Andrew Snowden
MP for Fylde
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Every week, the Prime Minister avoids answering questions directly. The Leader of the Opposition asked him twice about Lord Mandelson's relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. When he found out that Lord Mandelson had an ongoing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, did he speak to Lord Mandelson personally before appointing him as ambassador to the United States?
Context
The Leader of the Opposition asked about Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, but received unrelated responses regarding the war in Iran and criticisms of shadow Justice Secretary.
Keir Starmer
We have set out the process and put it before the House. The Opposition does not want to talk about the war because they supported going in without thinking through consequences, nor do they want to discuss the shadow Justice Secretary's comments on Muslims praying in Trafalgar Square.
Assessment
The question was completely avoided; instead of addressing Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein, he discussed war and a shadow Justice Secretary's statements.
Session: PMQs
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Given that the right hon. Lady appears to be enjoying spending yet another week practising to be Prime Minister, maybe she can give us her view on who she would get rid of in the coming reshuffle. Would it be the Chancellor for killing economic growth? Would it be the Work and Pensions Secretary for the botched handling of the welfare Bill and the winter fuel cuts? Would it be the Environment Secretary for trying to destroy British family farms? Would it be the Foreign Secretary for giving away British sovereign territory and paying billions to rent it back? Or given that the Prime Minister is now polling as having had the most unpopular first year in modern British political history, would the right hon. Lady do herself and the country a favour and tell him to show himself the door?
Context
Speculation about potential changes in government leadership and cabinet reshuffles has been ongoing.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Angela Rayner)
Maybe the hon. Gentleman wants a go next week, because it has been quite a carousel. The Leader of the Opposition said that she was going to get better week on week—she already has in the last two weeks by not turning up. I am just wondering when she is going to give the shadow Justice Secretary, the right hon. Member for Newark (Robert Jenrick), a go.
Assessment
Speculation about cabinet reshuffles and changes in leadership
Avoiding Direct Answer
Deflection
Session: PMQs
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Whether or not people agree with the Prime Minister’s net zero targets, he must agree that he will not achieve those targets without taking people with him. The cable corridor and substation for the Morgan and Morecambe offshore wind farm is one of the most objected to national energy infrastructure projects in the country. What is angering me and thousands of others is that there is a perfect alternative cabling route further up the coast that would bring local economic benefit, would be more cost-effective as a whole lifecycle project and could connect to existing national grid infrastructure, but no one is listening. Will the Prime Minister now listen, pause the planning inquiry for the existing application and ask the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to consider and cost the alternative route to avoid untold devastation to our coastline and countryside?
Context
The question addresses the proposed cable corridor and substation for the Morgan and Morecambe offshore wind farm, highlighting a preferred alternative route that would bring local economic benefit.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Further evidence of the decline of the Tory party: they say that going to Ukraine at the weekend to try to secure peace for Ukraine, for the security and defence of Europe, is somehow the wrong priority. That conflict has already massively impacted people in this country through the cost of living crisis and energy. Ukraine, Europe and we deserve peace, and to live in peace.
Dealing with the bin strikes is a priority. We continue to call on Unite to suspend the strike immediately and bring the disruption to an end. We are supporting the council to ramp up the cleaning operation. We are now collecting over 1,100 tonnes of waste every day and continue to offer our support so that the backlog does not reappear.
Dealing with the bin strikes is a priority. We continue to call on Unite to suspend the strike immediately and bring the disruption to an end. We are supporting the council to ramp up the cleaning operation. We are now collecting over 1,100 tonnes of waste every day and continue to offer our support so that the backlog does not reappear.
Assessment
No direct response or commitment regarding alternative routes for cabling was provided.
Redirection
Session: PMQs
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In just 20 days’ time, new sentencing guidance will come into effect that the Justice Secretary has already conceded will be two-tier in its nature. It will mean that the colour of a person’s skin or their religion can mean that they are viewed with leniency in the eyes of the law. Will the Prime Minister overrule his Justice Secretary, and confirm here and now that he will back that Bill, or will he simply step aside and prove that he has been two-tier Keir all along?
Context
The MP raises concerns about upcoming sentencing guidance that may lead to different treatment based on skin colour or religion, impacting public confidence in the judiciary.
The Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak)
Everyone should be equal before the law, and the Lord Chancellor has taken up the issue with the Sentencing Council. The proposal was drafted in 2024 when the last Government were consulted and welcomed it. I understand that the shadow Justice Secretary is taking the Sentencing Council to court.
Assessment
No commitment to supporting a bill against sentencing guidance on skin colour and religion was given.
Lord Chancellor'S Review
Session: PMQs
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Upon her appointment as First Secretary of State, it was widely reported in the press that the right hon. Lady's responsibility for fraud in the Cabinet Office was removed from her. I wonder whether the First Secretary of State could outline why there was such speculation, and if she struggles with that, perhaps she can use the phone-a-friend option.
Context
It was widely reported in the press that the right hon. Lady's responsibility for fraud in the Cabinet Office was removed from her.
Louise Haigh
A number of responsibilities were removed from the Cabinet Office in order to create the new Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet, a central new body at the heart of Government committed to delivering the priorities of the Prime Minister and the British people.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-10
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Returning to the topic of Cornwall, the Minister mentioned the possibility that Cornwall could be a pilot area for storm resilience measures. Measures to raise awareness and provide guidelines for individuals, local emergency plans, councils, and unitary levels would be useful. Could the Minister say more about that?
Context
The Minister mentioned the possibility of Cornwall being a pilot area for storm resilience measures. Measures to raise awareness and provide guidelines for individuals, local emergency plans, councils, and unitary levels would be useful.
Dan Jarvis
The Prime Minister has committed to meeting with Cornish MPs. I will carefully consider her points, along with those made by the hon. Member for St Ives (Andrew George)—I get a sense that I am going to be heading back to Cornwall.
Session: Severe Weather Incidents 2026-09-10
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We remain steadfast in our support for the Ukrainian people and in our determination that Putin must not prevail. Russia has responded to Britain's decision to share Storm Shadow technology with Ukraine by threatening British factories with attacks from so-called unknown sources. Mr Speaker, you will know as well as I do the worry that this will cause for workers and residents in places such as Warton and Samlesbury in Lancashire, and across the country. With Putin continuing to reject meaningful steps towards peace, what formal representations has the Foreign Secretary made to Moscow in response, and what diplomatic action is he co-ordinating with our NATO allies to increase international pressure on Russia?
Context
The MP is concerned about the Russian response to Britain's decision to share Storm Shadow technology with Ukraine, threatening British factories with attacks.
Ed Miliband
I endorse absolutely the spirit and substance of the hon. Gentleman's important question. Let us be clear where the aggression comes from: it comes from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the wider threat to our allies. I say very clearly that we will stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine and we will not be intimidated by Russian threats.
Session: Ukraine 2026-09-01
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The Iranian regime is deliberately weaponising the strait of Hormuz, using rockets, drones and sea mines to menace international shipping and to hold the global economy to ransom. Its aggression threatens British vessels, drives up fuel prices, and places our energy, aviation and food supply chains at direct risk. Following the latest American strikes and the Iranian retaliation, will the Minister set out what specific and concrete measures the Government are taking with our international partners to resolve this crisis, restore the safe and sustained passage of commercial shipping, and ensure that Tehran can no longer threaten Britain's energy security with impunity?
Context
The MP is concerned about the threat to British vessels and the global economy due to Iran's actions in the strait of Hormuz. The MP wants to know about specific measures to resolve the crisis.
Stephen Doughty
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to set out the situation, the threats and the impact on our economy. Across this House, we share a desire to get the strait reopened. That is why, over recent weeks, the Foreign Secretary and I have been engaged in so much diplomatic action with our partners in the Gulf, and made it clear to Iran, directly in conversation, what we expect to happen. I mentioned the sanctions that are already in place. We keep other measures under review. Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and cannot continue its destabilising activity in the region or its threats to Jewish and Israeli communities around the world. We need to see this as a whole package of activity. Those are the things that we have been making absolutely clear to Iran and working on closely with partners.
Session: Strait of Hormuz 2026-09-01
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Can the Minister provide reassurance about the improvements being sought for Blackpool Victoria hospital's maternity services? We are all aware of how frightening it is to go into such services during pregnancy, especially with complications. What concrete steps will be taken?
Context
Blackpool Victoria Hospital has faced two inspections by the Care Quality Commission, resulting in “Inadequate” and “Requires improvement”. Staffing and care were cited as particular concerns.
Preet Kaur Gill
We want to improve healthcare services across the country. We are modernising the regulatory framework for UK professionals and meeting representatives of the General Medical Council. It is important to ensure consistency of care throughout Blackpool and beyond.
Session: Maternity Services North-west 2026-07-14
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The use of drones by criminal gangs to smuggle contraband into prisons is a concern, especially in open prisons. The police and crime commissioner for Lancashire invested in counter-drone units that jam drone signals, forcing them to return to their point of origin, often leading the police to criminals. Will the Secretary of State consider working closely with police forces deploying this technology to use it more broadly?
Context
Drones are being used by criminal gangs to smuggle contraband into open prisons, such as Kirkham prison in Fylde.
David Lammy
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. The director-general of the National Crime Agency has directed police chiefs to work with the Prison Service to jointly tackle the threat from criminal drones. We saw that recently in a large-scale joint operation that resulted in more than 200 arrests. He is absolutely right; that blocking technology is available to the system.
Session: Prison Smuggling Drones 2026-06-30
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Does the Minister think that the situation can wait until 2027 for the introduction of the ban on Russian-originated diesel and jet fuel imports?
Context
The Government has announced further sanctions but is considering a ban on Russian-originated diesel and jet fuel imports until 2027, despite the urgency of supporting Ukraine.
Stephen Doughty
The shadow Minister asks an important question. I made it clear in yesterday's Delegated Legislation Committee that that is the end date, but we are keeping it under review every two weeks and the licence could end before then, with the appropriate notice in place for industry.
Session: Russian Oil Sales
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I thank the Secretary of State for not approving the Morgan and Morecambe wind farm cable corridor and for deferring the decision for six months for further consultation. I know how much he wants to achieve his target, so I know how difficult that decision will have been. Together with cross-party local councils, I have written to him to articulate the available alternative routes. Will he use these six months to consider those alternatives?
Context
The MP thanked the Secretary of State for deferring a decision on the Morgan and Morecambe wind farm cable corridor to consider alternatives presented by local councils.
Michael Shanks
As I have said before from the Dispatch Box, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on live applications for obvious reasons. We look at every single application on its merits; even though we have ambitions for where we want to get to, individual planning applications are considered on the individual merits on which they are presented.
Session: Topical Questions
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Are we understanding the scale and numbers of drones and counter-drones needed, and on a mass scale?
Context
The MOD needs to understand the scale of drone production required now and in the future.
Luke Pollard
Yes, one pillar of the strategic defence review is learning from Ukraine. We continue investment in high-end drone capabilities, mass effect delivery, and supply chain shortages like motors, magnets, cameras.
Session: Defence Procurement
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Could the Secretary of State update the House on current trends of unemployment among 18 to 24-year-olds?
Context
The MP notes the importance of the hospitality, tourism and leisure industry in Fylde but reports businesses letting go of young staff due to changes in national insurance. He seeks information on trends in unemployment for 18 to 24-year-olds.
Pat McFadden
A successful jobs fair was recently held in the constituency, where many industries were hiring. Additionally, 330,000 more people are employed this year compared to last year. Young employees under 21 have a national insurance exemption.
Session: Unemployment
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What assessment has been made of trends in the level of unemployment?
Context
The question comes in response to the publication of unemployment figures showing a fall to 4.9% in February, amid economic growth at 0.5%. However, concerns arise about external factors such as the war in Iran and rising energy prices potentially impacting jobs.
Pat McFadden
The latest figures show a fall to 4.9% in February and growth at 0.5%, indicating positive economic direction. However, external factors like the war in Iran and rising energy prices may affect jobs and prices in coming months.
Session: Unemployment
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Can the Minister make it clear that officials have been told unequivocally to tell the Mauritius Government that the deal is dead, no money will be sent to them, and the Chagos islands will remain British?
Context
The Government announced the abandonment of their Chagos islands surrender Bill, causing confusion among allies and leading to a team being sent to Mauritius.
Stephen Doughty
I reject the characterization of Government actions. The treaty was needed for national security; our allies welcomed it. Officials regularly engage with Mauritius, US, and other partners regarding this issue.
Session: UK-Mauritius Treaty
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Would the Minister be willing to meet me and representatives from Fylde to discuss how we can get extra and more reliable Sunday services to support our important tourism industry?
Context
Events in Fylde rely on Sunday rail services which are often cancelled due to lack of staff. The railway is important for economic growth and cultural connection.
Keir Mather
The hon. Member is correct to point out that rail services can serve as a catalyst for economic growth and connect more people to cultural offerings. I will ensure his request for a meeting with the Minister for Rail and representatives from his local council is passed on.
Session: Passenger Rail Services
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Earlier I asked the Secretary of State if he would confirm an order of 25 Typhoons for the RAF after claiming the Government were backing British jobs, but the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry deployed the power of waffle to avoid answering the question. Just to be absolutely clear, I did welcome Turkey's order of Typhoons, but, as I know and as he knows, it will not come anywhere near close to closing the skills gap between now and Tempest. Would the Secretary of State like to clarify this: will there be an order of 25 Typhoons for the RAF in the defence investment plan?
Context
The Secretary of State avoided answering a previous question about confirming an order of Typhoons for the RAF.
John Healey
My hon. Friend the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry did not just mention the record export deal that we managed to secure with Turkey—£8 billion-worth that will be boosting the British economy, principally in the hon. Gentleman's part of the north-west. The hon. Gentleman also fails to welcome the investment of half a billion pounds in new radars for the Typhoons.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why are American F-35s being ordered instead of British Typhoons? I am delighted to hear the Secretary of State talk about British jobs and industry but confused by the order for American F-35s. Given that 100 aircraft are needed to maintain workforce at Warton for Tempest, will we see an order of 25 Typhoons in the future?
Context
The MP is concerned about the future of defence jobs in his constituency, particularly regarding the transition to new aircraft.
Luke Pollard
We have secured a multibillion-pound deal with Türkiye to build Typhoons in his constituency. There has been a 15% increase in defence spending in the north-west of England since the Labour Government took office. The F-35 and Typhoon contribute many jobs to the north-west, including near his constituency.
Session: Defence Skills
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The Secretary of State mentioned the Northern Powerhouse Rail announcement and I am sure that it will not have evaded your attention, Mr Speaker, as it did not evade mine, that there was not a single penny for anywhere in the whole of Lancashire in that announcement. Can the Secretary of State update me on whether she has made any progress in identifying a funding pot or stream from which the south Fylde passing loop could be financed?
Context
North Powerhouse Rail announcement did not include any funds for anywhere in the whole of Lancashire.
Heidi Alexander
Improving connections between the great cities of the north of England—making those connections into Liverpool and Manchester better—will have a knock-on impact on the whole region. If the hon. Gentleman wants to write to me about the south Fylde line, in particular, I will come back to him.
Session: Topical Questions
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We know that drugs on the prison estate is a perennial problem when it comes to the safety of officers and other prisoners. In some places, we have more than 40% of prisoners failing drug tests on arrival in the open estate. Will the Secretary of State consider a policy that says, “If you fail a drug test on arrival, you will be sent straight back to the closed prison you came from”?
Context
Drug abuse in open prisons is a persistent issue, with more than 40% of prisoners failing drug tests on arrival. The situation has been exacerbated by insufficient resourcing and layout differences.
David Lammy (The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
We are looking right across the estate at what more we can do to reduce drug use. We have invested particularly in X-ray machines and extra prison officers to try to bear down on the problem. I spoke to prison officers about it when I visited Frankland prison last week, and I am looking closely at how the lowest categories of prisons deal with drugs.
Session: Prison Estate Safety
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From the Queens in Lytham to the Hop Shoppe in St Annes, Fylde is blessed with many wonderful pubs, but they were hit very hard by the changes to national insurance, and the looming business rates changes that will hit them hard have many of them worried. Some of the changes that have been announced are welcome but will not go as far as mitigating all the cost increases that pubs are facing. What more plans do the Government have to support such pubs?
Context
Mr Snowden highlighted the impact of changes to national insurance and upcoming business rates on local pubs, citing specific examples such as the Queens, Hop Shoppe, Hand & Dagger, and Thatched House. He noted that while some announced changes are welcome, they do not fully mitigate cost increases facing pubs.
Chris Bryant (Minister of State, Department for Business and Trade)
We are fully aware of the problems that pubs and live music venues have been facing for a considerable period of time. For live music venues, we have been trying to encourage arena tickets to put an extra £1 on the ticket, on a voluntary basis, so as to be able to support live music venues. I am conscious that over the years many pubs have closed; some 7,000 pubs closed in the previous 14 years under the previous Administration, which is something like one every 14 hours. We are conscious of the problems and want to do everything we can to help.
Session: Support for Pubs Fylde
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I questioned the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, the hon. Member for Makerfield (Josh Simons), earlier about the U-turn on compulsory digital IDs. Much to our confusion, he said that there had been no U-turn. Will the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster clear this up? Is digital ID going to be compulsory—yes or no?
Context
There is confusion regarding whether there has been a U-turn on the policy of making digital identification mandatory.
Darren Jones
There has been no U-turn—[Interruption.] The hon. Member has asked the same question twice and has had the same answer. If he would like, I will write to him in plain English and he can read it a third time.
Session: Topical Questions
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Iran is a cyber-menace that is committing digital warfare against democracies around the world and its own people. Most recently, it has cut its own citizens off from the internet to hide the scale of its atrocities. Do the Government have any plans to use their cyber-capabilities to take on Tehran in its moment of weakness, and how they will prevent Tehran from evading tariffs by using cryptocurrency?
Context
Concerned about Iran's use of digital warfare, Mr. Snowden asks if the government has specific plans to counter Tehran’s cyber-capabilities.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
It was perhaps an unexpected elevation, but I welcome the shadow Minister to his new role, and thank him for his important question on a very serious matter: the threat from our adversaries. He is right to point out Iran, but there are many others who are attempting to damage our national security and hit consumers and individuals in the UK. He will understand that I will not go into operational details on any matter relating to our cyber-defences, but he can be assured that we keep the activities of our adversaries closely in mind, and we are doing all we can to defend this country against all threats, wherever they come from.
Session: Cyber-attacks Global Response
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I agree with what the Minister just said, but through the early release programme, and given the “third, third, third” model that the Government want to introduce to split sentencing in custody, prisons such as Kirkham in my constituency in Lancashire are seeing a much higher turnover among their open prison population; prisoners are increasingly serving shorter sentences and in such prisons for much shorter periods. They are effectively becoming cat C prisons but without the walls, the security or the resources. We are concerned about the knock-on effect that that will have on the ability to run rehabilitation programmes, which are designed for significant amounts of time at the end of prisoners’ sentences. What additional resources will the Government put in place to support rehabilitation programmes in open prisons?
Context
The Member is concerned about the high turnover among prisoners due to the 'third, third, third' model and shorter sentences, which affects the ability to run rehabilitation programmes effectively. The early release programme and planned sentencing reforms are causing significant challenges for institutions like Kirkham Prison in Fylde.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Jake Richards)
The hon. Member raises an important point. The Sentencing Bill will hopefully receive Royal Assent next year, and there are certainly operational challenges to ensure that those reforms and changes to sentencing in our prison system work smoothly. One of the major measures in the Bill, which the Conservative party opposes, is to reduce short-term sentences for the reason that the hon. Member set out. I am happy to have a discussion about the prison in his constituency, and ensure that the Department is working with it closely, so that it is ready for the changes that, hopefully, will come into effect next year.
Session: Open Prisons Rehabilitation Placements
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When will this Government stand up to China by blocking its super-embassy application and placing it on the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme?
Context
The MP expressed concern about malign cyber-activity directed at MPs and the Electoral Commission, often linked to China.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I have been very clear about how seriously we take activity from different states in the cyber domain. We are working closely with international partners to counter these threats. I will not go into detail on specific work but commend our National Cyber Security Centre's efforts.
Session: Cyber-attacks Global Response
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When are this Government going to take ownership of the fact that they are in government now, and these are their problems that they need to resolve?
Context
The Minister was previously asked about the increasing civil service size and whether it will decrease next year.
Darren Jones
I am very happy to take ownership of the fact that we are in government, and very happy to confirm that the Conservatives are in opposition.
Session: Topical Questions
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During the pandemic, Government agencies, bodies and Departments suddenly discovered ways to comply with GDPR to share significant amounts of data, which was critical to managing the pandemic response. Since then, the shroud of using GDPR as a reason not to share data has once again choked opportunities to solve the big problems facing our society. As part of his work on resilience planning, will the Minister ensure that data is shared with Departments on a day-to-day basis in future, to get around the use of GDPR as a reason not to share it?
Context
During the pandemic, Government agencies discovered ways to comply with GDPR for data sharing. Since then, there has been a reluctance to share data due to GDPR.
Dan Jarvis (Minister of State, Cabinet Office)
The hon. Member makes a sensible and constructive point, and I can give him the assurances he seeks. Since January, increasing our preparedness has included publishing an updated central crisis management doctrine—the Amber Book—as well as launching the biothreats radar to improve data sharing. We have also, as I have said, undertaken the largest ever national pandemic planning exercise.
Session: Future Pandemic Preparedness
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What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of disapplying the Human Rights Act 1998 to immigration matters. Every new appointment comes with an opportunity to take a fresh look at these matters. Clearly, since the 1950s when the refugee convention and the European convention on human rights were first written, the world has changed significantly. Successive Governments have tweaked various bits, working with partners, but does she agree that if we are to stop the small boats that are crossing the channel and illegal migration, the Government will need a more wholesale change?
Context
The MP questions the balance between human rights protections for illegal migrants and public interest in addressing illegal migration.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood)
Clearly the balance between the human rights of illegal migrants and the wider public interest is out of kilter. This Government will legislate to limit the application of article 8 of the European convention on human rights, which covers the right to a family life. This will mean that we can deport and remove more illegal migrants, and we will pursue international reform, too. In my previous role, I was already involved in conversations with other member states of the Council of Europe, and this Government will continue that work.
Session: Human Rights Act 1998 Immigration
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If the Chancellor is looking for some quick-win infrastructure projects that will unlock economic growth, I recommend taking a look at a passing loop on the South Fylde line, which would better connect trains to employment and education sites through more reliable services. It would also act as a boost for the tourism industry on the Fylde coast; people across Lancashire—maybe from other great towns such as Chorley—like to visit Lytham St Annes and the Fylde coast, and would be able to do so on half-hourly rail services. Will the Chancellor take a look at that fantastic opportunity to boost economic growth in Lancashire and the Fylde?
Context
The MP highlights the potential of a passing loop on the South Fylde line to improve rail connectivity and boost local economy.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
I have huge respect for the hon. Gentleman, and no one in this House would want to do anything to upset Mr Speaker. I am very happy to look at investment opportunities in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency and right across Lancashire, including just up the coast in Blackpool, where we put in significant investment at the spending review earlier this year to build the housing and infrastructure our country desperately needs.
Session: Infrastructure Strategy Economic Growth
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From my time as Lancashire’s police commissioner, I have seen the fruits when the police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts worked together to prioritise the listing of cases involving rape and serious sexual assault, as we know that victims and witnesses are less likely to continue with a prosecution the longer it continues. Can the Solicitor General update us on the work being done to ensure that those agencies work together to support the victims and prioritise those case listings?
Context
From Mr Snowden's time as Lancashire’s police commissioner, he observed the importance of inter-agency cooperation in prioritizing listings for cases involving rape and serious sexual assault.
The Solicitor General
As the hon. Gentleman will know, listing is a matter for the independent judiciary. However, I can tell him that certain areas have pilot schemes of weekly listing meetings across criminal justice partners to ensure—as he says—that we lessen victim attrition, which is unfortunately far too high as a result of the record court backlog.
Session: Grooming Gangs
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In the context of the dash to net zero, rural economies can also be damaged by the infrastructure that is being put in. The Morgan and Morecambe wind farm cabling corridor and substations will cause damage to rural businesses over 20 miles along the cabling route, including disruption caused during the construction stage. What efforts is the Minister making to assess cases in which the infrastructure that is being put in place does more damage to rural economies than it benefits them?
Context
The question addresses the potential negative impacts of infrastructure development for net zero transition, particularly in rural areas.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Kerry McCarthy)
If rural communities are to benefit from the clean energy transition, it is important that they play a role in hoping to host the new infrastructure. When the Great British Energy Bill went through Parliament, there was much discussion about ensuring that communities that host the new infrastructure do not lose out. I can send the hon. Gentleman details of exactly how his community can engage with that process.
Session: Net Zero Transition Rural Economies
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The Secretary of State recently announced that paedophiles will be castrated ahead of early release from prison, which turns out to be nothing more than taking some pills that may—I repeat “may”—reduce their libido. Will the Secretary of State confirm here and now that no paedophile prisoner will be released from prison early until it has been proven that the medication has effectively castrated them?
Context
The question addresses concerns over the announcement of 'chemical castration' for paedophiles, which turns out to be merely taking pills that may reduce libido. The issue is about ensuring no prisoner is released until medication has proven effective.
Shabana Mahmood
Chemical suppression is a mechanism used by other jurisdictions around the world, and it has been shown to work. The previous Government sat on a pilot for years on end and did nothing. I have said that I will pull every lever at our disposal to deal with sex offending once and for all.
Session: Topical Questions
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While I was a police and crime commissioner, I saw many of the things that have been referred to by hon. Members as critically important for emergency resilience planning across the public sector and working with the private sector. To ensure that that is all targeted in the right way, it is key to make sure that all the different agencies, public bodies and companies have a shared understanding of the risks that we face as a country, and receive the latest updates on those. Can the Minister tell the House when the Government will next update the national risk register, and explain what plans Ministers have for the frequency with which those updates will be published?
Context
The MP referenced the importance of shared understanding and regular updates on national risks among various agencies.
Abena Oppong-Asare (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
I thank the hon. Member for his work in this space, because I know he has done a lot of work on this issue. We are constantly looking at the risk register and updating it, and a lot of work has been done. Alongside that, we are carrying out a resilience review. As he rightly pointed out, we need to work across a wide range of sectors to make sure that wider society plays a greater role in this matter, and the work that I have been doing has involved meeting businesses, voluntary organisations and vulnerable groups to make sure that the issues are reflected. We will make sure that we share the lessons learned with the House in due course, and I have also engaged with parliamentarians on this issue.
Session: Emergency Preparedness
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The recent commitment by Lancashire county council and Fylde borough council to fund the St Annes pier link project, including development at the Island site, marks an important milestone for growth in St Annes. What specific funds or grants are available from the Government that can further catalyse this kind of local economic development initiative?
Context
Lancashire County Council and Fylde Borough Council have committed additional funds to the St Annes pier link project. This is a critical step towards developing the Island site in St Annes.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)
We are shifting how local growth is funded in this country to better match what communities need rather than imposing criteria set by Ministers. Our funding plans, which will be revealed at the spending review, aim to provide long-term support aligned with community-driven priorities.
Session: Supporting Local Growth
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Whether one agrees with the Government’s net zero targets or not, they will not be able to achieve them without nuclear energy playing a significant role. A key part of the nuclear fuel strategy is the nuclear fuel industry in this country. Given the aggressive actions of Russia and other countries pushing western commercial providers out of the market for nuclear fuel enrichment and manufacturing, it is increasingly important for national security that we develop whole-of-lifecycle nuclear fuel production domestically. When will the Government announce concrete steps to improve the entire lifecycle of nuclear power manufacturing?
Context
The MP from Fylde is concerned about the strategic importance of maintaining a domestic nuclear fuel production capability in the UK, citing international competition and national security implications.
The Minister for Industry (Sarah Jones)
The hon. Gentleman makes a good point. The Prime Minister, the Secretary of State and, indeed, the Minister for nuclear in the other place have visited the constituency and seen the work being done there; nearly £20 million from Government grants has been invested into that work to help develop nuclear fuels which will be part of the future. Large-scale nuclear developments such as Sizewell and Hinkley, SMRs and advanced modular reactors all need to be considered and he is absolutely right to make this point.
Session: Nuclear Power
View All Questions -->
The Government announced billions of cuts to the Department; then, over recent days, Ministers have made U-turn after U-turn, and in the media round over the weekend were spinning out of control. Is there anything meaningful left to announce from the Secretary of State’s original welfare plans?
Context
The MP is questioning the credibility of the Secretary of State’s original welfare plans.
Liz Kendall
The Conservative party, which left a broken welfare system that is failing the people who depend on it and taxpayers, had 14 years to put it right. We know what their legacy is. Hon. Members will see the proposals soon, but we will not shy away from the decisions that we believe are right to give opportunities to people who can work, security for those who cannot, and to get the welfare bill on a sustainable footing.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Following the Budget, it appears that there is not a week that goes by without another employer announcing significant job cuts. Reed recruitment has already announced that job postings are plummeting. What will the Government do to support the Minister’s Department in the situation it will find itself in—a rapidly increasing number of people looking for jobs and a rapidly decreasing number of jobs being posted because of the Government’s policies?
Context
Recent trends in the unemployment rate are raising concerns about job cuts and decreased job postings. Reed recruitment has reported a significant drop in job listings.
The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)
I am glad the hon. Gentleman is bothered by the employment rate and I hope he is bothered by the record of his party, which saw employment fall off a cliff after the pandemic and never recover. We were an outlier in that; it did not happen anywhere else in the world. As it is, our jobcentres see just one in six employers ever consider using them to recruit. We will change that. We have a new strategy. The Secretary of State recently announced our plan to ensure that the Department of Work and Pensions serves businesses and that we get the best jobs into jobcentres so that people can take them up, improve their lives and grow our economy.
Session: Unemployment Rate
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister meet me and D.tec International to look at how roadside saliva testing technology could improve the speed with which we can get drug drivers banned and off our roads?
Context
As police and crime commissioner for Lancashire, Mr Snowden invested significant amounts of money in increasing resources to target drink and drug drivers. He notes that arrest rates have improved but charge rates are lagging behind due to the time it takes for drug tests.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to raise concerns about the impact of drug driving. Those affected by an impairment drug were involved in 13% of fatalities last year. Just before Christmas, I went out with Jo Shiner, one of the leading police officers responsible for roads policing, and saw the work that is happening and heard about prosecutions, which the hon. Gentleman has raised. I would be very happy to meet him to discuss the matter further.
Session: Road Safety Vulnerable Road Users
View All Questions -->
Christmas came early for the UK defence industry when Spain placed an order for 25 Eurofighters on 20 December, and Italy followed suit on the 24th. But there is still nothing from the UK Government on the 25 Typhoon jets that are needed for the RAF. Will the Minister spread some festive cheer into the new year, and give us an update on where the Government are with placing that order for 25 Typhoon fighter jets—a delayed Christmas present for the UK defence industry and the RAF?
Context
The UK defence industry awaits an order for 25 Typhoon jets for the RAF, which could be a significant boost. The Member seeks clarity on when this order might be placed.
The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle)
I recognise the hon. Gentleman’s point. It is certainly true that exports are important, in addition to production for our own use. We are working very hard on the export campaigns. I cannot say any more than that at present, but I can assure him that we are working very hard.
Session: Defence Industrial Strategy SMEs
View All Questions -->
In Fylde, new housing developments have been built in flood-prone areas without proper mitigation measures. What plans does the Minister have to empower councils and residents against non-compliant developers?
Context
The MP addresses the issue of developers failing to construct adequate flood defences or disclose risks, leaving residents and councils powerless.
Emma Hardy
I share the hon. Gentleman's upset about the rules on housing and flooding not being implemented by the previous Government. We need more sustainable urban drainage in more developments, and it is important that it is built into planning applications to begin with. If he would like to contact me, I can look into the matter in more detail for him.
Session: Flood Protection Funding
View All Questions -->
Over the weekend, James Reed noted job vacancies are down 26% compared to the same period last year. Will the Secretary of State plead with the Chancellor to reverse the jobs national insurance tax raid that is harming employment figures before it worsens?
Context
James Reed, chief executive of a large recruiter, stated that UK job vacancies have decreased by 26% over the last year. He warned this could be an indicator of impending unemployment and economic downturn.
Alison McGovern
We still have over 800,000 vacancies and businesses need staff. Through our reform programme, we aim for the DWP to serve business better.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
How does the Secretary of State think the club can make itself more financially resilient, given the significant impact that the need to pay national insurance contributions will have on their finances?
Context
Medium and large community-based football clubs, such as AFC Fylde and Wigan Athletic, face financial challenges including a £13 million loss for the last financial year.
Stephanie Peacock
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point. That is why we are continuing the work of the previous Government by introducing our own Football Governance Bill to hopefully put football on a sustainable footing.
Session: Grassroots Football Clubs Financial Resilience
View All Questions -->
What measures do the Government intend to bring in as part of their new zero tolerance zones that will be different from what currently exists, to make it really zero tolerance? A small minority makes life a total nightmare for everyone else. Current antisocial behaviour injunctions just are not strong enough because they often do not come with a power of arrest.
Context
Operation Centurion focused on antisocial behaviour through visible patrols and better partnership working.
Yvette Cooper
We are introducing respect orders which mean that repeat perpetrators can be banned from town centres and will have a power of arrest so swift action can be taken if they are breached.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour Town Centres
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Typhoon Fighter Sovereign Capability
12 November 2025
Responding: Al Carns
Main Concerns
['The skilled workforce and cutting-edge technology at the BAE Systems Warton site in Fylde have taken decades to develop, providing jobs for multiple generations of workers. The production line is now running out of work with the final Typhoons rolling off assembly lines, leading to fears about job security and the future of sovereign capability. Although there has been success in securing export orders, like the Turkey deal, they are not enough to sustain long-term viability.']
Specific Asks
['The RAF needs to be fully invested in the development of Typhoon by placing an order as part of the strategic defence review, which would also boost the export campaign. This is essential for maintaining and developing our sovereign capability.']
Aviation Bill - Clause 1
09 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill aims to restore the Government's power to regulate civil aviation, bolster passenger rights, modernise airspace, and improve safety. It addresses recent disruptions and seeks to ensure robust...
Public Office (Accountability) Bill
14 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Opposition Day
07 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Environmental Protection
06 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mary Creagh, a Labour MP for Wakefield, opened the debate by highlighting the need to address waste crime through stricter checks and requirements on those who transport and deal in waste. She emphasi...
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Estimates Day
29 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy has highlighted areas needing improvement in national security, including critical infrastructure protection and defence against hybrid warfare. T...
Farming Road Map and Profitability Review
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East: Economic Update
21 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Women’s Health Strategy
16 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Opposition Day
24 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
73.3%
63 of 86 votes
Aye Votes
38
44.2% of votes
No Votes
25
29.1% of votes
Abstentions
23
26.7% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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 AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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 NO
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: 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
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
4
PMQs Asked
41
Ministerial Questions Asked
47
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
86
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+206% above average
This MP:
41
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+867% above average
This MP:
47
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 (%)
+6% above average
This MP:
73.3
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Andrew Snowden's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.