Conor McGinn
MP for St Helens North
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
Will the Minister speak to colleagues in the Department for Transport as well as Transport for Wales so that we might make some progress on improving my constituents' ability to commute and ensure economic growth?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the overcrowding, cancellations, and overall performance of the railway line connecting north Wales to Manchester through his constituency.
James Davies
Of course, improving rail is not simply about the rail infrastructure; it is also about the train operating companies. The hon. Gentleman is right that Transport for Wales has struggled from time to time, but I do have discussions with them and will reiterate concerns.
Session: Economic Links Wales and the North-west
View All Questions -->
The first Ways to Work centre opened in St Helens in June, with one to follow in Earlestown in the new year. It is locally designed and has been recently supported by Labour-led St Helens Council and the Liverpool city region respectively. It brings education, employment and training for local people together under one roof. Will the Minister join me in congratulating the project on making 1,300 unique interventions in just six months? Does she agree that this type of local model works? If so, will she help me to ensure it gets the funding it needs to be sustainable?
Context
The Ways to Work centre in St Helens made over a thousand unique interventions in just six months.
Mims Davies
I thank the hon. Gentleman for everything he has mentioned, because we are doing that across the UK in 150 brand-new youth hubs. If he will listen to my answer, I hope he will understand that we are linked locally to the economy; we are keen for those job outcomes to come to his constituents and more widely, and this is being done through local interventions and local engagement.
Session: Help for Jobseekers Local Employers and Skills Providers
View All Questions -->
I am sure that the Minister will join me in welcoming bold and ambitious plans to transform our town centres. The missing part of the jigsaw are the Government. Will she guarantee that the levelling-up fund will be based on need?
Context
MP welcomed plans to transform St Helens' town centres and asked for a guarantee on funding based on need.
Kemi Badenoch
I think that goes without saying. We recognise many places would like to see additional funds from the levelling-up fund, but we will evaluate the strength of the bid from the hon. Member's constituency.
Session: Support for Towns
View All Questions -->
Despite what the Minister said, the online safety Bill is very vague—in fact, some might say it is a bit wishy-washy—when it comes to measures to counter these dangerous activities, so will she commit today to treating this matter with the seriousness and urgency that it requires and that Ken McCallum has demanded?
Context
The director general of MI5 has raised concerns about Facebook's introduction of end-to-end encryption blocking security and intelligence services from monitoring suspects.
Victoria Atkins
I hope that the hon. Gentleman understands the seriousness with which the Home Secretary, and also the Prime Minister and the Government, take such matters. I do not agree with his description of the online safety Bill. Indeed, he will note the confidence with which the Government have put it forward as a draft Bill in order to allow Parliament to scrutinise it. On Facebook and its activities, it should be in no doubt that under the new Bill as it stands at the moment, it will be held to account for its activities.
Session: Online Harms
View All Questions -->
Under this Government, the number of foreign criminals living freely exceeds 10,000 for the first time ever, while deportations fell to record lows. Yet no figures exist on rearrests of previously charged terrorist suspects. Does that not show how weak the government's record is and their incompetence? It's unacceptable when it comes to safety.
Context
The question concerns the government's performance in removing dangerous foreign nationals, noting an increase in numbers living freely and a decrease in those deported.
Chris Philp
Given the shadow Minister's new-found concern about deporting foreign national offenders, we will find out if his actions match rhetoric when voting on legislation. Why did Labour MPs oppose a charter flight in December to deport dangerous foreign nationals?
Session: Deportation
View All Questions -->
Crime has not stopped because of covid-19, showing a rise overall and drug/firearms-related offences at previous levels. The Government received Sir Craig Mackey's review findings but no action has been taken since June. What is being waited for?
Context
The Government received the findings of Sir Craig Mackey's review into serious and organised crime last February but has yet to come forward with the recommendations. Concerns are raised about delays in implementation.
Kit Malthouse
We have been dealing with a pandemic which had significant impacts on policing and crime trends. A surge in violence was seen post-lockdown but has since stabilised. Research and analysis are ongoing to understand the implications of the pandemic for crime, while discussions continue with partners on future disposition.
Session: Violent Crime
View All Questions -->
Does he agree with former National Security Adviser's comments that fallbacks are slower and less effective? Can he promise to deliver an agreement that retains or improves levels of co-operation, as called for by UK Counter Terrorism Policing?
Context
The Minister's letter to the MP stated that in a no-deal scenario, fallback arrangements would be used. However, concerns have been raised about these being 'slower and more clunky' and potentially leaving the country less safe.
James Brokenshire (Minister of State for Security and Economic Crime)
This country will remain one of the safest in the world. The UK is and will continue to be a global leader on national security, with all agencies prepared for the transition period end. I hope he notes our level of preparedness.
Session: End of Transition Period National Security)
View All Questions -->
I want to pay tribute to the family of Margaret Keane, whose grief at the loss of their mother has been compounded by still not having a headstone on her grave to visit this Christmas, two and a half years on from her death. The family have said that Margaret is “In our hearts forever”—“In ár gcroíthe go deo”—and that sentiment is shared now by the Irish community in Britain. May I ask the commissioner—I thank him and the Church for their engagement with me and the work they do in Saint Helens in the diocese of Liverpool—if a review can take place into the current appeals system in ecclesiastical courts, whereby even successful appellants are liable potentially for huge court costs to an unlimited amount? This is an access to justice issue and one of fairness that should be looked at.
Context
The question is prompted by the grief of the Keane family, whose mother's grave does not have a headstone after two and a half years. The issue also highlights potential excessive court costs for successful appellants.
Andrew Selous
I am sure that the whole House would want to extend their sympathies to the Keane family, and I am hopeful that change is on the way. The Church of England (Miscellaneous Provisions) Measure 2020, which was recently passed by this House, provides for exemptions from and reductions in court fees in the ecclesiastical courts to be made in secondary legislation. The Fees Advisory Commission will be asked to consider these provisions and, following that, an Order in General Synod will be made next year and will be laid before Parliament.
Session: Consistory Courts Appeals Process
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment the commissioners have made of the effectiveness of the process of appeal against consistory court decisions to the provincial court of the archbishop?
Context
The question arises from the need to assess the current system for appeals from consistory courts to provincial courts, focusing on its effectiveness and fairness.
Andrew Selous
The decision of a consistory court can, with permission, be appealed to the relevant provincial court, provided that the appeal does not relate to a question of doctrine, ritual or ceremonial. As in the temporal courts, an appeal must have a real prospect of success, or there should be some other compelling reason why the appeal should be heard.
Session: Consistory Courts Appeals Process
View All Questions -->
What resources is he providing to the police and security services to counter false online conspiracy theories designed by nefarious elements?
Context
Concerns about the spread of harmful conspiracy theories and misinformation that could undermine public health efforts.
Kit Malthouse
The NCA and intelligence agencies are engaged with the private sector to remove disinformation. The House must stand together as democratically elected politicians in acknowledging legitimate advice and data.
Session: Coronavirus Restrictions Police Enforcement
View All Questions -->
Can she explain how her plan is better than a 48-hour testing-led model proposed by others, given criticism from scientists and industry?
Context
Criticism of the Government's approach to border control and quarantine during the pandemic.
Priti Patel (The Rt Hon Priti Patel MP)
This is not solely my plan but a Government approach informed by medical and scientific advice. We have worked across Departments to identify appropriate border measures, addressing economic impacts through roundtables with the transport sector.
Session: Covid-19 Quarantine
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Tourette’s syndrome
25 January 2022
Responding: Gillian Keegan
Main Concerns
["McGinn highlighted that Tourette's syndrome is an inherited neurological condition causing involuntary motor and vocal tics, often accompanied by co-occurring conditions like ADHD and OCD. He cited statistics showing over 300,000 people in the UK are affected, with one school-age child in every hundred having undiagnosed Tourette's. McGinn emphasised that stigma leads to discrimination: 75% of individuals face educational barriers, 71% social difficulties, and 61% transportation issues. He also mentioned a study revealing people with Tourette's are over four times more likely than the general population to take their own lives."]
Specific Asks
["McGinn requested clearer referral pathways for diagnosis and treatment, more specialists in Tourette's syndrome, funding increases for research from the National Institute for Health Research, and a commitment from the Minister to meet Emma McNally and other families affected by Tourette's syndrome."]
Making Britain a Clean Energy Superpower
26 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's plan aims to address the challenges of energy insecurity, skyrocketing consumer bills, job creation in industrial heartlands, and climate change by investing in clean energy. The Ener...
Backbench Business
09 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Morris opened the debate by highlighting the struggle of miners and their pension issues. He criticised the Government for taking nearly £5 billion from the mineworkers' pension scheme without contrib...
BBC Mid-term Charter Review
09 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Proposes the debate on the BBC's mid-term charter review, criticising the lack of a formal debate in Parliament and questioning whether the current system satisfies concerns about impartiality. Emphas...
Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Bill
24 January 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland moved the Second Reading of the Bill, emphasising its importance in facilitating the return of devolved institutions and upholding the Belfast/Good Friday a...
Northern Ireland (Opportunities for Peace) Bill - Lords amendment 20, Government amendments (a) and (b)
18 July 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to disagree with Lords amendment 20, proposes government amendments (a) and (b) in lieu of Lords amendment. Highlights the need for balance between justice for victims and protection for veteran...
His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service
04 July 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Neill emphasises the pressing issues facing the Prison and Probation Service, including prison capacity, overcrowding, outdated facilities, workforce shortages, and high reoffending rates. He notes th...
Water Quality: Sewage Discharge
25 April 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion would allow for parliamentary time on Tuesday 2 May to progress Labour’s Bill, the Water Quality (Sewage Discharge) Bill. The country is being treated with contempt due to raw human sewage ...
British Glass Industry
14 July 2022
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Glass is a critical part of St Helens and the UK economy, contributing £1.3 billion annually with direct employment for 6,000 people and indirect support for around 150,000 jobs. The industry has a ri...
FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
06 July 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I wish to thank the Backbench Business Committee for granting this debate... Today, I wish to reflect on the enormous potential that lies within the poorest communities...
Preventing Crime and Delivering Justice
11 May 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Keeping citizens safe is the first duty of any Government and, although it is not the only duty, meeting every other duty depends on it. Whenever fear and crime flourish, people cannot, and nor can ou...
0
PMQs Asked
11
Ministerial Questions Asked
33
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
11
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+579% above average
This MP:
33
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
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 Conor McGinn's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.