Anna Dixon
MP for Shipley
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Like many MPs, I will head up to my constituency later to campaign for the local elections. When I am out on doorstep talking to voters in the Shipley constituency, I am proud of the difference that this Labour Government are making. Renters are no longer worried thanks to secure tenure, families are supported by free breakfast clubs and extended free childcare support, and workers are no longer on exploitative zero-hour contracts. What is the Prime Minister most proud of, and what is his message for voters in my Shipley constituency and across the UK?
Keir Starmer
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. This is the first Government in a generation to take key services back into public ownership, to give rights and powers to workers, renters and the less fortunate, and to invest in public services and lift children out of poverty. As we face war on two fronts, we will do more. A stronger economy, stronger energy security, stronger on defence—that is the difference that this Government are making.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Last week I met Lleyton, a T-level construction student at Bradford college. He was working on the remediation of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete at Airedale hospital. In the last few years, Bradford has made tremendous progress in reducing the rate of young people not in employment, education or training, so will the Prime Minister reconfirm his commitment to vocational and skills training and set out how this Labour Government are ensuring that young people like Lleyton have career opportunities in construction and other critical industries?
Context
Lleyton, a T-level construction student at Bradford college, is working on the remediation of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete at Airedale hospital. The area has seen significant progress in reducing NEET rates.
Keir Starmer
Lleyton's success is a testament to what young people can achieve with the right support. We are creating technical excellence colleges and delivering training places for 60,000 skilled construction workers. Labour is creating opportunities for every young person while building the homes, schools and hospitals that our country needs, and that is what I am fighting for.
Assessment
Did not directly confirm commitment or specify how young people will get career opportunities in critical industries
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The Government have delivered on their manifesto commitment to introduce the Employment Rights Bill. It includes a historic fair pay agreement for care workers, which will benefit all those who care for older and disabled adults such as those in my constituency. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that care workers deserve pay and conditions that match the amazing work they do to support our loved ones to have a fulfilling life?
Context
The Employment Rights Bill includes a fair pay agreement for care workers, aiming to improve their working conditions.
Angela Rayner
I welcome my hon. Friend to her place. As a biased former care worker, I will always champion carers and the complex quality and professional work that they do. I absolutely agree that care workers deserve the pay and conditions to match their enormous contribution to our community. I am proud to say that we are delivering that fair pay agreement that will give carers the recognition that they deserve, and I will ensure that those carers are able to deliver the best possible care to our loved ones.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Jo Cox was a strong advocate for overseas development aid. Will you assure me that recent cuts will not have an adverse impact on projects helping to reduce the incidence of violence against women and girls?
Context
Recent budget cuts may affect development aid programs that aim to reduce violence against women and girls.
Yvette Cooper
We are clear that as part of changes to overseas development, we will maintain and strengthen the priority of women and girls, so that by 2030 at least 90% of UK bilateral aid will support issues relating to women and girls.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
View All Questions -->
What steps are you taking with your international counterparts to help tackle violence against women and girls?
Context
Violence against women and girls is a global issue that requires international cooperation.
Yvette Cooper
I have made violence against women and girls a priority for the Foreign Office. Last month, I launched an international coalition to end violence against women and girls, working with Spain, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Jamaica, Morocco, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
View All Questions -->
Meeting with defence SMEs that want to recruit young talent, including engineers and programmers, Anna Dixon questioned how the Government will ensure there are opportunities for young people from all backgrounds aspiring to careers in defence.
Context
Defence SMEs in Shipley want to recruit young talent, including engineers and programmers, to design and build technologies used in drones. Anna Dixon asked about opportunities for young people from all backgrounds in defence.
John Healey
First, we are directing defence investment first to British firms that increase British jobs and increase apprenticeships, skills and opportunities for young people. Secondly, we are opening up direct entry recruitment to the armed forces for those with cyber-skills, and the first cohort has already been recruited. They are deployed much more quickly than via the normal route, and the early reports from every one of their units is overwhelmingly positive, so we are now moving to recruit the second tranche.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Derby North (Catherine Atkinson) on her first outing at the Dispatch Box. On Friday, I met Jimmy, an imprisonment for public protection prisoner whose case I have previously raised with the Prime Minister, the Justice Secretary and the Prisons Minister. Despite good progress, he still does not have a firm release date after more than 20 years in prison and over a decade since IPP sentences were abolished. Will the Justice Secretary urge his Department to do all it can to expedite Jimmy's release and that of the estimated other 2,800 people who remain in prison on IPP sentences?
Context
Jimmy, an IPP prisoner from Shipley, has been in prison for over 20 years and lacks a firm release date despite the abolition of IPP sentences more than a decade ago. Jimmy's case has previously been raised with multiple government officials.
David Lammy
I recognise the real issues that exist for IPP prisoners—we have discussed those issues at length, and will continue to do so. The Prisons Minister has done a lot of work in this area, engaging with all of those who raise these issues on an almost weekly basis, including in another place. Of course, we want to do more and see those prisoners who are not going to cause public harm released.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I recently asked Shipley residents about their access to NHS dental services over the past two years. Over 1,100 respondents said that they could not see an NHS dentist when they needed to. I have heard from constituents who have had to go private, travel for hours to access NHS dentistry or resort to DIY dentistry. What progress is the Minister making to fix the rotten dentistry that we inherited from the previous Government?
Context
Over 1,100 Shipley residents reported difficulties in accessing NHS dental services over the past two years. Many have had to go private or resort to DIY dentistry.
Stephen Kinnock
My hon. Friend is a strong campaigner for her constituents. The situation that she sets out is unacceptable, but change is under way. I am encouraged by the latest data for her ICB area, which shows a 79% success rate for those who tried to get an NHS dentist appointment in the past two years, and that 10% more treatments were delivered between April and October 2025, compared with the same period before the election. Our reforms from this April will go further, focusing on those with the most urgent and complex needs, to ensure that people can access care when they need it most.
Session: NHS Dental Services
View All Questions -->
A happy Easter to you, Mr Speaker. The Government's £1.5 million impact fund for Bradford is critical to communities that have been overlooked for too long. I recently visited Windhill recreation ground in my local area, which is set to benefit from Pride in Place funding. Does the Secretary of State agree that after 14 years of brutal cuts to northern councils such as Bradford, this Labour Government are providing our local areas and communities with the investment they need?
Context
The question addresses the critical need for investment in neglected areas, specifically referencing a visit to Windhill recreation ground which is set to benefit from Pride in Place funding.
Steve Reed
My hon. Friend is a great advocate for her constituents, which I saw for myself when I visited her constituency during the general election. She is right, of course: this funding is going to hundreds of areas that were the most left behind by the previous Government, so that they can take decisions about what to invest in and put pride back at the heart of the communities that the people there belong to and love.
Session: Pride in Place Community Consultation
View All Questions -->
What mechanisms his Department has put in place to ensure that communities are consulted on the use of Pride in Place funding in Shipley constituency?
Context
The question arises from the allocation of £1.5 million to Bradford through the Pride in Place impact fund, intended for communities that have been neglected.
Steve Reed
Shipley will benefit from the £1.5 million allocated to Bradford through the Pride in Place impact fund. The Department has asked local authorities to engage with their local MP and a wider range of local stakeholders to shape delivery of the fund, and to report on that engagement.
Session: Pride in Place Community Consultation
View All Questions -->
For victims of child sexual exploitation, rape and serious sexual offences, the option of having pre-recorded evidence has been a really positive step forward. However, when I visited Leeds Crown court recently, I heard that too often the equipment does not work, leading to significant delays and even postponement of hearings, which is obviously terrible for victims. Will the Secretary of State outline how that investment will help victims get the justice that they deserve and ensure that the technology is available in every courtroom?
Context
Recently, issues were noted with the technology used for pre-recorded evidence at Leeds Crown court, leading to delays and postponement of hearings.
David Lammy
My hon. Friend is right that too often there are problems in the use of that technology for defendants in court, and sometimes there are problems between the prison and the court as well. That is why capital funding is increasing by 46%, enabling essential maintenance, estate improvements and digital modernisation.
Session: Crown Court Funding
View All Questions -->
What plans his Department has to provide adequate funding for the Crown court?
Context
No specific background context was provided.
David Lammy
The Government have agreed a landmark £2.78 billion settlement for courts and tribunals over this next period. That includes £2.5 billion in resource funding—the highest level ever provided to His Majesty's Courts Service—and £287 million in capital investment. Sitting days in the Crown court will also be uncapped for the next year, enabling courts to sit to maximum capacity.
Session: Crown Court Funding
View All Questions -->
As the ongoing conflict in the middle east is demonstrating, drone technology is an essential military capability. Businesses around Saltaire and Baildon in my constituency are at the cutting edge of both space technology and radio frequency, which I know the Minister will understand are critical to drone warfare. What support is available to young people in my constituency and across West Yorkshire to gain the skills they need for those vital industries?
Context
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is highlighting the importance of drone technology. Businesses around Saltaire and Baildon are at the forefront of space technology and radio frequency, which are critical to drone warfare.
Luke Pollard
I am grateful for the conversation that my hon. Friend and I had last week about the importance of more skills for her constituency. We are investing £182 million in a defence skills package and rolling out defence technical excellence colleges across the United Kingdom. I am very happy to meet her to talk about this further, because we want to see more British companies invest in skills.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
With apprenticeship starts and completions falling short of needs, does the Secretary of State now accept that his target will not be met due to a lack of skilled workers under Labour? Will the Government provide a credible plan for workforce development?
Context
There is a need for 48,000 new entrants to the construction sector annually to meet housing targets.
Steve Reed
The Government remain committed to meeting the target, investing £600 million in vocational skills and training, and working closely with developers to fund talent pipelines.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I am concerned about the recent expansion of the Pride in Place programme and its impact on local organisations. Will the government provide up to £20 million each over 10 years for nearly 300 communities, allowing local people to decide how this money is spent?
Context
The Prime Minister recently announced the expansion of the Pride in Place programme to include more communities.
Steve Reed
The Government have no plans to change the electoral system and believe first past the post provides an important direct relationship between Members and their local constituents. I will ensure that she gets an appropriate meeting.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I warmly welcome the Chancellor’s announcement in the Budget on scrapping the energy company obligation scheme, which will bring down energy bills by £150 on average and support some 5,000 households living in fuel poverty in my constituency of Shipley. The disastrous Tory-designed scheme, ECO4, cost £1 billion per year, yet 98% of the external wall cavity installations were faulty. What further action are the Minister and Chancellor taking to reduce energy bills and ensure that energy companies put people over profit?
Context
The Chancellor announced in the Budget that they will scrap the energy company obligation scheme, which brings down average energy bills by £150. Anna Dixon asks for further action to reduce energy bills and ensure that companies prioritize people over profit.
Torsten Bell (The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)
My hon. Friend is entirely right. The Conservatives did not just leave Britain dependent on the rollercoaster of gas prices; they left families paying almost £2 billion on their bills for their failed energy efficiency ECO scheme. The Chair of the Public Accounts Committee described the scheme’s failings as the “worst” he had ever seen. That fuel poverty scheme cost 97% of those in fuel poverty more than it saved them, and it damaged thousands of homes. We are scrapping the ECO scheme, and cutting families’ bills.
Session: Energy Bills
View All Questions -->
I am concerned about the unfolding catastrophic humanitarian disaster in Gaza, exacerbated by the collapse of the Gazan health system and the suspension of aid delivery. I am shocked that the Israeli Government plan to prohibit some 37 international non-governmental organisations from operating in Gaza and the West Bank, including Médecins Sans Frontières, ActionAid and the Norwegian Refugee Council. What steps have the UK Government taken to prevent this, and what more do they intend to do?
Context
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened due to winter conditions and a lack of aid. The Israeli Government plans to prohibit 37 international NGOs from operating, including Médecins Sans Frontières, ActionAid, and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
I agree with my hon. Friend about how incredibly damaging the deregistration of vital international NGOs is. They do incredible humanitarian work, which includes providing, through thousands of staff, lifesaving services worth hundreds of millions of pounds in Gaza. They simply cannot be removed or replaced, and it is extremely destructive to prevent them from operating. That is why I led a joint statement, on behalf of 10 countries, urging the Israeli Government to allow these essential international NGOs to operate in a sustained and predictable way, and we will pursue this as part of phase 2 of the peace process.
Session: Gaza and the West Bank Humanitarian Situation
View All Questions -->
I hope that the Secretary of State enjoyed her visit to Bradford during our fantastic time as city of culture 2025. It was a roaring success, with more than 5,000 events across the whole district, audiences in excess of 3 million and some 650 local artists and organisations involved. Does she share my ambition to make sure that the legacy of Bradford 2025 is both impactful and long lasting? Will she meet me, leaders of the council and representatives of Bradford 2025 to see how she can support that legacy?
Context
Bradford was the city of culture in 2025, with over 5,000 events and an audience exceeding 3 million. Anna Dixon seeks to ensure that Bradford’s legacy is impactful and long-lasting.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
My hon. Friend will know that I have visited Bradford several times since becoming Secretary of State, and we love it so much that you cannot keep us away—the Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley South (Stephanie Peacock), will be in Bradford this afternoon. Bradford city of culture has been a runaway success in increasing the amount of local pride that people feel in their communities. Four out of five people in Bradford say that the year of culture has had a lasting impact on them and their city, but that is not all: it has managed to attract record visitor numbers, showing exactly what Bradford can do. We want that for our towns across the country, and we are using Bradford as a template for how to do it.
Session: Town of Culture and City of Culture Competitions
View All Questions -->
I note that the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage) obviously has better things to do than turn up and speak for farmers. I want to speak up for dairy tenant farmers. Tenant farmers manage a third of all farmland in England. As well as running her dairy farm, Rachel at Low Springs farm in Baildon also runs Baildon farmers market and is the director of the Great Yorkshire show. Will the Minister set out how this Labour Government are implementing the recommendations of Baroness Rock’s review to help tenant dairy farmers such as Rachel?
Context
Tenant farmers manage a third of all farmland in England. Tenant farming agreements are an important aspect of the agricultural sector, and there is a need to ensure fair treatment for tenant dairy farmers.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Dame Angela Eagle)
My hon. Friend raises the important point that a third of all farmland in England is managed by tenant farmers, so a fair and sustainable tenant farming sector relies on positive landlord, tenant and adviser relationships. To help deliver that, we have appointed Alan Laidlaw as England’s first commissioner for the tenant farming sector. We will continue to look particularly at how tenant farming agreements are working, to see whether there is any need for reform in the future.
Session: Support for Dairy Farmers
View All Questions -->
I am concerned about the steps being taken to implement the recommendations of the review of carer’s allowance overpayments, published on 25 November 2025. Around 185,000 unpaid family carers have been pursued by DWP to return overpayments in their Carer’s Allowance through no fault of their own. Many working carers faced bills running into thousands of pounds. Does the Minister share my hope that trust might now be rebuilt between the state and the near 6 million unpaid family carers?
Context
Over the last decade, around 185,000 unpaid family carers have been pursued by the Department for Work and Pensions to return overpayments in their Carer’s Allowance. Many working carers faced bills running into thousands of pounds through no fault of their own.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
My hon. Friend is a great campaigner for carers on this issue and others. She is absolutely right: this is a very serious problem that was ignored for 10 years, despite there being quite a lot of publicity about it. I hope, as she says, that trust will now be rebuilt as we fix these problems in the coming months.
Session: Review of Carer’s Allowance Overpayments
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for his comments. Last week on the Public Accounts Committee, we heard about the shocking scandal of faulty cavity wall insulation under the energy company obligation 4 scheme, for which the last Government outsourced oversight to TrustMark. I have heard from constituents across Shipley who potentially face bills of tens of thousands of pounds to put right shoddy work. They are living in damp and mouldy homes. How is the Minister ensuring that those homes are remediated without cost to homeowners, and how will trust be restored in these schemes for the future?
Context
The Public Accounts Committee recently highlighted the failures of the external wall insulation scheme under ECO4, leading to significant costs and living conditions issues for homeowners. Constituents in Shipley have reported facing bills up to tens of thousands of pounds for remediation work.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Martin McCluskey)
When I came to this brief, I too was shocked at the extent of the failures of the external wall insulation scheme under ECO4. We have set out the actions that we are taking to ensure that properties are remediated at no cost to the householder. Looking to the future system, the three principles that I believe we should follow are that work should be done right the first time; the system should be simple and easy to navigate from the consumer’s point of view; and when things go wrong—I do not want them to, but when they do—there needs to be swift remediation through the system to ensure that it delivers for consumers.
Session: Energy Efficiency Schemes Consumer Confidence
View All Questions -->
I have been appalled at the failure of the previous Government to tackle the backlog in the courts, delaying justice for victims of domestic abuse and sexual abuse. I thank the Minister for her unwavering commitment to repairing the justice system that we inherited for victims and survivors. Will she outline the reforms specifically to the family court that the Government are introducing to protect victims of domestic abuse, including children, from further harm?
Context
Anna Dixon highlights the backlog in courts under the previous government which has delayed justice for victims of domestic abuse and sexual abuse. She references her role on the Public Accounts Committee examining this issue.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
I thank my hon. Friend for that question and for her service on the Public Accounts Committee looking at this issue. The Government are committed to better supporting adult and child victims of domestic abuse in the family courts. The Pathfinder model already provides access to expert support for victims, and published data has shown that the backlogs are more than 50% lower and cases are resolved up to 30 weeks quicker. Importantly, the Government have announced that, when parliamentary time allows, we will repeal the presumption of parental involvement in order to protect children in our family courts.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
View All Questions -->
Many of my constituents have assets in the West Yorkshire Pension Fund, which manages more than £19 million. I am concerned, however, that some of the fund’s investments are concentrated in sectors that cause harm, such as the fossil fuel industry. Does the Minister agree that the West Yorkshire Pension Fund could invest in socially valuable activities, such as the regeneration of the town centre in Shipley and social homes?
Context
The West Yorkshire Pension Fund manages more than £19 million and has investments in sectors like fossil fuels. Constituents are concerned about the fund's investment strategy.
Torsten Bell (The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)
The LGPS actually has a strong track record of local investment, including in social housing. The Pension Schemes Bill will introduce requirements for local government pension scheme pools to work with strategic authorities on local investment opportunities.
Session: Regional Economic Growth Pension Funds
View All Questions -->
I am very proud that the Government have supported Ukraine through the provision of drones. I recently visited Radio Design, a company in Saltaire in my constituency that is at the cutting edge of radio frequency, which is essential for fighting the rapidly developing threat from drones. Can the Minister assure me that procurement processes are agile enough to allow innovative smaller businesses with specialist technologies in radio frequency, such as Radio Design, to access new defence contracts in order to help us deliver on the strategic defence review?
Context
The question addresses the agility of procurement processes for smaller businesses with specialist technologies like Radio Design, a company in Saltaire known for radio frequency technology.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Al Carns)
It is not lost on anyone in the House that the first 100 pages of the strategic defence review are all about industry, about ensuring that SMEs can dock into the defence enterprise far more effectively, and about ensuring that we start procuring weapons and systems—and not only for our defence, but for our overseas partners. My hon. Friend will also be aware that we procured 10,000 drones in 2024. The figure has now gone up to 100,000, which are going to Ukraine to support our ally in its fight against Russia.
Session: Drone Procurement
View All Questions -->
In my constituency, several planning applications are pending, and one has already been granted in the villages of Wilsden and Cullingworth for battery storage and onshore wind in the wider area. Can the Minister explain how constituents with clean energy infrastructure in their area can benefit from both cheaper bills and community funding?
Context
Several planning applications for battery storage and onshore wind are pending or have been granted in the constituencies of Wilsden and Cullingworth, raising questions about how local communities can benefit from these developments.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
Building renewable infrastructure is crucial to bringing down bills in the long term. Storing cheaper electricity, including through battery storage, enables us to deploy it more regularly than we are currently deploying gas, which drives up people’s bills. Communities hosting the infrastructure will benefit from cheaper bills as well as direct community benefits. The Department has been consulting over the past few months on whether these should be made mandatory and whether expectations on developers should be raised.
Session: Energy Infrastructure Applications Land Use Changes
View All Questions -->
In my constituency, new housing developments agreed under the previous Government have been built on the green belt around villages without vital investment in infrastructure. Will the Minister reassure my constituents that as we build much-needed affordable and social homes, we will prioritise brownfield development and ensure adequate investment in the community?
Context
New housing developments have been built on the green belt around villages in Shipley without adequate infrastructure such as GP practices, schools and other council services.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
I can give my hon. Friend that assurance; ours is a brownfield-first policy. She highlights an important point. The previous Government released vast swathes of the green belt in a haphazard and chaotic manner. We are taking a strategic approach to green-belt release, prioritising the release of the lowest-quality grey belt, and we are ensuring that where that happens, subject to our golden rules, we see higher levels of affordable housing and infrastructure.
Session: New Housing Developments Infrastructure
View All Questions -->
In my Shipley constituency, the highly valued Bingley arts centre has made great strides in improving accessibility for disabled people. However, with 78% of arts centres behind schedule on essential building maintenance, it is clear that more investment is needed. I welcome the Secretary of State’s announcement of the All In fund; can she assure me that local theatres such as Bingley arts centre will benefit from that investment to help them continue to make the arts inclusive?
Context
The MP notes that while the Bingley arts centre has made progress in improving accessibility, there is a broader issue with 78% of arts centres lagging behind on essential building maintenance. The All In fund was recently announced by the government.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this matter, and I sincerely thank her for bringing it to the House; it is not something we talk about enough. The creative industries sector plan contained £150 million-worth of funding for the creative places growth fund. Much of that funding is being devolved to local areas, and I will ensure that my colleagues and I work closely with my hon. Friend and with local leaders, particularly mayors of combined authorities, to ensure that as we roll out that funding, it is accessible to everybody.
Session: Access to Live Events
View All Questions -->
As the Minister knows, the personal independence payment is a passport benefit for carer’s allowance. The Government’s impact assessment suggests that approximately 150,000 family carers will lose out due to the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for PIP. What further analysis have the Government done of the financial impacts of welfare reform on family carers?
Context
The personal independence payment is a passport benefit for carer’s allowance. The Government’s impact assessment suggests that approximately 150,000 family carers will lose out due to the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for PIP.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
We are consulting on the support that will be needed over the next few years for perhaps one in 10 of those currently claiming PIP. Support will be needed for those who lose their benefit, and that will include family carers who receive carer’s allowance at the moment.
Session: Welfare Reforms Impact on Disabled People
View All Questions -->
My constituency of Shipley is not short of sporting talent. Baildon Fisical Sports Coaching Academy’s under-eights team has just won the national junior premier league final for the second consecutive season. I pay tribute to the Bumble Bees Barbarians, the first mixed-ability contact rugby union team in England, which plays at the Bradford and Bingley sports club. Following the Government’s welcome announcement of a £100 million investment in grassroots sports, will the Minister assure me that inclusive grassroots sport will receive funding to continue that great work?
Context
The MP highlights successful sports teams and groups in her constituency, such as Baildon Fisical Sports Coaching Academy's under-eights team which won the national junior premier league final. She also mentions Bumble Bees Barbarians, the first mixed-ability contact rugby union team.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
I congratulate the teams that my hon. Friend mentions. Grassroots clubs do such an important job in nurturing sporting talent. Brilliant sports groups across the country will receive funding for facilities. We will be targeting the most deprived areas, supporting under-represented groups and providing the multi-sport benefit through the Football Foundation, which will deliver that through its local football facilities plans, which are being refreshed to reflect changes including the growth in the women’s game and need in other sports.
Session: Grassroots Sports
View All Questions -->
Increasing active travel by 50% in England would result in 1.8 million fewer GP visits and 4 million fewer sick days. I therefore welcome the Government’s commitment, reiterated by the Minister, to build 300 miles of new cycle lanes and walkways. Will the Minister meet me and the Friends of Wharfedale Greenway to see how we can secure investment to open up this amazing active travel corridor in Wharfedale and boost the health of my constituents?
Context
The MP welcomed the government's commitment to build new cycle lanes and walkways, referencing a study that suggests increasing active travel could result in significant health benefits.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
Our investment in active travel will lead to fewer sick days and millions more journeys walked, wheeled and cycled every year. More than £17 million has been allocated to West Yorkshire for active travel. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend. I will also ask Active Travel England to make contact with the Friends of Wharfedale Greenway about that specific scheme.
Session: Promoting Active Travel
View All Questions -->
I thank the Secretary of State for her earlier response. This year, Bradford is the UK city of culture. This is a fantastic opportunity to show off the creative talent of our wider district, including the Shipley constituency, and it could be the springboard for unleashing the economic potential of our city and area, which for too long has been unrecognised. Can the Secretary of State assure me that the Government will help to secure the legacy of Bradford 2025 and support our creative industries to fuel economic growth?
Context
The MP is concerned about the economic impact of being a city of culture and securing legacy after Bradford's city of culture designation.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
May I say to my hon. Friend what a delight it was to visit her constituency with her, and to celebrate Bradford being the city of culture with Mayor Tracy Brabin and others recently in Bradford? My hon. Friend will know that we have committed £15 million for Bradford 2025. As part of that, we expect 6,000 training opportunities and 6,500 jobs to be created. I am sick and tired of seeing jobs created in parts of the country where children just down the road can no more dream of going to the moon than of getting those jobs. That is why we are investing in young people and the next generation so that they can become the storytellers of the next chapter of this country.
Session: Creative Industries
View All Questions -->
In 2023, it emerged that a number of substandard retrofitting works were carried out as part of Government schemes. In some cases, properties were left with structural damage. When households sought redress, they found that many of the authorised contractors had folded, and they have been left to pick up the bill. Will the Minister assure me and my constituents in Shipley that, under the warm homes plan, sufficient safeguards will be put in place to protect households from rogue companies?
Context
Substandard retrofitting works were carried out as part of Government schemes, causing structural damage and leaving households without redress. There is concern about rogue companies operating under the current system.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Miatta Fahnbulleh)
My hon. Friend raises an important point. We are aware of too many cases where home upgrades have not been done to the required standard. We are very clear that the ad hoc, fragmented system of regulating home upgrades that we inherited from the last Government is in dire need of reform. We will overhaul that system so that when people have home upgrades, they can be confident that they will be of the highest standard and that when things go wrong, they will have as much protection as possible and redress within the system.
Session: Warm Homes Plan
View All Questions -->
I met with the managing director of FirstPort and raised concerns about residents facing extortionate service charges. Does the Minister agree that stronger regulation is needed to protect leaseholders from these unaffordable costs?
Context
Residents in a retirement complex face high service charges that have risen above inflation, making it difficult for them to afford housing costs.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
We are aware of the poor quality service provided by some managing agents and intend to strengthen their regulation, driving up standards based on Lord Best’s 2019 report recommendations.
Session: Leasehold Reform
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for her response, and I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s efforts to secure a sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages. Many constituents are concerned about the recent raid on Kamal Adwan hospital which was one of the last healthcare facilities still operating in Gaza. The director, Dr Safiya, along with his staff, were detained during that raid. International law prohibits this. What steps is the Minister taking to secure their release?
Context
The Kamal Adwan hospital in Gaza was raided, leading to the detention of Dr Safiya along with several staff members. International law prohibits the detention of medical personnel during conflict.
The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)
My hon. Friend is right to raise this critically important issue. We have raised the protection of healthcare facilities and the detention of healthcare workers directly with the Israeli Government. The Minister for the middle east, my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr Falconer), has specifically raised the detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya with both Israel’s deputy Foreign Minister and its ambassador to the UK.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation
View All Questions -->
In England, more than 200,000 people were waiting for an autism assessment in September 2024. In my constituency, some adults have waited more than two years for an autism assessment, and one child has been waiting eight years—and is still waiting—to receive support from child and adolescent mental health services. These delays have a profound impact on people’s lives. Will the Minister commit to the mental health investment standard and ensure that as the Government reduce waiting times, they do so for both physical and mental health services for young people and adults?
Context
More than 200,000 people are waiting for autism assessments, with some adults and children facing years-long waits.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
We remain absolutely committed to the mental health investment standard. We have prioritised the expansion of NHS talking therapies and individual placement and support schemes, and provided £26 million of capital funding to open new mental health centres. However, we are not complacent on this issue. My hon. Friend spoke about autism assessments, which is a red light that is flashing on my dashboard. I would be happy to discuss that further with her.
Session: Mental Health Services
View All Questions -->
In Shipley constituency, there are over 3,000 veterans. I have enjoyed meeting local veterans recently, and I invite my hon. Friend to join me in thanking them for their service. However, with the number of homeless veteran households in England reaching 2,270 in the year 2023-24, will the Minister assure me that veterans in Shipley constituency will receive the housing support they need?
Context
The MP mentioned over 3,000 veterans in Shipley constituency and highlighted the issue of homeless veteran households.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the veterans of Shipley. It is essential, especially over the Christmas period and the next three or four months, that anyone who needs a roof over their head has one. That is why Op Fortitude is really moving at pace: we have had just under 3,000 referrals, and over 800 veterans have been put into housing. I would say that if anyone has any veterans in their constituency, please get them to go on to gov.uk and look at the services available. There are plenty of services out there to get those individuals into housing as fast as possible.
Session: Support for Veterans
View All Questions -->
Does the Secretary of State agree that recent Budget announcements by both the UK and Welsh Governments demonstrate that both Governments understand the importance of fixing our NHS and delivering for the people of the whole United Kingdom?
Context
The question is in response to the Secretary of State's remarks, noting that under the previous Prime Minister waiting lists increased faster in England than Wales.
Jo Stevens
I could not agree more with my hon. Friend. As I say, there was a record settlement from Welsh Government yesterday, with £610 million announced to bring down waiting lists and increase capacity in the NHS and social care.
Session: NHS Waiting Lists
View All Questions -->
Some 3.8 million people aged 19 and over benefit from skills education in England every year. I pay tribute to all the hard-working professionals employed in further education, including at Shipley college in my constituency. However, businesses in Saltaire tell me that they struggle to recruit people with the digital and tech skills they need locally.
Context
3.8 million people aged 19 and over benefit from skills education in England every year, with Shipley college serving the community.
Bridget Phillipson
We will be giving businesses the flexibility they have been asking for, to unlock growth and drive opportunity through the reformed growth and skills levy.
Session: Skills Training
View All Questions -->
In the report of the archbishops' commission on reimagining care, we recognise the important role of churches in supporting older and disabled people. Can my hon. Friend update the House on what action the Church is taking to fulfil that recommendation?
Context
The archbishops' commission on reimagining care recommended that the Church of England consider developing resources and capacity to engage with disabled people and older individuals.
Marsha de Cordova
Resources include Sunday services broadcast online, British Sign Language interpretation available, DailyHope telephone line, Everyday Faith app used by 3 million individuals and downloaded over 14 million times, and the Daily Prayer app with morning and evening prayer reaching over 2.75 million unique listeners since 2021.
Session: People Housebound due to Disability Church Support
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister agree that local charities need support to continue to help those who are most in need this winter?
Context
The charity Groundwork provides a 'warm homes healthy people' scheme to install energy-efficiency measures and offer advice on energy bills.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
We must do everything we can to support vulnerable households, including through the warm home discount for 3.3 million households and additional support from energy suppliers and charities.
Session: Warm Homes Plan
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to introduce a warm homes plan. Given that 64% of homes in Shipley have an energy performance certificate rating of D or below, I very much welcome the Government's commitment to the warm homes plan.
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of action to address the poor insulation in homes, particularly given that 64% of Shipley's homes have an energy performance certificate rating of D or below.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
We are committed to an ambitious warm homes plan, which includes upgrading homes across the country through new insulation and low carbon heating. The Government has committed £3.4 billion over three years for home upgrades. We have also rolled out the warm homes local grant and the warm homes social housing fund.
Session: Warm Homes Plan
View All Questions -->
Can he reassure us that the Government are fully engaged with the industry and the Financial Conduct Authority in sorting out an issue that could have a very significant impact on the entire sector and its supply chain?
Context
Major lenders suspending lending entirely in response to a judgment in the appeal court, causing consternation across the business lending sector.
Gareth Thomas
We are looking at issues arising for the industry from the judgment. We have launched the British Growth Partnership aimed at unlocking investment in businesses that want to scale up.
Session: Small Businesses Scaling Up
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to help support small businesses to scale-up. Small businesses such as the Greek Corner have benefited from Bradford council's business growth programme funded by the towns fund, which provides capital assistance for businesses to create new jobs. The measures announced in the Budget will be vital to revitalising high streets.
Context
Concern about how to help small businesses in Shipley scale-up and increase productivity.
Gareth Thomas
I agree that local authorities working with local communities are fundamental to supporting SMEs in local economies. That is why we are backing Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, with funding for local priorities and introducing measures such as high street rental auctions and a powerful community right to buy.
Session: Small Businesses Scaling Up
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Youth Mental Health Support
03 June 2026
Responding: Preet Kaur Gill
Main Concerns
["The number of children and young people presenting to primary care for mental health issues has risen from just over 2% in the early 2000s to around 8% by 2023, with referrals to CAMHS trebling since 2016. The Children's Society estimates that five out of thirty children in a class have a mental health problem, and nearly one million young people are not in education, employment or training due to long-term sickness caused primarily by mental health conditions."]
Specific Asks
['The Government must address the NHS waiting list for CAMHS, which stands at more than 550,000 children and young people, with over half having waited longer than a year. The Minister should also prioritise funding and workforce planning to tackle waiting times in mental health services.']
Carer’s Allowance Overpayments
14 April 2026
Responding: Stephen Timms
Main Concerns
["Anna Dixon highlighted the Carer's Allowance overpayment scandal impacting thousands of carers, including Helen who faced a £2,000 debt due to DWP errors. She cited statistics such as 1.2 million unpaid carers living in poverty and 5.8 million unpaid carers contributing £184 billion annually to the UK economy."]
Specific Asks
["Dixon urged the Government to implement Liz Sayce's recommendations urgently, set a timeline for reforms, introduce a taper system to address earnings limits, and ensure all aspects of maladministration are addressed in the audit of over 200,000 cases."]
Home Insulation
26 November 2025
Responding: Martin McCluskey
Main Concerns
['Across the country, 12 million households are in fuel poverty, with almost 5 million spending over 20% of their income on energy. In Shipley, data from Friends of the Earth shows there are 17 energy crisis hotspots and 64% of homes have an EPC rating of D or below. Energy debt is soaring to over £4 billion across the UK.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should support home insulation initiatives like the warm homes plan, scrap the Tory energy company obligation scheme, and introduce social tariffs for energy companies to help those in fuel poverty.']
Unpaid Carers: Inequalities
20 November 2025
Responding: Stephen Kinnock
Main Concerns
['There are 5.8 million carers in the UK who face significant health and financial inequalities, with many living in poverty and struggling to access benefits they are entitled to. Unpaid carers often have to give up work providing over 50 hours of care per week, leading to a 13% employment gap between working-age carers and non-carers.']
Specific Asks
["The lead MP asks the Minister to address health inequalities faced by unpaid carers through better data linkage with DWP, use of digital technology for remote consultations, investment in mental health programmes for carers, and funding for short-term breaks. Additionally, she requests swift implementation of recommendations from Liz Sayce's review on carer’s allowance overpayments."]
Further Education Institutions
16 July 2025
Responding: Catherine McKinnell
Main Concerns
['Further education institutions educate and train 1.6 million people but have faced significant funding cuts under the previous Conservative government, with spending on adult skills and apprenticeships being 23% lower in 2024-25 compared to 2009-10. Many colleges struggle with capital investment due to restrictions on borrowing money.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks for the Minister to outline what the Government is doing to address the capital funding needs of further education colleges and to empower local areas and colleges to tailor their provision to local labour market needs and community demands.']
Health and Care Bill - Schedule 12 - Minor and consequential amendments
08 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to make minor and consequential changes to ensure the smooth implementation of the Health and Care Bill. These changes are nec...
Not specified in the provided text - Clause being read a Second time
08 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Karin Smyth, a Labour MP for Bristol South, moved that the clause be read a Second time. The specific details of the amendment and its implications are not provided in the given text.
Health and Care Bill - Schedule 1
07 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to confer primary care functions on integrated care boards, thereby ensuring better coordination and integration of health ser...
Building Homes and Renewing Communities
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill - New Clause 116
02 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I propose New Clause 116 to introduce a cap on donations from overseas contributors to political parties and candidates. This measure is necessary to ensure the integrity of our democratic process and...
State of Climate and Nature
13 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 ...
Legacy of Jo Cox
11 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I thank Jo’s family for their leadership and friendship, praising the tenacity and guts that have inspired others. I commend Kim Leadbeater for stepping into public life and continuing Jo Cox's legacy...
Milburn Review: Interim Report
02 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...
Attendance
89.8%
88 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
32
32.7% of votes
No Votes
56
57.1% of votes
Abstentions
10
10.2% 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 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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
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
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
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
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
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
3
PMQs Asked
48
Ministerial Questions Asked
89
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
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+258% above average
This MP:
48
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1731% above average
This MP:
89
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 (%)
+30% above average
This MP:
89.8
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 Anna Dixon's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.