Andrew Slaughter
MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust described the Government's recent decision to delay the rebuilding of Charing Cross, Hammersmith and St Mary's Hospitals as hugely damaging for the health and healthcare of hundreds of thousands of people. Will the Prime Minister keep the promise made to me by his predecessor one year ago from that Dispatch Box and guarantee completion of new hospitals on those sites by 2030?
Context
The Government have delayed rebuilding plans for several hospitals, impacting health care for hundreds of thousands of people.
Rishi Sunak
The Government remain committed to two new hospital schemes for Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust at Hammersmith Hospital and Charing Cross Hospital, and for St Mary's Hospital as part of the new hospital programme. We have expanded the programme, as the hon. Gentleman knows, to include buildings with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete and we need to address those as a priority for the safety of staff and patients.
Session: PMQs
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A week ago my constituent Alireza Akbari was executed by order of the regime in Iran. In the three years preceding and the days following his murder, the UK Government made little effort to protect the life or protest the death of a British national. Tomorrow Mr Akbari's family and I meet the Foreign Office Minister, Lord Ahmad. They want to hear what help the Government can offer them at the time of their greatest suffering. Today this House wants to hear from the Prime Minister what sanction he will impose on the regime beyond the trifling steps taken so far. First and foremost, will he show some courage, follow the lead of the United States and the European Parliament and proscribe the entire revolutionary guard corps as a terrorist organisation?
Context
Concern over the execution of Alireza Akbari, a British-Iranian dual citizen, by the Iranian regime.
Rishi Sunak
The regime is prolonging the suffering of the family, and it is sadly typical of its disregard for basic human dignity. I spoke about my views on Iran when I was before the Liaison Committee, and Iran must now provide answers about the circumstances of Alireza Akbari's death and burial. We have actually pressed the Iranian regime formally through their chargé d'affaires in London and the Foreign Ministry in Tehran.
Assessment
Specific sanctions not detailed beyond 'pressing the regime'
Regime'S Disregard For Basic Human Dignity
Session: PMQs
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According to the NHS Confederation, not a single one of the so-called 40 new hospitals that the Prime Minister promised at the last election will be built by 2024. Two of those “new” hospitals are in my constituency: Hammersmith Hospital opened in 1902, and Charing Cross Hospital opened in 1818. They are not new hospitals and there is no building going on. Like all his promises, they exist only in his warped imagination. As this is likely to be his last Prime Minister's questions, will he finally tell us the truth?
Context
The Prime Minister promised at the last election to build 40 new hospitals, but according to the NHS Confederation, not a single one will be built by 2024. Two such 'new' hospitals are in Hammersmith and Chiswick: Hammersmith Hospital opened in 1902 and Charing Cross Hospital in 1818.
Boris Johnson
Actually, if the hon. Gentleman looks at what we have promised and what we have delivered, we said we would get 20,000 police out on the streets, and we already have 13,500 more; and we said we would get 50,000 more nurses, and we are already on track. He is quite wrong about the pledge on hospitals, as we are going to deliver them by 2030, as was always clear. The only reason we can do that is because we are putting the funding into our NHS that he and his party opposed.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not acknowledge the failure to meet the promise but instead highlighted other achievements and criticized the opposition.
We Said We Would Get 20,000 Police Out On The Streets
He Is Quite Wrong About The Pledge On Hospitals
Session: PMQs
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I am concerned about Jenny McGee, a nurse who saved the Prime Minister's life, resigning because of poor respect and low pay in the NHS. Given this situation, will he reconsider offering nurses more than an insulting 1% pay rise?
Context
Jenny McGee, a nurse who saved the Prime Minister's life, resigned due to poor respect and low pay. NHS staff are facing issues with indecisiveness and mixed messages from the government.
Boris Johnson
The House acknowledges our debt to NHS staff. We have asked the public sector pay review board to consider an increase in pay for nurses, and we have increased starting salaries by 12.8%. We have also restored bursaries worth £5,000 and provided £3,000 extra help. Additionally, there are now about 11,000 more nurses in the NHS today than last year, with another 60,000 in training.
Assessment
Did not commit to a better pay rise beyond the current 1% figure.
Session: PMQs
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This week I received an email from Elena Hough, the deputy head of Wendell Park Primary School in my constituency. She reports that due to a lack of government guidance, her staff will soon be teaching over 100 children in school—ten times the number during the first lockdown. While the Prime Minister might pretend to tackle the virus while appealing to his anti-lockdown supporters and bending rules himself, Miss Hough points out that pupils and staff deserve better treatment.
Context
Elena Hough, deputy head of Wendell Park Primary School in Andrew Slaughter's constituency, emailed him about the lack of Government guidance leading to staff teaching over 100 children—ten times the number from the first lockdown.
Boris Johnson
I thank all the schools in Hammersmith, and indeed throughout London and the country, who are working hard to look after vulnerable children and children of key workers. Currently, around 14% of students are attending school, which is higher than during March. The gist of your question seems to be that schools should be closed entirely, but I do not think that is appropriate. What the public wants is for the children of key workers and vulnerable kids to receive their education.
Assessment
Specific guidance for staff teaching over 100 students was not provided
Session: PMQs
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When the Prime Minister was forced to publish the review of the risks covid-19 poses to black and minority ethnic groups yesterday, why did he remove reference to the 1,000 responses to the review, many of which cited structural racism and discrimination as root causes of higher risk? If, unlike Trump, he seeks to represent the whole country that he is elected to lead, what action is he going to take to show that in tackling covid-19 and wider racism in society, black lives matter?
Context
Slaughter criticises the government for removing references from a review on the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
I think that the hon. Gentleman may have missed some of the earlier answers I have given, but he is wrong when he says that this Government were somehow forced to publish a review. This Government commissioned the review because we take it incredibly seriously. It is our review, and yes, I do think it intolerable that covid falls in such a discriminatory way on different groups and different communities in our country, and that is why we are going to ensure that our Minister for Equalities takes up that report and sees what practical steps we need to take to protect those minorities.
Session: PMQs
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How will the recruitment of more district judges complement efforts to recruit additional magistrates and manage increased case complexity?
Context
Concerns are raised about the sustainability of recruiting new magistrates while also increasing their case complexity, suggesting a need for additional judge-only courts to manage caseloads.
David Lammy
Alongside recruiting magistrates, we are appointing 30 new district judges starting in the second half of 2027. This complements recruitment efforts by adding judge-only courts to manage increased case complexity.
Session: Magistrate Numbers 2026-06-30
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One of the successes of the family justice system is the family mediation voucher scheme. Two thirds of families who use the scheme avoid going to court, which takes a lot of pressure off the family courts. It started in 2021 and gets renewed every year, often at the end of the year or even when the next year has started, which creates huge uncertainty. Will the Secretary of State just say that he will make the scheme permanent from now on?
Context
The MP is concerned about the uncertainty created by the renewal of the family mediation voucher scheme each year, which affects families' ability to plan for their future.
David Lammy
I can confirm to the Chair of the Select Committee that the family mediation voucher scheme will be extended for another year, giving separating families £500 towards their mediation costs to help them solve issues with childcare and finances without going to court. I will look carefully at the permanency of those arrangements.
Session: Family Courts
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Does the Solicitor General share those concerns, and what are the Government doing about it?
Context
Lady Chief Justice expressed grave security concerns about judge-alone trials.
Ellie Reeves
My hon. Friend makes an extremely important point. I would be happy to discuss the comments of the Lady Chief Justice, with whom I meet regularly, with colleagues in the Ministry of Justice.
Session: Courts and Tribunals Bill
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I have noticed there is a lot of debate on the role of juries at the moment—nothing gets past me. It might be a better informed debate if the researchers and jurors could talk about what happens in the jury room. The Law Commission recommends decriminalising that so it cannot be a criminal offence. Will the Government do that in the Courts and Tribunals Bill?
Context
Concern about the role of juries in debates, suggesting decriminalising discussions to inform better public discourse.
David Lammy
My hon. Friend makes a good point. It is something that I will reflect on in the coming days.
Session: Topical Questions
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How will children under 16 be included in the recording and monitoring process for violence against women and girls to ensure their needs are addressed?
Context
The government's violence against women and girls strategy aims to halve violent crimes, but the metric used for this goal is based on crime survey data for those aged 16 and over.
Alex Davies-Jones
The strategy covers everyone, including children and those under 16. We will ensure that the data captures a broad spectrum so young people are not excluded.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Given the Crown court backlog exceeds 73,000 cases with some trials listed for 2027, many victims are waiting unacceptably long times for their trials. How is the Solicitor General working through the CPS to ensure that victims who face waits of two to three years remain committed?
Context
The MP welcomed the new Solicitor General and noted that Crown courts face a backlog of over 73,000 cases, leading to long delays for trials, making it difficult for victims to stay engaged with the justice process.
Lucy Rigby
We need to do much more to support victims, and we are reviewing Crown courts. The Lord Chancellor is increasing funding for sitting days; additional 2,000 sitting days were announced yesterday.
Session: Crown Prosecution Service Support for Victims
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When will we digitise civil justice to improve efficiency?
Context
The Justice Committee visited central London county court, which uses paper files for case management.
Sarah Sackman
The modernisation of courts and the digitisation programme is a priority. We are looking at ways to increase case progress efficiency and improve case management, working closely with judicial colleagues to ensure progress.
Session: Topical Questions
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What thought has been given in designing and operating these new prisons for inmate training, education, addiction, and mental health needs? The construction of 20,000 new prison places progresses, but current prisons lack rehabilitation support.
Context
The construction of 20,000 new prison places is progressing, which the previous government failed to deliver. These Victorian prisons lack rehabilitation facilities.
Nicholas Dakin
These new prisons will incorporate all mentioned aspects. The Government plans to add 14,000 more prison places.
Session: Prison Conditions
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When will the 'Crime Lower' consultation response, CLAAB report, and documents on civil legal aid review be published? When can we expect reversals in legal aid cuts made since 2010?
Context
The Budget included good news for the Ministry of Justice but did not mention legal aid funding. The criminal legal aid advisory board recommendations and civil legal aid review need to be published.
Heidi Alexander
We will publish our response to the 'Crime Lower' consultation within weeks, anticipate publishing the CLAAB report at that stage, and some documents on civil legal aid before year-end.
Session: Topical Questions
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A young person I know was involved in an incident at 16. Can the Minister assure me that, because delays to going through the youth justice system have meant that that young person has not had the case adjudicated, that young person will not be adjudged an adult if they pass their 18th birthday when a conclusion is reached?
Context
The MP refers to a specific case involving delays in the youth justice system affecting an individual who might be affected by reaching adulthood before their case is adjudicated.
Nicholas Dakin
The hon. Member draws attention to an issue. If she would like to write to me about that particular incident, I will write back to her.
Session: Supporting Young Offenders
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. The Government have pledged to undertake a review of sentencing generally. I wonder whether I can tempt the Solicitor General to support a wider review of aspects of the criminal justice system that do not seem to be working, in particular the role of the Criminal Cases Review Commission and the CPS in dealing with potential miscarriages of justice.
Context
Oliver Campbell's murder conviction was quashed after 33 years. The case involved the Criminal Cases Review Commission and CPS.
Sarah Sackman
First, I welcome my hon. Friend and congratulate him on his election as Chair of the Justice Committee. He is right that we will be undertaking a review of sentencing. On miscarriages of justice, we will want to work with him to look into that further.
Session: Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme
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Will the Secretary of State consider reforms to deal with these problems? If she needs ideas, there is a very good report from the Justice Committee.
Context
Substantial backlogs, lack of family representation, erratic use of prevention reports.
Alex Davies-Jones
I concur: there is an excellent report from the Committee, to which the Government will respond in due course. I am well aware of some of the issues with the coroners and reporting deaths for bereaved families and I should be delighted to discuss them further with my hon. Friend.
Session: Topical Questions
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Our manifesto promised a review of sentencing policy, which is crucial. When will this take place? Will the Government consider the recent paper on sentencing inflation?
Context
A recent paper by former Lord Chief Justices calls for a review of sentencing policies to address inflation in sentences.
Nicholas Dakin
The Government are committed to reviewing sentencing policies as soon as possible. The recent paper by former Lord Chief Justices is significant, and I urge Members to read it.
Session: Rehabilitation of Offenders
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Spain, Norway and Ireland are ready jointly to recognise Palestine as a state within weeks. Four other European countries look likely to follow suit, and France recently voted to admit Palestine as a full member of the UN. Is it not time that the UK Government joined their European partners in recognising Palestine?
Context
Spain, Norway, Ireland, France and other European countries are ready to recognise Palestine as a state.
Andrew Mitchell
As we have made clear, recognition of a Palestinian state cannot come at the beginning of the process, but it does not have to come at the end.
Session: Topical Questions
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Trhas Teklehaimanot Tesfay is an elite female cyclist chosen to lead RideLondon but lives in a hotel with substandard living conditions. The food provided makes her sick and unable to compete. Could the Secretary of State investigate this scandal involving Clearsprings?
Context
An investigation by Sustain found poor food conditions for asylum seekers, leading to malnutrition and hospitalisation.
James Cleverly
Our contractors are expected to maintain standards, where they fall below those standards, they will be held to account. I take note of the case raised by the hon. Gentleman.
Session: Net Migration
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The fees for civil legal aid are half what they were in 1996 and the number of providers has fallen by 40% in the past 10 years. If the Minister actually wants to do something about civil legal aid, why has he kicked the civil legal aid review into the long grass?
Context
Fees for civil legal aid have halved since 1996, leading to a 40% reduction in service providers over the past decade.
Mike Freer
Legal aid is always under constant review and I will always take advice from those closest to it. That is why I engage with, for example, the Bar Association, the Law Society and the judiciary on what we need to do.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Attorney General recommit to both those processes?
Context
The UK Government has not fully endorsed the ICJ process or the ICC investigation.
Victoria Prentis
The hon. Gentleman has long campaigned on these issues, so I know that he feels particularly passionately about the region as well. I am absolutely happy to commit this Government once again to upholding, where ever we can, international humanitarian law. Across this House, there is a great deal of consensus: we want the fighting to stop now. We are calling for an immediate pause to get aid in and the hostages out, and then to progress to a permanent ceasefire.
Session: International Humanitarian Law
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Do the Secretary of State agree that such conditions are not conducive to rehabilitation?
Context
Prison conditions are described as being cold, with prisoners having to choose between work, social time, and showering. The food is lacking in basic nutrition.
Alex Chalk
Conditions must be safe, decent and humane—austere but humane. The hon. Gentleman will visit the Scrubs with the Prisons Minister to explore these matters.
Session: Reoffending
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In the past five years, law enforcement agencies have confiscated £568 million. However, they keep less than 1% to support their operations against economic crime. Does the government plan to adopt Labour's invest-to-save model?
Context
Law enforcement agencies have confiscated £568 million from criminals, but only a small percentage is reinvested into their work.
Robert Courts
I commend the work of the enforcement agencies, which have rightly cracked down on fraudulent activity. The Government tirelessly pursue criminals to recoup money and prevent them from benefiting from their gains. Among positive outcomes has been £105 million being returned to victims.
Session: Fraud and Economic Crime Prosecution
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Ten-year-old constituents are stuck in the Israeli fire zone in southern Lebanon due to a Home Office restriction. Will the Minister help persuade the Home Office to relent on this issue?
Context
UK nationals in Lebanon are facing Home Office restrictions due to their mother's non-citizen status.
Andrew Mitchell
I am happy to look at the case immediately after Question Time, and I am sure that the Foreign Secretary's talks in the region can advance this.
Session: Topical Questions
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Spending on housing legal aid has fallen by more than half in the past decade—from £44 million to £20 million. Is this a proper response to growing insecurity, overcrowding and poor conditions in the housing market or might it be a contributing factor?
Context
Spending on housing legal aid has fallen by more than half in the past decade, from £44 million to £20 million.
Mike Freer
I have to say to the hon. Gentleman that just last year we invested an extra £10 million in housing legal aid, so I think we are addressing the issue.
Session: Topical Questions
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I received an invitation to visit Wormwood Scrubs Prison in my constituency this Thursday, but it was withdrawn on the basis of error. Given concerns raised by 10 independent monitoring boards about prison conditions, can the Minister explain his plans to address these issues and ensure prisons are fit for rehabilitation?
Context
The MP notes he was invited but then the invitation was withdrawn. The questioner references a letter from independent monitoring board chairs stating that prisons are overcrowded, not safe, and most prisoners do not lead a 'useful' life.
Edward Argar
I shall certainly be happy to have that discussion with the hon. Gentleman if he feels it would be useful. We are launching the national regime model this month which requires prisons to set out ambitious plans for dedicated purposeful activity.
Session: Rehabilitation of Prisoners Prison Estate
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I was delighted to receive an invitation from the Minister's colleague to visit Wormwood Scrubs Prison in my constituency this Thursday but less delighted when it was withdrawn on the basis of error. Had I been permitted to attend, I would have raised concerns based on a letter stating that prisons are overcrowded and unsafe. Given these issues, can the Prisons Minister outline his plans to make prisons fit for rehabilitation?
Context
The MP referenced a recent letter from independent monitoring board chairs highlighting that prisons are overcrowded, not safe, and that most prisoners do not lead a 'useful' life. The questioner notes there is a maintenance backlog amounting to £3 billion.
Edward Argar
We continue to invest in our prison estate with nearly £4 billion towards 20,000 modern prison places. Additionally, we have increased staff numbers by 6.7% last year and are launching the national regime model this month which will require prisons to set out plans for dedicated purposeful activity.
Session: Rehabilitation of Prisoners Prison Estate
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Did the Minister see the analysis recently published in Haaretz that the proportion of civilian deaths in Gaza is significantly higher than the average during the 20th century? Does this give a lie to any claim that Israel is avoiding civilian deaths?
Context
A respected Israeli newspaper reported a high proportion of civilian deaths in Gaza, questioning Israel's compliance with international law. The death toll is approaching 20,000.
Andrew Mitchell
The hon. Gentleman will know the importance of saving civilian lives and Britain's clear stance on adherence to international humanitarian law. He mentioned unprecedented attacks by terrorists on 7 October, a pogrom in which more Jewish people were murdered than at any time since 1945.
Session: Gaza Civilian Deaths and Humanitarian Situation
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How comfortable is she with the draft Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, which seeks to oust the jurisdiction of our highest courts?
Context
The question follows concerns about a draft bill that seeks to oust the jurisdiction of UK's highest courts.
Victoria Prentis
May I start by thanking the former shadow Solicitor General for his great work while in that post and in particular for his championing of the pro bono movement, which I know he has always taken extremely seriously? It has been and remains a pleasure to do business with him. He knows perfectly well—better than most—that I cannot give from the Dispatch Box the details of legal advice that I have been giving to the Government, or of whether or not I have been giving such advice.
Session: Rule of Law within Government
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What recent steps has she taken with Cabinet colleagues to uphold the rule of law within Government?
Context
The question arises from a broader discussion about the upholding of legal principles by governmental officials.
Victoria Prentis
As I emphasised to the House of Lords Constitution Committee in June, the rule of law is fundamental to our constitution, and it is the duty of the Law Officers to uphold it.
Session: Rule of Law within Government
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I am concerned that the Government will not say which prisons are affected by RAAC but will they guarantee that funding for RAAC removal will not come at the expense of existing maintenance schemes?
Context
Eight courts have RAAC, three are closed. There is a huge backlog of repairs in courts and prisons.
Alex Chalk
We have increased the budget for the court estate, enabling us to take on more projects and plan them efficiently. The budget is there for remediations if required.
Session: Topical Questions
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I join the Solicitor General in welcoming Nick Ephgrave as he takes on one of the most difficult jobs in law enforcement. His arrival in post was announced by the SFO abandoning the three long-running and expensive prosecutions of Rio Tinto, Eurasian Natural Resources, and the Alpha and Green Park group. That follows a chain of failed cases, from G4S and Serco to Unaoil. With permanent staff vacancies of around 25%, and a case load that has fallen by half in recent years, why should the new director think that this lame duck Government will make the SFO a hawk in the world of financial crime?
Context
The question addresses the perceived decline in SFO's effectiveness with recent case closures and staffing issues.
Michael Tomlinson
I will ignore the snide comment at the end but I will address the substance of the hon. Gentleman's question, which he is right to ask. It is also right to say that it is always disappointing when cases are closed, but criminal investigations that no longer meet the public interest test, as he well knows, simply cannot continue.
Session: Serious Fraud Office Director
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There have been seven deaths in Wormwood Scrubs prison as a result of self-harm in the past three years. The first of the inquests into those deaths—that of Luke Clarke—was concluded only last month. It found that inadequate care, fear and confusion contributed to Luke's death. What is the Ministry of Justice doing to prevent the unacceptable level of self-inflicted and avoidable deaths in prison and what is it doing to speed up the inquest process? I am still waiting for the meeting into the inquest process that I was promised on 27 June by the Under-Secretary of State for Justice, the hon. Member for Finchley and Golders Green (Mike Freer).
Context
The question pertains to the seven self-inflicted deaths recorded at Wormwood Scrubs prison over three years, with recent findings from an inquest pointing to inadequate care contributing to these incidents.
Damian Hinds
We were talking about employment on release, but what the hon. Gentleman raises is incredibly important. I have visited Wormwood Scrubs. Rates of self-harm are unacceptably high. They vary by place. In the women's estate, we have a particular issue with self-harm. We are working closely with the national health service, which provides mental health support in prisons. I am absolutely determined that we bring down levels of self-harm.
Session: Prison Release Employment
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What representations has the Foreign Secretary made to the Thai authorities about democracy?
Context
Thailand's Parliament voting for a Prime Minister amidst a political landscape shaped by the military junta since 2014.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
We welcomed Thailand's strong show of support for democracy through the election turnout and look forward to working with the new Administration. We continue to work closely in Thailand, supporting those who will form the next parliamentary group.
Session: Indo-Pacific Region Diplomatic Relations
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Will she now stand up to other of her Cabinet colleagues who repeatedly transgress international law?
Context
The Attorney General is expected to uphold the rule of law. Previous legislation, such as the Bill of Rights, has been criticized for undermining European convention rights.
Victoria Prentis
I absolutely can and do stand up for the rule of law. The Government are committed to the rule of law domestically and committed to maintaining and upholding our obligations under international law. That is made quite clear to all Ministers.
Session: Illegal Migration Bill
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Today, Inquest and 40 organisations launch a campaign for a national oversight mechanism. Do the Government support this initiative?
Context
Inquest and 40 other organisations are launching a campaign to establish a national oversight mechanism to systematically learn lessons from inquests, inquiries, and investigations.
Mike Freer
I am willing to look at specific proposals to improve inquests and inquiries. My door is open for detailed discussions on this matter.
Session: Topical Questions
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If the Secretary of State were doing a good job of returning foreign prisoners, we would expect to see overcrowding coming down, but on a recent visit to Wormwood Scrubs prison I found, increasingly, that two people were occupying a one-person cell without a shielded toilet, and that time out of cell was between one and two hours a day. If the Secretary of State is proud of his record, will he collect and publish those statistics? At the moment, his Department is refusing even to collect the time out of cell figures.
Context
The question concerns the lack of published statistics regarding prison overcrowding and time out of cells.
Alex Chalk
Those statistics are not published, but I thank the hon. Gentleman for going to HMP Wormwood Scrubs, because I think it is important for Members to visit prisons. When it comes to the additional numbers in custody, the key element is the number of people on remand, which, as I have said, has risen by between 4,500 and 5,000 since the period before the pandemic. That is important, not only because those people have not necessarily been convicted of any crime and all Members should have some concerns about people being in custody for a long period, but because some have been recalled. Of course we will work to drive down the number of foreign national offenders, but, as I have said, the principal issue that we are facing at present is that of remand prisoners.
Session: Prisoner Transfers Albania
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I warmly welcome the works beginning on the new £26 million A&E facility in Swindon, hot on the heels of the £23 million urgent care and radiotherapy centres. Will the Secretary of State confirm that this is the single largest investment in Swindon healthcare facilities?
Context
The MP welcomes the substantial investments made in Swindon's healthcare infrastructure, specifically mentioning A&E and radiotherapy facilities.
Steve Barclay
I am very happy to confirm that it is the largest investment in Swindon facilities. My hon. Friend is right to draw the House's attention to the £26 million investment in A&E and the £23 million investment in radiotherapy. It is a tribute to his championing of the need for those facilities in Swindon that the NHS has responded and this capital funding has been provided.
Session: Improving Hospital Facilities
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Could we talk about the fraud strategy which is a bit of a fraud with £100 million announced last year for 400 officers, up to 300 already in post. With no new money and few new staff how will that make a dent in the £6.8 billion lost to consumer fraud and £21 billion public sector fraud?
Context
The question addresses the new national fraud squad's funding, staff numbers, and its impact on public sector fraud loss.
Michael Tomlinson
I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman does not welcome the strategy which sits within the Home Office. We promised it would be delivered soon after Attorney General questions, I remember that exchange. The shadow Attorney General called for it and we delivered soon after those questions.
Session: Serious Fraud Office
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On the 75th anniversary of Nakba, will the Foreign Secretary support an independent investigation into Shireen Abu Akleh's death and agree it is overdue?
Context
It is 75 years since the Nakba, prompting a request for a message from Foreign Secretary to displaced Palestinians.
James Cleverly
The UK supports a two-state solution to ensure safe homes for Palestinians and Israelis. The case will be reviewed further, but swift investigations are prioritized.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last month, the Attorney General told the Justice Committee it is important that Government lawyers work to keep the Government acting properly and within the rule of law. Given recent findings by the House of Lords Constitution Committee on legislative breaches, when will her duty as an officer of the court trump loyalty to a lawbreaking Government?
Context
The House of Lords Constitution Committee found the Government had introduced legislation undermining the rule of law, referring to the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill and the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill. The Attorney General previously stated government lawyers have a duty to ensure the Government acts within the rule of law.
Victoria Prentis
My first duty is to the court and the rule of law. I have no hesitation about restating this belief deeply held by me and the Solicitor General. The advice on the Illegal Migration Bill cannot be shared with the House, though the use of section 19(1)(b) statement is unusual but not unprecedented or improper.
Session: Illegal Immigration Bill ECHR Compatibility
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I am concerned about the attacks on prison officers. A supervising officer at HMP Wormwood Scrubs was brutally attacked near the prison entrance last week. An officer leaving Rochester Prison was also threatened with violence. What is the Ministry of Justice doing to ensure that prison officers are safe coming and going from work?
Context
A supervising officer at HMP Wormwood Scrubs was attacked, and an officer leaving Rochester Prison was threatened by an ex-prisoner.
Damian Hinds
I echo the hon. Gentleman's good wishes for the victim. Things such as the rolling out of body-worn video cameras and the sensible use of PAVA spray are important parts of ensuring that prison officers are safe.
Session: Topical Questions
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The best support that families could get is representation, but the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 virtually abolished private law family legal aid. Since then, legal aid expenditure has been cut by a third, advice is given in three quarters of a million fewer cases and applications for full legal aid have halved, as has the number of providers. Does the Minister think that LASPO has been good or bad for access to justice?
Context
Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act cut legal aid expenditure by a third.
Mike Freer
Spent over £813 million on civil legal aid and the means-testing review is expected to widen civil legal aid availability to an extra 2 million people, indicating that investment in the system is substantial and does not fail families or the civil legal aid system.
Session: Family Courts
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Does the Secretary of State agree that prison education is poor and lacks accountability, and what steps are being taken to address these issues?
Context
The chief inspector of prisons wrote a paper highlighting issues with the quality of prison education, stating it is not prioritised.
Dominic Raab
The hon. Gentleman is right to refer to the problem. In relation to covid, it has been more difficult. What I can tell him is that: first, through the use of in-cell technology; secondly, with vocational skills and apprenticeships; and thirdly, when I became Justice Secretary I applied a whole set of key performance indicators and lifted up the waiting for both study in prison and getting offenders into work.
Session: Prisoner Skills Development
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
New Hospital Programme and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
13 June 2023
Responding: Will Quince
Main Concerns
["The hospitals in question—Charing Cross, Hammersmith, and St Mary's—are major teaching, emergency, trauma, research, academic, and tertiary hospitals with a national and international reputation. The Secretary of State's statement on the new hospital programme removed these hospitals from completion by 2030, causing concern over what works will be done at each before 2030, how much budget is allocated for this, whether it comes out of the £20 billion new hospitals programme, and when the works for each hospital will be completed. The bill for essential repairs on these three hospitals is about £350 million but making them fit for the future would cost between £3 billion to £4 billion. The speaker is concerned about the lack of transparency in the new hospital programme, noting that it was not new, they were not hospitals, and there certainly were not 40 of them. The National Audit Office reported that NHS estate does not meet modern demands, with growth in backlog maintenance risking patient harm and underestimating capital needs. Billions of pounds in capital have been diverted to cover inadequate revenue funding, while some cannot be used due to technical reasons, leading to underspends. Assets are sold to fund day-to-day activities."]
Specific Asks
["The lead MP requests clarity from the Minister regarding the timeline, budget allocation, and specific works to be done at each hospital before 2030. The total budget for rebuild schemes at each hospital is also in question, along with whether this is secured funding and when it will be allocated. The speaker asks the Minister if the Government will conduct a review in light of Patricia Hewitt's recommendations and requests clarity on why some schemes go ahead while others languish without any visible criteria or timeline."]
Coroner System Reforms And Government Response
28 October 2021
Main Concerns
["Andrew Slaughter is concerned about the inadequate response from the Government to the Justice Committee's report on coroner system reforms. He highlights the slow pace of reform, mentioning that it took six years for legislation recommended by Sir Tom Luce in 2003 to be passed and four more years before it was implemented. Slaughter also criticises the lack of non-means tested legal aid, appeals on coroners' decisions, a national coroner service, an inspectorate, complaints procedure, and an independent office as major omissions from the Government's response."]
Specific Asks
["Slaughter asks the Minister to provide a clearer policy statement regarding coroner services, specifically addressing consistency in decision-making across different districts. He also requests clarification on when the response to the bishop's report will be published, when legal aid guidance will become clear, and whether some of the issues currently not ruled out in the Bill (such as appeals, inspection, and an independent oversight mechanism) will be considered for inclusion."]
[Christina Rees in the Chair]
14 September 2021
Responding: Luke Hall
Main Concerns
["The MP highlighted the human tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire and the comprehensive failures exposed by interim investigations like the Hackitt report. He raised concerns about the lack of Government investment in social housing, leading to a threat not only to quality of life but also to life itself for millions of tenants and leaseholders. The focus was on two aspects: the consequences for social housing landlords and tenants of fire safety works costs, with examples given like One Housing's £27.3 million expenditure and expected deficit of £25 million, leading to potential additional costs for leaseholders. He also discussed the causes of fires in social housing, particularly electrical fires, noting that 54% of household fires are caused by an electrical source of ignition, highlighting issues with fake or faulty goods sold online and the lack of national coordination."]
Specific Asks
['The MP asked what steps the Government will take to prevent the collapse of the social housing sector as a provider of new homes over the next five to ten years. He requested that electrical safety checks be made a legal requirement for social tenants, acknowledging it would require support from the Government and recognition of costs involved.']
Covid-19 Vaccine: Take-up Rates in London
09 March 2021
Responding: Nadhim Zahawi
Main Concerns
['Mr. Andrew Slaughter expressed concern about the vaccine take-up rates in London, noting that about one third of the population has had a first dose, while less than 2% have received a second dose. He highlighted issues such as supply shortages, operational challenges for GP-run primary care network centres, and vaccine hesitancy in deprived areas like White City. The MP pointed out significant discrepancies between take-up rates in prosperous versus poorer areas, with some underprivileged regions lagging behind at less than 75%.']
Specific Asks
['Mr. Slaughter urged the Minister to confirm an expected substantial increase in vaccine supply from next week, opening up more vaccination centres and providing support for local initiatives addressing vaccine hesitancy. He also requested funding and resources to assist with contacting individuals who have declined or not been contacted regarding vaccinations.']
Public Office (Accountability) Bill
14 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Immigration and Asylum Bill
13 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The speaker has selected the reasoned amendment in the name of the Leader of the Opposition, but no specific opening argument is provided in this excerpt.
Home Office and Ministry of Justice
29 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate highlights the significant expenditure of £15.5 billion by the Ministry of Justice in 2024-25, emphasising the interconnected nature of issues within the criminal justice system such as pol...
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...
Courts and Tribunals Bill
18 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Knife Crime
14 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Court Reporting Data
10 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Prison Capacity Strategy
12 December 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Grenfell Tower Inquiry
02 December 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Angela Rayner, emphasised the need for accountability and justice in response to the Grenfell Tower disaster. She highlighted systemic failures across ...
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
29 November 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill would give terminally ill adults the choice to end their life under stringent criteria, which include two medical professionals and a High Court judge's approval. Kim highlights the need for ...
Attendance
87.8%
86 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
31
31.6% of votes
No Votes
55
56.1% of votes
Abstentions
12
12.2% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
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
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
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
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
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
6
PMQs Asked
69
Ministerial Questions Asked
184
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
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
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+415% above average
This MP:
69
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3686% above average
This MP:
184
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 (%)
+27% above average
This MP:
87.8
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 Andrew Slaughter's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.