Chris Evans
MP for Caerphilly
Labour (Co-op)
6 May 2010 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
To provide treatment for alcohol and drug dependency, charities such as Change Grow Live need to use the NHS electronic prescription service, which has been unavailable to them until recently. The Government have agreed to allow access, but have provided no timetable. Will the Minister provide one today?
Context
Charities such as Change Grow Live need access to the NHS electronic prescription service, which has been unavailable until recently. The Government have agreed to allow access but provided no timetable.
Stephen Kinnock
We are absolutely committed to electronic prescribing. I think my hon. Friend is referring in particular to pharmacy services. We are launching new initiatives in respect of the shift from analogue to digital, and I should be happy to meet him to discuss the details of his question a little further.
Session: Social Prescribing 2026-07-14
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I associate myself with the remarks of the leader of Plaid Cymru in paying tribute to Hefin David, my friend and colleague. He was an amazing representative for Wales and a real warrior for those who are neurodivergent or find themselves on the margins of society. I am delighted that Caerphilly is so popular today. It seems that so many people who have either only visited several times, or not visited at all and have only read about it in the press, have become experts about my constituency. I am also pleased that the Minister has raised the plight of Ukrainians who came to Wales to seek sanctuary, running from war, because if there was one downside to the by-election, it was the talk of asylum seekers being bad people—that they are all illegal and that they do not contribute anything. Those who said such things should see the exhibition that was on at Caerphilly council and see what asylum seekers have contributed. What message does the Minister have for those Ukrainians who are still seeking asylum in Wales?
Context
The hon. Member criticized the Welsh Labour Government's focus on asylum seekers and suggested that some people in Caerphilly have become experts about the constituency without visiting it.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Anna McMorrin)
We offer sanctuary for those who desperately need it, and we are proud of that, but we inherited contracts and a broken system from the Conservatives. Hotel use has nearly halved since the last election, and we have removed 30,000 people who have no right to be here, ensuring that those who do need to be here have the welcome and support that they need. It is not job done, but work in progress. We can compare that with the 14 years of the Tory Government.
Session: Asylum Seeker Accommodation
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GCAP will contribute £37 billion to the economy, but the Minister will know that the SDR being under review has led to a number of stories appearing in the press that the programme is about to cancel. A belief that something will not happen tends to cause problems within the local and national economies. As the SDR goes ahead, will the Minister ensure that this House and the press will be kept up to date on how GCAP is developing?
Context
Concerns have been raised about potential impacts on the economy due to press reports suggesting that GCAP could be cancelled or delayed as part of the Strategic Defence Review.
Luke Pollard
GCAP is an important programme, and there will be further updates in relation to it as the SDR reports in the first half of next year. In the meantime, we continue to progress the project; indeed, work is continuing across a range of necessary and important defence projects.
Session: Global Combat Air Programme
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What message does the Minister have for businesses that will struggle to keep going this summer with no internet connection or poor broadband speeds?
Context
The MP noted that internet connectivity is essential for rural businesses, especially during tourism season.
Julia Lopez
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, but that is not a true representation of what the NAO said about the shared rural network. We are making very good progress and hope soon to be able to share coverage maps showing the progress made. On the roll-out of gigabit, he may be interested to know that the Welsh Government made representations to us about bringing it in-house because we were making much better progress in England than they were in Wales.
Session: Internet Connectivity
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Will the Government commit to ensuring that personal details are protected for candidates, voters, and democracy?
Context
With the general election approaching, concerns have risen about AI being used to manipulate democracy by scraping personal details.
Julia Lopez
We have a defending democracy taskforce working across every Department to look at threats. We are taking robust measures for protection.
Session: Personal Data
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What are the Government doing to ensure that hard-to-reach people are offering their services as magistrates, including ethnic minorities and younger people?
Context
The number of outstanding cases before Gwent magistrates courts has risen by 21% in the last year alone, and the number of magistrates is now 20% lower in south Wales.
Mike Freer
The hon. Gentleman raises a good point. A piece of work is already under way on how we can increase the diversity of the magistracy and ensure that we recruit from those hard-to-reach groups.
Session: Topical Questions
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Prisons are at 'bursting point', threatening criminal justice system halt without ECSL extension. The Domestic Abuse Commissioner criticised plans as dangerous for domestic abuse victims. Is the scheme effective in managing prison population safely? If so, when will data on released prisoners be published?
Context
The question relates to managing prison capacity and protecting victims while dealing with overcrowded prisons.
Edward Argar
ECSL responds to capacity challenges with safeguards not present in past schemes; 2007-10 scheme lacked supervision for released prisoners convicted of terror offences. Safeguards ensure protection of victims and society.
Session: End of Custody Supervised Licence
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How many prisoners have been released early under the end of custody supervised licence scheme since October 2023. The Justice Committee Chair highlighted prisons are at 'bursting point' with potential criminal justice system halting without ECSL extension, while the Domestic Abuse Commissioner criticised plans as dangerous for victims.
Context
The question arises from concerns about prison overcrowding and the impact of early prisoner release schemes.
Edward Argar
ECSL responds to capacity challenges with safeguards not present in past schemes; 2007-10 scheme lacked supervision for released prisoners convicted of terror offences. Safeguards ensure protection of victims and society.
Session: End of Custody Supervised Licence
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Has the Secretary of State met the Governor of the Bank of England recently? If not, will he invite him to Wales to see the impact of his policies on the Welsh economy?
Context
Monetary policies impact interest rates for Welsh businesses and households.
David Davies
The hon. Gentleman will surely be aware that the Bank of England sets interest rates independently, as a result of a policy brought in by the former Labour Government. As a result of policies being pursued by this UK Government in conjunction with the Bank of England, inflation has dropped drastically from over 11% to 4%, and I would like to think that interest rates will soon follow.
Session: Budget 2024 Businesses in Wales
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A recent study has shown that, through digitisation, the UK's small businesses can generate £77.3 billion in additional revenue and create 885,000 new jobs in this country. However, around four in 10 small businesses do not see new technology as relevant to their company and do not see tech investment as offering good value for money, citing a lack of skills and knowledge. What is being done to ensure that small businesses are not left behind in the technological revolution?
Context
A recent study indicates that small businesses can generate £77.3 billion in additional revenue and create 885,000 new jobs through digitisation.
Michelle Donelan
We work very closely with the Department for Business and Trade on this agenda, and we work with the Department for Education on skills in general. We have fantastic programmes such as Innovate UK, which is helping to support businesses with the uptake of artificial intelligence. We recently produced additional guidance, too.
Session: Topical Questions
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In “A Christmas Carol”, published 180 years ago, Charles Dickens wrote of a world where children lacked shelter, clothing, heating and food. They were represented by a boy called Ignorance and a girl called Want. Dickens died in 1870 and we live in the sixth-largest economy in the world, so why, in 2022, according to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, did 1 million children experience the type of destitution he chronicled long ago? We have heard the Minister quote figures and programmes, and launch attacks on previous Governments, but simply, as a human, would he not agree that just one child living in destitution is one child too many?
Context
1 million children in the UK experienced destitution in 2022, a situation that Charles Dickens chronicled in his writings.
Mel Stride
I completely agree with the hon. Gentleman that one child in destitution is one too many. One person in poverty is one too many. One person who is unemployed and badly wants a job to support their family is one too many. The question we have to ask is how best to go about improving those situations. I say it is through encouraging people into work and through those cost of living transfer payments for those targeted through universal credit, which his party originally opposed, so that we can help those who are most vulnerable and most in need.
Session: Destitution Children
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I thank the Minister for that answer, but he will know that Napo, GMB and Unison all say that the probation service is facing soaring workloads. Employees are battling under the pressure and sickness rates are high. With many workers off sick, the impact on public safety will be massive. Something must be done. Stepping outside the politics of this, will he commit to working constructively with unions and other agencies to bring about a strategy that will address this critical area of probation?
Context
Unions such as Napo, GMB, and Unison have raised concerns about the probation service's soaring workloads, high sickness rates among employees, and potential impact on public safety.
Damian Hinds
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman who I know takes a very close interest in these matters, and rightly so. I commit to working in partnership with unions and other representative bodies and others to make sure that we have the right support for this service. Let me reassure him that recruitment to the probation service has been very encouraging over the past three years and we have managed to exceed our stretching recruitment targets.
Session: Probation Service
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What recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the probation service?
Context
The effectiveness and funding of the UK's probation service is under scrutiny due to concerns about workload, staffing, and public safety.
Damian Hinds
Probation professionals perform a critical and invaluable role for our society. We are injecting an additional £155 million a year to recruit more staff, reduce case loads and continue to deliver better community supervision of offenders. We are seeing improvements in performance as that investment beds in, but there is more to do and I continue to monitor things closely.
Session: Probation Service
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When I asked the Minister for Defence Procurement to give a statement on the Sheldon review two weeks ago, he recognised the importance of workers to the defence industry. We have already heard from my hon. Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Nick Smith) about the problems of Morpheus, which is now rated red by the MOD; the problems we had on Ajax are emerging on Morpheus. What guarantee is the Minister putting in place to ensure workers have a system for reporting back so that issues are reported, listened to and acted upon?
Context
The MP asked for a guarantee to ensure workers have a reporting mechanism when issues arise, citing the example of problems with Morpheus and Ajax.
James Cartlidge
As I said in the statement, I recognise the unique angle the hon. Gentleman has on this issue because the factory in question is in his constituency. I stress that the employment of those employees is the legal responsibility of the company. We engage closely with them. One of the lessons learned is about that close engagement at SRO level through Defence Equipment and Support.
Session: Defence Procurement
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What direct advice does the Secretary of State have for my constituent and thousands like her who are in a hopeless situation?
Context
A constituent is a mother and carer of a disabled child, struggling to afford energy in the coming winter.
David Davies
There are indeed many people suffering at the moment, and I feel very sorry for the hon. Gentleman's constituent. The Government have supported households with the rising cost of living by maintaining the energy price guarantee at £2,500 from April to June 2023, saving households an additional £160. Over the winter, the Government were paying on average about half of people's energy bills. For those living in households where someone has a disability, there has been an extra payment of £150.
Session: Households in Fuel Poverty
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Will the promise of contractual guarantees ensure that future generations are trained in the skills needed for this vital programme?
Context
The AUKUS agreement promises a jobs bonanza for generations to come in places such as Derby and Barrow-in-Furness.
Ben Wallace
It is already underwritten by contractual guarantees. In Barrow-in-Furness, BAE is recruiting for 11,000 to 17,000 jobs. Derby is investing for the next generation of reactor, and that is starting. The key point about AUKUS is that it not only gets a commitment from the Treasury and the Government for the British replacement of the Astute class but locks in the potential of the Australian supply chain and working together collaboratively on skills in both countries. That process is already under way, with £2 billion recently unlocked to start building the infrastructure needed in both Derby and BAE in Barrow.
Session: AUKUS Submarine Project
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I associate myself with the Secretary of State's comments about the coronation. May I pay tribute to staff who made it wonderful? The Northern Ireland Fiscal Council report discusses funding needs; has he read it and will he act on its findings?
Context
A recent Northern Ireland Fiscal Council report highlights the need for public spending parity across the UK.
Chris Heaton-Harris
Yes, I have met with the chair of the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council and read their report. The debate on funding is ongoing; further meetings are planned without giving specific answers today due to local elections.
Session: Power Sharing
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I join others welcoming the Deputy Speaker back. The innovation in the defence industry comes largely from SMEs but many report challenges in gaining access to Government contracts and being paid promptly when delays occur, leading to a poor experience with the Ministry of Defence. How will the Secretary of State ensure better access for SMEs to engage in the thriving British defence industry?
Context
SMEs face barriers in accessing Government defence contracts, with issues of slow payments and demotivation when projects are delayed. This situation has been persistent across various sectors.
Ben Wallace
I acknowledge the challenges faced by SMEs in engaging with government procurement processes, including risk management issues. However, changes on the battlefield are opening up more opportunities for SMEs through initiatives like Operation Kindred in Ukraine. The ability to bypass normal regulations and procure directly from the marketplace has led to significant innovation and success among SMEs. For larger projects such as the global combat air programme or carrier alliance, we must ensure that mechanisms exist to force primes to include SMEs if necessary.
Session: Defence Procurement
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In an answer to my written parliamentary question on 26 January 2023, the Minister for Defence Procurement, the hon. and learned Member for Cheltenham (Alex Chalk) said that the Type 32 frigates are “a key part of the future fleet”. In the National Audit Office report on the equipment plan, it reported that “Navy Command withdrew its plans for Type 32 frigates…because of concerns about unaffordability.” How can Type 32 frigates be a key part of the future fleet if there are question marks around their affordability?
Context
The MP is questioning the affordability of Type 32 frigates and their role in future fleet plans.
Ben Wallace
That is because the Type 32 frigate will not come in until after 2030 or 2031, because it will come after the Type 31s, which are being constructed in Rosyth as we speak. What the Type 32s are going to be, how they will be designed and who will build them is obviously a matter for between now and towards the centre of the decade.
Session: British Shipbuilding
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The National Audit Office has found the defence equipment plan to be already outdated on its publication and based on optimistic assumptions. With inflation out of control and with foreign currency fluctuations, does the Minister expect defence companies to bear the brunt of this turmoil, and if so, will this ultimately lead to the loss of British jobs?
Context
The National Audit Office has found the defence equipment plan to be outdated and based on optimistic assumptions.
Alex Chalk
This Government are committed to ensuring that those capabilities remain, including Type 26, Type 31, future combat air system, Poseidon and so much other equipment.
Session: Defence Sector Support for UK Companies
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Will the Secretary of State address what 'significant' means in the practical sense? If a foreign manufacturer wins the contract, how will our sovereign defence manufacturing capabilities be protected?
Context
The GMB union has raised concerns that significant parts of the build and assembly work for the fleet solid support ship will be carried out in this country rather than all the work.
Ben Wallace
Complex military machines that keep us at the cutting edge of the world involve international collaboration. That is the difference between us and Russia, which has the Stalin taxi factory attitude and ends up with rubbish equipment. We end up with the best because I have the duty of giving the best to the men and women of the Royal Navy.
Session: Fleet Solid Support Ships
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Chris Evans thanked the Minister for Defence Procurement for his kindness over a year of shadowing him but expressed concerns based on the Public Accounts Committee's criticism, questioning if the Department can deliver new battle-winning capabilities on time and within budget.
Context
The Public Accounts Committee has criticised the Ministry of Defence for being complacent, traditional, and resistant to change. Recent concerns have been raised about the Department's ability to manage large projects such as Dreadnought due to the war in Ukraine.
Jeremy Quin
The Minister acknowledged Chris Evans' kind words and thanked him for his shadowing. He responded to concerns about Defence procurement by explaining that while it is challenging, MOD has people doing a great job with professional senior responsible owners spending more time on projects. Proper setup at the start and proper funding are ensured along with working through the defence and security industrial strategy with British companies.
Session: Defence Technology
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Dedicated probation officers are telling me they cannot manage their workloads. One said: 'I used to spend an hour each week with my high risk cases but it's no longer possible due to the current caseload. I no longer have confidence in managing my cases safely.' After the Prime Minister's pledge to cut civil service numbers by a fifth, will the Minister rule out any more cuts to the probation service?
Context
A probation officer reported difficulty managing high-risk cases due to workload constraints, raising concerns about public safety.
Kit Malthouse
We are always reviewing case loads. The Inspectorate of Probation report on case loads, workloads and staffing numbers indicates that recommended case load should not exceed 50 cases per officer. Currently, 96% of probation officers hold fewer than 50 cases with an average caseload of 34. Staff welfare is a key consideration in the reunification process towards a target operating model.
Session: Probation Service
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What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of staffing levels in the probation service? I recently spoke to a probation officer who is off work due to stress, reporting an extensive loss of experienced officers and management not seeming to care. With record staff leaving and overworked officers fearing wrong decisions could lead to tragedy, what specific actions will be taken to improve working conditions for probation officers?
Context
The probation officer shortage has led to concerns over working conditions and staff retention. Recent reports indicate high stress levels among officers due to heavy workloads.
Kit Malthouse
Although people leave the probation service occasionally, there has been a vigorous recruitment campaign over the past three years. In 2020-21, 1,007 new recruits were taken on; in 2021-22, 1,518 more; and this year another 1,500. However, staff retention is also important. Workload management strategies are being considered to reduce stress. Currently, only 4% of probation officers have a workload above the recommended maximum. The government is in discussions with unions and the Treasury for a pay settlement.
Session: Probation Service
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When will the Government give an answer on what they will do about Ajax? Anybody who has had anything to do with Ajax will say that, after 12 years, enough is enough and a decision must be taken.
Context
The Ajax programme delays have led to significant financial impacts in Wales, causing anxiety among workers and the wider economy. Local suppliers are also affected.
Ben Wallace
We understand workforce frustration in Wales. We proceed based on science and evidence, bound by contract with General Dynamics. Independent trials are ongoing; results will inform next steps.
Session: Ajax Programme
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UK shipbuilding accounts for 42,600 jobs. Can you give me one good reason why we cannot guarantee that all future naval ships procured by this Government will be built in Britain using British steel?
Context
The UK shipbuilding sector employs 42,600 people and the questioner criticises the government's failure to protect this vital industry by not implementing a 'British by default' policy for naval ships.
Jeremy Quin
Yes, I can give the hon. Gentleman many more than one good reason for why we have the strategy that we do. Let us look at Type 31, which is a fantastic British export success to Poland and Indonesia; it was built with the support of an international consortium and we got the best in the world. It is now based firmly in the UK with a lot of it in the UK supply chain, giving the best opportunity for UK jobs and for UK shipbuilders to thrive internationally and competitively.
Session: Defence Jobs
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What are the Minister's plans to ensure that there is long-term investment in the UK helicopter industry, particularly in high-value engineering design and manufacturing jobs; apprenticeships; and enduring skills development in this vital industry?
Context
Inquires about future plans to ensure long-term investment and development in the UK helicopter manufacturing sector.
Jeremy Quin
On the NMH, to which the hon. Gentleman refers, it is likely, given the timescale—we want to have the helicopters in service in 2025 or as close to that as possible—that we will be seeking to procure an existing platform. However, that absolutely does not gainsay the fact that we will want to see real social value created in terms of engineering skills and capabilities in this country. That will be part of the competition.
Session: Helicopter Manufacturing and Supply Chains
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What new measures have been put in place to ensure Ministers are fully aware of Departmental issues?
Context
Ministers were unaware of serious Ajax programme issues for two years before being informed.
Jeremy Quin
There is a whole raft of measures. We immediately accepted the vast majority of recommendations from the report. Important aspects include ensuring all relevant views on safety are part of the decision making process, and putting health and safety input into the highest ranks of the organisation.
Session: Ajax Programme Cost
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I raised this issue four years ago. Short prison sentences for women have a huge impact on society. Children of women offenders are more likely to be in care, and women are more likely to be victims of domestic violence. When they leave the prison gate, they are locked in the same cycle that brought them there.
Context
The female prison population has decreased by 21% from 2010 to 2020, and there is a 32% fall in sentences of less than 12 months since 2016.
James Cartlidge
The hon. Gentleman speaks with great passion on this matter and I do understand where he is coming from, but we have put in place £46 million of wraparound support over three years for women leaving prison or serving community sentences.
Session: Short Prison Sentences for Women
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What assessment have you made of the effectiveness of short prison sentences for women? Short prison sentences for women have a huge impact on society. Children of women offenders are more likely to be in care, and women are more likely to be victims of domestic violence. When they leave the prison gate, they are locked in the same cycle that brought them there.
Context
The female prison population has decreased by 21% from 2010 to 2020, and there is a 32% fall in sentences of less than 12 months since 2016.
James Cartlidge
We welcome the fact that the female prison population has decreased by 21% from 2010 to 2020 and there is a 32% fall in sentences of less than 12 months since 2016. We have put in place £46 million of wraparound support over three years for women leaving prison or serving community sentences.
Session: Short Prison Sentences for Women
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I welcome Leonardo's investment in West Dorset and in UK manufacturing as a whole. The defence and security industrial strategy will ensure that the UK can continue to have competitive, innovative and world-class defence and security industries. The MOD is investing in emerging technology, utilising the UK's strong industrial and research base.
Context
The MP is pleased about Leonardo's £1 billion investment proposition for a global centre of military excellence in Yeovil.
Ben Wallace
The MOD is committed to competitive, innovative defence industries. We welcome Leonardo's investment in West Dorset and aim to utilise UK's strong industrial base.
Session: Helicopter Supply Chain
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The Minister will know that companies in the defence industry have been subject to a spate of takeovers. Many familiar names, such as Cobham and GKN Aerospace, are now in foreign hands, while Meggitt has recently been subject to a takeover bid from a US-based company. Even though the companies involved have promised to protect jobs and research and development, that has not prevented them from selling assets and closing factories. Workers at GKN Driveline at Erdington in Birmingham are going on strike to protest against a proposal for 500 redundancies next May. What are the Government doing to ensure that when British companies are taken over, promises to keep jobs and research and development in this country are kept?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of foreign takeovers on UK jobs and research in the defence sector.
Jeremy Quin
As you will be aware, Mr Speaker, the legislation that we passed broadening the scope in which intervention can take place was cleared through this Parliament and is ready to be introduced. We take very seriously our responsibilities under the Enterprise Act 2002.
Session: Defence Sector Jobs
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With the National Audit Office having judged the defence equipment plan to be “unaffordable” for the fourth year in a row, the continuing well-publicised disaster and rising cost of the Ajax project, and the cancellation of Warrior, can the Minister explain why this vanity project has become a spending priority for the Ministry of Defence?
Context
The National Audit Office has deemed the Defence Equipment Plan unaffordable for the fourth year in a row, with well-publicised issues such as rising costs of the Ajax project and cancellation of Warrior.
Jeremy Quin
I am delighted to help the hon. Gentleman on a few points. First, on the NAO report to which he refers, I believe that was done on the old numbers prior to a very fulsome provision to the Ministry of Defence of £24 billion being spent from the current levels. That has helped us to ensure that we can deliver the right priorities for this country in the future. On Ajax. I am pleased to reassure him that that is a firm price contract. As to Warrior, that is one example of the tough decisions we make to ensure that the budget comes in on balance, and we will continue to do so. That is the target of the Secretary of State and myself.
Session: National Flagship Procurement
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Cuts to armed forces numbers will affect Britain's influence around the globe. The former Defence Minister, the hon. Member for Plymouth, Moor View (Johnny Mercer), appeared before the Defence Committee on 11 May and said that “no one” could explain the rationale for the size of the defence cuts. Does the Minister agree with his former colleague?
Context
The MP questions about the rationale behind recent defence cuts and their impact on global military presence.
James Heappey
No. As the carrier strike group sets sail and the littoral response group sets out for the Baltic, as our soldiers in Mali and Afghanistan show what great jobs they have been doing there, and as our Air Force continues to contribute to NATO air-policing missions, alongside the fantastic work it does to support the rest of our deployments around the world, I can see a rapidly transforming set of armed forces that are better equipped and better able to meet the needs of the United Kingdom by responding to threats when they emerge upstream.
Session: British Values and Capabilities
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Given the cancellation of Warrior and delays with Ajax, can you provide a specific date by which our armed forces will receive the next generation of armoured vehicles?
Context
The cancellation of the Warrior programme and delays in Ajax have raised concerns about when new armoured vehicles will be delivered to armed forces.
Jeremy Quin
Ajax is in its demonstration phase, with 14 original vehicles already acquired. Challenger 3 is committed to join the Army's lineup and Boxer contracts have been awarded, ensuring skilled jobs and future capabilities for our forces.
Session: Armed Forces Equipment
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Most businesses in my constituency are microbusinesses employing one or two people. The biggest problem they have is larger firms not paying their bills on time. What measures can be put in place to ensure that larger companies pay small companies on time so that they can continue with their business?
Context
The MP raises the issue of large companies delaying payments to small businesses.
John Glen
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise that point. That is why we have the Small Business Commissioner. We are working closely with trade bodies to ensure best practice. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy leads on this, but we work closely with that Department so that more progress is made on this vital matter.
Session: Small Businesses
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Given that it is difficult for someone to gain a commission if they do not have a university degree, particularly from Oxford or Cambridge, with 18% of commissioned officers holding such degrees, how will the Minister change things to ensure people who join the forces without a degree can still get a commission in future?
Context
With rising university costs, many individuals may consider joining the armed forces as an alternative career path. However, gaining a commission without a university degree remains challenging.
Johnny Mercer (Minister of State for Defence) (Con)
The military has become more accessible than ever before for people without a degree. Every applicant is judged on what they can bring and add to the organisation, irrespective of their background. While some individuals like myself did not have a degree, we consistently work on making the armed forces more inclusive.
Session: Armed Forces Social Mobility
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Abuse of Customer-facing Workers
17 June 2026
Responding: Sarah Jones
Main Concerns
['The retail sector faces appalling levels of aggression, harassment and violence. According to the British Retail Consortium, 1,600 incidents occur daily in the UK, with 118 involving physical violence and 36 involving weapons. Workers fear for their safety at home after experiencing threats or attacks during work hours.']
Specific Asks
['The Minister should explain how success will be measured regarding new measures introduced by the Crime and Policing Act 2026, especially the decline in retail violence and abuse reported by the British Retail Consortium. The Government needs to support police forces effectively and prioritise retail crime to protect workers.']
Advanced Brain Cancer: Tissue Freezing
07 January 2026
Responding: Ashley Dalton
Main Concerns
["Ellie James's campaign highlights the need for informed consent and better storage practices for brain tumour tissue. Owain James, diagnosed with glioblastoma at age 34, could have received up to 30 vaccines if all tissue had been flash-frozen instead of stored in paraffin. Currently, there is no consistent national guidance or infrastructure for storing fresh frozen tissue, affecting survival rates and patient treatment options."]
Specific Asks
['The NHS needs investment in medical freezers to ensure routine flash freezing of brain tumour samples. The cost of £250,000 to £400,000 is estimated to enable all NHS trusts to have the necessary capacity for this practice.']
Access to Archives — [Esther McVey in the Chair]
16 November 2021
Responding: Nigel Adams
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the Cabinet Office's actions in blocking access to certain archives that were bought with public money. Historian Andrew Lownie has fought legal battles for four years to gain access to the Broadlands Archives, which include papers and correspondence of Lord and Lady Mountbatten. The purchase was partly funded by a grant of nearly £2 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and subject to the acceptance in lieu scheme, amounting to £1.6 million in tax foregone by the Exchequer. Taxpayers' money was provided on the basis that the archives would be open and accessible to researchers and the public, but access has been obstructed."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to look at the case of the Broadlands Archives carefully and see the argument I am making: if we dangerously reduce access to archives, we will cause serious problems down the line. We need legislation that reflects our digital age and ensures open access to historical records for researchers and the public.']
Black History and Cultural Diversity in the Curriculum — [James Gray in the Chair]
28 June 2021
Responding: Gillian Keegan
Main Concerns
['The curriculum is too narrow and lacks representation of diverse ethnicities, particularly black history. Only 45% of primary school teachers and 64% of secondary school teachers agree that the National Curriculum ensures a balanced range of ethnically and culturally diverse role models for students. Teachers lack confidence in teaching black history due to insufficient training. British history is often taught from a Eurocentric white male perspective, missing out on the roles played by minorities, women, and underrepresented groups.']
Specific Asks
["The Government should make teaching Britain's colonial past part of the UK's compulsory curriculum to provide a more inclusive understanding of black, Asian, and minority ethnic history. The petition has received over 240,000 signatures, showing public demand for change."]
Scottish Independence Referendum
22 March 2021
Responding: Iain Stewart
Main Concerns
["The creator of the petition is concerned about the divisive nature of the independence debate in Scotland, which they believe has overshadowed other pressing issues such as food bank usage and hospital waiting times. They note that since 2014, education standards have worsened with a decrease in full-time or equivalent teachers by 1,700 and an increase in pupil-to-teacher ratios. The creator worries about the Scottish Government's focus on independence rather than using their existing powers to address these issues."]
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the government not to give consent for another referendum on Scottish independence at this time, given the ongoing pandemic and economic recovery challenges. He suggests focusing on pressing domestic issues instead of constitutional changes.']
Tuition Fees — [Sir David Amess in the Chair]
16 November 2020
Responding: Michelle Donelan
Main Concerns
['Students are aggrieved because they have not received adequate value for money from universities due to the pandemic and strikes. Over 980,000 signatures support petitions demanding various forms of compensation or refunds. The Petitions Committee survey of over 25,000 students revealed dissatisfaction with the quality of education provided during the pandemic. A student enrolled on a clinical course expressed disappointment at the lack of clinical practice and fear about the impact on their future practice. Since September, one student has committed suicide every week.']
Specific Asks
["The Government should recognise its duty to care for students and consider setting up a new process to deal with complaints arising from out-of-the-ordinary events like the pandemic or strikes. They need to act on these concerns to maintain this country's reputation for excellence in academic institutions."]
Support for People and Businesses in Wales: Covid-19 — [Sir Edward Leigh in the Chair]
21 October 2020
Responding: Anna McMorrin
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the financial pressure on businesses struggling to recover from multiple lockdowns, especially since the Welsh Government can only offer support within the confines of Barnett consequentials. Many businesses have approached me for assistance and are worried about how they will pay back bounce-back loans. The latest firebreak lockdown has escalated these fears significantly.']
Specific Asks
['I ask that the Treasury makes plans to address business concerns and provide more generous payments to help workers through this crisis. Aid needs to be more targeted and flexible, taking into account the complexities of British businesses.']
China’s Policy on its Uyghur Population — [James Gray in the Chair]
12 October 2020
Responding: Nigel Adams
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the reported mass detention, surveillance, restriction of religious and cultural identities, and other gross human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang, China. Over 1 million Uyghurs have been forced into re-education camps, facing conditions that include beatings, electric shocks, sleep deprivation, and forced sterilisation. Conservative estimates suggest over 80,000 Uyghurs were transferred out of Xinjiang to work in factories from 2017 to 2019 under conditions described as 'forced labour'. The surveillance is total, with movement restricted and phones monitored."]
Specific Asks
['The petitioners and I ask the Government to expedite sanctions on individuals responsible for human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. We urge the Government to take tangible actions and not just speculate about future sanction designations.']
Budget Resolutions 2025-11-26
26 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced a new tax raid of £26 billion, increasing borrowing in every year. Mrs Badenoch argues that this Budget increases benefits for families but hikes taxes on...
Football Governance Bill [Lords] 2025-07-08
08 July 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to amend the Football Governance Bill, presenting several new clauses that aim to regulate alcohol consumption in football grounds within one year of the passing of the Act for top-tier men's ga...
Football Governance Bill [Lords] 2025-04-28
28 April 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Programmes Developments
20 November 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Budget Resolutions
30 October 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister's actions reveal broken promises with a budget that increases borrowing, taxes, and welfare spending. The government has fiddled figures and increased national insurance, capital ga...
War Graves Week
14 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission does extraordinary work keeping alive the memories of over 1.7 million men and women who gave their life in both world wars, tending to graves, memorials and sit...
Three and Vodafone: Potential Merger
14 December 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focuses on the potential merger between Three, owned by CK Hutchison, and Vodafone. It raises concerns about national security due to CK Hutchison's ties with China, competition issues, and...
Armoured Cavalry Programme: Sheldon Review
15 June 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Net Migration Figures
25 May 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water Quality: Sewage Discharge
25 April 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion would allow for parliamentary time on Tuesday 2 May to progress Labour’s Bill, the Water Quality (Sewage Discharge) Bill. The country is being treated with contempt due to raw human sewage ...
Off-road Vehicles in the Gwyddon Forestry
01 December 2021
The petition highlights the issue of illegal off-road biking in Abercan, which has caused environmental damage and safety concerns for residents.
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
78.6%
77 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
27
27.6% of votes
No Votes
50
51.0% of votes
Abstentions
21
21.4% 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
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
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
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
0
PMQs Asked
37
Ministerial Questions Asked
34
House of Commons Debates Involved
8
Westminster Hall Debates Led
1
Statements / Bills
1
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
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+176% above average
This MP:
37
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+218% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+600% above average
This MP:
34
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-89% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+14% above average
This MP:
78.6
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 Chris Evans's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.