps and berets back? They deserve this support as they wish to start families.
Context
This question addresses a case of women who were unfairly dismissed from the armed forces due to pregnancy, and seeks an update on their compensation.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones)
The hon. Lady raises a valid point. I have received updates from officials, and I will push for further timelines to update her.
Session: Armed Forces Families
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Rutland’s council could have submitted its own proposals for local government reform, but it has left our fate in the hands of others. The council submitted a proposal to join North Leicestershire, but this is in opposition to the wishes of residents. The council knows that, and purposely did not ask residents what we wanted. Stamford residents want to join Rutland; Rutlanders want to join Stamford. Will the Minister meet me to make sure that all residents are consulted on the Rutland and Stamford model, which the council has taken off the table?
Context
The council in Rutland did not consult residents properly on the local government reform proposals.
Alison McGovern
I congratulate the hon. Lady for laying out to the House what sounds like a complicated situation for her constituents. We will take what she says under advisement, as part of the process. I am always happy to make myself available to meet Members of this House.
Session: Topical Questions
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Women disproportionately suffer from hate crimes online. Companies now offer self-swab rape kits with promises of deterring rapists, yet these kits are offensive and shift responsibility onto victims instead of the perpetrators. A case has already collapsed due to reliance on such kits. Rape charities have asked for their ban for over a year. Will the Government work with me to commit to banning self-swab rape kits?
Context
The MP highlights concerns raised by women's rights groups over self-swab rape kits, which are used to collect evidence but have no legal standing in court.
The Minister for Policing and Crime (Sarah Jones)
We share concerns with law enforcement and healthcare professionals about the use of self-swabbing rape kits. We are considering this matter carefully but have not yet committed to a specific ban.
Session: Hate Crime
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Last year, 2,000 acres of farmland were approved for solar projects. With another 2,000 being eyed up next door, when will the Government bring forth a land use strategy and impose minimum compensation for those losing their countryside?
Context
2,000 acres of farmland have been approved for solar by the Government, creating a significant project. The constituency seeks a land use strategy to ensure community benefits.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
We appreciate engagement with the hon. Lady on these issues. The planning system considers cumulative impacts, but a more strategic approach is needed through the land use framework and the strategic spatial energy plan.
Session: Topical Questions
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Residents of Rutland overwhelmingly want to join Stamford, but the council is pressing ahead with an unwanted Leicestershire merger; residents of South Kesteven do not want to join a mega Lincolnshire council, but are being pushed towards it; and in Leicestershire my constituents do not want a Leicester city takeover. What reassurance will the Government give that democracy will not die under these reforms, and that local people’s voices will be heard?
Context
Residents in Rutland and other areas do not want forced mergers, but the council is pressing ahead with them.
Alison McGovern
I can certainly confirm that democracy will not die. I know that officials in the Department will have heard what the hon. Lady has said, and I will accept her question as representations on the issue of local government.
Session: Topical Questions
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Between 1978 and 1990, in what was an illegal act, 5,700 women were dismissed and discharged from the armed forces on family grounds—for falling pregnant while in service. This is not a question of compensation; they want their berets and cap badges returned to them. Will the Minister please work with me to right an injustice done to all those women who just wanted to keep serving their country, and now want that service recognised?
Context
Between 1978 and 1990, approximately 5,700 women were illegally dismissed from the armed forces due to pregnancy. These women seek recognition for their service.
Alistair Carns
That is a really important question. We have the utmost respect for all those who have served. I would be delighted to work with the hon. Lady to move that forward.
Session: Topical Questions
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The wind industry has agreed on a standard compensation package for rural communities. However, the solar industry is not addressing similar issues in its supply chain. Will the Government create a standardised compensation programme if the industry does not act?
Context
The solar industry has been criticized for issues with supply chains, including Uyghur slave labour.
Michael Shanks
We are currently looking at all options, particularly around community benefits to ensure they genuinely benefit communities. Following previous government consultations on whether such measures should be compulsory, we will consider this scale of impact.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister meet me to discuss introducing mandatory requirements for schools to have allergy and anaphylaxis plans?
Context
Helen Blythe campaigns for improvements to allergy safety following her son's death from a severe allergic reaction at school.
Stephen Morgan
I met Helen Blythe last week, and I will happily meet the hon. Member to take forward her concerns.
Session: Topical Questions
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To move us beyond the condemnation, in the last week, troops from North Korea have arrived in Russia and are training in Russian fatigues, based on videos that we have seen. In addition, we know that Russia has procured multiple weapons from North Korea to aid the murder of Ukrainians. Putin has seized the escalation ladder, so will the Minister now declare North Korea a combatant in the renewed illegal invasion of Ukraine, démarche the North Korean chargé and confirm what unilateral and multilateral action we will be taking in response?
Context
Troops from North Korea have arrived in Russia and are training in Russian fatigues.
Stephen Doughty
I thank the shadow Minister for her points. We absolutely condemn what North Korea is reported to have been doing. She will have seen in our response to the Iranian transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia that we acted strongly, swiftly and firmly. We are closely monitoring what Russia is providing to the DPRK in return for its provision of arms and military personnel. We are deeply concerned about the potential for further transfers, including of ballistic missile-related technology. That would obviously jeopardise peace and stability not only in Ukraine, but across the world, and we condemn it absolutely.
Session: Ukraine
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When will the Government bring forward their promised special envoy for arbitrary detention, come back to shadow Foreign Ministers, and get our people home?
Context
The MP expresses concern about the lack of response to her inquiries regarding individuals detained abroad, and asks when a special envoy will be appointed.
Stephen Doughty
We call on the Hong Kong authorities to end their politically motivated prosecution and immediately release British national Jimmy Lai. His case remains a high priority for His Majesty's Government, and UK diplomats attend his court hearing in Hong Kong. The Foreign Secretary recently raised the case with Wang Yi during his visit to Beijing on 18 October.
Session: Chinese Communist Party Threat to Democracy
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Will the Secretary of State please respond to my letter about my constituent, who feels extremely vulnerable? Will she also confirm that there are enough tags and that in cases such as this there will be not just a verbal warning but remedial repercussions?
Context
Probation Service lacks enough tags; constituent's abusive husband released without tagging, entered restricted village.
Shabana Mahmood
I am not aware of the correspondence to which the hon. Lady has referred, but I will chase it up and ensure that she receives a comprehensive response.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Foreign Secretary confirm that he secured an agreement on human rights during his India visit? Will he call for the release of Jagtar Singh Johal, who is arbitrarily detained?
Context
The question relates to the inclusion of human rights in a UK-India trade deal and the case of Jagtar Singh Johal.
David Lammy
The case of Jagtar Singh Johal is serious; the Minister raised concerns with Indian counterparts about allegations of torture, fair trial rights. Meeting the family over coming weeks is planned.
Session: UK-India Relations
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I put on record my heartfelt thanks to the Secretary of State and the Minister for Nuclear and Renewables for the action they took last week to put food security, alongside renewable energy, at the heart of local planning decisions. What are the Government doing to ensure that all councils immediately enact that policy, because it is both for local councils and for Government? Will existing soil assessments stand for nationally significant infrastructure projects, or will they be redone?
Context
The Secretary of State and the Minister for Nuclear and Renewables put food security at the heart of local planning decisions alongside renewables last week.
Andrew Bowie
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and her kind words. I am pleased to confirm to the House that my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing, Planning and Building Safety has written to all local authorities to draw their attention to the statement last week.
Session: Topical Questions
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Companies with well-documented links to Uyghur slave labour are dumping their goods here in the UK. That is because the United States has introduced the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act and the EU has acted similarly. Last month, I, along with 43 Members of this House and 32 human rights organisations, wrote a joint statement calling for import controls on solar panels. Will the Minister agree to meet me to discuss that and to finally bring forward measures to clean up our supply chains?
Context
Companies with links to Uyghur forced labour are selling products in the UK. The US has the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act, and EU member states have similar measures.
Alan Mak
British businesses and solar developers should not receive solar panels from companies linked to forced labour. The Procurement Act 2023 and Modern Slavery Act 2015 address the issue. The UK solar road map will outline a clear path for sustainable supply chains, including meeting energy security goals.
Session: Forced Labour Product Ban
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If she will introduce legislative proposals to ban products from UK markets that are made with or transported using forced labour. Companies with well-documented links to Uyghur slave labour are dumping their goods here in the UK. The US has introduced the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act and the EU has acted similarly. Members of this House and human rights organisations wrote a joint statement calling for import controls on solar panels.
Context
Companies with links to Uyghur forced labour are selling products in the UK. The US has the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act, and EU member states have similar measures.
Alan Mak
British businesses and solar developers should not receive solar panels from companies linked to forced labour. The Procurement Act 2023 and Modern Slavery Act 2015 address the issue. The UK solar road map will outline a clear path for sustainable supply chains, including meeting energy security goals.
Session: Forced Labour Product Ban
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British citizen Ryan Cornelius has now been imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates for 16 years. In 2022, the UN determined that he was “arbitrarily detained”, and before the Deputy Foreign Secretary came to his current position, he signed a letter calling for his immediate release. On Saturday, Ryan turned 70, and his children have grown up without him. Will the Government please update us on what they are doing to get him home and whether they will lodge a plea for clemency, given his age and ill health?
Context
British citizen Ryan Cornelius has been imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates for 16 years. He was determined to be arbitrarily detained by the UN.
David Rutley
I assure my hon. Friend that FCDO Ministers and officials continue to raise the cases of both Mr Cornelius and Mr Ridley with the UAE authorities.
Session: Topical Questions
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The council plans to close an outstanding-rated SEND nursery and leisure centre. Does my hon. Friend agree that specialist provision must be protected?
Context
Liberal Democrat-run council in Rutland announced closure of a specialist SEND nursery rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted, alongside the only leisure centre.
David Johnston
My hon. Friend is right in championing the needs of parents and children facing these closures, which come from a series of negative reports about Lib Dem councils.
Session: Topical Questions
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Haiti is on the edge of collapse, and only 100 nautical miles away are the Turks and Caicos islands, for whose national security the UK has responsibility. Will the Foreign Office fulfil its role by requesting of the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office that we deploy HMS Trent with its defensive capabilities, deploy Royal Marine fast boats, provide assets monitoring in the sea lane, and increase the policing footprint in TCI? Too often we have acted too slowly, which in the past that has resulted in threats to remove TCI from our overseas family. Please can we act now?
Context
Haiti is on the edge of collapse, and the UK has national security responsibilities for Turks and Caicos Islands. The questioner seeks immediate action from HMS Trent and Royal Marine fast boats.
David Rutley
I assure my hon. Friend that I was recently in TCI and I understand the situation there. We have seen a rise in the number of people making the dangerous journey by sea from Haiti to TCI. We have put in place 13 serious crime investigators and seven firearms officers, and we are working with the Home Office and the MOD in building capability and capacity in this important situation.
Session: Topical Questions
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In legal terms, is Israel demonstrating a commitment to international humanitarian law? If not told in House, will he write?
Context
Foreign Affairs Committee visited al-Arish, the aid staging point for Gaza. Israel has a legal obligation to ensure aid reaches civilians.
Andrew Mitchell
We review Israel's compliance regularly. As of today, we believe they have the capacity and ability to abide by international humanitarian law.
Session: Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
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Why was British citizen Vladimir Kara-Murza moved from a Siberian prison to an unknown location? What progress has been made on locating Vladimir and getting him released?
Context
British citizen Vladimir Kara-Murza has been moved from a Siberian prison to an unknown location, raising concerns about his welfare.
Leo Docherty
As the Foreign Secretary has said, we are deeply concerned about the reports that Mr Kara-Murza has been moved from the penal colony in Omsk to an unknown location. We are urgently following up to ascertain his whereabouts. Of course, Ministers have consistently condemned his politically motivated conviction and have called for his release both publicly and privately.
Session: Topical Questions
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Wind energy projects have a standard compensation scheme for all local communities, but solar projects do not. Industry will not act, so I urge my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to bring in a standard measure for all solar projects to bring fairness to clean energy in our communities.
Context
Wind energy projects have a standard community benefits scheme, but solar projects do not.
Graham Stuart
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and for pursuing this matter assiduously; we have met and discussed it, among other issues. I think both industry and communities would appreciate greater clarity about community benefits, and I look forward to discussing that with her further.
Session: Topical Questions
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A decade ago, the onshore wind industry committed to providing £5,000 per MW installed annually to communities for wind scheme duration. Solar developers have refused a similar commitment. Does my right hon Friend agree compensation must be equal?
Context
Wind developers committed to a £5,000 per MW annual compensation for communities hosting wind schemes. However, solar developers have not followed suit.
Graham Stuart
I look forward to discussing this issue with the hon Member and ensuring we have a coherent position on rewarding communities hosting transmission infrastructure and other parts of our transition.
Session: Topical Questions
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What conversations has my hon. Friend had with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Department for Business and Trade on eradicating forced labour from our supply chains? Does he agree that we must ban the worst offending companies from our shores?
Context
The question follows from a previous report and concerns the government's actions to eradicate forced labour.
Andrew Bowie
My hon. Friend knows that this issue is a top priority for the Government and for me. A range of tools can be used to tackle forced labour in global supply chains. The Government continue to keep our policy responses under close review, and we are working closely with our partners, including at the United Nations, to hold China to account for its egregious human rights violations in Xinjiang.
Session: Uyghur Region Solar Industry Sourcing
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What assessment has been made of the implications for policies regarding the Sheffield Hallam University report on Uyghur Region exposure in solar industry sourcing?
Context
Sheffield Hallam University published a report, 'Over-exposed: Uyghur Region Exposure Assessment for Solar Industry Sourcing' in August 2023, raising concerns about forced labour.
Andrew Bowie
The Government are determined to ensure that our energy system is not dependent on forced labour at home or abroad. The supply chain and innovation sub-group of the solar taskforce is therefore considering this issue as a top priority.
Session: Uyghur Region Solar Industry Sourcing
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Thank you, Mr Speaker, and thank you for your strong response to the point of order last week on the threats against me by President Vučić of Serbia. One colleague here raised the daily reports that we are receiving about extreme identity violence in Darfur, which will only get worse. As a UK penholder, what are we doing to create a protective wedge between civilians and the militias? Will my right hon. Friend show leadership at the Dispatch Box by declaring these as crimes against humanity, because it matters that Britain says that now?
Context
Daily reports of extreme identity violence in Darfur continue. The UK is a UN penholder.
Andrew Mitchell
I fully understand what my hon. Friend is saying about Darfur. She will know that I first went there with David Cameron in 2006 and saw what was happening on the ground—what George Bush called a genocide. We will do everything that we can to protect the civilians there who are in great jeopardy today. That involves the use of words, as my hon. Friend said, and actions at the UN. We will do everything that we can, as holder of the pen, to ensure that progress is made.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister join me in congratulating the Rutland-to-Melton CiCLE Classic—the only international men's single-day race cycling competition in the whole UK? It was best listened to on Rutland and Stamford Sound, Rutland's only radio station, but we need three RSL licences to cover all our three towns. Will the Minister please meet me to discuss those urgent needs?
Context
The Rutland-to-Melton CiCLE Classic, an international men's single-day race cycling competition in the UK, needs additional RSL licences for its local radio station to cover all three towns.
Julia Lopez
Any day now I will be going on maternity leave, but I will be covered by my right hon. Friend the Member for Maldon (Sir John Whittingdale), who is an absolutely passionate supporter of the radio industry and who as a Back Bencher spoke to me about radio issues. I am sure that he will be happy to look into the licensing issue that my hon. Friend highlights.
Session: Topical Questions
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Solar companies across the country are cynically putting in for just 49.9 MW to avoid having to get national approval from the Government for their solar farms. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss this playing of the system and the Mallard Pass solar farm proposed in my constituency, which will be built with Uyghur blood labour?
Context
Solar companies are putting in for less than 50 MW to avoid national approval, and the Mallard Pass solar farm is proposed with ties to Uyghur labor.
Michael Gove
Those are three very important points; I am happy to meet my hon. Friend. We must not have the system gamed. We certainly need to be vigilant about any commercial ties with firms that exploit people in China, but we do need more renewable power.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will they please protect us from transnational repression by shutting down these cut-outs of the Iranian state? I also ask the Home Secretary or the Security Minister to meet Vahid Beheshti, who is on day 26 of a hunger strike outside the Foreign Office because he wants the IRGC proscribed.
Context
The MP is requesting immediate action to protect citizens from Iranian state activities.
Thomas Tugendhat
I would be very happy to meet him and, indeed, anybody else who takes the threat of the IRGC in this country as seriously as we do. We have had this work ongoing for a number of months now, and my hon. Friend will be aware that asking for actions to be taken means we must be legally compliant with the responses.
Session: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Cost of Living: Support for Farmers — [Mr Philip Hollobone in the Chair]
12 July 2022
Responding: Victoria Prentis
Main Concerns
['Farmers are under tremendous pressure due to rapid inflation in fuel, fertiliser, machinery, and labour costs. The decline in agricultural output will lead to increased food costs and dependency on imports at a time when supply chains are strained. Labour shortages are severe, with dairy farmers considering leaving the industry altogether if conditions do not improve. Rising input prices, especially for fertilisers, are pushing farms to the brink, reducing product yields and quality.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should expand the seasonal agricultural workers scheme year-round, boost domestic fertiliser production, secure domestic supplies, open export markets, establish a gas-fertiliser index within DEFRA, introduce farm business loans with repayment flexibility, and recognise farms as sites of national infrastructure to protect against activist disruptions.']
A1: Peterborough to Blyth
11 January 2022
Responding: Trudy Harrison
Main Concerns
['The A1 is failing as a critical artery for the country, with numerous issues including substandard junctions, dangerous right-turn movements, safety issues, congestion hotspots, lack of alternative routes during closures, and inadequate safety technology. Over the past five years, there have been 27 deaths recorded on this section of the A1 and over 201 closures, averaging more than one closure per fortnight.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to support Highways England in delivering a modernisation programme with urgent safety improvements within RIS2 period. Closure of substandard junctions, provision of a concrete central barrier, and better active traffic management are necessary for improved road safety.']
Ukraine and Russia
10 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Criminal Justice Reform
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Estimates Day
29 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy has highlighted areas needing improvement in national security, including critical infrastructure protection and defence against hybrid warfare. T...
Backbench Business
18 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That this House has considered the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. The debate highlights the need for just compensation and recognition of those affected by contaminated blood produ...
Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (Amendment) Bill - New Clause 3
17 June 2026
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
This amendment would specify categories of conduct that may be regarded as involvement in foreign power threat activity for the purposes of designation. It includes transnational repression, abusive l...
Security Service Bill - Clause 1 (Designation of a body)
17 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment seeks to introduce new section 33A into the National Security Act 2023, enabling the Home Secretary to designate bodies involved in foreign power threat activity. This is essential given...
Russian Shadow Fleet
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Veterans Railcard and HM Forces Railcard
27 April 2026
The petition calls for the protection of rail travel discounts for veterans and armed forces personnel through legislation, arguing that these groups should receive similar legal protections as young ...
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Protection of the ceremonial county of Rutland
23 April 2025
The petitioners are concerned that Government proposals for Local Government Re-Organisation and Devolution may jeopardise Rutland’s status as a ceremonial county, which has historical significance da...
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Protection of the ceremonial county of Rutland
02 April 2025
The petitioners are concerned that Rutland, a historic ceremonial county with significant cultural and historical ties, may lose its status due to proposed local government reforms. They argue that th...
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Proposed Mallard Solar Plant
20 March 2024
The petition calls for the rejection of the proposed Mallard Pass solar plant, which is deemed inappropriate in scale and would lead to irreversible damage to the community, agricultural land, natural...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
51.2%
42 of 82 votes
Aye Votes
25
30.5% of votes
No Votes
17
20.7% of votes
Abstentions
40
48.8% 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
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
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 NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
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: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
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: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
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 NO
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
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: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
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
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
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
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
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
9
PMQs Asked
77
Ministerial Questions Asked
212
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
4
Petitions Presented
82
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
+146% above average
This MP:
9
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+474% above average
This MP:
77
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+4262% above average
This MP:
212
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+63% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-26% below average
This MP:
51.2
Average:
68.8
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 Alicia Kearns's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.