Barry Gardiner
MP for Brent West
Lab
1 May 1997 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
What will she now do to improve the mental healthcare for people in this country, so that the anguish that they face in the coming months is properly responded to and dealt with?
Context
Since the mini-Budget, Barry Gardiner notes that many constituents face mental anguish and despair. He asks what steps will be taken to improve mental health services in response.
Elizabeth Truss
My right hon. Friend the Health and Social Care Secretary has set out a clear plan of how we are going to deal with the backlog created by covid, including improving services in hospitals, including mental health services.
Assessment
Specific measures for addressing post-mini-Budget mental healthcare issues
Dealing With Backlog
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The Prime Minister has set out today that he wants a high-skill, high-wage economy. He has also been on the record as saying that the tactic of fire and rehire is “unacceptable”. Surely the best way of ensuring that we have a high-wage economy is to work with the proposals in my private Member's Bill so that we end that tactic of fire and rehire.
Context
The Prime Minister has previously stated that the tactic of fire and rehire is “unacceptable”. The question refers to a private Member's Bill proposing measures against this practice.
Boris Johnson
The most vivid example of fire and rehire is that conducted by the Labour party. If I recall, the leader of the Labour party himself fired his deputy leader and then rehired her as shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and shadow Secretary of State for the future of work.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies recommended an urgent lockdown to save lives on 26 February, but it took another three and a half weeks to implement it. The Government like to claim that they have been following the scientific advice, but they haven't, have they?
Context
The Government is accused of not following scientific advice on a timely basis.
Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Justice)
We have at every stage, from January, when the original crisis started to break out in China, right the way through to the moment several weeks ago when we announced our social distancing measures, followed meticulously, carefully and assiduously the advice both from the chief scientific adviser and the chief medical officer. As a result of that, and as a result of the measures we have put in place, two things have happened.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Would it not make more sense, be much more efficient for the criminal justice system and be a humanitarian gesture to release these three remand prisoners with tagging and appropriate monitoring?
Context
Constituents on remand in prison are now on hunger strike. None of the offences of which they are accused involve violence against a person.
The Solicitor General (Ellie Reeves)
rose—
Session: Jury Trials
View All Questions -->
If grid decarbon-isation by 2030 really did cost the billions of pounds that the Secretary of State claims, she might care to explain why her own policy is to achieve 95% of full decarbonisation by the very same date?
Context
The question questions the Secretary of State's claim about the cost implications of Labour's plan to achieve full grid decarbonisation by 2030.
Claire Coutinho
I would completely reject that, based on the many conversations that I have had with industry and experts. The plans that we have set out have been assessed by the Climate Change Committee as being realistic. The plans that the Labour party has set out have been criticised by pretty much every single part of the energy system.
Session: Grid Decarbonisation Cost
View All Questions -->
In the Select Committee inquiry into preparations for this winter, one of the repeated calls that we have heard from expert witnesses is to support the vulnerable and fuel poor with a social tariff. Will the Minister do that?
Context
Select Committee inquiry into preparations for this winter has called for a social tariff to support the vulnerable and fuel poor.
Amanda Solloway
Of course we are aware of the challenges that are facing consumers this coming winter, which is why we are keeping the price cap as a safety net. To give the hon. Gentleman reassurance, we will be monitoring the situation in case we need to look at this further.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Home Secretary undertake to publish abstraction figures as a matter of routine?
Context
The MP is concerned about the abstraction of police resources due to protests.
Chris Philp
Such operational matters are for the police, but I share the hon. Gentleman's concern about the level of abstraction owing to protests and call for an end to these protests.
Session: Neighbourhood Crimes Effectiveness of Police Community Support Officers
View All Questions -->
I applauded when the Government announced their £100 million package to support zoos and the vital conservation work they do, but then I discovered the eligibility criterion that they must have less than 12 weeks' reserves. The trustees of any zoo with less than 12 weeks' reserves would already have declared voluntary liquidation, so will the Secretary of State look again at the criterion, replace it with one based on percentage of revenue lost and—
Context
The government announced a £100 million package to support zoos, but the eligibility criterion is that they must have less than 12 weeks' reserves.
George Eustice
I understand the point the hon. Gentleman was making. It is important to note that we had a smaller zoo fund to support small zoos, which was announced earlier. This fund is for the very large zoos, and many of them do have large reserves. It is right that we expect them to use those reserves before they come to us, but they can apply for the fund before those reserves run out, and we have increased it from six weeks to 12 weeks.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Next year is important for the environment internationally, including COP26 on climate change in October and the Convention on Biological Diversity where biodiversity targets to replace the Aichi targets will be agreed.
Context
Next year is crucial for the environment internationally, with COP26 on climate change and the Convention on Biological Diversity meetings.
George Eustice
Next year is a really important year for the environment internationally, with the UK hosting COP26 on climate change in October, but also with the convention on biological diversity taking place, where biodiversity targets to replace the Aichi targets will be agreed. The UK has been working on a leaders' pledge for nature, which over 70 world leaders have now signed. We are also working to secure better targets on biodiversity and to make nature-based solutions a key part of our approach to tackling climate change.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The Minister will know that there are more Azeris living in Iran than there are in Azerbaijan—some 50 million of them, who hold great sway and influence. Russia, on the other hand, is firmly committed to supporting Armenia in this conflict, and that could see the Russian and Iranian co-operation in the Syrian war come under severe strain. What concerns does the Minister have about the potential for Iran to become embroiled in the dispute, and what steps is her Department taking to avoid that situation?
Context
Concerns have been raised about the potential for Iran to become involved due to its significant Azeri population and Russia's support of Armenia. The MP seeks the government's view on this.
Wendy Morton
As I clearly indicated, we remain very concerned about this conflict, and the hon. Gentleman is right to raise it. That is why we are continuing to work to urge both parties back to the table to have dialogue, and to use the Minsk process to further that.
Session: Nagorno-Karabakh
View All Questions -->
What proposals have been put forward by the Government to the UN Security Council regarding a resolution to the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh?
Context
The ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has prompted the UK to call for discussion at the UN Security Council. The MP seeks specific proposals by the government.
Wendy Morton
We remain deeply concerned about the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, and call on all parties to take every measure possible to protect civilians. That is why, on 29 September, the UK called for discussion at the UN Security Council.
Session: Nagorno-Karabakh
View All Questions -->
What assurance can the Minister give that more suitable accommodation is now being prepared?
Context
The original plan included housing delegates in cruise liners, which was criticized as expensive and environmentally harmful. The question seeks assurance about suitable accommodation.
Douglas Ross
Decisions will continue to be taken on COP26 when it is rescheduled. The summit will host the largest number of delegates ever in the UK and we are committed to celebrating this achievement while considering the point raised about suitable accommodation.
Session: Rescheduling of COP26
View All Questions -->
What discussions has he had with the Scottish Government on rescheduling COP26 to be held in Glasgow in 2021?
Context
The original plan for COP26 included housing 30,000 delegates in cruise liners docked in the Clyde. This proposal was criticized as both expensive and counterproductive due to pollution from diesel emissions.
Douglas Ross
The decision on a revised date for COP26 in 2021 will be taken by the COP Bureau of the United Nations framework convention on climate change, in co-operation with the UK and Italy.
Session: Rescheduling of COP26
View All Questions -->
Can he confirm that under this Australia-style deal, all suspended bilateral investment agreements will come back into force and what assessment has been made of dispute proceedings?
Context
Concerning the impact of potential trade deals on bilateral investment agreements suspended due to UK's membership in the EU, the MP seeks clarification on the government's stance.
Conor Burns
The shadow Secretary of State may be confused as this is a matter for questions to the Department for International Trade. The Cabinet Office handles EU negotiations, not this department.
Session: UKEU Trade Agreement
View All Questions -->
The Secretary of State will be familiar with the Brexit voucher scheme that has been launched by the Irish Government to support small and medium-sized enterprises trading across borders and affected by Brexit. The Dutch have introduced a similar scheme paying grants of over €2,000 and loans of up to €1.5 million. What assessment has she made of those measures and whether they are compliant with state aid rules, and if they are, why has she not introduced any similar measures to support our own SMEs, which face unknown tariffs, increased checks and inspections, and substantial delays to their trade?
Context
The Irish Government has introduced a Brexit voucher scheme to support SMEs trading across borders. The Dutch have similar measures.
Elizabeth Truss
We are working very closely with the Cabinet Office to make sure that businesses have all the information they need to prepare for transition at the end of this year. This is also an opportunity, of course, to get more businesses trading with the rest of the world, and we will be saying more about this soon in our new export strategy.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Gardiner seeks examples of intersecting customs unions globally and confirms that goods will have to be declared and inspected in Northern Ireland regardless of any future free trade agreements with the EU.
Context
Gardiner questions the existence of intersecting customs unions elsewhere in the world, and asks about declarations and physical checks for products under the EU customs code to be implemented in Northern Ireland.
Elizabeth Truss
Truss confirms that they want to ensure no hard border in Northern Ireland, prioritizing this matter and reaching an agreement with the EU. She acknowledges the world moving towards digitized customs and encourages positive contributions rather than negative perspectives on customs unions.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Global Deforestation
30 April 2025
Responding: Mary Creagh
Main Concerns
["The world has lost one third of all its forests since the end of the last ice age, with more than half of this loss occurring in the last 125 years. Agricultural expansion is responsible for 88% of global deforestation and contributes to significant carbon dioxide emissions, while threatening biodiversity and livelihoods. The Government's response to addressing these issues through sustainable commodity supply chains has not translated into actionable steps beyond a call to action."]
Specific Asks
['The Government needs to take more concrete actions to halt deforestation by 2030, including mobilising global efforts to address the issue and ensuring that financial institutions are disclosing and eliminating harmful practices from their portfolios as committed in previous pledges.']
Safe Asylum Routes: Afghan Refugees
17 October 2023
Responding: Robert Jenrick
Main Concerns
["The Government's Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) has underperformed, with only 107 out of a promised 5,000 resettlements achieved in the first year. Only 66 people were resettled through pathway 2 and just 41 through pathway 3. Additionally, ARAP has received over 141,000 applications but only 73 Afghans managed to relocate under this scheme in the past year. The processing of category 1 applicants is delayed, with only five positive decisions made between April 2021 and January 2023."]
Specific Asks
['The Minister should publish criteria for pathway 3 eligibility extension, expedite ARAP applications, especially those from Pakistan, increase caseworkers on the ARAP scheme, commit to a date for publishing information on Afghan refugee family reunion under ACRS pathway 1, and review the unsafe journey policy to ensure it does not put vulnerable individuals at greater risk.']
Leaseholders and Managing Agents
28 February 2023
Responding: Lee Rowley
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the unfair treatment of leaseholders due to fire safety issues and unscrupulous managing agents. He cited specific examples where residents faced unreasonable service charges, such as a 256% increase in insurance premiums at Williams Way and a 130% increase at Lawns Court. The MP also highlighted that many leaseholders are facing financial penury and severe impacts on their mental and physical health due to the inability to manage or buy freehold rights over their properties.']
Specific Asks
['The MP asks for an end to new residential long leases on houses, restrictions on ground rents to a peppercorn, improved transparency for leaseholders, enforcement of existing laws against unreasonable service charges, and the abolition of the current leasehold system.']
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Climate Change
24 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to approve the draft Carbon Budget Order 2026, which was laid before this House on 2 June.
Thames Water
16 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
02 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Women’s State Pension Age Communication PHSO Report 2026-01-29
29 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Business of the House 2026-01-08
08 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The MP expressed dissatisfaction with the Government’s practice of making significant policy announcements when Parliament is not sitting. He cited several examples of U-turns on policies related to i...
Business of the House 2025-12-18
18 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Expressed condolences for the Bondi Beach attack, criticised the Labour Government's failure to meet its promises, highlighted issues like rising taxes, cost of living crisis, NHS waiting lists, socia...
Christmas Adjournment 2025-12-18
18 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Conservative MP for Harrow East highlighted improvements in local governance, including increased spending on roads and highways, introduction of free parking, and efforts to combat fly-tipping. H...
Government Procurement 2025-12-02
02 December 2025
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
On 1 October, it became mandatory for Government contracting authorities to include social issues like jobs and skills in their procurement processes. The social value model they have prepared is flaw...
Attendance
70.4%
69 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
22
22.4% of votes
No Votes
47
48.0% of votes
Abstentions
29
29.6% 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
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
3
PMQs Asked
13
Ministerial Questions Asked
160
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
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
-3% below average
This MP:
13
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3192% above average
This MP:
160
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 (%)
+2% above average
This MP:
70.4
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 Barry Gardiner's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.