Alison McGovern
MP for Birkenhead
Lab
6 May 2010 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Last week, in response to my hon. Friend the Member for Stockton North (Alex Cunningham), the Prime Minister claimed that the “best way” to stop children living in poverty is for them to have parents who work, but over 70% of poor children already live in a home where someone goes out to work. So I will give him another chance: can he explain why reports say that, in 2022, 1 million of our children experienced not just poverty but destitution?
Context
Reports suggest that over a million children experienced destitution in 2022 despite the Prime Minister's claim that having working parents is the best way to prevent child poverty.
Rishi Sunak
No child should grow up in poverty. That is why I am pleased that, because of the measures we have taken, 1.7 million fewer people are living in poverty today than in 2010. I would also say to the hon. Lady that it is crystal clear that children growing up in workless households are four or five times more likely to be in poverty.
Assessment
The specific reasons for child destitution were not provided.
Measures We Have Taken
Session: PMQs
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Mr Speaker, your constituents and mine have been made a promise by the Prime Minister: inflation at or below 5% by the end of this year. So let me ask the Prime Minister what will happen if he fails to meet that promise. Will it be yet more ranting on about the Labour party, or will it be the general election that my constituents crave?
Context
The Prime Minister has committed to reducing inflation to or below 5% by the end of this year, but there are concerns about what will happen if that promise is not met.
Rishi Sunak
No, we are sticking to the course of bringing inflation down. What the Labour party needs to understand is that that requires making difficult and tough decisions; it requires prioritising; it requires being able to say no when people come asking you to borrow more money.
Assessment
Commitment regarding consequences if inflation target not met
Attacking Labour'S Policies
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs
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In this House, we all know the importance of those who have looked after our vulnerable loved ones over the past year. Will the Prime Minister explain why in this country we have 375,000 care workers on zero-hours contracts?
Context
In this country, there are 375,000 care workers on zero-hours contracts.
Boris Johnson
I am proud of what we have done to increase wages for care workers with record increases in the living wage and vaccinating care home workers.
Assessment
Did not address why there are 375,000 care workers on zero-hours contracts
Mentioning Pride In Wage Increases
Session: PMQs
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I thank the hon. Gentleman for his words of welcome. I refer him to the comments that I made to colleagues. The homelessness strategy is on its way. I am afraid that we could not overturn 14 years of wrong choices in the time that we have had in office—that is not realistic—but our strategy on its way. If there is cross-party support for going much further to reduce the use of temporary accommodation and ensure that everyone has a roof over their head, I will happily work with him to do that together.
Context
Alison McGovern responds to a colleague's welcoming remarks, referencing previous comments she made about the homelessness strategy. She acknowledges the long-standing issue of homelessness resulting from 14 years of government decisions.
Alison McGovern (The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his words of welcome. I refer him to the comments that I made to colleagues. The homelessness strategy is on its way. I am afraid that we could not overturn 4 years of wrong choices in the time that we have had in office—that is not realistic—but our strategy on its way. If there is cross-party support for going much further to reduce the use of temporary accommodation and ensure that everyone has a roof over their head, I will happily work with him to do that together.
Session: Homelessness
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If the Tory plan was working, the OBR would have forecast an increasing employment rate. But what is the truth? Not only is employment forecast to go down, but the forecast was downgraded in response to the Government's policies. That's the truth, isn't it?
Context
The MP questions the truthfulness of Government claims regarding their impact on employment and economic inactivity.
Mel Stride
Our record speaks for itself: 4 million more people in work since 2010. Unemployment has halved since the last Labour Government, on the hon. Lady's watch. Youth unemployment has fallen by more than 40%; under her watch it rose by more than 40%. As I have stated, the last Labour Government's record on economic inactivity is that it was higher than today every single year.
Session: Unemployment Levels
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Will the Minister acknowledge what is going on today: for the first time ever, we have 3 million inactive 16 to 24-year-olds?
Context
The MP challenges the Government's claims about universal credit helping people into work and raises concerns about youth inactivity.
Mel Stride
I have already set out that we have universal credit, as the hon. Lady identified, as well as WorkWell and universal support to address exactly the individuals to whom she referred. On the general point, it should be pointed out that economic inactivity is below the OECD, G7 and European Union average, and lower than in France, Italy and the United States and in every year under the last Labour Government.
Session: Unemployment Levels
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What the Secretary of State cannot get away from is the fact that, as has already been said, our employment rate has not returned to the post-pandemic level. The reason for that is a truth that the British people have known for a long time now: these Ministers sitting on the Treasury Bench have no idea, no plan for jobs, no plan for growth.
Context
The MP is concerned about the Prime Minister's handling of employment rates post-pandemic.
Mel Stride
I have already referred to the 200,000 additional jobs that the OBR suggests in its forecast, but the hon. Lady cannot get away from the fact that we have record levels of payroll employment in our country, and near record low unemployment.
Session: Helping People into Work
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Following the Chancellor's “Back to work Budget” in the autumn and all the measures unveiled since then, did the Office for Budget Responsibility upgrade or downgrade its forecast on employment growth in the Budget 12 days ago?
Context
The MP is concerned about the employment growth forecast in relation to recent fiscal measures.
Mel Stride
One of the most important figures in the spring Budget economic and fiscal outlook was a recognition by the OBR that there will be a net 200,000 more people in employment as a consequence of that fiscal event and the one that preceded it in the autumn.
Session: Helping People into Work
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If the Minister can point to when I said work was not a priority for Labour, she should say so or withdraw it. More than 350,000 more people left poverty annually under Labour compared to the Prime Minister's claim of lifting 1.7 million since 2010. Which had the biggest impact on poverty numbers: repealing Child Poverty Act 2010, shutting down child poverty unit, collapse in value of child benefit, or financial chaos in September 2022?
Context
The Minister accused Labour of not prioritising work, but the Prime Minister's claim about lifting people out of poverty since 2010 has been criticised as inadequate.
Jo Churchill
Over 1 million more people are in work and youth employment is up by around 40%. Ensuring dignity of work and a strong welfare system for those not working.
Session: Child Poverty
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Prime Minister claims since 2010, the Conservatives lifted 1.7 million from absolute poverty. Can you tell me how many more people annually left poverty under Labour compared to the 1.7 million since 2010?
Context
The Prime Minister claims that the Conservatives have lifted 1.7 million people out of absolute poverty since 2010, while Labour had a different approach.
Jo Churchill
Since 2009-10, 1.7 million fewer people are in absolute poverty after housing costs, including 400,000 fewer children and 1 million fewer working-age adults. Work is a priority for the Government.
Session: Child Poverty
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Given that after 13 years of Conservative rule there is nothing to be proud of, if what the Secretary of State said was true about his policies working, why does OBR forecast a decline in the employment rate not just next year but also the following year?
Context
The government has been criticized for its economic policies, with OBR forecasts suggesting negative impacts on the employment rate in the near future.
Mel Stride
We will continue to bear down on the level of unemployment. As the hon. Lady knows, economic inactivity has reduced, and we have 300,000 fewer people in economic inactivity than at the peak during the pandemic.
Session: Employment Rate OBR Forecast
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After hearing what the Secretary of State believes about employment due to his policies, does the OBR's forecast show an increase or decrease in the employment rate compared with today for 2024-25?
Context
The OBR has published its economic and fiscal outlook, including forecasts on the employment rate.
Mel Stride
I have already shared the figures with the House, which are that payroll employment is at a near historic high and unemployment is at a near historic low. As the hon. Lady will know, we have never had a Labour Government leave office with unemployment lower at the end of their term than when they started.
Session: Employment Rate OBR Forecast
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In thirteen and a half years in this House, I have barely known a time when foreign policy is more important, so will the Secretary of State confirm that he is working with you, Mr Speaker, to find a way for elected Members of this House to scrutinise the Foreign Secretary directly?
Context
Importance of foreign policy and need for greater House scrutiny of the Foreign Secretary.
Oliver Dowden
I know that the Procedure Committee has been examining this subject, and we continue to discuss it with you, Mr Speaker. There is a well-established convention whereby the office of Foreign Secretary has been held by a Member of the other place. That has worked well in the past, but I know that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is committed to further increasing his accountability to this place.
Session: Topical Questions
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If a Prime Minister needs to install a Minister for common sense, is that an admission that they do not really have any?
Context
The MP references media reports suggesting the appointment of a Minister for common sense indicates lack of competence in the Government.
Esther McVey
I am committed to delivering common-sense decisions, including delaying bans on petrol and diesel cars and oil and gas boilers, scrapping High Speed 2 from Birmingham to Manchester, reducing the overseas budget—policies that those on the Opposition Benches have voted against.
Session: Ministers without Portfolio Responsibilities
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Yesterday in the House, in the context of Labour's plan for a health service, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions referred to the “poor old non-doms”. Does the Chancellor agree with his colleague that people who live in this country but do not pay their taxes here can be accurately described as poor?
Context
The Chancellor's colleague referred to non-domiciled individuals as 'poor old non-doms', which is inaccurate.
Jeremy Hunt
The Chancellor argues against characterising non-domiciled individuals as poor, highlighting the importance of attracting wealth creators and the contribution of financial services to NHS funding.
Session: Topical Questions
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What is the plan to make levelling up a reality?
Context
There are significant gaps across regions in terms of economic activity and inactivity.
Mel Stride
Economic inactivity has reduced substantially since its peak during the pandemic, falling by around 350,000. It is a major focus for my Department.
Session: Regional Inequalities in Employment
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What targets have been agreed by his Department with the Treasury on the role of the labour market in reducing inflation?
Context
The Bank of England sets interest rates independently, but the state of the labour market influences inflation.
Mel Stride
Economic inactivity is crucial for economic success, with a record low level just before the pandemic. Since then, we have reduced the spiked-up figure by about 300,000, including a reduction of 140,000 in the last quarter alone.
Session: Economic Inactivity
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What policies of the past couple of years does the Minister believe have got us into this position with inflation, and how are the Government going to make sure that we have better economic stability?
Context
The questioner challenges the government on economic instability due to their policies, prompting a response about recent actions.
Andrew Griffith
The hon. Lady omits to mention both the headwinds from the global pandemic and Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Any financially literate conversation on this subject has to acknowledge that we see very similar rates of increase in inflation and rising interest rates across the developed world. In that context, this Government are focusing on stability, ensuring that we continue to pay down debt over the cycle and do not do as the previous Labour Government did and leave a note behind for their successors saying that there is no money left.
Session: Inflation
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We on the Labour Benches join you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and the Minister in the tribute to Len Goodman. The local elections are next week, so people will be thinking of the fortunes of their towns or cities. In many places, unemployment is not low, but high. For example, one constituency has an 8% unemployment rate. What about that chronic poor performance should be rewarded at the ballot box next week?
Context
The local elections are next week, with high unemployment in some areas like Blackpool.
Guy Opperman
We all know that unemployment is always higher when the Labour party leaves office. Vacancies have fallen for nine successive quarters; employment is up; payroll employment is at a record high; claimant count is down; economic inactivity has fallen; disability employment is up by 1.3 million over the past five years.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of cryptocurrency technologies on low-income households?
Context
N/A
Julia Lopez
I confess that cryptocurrency is not in my portfolio, but I am happy to refer the hon. Lady to a Minister who may be able to answer that.
Session: Internet Access Low-income Families
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It is always a joy at Question Time to hear Labour MPs supporting Labour policy, but even more so to hear Conservative MPs supporting Labour's policy of localising our efforts to get people back to work. On that, may I ask the Secretary of State something? I have been listening to what he has said, and I know that he will not pre-empt the details of the inactivity review, but can he just confirm that one of its objectives will be to rebalance our economy, particularly in this connection between health and labour supply?
Context
The MP expressed joy at the support for Labour policy on localizing efforts to get people back to work, asking if the objectives of the inactivity review include rebalancing the economy.
Mel Stride
That is at the heart of our manifesto, Madam Deputy Speaker—[Interruption.] Sorry, Mr Speaker! Where did I get that from? It is a sign of the times. Right at the heart of our manifesto, and of the Government's raison d'être, is the need to make sure that we level up communities across the United Kingdom. Of course, our action will take many forms, but one of them is most certainly the support that we will provide to make sure that, up and down the country, there is equality among those seeking work, and those who are economically inactive, and that they have the same opportunities.
Session: Economic Inactivity Towns and Cities
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What steps his Department is taking to help reduce the number of people who are out of work owing to mental ill health? Since 2019, economic inactivity due to mental illness and nervous disorders has increased by 22%. People with mental ill health need support in order to get back into work.
Context
The question arises from the issue of economic inactivity due to mental illness, which has increased by 22% since 2019.
Mel Stride
The Department for Work and Pensions provides specialist help for those who are suffering from mental ill health, both through the Access to Work scheme and by funding advisers in the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapy services in England.
Session: Unemployment Mental Ill Health
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When will the Secretary of State sort it out? The charity Scope says that the number of disabled people waiting for a decision on their award in March 2022 was nearly 21,000. That is an increase of 327% on the same point the previous year.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the effectiveness and delays in the Access to Work scheme, impacting individuals' ability to secure employment support.
Mel Stride
I stand by our record on encouraging disabled people back into work. We were set a target for dramatically increasing the employment level for disabled people by 2027 and met that target of 1 million new disabled people in work a full five years early.
Session: Unemployment Mental Ill Health
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On the subject of investment between England and Wales, progress on speeding up the Wrexham to Bidston line is about as slow as the trains on the Wrexham to Bidston line. What has the Secretary of State personally done to improve rail connections between north Wales and Liverpool?
Context
Progress on improving rail connections for the Wrexham to Bidston line is slow. Constituents have been waiting for improved services.
David Davies
I am sure I speak for the whole Government in saying that we are completely committed to better rail connections across the United Kingdom. I am well aware of the line between Wrexham and Bidston. I am also aware that it went through a business case procedure that was not completely positive. I can assure the hon. Lady that a number of projects in the rail network enhancements pipeline will be discussed shortly by the Department for Transport.
Session: Investment from England into Wales
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Five years ago, the Right Rev. James Jones reported on the experience of the Hillsborough families. My constituents and I are waiting for the Government to introduce a Hillsborough law that will change the way in which justice is delivered in this country. When will that happen? We are sick of waiting.
Context
Five years ago, the Right Rev. James Jones reported on the experience of the Hillsborough families. The questioner is asking when a Hillsborough law will be introduced to change how justice is delivered.
Dominic Raab
With regard to the independent public advocate, I am very sympathetic and I want to make an announcement on that shortly. I reassure the hon. Lady that we have been working hard across Government to get the right answer ready, to be able to provide her with the reassurance that she needs.
Session: Topical Questions
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Could the public's view that Chester gave the Tories their worst result since 1832 be attributed to poor economic management under Conservative leadership?
Context
The MP highlighted issues such as high inflation, unemployment and emergency food parcels distributed last year to criticise the government's handling.
Mel Stride
I am rather surprised that the hon. Lady raises unemployment, in particular. Under Labour, we saw unemployment rise by nearly half a million; female unemployment go up by a quarter; youth unemployment rise by 44%; the number of households with no one working in them double; and 1.4 million people spending most of their last decade on out-of-work benefits.
Session: Cost of Living People on Low Incomes
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What recent discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on tackling health and care workforce shortages in rural areas.
Context
Workforce shortages are acute, with significant vacancies in nursing positions and mental health roles.
Will Quince
Ministers and officials regularly engage with a wide range of organisations to ensure that we are alert to the staffing issues facing the NHS and care sector across our country. We have increased training places for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals and increased access to clinical placements across a wide range of settings. We have also developed apprenticeships and blended learning opportunities to improve access to training that supports remote and rural communities.
Session: Workforce Shortages Rural Areas
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I welcome the new Secretary of State and all the new Ministers to their positions. We have heard Conservative Ministers crowing about low unemployment, but there are 1.2 million people unemployed in our country and 1.8 million inactive people who say they want a job. Taken together, that is a disaster for our country. I want to know what it is about years and years of Tory misrule that always leaves 1.2 million people unemployed and 1.8 million inactive but willing individuals on the scrapheap.
Context
The question stems from concerns about high unemployment and economic inactivity rates, with the MP pointing out that there are 1.2 million unemployed people and 1.8 million inactive individuals who want jobs.
Mel Stride
I will not engage in Punch and Judy politics about unemployment rates under different governments. The key challenge is economic inactivity, which is why the Department doubled the number of work coaches in two years to 13,500 new individuals supporting those needing assistance to find jobs. I intend to put more energy into addressing economic inactivity and will bring further announcements on this issue to the House.
Session: Economically Inactive People
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The OBR was the creation of a Conservative Government and was designed to curtail wishful thinking in economic policy, so does the Chancellor agree that it is unfortunate, to say the least, that we seem to have Cabinet Ministers briefing against the economic expertise of that independent institution?
Context
The Chancellor was asked about the credibility and independence of the Office for Budget Responsibility.
Kwasi Kwarteng
As far as I am concerned—I speak to investors regularly about this—the OBR is an institution that commands wide respect, not only in the UK but across the world. Its independence, to me, is absolutely sacrosanct.
Session: Growth Plan OBR Assessment
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The hon. Member for Gosport rightly points out some problems with Government schemes, but the Minister should know that the way childcare functions within universal credit does not help women become entrepreneurs. What conversations has she had with other Ministers in the Department for Work and Pensions and civil servants on reform to childcare?
Context
The question addresses the issue of childcare functioning within universal credit and its impact on women becoming entrepreneurs.
Chloe Smith
The Government are committed to helping families with childcare through available options. The message from this exchange today encourages families to take up the childcare options that are available and supports people as they do so.
Session: Female Entrepreneurs
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What steps are being taken by your Department to help unemployed people enter into work?
Context
The Department is tasked with helping unemployed individuals find work, reflecting the overall goal of full employment.
Julie Marson
We launched the Way to Work campaign on 26 January 2022, which moved over 520,000 job-ready claimants into employment by June. We aim for everyone to find jobs and progress in work.
Session: Unemployed People Help into Work
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Those in Wrexham need to get easily to Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in my constituency for specialist cancer care, and at the moment it is too hard because of the quality of public service. Will the Minister, before he leaves—maybe he is going to stay—give my constituents and people in north Wales an update on progress on the Wrexham-Bidston railway line?
Context
Residents in Wrexham need improved public transport to access specialist cancer care at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, but the current situation is unsatisfactory.
David Davies
The Wrexham-Bidston line is one of a number of lines that are being looked at, including the south Wales relief line and the north Wales coast line. The reality is that constituents in Wales are fed up with having to wait more than 12 months for treatment, and the reason for that is 21 years of Labour Government running the NHS in Wales. Their record is an absolute disgrace.
Session: Cross-border Healthcare
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Social mobility is a laudable aim that everyone in the House agrees with, but this week I was shocked to see Action for Children report that nearly half of children surveyed from low-income backgrounds say that they worry about their families' finances. That kind of stress will help no child to do well at school and will help no child to succeed.
Context
The questioner is concerned about family finances, especially in low-income families, which are exacerbated by the cost of childcare.
Kemi Badenoch
I have another role as Minister for Levelling Up Communities, and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities recently invested £300 million in a flagship programme to support the families who need help the most. The hon. Lady will have heard from other Ministers in various Departments what we have been doing about the cost of living.
Session: Social Mobility
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The Minister has just accepted the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham East and Saddleworth (Debbie Abrahams) that far too many people in this country are stuck in low-paid work. Last month the Secretary of State told me that she was the block to the Government's response to the report on in-work progression, and last week the Minister told me it would be coming soon. It looks like nothing is happening, so may I give the Minister one last chance: when will the Government respond to the report they commissioned last year on in-work progression?
Context
The MP criticises the delay in responding to a report on in-work progression and seeks an update.
Mims Davies
I thank the hon. Lady for giving me one last chance at the Dispatch Box—that sounded rather ominous. In-work progression is absolutely vital; from April we will, as was just mentioned, have more work coaches supporting people who have got stuck, as some people have—there might be things going on in their lives which mean they need more skills or confidence. The Secretary of State and I are working on this response and will be bringing it forward very shortly.
Session: Upskilling and Changing Career Paths
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In relation to the failed kickstart scheme, what does the Chief Secretary make of the following economic expression: “dead weight loss”?
Context
The question is about the success and impact of the kickstart scheme according to the National Audit Office.
Simon Clarke
With respect to the hon. Lady, of whom I am a great admirer, that is an unfair characterisation of the success of the scheme. It clearly needs to be situated in the wider context. In fact, the British economy has performed much better than anyone expected when the scheme was set up.
Session: Kickstart Scheme
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With historical administrative failures in refugee responses, has the Minister considered how Home Office inefficiencies impact Foreign Office objectives in aiding Ukraine?
Context
The question stems from concerns over administrative failures in handling Syrian refugees, which are seen as affecting the current response to Ukrainian refugees.
Elizabeth Truss
We learned from past mistakes and are leading with sanctions, support for Ukrainian resistance. The Home Secretary opened new visa centres, a family route, and a sponsored humanitarian route.
Session: Support for Ukraine
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Will the Secretary of State announce today when she will at last publish the Government's response to the Ruby McGregor-Smith review of low pay? Will she say how the Government propose to make progress on two key issues that the review identified: public transport and childcare?
Context
The MP references the Ruby McGregor-Smith review commissioned by the Government highlighting issues with progression out of low pay, and criticises kickstart for failing to deliver.
Therese Coffey
The review is important. I will be candid and say that I am the person who has held it up, because I want to make sure we have got all the questions answered as best we can. Meanwhile, we continue to work across Government on some of the hurdles that people are trying to get over, such as childcare and similar issues. I hope that the response will be published shortly.
Session: Progression out of Low-Paid Jobs
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When it comes to democracy and supporting civil society, one of the best things that the Government have done is establishing the Jo Cox memorial grants, which fund precisely the sort of women's empowerment organisations that strengthen civil society, and with which Jo worked throughout her life. Through the Minister, I ask whether the Foreign Secretary would consider meeting me and colleagues from all parties who supported the creation of those grants and would like to discuss the future of them with her.
Context
The Jo Cox memorial grants support women's empowerment organizations and strengthen civil society.
Vicky Ford
We have made it clear that we have a clear role to promote freedom and democracy. That is a core mission of the FCDO. I did not know Jo Cox as, sadly, I arrived in the House after she had left us, but her legacy lives on. I am sure that the Foreign Secretary would be very happy to meet those who work to keep that legacy going.
Session: Supporting Democracy
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People across the country who have had a really hard time at work in the past year need DWP Ministers focused on their jobs. The DWP has been criticised for poor performance during lockdown. With more than 100,000 young people set to lose support when Kickstart closes before Christmas, what will the Minister do to help them?
Context
The Kickstart scheme, aimed at helping young people find employment, faces criticism for its underperformance and closure before Christmas. Over 100,000 young people are concerned about support after the programme ends.
Mims Davies
Kickstart has not underperformed. Over 112,000 young people have joined the programme. The unemployment level is currently just over 4%, lower than expected when the programme was created at around 12%. Outcomes for these young people are being tracked carefully and linked with the Department for Education to ensure traineeships and apprenticeships are available.
Session: Help for Jobseekers Local Employers and Skills Providers
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Mr Speaker, you and I both support major sporting events coming to the UK, but I want to return briefly to the situation in cricket. The lesson for all sports is that those who fail to deal with cultures of racism and prejudice will ruin our country's reputation, not build it. I know, Mr Speaker, that you and I, and all Members, Ministers and shadow Ministers in this House were heartbroken listening to Azeem Rafiq yesterday, but, as the Minister has said, it is deeds not words that will make a difference, and that goes for the Government as well. Will the Minister place in the Commons Library any and all correspondence that he has had with the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and can he tell the House what discussions he has had with it about its powers and resources and whether they are enough to deal with what we know, and have known for a long time, are chronic problems in sport?
Context
There is a situation in cricket involving cultures of racism and prejudice. The question arises from the need to address these issues, as highlighted by Azeem Rafiq's testimony.
Nigel Huddleston
The hon. Lady and I are at one in terms of the intent and what she said there about the abhorrence of what we have heard in cricket this week and, indeed, over a period of time. She is also absolutely right about issues in broader sport. I will happily place whatever documents are appropriate in the Library—I cannot promise to do so with every single document or discussion, because, as the hon. Lady knows, there are sometimes confidentiality and frank discussion concerns that inhibit our ability to put out every single piece of correspondence, but I will happily talk further with the hon. Lady, one to one, about this issue.
Session: Sports Bodies’ Bids to Host Major Sporting Events
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By how much does she expect to close the economic gap by the end of this Parliament?
Context
The question questions the single metric used to measure levelling-up progress and asks for a specific target.
Helen Whately
I thank the hon. Member for her interest in our objective to level up across the whole United Kingdom. As she repeated, it is the defining mission of this Government; as she can see, it is the golden thread running through the spending review and the Budget, with steps taken and investment made across Government to support levelling up across all our constituencies.
Session: Levelling Up
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Since the original Brexit deal was signed, what exactly has changed for UK musicians touring in Europe?
Context
Despite the Department's assertions of progress, industry feedback indicates no substantial changes have occurred.
Julia Lopez
I thank the hon. Lady for her passion, and we share that intensity of desire to get this issue sorted for UK musicians. The challenge is our desire to secure the same freedoms for our musicians in the EU that EU musicians are allowed when they come over to the UK. We will continue our intensive negotiations, but we have to accept that this is not in our control.
Session: Musicians Touring the EU
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That investment in infrastructure does not get to the south Wales railway service. DFT Ministers keep announcing increased services along the main line in south Wales, but no increased investment in stations, level crossings or, indeed, the track. When will the Chancellor get a grip and start investing in much-needed railway infrastructure in south Wales?
Context
MP asked about railway infrastructure investments in South Wales.
Rishi Sunak
Rail investment over the course of this Parliament is at record levels, under CP5—control period 5—and then CP6. I am very happy to take away the specific schemes.
Session: New Infrastructure Investment
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Syria: Humanitarian Situation
03 November 2020
Responding: James Cleverly
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the humanitarian situation in Syria, particularly the ongoing attacks on civilians and the dire conditions faced by displaced people. There are currently 6.2 million individuals living in camps, with winter approaching and little protection from harsh weather conditions. The medical situation is also critical due to the uncertainty of how COVID-19 has impacted Syria. Economically, food insecurity is widespread, affecting approximately half of the remaining population, with food prices increasing by over 400% in some areas.']
Specific Asks
["I ask the Minister to explain how the UK's contribution will improve conditions for displaced people this winter and ensure that urgent medical supplies are provided. Additionally, I request information on efforts to preserve evidence of war crimes and details regarding the Government's diplomatic strategy at an international level to counter Russian and Chinese vetoes."]
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Legacy of Jo Cox
11 June 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
I thank Jo’s family for their leadership and friendship, praising the tenacity and guts that have inspired others. I commend Kim Leadbeater for stepping into public life and continuing Jo Cox's legacy...
Local Government Reorganisation
26 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Local Government Finance
11 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to approve the Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27, laying before the House on 9 February.
Local Government Finance 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Welfare Spending 2025-07-15
15 July 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Conservatives argue that the two-child benefit cap should remain in place, asserting it reflects principles of personal responsibility, fairness, and living within means. They claim lifting the cap wo...
Social Security Benefits 2025-02-04
04 February 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister clarify how long the tax on state pension will remain in place? The Conservative Government previously committed to removing this fiscal drag, but the current status is unclear. Give...
Welfare Cap 2025-01-29
29 January 2025
General Debate
Led by this MP
The welfare cap was intended to control public spending, but it has led to repeated breaches and an £8.6 billion overspend in 2024–25 due to higher forecast expenditure on Universal Credit and disabil...
Budget Resolutions
04 November 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The first Labour Budget in 14 years shows the government's commitment to stabilising public finances, supporting people’s livelihoods, improving public services and investing in future infrastructure....
Attendance
71.4%
70 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
31
31.6% of votes
No Votes
39
39.8% of votes
Abstentions
28
28.6% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED 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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED 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
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
56
Ministerial Questions Asked
93
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
23
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
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+318% above average
This MP:
56
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1814% above average
This MP:
93
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+143% above average
This MP:
23
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+3% above average
This MP:
71.4
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Alison McGovern's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.