Ben Coleman
MP for Chelsea and Fulham
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My constituents tell me that our top national priority must remain as it is: economic growth. Does the Prime Minister agree that the swiftest way to achieve growth is for the Government to be even more ambitious in negotiating with the European Union to remove the new red tape and trade barriers that have been holding back UK businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, since the Conservatives’ poorly managed exit from the European Union?
Context
UK businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, have faced new red tape and trade barriers since the UK's exit from the European Union.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
This is an issue that I will not shirk away from. We need to work closely with our European partners, as we have done in recent months, to find practical solutions that help businesses and consumers on both sides of the Channel.
Session: PMQs
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At the moment, the European Union is taking big decisions to address challenges that affect us too. Will the Minister reassure my constituents that the Government will press ahead with a summit this year, get good deals for young people and on the price of food and energy, and seek to be more ambitious and bold in getting us a seat at the table?
Context
Ben Coleman questioned the Government's commitment to pressing for better deals for UK constituents in EU decisions.
Hamish Falconer
I can reassure my hon. Friend's constituents that, after many years of neglect, we are getting back to the table: I was at the table yesterday and the Foreign Secretary will be at the table this evening. We are pressing British interests in relation to steel made in Europe and on a whole range of really important questions. We have applied considerable pressure. Young people and research and development institutions will have access to a closer relationship with Europe, and we will push ahead in the coming weeks and months.
Session: EU Foreign and Security Co-operation 2026-09-01
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Could he reassure my disabled constituents under the age of 22 that they will not lose their universal credit health payments? This support is vital as these young people face significant barriers to work and poverty. Has an impact assessment been made?
Context
Concerns have been raised about the impact on young disabled individuals who receive universal credit health payments, which are crucial for their financial stability.
Stephen Timms
There is an urgent need to address the big rise in NEETs. We think better support might help young people more than extra cash. The Alan Milburn review will report in September; we will wait until then to decide whether to delay access to universal credit health element until age 22, with possible exceptions.
Session: Disabled People Benefits Reassessments
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Will the Secretary of State join me in welcoming the success of sickle cell bypass units in north-west London and across the country in reducing pressure on emergency departments, while improving care for sickle cell patients? Does my right hon. Friend recognise that the future of these units is threatened, and will he meet me to discuss the need for ongoing central funding?
Context
The success of sickle cell bypass units in reducing pressure on emergency departments and improving care for sickle cell patients is threatened. The MP seeks to secure ongoing central funding to maintain these vital services.
Wes Streeting
I congratulate the units on their work. I appreciate concerns about sickle cell services, which we must maintain. It is so important that we work together—that Labour's investment and modernisation works alongside NHS leaders and those promoting public health—and work with great Labour councils.
Session: Topical Questions
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This plan is to be welcomed. It rightly recognises that families of children with SEND are absolutely exhausted from having to fight and battle for the support they need. I therefore strongly welcome the commitment to end that and to give over 1 million children, for the first time, legally enforceable rights through the individual support plans. But concerns have been expressed to me that, without clear enforcement, ISPs risk repeating the same problem, so can the Secretary of State tell me what happens if a school does not follow a child's plan? Will parents have a legal right to enforce what an ISP says? In short, how will the Government ensure that these are genuine entitlements and not just more promises that families have to battle to see honoured?
Context
The questioner welcomes the commitment to end the battles for SEND support but is concerned about the legal enforceability of individual support plans.
Bridget Phillipson
Settings will have a duty to create individual support plans and deliver high-quality provision, drawing on national standards. If schools are not following the plan, it will be clear and obvious. Parents should seek to resolve that directly with the school. Where that does not work, we are strengthening the school complaints process, with independent SEND expertise on the panel.
Session: School SEND Provision
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Given the recent statement by the Chancellor about the benefits of a youth experience scheme, and considering the Centre for European Reform's estimate of its economic impact, can you reassure my constituents that the Government will maximise all opportunities on offer for young people from various backgrounds to work, study, do apprenticeships, and volunteer in EU countries to boost our economy and rebuild cultural links after the damage caused by a botched Brexit?
Context
The Chancellor recently stated that an ambitious youth experience scheme with the EU would be beneficial for growth and business. The Centre for European Reform has estimated such an agreement could add nearly 0.5% to UK GDP over ten years.
The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Chris Ward)
I can reassure you that this agreement will make a real difference to jobs and cultural exchange by maximising opportunities for young people. We are working hard on it and also exploring an associate relationship with the Erasmus+ scheme. The exact parameters of this relationship are part of ongoing negotiations, but we will update the House shortly.
Session: EU Youth Experience Scheme
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One of the businesses that stands to benefit from the EU trade agreement is a butcher and deli in my constituency that imports a lot of its products from Spain. At the moment, its shelves are unfortunately half-empty because its small Spanish supplier—effectively a man with a van—says he simply cannot cope with all the Brexit form filling. However, he has said that he expects things to get better from later this year thanks to the Government’s deal with the EU, which is great news. Will the Minister set out what steps are being taken to implement the removal of the Brexit red tape of sanitary and phytosanitary checks, including the likely timetable?
Context
A butcher and deli in Chelsea and Fulham imports products from Spain, facing challenges due to Brexit paperwork. The business expects improvements thanks to the Government’s deal with the EU.
The Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security (Mr Douglas Alexander)
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. I express my regret that that business, like so many across the country, finds itself buried in red tape as a consequence of the implementation of Brexit by the Conservative party. There are technical aspects of our agreement with the European Union that need to be worked through, but businesses across the country, such as the butchers and deli he described, will be willing us on in that endeavour.
Session: Trade Agreements Implementation
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I thank the Minister for her reply and for the excellent work she has done in putting together the procurement strategy. It has been a passion of mine for many years that we do not use procurement just to get extra social value but extra economic value, which will help local firms and local growth. That is what this statement does, and I hugely welcome it. May I ask the Minister whether she intends to issue guidance to local authorities so that they know how best they can achieve economic value? For example, they could proactively tell small firms what contracts are coming up or train them in how to tender, which is very difficult for them. The Government could also encourage local authorities to break procurement into lots, so that small firms have a better chance of bidding. Finally, local authorities could stop requiring an unreasonable number of years of accounts to be shown before small firms are permitted to bid.
Context
The MP is concerned about using public procurement to drive economic growth. He references his long-standing passion for this area and the current government's procurement strategy.
Georgia Gould (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
Growth is the No. 1 mission for this Government. We have learned from local authorities such as Hammersmith and Fulham, which built economic value into procurement. The Procurement Act 2023 makes new tools available, but what is critical is how they are used to deliver innovation and growth. The Government will be consulting on new plans to set targets for small and medium-sized enterprise use for the wider public sector. We have delivered extensive training and developed new communities of practice to help make the most of this huge opportunity. As my hon. Friend has said, much of this is about culture and the use of the tools. We will be working with local authorities around the country to deliver on this enormous opportunity.
Session: Local Authority Procurement Economic Growth
View All Questions -->
Does the Chancellor agree that we need to deepen our trading links with the EU for full economic growth potential? Can she say how the Treasury is working with other Departments on this?
Context
The MP represents constituents from EU countries and asks about the importance of deepening trade relations with the European Union.
Rachel Reeves
The Government have been working to reset our relationship with EU friends and neighbours. The Prime Minister met the President of the European Commission, agreeing to strengthen UK-EU ties on global challenges such as economic headwinds, climate change, and energy prices.
Session: Economic Investment and Growth
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What progress she has made on increasing economic growth. The Government's programme for economic growth needs to be seen in action and not just promises.
Context
The MP is concerned about economic growth in his constituency, particularly since the government has been discussing initiatives to increase it.
Rachel Reeves
The Government's growth mission will counteract 14 years of sluggish economic growth, kick-starting a decade of national renewal. We have launched the national wealth fund, introduced planning system reforms, and secured £63 billion in investments across the UK.
Session: Economic Investment and Growth
View All Questions -->
It has just been revealed that the UK has fallen out of the top 10 manufacturers globally. Does my right hon. Friend agree that strengthening our country's trading relationship with the European Union, in respect of goods as well as services, needs to be an essential part of achieving the Government's ambitions for growing the economy?
Context
The UK has recently fallen out of the top 10 manufacturers globally. This issue is significant for economic growth.
David Lammy
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that our biggest trading relationship is with the European Union. We are committed to a new veterinary deal and dealing with issues of qualifications, but we will take forward discussions with the European Union in good spirit as soon as the Commission is in place.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
In my corner of London, concerns have been expressed about a particular supplier being awarded contracts worth more than £25 million for useless PPE, after being put forward by a former Minister in the VIP lane. Could the Minister say more about how the Public Sector Fraud Authority and the Treasury will ensure that every penny that can be returned is returned to the public purse?
Context
Concerns about a supplier receiving more than £25 million for questionable PPE after being put forward through VIP lanes.
Georgia Gould
I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to hear more about the individual example from their constituency. We have set out that tackling fraud is an absolute priority for the Cabinet Office, and we will use every lever available to us to get back what is owed to the British people. The Public Sector Fraud Authority is already working closely with the Treasury on the role of the counter-fraud commissioner.
Session: Covid-19 Pandemic Cost to Public Purse of Public Procurement Fraud
View All Questions -->
What recent estimate has been made of the cost to the public purse of fraud in public procurement during the covid-19 pandemic. In my corner of London, concerns have been expressed about a particular supplier being awarded contracts worth more than £25 million for useless PPE after being put forward by a former Minister through VIP lanes.
Context
Concerns about fraud and waste in public procurement contracts awarded during the COVID-19 pandemic, with specific concerns over a supplier receiving more than £25 million for questionable PPE.
Georgia Gould
The previous Government allowed waste and fraud to spiral out of control, with latest estimates showing £10.5 billion in estimated fraud and error in covid-19 schemes. The new Government are taking action by appointing a new covid counter-fraud commissioner who will use every means possible to recoup public money. I have met the Public Sector Fraud Authority to strengthen the counter-fraud approach across Government, and the counter-fraud commissioner reports directly to the Chancellor.
Session: Covid-19 Pandemic Cost to Public Purse of Public Procurement Fraud
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Voluntary Groups and Community Centres
25 March 2026
Responding: Stephanie Peacock
Main Concerns
['The financial position of community centres across England is stark: net spending on community centres and public halls has fallen by 38% in real terms since 09, with over half of community organisations expecting lease-related difficulties. The insecurity around leasing is the single greatest threat to the sector. Access to capital funding is incredibly difficult, with success rates as low as one in twenty applications. Many community centres operate out of ageing, poorly maintained premises and face challenges related to landlord practices and local authority procedures. One example mentioned was the sudden eviction of St Mary Abbots Rehabilitation and Training (SMART) centre by the council last summer without warning or alternative provision.']
Specific Asks
["The lead MP asks for three things: clear guidance from DCMS on support provided to voluntary organisations managing council buildings, covering tenancy agreements and property management; guidance on issuing insecure tenancies or tenancies at will by local authorities acting as landlords; and transparency when communities' spaces are suddenly at risk of closure or disposal."]
Online Safety
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
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...
UK-Switzerland Enhanced Free Trade Agreement
14 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
European Entry and Exit System
08 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Nottingham Maternity and Neonatal Services
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government and Regeneration Bill - Lords amendments engaging Commons financial privilege and other Lords amendments to be discussed
21 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to disagree with Lords amendment 2. Proposes several Government motions to disagree with multiple Lords amendments and offers alternatives in lieu of others.
Backbench Business
13 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Stafford moved that the House believes SEND is an issue affecting every constituency, acknowledges challenges families face in navigating a complex and under-resourced system, and supports reforms ...
Palliative Care
05 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms Maskell moved that the House notes the findings of the Independent Palliative Care Commission and calls on the Government to implement its recommendations in full. She emphasised the need for a com...
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
76.5%
75 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
26
26.5% of votes
No Votes
49
50.0% of votes
Abstentions
23
23.5% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
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
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
12
Ministerial Questions Asked
44
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
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
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-10% below average
This MP:
12
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+805% above average
This MP:
44
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 (%)
+11% above average
This MP:
76.5
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 Ben Coleman's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.