Chris Vince
MP for Harlow
Labour (Co-op)
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Q2. I recently visited Harlow college and saw the work it was doing training the bricklayers and electricians of the future. Does the Prime Minister agree that the work of further education colleges like Harlow’s is vital for the house building that we need for future generations? What will his Government do to support Harlow’s next generation?
Context
Visited Harlow College and saw the work it was doing in training bricklayers and electricians for future house building. Wants to know what support his government will provide.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
My hon. Friend is a great champion for his constituents. We are investing £600 million in training up to 60,000 more skilled house builders to support the next generation and deliver 1.5 million new homes. We are creating technical excellence colleges and investing in Stansted airport, creating 5,000 jobs nearby, which will create more opportunities for young people in Harlow.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
I visited the Advanced Aquarium Consultancy in my constituency where they breed, grow and sell coral. This business requires considerable energy use. What are the Government doing to support such businesses to bring down energy costs?
Context
Advanced Aquarium Consultancy, a business in Harlow that breeds, grows and sells coral, faces significant energy costs. The business needs substantial amounts of energy to operate.
Chris McDonald (Stockton North) (Lab/Co-op)
There is a whole series of industries for which the cost of energy is a significant part of the problems they face. The Department and Government are engaged in work to tackle this issue, with Chris Vince's role across two Departments allowing him to bridge these issues.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I thank the Secretary of State for her work on this really important youth strategy. How can young people in my constituency of Harlow be empowered to take part in the youth strategy? She will be aware that I am the chair of the all-party parliamentary group for young carers and young adult carers. Specifically, how has she worked to engage hard-to-reach groups, such as young carers, to be part of the strategy?
Context
The Secretary of State published the ground-breaking youth strategy, Youth Matters. Chris Vince is concerned about empowering young people in Harlow to participate.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
From the outset, we were absolutely determined that the strategy would reflect all young people. It was a delight to do a workshop with young carers as part of the development of the youth strategy to ensure that their needs and concerns were met. We are ensuring we only fund organisations that put young people in the driving seat of decisions about how money is spent.
Session: Improving Outcomes for Young People
View All Questions -->
Will the Secretary of State join me in thanking the extraordinary efforts of the staff at Princess Alexandra hospital in Harlow for their work over the winter period? A few years ago, we saw the shocking statistic that people were waiting in A&E at Princess Alexandra Hospital for 13 hours. Can the Secretary of State outline the changes this Government are making to bring down waiting times, improve GP satisfaction levels and decrease ambulance waiting times, and explain how this Labour government is ensuring that the NHS is fit for the future?
Context
The MP is concerned about A&E waiting times at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, highlighting a statistic of patients waiting for up to 13 hours. He seeks information on government measures to reduce waiting times.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
I absolutely join my hon. Friend in thanking NHS staff in Harlow and across the country for their incredible efforts during the toughest winter weeks. I particularly thank all those staff who have supported their colleagues and worked throughout Christmas and new year, sacrificing time with their families to care for ours. Of course, Mr Speaker, I particularly thank the staff at Chorley and South Ribble hospital who facilitated our visit. Your representations from the Chair for longer A&E access have not been lost on me, or indeed the record.
Session: A&E Waiting Times
View All Questions -->
Across the winter months, I have received an increased amount of casework from residents of Harlow who are suffering from damp and mould in their houses. They deserve quicker repairs and higher standards from landlords. Of course, Awaab’s law is to be welcomed, but will the Secretary of State confirm what enforcement measures will be used to ensure that landlords adhere to the legislation?
Context
The MP has received increased casework from residents suffering from damp and mould in their homes. The issue is exacerbated by a new law aimed at improving social housing conditions.
Steve Reed
Landlords will face the full force of the law if they fail to comply with regulations that have now come into force thanks to Awaab’s law. We expect social housing to get a lot better than tenants have seen over recent decades.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Mr Speaker, I wish you and your team a very happy new year. I welcome the Minister’s work on the defending democracy taskforce. How can MPs like me, and political parties more generally, get involved in supporting the taskforce, because I am passionate about representing Harlow and not Moscow?
Context
The MP inquires about ways to support the defending democracy taskforce.
Dan Jarvis (The Minister for Immigration)
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend. I intend for this work to be a shared endeavour right across the House. Members and their teams should remain vigilant about the threats to our democracy, particularly in the run-up to the elections in May. I again encourage take-up of the personal and online security guidance available to all Members and staff. Any malicious activity should be reported through the appropriate channels, including the Parliamentary Security Department.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
As the Minister will be aware—I mention it quite often—Harlow is home to high-tech defence innovation and skilled jobs. Will he confirm that one consequence of the historic NATO summit in June is that there will be further investment in defence and resilience that constituencies such as mine can benefit from?
Context
The historic NATO summit is expected to bring further investments in defence and resilience, benefiting constituencies like Harlow with a focus on high-tech defence innovation.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Al Carns)
This Government are not hollowing out defence or taking a dig at defence procurement. This Government are increasing morale, increasing recruitment and, importantly, making defence an engine for growth by investing in SMEs all over the country, with new cutting-edge technology and technological capability that will be battle-winning in the long term.
Session: NATO European Security
View All Questions -->
What conversations has the Department had with the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure that the 10-year plan tackles the root causes of mental ill health? My constituents in Harlow tell me that they get mental health support only when they are really facing crisis, and by the time they have got to that crisis point, they have already given up work and training.
Context
Constituents in Harlow report receiving mental health support only during crisis, often after quitting work and training.
Diana Johnson (Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions)
My hon. Friend raises an important point. We know that 6,700 workers in the NHS are already providing that additional mental health support and, as I have said, work is going on in schools as well, recognising that early intervention is so important. I have also had meetings with the DHSC, particularly to look at how the two Departments can work together to ensure that we are providing wraparound care to people in work. This is happening alongside the Charlie Mayfield review “Keep Britain Working”, because we know that people may develop mental health conditions during the course of their life in employment, and we want to ensure that they stay in employment with the right support wrapped around them.
Session: Support into Work Mental Ill Health
View All Questions -->
How will the £1 billion increase in funding to tackle homelessness support local authorities and charities such as Streets2Homes to ensure people are moved off the streets and into secure tenancies?
Context
The hon. Member has a background in working with Streets2Homes, a local homelessness charity.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
The £1 billion investment can prevent homelessness before it starts through effective advice and support, ensuring individuals or families who become homeless are quickly placed into a stable living situation. The funding aims to secure long-term housing solutions.
Session: Homelessness Guidance
View All Questions -->
May I welcome the extension of contactless payment to Harlow Town, Harlow Mill and Roydon railway stations in my constituency? That is making travel simpler and ensuring the best value for passengers. How will the Minister ensure that GB Railways continues to ensure that passengers are at the heart of decision making? Will he personally join me in my campaign to ensure that there are less cancellations of trains to Roydon station in my constituency?
Context
Keir Mather was asked about the steps being taken to ensure that Great British Railways holds consultations with passengers. Chris Vince welcomed the extension of contactless payment to stations in his constituency, highlighting its benefits for passengers.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Keir Mather)
I am very pleased to hear that my hon. Friend’s constituents are benefiting from contactless payment, but he is right to urge us to go further in ensuring that GBR improves passenger experience and delivers on the priorities of the travelling public. We are committed to improving ticketing further through expanding pay-as-you-go beyond the stations at which it is already in use. Through the long-term rail strategy and its general duties, GBR will be incentivised to support innovation and deliver for passengers right across the country, including in Harlow.
Session: Great British Railways Passenger Consultations
View All Questions -->
I welcome the investment in Roydon Primary School for solar panels. Can you talk about how this will bring down bills and what educational impact it might have?
Context
A primary school in Chris Vince's constituency is installing solar panels on its roof, which will reduce energy bills and provide educational opportunities.
Michael Shanks
The school will start to receive money off its bills immediately, which can be reinvested into teaching facilities. Children had lessons on clean energy and learned about sustainability's impact on their school and the planet, offering an important curriculum benefit.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for his previous answer. Does he agree that the main cause for the asylum backlog was the fact that, under the previous Government, decisions fell by 70%? What reassurance can he give my constituents in Harlow that this Government will tackle the issue we have inherited?
Context
The previous government's decision to stop assessing asylum applications, which led to a 70% drop in decisions. The current government is facing the consequences of this legacy.
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Alex Norris)
I totally agree. The original sin in respect of what we are dealing with today—hotel use across the country and our pivot to military sites—was the choice of the previous Government to simply stop assessing applications. We are of course reversing that, but it is taking time to turn around their failure.
Session: Immigration Removal Centre Contracts
View All Questions -->
Sadly, the glamorisation on TV of drug taking is not a new phenomenon, but I particularly worry about the nature of the internet and social media, and about the short clips that people watch in which the true consequences of drug taking and drug culture are not really shown properly. What can the Minister do to use the internet and social media for good, and show young people in my constituency the dangers of drug taking and drug culture?
Context
The MP is concerned about the glamorisation of drug taking on television and its harmful effects on young people through short clips on social media.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Kanishka Narayan)
My hon. Friend is a master of short clips in the Chamber, so I will take both his skill and his sincerity on this question to heart and work with him to ensure we robustly enforce the duties already placed on Ofcom under the Online Safety Act.
Session: Drug Dealing on Social Media
View All Questions -->
I take this opportunity to thank you, Mr Speaker, for the remembrance service we had this morning. It was hugely emotional, and made me think of those from my constituency who gave their lives for our freedom 80 years ago. What will my hon. and gallant Friend the Minister do to continue to champion the servicemen and women who protect this country? We should celebrate all of them, no matter their ethnicity, religion or nationality.
Context
Chris Vince thanked Mr Speaker for a remembrance service, reflecting on those from his constituency who gave their lives. He asked about the Minister's commitment to celebrating all servicemen and women regardless of background.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones)
My hon. Friend is right that we must celebrate everybody who contributes to our armed forces, no matter their gender or other protected characteristics. The commitment of this Government to protecting and serving those who serve this nation is total.
Session: Army Recruitment
View All Questions -->
What reassurances can the Minister give me that the UK will continue to be a leading player in the aim of eradicating polio?
Context
Friday was World Polio Day. My constituent Anne Strike, a former Paralympian, continues to campaign for the eradication of polio.
Chris Elmore
The UK is a long-time supporter of the initiative and we have confirmed a £1.25 billion pledge to Gavi for 2026-30. Other spending, including on the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, is being reviewed as part of the spending review and the official development assistance allocation process.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Previous to my election to this place, I worked for a homeless charity in Harlow called Streets2Homes. One of its cases involved a man who was homeless due to delays in getting his state pension. How is the Department ensuring that delays like that are not commonplace?
Context
A homeless charity case involved a man who was homeless due to delays in receiving his state pension. This highlights broader concerns about delays and their impact on individuals' lives.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Pat McFadden)
We hope that those entitled to the basic state pension receive a seamless and fast service. This is a pension that people contribute to throughout their life, and when they reach state pension age, we of course hope that they get it as soon as possible.
Session: Pension Age Increase Institute for Fiscal Studies Report
View All Questions -->
My question is a bit like the buses this morning. I spend a lot of time knocking on doors and talking to residents in my constituency. A couple of weeks ago, one resident spoke with anguish about the challenges that his son, who is former armed services personnel, faces in suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. I have met the Veterans Minister to discuss this on a number of occasions, but can I ask him once again to emphasise the importance that this Government put on supporting veterans who have PTSD? This links in with work that I did in a previous role, in which I supported veterans out of homelessness—
Context
A resident's son, a former armed services personnel, is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), highlighting the need for better support.
Al Carns
This Government take seriously both physical and mental injuries from service. Op Courage has already seen 34,000 referrals. It is a fantastic programme that runs across the country and provides mental health services for veterans. I encourage any veteran who thinks that they need help to shout and seek help. It is the first step to recovery.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Before recess, I was lucky enough to visit Harlow and district air cadets and see the wonderful work that they do in supporting young people from across Harlow, teaching them leadership skills and building a sense of community. Will the Minister join me in congratulating Harlow and district air cadets on their work, and recognise the importance that all types of cadets—in this case, air cadets—make to communities like mine in Harlow, and particularly working-class communities?
Context
The MP visited the Harlow and district air cadets before recess and noted their work in supporting young people from across Harlow, teaching them leadership skills and building a sense of community.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
I thank my hon. Friend 110%. The cadets are all about social mobility, giving kids opportunity and getting them up and out, and that is what Labour is all about. From my perspective, the air cadets are amazing. I went to the summer camp, which had everything—flying planes, STEM, sports and flying drones—and it was absolutely outstanding. I congratulate the Harlow air cadets; hopefully, I will get to visit them in due course.
Session: Cadets
View All Questions -->
Does he agree that the historic investment in clean energy secured at the spending review will mean thousands of job opportunities for young people, including in Harlow, in renewable energies, nuclear, energy efficiency and so much more?
Context
The MP is interested in the potential job opportunities arising from historic investments in clean energy.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
I love Harlow and I love Harlow college. The visits made to the college have been inspiring, seeing enthusiastic young people there and speaking to them about green skills and jobs of the future.
Session: Clean Power Jobs
View All Questions -->
I recently visited some wonderfully politically engaged sixth-formers at Sir Frederick Gibberd college in Harlow, including Luka and Finlay, who shadowed some of my office staff last week. Does the Minister agree that giving 16 and 17-year olds the vote will help to build a lifelong habit of democratic engagement and participation?
Context
The MP mentions a visit to Sir Frederick Gibberd college in Harlow where he met with politically engaged sixth-formers, including Luka and Finlay.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The evidence shows that when young people participate in politics, it positively affects them through their lifetime and increases participation. Young people can pay tax and join the Army at 16, so it is right that they should have a say in how our country is governed.
Session: Elections Participation
View All Questions -->
In Essex, 20% of cases are stopped after a defendant has been charged because victims are dropping out and withdrawing their support. With some waiting years for their case to get through the courts, is it any wonder that they give up on justice? Does the Secretary of State agree that we need radical action now to stop the backlog from getting any bigger in places like my constituency of Harlow?
Context
The Crown court backlog is affecting victims in Essex, with 20% of cases being stopped after a defendant has been charged due to victim withdrawal. This issue leads to delays and can result in justice being denied.
Shabana Mahmood (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Victims on many occasions feel retraumatised by the criminal justice system because of the long delays. Defendants know that cases are taking too long to be heard; too many of them think that they can game the system, and that if they wait long enough, victims will drop out. That is why we are determined to deliver swifter justice for victims. It is why we have delivered a record number of sitting days in the Crown court this year, and it is why we will do once-in-a-generation reform of our courts after Sir Brian publishes his review.
Session: Crown Court Backlog
View All Questions -->
In the local authority of Harlow, 30% of children live in poverty. In rural areas such as Sheering and Nazeing, many families rely on local places of worship for help. Can my hon. Friend say more about what the Church is doing to support these struggling families?
Context
In Harlow, 30% of children are living in poverty according to research by Loughborough University and the End Child Poverty coalition. Many families in rural areas turn to local places of worship for support.
Marsha De Cordova (The Second Church Estates Commissioner)
In Harlow, St Mary Magdalene church runs a Sunday school and mothers’ union. St Stephen’s church supports local care homes and operates a parent and toddler group. Additionally, St Paul’s and St Mary’s churches partner with the local food bank and run a Bounty club offering low-cost healthy food.
Session: People on Low Incomes in Rural Communities
View All Questions -->
After decades of failed bus deregulation under the Tories, I am pleased that this Labour Government truly understand the importance of delivering better bus services for millions of people. How will the Government support local leaders to take back control of their bus services, and how will that benefit my constituency of Harlow? I am thinking particularly of rural areas in my constituency, such as Roydon, Nazeing and Hatfield Broad Oak, where residents often talk about how a lack of connectivity causes issues of isolation and a lack of job prospects.
Context
Local leaders need to take back control of their bus services in rural areas like Harlow's Roydon, Nazeing and Hatfield Broad Oak.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
The Bus Services (No. 2) Bill will put power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders. It is intended to ensure that bus services reflect the needs of the communities that rely on them, including in rural areas. Leaders in places such as Harlow will be empowered to deliver reforms to their bus services. We will also be reforming bus funding, giving local leaders more control and more flexibility to deliver their local transport priorities.
Session: Local Bus Services
View All Questions -->
This morning, I had the pleasure of visiting PACT for Autism, a brilliant local charity in Harlow. It raised concerns about the accessibility of the PIP application process for those with autism. As the Department looks to reform the process, could that be considered?
Context
The questioner visited PACT for Autism, a charity in Harlow raising concerns about the accessibility of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application process for individuals with autism.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Liz Kendall)
I absolutely will consider that. In fact, I ask my hon. Friend and his constituents to feed into the work that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Social Security and Disability is doing. We have to ensure that it is as easy and effective as possible to access that vital benefit.
Session: Personal Independence Payment 2025-06-23 (1)
View All Questions -->
My constituent Emily asked me to raise this issue in the House only yesterday, so I am taking the first opportunity to do so. Emily is a carer and has cared for a number of people across the Harlow community. Will the consultation on the earned settlement scheme take into account the hugely important role that carers, sometimes from overseas, do to support the most vulnerable in our communities?
Context
Emily is a carer in Harlow who has cared for multiple individuals within the community. The proposed earned settlement scheme may impact her and other essential workers from overseas.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Seema Malhotra)
Indeed, carers, including those who have come from overseas, do important work to support us, our families and our communities. My hon. Friend will recognise that, as I have said, it is important for us to ensure that people’s voices can be heard in the consultation. We recognise that settlement is an important step in integrating and contributing to local communities and families.
Session: Qualifying Period for Settlement
View All Questions -->
In my work in the charity sector in Harlow, I saw that post-traumatic stress disorder is a huge barrier to not only getting veterans into employment, but supporting them once they are in it. What will the Minister do to support veterans into and in work?
Context
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a significant barrier to employment for veterans.
Luke Pollard
It is absolutely vital that we support veterans who encounter difficulties in transitioning from military service to civilian life. The vast majority transition successfully, but support schemes are available nationwide for those experiencing challenges.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I welcome the £300 million of investment for GB Energy announced last week. I think we all recognise the opportunities of the green energy transition, but what opportunities are there for my Harlow constituents to be part of that publicly owned energy company?
Context
Chris Vince questions the potential for his Harlow constituents to benefit from Great British Energy, a publicly owned energy company.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to point out that, with Great British Energy and our clean power mission, we are trying to create the jobs that will deliver that transition here in the UK, which is something that the Conservatives failed on for many years. We expect that funding, and much more that will come from Great British Energy, to mobilise more than £1 billion in private investment in domestic supply chains, driving forward manufacturing and industry here in the UK and the good jobs that go with it.
Session: Great British Energy
View All Questions -->
This morning, I had the pleasure of visiting Milwards primary school, which is one of the many brilliant primary schools in my constituency. One of the main issues raised by primary schools is school readiness, which was hugely impacted by the closure of Sure Start. What are this Government doing to ensure that young people are ready for school and ready to learn?
Context
Primary schools are concerned about school readiness, which was impacted by the closure of Sure Start.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
I know that my hon. Friend is a huge champion for children in his constituency. This child-centred Government want to break down the barriers to opportunity and ensure that every child gets the best start in life. That is why we are introducing a number of initiatives through our plan for change, including good-quality early education, increasing school-based nurseries and investing in other initiatives that support a child’s development.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The 4.1% increase in the new state pension will make a huge difference to pensioners in my constituency. What more are the Government doing to tackle the cost of living crisis left by the last Government?
Context
The MP noted that a 4.1% increase in the new state pension would significantly help pensioners but asked for further actions to address the cost of living crisis inherited from the previous government.
Torsten Bell (The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)
I thank my hon. Friend for being a regular attender at Treasury questions, and indeed, as far as I can work out, at every other departmental questions session. He is right to suggest that we will do more, because we are not just increasing pensions above the rate of inflation this year but doing so throughout the current Parliament, and that should raise the state pension by up to £1,900 by the end of the Parliament.
Session: Pensioners Cost of Living
View All Questions -->
Does the Secretary of State agree that Northern Ireland’s four city growth deals can play a vital role?
Context
The UK industrial strategy includes city growth deals, including those in Northern Ireland.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
I wish Harlow every success as well. The city and growth deals are really important to Northern Ireland’s economic future. The Government are investing a considerable amount of money, together with the Executive, private sector partners and businesses.
Session: UK Industrial Strategy
View All Questions -->
As the Prime Minister pointed out yesterday, Stansted airport is a huge employer and training provider for my constituency of Harlow. What work is the Department doing alongside the Department for Work and Pensions to engage with employers and training providers in the aviation sector?
Context
The MP is interested in the work being done with employers and training providers for Stansted airport.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mike Kane)
We engage with airports to understand their plans. Stansted has committed to creating over 5,000 jobs from its £1.1 billion expansion, and it has established an employment skills academy in the Aerozone to boost careers and deliver STEM outreach.
Session: Aviation Sector Support
View All Questions -->
Yesterday I met Essex partnership university NHS foundation trust and spoke to it about the need to support the families of those suffering with mental health issues in Harlow, and particularly those with caring responsibilities. Will the Minister consider how mental health services can better identify and support young carers?
Context
Met Essex partnership university NHS foundation trust to discuss the need for better support of families with mental health issues, particularly young carers.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
My hon. Friend will be aware that we are bringing forward the Mental Health Bill, and an important part of that legislation will enable family members—when they are chosen as a nominated person—to have powers to request assessment under the Act, challenge decisions and request considerations of discharge in line with the nearest relative powers.
Session: Mental Health Act Family Support
View All Questions -->
I visited Stansted Airport where they are working closely with the DWP and jobcentres to help long-term unemployed people find work. What is the Department doing to promote such good practices across other organisations?
Context
The MP visited Stansted airport and learned about its collaboration with the DWP for re-employment of long-term unemployed individuals. He inquires about broader efforts.
The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)
We have introduced a new strategy with single point of contact and tailored on-the-job training programs. We acknowledge the efforts in Harlow jobcentre and will continue to promote such good practice across other employers.
Session: Employment Incentives
View All Questions -->
T10. Wednesday is Young Carers Action Day. Will the Minister join me in thanking young carers for all that they do, and commit herself to ensuring that there is greater awareness of them in schools? I must say that schools in my constituency do very well in that regard.
Context
Young Carers Action Day aims to increase awareness and support for young carers in schools.
Janet Daby
My hon. Friend is right to mention young carers. The Government are committed to increasing their visibility and ensuring that they have the support that they need, at home and in education. We champion initiatives such as Young Carers Action Day and the young carers covenant, which further highlights the needs of young carers and the support available to them.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What discussions has she had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting creative education? I thank the Secretary of State for her answer. Every young person deserves to experience the magic of music. Thanks to wonderful organisations in my constituency of Harlow such as Rock School and Livewire, many get that opportunity, but not all of them. What is she doing to work with the Secretary of State for Education to ensure that young people can discover their talent, wherever they come from?
Context
The MP references a review of the national curriculum to put art, sport and music back at its heart. There is concern over the previous government's reduction in support for creative subjects.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not, and we are determined for that to change. I recently went on a visit with Ed Sheeran in Ipswich where an entire ecosystem is being created that equips young people with skills and love of music at school, enabling them to perform at live music venues and get the necessary skills for the music industry. We aim to replicate this model around the country by working with the newly formed Ed Sheeran Foundation and others to progress this initiative.
Session: Creative Education
View All Questions -->
Northern Ireland’s economy has strong and dynamic sectors, from agrifood to aerospace, and from shipbuilding to cyber-security. Does the Secretary of State agree that Northern Ireland has a vital part to play in the industrial strategy?
Context
Northern Ireland has a diverse economy with sectors such as agrifood, aerospace, shipbuilding, and cyber-security contributing significantly to its growth.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
It certainly does. My hon. Friend alludes to a number of the great strengths of the Northern Ireland economy. The deal with Harland and Wolff, which I mentioned earlier, is another sign of the Government’s commitment. Of course, the Northern Ireland economy has access to both the EU and the UK markets.
Session: Economic Growth
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Young Carers: Educational Opportunities
13 March 2025
Responding: Catherine McKinnell
Main Concerns
['Yesterday was Young Carers Action Day and a report by the Carers Trust identified issues such as bullying, struggles to study due to caring responsibilities, and lack of support in educational settings. Almost half of young carers reported being bullied, over two in five struggle with studying for tests or exams, almost one in four say there is no support at all for them in their school.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the Minister to make training on young carers a mandatory part of teacher training and ensure that schools have designated young carers leads.']
Russian Shadow Fleet
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Debate on the Address
13 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
16 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Modernisation Committee, under my leadership as Chair, has conducted an inquiry into accessibility issues within the Houses of Parliament, including physical and procedural barriers. We have recei...
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Fourth sitting) 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Third sitting) 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill will make crucial updates that build on the NIS regulations by expanding their scope to cover data centres, large load controllers, and managed service providers. It introduces powers for reg...
Lord Mandelson 2026-02-04
04 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, that an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to give directions to require the Government to lay before this House all papers relating to Lord ...
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Second sitting) 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
US Department of Justice Release of Files 2026-02-02
02 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
As I know right hon. and hon. Members across the House will agree, Jeffrey Epstein was a despicable criminal who committed disgusting crimes and destroyed the lives of countless women and girls. His v...
China and Japan 2026-02-02
02 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister outlined the importance of engaging with both China and Japan to safeguard national interests. He discussed his recent visit, highlighting the strengthening of UK-US relations, rese...
Dentists (Indemnity Arrangements)
05 March 2025
The petition addresses the issue of inadequate indemnity arrangements for dentists, which can lead to patients not receiving compensation for dental negligence due to discretionary coverage by organiz...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
87.8%
86 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
32
32.7% of votes
No Votes
54
55.1% of votes
Abstentions
12
12.2% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
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
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
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
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
1
PMQs Asked
35
Ministerial Questions Asked
173
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
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
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+161% above average
This MP:
35
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3460% above average
This MP:
173
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+27% above average
This MP:
87.8
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 Chris Vince's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.