Chris Ward
MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
Rough sleeping is a huge challenge in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, so I am delighted that the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State are making it such a big priority, but will any of the very welcome additional funding go to existing schemes, such as the ending homelessness in communities fund—a brilliant scheme, but heavily oversubscribed—or charities in my constituency?
Context
Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven faces a challenge in rough sleeping, with existing schemes such as the ending homelessness in communities fund being heavily oversubscribed.
Florence Eshalomi
As I mentioned earlier, I think it is important to look at local initiatives. I repeat that the Government's new £442 million rough sleeping programme and the ending homelessness fund will look at that. Brighton and Hove has received £1.35 million through the rough sleeping programme allocation, while Brighton Women's Centre has been allocated £371,380 through the ending homelessness in communities fund, subject to grant agreement completion.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-07
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I have had many emails from my constituents in recent days about continued sewage discharge into our beautiful seas and the terrible record of Southern Water on this issue. The Secretary of State mentioned earlier that he visited Bournemouth a couple of times, but can he come further down the coast to visit my constituency, and set out what the Government are doing to clean up our waters and hold Southern Water accountable?
Context
The hon. Member has received numerous emails from constituents regarding the continuous sewage discharge into seas by Southern Water, which holds a shocking record for pollution.
Steve Reed
I was down in Lewes a couple of weeks ago. I congratulate my hon. Friend on being such a powerful campaigner on issues relating to sewage in his constituency. He has brought together campaigners, and I would be delighted to meet him and them to discuss problems and start fixing the pollution issue that the Conservative party has caused.
Session: Topical Questions
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Peacehaven in my constituency is a growing town, but it remains a one-road-in, one-road-out town. The daily gridlock and frequent roadworks on the A259 is the single biggest frustration and barrier to opportunity for my constituents. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can unlock that and provide a real boost to Peacehaven and neighbouring towns?
Context
The MP highlighted the growing town of Peacehaven with limited road access, causing daily traffic congestion.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
I appreciate how frustrating the situation is for my hon. Friend and his constituents. My officials are continuing to discuss details of the business case for the scheme with East Sussex county council, and I would of course be happy to meet him to discuss that further.
Session: Road Network Condition
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Chris Ward noted that the University of Sussex has been fined over £500,000 following a lengthy OFS investigation. He questioned whether the Minister shares his concern about the conclusion without speaking to the university and asked for a meeting to discuss the implications of this ruling with her.
Context
The University of Sussex was fined over £500,000 by the Office for Students after a three-and-half-year investigation into freedom of speech. The university claims that it never received an opportunity to speak with the regulator during this process.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the limitations on her ability to comment due to the independent nature of the Office for Students' decision. She stated that she would be willing to arrange a meeting with the relevant Minister once legal matters have concluded.
Session: Freedom of Speech Universities
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It is now over a year since Imran Khan was imprisoned in Pakistan. Since then, there have been reports of widespread intimidation and human rights abuses. Can the Minister set out what steps the UK Government are taking to protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Pakistan?
Context
Imran Khan has been imprisoned in Pakistan, raising concerns about human rights abuses.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
The UK Government consistently urge Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. I raised these issues during my visit to Pakistan in November and in my statement to the House on 28 November. We issued a further statement on 23 December about the role of military courts. We have made it clear that the UK supports individuals’ rights to freedom of assembly and expression, and we will continue to do so.
Session: Topical Questions
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The suffering, famine and displacement in Sudan are only intensifying, so will she outline the practical steps the Government are taking to protect human rights, promote peace and bring an end to this appalling conflict?
Context
Sudan is experiencing extreme suffering, famine, and displacement due to ongoing conflict.
The Minister for Development (Anneliese Dodds)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for mentioning the extreme need to act on what is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. The UK has doubled its aid to Sudan. We have sought to use the UN Security Council, as I mentioned. We ensured through the Foreign Secretary that there was a Sudan session with G7 and Arab Quint Foreign Ministers, and the UK special representative to Sudan has visited Sudan; that occurred in December for the first time since the conflict.
Session: Sudan Humanitarian Situation
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Does the Minister agree that we should look at programmes such as offender to rehab schemes to tackle the causes of retail crime?
Context
Nine out of ten shops visited in the constituency reported staff attacks, while all reported daily occurrences of shoplifting. The questioner suggests extra resources, policing, and offender rehabilitation programmes.
Diana R. Johnson
The Minister agrees that tackling issues around rehabilitation for offenders, including treatment for addiction where appropriate, is important alongside other measures.
Session: Retail Crime
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What steps she is taking to help tackle retail crime. Shop theft and abuse against shop workers have escalated to unacceptable levels. How will her Government address this issue?
Context
Shop theft reached a record high in the last year of the previous Government, leading to intolerable levels of abuse against shop workers.
Diana R. Johnson
This Government is committed to rebuilding neighbourhood policing, scrapping the £200 limit on shoplifting, and introducing a new stand-alone offence of assaulting a retail worker.
Session: Retail Crime
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In my constituency, children who live less than 3 miles from school either walk an hour and a half to and from school or their struggling families must find the money for their transport. Will the Minister meet me to talk about this and see whether the 3-mile limit can be changed?
Context
The current national guidelines on school transport mean that children who live less than 3 miles from school do not receive Government funding for transportation.
Catherine McKinnell
We are committed to removing barriers to opportunity for every child. No child should struggle to access education because of a lack of transport. We are keen to understand how well the transport system is working for children accessing schooling, and I will happily meet my hon. Friend to discuss it further.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Minister for Creative Industries visited during the election campaign for a heritage project. While welcome, such projects are expensive and time-consuming. What can be done to support heritage projects around the country?
Context
Historic England recently announced a £750,000 commitment to rebuilding the Victorian arches of Madeira Terrace in Chris Ward's constituency.
Chris Bryant
Delighted that the arches will be sorted; we want to challenge France for international visitor numbers with historical and modern mix.
Session: Topical Questions
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LGBT veterans have suffered from unacceptable policies and injustices. I welcome the update but there is concern about recommendation 28's financial redress and compensation due to the £50 million cap leading to low payments. Will the Minister meet me and Fighting With Pride to discuss fair and swift compensation?
Context
The Etherton review recommended financial redress for LGBT veterans who faced injustice due to the ban on service based on sexual orientation. Concerns have been raised about the £50 million cap, which might result in low average payments per veteran.
Alistair Carns
I have met Fighting With Pride and Lord Etherton, and will meet them again. I also agree to meet my hon. Friend to talk through the detail of financial redress. Defence is working with experts across Government to establish an appropriate scheme that will launch this year.
Session: LGBT Veterans
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What progress has been made on implementing the recommendations of the LGBT veterans independent review?
Context
LGBT veterans have faced significant injustice, including bans on service based on sexual orientation until 2000. The Etherton review made several recommendations to address these issues.
Alistair Carns
It is with great pride that I stand behind this Dispatch Box to represent veterans, serving personnel, and their families. The treatment of LGBT veterans was unacceptable, and the Etherton review recommendations are being addressed. We have met 32 of the 49 recommendations and will meet those on financial redress by the end of this year with a launch in January next year.
Session: LGBT Veterans
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Jackdaw and Rosebank Oil and Gas Fields
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Government Procurement Strategy
22 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Lord Mandelson: Government Response to Humble Address
23 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Lord Mandelson: Government Response to Humble Address Motion
12 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
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 ...
Government Transparency and Accountability 2025-11-27
27 November 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
I hope I speak for everyone in the House when I say that it is a special privilege to be elected to represent our constituents. The British people put their trust in each and every one of us to be the...
Nolan Principles 2025-11-12
12 November 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
I rise to address the Nolan principles, highlighting that despite their importance, they have not been adequately upheld by this Labour Government. The seven Nolan principles are fundamental to public...
Hospitals 2025-04-23
23 April 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Regrets the appalling state of repair of NHS hospitals across the country, noting a maintenance backlog of £13.8 billion in 2023-24 and the failure to deliver on promises for new hospital construction...
UK-EU Relations 2025-02-06
06 February 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office outlined steps to increase co-operation on shared threats, including cross-border crime and illegal migration. He discussed a strong case for ...
Attendance
81.6%
80 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
33
33.7% of votes
No Votes
47
48.0% of votes
Abstentions
18
18.4% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
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
0
PMQs Asked
12
Ministerial Questions Asked
14
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
5
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-10% below average
This MP:
12
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+188% above average
This MP:
14
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-47% below average
This MP:
5
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+18% above average
This MP:
81.6
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 Ward's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.