Brendan O'Hara
MP for Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
SNP
7 May 2015 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
With arrest warrants against Netanyahu and his allies now in place, will the Prime Minister end UK's complicity in atrocities by ending licensing of F-35 components to a regime led by a wanted man?
Context
Arrest warrants have been issued for Netanyahu and Gallant allies of the Israeli regime accused of war crimes. The UK currently licenses F-35 components to Israel.
Keir Starmer
We have set out our position under current law and will continue supporting Israel's defence against attacks, like those from Iran.
Session: PMQs
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I was in South Lochaber at the weekend, speaking to pensioners who still cannot understand why the Prime Minister chose to take away their winter fuel payment. One of them remembered from just two years ago the then Leader of the Opposition stating: “Looking ahead to winter is frightening. I've met pensioners who have no idea how they'll heat their homes.” She asked me to ask the Prime Minister, whatever happened to that guy?
Context
Pensioners in Brendan O'Hara's constituency are concerned about the removal of their winter fuel payments.
Keir Starmer
As the hon. Member knows from previous answers, we have taken tough decisions in this Budget to deal with the situation that we faced. Because of that, we have stabilised the economy, which means that we can commit to the triple lock, and because of the triple lock, pensioners will be better off. I will take no lectures from his party about running the economy; the SNP's record in Scotland is terrible.
Session: PMQs
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Dropping 2,000 lb bombs on civilian areas is illegal. Israel has used F-35s to do so. Why did the Government choose not to suspend arms licences?
Context
International law prohibits dropping bombs on densely populated areas. Israel uses F-35s for this. Why not suspend arms licences?
Keir Starmer
We comply with international law and have set out our reasoning. Now we must get a ceasefire in place to ensure hostages are freed, aid goes in, and the process towards a two-state solution starts.
Assessment
Suspended arms licences for F-35 components
Complying With International Law
Session: PMQs
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People across these islands have displayed remarkable generosity, including in Argyll and Bute, where Oban Helps Ukraine has been overwhelmed by donations of money, clothes and offers of shelter. Sadly, the Government's reluctance to allow fleeing women and children to come here lags far behind the desire of the people here to provide them with a roof and a bed. Does not the Prime Minister fear that, when this war is concluded, and despite whatever else they may have done, his Government will stand accused of lacking the one thing that the Ukrainian people needed most: basic humanity?
Context
The question addresses the disparity between public willingness to take in Ukrainian refugees and the government's restrictive refugee admission policies.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. The whole House wants to do as much as we can as fast as possible, but it is important to have checks. We are moving heaven and earth because we understand the value of refugees fleeing a war zone in terror. We will help people open their arms through the family reunion route that could bring hundreds of thousands of people here and a new humanitarian route.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not address the specific criticism about lacking basic humanity or match public desire for more welcoming policies.
Session: PMQs
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Margaret Thatcher—Hon. Members: Hurrah! Lindsay Hoyle: Order. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Margaret Thatcher, John Major and the right hon. Gentleman's immediate predecessor all accepted that the Union of the United Kingdom can only be maintained by consent. Yet despite winning three elections seeking to test that consent, the Prime Minister insists that the SNP Government do not have a mandate to hold another independence referendum, so could he tell me exactly what mechanism is available to the Scottish people to give their consent or otherwise for maintaining this Union, and how they should go about exercising that?
Context
Inquires about the mechanism for Scottish people to give their consent or otherwise on maintaining the Union, especially after winning three elections seeking to test that consent.
The Prime Minister
I can only repeat my point, which is that the Scottish people do have a mechanism. They used it in 2014: it is a referendum. It took place, and as I think SNP Members all confirmed, it was a once-in-a-generation event.
Session: PMQs
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I welcome the Foreign Secretary to his new role. He will be aware that none of his recent predecessors were ever short of an angry word or condemnatory statement about Israel's actions in Gaza or the west bank, but they were woefully short on any meaningful action to back up their supposed outrage. What is happening in the west bank is happening right now, so time is of the essence. When will he spell out exactly the consequences for the state of Israel and for any UK national or UK-based company found to be complicit in this illegal E1 expansion programme?
Context
Brendan O'Hara welcomes the Foreign Secretary to his new role and questions if there will be meaningful action against the illegal E1 expansion programme.
Ed Miliband
I do want to defend the record of my predecessors for a moment. Recognition of the Palestinian state was a historic decision made by this Government, and action was taken on arms licences. As the Prime Minister has said, we on this side of the House recognise the need for a step change in our approach, given the urgency.
Session: West Bank Illegal Settlements 2026-09-01
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Does the Government accept that this is state-enabled ethnic cleansing? If they do, should they not be doing much more to prevent it and punish the perpetrators?
Context
Amnesty International published a report detailing state-sanctioned and financed ethnic cleansing in the West Bank.
Yvette Cooper
We need international action to address the deep challenge of settlement violence. We have been working on an international consensus for the 20-point plan for Gaza and will continue to seek progress in Egypt.
Session: West Bank Settler Activity
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Would the UK consider a state to be a democracy and would it continue normal diplomatic relations with that state were it to introduce a differential death penalty based on ethnicity?
Context
A new death penalty law in Israel has raised concerns about ethnic discrimination.
Hamish Falconer
I think the hon. Member refers to the legislation passed in the Israeli Knesset. We oppose the death penalty everywhere.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister start by apologising to those in the constituency who have been left facing penury due to the Government's part in the mismanagement of the transfer to Capita?
Context
The privatisation of the delivery of the civil service pension scheme has caused significant distress and financial hardship.
Satvir Kaur
As I have said, the contract was awarded under the previous Government. We have the right to hold Capita to account, which we are doing. I am sorry to hear of the difficulties and distress that the hon. Gentleman's constituents are facing. I encourage him and all Members to contact me and my team about such matters so that we can look into and resolve them as quickly as possible.
Session: Civil Service Pension Scheme
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Last week, I was in Ukraine, where, following Trump’s betrayal, the need for European solidarity to defend our democracy has never been more evident. The unintended consequences of Brexit for our economy and our security are certainly very real. It is increasingly obvious that the UK cannot afford the luxury of splendid isolation. In the spirit of nothing being off the table, will the Minister’s Department start a discussion in government about the UK moving to customs union and single market membership? The closer and the quicker we align with our European partners, the safer we will all be.
Context
The MP visited Ukraine where he saw the need for European solidarity following Trump’s betrayal. He believes that moving towards customs union and single market membership aligns better with UK interests.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
I always thought the SNP’s policy was one of splendid isolation, but that is certainly not the UK Government’s policy. Indeed, we are working very closely with our European partners. That is precisely the leadership that the Prime Minister has been showing in the past week.
Session: Relations with the EU
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The people of Scotland lament the special envoy offer that went unanswered. Could I suggest to the Minister he inform No. 10 about our known position on this issue?
Context
A special envoy role was offered to a person in Scotland but not accepted.
Pat McFadden
I thought that the hon. Member was going to give me a Christmas greeting, but I am still waiting. In the absence of any envoys, he will have to put up with me instead as the Minister for intergovernmental relations.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am sure that pensioners in the Secretary of State's constituency are as relieved as those in Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber that the Scottish Government's Budget will introduce a pension-age winter heating payment for all Scottish pensioners. Will he join me in urging the Labour Government here in Westminster to do the right thing by pensioners in England and Wales and give them back their winter fuel allowance as well?
Context
The Scottish Government's Budget introduces a pension-age winter heating payment for all Scottish pensioners.
Ian Murray
What the hon. Gentleman has just proved is that the winter fuel payment in Scotland is actually devolved.
Session: Autumn Budget Discussions with Scottish Government
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Given concerns raised by the all-party group and Alaa's mother, does the Minister acknowledge that being a UK national might not offer unique advantages in cases of arbitrary detention?
Context
The all-party parliamentary group heard evidence from UK nationals held abroad. Alaa's mother testified this morning about the challenges faced.
David Lammy
We have said we will introduce a special representative to work with hostage families, recognising issues in this area.
Session: Release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah
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The first act of this new Labour Government was to remove winter fuel payments. The SNP Scottish Government has opened applications for the pension age disability payment worth up to £434 a month for eligible pensioners with disabilities or long-term health conditions, piloted in Scotland next year. Will the Minister join me in welcoming this initiative and encouraging those who are eligible to apply?
Context
There is concern about the removal of winter fuel payments by a new Labour Government, despite these payments being vital for many pensioners during colder months.
Emma Reynolds
The SNP Government's focus on increasing benefits for pensioners is good, but during their time in government, pensioner poverty levels increased.
Session: Pensioner Poverty
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What steps her Department is taking to help reduce levels of pensioner poverty. Pensioners in Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber are facing extremely worrying times as they cannot understand why their winter fuel payments were removed. The SNP Scottish Government has opened applications for the pension age disability payment worth up to £434 a month for pensioners with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the number of low-income pensioners not claiming pension credit and the removal of winter fuel payments by a new Labour Government.
Emma Reynolds
The SNP Government's focus on pensioner poverty is good, but during their 17 years of government, pensioner poverty increased across Scotland.
Session: Pensioner Poverty
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As you can imagine, Mr Speaker, the people of Scotland are beside themselves with excitement at the prospect of receiving a visit from the Prime Minister's special envoy. As we prepare the red carpet and massed pipe bands to welcome her, may I ask exactly what was the Cabinet Office's role in the creation of the post, when we will see a job description published, and when the special envoy will finally take up the post officially?
Context
The Scottish public are eager for a visit from the Prime Minister's special envoy but details about her role remain unclear.
Pat McFadden
I am enormously grateful to the Prime Minister's former chief of staff for her efforts as chief of staff. As for the personnel matter, anything to do with the post will be announced in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last month the Minister correctly stated that intentionally directing attacks at civilian objects is a war crime. Yet, why can't the Government do the same when the perpetrator is Netanyahu and victims are Palestinians?
Context
Government's stance on Putin's war crimes is being questioned for consistency compared to their stance towards Netanyahu.
Anneliese Dodds
The new Government prioritise doing all that we can to secure a ceasefire. We have made changes around UNRWA, committed to the International Criminal Court and Court of Justice, ensuring legal requirements on arms exports are upheld.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation
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The tourism and hospitality sectors right across my Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber constituency are desperate for people to come and work, but because of Brexit and the end of freedom of movement, we have the jobs but we do not have the people. The Government know that Scotland needs people, so will the Government reaffirm Jackie Baillie's commitment—her assurance to voters—and commit to facilitating the creation of a Scottish visa?
Context
The tourism and hospitality sectors in Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber constituency are facing severe staffing shortages due to Brexit and the end of freedom of movement.
Kirsty McNeill
We are committed to ensuring that there is effective Scottish representation on the Migration Advisory Committee, and I look forward to working with the Home Office and engaging with sectors on ensuring that immigration works for all parts of the UK.
Session: Scottish Work Visa Scheme
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Key to ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is stopping the sale of weapons to those who have shown that they are prepared to use them indiscriminately against civilians. It has been suggested that the Government will continue to sell defensive weapons, but given that Israel defines its entire campaign as “defensive”, how do they propose to tell us at the end of the review on international humanitarian law how many of the 40,000 civilians killed were killed with defensive weapons, as opposed to offensive weapons? On what legal basis would such a determination be made?
Context
Israel defines its entire campaign as “defensive” despite the killing of many civilians.
Anneliese Dodds
The hon. Member will be well aware that this is a legal process and has to be complied with. This Government are absolutely clear that we must act with integrity and ensure that we are following all the legal procedures, as the Foreign Secretary set out last week in the House and has set out this morning.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation
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What is the Attorney General's assessment of that submission?
Context
FCDO lawyers admitted the inability to assess Israel's record on international humanitarian law poses policy risks.
Victoria Prentis
As the hon. Gentleman knows, I cannot give my specific legal advice. I cannot share that with the House—it is for the Government alone—but I can say that the Foreign Secretary has reviewed the most recent advice from the IHL cell. That has informed his decision that there is not a clear risk that the items exported from the UK might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of IHL.
Session: International Humanitarian Law Israel-Palestine Conflict
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When will this Government make a decision on UNRWA's funding, after sitting on interim reports for 10 days?
Context
The Minister was asked about the delay in making a decision on UNRWA's funding despite assurances to do so when receiving Catherine Colonna's report.
Andrew Mitchell
The UK is waiting for two reports and will consider them carefully before making a decision, which will be communicated back to the House.
Session: Middle East UN Security Council
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The Minister will have seen the shocking images of parachutes dropping aid into Gaza at the same moment as a barrage of Israeli missiles struck. There is, of course, every chance that the aid and the missiles originated from the same source, and I wonder at the level of cognitive dissonance required to supply aid to innocent civilians while at the same time providing the means by which Israel can continue to kill them indiscriminately. When will this Government recognise the moral absurdity of selling weapons to Israel while attempting to salve their conscience by airdropping aid to those civilians who are fortunate enough to have survived the bombardment?
Context
The UK sells weapons to Israel while simultaneously providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Andrew Mitchell
As I think I have mentioned to the hon. Gentleman before, in this country we have the toughest arms control mechanisms anywhere, but we accept that Israel has a right of self-defence, and this has to be seen through that prism as well as the prism through which he sees it.
Session: Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
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Given Netanyahu's categorical rejection of a Palestinian state, what are the next steps? When will we hear about them, and how confident can we be that we will not be sitting here in another 10 years, wishing we had acted to prevent a genocide?
Context
Palestinian recognition is an inalienable right. The Foreign Secretary mentioned looking at the issue of recognizing a Palestinian state with allies.
Andrew Mitchell
The British Government's policy has been clear on the recognition of the state of Palestine. We are working extremely hard in the region and more widely internationally to secure a political track.
Session: Palestinian State Recognition
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Article 86 of the Rome statute requires state parties to cooperate fully with the ICC in its investigations and prosecutions. Given that the UK referred Russia to the ICC, will it provide footage from reconnaissance flights over Gaza if requested by the ICC? If not, what legal basis would underlie such refusal?
Context
The International Criminal Court is investigating potential breaches of international law in the conflict between Hamas and Israel. The questioner seeks clarity on UK's willingness to comply with ICC requests for evidence.
Victoria Prentis
The UK supports the ICC and its prosecutor Karim Khan. Surveillance flights operate in the region primarily to help with hostage situations. We urge all parties to abide by international humanitarian law.
Session: Hamas and Israel Breaches of International Law
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Five years ago, the Migration Advisory Committee said that the current system was failing remote communities. Recently published figures show that my Argyll and Bute constituency is suffering further depopulation, with the town of Rothesay on the Isle of Bute particularly badly affected. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the Government still insist that the current system delivers for all parts of the UK. Will the Secretary of State explain how a one-size-fits-all policy, simultaneous catering for the vastly different needs of densely populated urban areas and Argyll and Bute, can deliver equally for both?
Context
Five years ago, the Migration Advisory Committee stated that the current system was failing remote communities. Argyll and Bute is suffering from depopulation, particularly Rothesay.
Alister Jack
Argyll and Bute is a beautiful part of the United Kingdom, but what it lacks is infrastructure, public services and affordable housing, because the Scottish Government have failed in all those areas. What it also has, with the rest of Scotland, is the problem of being the highest-taxed part of the United Kingdom. That is the problem the Scottish Government have to address.
Session: Scottish Work Visa Scheme
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If it is not the Foreign Secretary's responsibility to assess, who does this? Is he unaware of forced displacements and cuts to essential supplies, or is he saying these facts do not apply under international law?
Context
There are concerns that UK may be overlooking or ignoring evidence of breaches of international humanitarian laws by Israel.
James Cleverly
The hon. Gentleman's interpretation of the situation does not necessarily reflect my view; I do not agree that the UK Government has decided international humanitarian law does not apply.
Session: Israel and Palestine
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Has the Secretary of State seen or been made aware of any evidence that Israel has breached international humanitarian law in its actions since 7 October?
Context
There are concerns about potential breaches of international humanitarian law by Israel in its response to Hamas attacks.
James Cleverly
It is not my role to assess the interpretation of events. However, we are trying to ensure that Israel abides by international law in its actions for legitimate self-defence.
Session: Israel and Palestine
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Given that Bright Blue, a Conservative think-tank, says the welfare system is not providing sufficient support and advocates for a minimum income scheme, will the Minister listen to this advice?
Context
The SNP has long criticized the Government's poverty-inducing policies such as the benefit cap and two-child limit.
Mims Davies
The DWP is interested in outcomes of work done by the Scottish Government on the child payment system. The Minister emphasizes that benefits are not the route out of poverty and supports people progressing through work.
Session: Social Security Payments Cost of Living
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On Tuesday, the House passed a motion instructing the Government to release all correspondence relating to the awarding of a multi-million-pound contract with PPE Medpro, but the Cabinet Office had earlier said disclosure would make it harder for the responsible department to secure a sound financial and contractual basis. What changed so dramatically?
Context
The House passed a motion instructing the Government to release all correspondence related to a multi-million-pound contract with PPE Medpro. The Cabinet Office previously rejected a similar request from the Good Law Project.
Oliver Dowden
We on the Government side respect the will of the House. That motion was passed, and we will comply with its terms.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Minister tell me what his Department is actually doing to ensure that families will not be without power this winter? What advice will the Government be issuing to people, should the worst happen?
Context
The question is prompted by concerns about energy resilience amid the arrival of winter.
Oliver Dowden
We continually test our plans. The Business Secretary and I are confident in power networks. Over £50 billion of support has been provided to control energy bills this winter, highlighting the benefits of a United Kingdom approach over an independent Scotland's.
Session: Winter Preparedness
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Does he agree with what my hon. Friend the Member for East Renfrewshire (Kirsten Oswald) said: that a Prime Minister who was rejected by his own party members but subsequently put into office, unelected, by the MPs on the Government Benches, denying the wishes of the Scottish people in a free and fair election, is an absolute disgrace?
Context
The MP questions the Prime Minister's legitimacy given his party's minority votes and lower percentage than that won by the SNP.
Brendan Clarke-Smith
Talking of free and fair elections is to undermine the tremendous democracy we live in and to show a lack of appreciation of what we have. The Prime Minister has continually referred to the result of the 2019 general election and mentioned his commitment to the 2019 manifesto we were elected on.
Session: Government Responsibility for the Union and Intergovernmental Relations
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Does this mean that responsibility for the Union and intergovernmental affairs will now return to Downing Street, or will it stay with the Cabinet Office? If it does stay with the Cabinet Office, what does it intend to do with it?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of direct engagement from the former Prime Minister with First Ministers and questions if responsibility will now return to Downing Street.
Brendan Clarke-Smith
I remind the hon. Gentleman that the Prime Minister remains in charge of elements relating to the Union. More than 200 intergovernmental ministerial meetings took place between just January and September of this year, and the focus of those engagements was on issues including the Ukrainian conflict, delivering net zero, cost of living pressures, covid-19 recovery, freeports and myriad other matters.
Session: Government Responsibility for the Union and Intergovernmental Relations
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Elizabeth's business fell by 65% in the first year after Brexit due to red tape and new regulations, reducing product line significantly and laying off half its workforce. Is it time for this Government to admit that their Brexit experiment is a lose-lose scenario?
Context
The MP argues that Brexit has been detrimental to businesses such as Elizabeth's company Gracefruit, which saw a 65% drop in business in the first year post-Brexit. The MP seeks an admission from the Government about the negative impacts of Brexit.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
The hon. Gentleman misunderstands; the red tape he describes is EU red tape, not British. We are freeing people from it and look forward to a dynamic global role for UK economy.
Session: Brexit Economic Opportunities
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In October 2019, the Minister assured businesses of broad opportunities post-Brexit. Elizabeth's company Gracefruit exported chemicals for cosmetics to EU for almost two decades but has struggled due to Brexit's impact, reducing product line and workforce significantly. When can they expect those promised economic uplands?
Context
The MP references a previous minister's optimistic statement about Brexit benefits and presents a business case where Elizabeth's company Gracefruit has struggled due to red tape and loss of market. The MP seeks clarity on when the promised economic growth will materialize.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
We are in charge of our economy but cannot control EU decisions. The UK is producing a dynamic and open market economy, regardless of any negative impacts from the EU.
Session: Brexit Economic Opportunities
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Why do our performers now require charitable help and what happened to the promised post-Brexit bonfire of red tape?
Context
Post-Brexit, performers are now relying on Help Musicians charity grants to fund performances in Europe, raising questions about promised red tape reduction.
Jacob Rees-Mogg (Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
We are building up the kindling wood thanks to the readers of The Sun who are sending in their brilliant suggestions. This is a reference to cutting down unnecessary laws post-Brexit.
Session: Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform
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What possible Brexit opportunity can the Minister identify from delaying these checks yet again?
Context
The Financial Times reported that food import checks due in July will be delayed again, raising concerns about red tape reduction claims.
Jacob Rees-Mogg (Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
We in the Conservative party have a global horizon rather than a narrow Brussels-based one. We are building up systems like the single trade window that will be world-beating and cut out bureaucracy globally.
Session: Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform
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What was the best suggestion that he received? Will he be implementing it?
Context
The MP criticises the Minister for issuing a public appeal for suggestions on what to do following Brexit.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
I have received 1,800 recommendations from the wise readers of The Sun. I believe that the British people have an enormous amount of wisdom from which politicians, particularly politicians in Scotland, could benefit.
Session: Brexit Opportunities Unit
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How can we trust him to deliver growth when he has hitherto been unable to accept the evidence of the ONS and the experience of just about every exporter in the UK who is losing business while drowning in a sea of paperwork and bureaucracy?
Context
The MP criticises the Minister for his dismissal of evidence regarding a £20 billion fall in UK exports to the EU over 20 months since Brexit.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
I know that sometimes the SNP does not pay careful attention to public affairs, but the pandemic has had an effect on supply chains across the world and is one of many things that cannot be blamed on Brexit. I am delighted, however, that Scotland is reaping the rewards of Brexit and has decided to have a green freeport, which will be an enormous boost to the economy of Scotland.
Session: Brexit Opportunities Unit
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When did the Minister first become aware that the party had taken place? What advice has he sought from the Attorney General ahead of speaking to the police?
Context
The PM admitted attending an illegal party during a strict national lockdown.
Steve Barclay
I became aware when it was covered in the media. We cannot anticipate the conclusions of the current inquiry, as the PM said yesterday, and we should allow that inquiry to conclude.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister think that the Prime Minister's admission of attending an illegal party will strengthen or undermine the relationship between the Government in London and those in Cardiff, Belfast and Edinburgh?
Context
Devolved Administrations have repeatedly asked their people to do the right thing during the pandemic.
Steve Barclay
The fact that yesterday I was on a call with First Ministers from Scotland, Wales, and others underscores the commitment to work together. Building on yesterday's conversation, this shows willingness to engage positively.
Session: Topical Questions
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The former Justice Secretary, the right hon. and learned Member for South Swindon (Robert Buckland), warned that any attempt to alter the Human Rights Act would make the UK less secure. Yesterday, GCHQ, MI5 and MI6 warned that changing the Human Rights Act would make it more difficult to fight terrorism. What assessment has the Secretary of State made of what they have said? As he launches his consultation today, will he commit himself to taking very seriously what senior figures in our security services have said?
Context
Senior figures warned altering the Human Rights Act would make the UK less secure against terrorism. Former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland raised concerns about such changes.
Dominic Raab
I am not going to respond to claims or anonymous reports in the papers about what the security services may or may not say, but I am absolutely clear that the reforms that we will take will strengthen our protection in a whole range of areas that have been undermined by the Human Rights Act.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Secretary of State confirm that we will remain a signatory and will continue to respect the provisions of the ECHR in full?
Context
The MP inquired about the UK's status as a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights.
Dominic Raab
I have already made it clear before this House that we plan to stay, and will stay, a state party to the European convention.
Session: Topical Questions
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I admire the Minister's ability to say that with a straight face. It is disappointing but not surprising that he appears to believe there is absolutely nothing wrong with the system. Maybe he can take this opportunity to explain why, since 2010, no fewer than 22 of the Tories' biggest backers, who have donated a total of £54 million to their coffers, have been elevated to the House of Lords. Will he explain why he believes that stuffing the House of Lords full of wealthy donors, cronies, political allies and those unwilling or unable to be elected somehow enhances and improves our democracy?
Context
The question arises from concerns that there is a link between party donations and nominations to sit in the House of Lords.
Nigel Adams
Again, successful businesspeople should not be disqualified from sitting in the legislature. The hon. Gentleman made a point about the number of people who have been appointed since 2010. I gently point out that there are just over 800 Members of the House of Lords and 408 of them were appointed by the Opposition when they were in power between 1997 and 2010.
Session: House of Lords Appointments
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At last week's Liaison Committee, my hon. Friend the Member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Angus Brendan MacNeil) asked the Prime Minister if he would stop sending big-value donors to the House of Lords. The Prime Minister replied: Until you get rid of the system by which the trades union barons fund other parties…we need to continue with the system by which public-spirited people give donations. Mr Speaker, I believe that the Prime Minister's answer comes dangerously close to an admission of selling peerages, in direct contravention of the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925, and is worthy of further investigation. Will the Minister undertake that investigation or does he think it is sufficiently serious to involve the Metropolitan police?
Context
The question arises from concerns that there is a link between party donations and nominations to sit in the House of Lords.
Nigel Adams
Again, the answer is no. One of the most valued aspects of the House of Lords is the experience that Members bring to their work. The idea that successful businesspeople and philanthropists who contribute to political causes should be disqualified from sitting in the legislature is nonsense.
Session: House of Lords Appointments
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We are six months into Brexit and the sea of opportunity that the seafood producers of my Argyll and Bute constituency were promised has turned out to be swamp of bureaucracy. Alongside a mountain of paperwork and red tape, they all report falling prices, loss of markets, labour shortages and major transport and logistical problems. Six months into Brexit, they are facing an existential crisis. How has the Secretary of State's Department allowed that to happen?
Context
Seafood producers in Argyll and Bute constituency are facing significant issues post-Brexit including paperwork, red tape, falling prices, loss of markets, labour shortages, transport, and logistical problems.
Elizabeth Truss
We have seen trade with the EU bounce back after some initial issues. In particular, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has offered support to seafood producers to ensure that they have what they need to be able to deal with those issues.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Scottish Devolution Settlement: Retained EU Law
19 October 2022
Responding: Dean Russell
Main Concerns
["Mr. Brendan O'Hara is concerned that the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill will undermine Scotland's devolution settlement by allowing UK Ministers to override Scottish laws in areas such as food standards, environmental health, and animal welfare. He cites examples where Scottish protections could be undermined by decisions made at Westminster, including potential importation of substandard products that the Scottish Parliament seeks to ban. He also mentions farmers' concerns about falling incomes due to rising costs and worries over deregulation's impact on agricultural subsidies."]
Specific Asks
["Mr. O'Hara asks the Minister to confirm if Scotland's decision to preserve all retained EU law would be respected, whether the Bill undermines devolution, why issues raised by the Scottish Government were not addressed before publication, what impact assessments have been done, and if the legislative consent motion from the Scottish Parliament will be accepted."]
Yazidi Genocide
08 February 2022
Responding: Chris Heaton-Harris
Main Concerns
["Mr Brendan O'Hara is concerned about the UK Government's refusal to recognise the atrocities committed against Yazidis in Iraq as genocide. He cites the killing of hundreds if not thousands of men, abduction of boys for child soldiers, and kidnapping of women and girls for sexual slavery with 2,763 still missing. Mr O'Hara notes that Daesh murdered, enslaved, deported, and imprisoned many while inflicting serious harm on others. The UN report 'They came to destroy' details the systematic separation of men and boys from families for execution, along with depriving survivors of basic necessities like food and water."]
Specific Asks
["Mr O'Hara asks the UK Government to recognise what happened to the Yazidis as genocide following the conviction of Taha al-Jumailly in Germany. He urges the Minister to confirm that the atrocities are indeed genocide, aligning with international legal standards."]
Israel and Palestine
08 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...
Rewiring the State
02 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister has set out priorities to address 40 years of overly centralised decision making and over-privatisation, which have stripped power and resources away from communities. The Governmen...
Iran
15 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The speaker highlighted the critical situation in Iran, noting Britain’s armed forces' commendable work. He mentioned recent US strikes against Iranian targets, stressing the need for a diplomatic sol...
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Russian Shadow Fleet
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Social Media Ban for Under-16s
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
09 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
23 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
39.8%
39 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
31
31.6% of votes
No Votes
8
8.2% of votes
Abstentions
59
60.2% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
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 AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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
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
5
PMQs Asked
46
Ministerial Questions Asked
153
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
2
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+243% above average
This MP:
46
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3048% above average
This MP:
153
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-79% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-42% below average
This MP:
39.8
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 Brendan O'Hara's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.