Douglas McAllister
MP for West Dunbartonshire
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Two years on, my constituents enjoy greater rights at work due to wage increases. Thousands are better off, children lifted from poverty, and tens of millions in funding have been given to communities. Shipbuilding is secured through Norwegian naval deals. Billions invested in Faslane, new youth hubs set to open.
Context
This marks the second anniversary of a Labour government that has secured greater worker rights, lifted children out of poverty, invested in communities and shipbuilding.
David Lammy
I commend my hon. Friend's work and achievements, including Pride in Place funding, securing shipbuilding jobs, investing in Faslane, and opening a new youth hub.
Session: PMQs 2026-07-08
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It is a source of great pride to Scottish Labour MPs that, as Chancellor, Gordon Brown lifted more children out of poverty than any other Chancellor before him. It is also a source of great pride that—
Context
Under Gordon Brown's tenure as Chancellor, hundreds of thousands of children were lifted out of poverty. The current government has put children back into poverty.
Keir Starmer
In Labour, we know the damage that growing up in poverty does to the life chances of children. The Tories put hundreds of thousands of children into poverty, and they will live with that for the rest of their lives. We are undoing their damage. Our decision will benefit almost 100,000 children in Scotland as we deliver the largest reduction in child poverty in any single Parliament.
Assessment
Did not specify steps being taken to reduce child poverty
Session: PMQs
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West Dunbartonshire is set to benefit from record UK Labour Government investment: £60 million of local growth funding has just been announced for the Glasgow city region, to add to the £20 million for Dumbarton’s town centre regeneration, the £20 million Pride in Place funding for my home town of Clydebank, and the £1.5 million in impact funding. Does the Prime Minister agree that this is in stark contrast to the SNP, which abandoned our communities, and demonstrates the difference that a Labour Government make to West Dunbartonshire and to Scotland?
Context
The UK Labour Government has announced significant investments for West Dunbartonshire, including local growth funding and town centre regeneration funds.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I am very pleased that we are backing my hon. Friend’s home town of Clydebank with £20 million of Pride in Place funding. Just this week we hosted a reception to meet people who are working hard to change their neighbourhoods across the United Kingdom. That is Labour delivering on national renewal. As my hon. Friend rightly says, compare that with the SNP, which is more interested in squabbling over independence than using a record settlement to fix Scotland’s public services.
Assessment
Agreement on the comparison between UK Labour's investment and the perceived abandonment by the SNP was not directly addressed. The focus shifted towards criticizing the SNP.
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs
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Monday marked the seven-year anniversary of my constituent Jagtar Singh Johal's arbitrary detention in India. Can the Prime Minister assure me that he and his Government will do all they can to secure Jagtar's immediate release and bring him home?
Context
Monday marked seven years since Douglas McAllister's constituent, Jagtar Singh Johal, was arbitrarily detained in India.
Keir Starmer
Yes. We are committed to pushing the Government of India on this important case. The Foreign Secretary has raised it and will continue to do so, and we will ensure that we speak to my hon. Friend as we do so.
Session: PMQs
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I raise the cases of Ryan Cornelius and Jimmy Lai—both United Kingdom citizens—to the attention of the Foreign Secretary, who I welcome to his position. Ryan Cornelius has been incarcerated for 19 years—trumped-up charges by a corrupt regime that is supporting a war in Sudan at the moment. In his case, will the Government first bring sanctions against that regime to persuade, or force, them to release this man, as he should have been? In the case of Jimmy Lai, would the Foreign Secretary also threaten clear sanctions? I now know that Sebastien Lai wants to see the Prime Minister. Would the Foreign Secretary please say to the Prime Minister that he should see him because, again, Jimmy Lai has been wrongly incarcerated by a despotic regime?
Context
UK citizens Ryan Cornelius and Jimmy Lai are detained in the UAE and China respectively. The regimes are oppressive and their detention is politically motivated.
Stephen Doughty
The right hon. Gentleman raises important cases. I can assure him that we continue to support the clemency applications of Ryan Cornelius and Charles Ridley and to raise their case with the UAE authorities. In fact, I did so recently; the former Foreign Secretary did so as well and has met the families. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, we condemn the politically motivated prosecution of Jimmy Lai in the strongest terms. At the age of 78, his sentence is tantamount to a life sentence, and we are deeply concerned for his health and continue to call for his immediate release. The Foreign Secretary has raised this with his Chinese counterpart and will, of course, be happy to meet the family.
Session: Detention of UK Nationals Abroad 2026-09-01
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What steps his Department is taking to secure the release of UK nationals detained abroad. I welcome the Foreign Secretary to his place—he is the ninth Foreign Secretary in office since my constituent's detention. What steps has he taken since his appointment to secure Jagtar's release? Will he do more than just raise his case? Will he use his authority and take decisive action to end this injustice, and will he agree to meet Jagtar's family as a priority?
Context
UK nationals are detained abroad and require support from the government. The issue has persisted despite the involvement of multiple Foreign Secretaries.
Stephen Doughty
I pay tribute to our Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office consular teams, particularly for their current work on the Nepal-China flooding crisis. We are strengthening that support, including through the appointment of the first dedicated envoy for complex detentions, our former colleague the right honourable Alistair Burt. I am sure that was welcomed across the House. He is supporting British nationals and their families in the most difficult detention cases. I have met him to discuss those cases, and I look forward to his challenge and his review of all of those cases. Despite some progress in Mr Johal's legal proceedings, eight of the cases against him remain outstanding. We continue to raise concerns about his detention with the Government of India at every appropriate opportunity, emphasising the need for a prompt, full and just resolution of his cases within India's independent legal system. The former Foreign Secretary raised the case on 4 June. The Foreign Secretary's envoy for complex consular detentions met Mr Johal's brother on 7 August, and I can confirm that we will meet the family in due course. Consular officials most recently visited Mr Johal on 29 July.
Session: Detention of UK Nationals Abroad 2026-09-01
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West Dunbartonshire is one of eight local authorities that make up the Glasgow city region deal. The local authority is delivering an ambitious project to create a major industrial and commercial development on the former ExxonMobil terminal site on the Clyde. The enabling works are funded jointly by the council and the Glasgow city region deal, to the tune of £45 million. Does the Secretary of State agree that to reindustrialise every part of our nation, this Government must help unlock the economic potential of the site, and bring much-needed, well-paid and high-skilled jobs to West Dunbartonshire?
Context
West Dunbartonshire is part of the Glasgow city region deal, which includes an ambitious project to redevelop a former ExxonMobil terminal site. The question seeks confirmation that the government supports this initiative and agrees it will bring economic benefits.
Douglas Alexander
Let me assure my hon. Friend that we are committed to bringing economic opportunity to every part of Scotland. Unlocking the economic potential of sites exactly like the ExxonMobil Bowling terminal is how we can achieve that for communities and deliver the high-skilled jobs that people want. West Dunbartonshire is presently benefiting from over £500 million through the Glasgow city region deal, as well as money from our new local growth fund. This Government are working hard with local partners to deliver long-term prosperity.
Session: City Region Deals 2026-07-15
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What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of city region deals in Scotland. Built on more than £1.5 billion of UK Government investment, the deals play a vital role in fostering enduring economic growth, unlocking private sector investment, and improving infrastructure and job opportunities.
Context
The effectiveness and impact of the city region deals have been a subject of discussion, with specific focus on how these deals are fostering economic growth in various regions.
Douglas Alexander
City region and growth deals are having a visible and transformative impact on regional economies across Scotland. Built on more than £1.5 billion of UK Government investment, the deals play a vital role in fostering enduring economic growth, unlocking private sector investment, and improving infrastructure and job opportunities.
Session: City Region Deals 2026-07-15
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We know that the attainment gap holds back children who grow up in poverty. The gap reached its highest levels under the Tories, and in Scotland the SNP has failed to close it. Does the Minister agree that it is shameful that the Tories' only policies for children are bringing back the two-child limit, plunging hundreds of thousands into poverty, and bringing back tax breaks for private schools?
Context
The question addresses the attainment gap in educational performance, particularly for children growing up in poverty. It highlights past failures by both Conservative and SNP policies.
Bridget Phillipson
I am proud of the last Labour Government's record on tackling child poverty, but this Labour Government are going even further. We will lift the largest ever number of children out of poverty in a single Parliament, in sharp contrast with the Conservative party, which would plunge half a million children back into poverty.
Session: Child Poverty
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce inequalities experienced by children in poverty. I am concerned about the high levels of child poverty and its impact on future generations. The two-child limit has been scrapped, free childcare and best start family hubs are being rolled out, but more needs to be done.
Context
The question addresses the inequalities experienced by children in poverty, highlighting the need for government intervention to improve their life chances.
Bridget Phillipson
Tackling child poverty is a moral mission for this Labour Government. We are improving the life chances of every child by scrapping the two-child limit, rolling out free childcare, Best Start family hubs, and free breakfast clubs, and expanding free school meals. Our child poverty strategy will deliver the largest reduction in child poverty in a single Parliament.
Session: Child Poverty
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I thank the Foreign Secretary for raising the case of my constituent Jagtar Singh Johal during her recent visit to India. Will she update the House on whether her discussions were positive? Are we any closer to securing Jagtar's release and return home to West Dunbartonshire?
Context
The Foreign Secretary raised the case of a constituent during her recent visit to India.
Yvette Cooper
My hon. Friend is right. I raised this while I was in India, and I know how much he has been championing his constituent's case. There is concern about the length of time without a resolution, and we will continue to raise it.
Session: Topical Questions
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What happens in our capital city has a knock-on effect across our entire country. My constituent Lindsey contacted me to express her deep concern and shock at the abhorrent displays at the Unite the Kingdom rally involving open incitement of racial hatred and provocative Islamophobic stunts, none of which led to arrests.
Context
Concerns about the impact of events in London on communities across the country, especially regarding racial hatred and Islamophobia.
Sarah Jones
The Metropolitan Police Service maintained public order on 16 May, making 43 arrests and preventing 11 foreign nationals from entering the UK. The Minister understands concerns but believes the police did a very good job with their 4,000 officers.
Session: Unite the Kingdom Rally Policing
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What discussions she has had with the Metropolitan police on the policing of the Unite the Kingdom rally on 16 May 2026. I am concerned about the impact of events in our capital city across the entire country, especially regarding my constituent Lindsey's deep concern and shock at the abhorrent displays at the Unite the Kingdom rally involving racial hatred.
Context
Discussions about the policing of a large-scale event in London.
Sarah Jones
The Metropolitan Police Service maintained public order and kept Londoners safe on 16 May, making 43 arrests at the Unite the Kingdom rally. In advance, 11 foreign nationals were prevented from entering the UK to speak at the event. The Minister understands concerns raised by constituents but believes the Metropolitan police did a very good job with their 4,000 officers on that day.
Session: Unite the Kingdom Rally Policing
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This Government's plan for defence technical excellence colleges in the east and west of Scotland will give the young people of my constituency training opportunities. Have the Scottish Government responded or agreed to match our ambition with their share of funding for our colleges?
Context
The Government's plan for defence technical excellence colleges in the east and west of Scotland.
Luke Pollard
The Secretary of State for Scotland and I wrote to the Scottish Government a number of months ago now, but we have still had no reply to our offer of two DTECs in Scotland. I hope that the Scottish National party MPs present will be able to hurry on their Scottish Government to give young people in Scotland the DTECs they deserve.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Secretary of State reassure the House that the Government's consultation on banning social media for under-16s will result in decisive action, and ensure that any measures that are introduced are effective, proportionate and capable of keeping pace with rapidly changing technology?
Context
Many constituents worry about the harms children face online, including exposure to self-harm content and addictive platform design. This concern has led to a request for reassurance that government actions will be effective and timely.
Liz Kendall
Yes, that is absolutely my objective. I remind the House that our consultation is looking at not just whether there should be a ban on social media for under-16s but a whole range of other issues, including whether platforms should be required to switch off addictive features, whether there should be mandatory overnight curfews, whether there should be age or other restrictions on artificial intelligence chatbots, how age verification should be strengthened, and how to help children and parents navigate the online world and thrive.
Session: Child Protection Online
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I have always been assured by both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary that the case of my constituent, Jagtar Singh Johal, who has been arbitrarily detained in India for eight and a half years, would continue to be raised at all levels, but I understand that the Foreign Secretary met her counterpart Jaishankar on two occasions recently and was unable to do so. Can I have the Foreign Secretary’s assurance that she remains committed to raising Jagtar’s case and is actively working to secure his release?
Seema Malhotra
I can give my hon. Friend the assurance that we continue to raise the important case of Jagtar Singh Johal and to seek a resolution to his case as soon as we can.
Session: Topical Questions
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The sorry state of Scotland's roads proves that the SNP cannot get the basics right. The UK Labour Government funding to repair potholes adds to the significant Barnett consequentials falling to Scotland. Does the Minister agree that Scottish Labour's pledge to establish a new roads repair fund, worth £350 million, to fix 5 million potholes is one worth voting for on 7 May?
Context
The MP discusses the need for a new roads repair fund in Scotland.
Simon Lightwood
I agree with my hon. Friend. We have ambitious plans in England, and a record £7.3 billion investment and clear standards to ensure that councils fix roads properly for the long term.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Secretary of State agree that, with that record level of investment, it is now for the Executive to produce a balanced, multi-year budget that will deliver for the people of Northern Ireland?
Context
The MP is questioning the necessity for the Northern Ireland Executive to produce a balanced, multi-year budget with the record level of investment announced.
Hilary Benn
I agree with my hon. Friend. The Government have taken a decision to enable the Executive, if they wish to do so, to agree a multi-year budget. Discussions are taking place, we have had the open book exercise and I hope that the Northern Ireland Executive, given those considerable additional resources, will be able to find a way forward.
Session: Spring Forecast
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What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the spring forecast 2026 on Northern Ireland?
Context
The MP is questioning the potential economic impact of the 2026 spring forecast on Northern Ireland.
Hilary Benn
Northern Ireland will directly benefit from the spring forecast, with almost £390 million in additional funding to the Executive over the next three years, including £231 million in 026-27. That is money that the Executive can use to deliver on its priorities, which include transforming public services and promoting economic growth.
Session: Spring Forecast
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The organisation Surfers Against Sewage has just published its investigation of illegal dry spills by water companies in 2025. There were over 204,000 hours of illegal sewage spills in England last year. The situation in Scotland is no better: Scottish Water faces little accountability, with just 30% of overflows monitored and 70% unreported. Will the Government take tougher action to ensure that water companies are held properly to account?
Context
There were over 204,000 hours of illegal sewage spills in England last year.
Emma Hardy
In England we are absolutely holding those companies to account by banning bonuses, abolishing Ofwat, and introducing over 10,000 inspections for water companies. Sadly, our power does not extend to Scotland.
Session: Topical Questions
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I very much welcome last week's announcement of a £50 million defence growth deal for Scotland. It will make Scotland an engine for defence growth. Be it through building ships on the Clyde or new engineering and innovation facilities, it will create good, well-paid jobs for my West Dunbartonshire constituents and people right across Scotland, from the west coast to the east coast. Does the Minister agree that after two decades of SNP failure, it is time for a Scottish Labour Government who will actually back Scottish defence jobs?
Context
This question is in response to the announcement of a £50 million defence growth deal, aimed at increasing employment and economic activity in Scotland's defence sector.
Luke Pollard
I do indeed. It is noticeable that when the Scottish Government have had an opportunity to invest in defence skills, they have chosen not to. They chose not to when it came to the welding centre on the Clyde, but the Defence Secretary stepped in. Alongside the Secretary of State for Scotland, we have issued a challenge to the Scottish Government to match our commitment to creating two defence technical excellence colleges, one for the east coast and one for the west coast.
Session: Defence Jobs Scotland
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What steps he is taking to increase the number of defence jobs in Scotland. Last Thursday, I was proud to launch the Scotland defence growth deal, which will increase the number of defence jobs in Scotland, invest in skills and make it easier for businesses—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises—to do business in defence.
Context
The question stems from an initiative to boost defence employment in Scotland, aiming to leverage the country's resources and expertise.
Luke Pollard
Last Thursday, I was proud to launch the Scotland defence growth deal, which will increase the number of defence jobs in Scotland, invest in skills and make it easier for businesses—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises—to do business in defence. Alongside our commitment to increasing naval shipbuilding in Scotland, this will increase the number of high-skilled, high-wage jobs, and make defence an engine for growth in Scotland.
Session: Defence Jobs Scotland
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Does the Minister agree that the tariff cuts will grow the Scottish economy by £190 million a year and benefit the whisky industry?
Context
Scotch whisky faces high import tariffs in India, which are now being cut.
Chris Bryant
My hon. Friend is right. The increased bilateral trade with India will help Scottish businesses take opportunities and build strong British businesses.
Session: Topical Questions
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Scottish colleges are struggling to cope with huge cuts to staff and funding, including West College Scotland in my constituency. The Scottish National party has cut funding by 20% in five years. What can the Minister do, working with other Departments such as Defence, to ensure that Scottish colleges become engines of growth and opportunity again, particularly for the young people of West Dunbartonshire?
Context
Scottish colleges are struggling with staff and funding cuts.
Josh MacAlister
The SNP's track record on education is so poor they needed to pull out of the programme for international student assessment—or PISA—league tables because Scotland was plummeting so low. There is a chance to fix that in the elections later on this year. Skills policy is devolved, but as part of our defence boost we are seeing fantastic opportunities to bring colleges in Scotland along on that journey.
Session: Topical Questions
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We welcome the focus on faster diagnosis across all cancers, especially leukaemia where 37% of patients are diagnosed through an emergency setting due to avoidable delays according to Leukaemia UK research. How will the national cancer plan address these specific issues?
Context
An additional £2.3 billion is being invested for more diagnostic capacity and earlier cancer detection.
Wes Streeting
We are collaborating with GPs for better symptom recognition and blood test result interpretation, aiming to cut avoidable delays. The introduction of genomic testing at birth will help early detection or prevention of rare cancers like leukaemia.
Session: Cancer Diagnosis
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I am concerned that despite progress, one in four leukaemia patients face an avoidable delay in diagnosis, and 37% are diagnosed through an emergency setting. Research by Leukaemia UK highlights these issues. How will the national cancer plan address such delays specifically for leukaemia?
Context
The number of patients diagnosed with cancer or receiving all-clear on time has increased under Labour, but there are still concerns about delays and emergency diagnoses.
Wes Streeting
We are working with GPs to improve their preparedness in spotting symptoms or concerning blood test results for early diagnosis. Additionally, we aim to introduce genomic testing at birth to catch rare cancers like leukaemia early or prevent them.
Session: Cancer Diagnosis
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I am concerned about the widening of the gender pay gap for full-time employees in Scotland from 2% in 2024 to 3.5% in 2025. On the SNP’s watch, women are earning less for the same hours. What can the UK Government do to improve matters?
Context
The gender pay gap for full-time employees in Scotland widened from 2% in 2024 to 3.5% in 2025, indicating a worsening trend in women's earnings relative to men’s.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
My hon. Friend is right: we must narrow that gap. We are ensuring that large employers, including in the Scottish private sector, publish plans on how they will address the gender pay gap. Of course, I am proud that, alongside my hon. Friend, this Labour Government are delivering the biggest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation.
Session: Topical Questions
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The SNP Government dropped the ball on an £11 million investment, led by Rolls-Royce, in building a specialist welding centre on the Clyde—a vital opportunity to support the Royal Navy. It is only thanks to this Labour Government providing £2.5 million of support to the programme that it is going ahead. Does the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster agree that, at a time of rising global uncertainty, my constituents deserve better than the flaky student union politics of the SNP Government?
Context
The SNP Government failed to invest £11 million in a specialist welding centre on the Clyde, but Labour support of £2.5 million is now ensuring that it goes ahead.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Darren Jones)
I could not agree more, and I thank my hon. Friend for making such an important case for his constituency, as he did yesterday at Prime Minister’s questions. Whether on defence, nuclear energy, or fixing public services, the SNP have failed Scotland for far too long, and only with Anas Sarwar as leader of the Scottish Government from May will things start to get better.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps is her Department taking to support UK citizens arbitrarily detained abroad? Exactly 3,000 days ago, my constituent Jagtar Singh Johal was imprisoned in India, and he remains arbitrarily detained. He faces the death penalty on trumped-up charges after being tortured for a confession. Despite his acquittal last year of all charges, he now faces eight duplicate cases based on the same evidence. Does the Foreign Secretary or Minister agree that this is clearly double jeopardy under Indian, international, and UK law? Will the Government make that clear to Indian counterparts?
Context
Jagtar Singh Johal, a constituent of Douglas McAllister, has been imprisoned in India since 3,000 days ago on trumped-up charges. He was acquitted last year but now faces eight duplicate cases based on the same evidence.
Hamish Falconer
Despite progress in Mr Johal’s legal proceedings, eight of the cases against him remain outstanding. We continue to raise concerns about his prolonged detention with the Government of India at every appropriate opportunity and emphasise the need for a prompt, full and just resolution of Mr Johal’s cases in India’s independent legal system.
Session: UK Citizens Detained Abroad
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Will the Leader of the House agree to an urgent debate on the subject in Government time, and ask the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to conduct an urgent investigation?
Context
Hundreds of West Dunbartonshire constituents have been served notice to terminate their family protection funeral plan by CMutual and Maiden Life UK, leaving them with nothing on 30 November.
Alan Campbell
This is an important issue and a concerning situation. I will draw it to the attention of the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. My hon. Friend may get an opportunity to raise the issue during the Budget debate, for which there will be a lot of time.
Session: Business of the House
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The UK Government are investing more than £41 million of funding in my constituency, including the recently announced pride in place award. That will unlock the potential of my West Dunbartonshire constituency, matching the level of ambition I have to regenerate our town centres and communities and make them fit for the future. Does the Secretary of State agree that this is in stark contrast to the SNP, which has given up on our communities right across Scotland and in West Dunbartonshire?
Context
Douglas McAllister is concerned about the regeneration of his constituency, West Dunbartonshire. He highlights that the UK Government has invested over £41 million in his area through the pride in place programme.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)
I commend my hon. Friend on his ambition for his seat and his sterling advocacy for it. He is right that this funding will help revitalise our high streets, create jobs and improve safety and security in Scotland. He is also right that the SNP is desperately out of touch with its squabbling over independence while services across Scotland are at breaking point.
Session: Pride in Place Programme Regeneration
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Thanks to Labour’s fiscal rules, the Government have unlocked private investment in UK infrastructure and strengthened investor confidence. The 10-year infrastructure strategy will revitalise all parts of the country’s economy, including in Scotland and in my constituency of West Dunbartonshire. Does the Chancellor agree that the UK Labour Government have put Scotland at the heart of economic growth, with unprecedented support for Scottish industries, jobs and public services, in stark contrast to the SNP Scottish Government?
Context
The MP acknowledges the support of Labour's fiscal rules for unlocking private investment in UK infrastructure, strengthening investor confidence.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
My hon. Friend is a great champion for the people of West Dunbartonshire, and I know he is working very closely with the Ministry of Defence at the moment to secure defence investment in his constituency. During the summer, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Scotland, seeing the results of our infrastructure investments—in the defence sector, carbon capture and storage in Aberdeenshire, transport investment in Glasgow, the supercomputer, and RAF Lossiemouth—and how the trade deals are benefiting industries in Scotland, including Scotch whisky.
Session: Infrastructure Strategy Economic Growth
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What support can the Church provide to not just Christian children, but all children in the Occupied Palestinian Territories who are in desperate need of medical evacuation?
Context
The Christian community faces attacks by Israeli soldiers and settlers, as evidenced by recent incidents. The UK Government has begun issuing visas for critically injured Gazan children but only a few have been granted.
Marsha De Cordova
There is no safe space for children in Gaza, where over 56,000 people have lost their lives, including more than 17,000 children. The Church has condemned the attacks on hospitals and civilians but must do more to be a voice for the voiceless, especially Gazan children.
Session: Christians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
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My constituent, Deborah, should receive monthly child maintenance payments for her daughter, but her former partner withholds payments, despite my complaints and hers to the DWP Child Maintenance Service complaints team. The team advised me that there is nothing they can do to prevent it, despite a deduction-from-earnings order being in place. Does the Minister agree that this is a completely inadequate response that requires a ministerial review of the system?
Context
A constituent, Deborah, should receive monthly child maintenance payments but her former partner withholds payments despite a deduction-from-earnings order being in place.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Western)
I am sorry to hear about the case that my hon. Friend has highlighted. He will have heard the reform that I announced earlier, but I absolutely understand why he wants to raise this issue for his constituent, and if he would like to meet me to discuss it further, I would be happy to do that.
Session: Child Maintenance System Economic Abuse
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Increasing our investment in defence not only bolsters our national security, but is an opportunity to support vital, skilled defence sector jobs and boost economic growth. Will the forthcoming defence industrial strategy spread prosperity across the regions and nations of the UK, and will the Minister use defence procurement and investment to generate wealth and create high-quality jobs in the west of Scotland and make defence an engine for growth across Scotland?
Context
The question comes amid discussions about growing investment in the defence sector to boost UK economic growth. The MP is specifically concerned with the impact on regional economies.
The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle)
I thank my hon. Friend for that question. We are delivering for defence across all the nations and regions. The Clyde infrastructure programme—a £1.8 billion programme—will create skilled jobs in the west of Scotland over the next 40 years, while delivering our triple lock commitment on keeping the continuous at-sea deterrent. I recently opened the Rolls-Royce submarines office in Glasgow, which aims to access skilled talent pools in his area to support Dreadnought and AUKUS-class boats.
Session: Defence Sector Jobs
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What steps he is taking to support the nuclear power sector? The transition to net zero is a chance to create decent, high-skilled jobs for the future. That includes the next generation of small nuclear reactors, which could revolutionise our energy market and deliver cleaner affordable energy. The SNP has vetoed nuclear energy projects in Scotland for almost 20 years, determined to leave Scotland behind. Is Scotland missing out on the economic opportunities that nuclear offers?
Context
The transition to net zero is a chance to create decent, high-skilled jobs for the future. That includes the next generation of small nuclear reactors.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
Planning matters, including the siting of new nuclear, are devolved to the Scottish Parliament, so it is rightly for it to decide. However, I agree that Scotland is missing out on the huge potential of new nuclear. If the ideological block introduced by the SNP were lifted, billions of pounds could be invested in Scotland, with the countless skilled jobs that go with that. That could well be delivered next year if a Scottish Government are elected that take the industry and opportunity of Scotland seriously and deliver those well-paid skilled jobs—that would come by electing a Scottish Labour Government.
Session: Nuclear Power Sector
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The Chancellor set out in the spring statement a clear plan to drive better value for taxpayers, including through the transformation fund, which will transform frontline delivery while making savings in the long term. Does he agree that that is in stark contrast to the SNP Scottish Government’s record of waste?
Context
The Chancellor previously outlined a clear plan to drive better value for taxpayers through the transformation fund. The SNP is accused of wasting resources.
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Darren Jones)
As my hon. Friend knows, we have given the Scottish Government the largest increase in spending since devolution began. The people of Scotland expect that money to be spent well, which we are doing in England by transforming public services and improving the national health service. However, given that SNP Members are not present in the Chamber today, the people of Scotland need to know that they will have to elect a Labour Government in Scotland later next year for that to happen.
Session: Topical Questions
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Scotland’s ferry network to the islands is an essential transport system. Island communities have at times been effectively cut off due to ferry chaos, disruptive cancellations and expensive repairs. The SNP has decided to inflict a 10% fare hike and sent a contract for seven new ferries to Poland. The Scottish Government are depriving Scotland’s iconic shipbuilding industry of much-needed growth and jobs. Can the UK Government assist the Scottish Government with fundamental reform of how we procure and run ferries in our country?
Context
The question highlights the issues faced by Scotland’s ferry network, including ferry cancellations, disruptive repairs, and fare hikes imposed by the Scottish Government, impacting island communities and depriving the local economy of growth opportunities.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
As all of us know, Scotland has a world-renowned shipbuilding industry, so it saddens me that, under the SNP, Scotland’s ferries are being built elsewhere. I am aware that Scottish colleagues want to see reforms to how ferries are run and procured. In the meantime, I urge the Scottish Government to reconsider sending vital jobs and investment abroad.
Session: Supporting Economic Growth
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What work is the Department doing to ensure that the UK space sector is a launch pad for innovation and investment, and creates skilled jobs—both commercial and in the defence sector—across Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole?
Context
The MP inquires about the government's plans to support UK space launches, emphasizing the importance of creating skilled jobs and promoting innovation across Scotland and the United Kingdom.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)
We have space skills across the UK, but we have particular expertise in Scotland. I enjoyed visiting Glasgow recently to see how every part of its economy supports the space sector, especially the small satellite manufacturing sector. Several launch operations, including Orbex, are targeting orbital launches from SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland this year. That is a testament to the innovation taking place throughout the UK and specifically in Scotland.
Session: UK Space Launch
View All Questions -->
I am appalled to hear that Plaid Cymru voted against £600 million of extra investment to bring down NHS waiting list in Wales. I am afraid that this is a familiar story for our Scottish Members. Does the Secretary of State agree that nationalist parties will always prioritise niche constitutional distractions over delivering priorities for working families and what they need and deserve?
Context
Discussions on the status of NHS waiting lists in Wales, with concerns raised about nationalist parties prioritizing constitutional issues over health funding.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
I could not agree more with my hon. Friend. Plaid Cymru Members will have to explain to their constituents why they voted against £600 million extra for the NHS last week, blocking crucial funding from reaching our hospitals, NHS staff and patients in Wales.
Session: NHS Waiting Lists
View All Questions -->
In Scotland, 10,000 children are currently homeless and record levels of children are in temporary accommodation. The number of social houses built by housing associations in Scotland is at its lowest level since Margaret Thatcher. Does the Minister agree that the SNP has taken Scotland in the wrong direction and that instead we need to see the bold action taken by this UK Labour Government to build more homes replicated in Scotland, with a Scottish Labour Government in 2026?
Context
In Scotland, there are currently 10,000 homeless children and record levels of children living in temporary accommodation. The number of social houses built by housing associations is at its lowest since Margaret Thatcher’s era.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
I agree with my hon. Friend. Last year, as the housing emergency took hold, the SNP Government cut £200 million from the affordable housing budget. It was only as a result of Labour’s record budget settlement that they were forced to reverse those cuts, but they are still not showing the adequate ambition that we need. The SNP Government must set out a real plan to reform planning and boost house building to meet their affordable housing targets.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
T2. Dumbarton football club in my constituency is now in administration. Founded in 1872, it is in the Scottish first division and is at the heart of our community in Dumbarton. The club, players, staff, the Sons’ Supporters Trust and local businesses are all pulling together to keep our historic football club alive. What help can the Minister and our Government offer to improve financial sustainability for lower league football clubs across the UK?
Context
Dumbarton FC, a historic club founded in 1872, is now in administration and the community is trying to keep it alive.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
Having been through my own club, Wigan Athletic, going into administration in recent years, my heart absolutely goes out to my hon. Friend and all the fans working together to try to save a social asset that means so much to people in the community. I wish him every success. He will know that sport is a devolved matter and that the football regulator will apply only to English clubs, but we will work with the Scottish Government on best practice to help, support and sustain clubs across the United Kingdom.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Can I ask that this UK Government do not follow the approach taken by the Scottish Government on public ownership? ScotRail fares are set for another inflation-busting increase in April, following an 8.7% hike last year and the reintroduction of peak fares in September. Does the Secretary of State agree that the SNP should be making rail more affordable, instead of hitting passengers with painful fare hikes time and again?
Context
The Member criticized the Scottish Government for increasing rail fares and causing issues with customer satisfaction.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I assure my hon. Friend that we will bring the train operating companies into public ownership properly, and that we will not repeat the mistakes we have seen in Scotland.
Session: Cost of Rail Services
View All Questions -->
Will the Solicitor General join me in welcoming this Government’s increased funding of the Crown Prosecution Service for specialist sexual offence prosecution units? Does she agree that we must continue to tackle violence against women and girls across our nation, and will she join me in paying tribute to the dedication of our prosecutors and police on the front line who are confronting these crimes?
Context
The MP is concerned about the adequacy of Crown Prosecution Service prosecutors, particularly in specialist units dealing with sexual offences. He references the government's increased funding for these units.
Lucy Rigby (Solicitor General)
Absolutely; I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to police and prosecutors not only in his constituency, but right across the United Kingdom. He is right to welcome the increased funding that we have secured for the CPS.
Session: CPS Prosecutors
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
09 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mohamed argues that successive British Governments have acknowledged the illegality and harmful effects of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories but have failed to take decisive ...
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Church Commissioners
18 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Milburn Review: Interim Report
02 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Asbestos-related Lung Cancer: Compensation Act 2006
16 March 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The MP raised the issue of an injustice in how the law treats victims of asbestos-related diseases, particularly lung cancer, under the Compensation Act 2006. He highlighted that although asbestos has...
Palliative Care
05 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms Maskell moved that the House notes the findings of the Independent Palliative Care Commission and calls on the Government to implement its recommendations in full. She emphasised the need for a com...
UK-India Free Trade Agreement
09 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
This debate considers the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, which was a significant achievement in opening up new opportunities for trade with India. The agreement boosts GDP by £4.8 billion, increases w...
Attendance
79.6%
78 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
25
25.5% of votes
No Votes
53
54.1% of votes
Abstentions
20
20.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
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
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
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
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
4
PMQs Asked
55
Ministerial Questions Asked
45
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+310% above average
This MP:
55
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+826% above average
This MP:
45
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 (%)
+15% above average
This MP:
79.6
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Douglas McAllister's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.