Amy Callaghan
MP for East Dunbartonshire
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Did Scotland vote for Brexit? No. Did Scotland vote for austerity? No. Did Scotland vote for the Tories? No. What we did vote for—Don't shout me down— Don't shout me down; I have listened to all of you. What we did vote for, only last year, was the right to choose our own future. With that in mind, and given the previous non-answer by the Prime Minister, can he tell this House—tell us all, in fact—how a nation can leave this so-called voluntary Union?
Context
Scotland voted against Brexit, austerity measures, and the Conservative party. The SNP seeks Scottish independence through elections.
Rishi Sunak
The challenges we face right now are those that require co-operation between our Governments: tackling the economy and supporting the NHS. I am pleased that last week's autumn statement means that the Scottish Government will receive £1.5 billion in extra funding to deliver for public services in Scotland, and that is what we will continue doing.
Assessment
Did not address how Scotland can leave the union through democratic processes, focused on current economic cooperation.
Shifted Focus To Economic Support
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I would like to thank you and Members across the House, including the Prime Minister, for your well wishes during my illness. The Prime Minister previously guaranteed that there was no threat to the Erasmus scheme as a result of Brexit. We now know that charities such as STAND International in my constituency that participate in the programme are set to lose 96% of their funding as a result of the UK Government's decision to pull the plug on Erasmus+. Can the Prime Minister guarantee that charities will receive match funding under the new Turing scheme, and will he agree to meet me and representatives from STAND International to ensure that no young person in East Dunbartonshire gets left behind as a result of Brexit?
Context
Charities participating in the Erasmus+ programme are losing funding due to Brexit, and specific mention of STAND International is made.
Boris Johnson
I am sure I speak for everybody when I say how much I welcome the hon. Lady back to PMQs—it is great to see her back. I do give her that assurance, and I think the Turing scheme will be better and will deliver exactly what she wants.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
I have asked the Secretary of State a number of times how she intends to recruit and retain social care staff, particularly with the visa changes coming into effect next Monday, stopping those from overseas coming to fill skills gaps from bringing their spouse or dependants with them. I ask again: how does the Secretary of State intend to improve the recruitment and retention of staff in the social care sector while her colleagues effectively work to undermine her?
Context
Concerns over upcoming visa changes preventing overseas workers from bringing spouses or dependents, affecting recruitment.
Helen Whately
We are grateful to international workers coming to support us in social care and improving supply, but we have to get the balance right between international recruitment and our domestic workforce. In England, we are reforming social care careers to make social care work a career for our homegrown workforce, and I encourage her to make sure the SNP does the same in Scotland.
Session: Adult Social Care Workforce
View All Questions -->
I am concerned about my personal experience with surviving melanoma twice. Can the Secretary of State guarantee that all possible measures are being taken to prevent others from getting a similar diagnosis?
Context
The MP survived melanoma twice, highlighting her concern about cancer prevention and treatment.
Victoria Atkins
We are improving cancer treatment, with survival rates increasing by nearly 10 percentage points since 2005. We are also bringing forward smoke-free generation work and stand ready to help with waiting lists.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What steps is the Department taking to ensure that vital dental care is provided for everyone, particularly in rural communities?
Context
Rural constituencies are seeing a growing number of dentists withdraw from NHS provision.
Andrea Leadsom
We have a plan, which is almost ready. I urge her to wait just a little longer.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
We cannot discuss winter pressures in the NHS without acknowledging workforce shortages. The Secretary of State is having to contend with new immigration policies from her Cabinet colleagues that prevent dependants from coming to the UK, meaning that we are asking people to come and care for our loved ones while they leave behind theirs. I imagine that she is frustrated that that is now another barrier to recruiting staff to our health and care sectors. Has she expressed those frustrations to her Cabinet colleagues?
Context
The NHS is facing significant pressure in winter 2023-24, with concerns about hospital bed shortages and long waiting times. There are also issues with workforce shortages due to new immigration policies.
Victoria Atkins
I genuinely want to work with the Scottish Government, because I am troubled, to put it bluntly, that Scotland has some of the worst health outcomes in western Europe. It has the worst level of drug death rates in Europe, the highest alcohol death rates in 14 years, and there was a fall in life expectancy for three years in a row. We offered to allow Scottish patients to receive lifesaving operations in England, but sadly, that offer has been declined.
Session: NHS Winter Pressures
View All Questions -->
I welcome the Secretary of State to her new role. Research found that 30% of UK adults feel anxious, over 25% feel stressed, and nearly 10% feel hopeless because of the cost of living crisis. What representations has the Minister made to Cabinet colleagues regarding this health impact since she took up her post?
Context
Research by the Mental Health Foundation indicated that a third of UK adults felt anxious, more than a quarter felt stressed, and almost one in ten felt hopeless due to the cost of living crisis.
Maria Caulfield
The Government provided over £350 billion during the pandemic for job protection and over £60 billion recently to help with energy bills. The Treasury has also introduced schemes such as the Breathing Space programme, which halts creditor enforcement actions and freezes interest for individuals with problem debt experiencing mental health issues.
Session: Cost of Living Impact on Mental Health
View All Questions -->
The MP noted new research by UNICEF UK showing that the cost of living crisis has badly hit the mental health of families with young children. Rising prices and services gutted by austerity have left 60% of parents feeling overwhelmed, anxious, unsupported and lonely all or most of the time. The MP asked what representations the Secretary of State had made to his Cabinet colleagues ahead of the autumn statement.
Context
New research by UNICEF UK shows that the cost of living crisis has badly hit the mental health of families with young children. Rising prices and services gutted by austerity have left 60% of parents feeling overwhelmed, anxious, unsupported and lonely all or most of the time.
Steve Barclay
That shows just how divorced the SNP line of questioning is from the reality of funding. The funding for mental health is £2.3 billion more this year than it was four years ago. We are funding 160 mental health crisis cafés and we have a programme of mental health support teams being rolled out in our schools, all of which is subject to Barnett consequentials on which the Scottish Government receive money. This Government are committed to investing in mental health. That is what we are doing. The question for the Scottish Government is why they are not getting the same results that we are.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What recent assessments has the Secretary of State made of how tightening the health and care worker visa rules will impact international recruitment and capacity in our already struggling health and care services?
Context
Reports suggest the Home Secretary plans to tighten rules for those arriving on a health and care worker visa, potentially blocking most from bringing dependents.
Helen Whately
I work closely with colleagues in the Home Office to ensure that the health and care visa achieves its objectives. We are seeing real success in social care; we have 20,000 more care workers in England. We are doing well on recruitment to social care.
Session: Health and Social Care Recruitment EU Exit
View All Questions -->
A report by the Child Poverty Action Group showed that the two-child limit affects one in 10 children across the UK, with abolition being a cost-effective measure to reduce child poverty. Why will the Minister not take this action? Is child poverty low on his priority list?
Context
The Child Poverty Action Group reported that abolishing the two-child limit would be highly effective in reducing child poverty. The MP asks why the government will not take this action.
Guy Opperman
The Government are committed to a sustainable long-term approach to tackling poverty and supporting people on low incomes. We will spend around £276 billion through the welfare system in 023-24, including about £124 billion on working-age individuals and children.
Session: Two-child Limit Child Poverty
View All Questions -->
What assessment has the Department made of the potential impact of the two-child limit on trends in the level of child poverty? I am concerned about recent studies indicating that policies such as the benefit cap and wider benefit cuts are pushing more children into hardship, particularly those from larger families. A report by the Child Poverty Action Group found that abolishing the policy would be highly effective in reducing child poverty.
Context
The MP seeks to understand the government's assessment of the potential impact of the two-child benefit limit on trends in child poverty. She highlights concerns over rising child poverty rates and the disproportionate effect on larger families.
Guy Opperman
The Government's firm belief is that the best route out of poverty is through work. In 2021-22, there were 400,000 fewer children living in absolute poverty after housing costs than in 2009-10.
Session: Two-child Limit Child Poverty
View All Questions -->
Conversion therapy should be banned entirely, not just with a voluntary loophole that leaves it open to coercion. Will the Minister commit to a full ban?
Context
Organisations advocate for a full ban on conversion therapy, while the Government proposes voluntary guidelines.
Stuart Andrew
The hon. Lady raised some important points. That is exactly why we have taken considerable care to engage with a whole range of stakeholders to consider all the issues that need addressing. It is precisely because of those points that we are going for pre-legislative scrutiny so that all of those issues can be looked at again, to ensure that we present the very best Bill to help people who are subject to these horrible crimes.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Secretary of State review the Government's decision to drop the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill? If not, how will she deliver its measures by different means?
Context
There has been an escalating number of dangerous dog attacks, including a death in Milngavie.
Therese Coffey
We intend to take through manifesto commitments. We have a taskforce working on this situation and expect a report with recommendations later this year.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for that answer. However, since the UK left the European Union its trade surplus with the rest of the world has declined from £46 billion to £5 billion. Was it this Government's goal to wipe out the UK's trade surplus when they committed to leaving the European Union?
Context
The MP questioned whether the government's goal was to eliminate the UK's trade surplus with the rest of the world post-Brexit, noting a decline from £46 billion to £5 billion.
Kevin Hollinrake
I say again that UK trade with the EU has recovered to pre-pandemic levels when measured in current prices, worth £772 billion in 2022, 14% higher in current prices than in 2018. We are making significant progress, not just with the European Union but with the rest of the world. We see our place in the world as being able to trade with the entire world, not just focusing entirely on the EU.
Session: Exports EU Withdrawal
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment her Department has made of trends in the level of goods exports since the UK's withdrawal from the EU?
Context
The MP inquired about an assessment of goods export trends since the UK's withdrawal from the EU, focusing on whether there has been any recovery or decline.
Kevin Hollinrake
On a similar theme to my previous answer, the UK's total exports have recovered to pre-pandemic levels measured against 2018. In 2022, UK exports were £815 billion, up 21% in current prices and by 0.5% once adjusted for inflation.
Session: Exports EU Withdrawal
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for his answer. On Thursday, I and my hon. Friend visited One Parent Families Scotland. The young single parents we met were outraged and upset about the young parent penalty, as they are receiving less universal credit than older parents. Does the Minister care to explain why he feels that younger parents are worth less than those who are over 25?
Context
The young parents visited One Parent Families Scotland and expressed concerns about the young parent penalty.
Guy Opperman
We do not feel that in any way whatsoever. I will write to the hon. Lady setting out the legal and statutory basis behind the policy.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Public and Commercial Services Union members in Scotland get a raw deal from this Government on pay, with many civil servants themselves using food banks. When will the Government give them a proper pay rise?
Context
PCS union members in Scotland face underfunding, with civil servants reportedly using food banks.
Mel Stride
We are engaged in positive discussions with the PCS, and it has been pointed out that many people working in the DWP are on the national living wage, which will increase by 9.7% in April.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
A recent report for the Aberlour children's charity found that the DWP deducts an average of £80 a month from Scottish families on universal credit to cover debts such as advance payments caused by the five-week wait. Does the Secretary of State think that it is acceptable that 56% of our constituents claiming universal credit have been left with such tiny sums of money that they have been forced to go without food or to eat just one meal a day? Will he consider replacing the advance payment loans with a non-repayable grant?
Context
A recent report by Aberlour children's charity found that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) deducts an average of £80 a month from Scottish families on universal credit to cover debts such as advance payments caused by the five-week wait. The report also stated that 56% of constituents claiming universal credit have been left with insufficient funds, forcing them to go without food or eat only one meal a day.
Mel Stride
On deductions from universal credit, the hon. Lady will know that, during the pandemic, when things were extremely difficult, we paused that entire process. As a matter of principle, it is important that, when claimants are in debt, arrangements are made such that they can work their way through that and come out of debt. That often means deductions—I say “often” because it does not always mean that, and our debt management team are always very aware of the circumstances of those with whom they are dealing. We also reduced the maximum amount that can be deducted—first, from 40% to 30%, and now to 25%—so I am satisfied that the balance is broadly correct, but wherever there are individual instances where somebody feels that they are not being treated appropriately, they always have recourse to appeal.
Session: Cost of Living People on Low Incomes
View All Questions -->
Recent figures from the Department for Work and Pensions, acquired from an answer to a written question from my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow South West (Chris Stephens), show that the Department took £2.3 million from claimants in Scotland, at an average of £250 per sanctioned household. Sanctions against young people in Scotland have almost doubled since 2019, undermining the significant investment the Scottish Government are making in tackling child poverty. Does the Secretary of State stand by the practice of sanctioning the most vulnerable and leaving them hungry?
Context
The Department for Work and Pensions took £2.3 million from claimants in Scotland.
Mel Stride
As we focused on in our earlier exchange, the most important thing is that there is a proportionate response to those who are in debt, for whatever reason. It is appropriate that we help people out of debt, and reductions—or deductions—are part of that process.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Government advice to sit in the shade is not enough to protect our skin. Sunscreen products need to be more affordable. Will the Minister work with me and support my VAT Burn campaign to save the NHS money, keep more cash in our constituents' pockets and help to protect our skin from melanoma and non-melanoma cancers?
Context
Government advice to sit in the shade is not enough; sunscreen products need to be more affordable. There is a VAT Burn campaign to save NHS money and keep cash in pockets while protecting skin from cancer.
Victoria Atkins
I thank the hon. Lady for her question. The Government received about £143 billion in the last financial year from value added tax, which helps to pay for the services that we all care about, such as the national health service, so strict restrictions have been placed on the goods that can be exempted from VAT.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Saturday was World Stroke Day. I simply ask if this Government will uprate benefits in line with inflation, which would particularly help the growing population who are living with a disability. I know that I will not get an answer or a commitment today, but I ask them to consider it for the autumn statement.
Context
Saturday was World Stroke Day, prompting concern about the impact of benefit cuts on disabled people.
Tom Pursglove
I am very grateful to the hon. Lady for making that argument. As my colleagues and I have said consistently at the Dispatch Box, we will not provide a running commentary ahead of the autumn statement on 17 November, in which the Chancellor will set out the situation in the normal way.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Despite this Government continually patting themselves on the back, there remain far too many cracks in the Homes for Ukraine scheme. In a recent article published by The Guardian, an anonymous whistleblower has revealed that he dealt with numerous cases in which UK visas had been issued for an entire family apart from just one child, effectively stopping the family from travelling to safety. Over the past few weeks, I have been in contact with a constituent who has been doing all she can to help a family from Ukraine who are in that exact scenario, but she is getting nowhere. What is the Minister doing to plug those gaps and to ensure that entire families, not just individuals, can reach the UK safely?
Context
The MP is concerned about issues in the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Tom Pursglove
If the hon. Lady can provide the specifics of that case, I will happily ensure that that is looked at quickly. It is also fair to say that the number of caseworkers dedicated to this work has been increased, and we try to ensure that cases are grouped so that families are processed consistently together, which makes sense.
Session: Illegal Immigration
View All Questions -->
In July 2020, I met my constituent Stacey Conlin—not at a constituency surgery, but in the physically disabled rehabilitation unit at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. We recovered from our strokes alongside each other, and I got to hear her story. Too many people like Stacey have survived catastrophic life events only to be let down by this Government's woeful welfare system—unable to work and unable to pay for basic necessities that many of us take for granted. Will the Secretary of State commit to revisiting the current levels of universal credit so that stroke survivors such as Stacey can fully live their lives instead of barely getting by?
Context
The MP met a stroke survivor named Stacey Conlin in a physically disabled rehabilitation unit who is struggling with the Government's welfare system.
Therese Coffey
I am very conscious of the important work that the hon. Lady has delivered, including the status that was addressed for her, and I am conscious that my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman) and I have also undertaken such elements in the national scheme. I am more than happy to find out about the specific example that the hon. Lady refers to, but I know that generally we are trying to make sure that this is the right approach and that people have that access to work.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I wish you a very happy birthday, Mr Speaker. Currently, the UK does not have specific legislation to ban meat from animals raised by inhumane methods such as battery cages—methods that are utterly intolerable here but permitted and used extensively in Australia. The Department for International Trade has also never set out if or how it might inspect animal welfare and food standards in countries with which we may sign new post-Brexit trade deals. Does the Minister truly believe that the people of Scotland are prepared to see food on their supermarket shelves reared in appalling conditions, all for the additional 0.1% to 0.2% of GDP over 15 years as per his Department's own assessment?
Context
The UK does not have specific legislation banning meat from animals raised by inhumane methods, such as battery cages, which are permitted and used extensively in Australia.
Greg Hands (Minister for Investment)
I have never heard the SNP support any trade deal, ever. SNP Members even voted for a no-deal Brexit last December. The hon. Member mentioned standards. We have been absolutely clear that there will be no compromise on our standards. However, Australia, in its standards on animal welfare, is actually ranked five out of five by the World Organisation for Animal Health for its performance in veterinary services across 38 categories. The hon. Member talks about meeting our standards; our import standards remain high, and will be unchanged as a result of this or any other trade agreement. Australian produce—as, indeed, other produce—must continue to meet our high import standards.
Session: Australia Trade Agreement Scottish Farming
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment she has made of the potential economic effect of the proposed free trade agreement between the UK and Australia on farming in Scotland?
Context
The proposed free trade agreement between the UK and Australia is under scrutiny for its potential impact on Scottish farming.
Greg Hands (Minister for Investment)
This is a deal for the whole Union. Our scoping assessment found that Scotland will benefit in all modelled scenarios. Reducing tariff barriers for our world-class food and drink industry should help bolster exports of iconic Scottish goods to Australia, such as Scotch whisky, apparel and services, such as financial services. Once we accede to CPTPP, Scottish farmers will also gain access to the increasing middle class in Asia.
Session: Australia Trade Agreement Scottish Farming
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister agree it is crucial that assurances are given to Scotland regarding human rights?
Context
The Scottish Government has expressed concerns about undermining the UK's commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights.
Chris Philp
Yes, the Minister agrees and assures that there is no plan to repudiate obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights or leave the Council of Europe. The Scottish Government's views are heard and respected in the review process.
Session: Human Rights
View All Questions -->
Can the Minister tell if he lobbied the Chancellor before ending VAT-free shopping schemes? If so, will he continue to push for establishment of arrival duty free outlets?
Context
Questioner inquires about the lack of consultation on arrival duty-free shopping and its impact on jobs.
Robert Courts
The hon. Member will understand that there had to be a change on the taxation regime at the end of the transition period, with all matters handled by the Treasury under review by the Chancellor.
Session: Aviation Industry
View All Questions -->
As the Minister will be aware, the £20 uplift to universal credit has been a lifeline during the pandemic. Many families in my constituency are devastated that the uplift is set to end in September. With the Scottish Government committed to tackling child poverty, including through the game-changer Scottish child payment, the UK Government-imposed cliff edge could pose a significant setback. Does the Minister agree that plunging children and families into poverty, whether it is now or in September, is a callous act, and will he commit to a permanent uplift to universal credit?
Context
The MP is concerned about the end of the £20 universal credit uplift, which has been a lifeline during the pandemic for many families in Scotland. The Scottish Government has committed to tackling child poverty.
Steve Barclay
We have managed to get a hat trick, because the hon. Lady also received capacity funding for her own area at the Budget but chose not to mention that funding, which will help the families she referred to. It is also slightly odd for her to talk about plunging into something when the Chancellor has announced an extension.
Session: UK Fiscal Policy Living Standards (Scotland)
View All Questions -->
What recent discussions have you had with your Scottish Government counterpart on the effect of UK fiscal policy on living standards in Scotland?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of UK fiscal policies on Scottish communities, particularly regarding budget allocations and their effects on local living standards.
Steve Barclay
I have frequent discussions with the Scottish Government Finance Secretary and spoke to her ahead of the Budget last week.
Session: UK Fiscal Policy Living Standards (Scotland)
View All Questions -->
Can the Minister guarantee that under the Government's new Turing scheme, charity funding will be matched to that of Erasmus?
Context
The UK Government's decision to withdraw from Erasmus+ has far-reaching consequences, including for the third sector.
Gavin Williamson
Mr Speaker, I join you and, I am sure, all Members of the House in welcoming the hon. Member for East Dunbartonshire (Amy Callaghan) back and wishing her the very best. The Turing scheme offers young people and universities an amazing opportunity to explore opportunities right around the globe, far broader and greater than the Erasmus scheme.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Employers placing workers on fixed-term contracts on furlough are unwilling to extend it past the contract end date due to fears HMRC may deem the extension frivolous and seek reimbursement. Can the Chancellor confirm that continuing to furlough these employees without formally extending their contracts will not result in financial penalties for employers?
Context
Workers on fixed-term contracts placed on furlough are at risk of losing their jobs when contracts expire, with employers concerned about potential financial repercussions.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak
I am happy to look at the specific example mentioned. It is important for us—and to protect the taxpayer—that we are paying furlough payments to those who are genuinely in employment and have a formal employment contract, but I am happy to look at that example.
Session: Covid-19 Economic Support
View All Questions -->
What discussions have been had with Cabinet colleagues on the future of the UK aviation sector? The day prior to the announcement of BA CityFlyer redundancies at Edinburgh airport, Willie Walsh gave evidence to the Transport Committee in which he did not mention that once. It is inconceivable that he was not aware of the announcement.
Context
Discussions on future of UK aviation and recent redundancies at Edinburgh airport.
Kelly Tolhurst (Minister for Small Business, Enterprise and Employment)
The aviation sector is so important for the UK economy, which is why it has been able to draw down on an unprecedented support package. The Department and I have set up a restart and recovery unit to work with industry, including unions, ground handlers, airlines and airports, in order to come up strong measures to aid the recovery and restart of the aviation sector.
Session: UK Aviation Sector
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Single-Parent Families — [Ian Paisley in the Chair]
14 March 2023
Responding: Guy Opperman
Main Concerns
['In 2021, there were 3 million single-parent families in the UK, with 40% of children in lone-parent families living in poverty. The two-child policy disproportionately affects women, as they are more likely to be single parents than men, and it is estimated that removing this limit and the benefit cap would lift 300,000 children out of poverty. The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is described as a deeply flawed service that lets down single-parent families, putting them at risk of further manipulation from an abusive ex-partner.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should scrap the two-child limit and benefit cap, review and improve the CMS, consider introducing a similar policy to the Scottish child payment, and take bolder action on energy bills support. Additionally, there is a call for urgent implementation of inflationary increases to benefits rather than delaying them until April.']
Sunscreen Products: VAT — [Mr Virendra Sharma in the Chair]
09 February 2023
Responding: Victoria Atkins
Main Concerns
["Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, killing 2,300 people each year. Around 16,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed annually, and Cancer Research UK found that getting sunburnt once every two years can triple a person's risk of melanoma. The VAT charged on sunscreen products is unacceptable, particularly with rising temperatures and the cost of living crisis. Only a tiny amount of the population receives sunscreen via prescription, and prescriptions are free in Scotland."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should remove VAT from sunscreen products of SPF 30 and above to make them more affordable for constituents. This change is estimated to cost around £40 million, which is only 0.03% of the total amount of VAT received by the Government. The Minister should take this proposal to the Prime Minister and consider launching an Australian-style awareness campaign.']
Israel and Gaza
19 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Horizon: Compensation and Legislation
26 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ceasefire in Gaza
21 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Management Culture
08 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The management culture of the Post Office, exemplified by the Horizon IT scandal, is characterised by secrecy and a lack of transparency. Despite efforts to change this culture since Nick Read took ov...
Backbench Business
08 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
It has been 42 years since the death of Terrence Higgins, marking significant progress in HIV testing and treatment. Early diagnosis is essential for reducing virus spread, improving health outcomes, ...
Protest Measures
08 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NHS Winter Update
08 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Horizon: Compensation and Convictions
08 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Building an NHS Fit for the Future
13 November 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government is building a health and care system for today and the future by increasing capacity, boosting primary care and community care, investing in diagnostics, treatments, NHS workforce, and ...
Local Bank Branch Closures
05 September 2023
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The hon. Member for East Dunbartonshire highlights the issue of local bank branch closures in her constituency, noting that seven local banks have closed since 2020, most recently Barclays in Kirkinti...
2
PMQs Asked
30
Ministerial Questions Asked
39
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+124% above average
This MP:
30
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+702% above average
This MP:
39
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
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 Amy Callaghan's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.