Andy MacNae
MP for Rossendale and Darwen
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Q3. Last week, four-year-old Eli Testa was killed in Rawtenstall cemetery when a memorial stone fell on him. All of Rossendale was shocked by this tragedy, so I hope the Prime Minister will join me in offering his deepest condolences to Eli’s parents and family. Families in Rossendale are also deeply concerned about reports that Reform-led Lancashire county council is considering cuts to nursery funding, which would raise costs for working parents and might force some nurseries to close. If this is an example of the sort of efficiencies that Reform is considering, then all of Lancashire—indeed, all of us—should be worried. Will the Prime Minister join me in asking Lancashire county council to think again?
Context
Four-year-old Eli Testa was killed in Rawtenstall cemetery when a memorial stone fell on him. Families in Rossendale are concerned about reports that Reform-led Lancashire county council is considering cuts to nursery funding, which would raise costs for working parents and might force some nurseries to close.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I send my deepest condolences to Eli’s friends and family. I join my hon. Friend in urging the new Reform council to think again and change its mind on damaging cuts that hit children and young families. My hon. Friend is doing a much better job than his predecessor, the Conservative party chairman under Liz Truss, who has now joined Reform. That proves once again that if people vote Tory they get Reform, and if they vote Reform they get the Tories. While both parties are cutting services at home, we support families with free school meals and free breakfast clubs, and by extending free childcare.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not explicitly join in offering condolences or urge the council to reconsider cuts.
Did Not Directly Offer Condolences
Did Not Urge The Council To Reconsider Cuts
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister reaffirm his commitment to protecting those such as Ben Lacey who suffer from lifelong conditions and cannot work, ensuring they are protected from damaging reassessments and given support to live with dignity?
Context
National Epilepsy Week highlights challenges faced by individuals with epilepsy, including multiple daily seizures which prevent work. Concerns about repeated PIP reassessments causing stress.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
May I begin by congratulating Tommy and everyone selected to represent the British and Irish Lions? It is an incredible achievement and we will be cheering them on. It is important that we protect those with severe disabilities or lifelong health conditions who cannot work, paying them a premium and stopping those reassessments, which is part of the reform that we are bringing about. Ultimately, we also need to get back to face-to-face assessments by trained assessors and health professionals.
Assessment
No specific timeline or detailed plan for reforms beyond general commitment.
General Commitment
Session: PMQs
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Will the Chancellor please update the House on progress made with the implementation of the Green Book review and change, as a result, might better enable investment in small northern towns such as those that make up Rossendale and Darwen?
Context
Andy MacNae inquired about the progress made with implementing changes to the Green Book that might enable better investment in small northern towns.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and campaigning work on this. At the spending review, I announced changes to the Green Book, particularly our work on place-based business cases, looking at how spending can cumulatively benefit an area.
Session: Topical Questions
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As we move into autumn, flooding is once again on the minds of residents in Rossendale and Darwen. This Government have already made vital commitments to our flood defences, but recently some communities have expressed concern that flood modelling is out of date and is either not fully identifying risk areas or identifying risk areas as high-risk that no longer are. The Environment Agency is aware of that, so will the Secretary of State join me in urging it urgently to prioritise new modelling?
Context
Residents in Rossendale and Darwen are concerned that flood modelling is outdated and inaccurate, posing risks to their communities.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Steve Reed)
My hon. Friend makes an important and timely point. Through the floods resilience taskforce, we are looking at how we can update the modelling to make sure that all areas that need protection will get the investment to do it, because far too many communities are exposed to the dangers of flooding. That is why we are investing £4.2 billion between 2026 and 2029 to protect our communities and better maintain our flood defences in England.
Session: Topical Questions
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In Rossendale, the academy trust that runs our ‘stuck’ school, Valley leadership academy, recently announced plans to introduce a virtual teacher for top-set maths. This approach has understandably raised a lot of concerns, and I have been working with the trust to make sure it is designed in pupils’ best interests. I have been assured that this will be a temporary measure, that a qualified maths teacher will be in the room to provide additional support, and that an appropriate range of adjustments will be made for SEND pupils. However, I remain concerned that, without safeguards, virtual teachers may become a default cost-saving measure to address recruitment challenges. Will the Minister share her view on how we can ensure that such an approach is always designed in pupils’ best interests?
Context
A local academy trust has announced plans to introduce a virtual teacher for top-set maths at Valley Leadership Academy, which has raised concerns among the community. The questioner is working with the trust to ensure that such measures are implemented in the best interests of pupils and not as a cost-saving measure.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
Technology has the potential to enhance time efficiency for teachers, reduce workload and improve student engagement and attainment, but it cannot replace the valuable relationship between teachers and pupils. We know that high-quality teaching has the biggest impact on a child’s educational outcomes. School leaders rightly have the autonomy to make decisions about staff deployment, and they are best placed to make decisions about the needs of their pupils.
Session: Virtual Teachers
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What steps he is taking to improve young people’s access to nature for outdoor activities. Many lessons I learned from mountains have helped me today. The power of the outdoors in building confidence and resilience among young people is enormous. 20 million people do not live within 15 minutes of green and blue space. Do the Secretary of State and the Minister agree that a key ambition of access legislation must be access for all?
Context
MP Andy MacNae, a distinguished mountaineer and mountain guide, highlights the importance of outdoor activities in building confidence and resilience among young people. He mentions that 244 young people in Rossendale and Darwen are taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mary Creagh)
The Government are committed to extending access. We have committed to creating nine new national river walks and three national forests. The first is the Western forest which I planted a tree in recently. Wainwright’s coast-to-coast walk will be designated as a national trail. The Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme aims to reach 250,000 more young people by next year.
Session: Access to Nature Young People
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What steps she is taking to increase levels of funding for northern towns. At the same time, history tells us that small towns can far too easily get left behind and not feel the benefits of major infrastructure investment, despite being communities that need change the most. Does the Chancellor agree that as we implement our investment and growth strategy, and deliver the review of the Green Book, we must put our left-behind communities first? As part of every major investment decision, we should ask what does this do for our most deprived and left-behind neighbourhoods?
Context
The MP is concerned about the historical trend of small towns being left behind despite needing investment most.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
My hon. Friend is a proud champion of the towns and villages of Rossendale and Darwen. We will make sure that we use our Green Book review to properly assess the benefit of all this Government’s investments. On top of that capital investment, the people of Rossendale and Darwen are benefiting from the 3 million additional appointments that we have delivered, which have led to reductions in NHS waiting lists, and also the increase in the national living wage.
Session: Northern Towns Funding
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On Friday, I met with the headteachers of all the secondary schools in Rossendale. They face many challenges, but they were unanimous that the single biggest issue they face is a lack of capacity in special schools and alternative provision in our area. Rossendale has no places, children’s complex needs are not being met and huge additional pressures are being placed on our mainstream schools. That is the legacy of 14 years of neglect. What steps will this Government take to address special school and alternative provision in areas such as Rossendale and Darwen?
Context
The MP met with headteachers of secondary schools in Rossendale who raised concerns about a lack of capacity in special schools and alternative provisions. The previous government left behind a system described as 'lose, lose, lose'.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
I understand my hon. Friend’s concern and the concern of headteachers in his constituency. Sadly, I hear that story in every part of our country. We inherited as a Government a system that the previous Secretary of State described as “lose, lose, lose”. We are investing more into the system and we want to ensure that there is more mainstream inclusion, but we recognise the need to invest in specialist provision for children who need it most.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given the important announcements about mission milestones, could we hear more details on the work of the mission boards that led to these decisions?
Context
Important mission milestones were announced recently.
Pat McFadden
I will have more to say on this shortly, but it is important that Governments set out what they are trying to do and on what timescale. We take seriously the need for clarity in our goals and timelines.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Small Towns: Transport Links
03 June 2026
Responding: Simon Lightwood
Main Concerns
["Connectivity is crucial for small towns' economic growth, health, independence, and sense of belonging. Andy MacNae highlighted the lack of connectivity impacting active travel options such as walking and cycling due to safety concerns. He pointed out that only 30% of children in small towns walk or ride to school compared to 60% in cities, citing a petition with 1,400 signatures from his constituent William Cartwright requesting safe crossings near schools."]
Specific Asks
['MacNae called on the Government to ensure active travel is integrated into the wider transport system and urged local authorities like Blackburn with Darwen to proactively work with schools for safer travel initiatives. He also asked the Minister to support the implementation of bus funding policy, rail links such as the City Valley link proposal, and the restoration of Lower Darwen station.']
Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood
24 March 2026
Responding: Sharon Hodgson
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the sudden unexplained death of children, which is the fourth leading cause of death for children aged one to 18. Around 120 such deaths occur each year in the UK, leaving families devastated with no answers or closure. Cases like Frankie Grogan's highlight the need for national leadership and co-ordination. The sudden and unexpected death of a child between the ages of one and 18, where no cause can be found even after investigation, is one of the leading categories of death for children aged one to four in England and Wales. Sarah Hall shared the story of a family from her constituency whose 13-month-old grandson died suddenly without any warning signs or build-up. The family endured over a year of silence followed by distressing communications, faced inconsistent information, and experienced severe mental health challenges due to the lack of clarity."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to lead the search for answers through a coordinated national plan that includes research, awareness raising, public information improvements, faster post-mortem processes, and bereavement support services. This would establish strategic objectives with clear timelines, milestones, and measurable outcomes. I ask the Minister to develop a national plan for Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood (SUDC), formulate it with Ministers working with officials and scientific experts as a matter of urgency; commit to regular reporting at a minimum of every two years; ensure clear, accessible information is available through NHS websites and other portals; and implement recommendations from the paediatric and perinatal pathology workforce report quickly.']
Victims of Terrorism: State Support
10 July 2025
Responding: Dan Jarvis
Main Concerns
['In a week when we remember the victims of the 7/7 attacks and all terror attacks, Andy MacNae highlights the lack of support provided by previous Governments to British victims of terror. He cites specific instances where individuals like Travis Frain received inadequate care post-attack, including delayed medical appointments and insufficient mental health support.']
Specific Asks
['MacNae asks for substantive improvements in support for victims of terrorism through the implementation of Martyn’s law and consultation on a survivors’ charter to ensure proactive personal support, dedicated caseworkers, continuity of care, and outreach to prevent individuals from falling through the cracks post-attack.']
Rebalancing Regional Economies
14 May 2025
Responding: Alex Norris
Main Concerns
['Last year’s Budget freed up £113 billion of infrastructure investment, but it is not clear what this means for small towns like Rossendale and Darwen. Productivity in these areas remains low despite efforts to stimulate growth through industrial strategies and new trade deals. The cost of living and housing crises have hit hardest in these regions, and the presumption that better transport into cities is the solution misses the point.']
Specific Asks
['The Government must ensure that investment planning does not default to big cities but considers the unique needs of small towns and rural areas. Growth should translate into real and tangible change for all neighbourhoods, ensuring good jobs, accessible opportunities, clean and safe environments, thriving businesses, and improved transport systems.']
Community Sport Facilities
04 March 2025
Responding: Stephanie Peacock
Main Concerns
['Local leisure provision has been disproportionately hit by austerity, especially in smaller local authorities. Young people in small towns feel left behind due to lack of facilities and funding.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should align funding with need, opportunity, and impact to ensure community sports facilities are accessible and effective in driving economic growth and improving health outcomes.']
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NHS Corridor Care
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Expressed deep concern about the issue of 'corridor care' in NHS, highlighting that treatment in corridors is not care due to lack of proper equipment and dignity. Stressed the importance of accurate ...
Estimates Day - [2nd Allotted Day]Estimates Day
30 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's response to the Select Committee’s “Game On” report acknowledged the importance of physical activity but failed to deliver on its promises due to a lack of funding and clear action. T...
National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Social Care Bill
01 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, James Murray, moved the Second Reading of the Health and Social Care Bill. He emphasised the personal significance of the NHS in his life due to a ra...
Debate on the Address
14 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The UK labour market is performing well with high employment rates, low unemployment compared to OECD countries, and rising real wages. The government's economic management has put the country in a be...
Spring Forecast
03 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Road Safety 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Road safety is a personal issue for me as my grandfather died in a road accident. Despite improvements, four people still die on our roads every day and 76 more are injured seriously. The fatal five c...
Business Rates 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government is taking steps to protect high street businesses from upward-only rent review clauses, introducing a strong new community right to buy to safeguard valued community assets. They are al...
Attendance
75.5%
74 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
29
29.6% of votes
No Votes
45
45.9% of votes
Abstentions
24
24.5% 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
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
7
Ministerial Questions Asked
32
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
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
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-48% below average
This MP:
7
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+558% above average
This MP:
32
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 (%)
+9% above average
This MP:
75.5
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 Andy MacNae's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.