Clive Efford
MP for Eltham and Chislehurst
Lab
1 May 1997 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
A year ago today, this House defeated the then Government over the contaminated blood scandal compensation scheme. It is welcome that the present Government have set aside £11.8 billion for that compensation scheme, but as victims die every week, there is concern about the pace of payments, and the fact that rules are being changed behind closed doors in Whitehall without explanation, contradicting some of Sir Brian Langstaff's recommendations. Does my right hon. Friend agree that next week's meeting scheduled with the campaign groups representing the victims must represent the start of those infected and affected being involved in a process that they fought so hard for, and for so long, and that too many died and failed to see?
Context
The Government have set aside £11.8 billion for a compensation scheme following the contaminated blood scandal, but concerns remain over its pace and fairness.
Keir Starmer
We are committed to acting on the findings of the infected blood inquiry, and ensuring swift resolution and compensating in full. That is why we announced £11.8 billion to compensate those who waited far too long for justice. I will happily make sure that my hon. Friend gets a meeting with the Paymaster General to discuss the issues that he has raised.
Session: PMQs
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I am concerned about the shameful increase in food bank usage from 61,000 in 2011 to almost 3 million in 2022-23 under Conservative leadership. Is this a record that the Deputy Prime Minister proudly defends?
Context
In 2011, when the Conservatives came into government, food banks distributed to 61,000 people. In 2022-23, this figure had risen to nearly 3 million, with one million being children.
Oliver Dowden
I am very proud of the fact that this Government have given record numbers of people the opportunity to have jobs and employment, which is the surest route out of poverty. I believe that up to 3.6 million new jobs have been created under this Government.
Assessment
Did not acknowledge whether he is proud of the rise in food bank usage; Emphasized job creation instead.
Session: PMQs
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In 2021, the Government enabled Yevgeny Prigozhin, the former chef to Putin and founder of the Wagner Group, to dodge UK sanctions to pursue a case in London against British journalist Eliot Higgins, who had exposed his link to the Wagner Group. The overriding of UK sanctions was approved by the Treasury when the Prime Minister was Chancellor. What values did the Prime Minister apply when he allowed a Putin warlord to use our courts to try to silence a British journalist and undermine UK sanctions?
Context
Concern over UK sanctions enabling Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Putin-linked individual, to pursue legal action against British journalist Eliot Higgins in London.
Rishi Sunak
I am proud of our record in leading when it comes to sanctioning those people connected with the Putin regime. I think, at last count, we have sanctioned over 1,000 people and frozen tens of billions of pounds of assets. I am aware of the case the hon. Gentleman has raised, and we are looking at it.
Assessment
No specific values provided for decision making on sanctions override
Looking At The Case
Session: PMQs
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Given the research indicating worsening climate conditions, will you commit to legally enforceable targets for your government's environmental promises and empower the Office for Environmental Protection with fines if these are not met?
Context
Research from Oxford University indicates an alarming increase in ocean temperatures leading to more extreme weather events. The Government is projected to miss its environmental goals.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Acknowledges the role of the Office for Environmental Protection in holding the government accountable but highlights achievements like a 42% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions since 1990, despite economic growth. Plans to lead COP26 with enforceable global limits.
Session: PMQs
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First, I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend for the way he has handled this issue and for the way he has moved it on in the short time he has been in office. Everyone is very grateful for that. None the less, he knows that there are still widespread concerns among the community about the compensation process. Will he guarantee that those people will continue to be listened to and that their voices will not be dismissed, so we can adapt the process as it goes forward to address some of their concerns? I am grateful to him for coming to the all-party parliamentary group on haemophilia and contaminated blood to discuss this directly with the community. I would be grateful if he would do so again before the summer recess, so that people can talk to him directly about their concerns.
Context
The MP acknowledges the Paymaster General's work on this issue but expresses concern about widespread issues in the compensation process.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
I look forward to an invitation from my hon. Friend and I pay tribute to his work as co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group. What he says about the voice of the community going forward is absolutely right. That is why I have created, and announced to the House, a mechanism by which concerns that are expressed are appropriately elevated to where decisions need to be made. I was determined not to have some sort of glorified post box that people sent correspondence into. If concerns are raised, they must be dealt with at the appropriate level, whether that is the Infected Blood Compensation Authority board, or escalated to the Cabinet Office.
Session: Contaminated Blood Compensation
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We are looking forward to welcoming the Paymaster General at a meeting of the all-party parliamentary group on haemophilia and contaminated blood in the near future. He knows my constituent Mary Grindley, who has been a prominent campaigner. She lost her husband, and since then has campaigned for over half her life for compensation. She has recently been in touch with me to say that those making claims for the loss of loved ones are concerned about the lack of speed with which payments are being made. Will he update the House in future, if not now, on progress in paying those who were affected, rather than infected?
Context
Mary Grindley, a constituent, has campaigned for compensation for those affected by infected blood for over half her life.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
The milestones that were set out for paying infected people were met by the end of 2025. The first payment to an affected person was also on time, and was made before the end of last year. My hon. Friend is absolutely right that we are now moving into a new phase of paying affected people, which will clearly be a larger number. I will, of course, happily write to him with the precise figures on that.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps are being taken to alleviate the pressure on grieving families and speed up the process of inquests, which currently face significant backlogs?
Context
A constituent has been waiting nearly three years for an inquest to be completed, contributing to a large backlog in coroners' courts.
Alex Davies-Jones
I have had productive discussions with the chief coroner on how we can expedite the inquest process. The Hillsborough law, which is being laid before Parliament today, includes provisions aimed at improving this process and providing more powers to coroners. We are also exploring further reforms.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. Friend accept that a lot of damage has been done since the publication of Sir Brian's final report, as is exposed in yesterday's report? Will he say what he intends to do to improve relationships with the infected and the affected?
Context
Sir Brian Langstaff was critical of the engagement with the infected and affected community since the publication of his final report.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
I am deeply sympathetic to the inquiry’s words on the involvement of the infected blood community. The Government are committed to providing fair compensation. Sir Brian said there is still more to be done to ensure that the detail and operation of the scheme matches up to its intent. I will urgently look at those recommendations with a view to action.
Session: Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
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Children in Gaza are more likely to die of starvation than from acts of violence according to Mr. Lazzarini. What does my hon. Friend expect from today’s session at the UN? What specific actions will be taken that would move the situation forward? Israel cannot be allowed to continue using food as a weapon of war.
Context
Mr. Lazzarini, a UN official, stated that children in Gaza are more likely to die of starvation than violence, highlighting the urgent need for aid.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
I think I was clear about the Government’s expectations in my previous answer. Those expectations are grounded in Israel’s international legal obligations. Ultimately, this is a week of diplomacy: the President of the United States will be in the region, and we will raise these issues in the Security Council. I hope that diplomacy will be able to make progress towards a ceasefire and the restoration of aid.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation
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The criteria applied by Link are too strict, and banks are being able to walk away from their customers. In Eltham, we have had a salami-slicing process of banks gradually leaving the high street, but, because we have a building society, we cannot ask for a hub. Will the Minister undertake to review Link’s approach, because it is making it difficult for customers to carry out their banking business?
Context
Communities like Eltham have experienced a gradual loss of bank branches, making it difficult for residents to conduct banking transactions. The current criteria set by Link make it challenging to establish new hubs.
Emma Reynolds (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
As I said in my previous answer, we do not have any plans to change the Link criteria; those are a matter for Link. However, there are some flexibilities in the way that it applies the criteria, depending on the local population, travel times to nearby bank branches and, indeed, the number of small businesses in an area. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend if that is of concern to him.
Session: Banking Services
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Does my hon. Friend agree that it is not gimmicks such as Rwanda but international co-operation that will fundamentally deal with the illegal gangs who are facilitating crossings? Is that not why we should welcome today’s summit, at which people are coming together to co-operate and to tackle those gangs?
Context
The MP challenged the effectiveness of gimmicks like Rwanda, suggesting international cooperation is more effective for tackling illegal immigration gangs.
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum (Dame Angela Eagle)
My hon. Friend is exactly right. These criminals are cross-national, very sophisticated and operate across borders. In order to respond properly, we have to do the same, and that is what today’s summit is helping us to co-ordinate.
Session: People Smuggling
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A National Audit Office report published in October highlights that special educational needs places in independent schools can cost two and a half times as much as in state schools. Does the Minister agree that if we are to ensure that children get the support they need in future, we will have to assist local authorities in expanding their number of special needs places?
Context
The question addresses the cost discrepancy between independent and state schools for special educational needs places, based on a National Audit Office report.
Catherine McKinnell
My hon. Friend raises an important point. We know that the situation needs reform, and that we need much greater capacity within mainstream schools so that children with special educational needs and disabilities can be educated alongside their peers where that is the appropriate place for them to be, but also so that special school places are available where needed. That is why we have put in £740 million of additional investment to support mainstream schools to expand their specialist provision.
Session: SEND Pupils Support
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that local authorities need more assistance to bridge such gaps in the December local government finance statement?
Context
According to the Local Government Association, local government spending on public services is down 42% since 2010. Greenwich faces a £3 million to £5 million gap in commissioned social care costs.
Rachel Reeves
In the autumn Budget and phase 1 of the spending review, more than £1 billion was made available to local government, including £600 million for social care. The allocation of that money will be set out in the normal way over the next few weeks.
Session: Topical Questions
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What is the Chancellor doing to get public money back from those people who sold that defective equipment to the NHS? Does it not just show that we cannot trust the Tories with public money?
Context
Some £8.7 billion was wasted on defective PPE during the pandemic, and companies associated with the Conservative party benefited from fast-tracked contracts.
Jeremy Hunt
What it shows is that we took very difficult decisions in the pandemic to speed up access to PPE for frontline workers, who were literally dying at the time—but there should be no hiding place whatsoever for anyone who commits fraud on taxpayers, which is why there have been over 100 arrests.
Session: Public Sector Productivity Programme
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Residents of Master Gunner Place and Grove Place are concerned about being charged for fire remediation work and excessive service charge increases. The MP seeks transparency and action from the Government on these issues.
Context
Residents in Eltham and Chislehurst, including Master Gunner Place and Grove Place, are facing significant increases in service charges related to cladding remediation surveys.
Lee Rowley
We agree that leaseholders should have transparency regarding their service charges. We have taken steps to highlight this through a joint letter and are working on reforms in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill.
Session: Fire Defects Remediation Costs
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What steps is the Government taking to prevent leaseholders and tenants from paying for the remediation of fire defects? In Eltham and Chislehurst, residents in Master Gunner Place and Grove Place are concerned about being charged excessively for service charges related to cladding surveys.
Context
Leaseholders and tenants are facing significant costs for cladding remediation, which they believe should be the responsibility of developers.
Lee Rowley
No leaseholder in a building above 11 metres will be liable for cladding remediation costs. We are making those responsible pay, where possible. Transparency in service charges is vital; we have highlighted this importance in recent communications and the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill aims to transform transparency on service charges.
Session: Fire Defects Remediation Costs
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Omaze has had a big impact on charity fundraising. Although it is raising money for extremely good causes, does the Secretary of State agree that when people buy tickets for fundraising they should have some idea of what proportion of the money they are spending is actually going to those charities? Should we not have more transparency in this area?
Context
Omaze's impact on charity fundraising.
Stuart Andrew
The hon Gentleman raises an important point. He will be aware that we have looked at a range of issues in relation to gambling, lotteries and society lotteries. The prize draws are an area of work we are examining at the moment to get a better understanding of what the market is like. He rightly says that it is important that people are aware of how much of the money they are spending is going to charities, and we will continue to work in this area.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given that the Mayor of London froze fares despite spending time raising taxes on motorists, should it be expected that a Conservative Mayor would increase fares if elected?
Context
The Mayor of London froze fares for five out of the eight years he has been in office, keeping them 14% below national increases. This contrasts with a previous statement by the Secretary of State.
Mark Harper
No. What I find surprising is that the London Mayor spends an awful lot of time pretending that he does not have any money, so he puts up taxes on hard-working motorists in outer London, and then just before an election, he finds a secret war chest that enables him to do popular things.
Session: Topical Questions
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The pothole situation is a metaphor for what the Government have been doing with public investment in the past 14 years. The roads have got worse and worse, with the Automobile Association describing October as the worst month for pothole breakdowns on our roads. If the Government were really concerned about this issue, they would not have starved local authorities of the resources to deal with the problem. Is that not correct?
Context
The MP criticizes the government for the deteriorating state of roads, citing examples such as October being described by the AA as the worst month for pothole breakdowns.
Mark Harper
No, I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman on that at all. We have given local authorities more than £5 billion of funding for local road maintenance. The £8.3 billion in the Network North plan is over and above that.
Session: Road Resurfacing
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Will the Government confirm that they have identified the financial contingencies to pay compensation to people hit by the infected blood scandal?
Context
The question addresses the need for identified financial contingencies to support compensation for those affected by contaminated blood, referencing a previous commitment made when the Chancellor was Health Secretary.
Laura Trott
The Government are working with the Cabinet Office and Department of Health and Social Care to respond as quickly as possible once the inquiry reports.
Session: Infected Blood Compensation Funding
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Whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential cost to the Exchequer of compensation for people infected and affected by contaminated blood and blood products. We have an appalling tragedy where justice needs to be delivered, and victims deserve recognition and support.
Context
The question addresses the ongoing issue of compensation for individuals affected by contaminated blood, referencing the strength of feeling among those impacted and the moral case for compensation acknowledged by the government.
Laura Trott
The Government understand the strength of feeling and need for action. They have accepted the moral case for compensation and will respond to Sir Brian Langstaff's recommendations once the final report is published in May.
Session: Infected Blood Compensation Funding
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Ambitious care workforce reforms—it is all blah, isn't it? We have had 14 years of Conservative Government, and we have a crisis in every area of the NHS. Job insecurity, poor working conditions and low pay—one in five care workers is living in poverty—are all reasons why we have a recruitment and retention crisis in social care.
Context
The question criticises the government's approach to social care over the past 14 years, highlighting issues such as job insecurity, poor working conditions, low pay, and a high percentage of care workers living in poverty.
Helen Whately
I am actually really shocked by the way the hon. Member referred to the care workforce, with terms like “It is all blah”—very shocking. I am determined that care workers should get the recognition they deserve. We have a 10-year plan for social care, and it is working: the care workforce grew by over 20,000 last year, vacancies in social care are down, and retention is up.
Session: Adult Social Care
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What steps she is taking to increase staff recruitment and retention in the adult social care sector where job insecurity, poor working conditions and low pay are cited as reasons for a recruitment and retention crisis.
Context
The question addresses the chronic shortage of care workers in adult social care, citing poor working conditions and low pay as major factors. The MP highlights that one in five care workers lives in poverty.
Helen Whately
Care is a skilled profession, and I want care workers to get the support and recognition they deserve. This month, we took the next step in our ambitious care workforce reforms, publishing the first ever national career structure for the care workforce alongside our new nationally recognised care qualification.
Session: Adult Social Care
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Why will the Government not assist local authorities to build those houses? We have had 14,000 fewer homes a year since 2010. Does the Minister accept that that is a disgraceful record for the Government?
Context
My local authority is bending over backwards to try to build social housing and is committed to building 2,000 new homes. The Government are still standing in the way by placing restrictions on reinvesting right-to-buy money in building social housing.
Michael Gove
We always stand ready to work with local authorities of whatever stripe or colour to ensure the delivery of new homes. As the hon. Member knows, London is the region of the United Kingdom that has performed worst against its housing targets. Principally, that is down to the Mayor, not to individual local authorities, so I look forward to talking to him about what more we can do together.
Session: Topical Questions
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According to the Government's own figures, 80,000 families have been threatened with no-fault evictions. When are the Government going to co-operate and get this resolved?
Context
The question stems from an alarming rise in no-fault evictions, affecting families who are forced to move far away, with children having to travel long distances daily for school. The Government promised to remove section 21 evictions four years ago but have not provided criteria or timeframe.
Jacob Young
We heard evidence in Committee about the huge increase in cases that we will find. We are introducing these reforms in a phased way so that courts and the sector have time to adjust.
Session: Private Rented Sector
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In my casework, I have seen an alarming rise in the number of no-fault evictions. This is leading to families being moved a long way from my borough, with children having to travel tens of miles to get to school every day. The Government have said that they are going to remove section 21 evictions, but they have not given the criteria under which they are going to do so, and it seems that this is going to be in the hands of the Minister.
Context
The question stems from an alarming rise in no-fault evictions, affecting families who are forced to move far away, with children having to travel long distances daily for school. The Government promised to remove section 21 evictions four years ago but have not provided criteria or timeframe.
Jacob Young
That is exactly why we are bringing forward the Renters (Reform) Bill. However, as we set out on Second Reading and in Committee, we will not be able to do that until the court system is able to cope with the increased number of cases.
Session: Private Rented Sector
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Given that the government's cyber-security strategy highlights the need for transparent central governance to oversee cross-government cyber security risks, will he set out the timetable for remedying this situation and explain how he will keep Parliament updated on progress?
Context
The British Library incident is a recent reminder of the high cost and security risk posed by cyber-attacks, with many Government Departments having red-rated IT systems.
Oliver Dowden
We are developing remediation plans which will be in place by next year. We are tracking progress and confident that we will achieve over £1 billion in efficiency savings and greater resilience by next year.
Session: Cyber-security
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Clive Efford asks whether the figure of 56,000 asylum seekers in hotels is correct. He mentions the Prime Minister's previous commitment to closing these hotels and notes an increase of 10,000 since then.
Context
The question addresses the Prime Minister's promise to close hotels used for asylum seeker accommodation, noting that figures have increased by 10,000 since last year.
Tom Pursglove
Tom Pursglove clarifies that the cited figures do not represent the current situation accurately and suggests periodic reporting on statistical releases affects the reliability of such citations.
Session: Asylum Seekers Hotels
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What was the Government's response to the Premier League's attempts to water down the powers of the proposed independent regulator?
Context
There are concerns that the Premier League has tried to water down the powers of the regulator through late representations. This could affect the regulatory effectiveness.
Lucy Frazer
We want to ensure we get the regulator right. It is essential that we protect fans and bring forward legislation. The legislation will strike the balance between protecting fans and ensuring our premier league remains a competitive, world-class sport.
Session: Independent Football Regulator
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Since 2015, the proportion of crimes that result in a perpetrator facing a punishment has gone down by two thirds. Is that because the Government had a policy of cutting 21,000 police officers?
Context
The question is about the impact of police cuts on crime rates.
Suella Braverman
I am incredibly proud of the increased resources for policing, the increased powers for policing, with the 20,000 new officers on the frontline that the Government have delivered for the British people—a record number; we are at historic levels—and the overall fall in crime since 2010. Yes, there is more to do, but on all those measures, how did Labour vote? It voted against them and against the British public.
Session: Crime Reduction
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When can we expect a response from the Government on the recommendations?
Context
The Government promised a full response to Lord Etherton's recommendations after the summer recess.
Andrew Murrison
We are working with Fighting With Pride to ensure what is put in place is right. We aim to have a full response later this year, but not providing a specific date or debating timeline.
Session: Support for Veterans
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Last weekend, James Robottom said that he does not expect much from the Government's consultation on planning. He stated obstacles to new onshore wind development would severely hinder investment and increase costs for families by £180 annually. Is it time to remove this useless Government?
Context
James Robottom, head of onshore wind at RenewableUK, criticized the government's consultation process as hindering investment in the onshore wind industry.
Andrew Bowie
This useless Government who have delivered 43% renewables on to the grid! The consultation on national policy statements closed on 23 June, and the Government remains on track to present them to Parliament by the end of 2023.
Session: Clean Energy Projects Planning System
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What discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on the adequacy of the planning system for clean energy projects?
Context
The adequacy of the UK's planning system for clean energy projects is being questioned, with concerns over the pace of reform.
Andrew Bowie
My Department has been working closely with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on delivering the proposals in the published action plan for reforming and speeding up the nationally significant infrastructure project planning process. An important part of those reforms involves updating and strengthening the national policy statements for energy.
Session: Clean Energy Projects Planning System
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In 2016, Exercise Cygnus tested the country's preparedness for a pandemic. Was the Government's response at that time adequate, and what can the Chancellor do in his current role to make sure that we are properly prepared in the future?
Context
Exercise Cygnus tested the UK's pandemic preparedness in 2016.
Jeremy Hunt
I am looking forward to answering questions about that tomorrow afternoon at the covid inquiry. We did what was recommended following Exercise Cygnus. Certainly, Ministers did what they were advised to do, but the operation was focused on pandemic flu. The question that we must ask ourselves is why we did not have a broader focus on the different types of pandemic that could have happened, such as covid.
Session: Topical Questions
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About 47% of parents say that the cost of living crisis is making it difficult for their children to participate in sport. The levels of participation among the poorest social groups is down on six years ago. What will the Secretary of State do in her plan to drive up participation in sport in those communities?
Context
The questioner notes that 47% of parents struggle due to the cost of living crisis, leading to reduced participation levels among poorer social groups.
Lucy Frazer
A significant proportion of £300 million going into sports facilities across the country will go to disadvantaged areas. Our upcoming sports strategy will set out how we ensure everyone can take part in sport and that it is inclusive for everybody.
Session: Grassroots Sport Children
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Residents in Master Gunner Place in my constituency are still paying for a waking watch, despite a new fire alarm being introduced. These properties were built with major defects by Countryside Properties, and they are now owned by Samnas. I want to know what the Minister is going to do to take these people to task, because they are costing my constituents a lot of money, which should have been resolved before.
Context
Residents in Master Gunner Place are still paying for a waking watch despite the installation of a new fire alarm. The properties were built with major defects by Countryside Properties and are now owned by Samnas.
Lee Rowley
We have reopened the waking watch fund and are willing to meet with the hon. Gentleman to understand why this has not been resolved despite previous spending.
Session: Topical Questions
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There were 3.7 million instances of fraud last year, but only 0.1% of cases make it to court. Will the Minister say why this is?
Context
Concerns about the low number of fraud cases making it to court.
Thomas Tugendhat
We are working on that challenge with the Ministry of Justice. Often, many crimes are committed abroad or not followed up, and sometimes people are embarrassed to report them. Collecting evidence is also difficult, which is why we have launched a new national fraud squad to help police forces across the country.
Session: Fraud
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What steps her Department is taking to support the critical minerals industry. The demand for graphite, lithium and cobalt is expected to quadruple by the 2040s. With supply currently dominated by China, what can the Government do to extract rapidly the deposits identified in all four nations of the United Kingdom so that we can gain a climate action dividend and level up the United Kingdom?
Context
The MP wants to know about the Government's support for domestic extraction of critical minerals.
Nusrat Ghani
My hon. Friend is right. One reason why I came back into government was to ensure that we were not reliant on one country, China. We need more lithium, cobalt and graphite as does everybody else to make batteries for electric cars, and we need silicon and tin for electronics. We welcome the Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre's report which we commissioned.
Session: Critical Minerals
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Can he tell us when he is likely to legislate on SLAPPs?
Context
The Government have been making noises about legislating against SLAPPs for a long time, but the questioner wants to know when this will actually happen.
Alex Chalk
We will do so at the earliest opportunity. As I said before, we are even considering this in legislation before the House at the moment. We have to move quickly and with care to avoid unintended consequences.
Session: Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation
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A month ago, the Minister promised to deal with the contaminated blood report 'at pace'. Can he now provide a specific timescale?
Context
The Minister was previously asked to deal with the contaminated blood report 'at pace'. A month later, he is repeating this phrase.
Jeremy Quin
We have received the second interim report and are working through it, ensuring it receives the attention required.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister feel that civil service impartiality was compromised by dealing with fast track for covid contracts or responding to accusations of lockdown parties?
Context
Concern over civil service impartiality during the pandemic, especially in relation to covid contracts and No.10 lockdown parties.
Jeremy Quin
Civil service followed all rules for fast track for covid contracts. Lockdown party accusations are under investigation by Privileges Committee, and no comments will be made at this stage.
Session: Civil Service Impartiality
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Over the years, many hundreds of thousands of children up and down the country have learned to swim in their local swimming pool, and the clubs that provide those facilities are quite often very grassroots and local. However, our local swimming baths are under threat. The energy they consume is enormous and they are extremely expensive to run. The £63 million announced in the Budget is welcome, but we have yet to see the detail of how that money will be rolled out. Can the Minister tell us when it will be rolled out and when we will know the criteria?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the threat to local swimming facilities due to high energy costs.
Stuart Andrew
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this important issue. I have spent a lot of time listening to local organisations making the exact same points. That is why, as a Department, we lobbied the Treasury heavily to get that £63 million. That will not only help with the current issue of the costs swimming pools are facing, but address some of the long-term issues to make them more sustainable. We are working through the detail and will make an announcement in due course.
Session: Grassroots Sport
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Given the new responsibilities related to administering voter ID requirements, have there been any issues reported by local authorities regarding their ability to recruit sufficient polling station staff for upcoming elections?
Context
Local authorities are facing difficulties in recruiting polling station staff due to additional voter ID requirements.
Cat Smith
Electoral administrators are indeed facing difficulties in recruiting polling station staff, exacerbated by new roles involved with voter ID requirements. Local authorities are addressing these challenges through various means such as redeploying staff from non-election areas and ensuring a female presence at each station for religious face covering verification.
Session: Voter ID
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We have had 13 years of Conservative government. There are record numbers of patients on waiting lists, record numbers of vacancies in the NHS, and a crisis of vacancies in social care. As for emergency care, the Government cannot meet their 18-minute target for category 2 ambulance responses. If the Conservatives were really concerned about the NHS, would we not be in a better position than this after 13 years?
Context
The questioner critiques the Conservative government's performance over 13 years, citing issues with waiting lists, vacancies, and emergency care targets.
Steve Barclay
The hon. Gentleman talks of 13 years. People are nearly twice as likely to be waiting for treatment in the Labour-run Welsh NHS as people seeking treatment in England, and, indeed, waits are longer in Wales: we have virtually eliminated two-year waits in England, whereas more than 41,000 people in Labour-run Wales are waiting more than two years.
Session: Urgent and Emergency Care
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Metropolitan Police: Stephen Lawrence Murder Investigation
12 July 2023
Responding: Sarah Dines
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the persistent failures in the Metropolitan Police's investigation into the murder of Stephen Lawrence, highlighting specific incidents where information was mishandled or ignored. He mentions that corruption has been denied despite evidence suggesting otherwise, including a link between Detective Sergeant John Davidson and Clifford Norris, whose son murdered Stephen Lawrence. The MP also points out that Matthew White is likely to have been involved in the attack but was not properly investigated due to incompetence and possibly more sinister reasons."]
Specific Asks
["The MP calls for an independent inquiry into the investigation of Stephen Lawrence's murder beyond the existing investigations, questioning the competence and potential corruption within the Metropolitan Police. He demands that the Met should apologize for its handling of the case and accept that there were viable lines of inquiry that were not pursued."]
Southeastern Railway Timetable Changes — [Carolyn Harris in the Chair]
06 December 2022
Responding: Huw Merriman
Main Concerns
["On August 4, Southeastern obtained permission to cut rail services without consultation. The cuts include two trains from the morning peak in Clive Efford's constituency on the New Eltham and Mottingham line and three trains from the Bexleyheath line, reducing capacity by 20%. These changes will impact 3,000 passengers at peak time who will have to find spaces on remaining trains. The Kidbrooke station has seen a significant increase in passenger numbers due to new developments, with exits and entrances rising from 890,000 in 2010 to over 1 million post-pandemic. Efford also highlighted that the cuts ignore previous promises of additional capacity made by Southeastern."]
Specific Asks
['Efford requests that the Minister monitor the situation after the new timetable is introduced to prevent a return to overcrowded trains and poor service.']
Football Governance — [Yvonne Fovargue in the Chair]
25 November 2020
Responding: Nigel Huddleston
Main Concerns
["The speaker is concerned about the inequity in wealth distribution within football, with Premier League clubs spending £1.2 billion on transfer fees while English Football League clubs struggle during the crisis. He mentions that too much money goes into players' wages and highlights issues of corruption and bad actors who exploit vulnerable clubs. The Bury debacle exemplifies problems needing stronger governance rules to protect against criminality in football."]
Specific Asks
["The speaker calls for an independent review of football governance involving all stakeholders, including fans and the English Football League. He asks if the Minister has seen the terms of reference for the Premier League's strategic review and if other clubs have a say in its future decisions."]
Education and Skills Reform
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Care Bill - Schedule 1
07 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to confer primary care functions on integrated care boards, thereby ensuring better coordination and integration of health ser...
Building Homes and Renewing Communities
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Public Office (Accountability) Bill
14 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Payment Scheme
06 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focuses on the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme and its amendments. The lead MP acknowledges thousands of victims suffering due to infected blood, emphasises the importance of reflecting ...
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
18 June 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
I beg to move, That this House has considered the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. The debate highlights the need for just compensation and recognition of those affected by contaminated blood produ...
Digital Safety: Children
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water Companies
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Russian Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure
04 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
74.5%
70 of 94 votes
Aye Votes
30
31.9% of votes
No Votes
40
42.6% of votes
Abstentions
24
25.5% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
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
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
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: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
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
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
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 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
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
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
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: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
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: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
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: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
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: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
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 NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
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
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
4
PMQs Asked
84
Ministerial Questions Asked
387
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
13
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
94
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+527% above average
This MP:
84
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+7863% above average
This MP:
387
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+37% above average
This MP:
13
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+8% above average
This MP:
74.5
Average:
68.8
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 Clive Efford's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.