Diana R. Johnson
MP for Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Another 80 victims of the contaminated blood scandal have died since Sir Brian Langstaff made his final recommendations on compensation to the Government in April 2023. Will the Prime Minister join the families lobbying Members of Parliament today to explain why his government has failed to implement any of those recommendations 11 months on?
Context
80 victims of the contaminated blood scandal have died since Sir Brian Langstaff made his final recommendations on compensation to the Government in April 2023, which was 11 months ago.
Rishi Sunak
I am acutely aware of the strength of feeling on this issue, and the suffering of all those impacted by this dreadful scandal. We have consistently acknowledged that justice should be delivered. I gave evidence to the infected blood public inquiry last year, and the Government have accepted the moral case for compensation, which is why on Monday, in the other place, we committed to bringing forward amendments to the Victims and Prisoners Bill at Report stage, with the intention of speeding up the implementation of our response to the inquiry.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not directly address why recommendations have not been implemented yet.
Committed To Bringing Forward Amendments
Session: PMQs
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Why does the Prime Minister think that Sir Brian Langstaff, who chairs the public inquiry into infected blood, has reopened the hearings and summoned before him the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Leader of the House and the Paymaster General to answer questions next week?
Context
Sir Brian Langstaff, chair of the infected blood public inquiry, is summoning several key government figures to answer questions on this issue.
Rishi Sunak
My thoughts remain with all those affected by this appalling tragedy. The infected blood scandal should never have happened, and that is why the public inquiry was set up by one of my predecessors.
Assessment
Did not address the reason for multiple figures being called to testify
The Inquiry Was Set Up By A Predecessor
Session: PMQs
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Why can the Government not process asylum claims within six months, thereby saving £5.6 million a day on asylum seekers' accommodation, granting asylum to those who need it quickly, and stopping the abuse of the system, which currently has a backlog of 147,000 asylum claims?
Context
The MP is questioning the Government's inability to process asylum claims within six months, citing a £5.6 million daily cost.
Rishi Sunak
What we are doing is significantly increasing the number of caseworkers. We are on course to double it by next spring, with several hundred already in place. The right hon. Lady is right that the process takes longer than it should. Often that is because people are able to exploit some of the rules in our system and make sequential claims. That is exactly the type of thing that the Home Secretary and I are working on fixing, and I look forward to having the Labour party's support when we do.
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister has said that he wants to be known as a Brexity Hezza, and so, on that basis, will he commit to giving the Humber docklands the sustained support that Michael Heseltine gave to the London docklands to transform it from the 1980s onwards?
Context
The Prime Minister is asked to commit to providing sustained support to the Humber docklands, similar to what was given to London's docklands.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
The hon. Lady raises a very important point. That is among the schemes that we are certainly looking at and, as you know, Mr Speaker, we are looking also at the potential for free ports around the country, which can deliver a great deal of benefit to coastal communities.
Session: PMQs
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I thank the Paymaster General for all his hard work on the contaminated blood scandal. However, as you would expect, Madam Deputy Speaker, I still urge him to go further and faster to get this situation resolved. If the infected blood compensation authority is to be established upon Royal Assent, can the Minister outline the timescale and process for the appointment of the chair and the other directors, and how those with lived experience will be involved and included among those directors?
Context
The Paymaster General has been working on the contaminated blood scandal, but the questioner urges further action to resolve it. The Infected Blood Compensation Authority is set to be established upon Royal Assent.
John Glen
I thank the right hon. Lady for her kind words and her constructive approach. It is absolutely right that she continues to press me, as she does at every opportunity. Reflecting on our conversations and what she has said to me, the key thing is to ensure that we maintain and reclaim the trust of the infected blood community in all its dimensions. She will know that I am engaging with them in depth over several meetings on 1 and 10 May. Sir Brian Langstaff made clear that the infected blood community and all those accessing the scheme should have a role to play in its delivery, so, consequential to listening to what they say to me, I will be thinking about how we build that in.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Chancellor accept that he has caused a great deal of anxiety and further distrust among those who have been infected and affected by the contaminated blood scandal by not making any provision in his Budget for compensation, although the recommendations for compensation were made to the Government last April?
Context
The MP is addressing the Chancellor's lack of provision in the Budget for compensation to those affected by the contaminated blood scandal.
Jeremy Hunt
I gently say to the right hon. Lady that I stand by every word I said when I gave evidence, twice, to the infected blood inquiry. The Government have an absolute moral responsibility, not just to pay the compensation owed, but to pay it as speedily as possible.
Session: Topical Questions
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Interim payments are, by their very nature, interim; they are paid before final payments. Perhaps the Minister might be able to help me to understand. He just said that works are going on at pace, so when will the interim payments, recommended by Sir Brian Langstaff in April 2023, to parents who lost children and children who lost parents be paid before the final payments are made?
Context
The MP is concerned about the delay in interim payments to families affected by loss of life due to a fire.
John Glen
As soon as possible, and when the Government's position is clear.
Session: Topical Questions
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Despite the Minister's good intentions, this is a significant treatment scandal. After six years of inquiry recommendations, why has he not met any infected or affected individuals? Why are campaigners excluded from expert group discussions?
Context
Victims of contaminated blood have faced decades of cover-up and criminal activity, leading to lack of transparency in recent compensation efforts.
John Glen
I have engaged with the right hon. Lady multiple times, discussing Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery's appointment. On Report stage in April, I plan to engage extensively with various groups across the UK.
Session: Infected Blood Inquiry Recommendations
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Is Mr Neal a whistleblower? Is there any plan for publishing the 15 reports?
Context
The Home Secretary terminated the appointment of Mr David Neal, after he lost trust due to public concerns.
Michael Tomlinson
Mr Neal's appointment was terminated following breaches of his terms and loss of trust. Reports are carefully considered by Ministers and will be published in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Chancellor knows jolly well that in April 2023 Sir Brian Langstaff made his final recommendations on compensation for those infected and affected by the contaminated blood scandal. The Chancellor also gave evidence in July to Sir Brian and said that work was under way. In December, this House voted for a compensation body to be set up. I would like the Chancellor to answer my question, please, not a junior Minister, and explain exactly what is going on in the Treasury, what work is being undertaken and whether there will be an announcement in the Budget.
Context
Inquiry about the progress of setting up a compensation body for victims of contaminated blood scandal.
Jeremy Hunt
With great respect to the right hon. Lady, who has campaigned formidably on this issue, I do not think she is giving a fair representation of what the Government have done. I stand by every word I said as a Back Bencher, and as Chancellor I have tried to do everything I can to speed the process up. She has not mentioned that the Government have already given £100,000 to the families affected. We have accepted the moral importance of the duty to give compensation, and we will now work with colleagues in the other place to make her amendment workable.
Session: Topical Questions
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One of our clear recommendations was that police forces need specialist units to investigate rape. Is the Attorney General as surprised as I am that not all forces have these units?
Context
The Home Affairs Committee recommended that police forces should have specialist units to investigate rape cases, but not all do.
Victoria Prentis
The right hon. Lady knows the police are not directly under my supervision, but I am proud to talk about the close co-operation between police and CPS specialists in this field, which has really helped drive up rape prosecutions.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Prosecution
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What steps she is taking to help increase prosecution rates for cases relating to violence against women and girls?
Context
The question arises from a concern over the prosecution of cases involving violence against women and girls, seeking steps to increase these rates.
Victoria Prentis
We are steadily increasing the number of rape cases sent to the Crown court. We are preparing to launch a joint justice plan, which will transform how the police and the Crown Prosecution Service investigate and prosecute domestic abuse cases.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Prosecution
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Are the figures about unused hotel beds and contingency measures correct?
Context
The Times reported that there are unused hotel beds costing £1.5 million a day, with 3,500 buffer beds.
Tom Pursglove
It is important to have a buffer for contingencies, but the Government is looking at this carefully. Within the hotel estate, efforts are being made to maximise bed space usage, which helps close hotels more quickly.
Session: Asylum Seekers Hotels
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Owing to our interest and expertise in this area, will the Home Secretary consider giving the Home Affairs Committee and the Joint Committee on Human Rights the opportunity to carry out pre-legislative scrutiny of any emergency legislation that he plans to bring forward?
Context
The Home Affairs Committee has produced a report on small-boat crossings, visited France and Belgium to study migration issues, and expressed interest in carrying out pre-legislative scrutiny.
James Cleverly
There is an urgency to the legislation that we seek to put forward and, although pre-legislative scrutiny has a part to play, I will not do anything that delays the implementation of this incredibly important legislation.
Session: Rwanda Relocation Scheme Supreme Court Judgment
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Why have Scotland and Wales been able to set up psychological support services for the victims of the contaminated blood scandal, but England has not?
Context
Scotland and Wales have established psychological support services for victims of the contaminated blood scandal, but England has not.
John Glen
It is because I have not yet secured collective agreement to do so. The funds are available, and it is absolutely right that we bring that forward as soon as possible. Again, that is one of the activities that I will be engaged in resolving later this morning.
Session: Topical Questions
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Eight months ago, recommendation 12 of the final report on compensation called for interim payments of £100,000 to be paid. Can he tell the House when those interim payments will start to be paid?
Context
Recommendation 12 from the final report on compensation calls for interim payments of £100,000 to be made to recognise deaths and alleviate immediate suffering.
John Glen
I cannot tell the right hon. Lady that today, but in the seven days that I have been in this post I have recognised this to be my highest priority in the role. There are a number of complex issues that I need to come to terms with, but I am familiar with the whole issue from my previous role as Chief Secretary to the Treasury. This might be a matter of gamekeeper turned poacher, but I understand the mindset of the Treasury and how we can get a solution that deals with the range of recommendations.
Session: Infected Blood Inquiry
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I welcome the comments that the Secretary of State has just made, but may I take him to task about some of the comments that he made earlier? He talked about having conversations with Hull City Council about transport. This comes after the Government's decade-long refusal to back the electrification of a line to Hull. It also comes after the exclusion of the northern Mayors in the decision to scrap the northern leg of HS2. Why should any of the people in Hull and East Riding—
Context
The questioner discussed the lack of government support for the electrification of a line to Hull and the exclusion of northern mayors from the HS2 decision-making process.
Michael Gove
I am a huge fan of the right hon. Lady. The proof of the pudding will be in the continued engagement that we have with the people of Hull and, indeed, with their Liberal Democrat council.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am going to have another go: why is it that the Minister has not been able even to implement recommendation 17 of the second interim report, which is to set up a bespoke psychological service for those infected and affected, when other nations of the United Kingdom have been able to do that? Why has England been left out?
Context
The second interim report of the infected blood inquiry recommended setting up a bespoke psychological service for those affected, but England has not implemented this.
Jeremy Quin
That issue is being taken forward by the Department of Health and Social Care. I know it has made substantial progress on exactly such a scheme, and I look forward to an announcement in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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What progress has been made on extending interim payments to those not included in the first tranche?
Context
The Paymaster General, Prime Minister, Leader of the House, and Chancellor attended reconvened hearings where Sir Brian Langstaff made it clear that his interim report was final regarding compensation recommendations. The government has accepted the moral case for compensation.
Jeremy Quin
As the right hon. Lady knows, we are working through this. There is more work to be done. It is a mammoth undertaking, as she knows, and we are looking forward to the final report and putting our response into that context.
Session: Infected Blood Inquiry Interim Recommendations
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Digital technology was meant to expand choice. However, there have been closures of post offices and rail ticket offices due to digital advancement, and now the BBC uses similar arguments to justify reducing local radio services. The 50% target is already met in annual reports but used as justification for cutting back local radio output. Shouldn't public service broadcasting include reaching everyone, not just those digitally enabled?
Context
The MP is concerned about digital advancements affecting local news access, especially for those who rely on traditional methods.
John Whittingdale
Many value traditional broadcasting like local radio, especially in evenings and weekends. The reduction of local radio output is concerning to many people who rely on it.
Session: BBC Local Radio Services
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It is now 29 years since we had the first woman priest and nine years since the first female bishop was appointed in our established Church of England. Given that, is it really appropriate for the Church of England to continue appointing clergy who have not accepted and will never personally accept the ordination of women?
Context
The Church of England has faced criticism for continuing to appoint clergy who have not accepted the ordination of women, despite a long history since the first woman priest was ordained.
Andrew Selous
I can tell the right hon. Lady that a new body was established last year to review how the five guiding principles are being understood, implemented and received in the Church and that it has a balanced membership of bishops, clergy and laity who reflect all views on these matters.
Session: Ordination of Clergy
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What recent discussions has she had with the BBC board on changes to local radio services? I think that we all thought digital technology was meant to expand choice. However, recently, there have been closures of post offices, banks, and rail ticket offices, and the BBC is using similar arguments to justify reducing local radio. The BBC claims it wants to reach 50% of the population with its TV, radio, and online services after implementing digital plans, but their annual report already states they are at 50%. Why use this as justification for undermining local radio?
Context
The MP is concerned about the reduction in BBC's local radio output, which she believes goes against digital expansion promises.
John Whittingdale
The BBC needs to consider more people accessing content online and digitally, thus investing in digital areas. However, there are still many who rely on traditional broadcasting and value local radio. The Government is disappointed by the BBC's decision to reduce local radio output.
Session: BBC Local Radio Services
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If the Church of England will make an assessment of the potential merits of refusing to ordain clergy who do not personally recognise the ordination of women as diocesan bishops.
Context
The Church of England has faced a significant issue regarding the ordination of women as diocesan bishops, leading to concerns about equality within religious leadership.
Andrew Selous
The Church of England is fully committed to all orders of ministry being open equally to all without reference to gender. The Church is also committed to ensuring that those who cannot in good conscience receive the ministry of women priests or bishops are able to flourish; the five guiding principles of the House of Bishops are the basis for this mutual flourishing and all candidates for ordination have to assent to them.
Session: Ordination of Clergy
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In the chief inspector of borders and immigration's latest report on the Home Office system to remove foreign national offenders, he said “the Home Office does not have a firm grip on its caseworking operations” and “This is no way to run a government department.” Given that, will the Minister explain how the Department will cope with the increase in casework, detention and removals planned under the Illegal Immigration (Offences) Bill?
Context
The chief inspector of borders and immigration's latest report highlighted the Home Office's failure to provide reliable data and management information, leading to a lack of control over caseworking operations.
Robert Jenrick
We take that report, as we do all others, very seriously. Returns are increasing as a result of deals such as the one we have done with Albania, as well as reforms made to the national referral mechanism and a 50% increase in illegal working visits this year alone.
Session: Topical Questions
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Following Sir Brian Langstaff's second interim report, can you provide basic factual information about steps taken by the Government and a timeframe for action?
Context
Five hundred people have died since the inquiry was set up, with one death every four days on average.
Jeremy Quin
We have received the second interim report on compensation. We are working at pace, with meetings scheduled with Ministers to formulate a constructive response.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Financial Times reports that there have been meetings between the Treasury and Department of Health about compensation for victims of the infected blood scandal. Can you confirm these meetings, who was present, and assure those affected that full compensation will be implemented as recommended by Sir Brian Langstaff?
Context
Financial Times reported meetings between the Treasury and Department of Health regarding compensation following the infected blood inquiry.
John Glen
The Minister for the Cabinet Office updated the House on this matter a couple of weeks ago, and I am sure he will be keen to do so again when those conversations have taken place.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given that universities need clarity to plan, how can they proceed without a confirmed association to Horizon Europe?
Context
The University of Hull in my constituency understands the importance of securing UK's involvement in Horizon Europe for research funding.
Chloe Smith
We aim for successful association but must secure fair terms. Senior scientists understand our approach and agree it is appropriate that we have an alternative plan, allowing collaboration with the Government.
Session: Horizon Europe
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What recent progress has been made on negotiating the UK's association to Horizon Europe? The University of Hull in my constituency knows how important Horizon grants are for research. The Conservative party promised to secure this association. How can universities plan if this is not sorted?
Context
Horizon Europe is the world's largest science funding and collaboration programme, crucial for UK researchers.
Chloe Smith
We aim to achieve association, which reflects why we are working hard on it. Senior scientists acknowledge our approach but note delays due to EU membership issues. The sector can collaborate with government under fair terms.
Session: Horizon Europe
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Will Ministers do what Burnsy suggested and get BBC managers to reconsider the proposed cuts to local radio services?
Context
Local presenters have had to apply for their jobs, facing gagging clauses and fear of losing redundancy pay if they speak out.
Julia Lopez
I shall do my best to get some heads wobbling. I know that the right hon. Lady is a big supporter of Radio Humberside and her local BBC television service, “Look North”. The BBC has told us that these are cost-neutral changes and that it is moving resource into digital and providing some additional resource in relation to original journalism.
Session: BBC Local Radio Proposed Cuts
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What discussions has the government had with the BBC on its proposed cuts to local radio services?
Context
The BBC announced plans to reduce parts of its local radio output, including BBC Radio Humberside.
Julia Lopez
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport regularly meets the BBC to discuss a range of issues. Ministers have met the BBC on several occasions since the announcement, where we have expressed the House's shared concerns about the BBC's plans to reduce parts of its local radio output.
Session: BBC Local Radio Proposed Cuts
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When we had a shortage of doctors, the last Labour Government established the Hull York Medical School. We now have a shortage of dentists, so it is time for a Hull York dental school. This proposal has cross-party support in the Humber, so I wonder whether a delegation of MPs could meet the Minister to discuss taking the initiative forward.
Context
A shortage of dentists necessitates a dental school proposal with cross-party support in the Humber region.
Neil O'Brien
I am very happy to meet the right hon Lady as we work towards the workforce plan and the dental plan.
Session: Topical Questions
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With the Humber estuary responsible for 40% of all industrial emissions in this country, it beggars belief that it was not included in the track 1 for carbon capture. Will the Minister now guarantee that the Humber cluster will be included in the expansion that he just talked about, as it brings £15 billion-worth of private investment with it?
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of including the Humber cluster in carbon capture initiatives, given its responsibility for 40% of all industrial emissions in the country. The cluster brings £15 billion-worth of private investment.
Grant Shapps
The right hon. Lady is absolutely right about the potential of the Humber cluster. I want to put that on the record, as well as the fact that track 1 and track 2 announcements will be made later this year. It is perhaps a testament to the amount of competition for carbon capture, usage and storage that this country has sufficient space to store 78 billion tonnes of carbon, which is the equivalent of about 200 years of all Europe's carbon being stored in the North sea. There is just heavy competition for where it goes.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I tell her about a school in Kingston upon Hull North, on Hall Road? It has been raising the alarm about its dilapidated state for many years, but so far under the school rebuilding programme it has only been selected to attend a seminar and fill in a questionnaire. Will she tell me when that school in my constituency will be rebuilt, as is absolutely necessary?
Context
The MP highlighted concerns about a specific school building on Hall Road that has been deteriorating for years.
Gillian Keegan
I assure the House that there are no open areas in school buildings where we know of any immediate safety risk. If the Department is made aware of any dangerous building, immediate action is taken to ensure safety and remediate the situation. To address the challenges in the school estate, we first needed a true understanding of its condition. That is why it is so disappointing that over the 13 years of the last Labour Government, including when the right hon. Member served as Minister with responsibility for schools, there was not a single comprehensive review of the condition of the school estate.
Session: School Buildings Information on Condition and Safety
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What assessment has been made of the adequacy of the information her Department makes available on the condition and safety of school buildings? I think the Secretary of State is presenting a rather rosy picture, because the Government have admitted that it is now very likely that some school buildings will collapse, owing to a decade of inadequate funding and serious structural issues. She did not say that her Department has failed to publish data on where those buildings are, and what repairs are needed.
Context
The MP questioned the adequacy of information available on the condition and safety of school buildings, citing concerns about potential collapses due to inadequate funding.
Gillian Keegan
Well maintained, safe school buildings are essential, and it is the responsibility of academy trusts and local authorities to maintain school buildings and keep them safe. The Government carried out a review of them back in 2014; since then, we have completed one of the largest reviews in the UK public sector, in which we reviewed every state school in the country, and we are undertaking a further survey. We have allocated over £15 billion since 2015 to improving the condition of school buildings. That includes £1.8 billion committed for the financial year 2023-24. Our school rebuilding programme will transform buildings at 500 schools, prioritising those in poor condition with potential safety issues.
Session: School Buildings Information on Condition and Safety
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Indecent exposure and non-contact sexual offending can be gateway offences to very much more serious offending against women and girls, as in the cases of Libby Squire in Hull and of Wayne Couzens, as we heard in his sentencing last week. When are the Government going to act on these early warning signs?
Context
Recent cases highlight indecent exposure as a gateway to more serious crimes.
Sarah Dines
This is a really important issue, and I am grateful that the right hon. Lady has raised it. We all know from new academic research that indecent exposure can lead to far more serious crimes, and it is now the time that the police chiefs and also the College of Policing take it more seriously.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Paymaster General agree to a series of update meetings with those infected and affected by the contaminated blood scandal in the months leading up to Sir Brian Langstaff's final report?
Context
The contaminated blood scandal has affected many, with a final report by Sir Brian Langstaff due.
Jeremy Quin
The next point will be the second interim report, which I will meet with Diana Johnson and her colleagues from the all-party parliamentary group when it is released in two weeks during the Easter recess.
Session: Topical Questions
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What plans does the Paymaster General have to engage with those affected by infected blood in preparation for Sir Brian's final report?
Context
The all-party parliamentary group meeting highlighted a desire for more information on Government preparations for upcoming reports from Sir Brian Langstaff, particularly the final report later this year.
Jeremy Quin
The interim report from Sir Brian Langstaff will be responded to as soon as is practical, followed by setting out steps towards addressing the final report in autumn. It has been a long wait but there is an awful lot of work yet to do.
Session: Infected Blood Victims Compensation Payments
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What progress has been made in providing compensation payments to infected blood victims following a meeting with the all-party parliamentary group?
Context
A meeting of the all-party parliamentary group on haemophilia and contaminated blood was chaired by Diana R. Johnson, discussing compensation proposals for those affected by infected blood.
Jeremy Quin
The Government acted on an interim compensation proposal, paying out more than £450 million. Sir Brian Langstaff has announced his intention to produce a second interim report before Easter, which will help the Government respond quickly when the final report is published in the autumn.
Session: Infected Blood Victims Compensation Payments
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What is stopping us from doing what the EU and Canada have done in shifting frozen Russian assets into a fund for rebuilding Ukraine?
Context
The EU has set out a plan to shift frozen Russian assets into a fund for rebuilding Ukraine, and Canada has passed a law to do the same.
James Cleverly
Both projects are still in train; neither has come to a conclusion, and no country has liquidated frozen assets. Anything we do needs to be compliant with domestic and international law.
Session: Sanctioned Russian Assets
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Whether he is taking steps to seize and repurpose sanctioned Russian assets to assist the reconstruction of Ukraine. The UK Government have frozen Russian assets, but the EU has already set out a plan to shift such assets into a fund to help rebuild Ukraine, and Canada has already passed a law to do the same. What is stopping us? Why can we not do the same?
Context
The UK Government has frozen Russian assets, but the EU and Canada have plans to shift such assets into funds for rebuilding Ukraine.
James Cleverly
The simple principle is that Russia should pay for the harm and damage it has caused. We must ensure any proposals are robust, safe, and compliant with domestic and international law, and we will consider all lawful routes to ensure Russia pays for the damage and harm.
Session: Sanctioned Russian Assets
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I listened carefully to what the Secretary of State said about prepayment meters. Could he confirm that forced installations will not go ahead until the penalty on prepayment meters has been abolished— yes or no?
Context
Concern about forced installations of prepayment meters before penalties are abolished.
Grant Shapps
There has been a long-term difference in the price of prepayment meters, which I specifically asked Ofgem to look at. I am meeting the Ofgem CEO to discuss its response shortly.
Session: Topical Questions
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People in Hull North are a bit fed up with a very small minority of young people who are blighting their community through antisocial behaviour, including, most recently, throwing objects at buses, which has meant the suspension of bus services to an area of the country that has a very low rate of car ownership. What more can the Government do to help police forces such as Humberside, which is a top performing police force, and Hull City Council, which has seen its budget slashed over the past 13 years by this Government, to divert young people from crime and to deal with young offenders early?
Context
Hull community is affected by antisocial behaviour, including objects thrown at buses.
Damian Hinds
I understand what the right hon. Lady says about the frustration and anger felt by her constituents when they have to deal with antisocial behaviour. In different ways, it is something that all hon. Members have to deal with, and it is important that we bear down on it.
Session: Youth Offending
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In Ukraine, despite being war-torn, they manage to cancel fewer trains and have a more reliable service than TransPennine Express. Is it not now time to cancel the TransPennine Express contract?
Context
The question compares the reliability of train services in war-torn Ukraine to those provided by TransPennine Express, questioning if it's time to cancel TPE's contract.
Huw Merriman
The TPE contract comes up for renewal in May and faces similar issues regardless of who takes over. Sickness rates are at 14%, no rest-day working agreement, and training a new driver through the network takes about 18 months. If operations do not improve, other decisions will be made.
Session: TransPennine Express Operational Performance
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May I remind you how difficult it has been to build trust with those affected and infected, treated badly over decades? Can we have a date on which we will receive the government's statement?
Context
The Government promised a statement in response to the review by Sir Robert Francis KC of the framework for compensation.
Jeremy Quin
The interim payment was made, meeting Langstaff's interim recommendations fully. Work is ongoing and updates will be provided soon as we progress towards completing the Langstaff report.
Session: Infected Blood Support
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Infected Blood Inquiry and Compensation Framework
24 November 2022
Responding: Alex Burghart
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the ongoing effects of the contaminated blood scandal on individuals, their families, and communities. Over 3,000 people have died as a result of being infected with hepatitis C or HIV through NHS treatment, and one person still dies every four days. The lack of contrition from NHS leaders and the Department of Health and Social Care has turned a disaster into a scandal. Ms Greenwood highlighted the case of one of her constituents who contracted hepatitis C from contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite being officially recognised as a victim, the constituent faced a long, challenging process due to lost medical records and stigma associated with hepatitis C. The strain on the constituent's health and emotional well-being, along with the impact on her family, has been significant."]
Specific Asks
["The MP asks the Government to pledge full implementation of the infected blood inquiry recommendations, confirm the date for publishing the government's response to Sir Robert Francis' study, and prepare a compensation framework promptly. The Minister is also asked to ensure that affected individuals are involved in setting up the compensation process and address gaps in current financial assistance frameworks. Ms Greenwood urged the Government to publish their full response to Sir Robert Francis's report on the compensation framework as swiftly as possible. She also questioned when interim payments of at least £100,000 would be made available to those affected and bereaved partners registered with UK infected blood support schemes."]
Macpherson Report: Twenty-two Years On
07 July 2022
Main Concerns
["The Home Affairs Committee's report found significant racial disparities in policing, including a decline in confidence among BME communities, lack of progress on BME recruitment, problems with misconduct proceedings, and unjustified racial disparities in stop and search. These issues persist despite improvements made since the Macpherson report was published."]
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the government to outline how it is monitoring trust and confidence among black and minority ethnic communities locally, what work it plans to improve BME recruitment when the uplift programme ends in 2023, progress on addressing racial disproportionality in police misconduct and discipline, and whether all forces have implemented recommendations made by HMICFRS on disproportionate use of stop and search powers.']
Windrush Compensation Scheme
03 March 2022
Responding: Kevin Foster
Main Concerns
["The vast majority of people who have applied for compensation from the Windrush scheme have yet to receive a penny, leading some to experience further trauma rather than redress. Only 3,387 applications were received by the end of December 2021, with only 940 claims receiving payment. Two heartbreaking accounts are highlighted: Anthony Williams was wrongly classed as an illegal immigrant and sacked in 2013; Glenda Caesar was incorrectly dismissed from her job in 2009 and denied unemployment benefits for a decade. Despite some positive recommendations on outreach, the Home Office's response is criticised for its inadequacies and lack of engagement. The Windrush generation have been failed by the Conservative Government's hostile environment programme and subsequent delays in delivering compensation. The National Audit Office has criticised the scheme, with only about 20% of eligible individuals having applied for compensation by January 2023, and fewer than 10% receiving any compensation at all. Some victims have died before receiving their due, highlighting the need for an overhaul."]
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the Minister to provide an update on progress with campaigns targeting non-Caribbean Commonwealth communities, confirm when the first data release will occur, announce the date of the next face-to-face engagement event, reconsider transferring the scheme to an independent organisation if distrust persists, and address concerns about compensation for impact on life, loss of employment, and pension. The Labour party calls for the compensation scheme to be placed in the hands of an independent body away from the Home Office to restore faith in the process and ensure quick delivery of compensation. I ask the Minister to provide updated figures on applications and explain what is being done to encourage more victims to come forward.']
Department for Work and Pensions
30 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Department for Work and Pensions supports nearly 23 million people and spends around £300 billion each year. The central question is not just about cost, but whether the system is fair, timely and...
Respect Orders and Antisocial Behaviour
27 November 2024
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Police Reform
20 November 2024
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
HIV Compensation Scheme Bill - Lords amendment 35, Government amendments (b) and (c), Lords amendment 46, etc.
24 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The lead MP opened the debate by moving several amendments to address various aspects of the HIV Compensation Scheme Bill. He discussed Lords amendments including 35 and Government amendments such as ...
Coroners
24 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
This instrument is an important part of the Government’s ongoing support for coroner services in their continuing recovery from the covid-19 pandemic. It extends for a further two years the disapplica...
NHS
23 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Arrests and Prison Capacity
22 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
21 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Infected Blood Inquiry Report
20 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Conflict in Sudan: El Fasher
16 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Recommendations of the Infected Blood Inquiry
12 March 2024
The petition addresses the lack of financial allocation in the Budget for those affected by the contaminated blood scandal, highlighting that two victims die weekly due to delayed compensation.
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Boots Pharmacy closures in Hull North
09 January 2024
The petition addresses the concern over the proposed closure of Boots Pharmacies in Hull North, highlighting the detrimental impact on local communities, especially the elderly and families with child...
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Policing and drug and alcohol treatment in Hull
27 March 2023
The petition addresses the growing levels of antisocial behaviour in Hull, exacerbated by drug and alcohol use, which has worsened due to reduced police powers, loss of experienced officers, and budge...
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Planning permission for telecommunication telegraph pole installation
08 March 2023
Residents of Hull North and across the UK are concerned about telecommunication companies installing telegraph poles without local consultation or residents' permission, citing a lack of planning requ...
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Electrification of the Hull to Selby railway line
26 October 2021
The petition highlights the poor rail services in Hull, which are among the worst in the north of England, with train reliability at 60% or lower. It argues that improving these links is crucial for s...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
64.3%
63 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
28
28.6% of votes
No Votes
35
35.7% of votes
Abstentions
35
35.7% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
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 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
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
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
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
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
4
PMQs Asked
110
Ministerial Questions Asked
298
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
19
Statements / Bills
5
Petitions Presented
98
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+721% above average
This MP:
110
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+6032% above average
This MP:
298
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+101% above average
This MP:
19
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+104% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-7% below average
This MP:
64.3
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 Diana R. Johnson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.