Dehenna Davison
MP for Bishop Auckland
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
One punch thrown, two days on life support, then three children left without a father. A four-year sentence is handed down and the perpetrator is released after two, but one grieving mother has to live a life sentence of agony. Sentencing for one-punch killers is not working in this country. Does the Prime Minister agree that now is the time to finally introduce a specific offence and a tougher minimum sentence for one-punch manslaughter?
Context
A constituent's case highlights the inadequacy of current sentencing for one-punch manslaughter cases.
Rishi Sunak
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the work that she has done to bring attention to so-called one-punch manslaughter and to highlight the anguish that—as she knows well—those cases cause to the families of the victims. I know that the Ministry of Justice has looked very carefully at the amendment that she has proposed, and that she will shortly be meeting the Minister for Safeguarding to discuss both her specific amendment and how we might best address the wider issue.
Assessment
The questioner asked about introducing a tougher minimum sentence specifically for one-punch manslaughter, but the response was more generally supportive without committing to new legislation or sentencing changes.
Ministry Of Justice
Discussion With Minister
Session: PMQs
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Mr Speaker, you may notice that many ladies in the Chamber today are wearing pink for breast cancer awareness, but roughly 15% of those with breast cancer are diagnosed with lobular cancer, a little known strain that is harder to detect, has worse outcomes and has no dedicated treatment. I am working with Dr Susan Michaelis at the lobular moonshot project to campaign for a dedicated research stream for lobular cancer. Will the Prime Minister meet with us to discuss this and how the Government can help us to save more lives from breast cancer?
Context
Approximately 15% of breast cancers are lobular, harder to detect and treat.
Rishi Sunak
I thank my hon. Friend for all her work in this area. Early diagnosis of cancer is key and the NHS “Help Us, Help You” campaign is seeking to address the barriers deterring patients from accessing diagnosis and treatment. Thanks to treatments and faster detection, survival rates for breast cancer are now increasing. Last year, more than 1 million scans were carried out, preventing an estimated 1,300 deaths from breast cancer.
Assessment
Meeting to discuss a dedicated research stream for lobular cancer
Campaign Seeking To Address Barriers Deterring Patients
Session: PMQs
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A lot of the reason why I am standing in this Chamber today follows a chain reaction of events following the death of my father from a single-punch assault, but my dad is just one of many victims, which is why this week we are marking One Punch Awareness Week. May I ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will join me in showing his support for One Punch Awareness Week, and can I extend an invitation to him, and indeed to all colleagues right across the House, to join me immediately after PMQs in Westminster Hall to show that support?
Context
Request to support One Punch Awareness Week following personal loss from a single-punch assault.
Dominic Raab
Can I say to my hon. Friend that I know how much this campaign means to her personally? I know that hon. Members across the House will be very proud of the tenacious way she is pursuing that campaign. Of course I will join her in Westminster Hall, and I would encourage all hon. Members to do the same.
Session: PMQs
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I am sure that, like me, the Prime Minister welcomes the incredibly valuable contribution of our essential workers in keeping our supplies actually moving, our economy turning and keeping us safe. However, we know many constituents are facing challenges through covid. Does the Prime Minister agree with me and many colleagues that now is not the time for an MPs' pay rise?
Context
The UK is facing intense discussions on balancing the nation's finances due to the pandemic.
Boris Johnson
Yes, I do agree with that, and that is why we have frozen ministerial salaries this year, as indeed they have been frozen by successive Conservative Governments since 2010.
Session: PMQs
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Residents in Bishop Auckland contact me daily regarding crime concerns. My own history includes learning about violent crime in a way I never wished to learn about it. The first duty of any Government is public protection, but our criminal justice system has fallen short. Will the Government take all steps necessary to keep criminals off streets and crack down on crime?
Context
The MP has received messages from Bishop Auckland residents about crime, including personal experiences with violent crime.
Boris Johnson
We are recruiting another 20,000 police officers; about 5,000 have already been recruited. We also introduce measures to stop early release of serious sexual and violent offenders.
Session: PMQs
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Dehenna Davison asks the Prime Minister to work with herself and the Health Secretary to address concerns about the closure of the stroke rehabilitation service at Bishop Auckland hospital.
Context
A local NHS trust is consulting on closing a stroke rehabilitation service, causing concern among staff and residents.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Johnson congratulates Dehenna Davison and welcomes her to Prime Minister's Question Time. He thanks her for raising concerns and informs her that the Health Secretary is addressing the matter quickly, despite record NHS investment.
Session: PMQs
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How can the Minister ensure that my constituents will receive the support and advice they need in a timely fashion?
Context
A constituent disclosed serious concerns about poor communications from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) and a family court-appointed children's guardian.
Alex Chalk
We are investing heavily in the family system to deal with precisely these issues. If something has gone wrong, perhaps she will be kind enough to come and see me so that we can discuss it further.
Session: Topical Questions
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Our area has received £72 million through the levelling-up fund, future high streets fund, towns fund, £20 million for Spennymoor and a £1.4 billion investment fund from the north-east devolution deal. Does this not prove that the Conservatives deliver for the north-east?
Context
The Conservative government has provided significant financial support to Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor.
Jacob Young
The hon. Friend is correct, and her work has been helpful in levelling up Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor.
Session: Topical Questions
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I first got involved in politics when I was 16. One of my many motivations for joining David Cameron's Conservatives was his socially liberal stance on LGBT+ issues. One of our party's proudest achievements, in my view, is introducing same-sex marriage. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that, whatever the outcome of the leadership election is over the next few weeks, she and her Department will continue to prove that the Conservative Government are on the side of LGBT people?
Context
The question arises from a personal motivation to join David Cameron's socially liberal Conservatives and the introduction of same-sex marriage.
Elizabeth Truss
I was proud to vote for and support gay marriage, which has been a very important step forward for our country.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last Wednesday I was honoured to welcome my constituents Mark Rumble and Lucy Needham to Parliament, alongside Alina, the Ukrainian refugee who they are hosting. Mark and Lucy praised the ease and speed of the visa application process, but raised some concerns that they were given very little information about how to support Alina in settling in with things such as registering with a GP, completing her biometric checks, and getting a national insurance number. Will the Home Secretary consider Mark's suggestion of producing a clear and comprehensive welcome pack for every Ukrainian refugee, so that they and their host families can ensure that the refugee settles in as quickly as possible?
Context
A constituent praised the ease of the visa application process but expressed concerns about information on settling in, such as registering with a GP and completing biometric checks.
Priti Patel (Home Secretary)
My hon. Friend raises an important question, as well as some practical points that are constantly being addressed through the scheme. Welcome packs have been provided, and the Departments for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, for Education, and of Health and Social Care have, through local authorities, received support and guidance from central Government. I thank my hon. Friend's constituent for what he is doing, and for his suggestions. Much of that information is on gov.uk, but if there is more we can do—it sounds as if there is—we will join this up, and I will pick up that representation directly.
Session: Support for People Fleeing War in Ukraine
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What steps her Department is taking to support people fleeing war in Ukraine?
Context
The UK introduced the Ukraine family scheme and Homes for Ukraine scheme to support Ukrainians fleeing conflict. The questioner seeks details on further steps being taken.
Priti Patel (Home Secretary)
This week, we mark Refugee Week. The UK has a long, proud history of welcoming refugees and the Government have introduced two new, safe routes for Ukrainian nationals—the Ukraine family scheme and the Homes for Ukraine scheme—as part of our commitment to the people of Ukraine during the awful conflict with Russia. Arrivals under those schemes will be able to live and work in the UK for up to three years and, of course, they will have full and unrestricted access to benefits, healthcare, employment and other support. We have also introduced the Ukraine extension scheme, permitting Ukrainians already in the UK to extend their stays.
Session: Support for People Fleeing War in Ukraine
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The A68 is one of the main arteries for traffic crossing the border of England and Scotland, carrying thousands of vehicles each way every day. Many pass through the small village of Toft Hill in my constituency. In 2021, the Government finally announced that they would be providing funding to finally complete the much-awaited Toft Hill bypass—[Interruption]—improving the safety of roads for all users, including those travelling into England from Scotland. Does the Secretary of State agree that that demonstrates the Government's commitment to bringing the nations of our UK together by ensuring that the infrastructure works not only for both nations, but for local communities?
Context
Concerns about the A68 route and its importance in traffic crossing the border between England and Scotland.
Alister Jack
I notice that my hon. Friend was being rudely interrupted, but what I think I picked up was that the A68 from Darlington to Midlothian is of great importance to cross-border transport connectivity between England and Scotland. I extend my congratulations to Durham County Council for its success in the levelling-up fund. The rerouting of the A68 at Toft Hill will create a new 1.6 km bypass away from the village centre, which I know my hon. Friend has been campaigning tirelessly for.
Session: Improving Union Connectivity
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. I will try not to make this one a waste. I was grateful to the Minister for meeting me to discuss my ongoing campaign to restore the A&E to Bishop Auckland Hospital. Many of my constituents face a long drive to get to Darlington or Durham, and given that swift treatment can be a significant factor in outcomes for conditions such as strokes and heart attacks, does he agree that having A&E services spread geographically rather than just in strong population centres is an essential part of keeping our community safe?
Context
Many constituents face long drives to A&E, impacting treatment for conditions such as strokes and heart attacks.
Edward Argar
I did indeed have a positive and constructive meeting with my hon. Friend. It is right that we have access geographically spread to A&E services, but the decisions are rightly taken by clinical commissioners on the basis of clinical evidence. I know that she will continue fighting the corner for the reopening of her local A&E with tenacity and passion.
Session: Topical Questions
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Some constituents are concerned that moving their jobs would be incompatible with work-life balance, particularly caring responsibilities. Will the Minister confirm tailored support to find new roles or exit packages if necessary?
Context
The closure of a DWP back-office function in Bishop Auckland has affected 55 jobs. Concerns have been raised about finding suitable new roles or exit packages for these employees.
Mims Davies
Our Department is committed to supporting staff and customers. We are working directly with affected employees, using hybrid practices to retain them and provide better working experiences.
Session: Topical Questions
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Following the amendments to our sanctions regime yesterday through the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Bill, does she agree that that will allow us to hit Putin's allies harder and faster?
Context
Amendments to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 have made it cumbersome and slow for UK to sanction individuals.
Elizabeth Truss
My hon. Friend is right. Amendments from the House of Lords to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 made it cumbersome and slow for us to sanction those individuals. They included making unlimited damages available to those individuals as well as requiring an impact test under the Human Rights Act. Yesterday's Bill removes all of that, which means that by 15 March we will be able to sanction hundreds of individuals.
Session: Russia Sanctions
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Can my right hon Friend confirm that as Russia's threatening behaviour towards Ukraine continues and intensifies, he and all Ministers are working with our global partners to encourage further support for Ukraine?
Context
The MP is concerned about the ongoing threats from Russia towards Ukraine and seeks confirmation on UK's support measures.
James Cleverly
I can absolutely confirm that our support for Ukraine is discharged not only bilaterally, with training teams and defensive military equipment support, but with work at a multinational level through the Quad, which I attended recently, through NATO and through other international institutions such as the G7, to ensure that all countries support the principles of self-determination, territorial integrity, peace and freedom.
Session: Security Partnerships
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What recent diplomatic steps has the Department taken to help strengthen security partnerships with nations around the world?
Context
The question arises from the need to ensure that the UK is taking proactive measures in diplomatic relations to enhance its security network globally.
James Cleverly
We are building a network of security partnerships to protect our people, our partners and our freedoms. My right hon Friend the Foreign Secretary has already outlined a number of interactions that she has had at multilateral and bilateral level, which echo conversations that the Prime Minister had last week. The Foreign Secretary was in Australia alongside the Defence Secretary for talks with our Australian counterparts, and on 12 January I was at the NATO headquarters alongside European and Atlantic allies for the NATO-Russia Council.
Session: Security Partnerships
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Last summer, the Secretary of State visited Grange Hill farm in Bishop Auckland, where leading farmers John and Jane are rightly proud of the fabulous beef that they produce. Will my right hon. Friend please tell the House how the gateway to the CPTPP—a deal with Australia—will open up new markets for British beef farmers?
Context
The MP highlights a visit to Grange Hill farm in Bishop Auckland where farmers produce high-quality beef, seeking information on how an FTA with Australia will benefit local beef farmers.
Greg Hands
I know that the Secretary of State greatly enjoyed her visit last year to the farms in my hon. Friend's constituency. CPTPP is a great opportunity. I referenced in an earlier question growing Asian demand for products such as meat and other British agrifood products. We see there being tremendous opportunities in that fast-growing market—13% of global GDP across four continents. This is a real opportunity to be able to sell British farming produce to those fast-growing Asian and American markets.
Session: Australia Trade Agreement Bishop Auckland
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What steps has her Department taken to ensure that (a) farmers and (b) food producers in Bishop Auckland can benefit from an FTA with Australia?
Context
The MP is concerned about the benefits of a free trade agreement between the UK and Australia for local farmers and food producers in Bishop Auckland.
Greg Hands
The Government are clear that any deal with Australia must work for UK farmers and producers. We will use a range of tools to defend British farming. As well as improving access to the Australian market, an FTA will act as a gateway to CPTPP, creating unprecedented new export opportunities for British farmers and producers.
Session: Australia Trade Agreement Bishop Auckland
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It is a real pleasure to hear from my hon. Friend at the Dispatch Box for the first time since he took his post. Will he join me in thanking all our veterans who have committed their lives to protect and defend us, and to whom we will always owe a debt of gratitude? Will he confirm that it will be the Government's unwavering ambition to ensure that the UK becomes the best place in the world to be a veteran, whether that veteran resides in Brighton, Buckie or indeed Bishop Auckland?
Context
The question builds on the previous one, expressing gratitude for veterans and asking for a confirmation of the Government's ambition to make the UK the best place in the world for veterans.
Leo Docherty
I can absolutely confirm that that is our ambition. I look forward to publishing the updated veterans action plan later this year. May I put on record my thanks for my hon. Friend's magnificent work in Bishop Auckland to celebrate the important role of veterans in her community?
Session: Office for Veterans’ Affairs
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What recent steps has the Office for Veterans' Affairs taken to support the interests of veterans?
Context
The question arises from the ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of veterans in the UK, focusing on recent steps taken by the Office for Veterans' Affairs.
Leo Docherty
The Government and the Office for Veterans' Affairs are committed to delivering the veterans strategy. By doing so, we will establish a gold standard of care and opportunity for veterans in the UK. We will address historical issues that have negatively impacted some groups of veterans and we will ensure that all veterans are celebrated for their skills, their courage and their magnificent contribution to our national life.
Session: Office for Veterans’ Affairs
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Thank you, Mr Speaker; I hope you can hear me today. I was really delighted to see the ban on conversion therapy appear in the Queen's Speech, but, as we know, conversion therapy is an issue not just in the UK, but right around the globe. Does my right hon. Friend agree that these practices should not just be outlawed in the UK, but that we should work with our global partners to support LGBT safety worldwide?
Context
The question is prompted by the UK's intention to ban conversion therapy and seeks international collaboration to support LGBTQ+ safety globally.
Elizabeth Truss
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. That is why we are proud that we are instituting the UK's first ever international LGBT conference under the theme of “Safe To Be Me”, which is about protecting people from persecution worldwide. The conference will be led by Lord Herbert and will take place in June next year.
Session: Conversion Therapies
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Could my hon. Friend update the House on how many of these teams have been deployed and to where?
Context
The MP has witnessed the positive impact of the vaccination efforts and asks for an update on deployment.
James Heappey
42 vaccine quick reaction force teams comprising 252 defence personnel are deployed across seven NHS England regions to locations determined by NHS priorities. Their primary effort is to ensure the vaccine roll-out is equally paced across the country, reinforcing local NHS trust efforts.
Session: Covid-19 Regional Support
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Will the Secretary of State meet me and council officers to help to find a funding solution for the repairs of this nationally significant bridge?
Context
The MP is concerned about the full closure of Whorlton bridge and seeks a funding solution for its repair.
Grant Shapps
My hon. Friend's concerns about Whorlton bridge sound like they would be well addressed by the £4 billion levelling-up fund that we recently announced. We look forward to hearing from her when that fund becomes available. Of course, I would be happy either to meet my hon. Friend myself or to arrange for my roads Minister to do the same.
Session: Delivery of Transport Infrastructure Projects
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I thank my right hon. Friend for his slightly delayed answer. He showed last week how successful the UK Government can be in negotiating with the EU, in their successful agreement in the Joint Committee. Will he therefore confirm that, although he has shown that the UK can do a deal with the EU, the Government will only conclude a deal on a free trade agreement that is in the best interests of our country and will be willing to walk away if they have no other choice?
Context
Referencing a successful agreement in the Joint Committee last week, discussing the current status of free trade negotiations.
Michael Gove
My hon. Friend is right; even if sometimes results are coming later than we might have wanted, I know that we will be doing everything to secure a good free trade agreement in the interests of the whole United Kingdom. The electors of Bishop Auckland, whom she represents so brilliantly, were clear when they voted to leave the EU that we need to do so by 31 December, and we will.
Session: UK-EU Negotiations
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Can my right hon. Friend please give me an update on the dualling of the A66, and will he meet me to discuss the issue of the Rokeby junction?
Context
The A66 is a critical route for residents in Barnard Castle and across the north-east, prompting concerns about its status.
Grant Shapps
A popular question, Mr Speaker. I thought my hon. Friend was going to rise to discuss the A68 and the Toft Hill bypass, on which I know she has campaigned a lot, but the A66 is in the second road investment strategy—the RIS 2—for the period 2020 to 2025. Earlier this year, I launched the preferred route for the A66. That is completing its analysis, and it will then go for a statutory consultation, so it is moving at pace.
Session: Regional and National Transport Links
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White working-class children face poor educational outcomes, for example in GCSE results and higher education participation. Does my right hon. Friend agree that these children deserve full backing from the Government Equalities Office?
Context
The MP pointed out that white working-class children often have some of the worst educational outcomes, as evidenced by GCSE results and participation in higher education. She asked if the Government Equalities Office would back such communities.
Elizabeth Truss
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The attainment score at GCSE for white British children who receive free school meals is lower than the equivalent for black and Asian children who receive free school meals. That is why I have asked the Equality Hub to expand beyond protected characteristics and strengthen its focus on geography and social background to identify barriers to opportunity and success.
Session: Equal Access to Opportunity
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What steps are being taken by the Government to ensure equal access to opportunity? The average hourly wages are more than 30% higher in London than in Northern Ireland and regions such as the east midlands and the north-east, which is why we need to level up Britain.
Context
The MP highlighted the disparity in average hourly wages between London and regions like Northern Ireland, the east Midlands, and the north-east. She emphasized the need for action to address this inequality.
Elizabeth Truss
We know that the average hourly wages are more than 30% higher in London than in Northern Ireland and regions such as the east midlands and the north-east. That is why we are working to level up Britain.
Session: Equal Access to Opportunity
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How this and others deals she is seeking, such as the deal with the USA, will benefit British beef farmers right across our United Kingdom?
Context
The MP references a visit to Grange Hill farm in Bishop Auckland and the high-quality beef produced there.
Elizabeth Truss
Our deal means that British beef going into Japan will have lower tariffs. We also announced last week that the first beef for 24 years was shipped from Britain to the United States.
Session: Free Trade Agreement Japan
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We have seen numerous reports that the covid lockdown is having a disproportionately negative impact on the LGBT+ community. With the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia coming up on 17 May, what are the Government doing to ensure that LGBT+ people are receiving the support needed throughout the covid crisis?
Context
Highlights reports indicating that the pandemic disproportionately affects mental health, domestic abuse, and homelessness in the LGBT+ community.
The Minister for Women and Equalities Elizabeth Truss
I thank my hon Friend for her question. We are ensuring that LGBT people get proper support during the covid crisis, including health support. In March, I extended the contract of Dr Michael Brady as our national adviser on LGBT healthcare.
Session: LGBT Rights
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Access to Migraine Treatment
20 March 2024
Responding: Andrew Stephenson
Main Concerns
['Migraine is a complex neurological condition affecting around 10,000 people per constituency. The debate highlighted significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment access, including long waiting times for specialist care, inconsistent GP training on migraines, and difficulties accessing effective medications such as CGRP blockers due to restrictive NHS guidelines.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP calls for improved medical training for GPs on migraine management, faster access to neurologists and headache specialists, and changes to NICE guidelines to allow earlier use of specialised treatments like CGRP blockers. She also requests the Minister to address funding disparities in accessing these medications across different NHS trusts.']
Economy, Welfare and Public Services
22 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Informs the House that Mr Speaker has selected amendment (h), tabled by the Leader of the Opposition.
Valedictory Debate
24 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
In her concluding remarks, Harriet Harman reflected on her 42-year tenure in the House of Commons, thanking her constituents for their support and expressing pride in being a Labour MP. She emphasised...
Violence Reduction, Policing and Criminal Justice
15 November 2023
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Bill - Lords amendment 117 and related amendments
17 October 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Member moved an amendment to Lords amendment 117, proposing several adjustments including the waiving of Commons financial privilege. She outlined that this would involve considering multiple amen...
Social Housing (Regulation) Bill [Lords]
17 July 2023
General Debate
Led by this MP
Moves the bill back to the House for final consideration, aiming to enable significant change in social housing regulation. Emphasises amendments made to clauses on competency and conduct standards, p...
Telecommunications (Security and Governance) Bill - Clause 2
01 March 2023
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment seeks to ensure that telecommunications companies adhere to robust security and governance standards. It aims to enhance national s...
Capital Projects: Spending Decisions
09 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Making Britain the Best Place to Grow Up and Grow Old
16 May 2022
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
In honour of Her Majesty's jubilee year, the Government will focus on delivering a Queen’s Speech that rises to the scale of the challenges we face and addresses key issues such as education, healthca...
Levelling Up
02 February 2022
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Storm Arwen: Power Outages
06 December 2021
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
6
PMQs Asked
24
Ministerial Questions Asked
67
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
3
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
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+79% above average
This MP:
24
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1279% above average
This MP:
67
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-68% below average
This MP:
3
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 Dehenna Davison's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.