Ellie Chowns
MP for North Herefordshire
Green
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree with Andy Burnham that proportional representation is an idea whose time has come? Does he also agree that this time is now before the next general election?
Context
The current first-past-the-post voting system is failing to deliver stable government, undermining trust in democracy and requiring proportional representation.
David Lammy
The hon. Member raises votes and democracy issues, but mentions a Green councillor's inappropriate language in Lewisham.
Assessment
Agreement on proportional representation
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs 2026-07-08
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For decades, our rivers, lakes and seas have paid the price of a failing system. The water White Paper is a welcome first step in beginning to set things right, but there is a glaring gap: agricultural pollution contributes 40% of the pollution in our waterways but merits only a single page in this White Paper. Can the Prime Minister tell me why on earth this is the case? When will he start working with farmers to support river-friendly farming practices and treat agricultural pollution as seriously as sewage pollution?
Context
The water White Paper has been criticized for not addressing agricultural pollution adequately despite its significant contribution to waterway contamination.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
We inherited a real mess on water, and we are taking the most effective and far-reaching measures to deal with it. I wonder what the hon. Lady, as someone who stood to lead her party, makes of how her leader is responding to this global uncertainty.
Assessment
Explanation for why agricultural pollution merits only a single page in the White Paper and when farmers will be supported with river-friendly farming practices were not addressed.
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs
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Given that the TUC has calculated that the wealthiest 10% of households in the UK hold more wealth than everyone else in the country put together, does the Prime Minister agree with me that it is inequality, not immigration, that is a threat to our country?
Context
The Green Party member of parliament has highlighted the disparity in wealth distribution within the UK, citing a TUC report.
The Prime Minister
We need to deal both with levels of immigration and with inequality, and that is what the Government are doing. As we get on with trying to boost our economy, may I gently point out that if we want more equality and if we want our economy to be stronger, the hon. Lady’s party needs to start voting for some of the measures that will make it necessary?
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not explicitly agree with the claim about inequality being a greater threat but stated they are dealing with both issues.
Session: PMQs
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While the Conservative party deludes itself with the myth of endless fossil fuels, extracting more oil and gas from the declining North Sea basin will do nothing to protect energy security or jobs. The Prime Minister himself has stated: ‘Climate action is at the heart of this government’s mission for the protection and prosperity of Britain and the world.’ With a decision looming on the Rosebank oil field, will the Prime Minister prove that his words mean something, and finally put an end to this climate-wrecking project?
Context
The Green Party leader recently made comments about withdrawing from NATO, unfunded spending, and blocking planning proposals. The Prime Minister has previously stated that ‘Climate action is at the heart of this government’s mission for the protection and prosperity of Britain and the world.’
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I did notice that the Leader of the Opposition went to Scotland, I think, this week to announce that if she ever became Prime Minister, which is extremely unlikely, she would pull down £50 billion of investment in renewables in Scotland. This is good, secure jobs of the future—absolutely reckless behaviour. The Opposition have not learned anything. The Greens have a new leader—unfortunately for the hon. Lady—and we can now see what they really stand for: withdrawal from NATO at a moment like this; totally unfunded spending that would blow up the economy; and blocking all planning proposals.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not address the question about ending the Rosebank oil field project.
Redirecting To Comments Made By Opposition Party
Attacking Green Party Leader
Session: PMQs
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My constituent contacted me regarding an inability to get an ambulance for a critically ill patient because all ambulances were outside Hereford A&E waiting to unload their patients. Meanwhile, medically fit patients cannot be discharged due to the social care crisis. What is being done to fix social care and improve patient flow through hospitals?
Context
A constituent, Sally, a GP, reported critical issues with ambulance services being unable to respond due to congestion at A&E. Additionally, the issue of medically fit patients not being discharged due to the social care crisis.
Keir Starmer
The previous government broke the NHS, leading to current challenges. The Lord Darzi report outlines priorities for the NHS, including a record £25 billion funding increase announced in the Budget.
Assessment
Did not provide specific actions or timeline but blamed previous government and referenced general reports and budget allocations without addressing the core issue directly.
Blamed Previous Government
Referenced General Nhs Priorities
Session: PMQs
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The next national adaptation programme, NAP4, is not due until 2028, but the wildfires and droughts we saw this summer and the impending extreme El Niño show that we cannot wait that long. Will the Minister commit to taking urgent action to tackle resilience before then and give our farmers, communities and householders the support they need to face the challenges of drought, wildfire and flood risk?
Context
The next national adaptation programme, NAP4, is not due until 2028, but the wildfires and droughts this summer show that urgent action is needed.
Dan Jarvis
I completely recognise the importance of the point that the hon. Lady has made; she has made it previously. The Government have established and tested response protocols in place for all severe weather events. The impact of each is often very different based on different factors, but I give her an assurance of the seriousness with which we take these issues. We are working across Government to ensure that our response is proportionate to the nature of the threat we face from climate change.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-10
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Numerous constituents of mine have had the same problems with the civil service pension scheme run by Capita. One example is Ruth, whose husband worked for the Ministry of Defence and died in service nearly a year ago. She has been waiting 11 months for a death-in-service payment and pension. Capita promised to have this resolved, with all bereavement cases done by the end of August. It broke that promise. This week, she is still waiting. This is utterly unacceptable. I welcome the Minister saying that there will be penalties for Capita, but does she not recognise that this is such a clear example that outsourcing does not work? Will she ensure that Capita is not given contracts like this ever again?
Context
The questioner highlights a specific case of a constituent named Ruth, whose husband died in service nearly a year ago and who has been waiting 11 months for a death-in-service payment and pension. This case is an example of the failure of outsourcing the civil service pension scheme.
Sally Jameson
I thank the hon. Member for raising her constituent's experience, which I am sorry to hear about. I have many similar examples in my constituency, as I know have Members across the House. I hope to provide a more substantive update in October. As I have said previously, Capita's performance is totally unacceptable. I will not defend it, and I will continue to hold Capita to account every single day that I am in office, until the service levels are brought back up to an acceptable standard and all our constituents have received the pensions that they should already have had—in the hon. Member's constituency case, 11 months ago—and I will continue to do that. We are looking at bringing the pension scheme in-house, and we are looking at the different viable options to do that. In our manifesto we committed to the biggest wave of insourcing in a generation, and we are all committed to doing that.
Session: Civil Service Pension Scheme 2026-09-10
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I welcome the new Foreign Secretary and his team to their places. He is the third Labour Foreign Secretary in just over two years. We have had so many hand-wringing statements. He has just said that the time to act is now, but he is asking us to wait weeks more for a statement about banning settlement trade, which it is absolutely clear is essential. What is he waiting for? Will he ban trade in goods, services and investment in both directions immediately, because the facts on the ground are changing now, at pace and faster than ever before? What are the UK Government still waiting for?
Context
The question follows a period of multiple Labour Foreign Secretaries and ongoing debates about the UK's stance on trade with settlements. The context includes the need for immediate action due to rapidly changing facts on the ground.
Ed Miliband
I can assure the hon. Lady that we are working intensively on this, and as I said in earlier answers, she will not have to wait long. I want to get this right, because we need a comprehensive reset of our policy across the piece. Many Members on both sides of the House have made very important points about not only trade but a whole set of issues, including the International Court of Justice judgment on legality. I want a comprehensive reset of our approach on these issues, for the reasons that the right hon. Member for North West Hampshire (Kit Malthouse) and many hon. Members said. It is necessary and high time.
Session: West Bank Illegal Settlements 2026-09-01
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Potholes are the bane of all our lives, including for my constituents, but I have a cunning plan: we could fix potholes much faster by tapping into the superpowers of bin men and women. Bin lorries travel every road every week. Why not equip them with cameras and AI-enabled technology, so that they can spot, map and log potholes immediately, as soon as they appear? That would significantly speed up the process of fixing them. This has been done very successfully in Australia. Will the Department for Transport work closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure that local authorities have the funding and co-ordination needed to adopt this fantastic technology nationwide?
Context
A suggestion has been made to utilize the frequent travel of bin lorries as a means to detect potholes early through advanced technology, which has shown success in Australia.
Simon Lightwood
That is exactly why the Government have funded the £30 million for Live Labs 2. We want councils to have access to the best available evidence on the condition of their roads. We have introduced a new road conditioning monitoring standard that enables local authorities to use a range of approved technologies, including innovative AI-based systems, to collect consistent and reliable data.
Session: Road Repairs New Technology 2026-07-16
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What support she plans to provide to local authorities to help them adopt new technologies for tackling potholes and road defects?
Context
Local authorities are seeking better technology to manage potholes and road defects. The Government has previously announced funding but details on specific technological adoption remain unclear.
Simon Lightwood
The Government are providing local authorities with a record £7.3 billion investment in local road maintenance, giving councils the long-term certainty that they need to fix potholes, repair road defects and adopt a more preventive approach to maintenance. Some of the funding is being used to incentivise best practice and innovation. In addition, the Government have funded £30 million for Live Labs 2 programming, which is testing innovative materials, new technologies and maintenance techniques to help authorities improve road conditions while reducing costs and disruption.
Session: Road Repairs New Technology 2026-07-16
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First, will the Minister support my colleague's private Member's Bill to set a maximum workplace temperature? Secondly, what conversations is the Department having with Cabinet Office on a Government-wide plan for adaptation?
Context
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent due to climate crisis, causing health issues. The MP asked about support for a private bill setting maximum workplace temperatures and plans for adaptation.
Sharon Hodgson
The Health and Safety Executive plans to consult on changes to workplace temperature regulations. Employers have a legal duty to ensure reasonable temperatures for indoor workplaces. The Government is investing record capital to adapt NHS estate for the future, ensuring staff have safe, modern workplaces.
Session: NHS Buildings Extreme Heat 2026-07-14
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My constituents serve in the armed forces or are veterans. They want to know that the investment in the DIP is being spent cost-effectively. Given that more than half the capital budget is for the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, can the Secretary of State assure me value for money analysis has been undertaken?
Context
More than half the capital budget is to be spent on the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
Luke Pollard
The hon. Member will know the Labour Government were elected on a manifesto containing a triple lock for our nuclear deterrent. We will make sure the Defence Nuclear Enterprise provides value for money, increased deterrence against threats, and more job creation.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-06
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Small rural businesses in villages such as Pembridge in my constituency tell me that the combination of high business and VAT rates and rising national insurance contributions means they are facing a struggle for survival. Small rural businesses face greater pressure than their urban counterparts, with lower footfall and seasonal fluctuations in trade, so they operate with very tight margins. Does the Minister recognise the additional pressures faced by such businesses and that existing support schemes simply are not enough, and what more will he do to support businesses in constituencies such as mine?
Context
Small rural businesses in villages like Pembridge face challenges with high business rates, VAT and national insurance contributions. These businesses struggle due to lower footfall and seasonal fluctuations.
Blair McDougall
We recognise that this has been a tough time for small businesses, including a tough decade. Our small business strategy is improving access to markets, finance, and reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses. We will continue to do more to make it easier, simpler, and more profitable to run a small business.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-02
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How is it that this Government fail even to prevent the marketing of illegal property in this country? Will she step up and ban trade with illegal settlements?
Context
An event marketed illegal property in settlements on British soil, despite previous commitments from the Government.
Yvette Cooper
We have raised the matter directly with the Advertising Standards Authority to ensure that any evidence of promotion or advertisement of property in illegal settlements is addressed.
Session: West Bank Settler Activity
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Unpaid carers play a crucial role in supporting people who need social care but they are under immense strain and need more support, especially women and older individuals. Does the Minister recognise the urgent need for more respite care for unpaid carers, and will he take action to provide it now?
Context
Unpaid carers are under significant strain and need more respite care. They often face barriers due to gender and age.
Stephen Kinnock
The hon. Lady is absolutely right that unpaid carers are vital to our care system, and we pay tribute to their compassion. I was pleased to accompany the Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade to launch a new paid carer's leave consultation document yesterday. I also chair a cross-ministerial group producing an action plan addressing respite care issues.
Session: Topical Questions
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When will she ban settlement trade? When will she stop all military co-operation with Israel, which is conducting these illegal attacks?
Context
There is a call to ban settlement trade and cease military cooperation with Israel due to illegal attacks.
Yvette Cooper
We have put in place a series of measures that include introducing sanctions against Cabinet members in the Israeli Government.
Session: West Bank Illegal Settlements
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Council tax is acknowledged as regressive due to outdated property valuation. Instead of consulting just on collection methods, will the Minister commit to review and replace this unfair tax system with one that better reflects current property values?
Context
Concerns are raised about the regressive nature of council tax based on outdated property values, with poorer households paying a larger proportion relative to income.
Alison McGovern
I thank the hon. Lady for raising this issue. We will have more to say shortly, but when it comes to fairness, the Chancellor introduced a new charge for highest-value properties showing Labour's readiness to act on fairness issues.
Session: Council Tax Debt Collection
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In 2020, the now Prime Minister proposed legislation to ensure that any UK military action could take place only if there were a legal justification, a viable objective and the consent of the Commons. Does the Secretary of State endorse the principles outlined by his party leader, and will he therefore support my Armed Conflict (Requirements) Bill?
Context
The MP referenced legislation previously proposed to ensure legal justification and viable objectives for military action.
John Healey
I am very happy to look at the hon. Lady's Bill, but in recent weeks the Prime Minister has reasserted exactly the basis on which any UK military forces are committed into conflict.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given the recent Institute for Fiscal Studies report that says that the Treasury's excessively narrow focus on fiscal rules leads to dysfunctional policy making, and given recent global events showing the uncertainty of fiscal forecasting, does the Chancellor recognise that it is time to move to a more flexible and strategic approach to fiscal rule-making and fiscal policymaking?
Context
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) report suggests that the Treasury's narrow focus on fiscal rules leads to dysfunctional policy making and highlights the uncertainty of fiscal forecasting.
Rachel Reeves
I totally reject the premise of that question. The fiscal rules that I introduced as Chancellor have unlocked £120 billion for capital investment. We will be spending £50 billion more on day-to-day spending by the end of this Parliament, but at the same time, we are bringing debt down, bringing the deficit down, bringing inflation down, and bringing interest rates down for all our constituents. Economic stability is the way to grow our economy and make working people in all our constituencies better off, and if we forget that, it is ordinary working people who pay the price.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Minister says that he is concerned by the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements and the expansion of settler violence, and he says that he is considering concrete steps. He refers to previous actions, but it is now many months since the last concrete action by this Government. Actions speak louder than words. It is now way past time to end all settlement trade and impose new sanctions on those responsible for this violence.
Context
The Minister says that he is concerned by the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements and the expansion of settler violence, and he says that he is considering concrete steps.
Hamish Falconer
We have taken a range of steps and we continue to take steps, including raising those issues both with our partners and directly with the Israeli Government.
Session: West Bank Illegal Settlements
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In the past seven months, I have been contacted by 18 constituents who have faced unacceptable delays in getting responses from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency about licensing issues where a review by the medical team is required. Each time I have intervened and each time the issue has been resolved, but it is not the mark of a functioning system that an MP has to intervene in every complaint to get a response. What will the Secretary of State do to ensure that constituents can get a response from the DVLA without having to mobilise their MP every time?
Context
18 constituents faced unacceptable delays in getting responses from the DVLA about medical team reviews, with each case resolved only after MP intervention.
Heidi Alexander
The hon. Lady is right to raise this issue. I have been in contact with the DVLA about this matter; it is putting new systems in place to ensure that it is doing everything that it can, as standard, to process these cases as quickly as possible. In the meantime, I have been keen to ensure that there is an escalation mechanism.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Minister please say what action he is taking to ensure that the DWP responds to constituents and MPs within reasonable timescales?
Context
A constituent has been trying for more than five months to get a response from the DWP about his Universal Credit claim, facing delays of 15 weeks.
Andrew Western
I recently met our newly appointed complaints lead and independent case examiner who is raising concerns about trends. We are putting in place a range of interventions to improve complaints handling process and will share more detail directly with the hon. Lady.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given the utterly extraordinary news yesterday that Donald Trump has invited Putin and Netanyahu to sit on the board of peace, does the Foreign Secretary recognise that the board of peace is unfit to contribute to the task of peacebuilding? Additionally, it includes no Palestinians and almost no women. Does she recognise that it would be inappropriate for Britain, or indeed Brits, to participate in it, and what does she suggest as an alternative?
Context
Donald Trump has invited Putin and Netanyahu to sit on the board of peace, raising concerns about the suitability of this body for peacebuilding efforts.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
The most important organisation or network for the future of Gaza is the Palestinian committee—the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, made up of Palestinians... On the wider question, Putin is not a man of peace and does not belong in any organisation with the word “peace” in the name.
Session: Gaza and the West Bank Humanitarian Situation
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I agree with the Secretary of State that children should be able to go to an appropriate placement within decent reach of their home. North Herefordshire is one of the most rural constituencies in England, yet her Department wrote to Herefordshire council shortly before Christmas, cancelling plans for a school that would have provided specialist places for children with autism spectrum disorder and replacing it with a grossly inadequate allocation of high needs funding, and not progressing the rebuilding of Westfield school. Will the Secretary of State visit my constituency to meet families of children with special educational needs, and understand the specific need in rural areas for those local, state-funded positions?
Context
The question addresses the cancellation of plans for a school providing specialist places for children with autism spectrum disorder in North Herefordshire.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
I am sure my hon. Friend the Minister for School Standards will be happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss those particular cases. We are investing more in support for local authorities, including through capital budgets. The hon. Lady will know that local authorities have until 27 February to tell us whether they wish to proceed with the projects or whether they intend to create the places in other ways. This is about bringing forward investment and making sure the places are created much more quickly than they are right now.
Session: SEND High-quality School Places
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When will the Government take steps to address embodied carbon in buildings?
Context
The hon. Member is concerned about the environmental impact of building construction and operation.
Matthew Pennycook
The hon. Lady can look forward to the future buildings standards being brought into force later this year.
Session: Topical Questions
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Charities estimate that more than 6 million households in the UK live in fuel poverty. The Minister’s answer did not even mention the warm homes plan, but he talked about dither and delay. His Government have repeatedly postponed publication of the warm homes plan. They have cancelled previous fuel poverty programmes without replacing them with new insulation programmes. When will the Minister finally publish the warm homes plan? How many of those 6 million households in fuel poverty will benefit from it?
Context
Charities have estimated that over 6 million households in the UK are living in fuel poverty. The Green Party spokesperson questioned the delay in publishing the warm homes plan and requested specifics on how many of those affected will benefit.
Martin McCluskey
It is worth waiting for the warm homes plan, which will be published very soon. Alongside that there will be an ambitious fuel poverty plan for England. The Chancellor has already announced £15 billion of funding for that. We will set it out very soon and I look forward to constructive discussions with the hon. Member when it is published.
Session: Fuel Poverty
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I thank the Minister for ensuring the release of the diffuse water pollution plan for the River Wye catchment. The plan specifies that an 85% reduction in phosphate is needed. It also says that full implementation of all existing measures will not get anywhere close to that, yet it fails to evaluate the option of a water protection zone. Will the Minister urgently meet me and other cross-party Wye catchment MPs to discuss how we can progress the solution of a water protection zone?
Context
The Minister has ensured the release of a diffuse water pollution plan for the River Wye catchment that specifies an 85% reduction in phosphate is needed. However, full implementation of all existing measures will not achieve this.
Emma Hardy
The hon. Lady has raised this important point with me, and she will know my commitment to the River Wye following my visit. One recommendation is to explore the feasibility of a water protection zone. This would be a complex undertaking, and the Environment Agency is currently considering it. In the first instance, it might be wise to meet the Environment Agency, but if that is unsatisfactory, and she wants to meet me, I can arrange that.
Session: Topical Questions
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What action will the UK Government take as a consequence of Israel’s flagrant violation of international law in establishing and expanding settlements? The lack of action creates a culture of impunity in which Israel feels able to green light the expansion of the E1 settlement, creating division between the west bank and east Jerusalem and putting a nail in the coffin of the two-state solution. Will the Foreign Secretary ban trade with illegal settlements to show that violating international law has consequences?
Context
Israel continues to expand settlements, violating international law and impacting the two-state solution.
Hamish Falconer
We have, from this Dispatch Box, announced three waves of sanctions, including on Mr Ben-Gvir and Mr Smotrich. I have discussed the questions around trade on a number of occasions with the hon. Lady. Any trade with settlements does not benefit from the trade arrangements in place with green line Israel. We continue to take steps to ensure that that regime is enforced in full, and we continue to look at these issues very carefully.
Session: Topical Questions
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With just a few days of COP30 left, it is disappointing that UK climate leadership is at risk due to the Government’s decision not to contribute to the tropical forest forever facility. Are reports that this decision is under review accurate? Will the UK play its part in contributing directly to ending deforestation?
Context
Reports suggest the UK's decision not to contribute to the tropical forest forever facility is under review. The COP30 conference focuses on ending deforestation.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
We are taking a leading role at COP and fighting for Britain’s interests. We will continue making tackling climate change a priority of this Government. However, the specific decision regarding the tropical forest forever facility was not addressed.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster please tell the House whether it is true that the Government are trying to block the Joint Intelligence Committee chief’s efforts to keep us all safe? When can we expect the report to see the light of day?
Context
MP questions the Government's actions regarding the publication of a JIC report on national security threats posed by climate change.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister)
The Government take seriously the risk of climate change and the risk it poses to national security. That is why we are taking action to mitigate that risk and to reduce our carbon emissions. The outcomes of routine assessments done by the Government in relation to the national risk register on gov.uk will continue.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given that government advisers tell us that climate change poses a major threat to our country’s resilience, what are the Government doing specifically to address this issue?
Context
Government advisers indicate that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires, posing a significant threat to national security.
Dan Jarvis (The Minister of State, Cabinet Office)
The Government conduct and update assessments on a range of threats including climate change, biodiversity loss and their impacts. These are published in the national risk register and chronic risks analysis on gov.uk.
Session: Strengthening National Resilience
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Winter is coming, and nearly 3 million households are living in fuel poverty, which is an absolute scandal. The long-awaited warm homes plan cannot come soon enough, but given that previous piecemeal programmes prioritised private profit and left us without the changes that our constituents so desperately need, will the Secretary of State commit to funding a public body to co-ordinate, monitor and evaluate a nationwide programme of home insulation to hold cowboy builders—to account and deliver energy savings for all?
Context
Nearly three million households are experiencing fuel poverty, and a long-awaited warm homes plan is needed to address this issue.
Matthew Pennycook
I will refer the hon. Lady’s comments about the warm homes plan to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. If she wishes to write to me with details of any particular cowboy builders, I would be more than happy to read what she has to say.
Session: Topical Questions
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As I have reminded Ministers on a number of occasions, tackling pollution in our rivers and seas requires us to address agricultural pollution as well as sewage pollution. I am disappointed not to hear the Minister mention that, but I like to come with solutions. I recently visited the Wyescapes landscape recovery project in my constituency, which is an innovative farmer-led project of 49 farmers protecting soil, reducing pollution, restoring nature and producing great-quality food. Will the Minister, or perhaps her colleague the Farming Minister, come to visit this innovative project to see how we can tackle river pollution and protect nature and food production?
Context
Ellie Chowns highlighted the need to address agricultural pollution along with sewage pollution. She mentioned a landscape recovery project that aims at reducing pollution, restoring nature, and producing quality food.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
The hon. Lady raises a really important point. Agricultural pollution is incredibly serious, and this Government recognise that. We have updated the DEFRA statutory guidance for the farming rules for water, and I recently hosted a roundtable with farmers, environmental organisations and the water industry to bring the voices of stakeholders to the fore. We have committed to including a new regional element in the new regulator to ensure greater involvement in water planning. By moving to a catchment-based model for water systems planning, we can tackle all sources of pollution entering the waterways, including agricultural pollution.
I have a very keen interest in the River Wye; I went to see it last year, and it is absolutely beautiful. The hon. Lady will be well aware of the research project with £1 million of funding that we announced to look into all sources of pollution and what we can do to clean up this beautiful place in our country.
I have a very keen interest in the River Wye; I went to see it last year, and it is absolutely beautiful. The hon. Lady will be well aware of the research project with £1 million of funding that we announced to look into all sources of pollution and what we can do to clean up this beautiful place in our country.
Session: Bathing Waters Pollution
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Will the Deputy Prime Minister please explain why her Government will not set a target for the provision of social housing? While I welcome the investment in the social and affordable homes programme that she set out, the reality is that it will meet only 10% of the total number of new homes anticipated and only 10% of the current demand for social housing. If she believes that setting national targets like the 1.5 million homes target is important to drive change, why will she not set a target for social housing?
Context
The MP questioned the government's decision not to set a target for the provision of social housing despite welcoming the investment in the social and affordable homes programme.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Angela Rayner)
The Government have not set an affordable housing target to date, but we continue to keep the matter under review. Accurately trying to forecast long-term delivery is inherently challenging, but we believe that our new social and affordable homes programme could deliver around 300,000 social and affordable homes over its lifetime, with around 180,000 for social rent. The measures we have taken, alongside the commitment for rent so that there is this long-term programme, will hopefully help with the supply, and I have made it categorically clear to the sector that we want more social rent housing.
Session: Building Social and Affordable Homes
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As the Secretary of State knows, my constituency of North Herefordshire is very seriously affected by water pollution in the Lugg and the Wye. I confess that I am disappointed that, in both his answers to the hon. Member for Monmouthshire (Catherine Fookes), he did not mention agricultural pollution at all. That is despite the fact that agriculture is the main source of water pollution in the country, as is shown in the report of the Independent Water Commission, which unfortunately was not allowed to look into it in any detail. I pay tribute to River Action, which this week won a court case forcing planning authorities to consider the cumulative impact of industrial agricultural development, and to Greenpeace, which last week pointed out the impact of toxic sewage sludge. Will he confirm whether he is updating the farming rules for water?
Context
The MP addresses concerns over agricultural pollution in the Lugg and Wye catchments. She highlights that agriculture is a main source of water pollution, referencing the Independent Water Commission report.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Steve Reed)
The hon. Member will be aware that we are supporting work in the Wye catchment area to deal with those problems, but she is quite right in what she says. The environmental land management schemes support farmers to reduce agricultural run-off. We are making the announcement that she just mentioned today, and we are also supporting the ELM schemes, which help farmers to improve their soil quality so that the soil holds more water, and to use less fertiliser and pesticides, which reduces the amount of run-off. Therefore, we are taking action on agricultural pollution, and the announcement that she asked for is being made today.
Session: River Pollution
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The Darzi report pointed out that 13% of hospital beds are occupied by people who are fit for discharge but who cannot get out because social care is broken. Lord Darzi said that we cannot fix the NHS until we fix social care. It is nearly six months since the Secretary of State promised cross-party talks and a commission, but the talks were cancelled and never rescheduled and the commission is delayed. Please, when will the Government stop going slow on social care? Please, when can we all get around the table to talk about fixing social care so that everyone gets the care they deserve?
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
I have to correct the hon. Lady: the commission is up and running, Baroness Casey has started meetings and she had a roundtable just a few weeks ago with people who have lived experience. The hon. Lady is therefore not correct on that point and I am sure that she will want to correct the record.
On the point about delayed discharge, the hon. Lady is absolutely right. We are reforming the better care fund to get much better interface between hospitals, care and local authorities. That system and those relationships can and should work much better, but there are pressing, long-term challenges. We are conscious of that and are working at pace with Baroness Casey to ensure that those reforms are delivered.
On the point about delayed discharge, the hon. Lady is absolutely right. We are reforming the better care fund to get much better interface between hospitals, care and local authorities. That system and those relationships can and should work much better, but there are pressing, long-term challenges. We are conscious of that and are working at pace with Baroness Casey to ensure that those reforms are delivered.
Session: Care in the Community
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The UK has a trade agreement with Israel that permits the import of goods produced in illegal settlements. Such goods are effectively proceeds of crime, given that settlements constitute illegal expropriation of Palestinian land. How can the UK justify this complicity in trade of illegally produced goods, and when will we finally see a ban on the import of any settlement goods?
Context
The MP questioned the legality of importing goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements.
The Minister for Trade Policy (Mr Alexander)
The hon. Lady raises a critical issue. The British Government have a long-standing opposition to the illegal occupation of lands in the Palestinian territories, principally in the west bank. We have been clear and consistent that, on the grounds of international law, the responsibility lies with the Israelis to resolve these issues. On the points she raised, it is a significant and contentious enough issue. I will be happy to write to her, but it has been clear for many years that we oppose the settlements and continue to do so.
Session: Trade Agreements Programme
View All Questions -->
Does the Secretary of State recognise that energy efficiency is a crucial part of energy security, and will he meet me to discuss how the future homes standard might ensure that every home is truly fit for the future, including by being zero carbon?
Context
The hon. Member raises concerns about energy efficiency and its importance for future homes, referencing the need to ensure that every home is truly fit for the future by being zero carbon.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
Let me first wish the hon. Member luck on her leadership bid. Anyone who wants to be a leader of a political party should take the idea under advisement, in my experience. We want the future homes standard to really work. It was a plan that the previous Labour Government had for 2016, but the Conservative Government got rid of it. We want it to make a real difference and ensure that every home is truly fit for the future.
Session: Rooftop Solar Power
View All Questions -->
Does he agree that skills training needs to be particularly focused on the sustainable skills, and will he join me in congratulating the low-carbon technology training centre in my constituency, as well as the new university in Hereford—its first cohort of engineers graduated just last month? Does he welcome such initiatives, and will the Government put more funding into supporting the construction and engineering skills that our building sector will need?
Context
The hon. Member welcomed the Minister’s commitment to supporting skills training in the construction sector and highlighted the importance of sustainable skills.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
I hope that the hon. Lady recognises that we are putting significant amounts of investment into construction skills. In the spring statement, the Government announced a £600 million investment that will recruit an additional 60,000 construction workers by 2029. I am more than happy to recognise the contributions made by initiatives of the sort that she mentions in her constituency.
Session: Construction Sector Specialist Apprentices
View All Questions -->
Whether he plans to improve support for nature-friendly farming, given that farmers recognise how vital it is for food security, nature protection and climate action but are frustrated at being let down by government policy.
Context
Ellie Chowns and Daniel Zeichner have previously discussed the transition to nature-friendly farming. At the weekend, farmers in her constituency expressed frustration with the lack of support from the Government's policy on farming.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Daniel Zeichner)
The Minister noted that there are more farmers than ever in nature-friendly farming schemes with over 50,000 people involved and more money being spent on these initiatives than ever before. He acknowledged the importance of progress made but also agreed that they want to go faster and further.
Session: Nature-friendly Farming
View All Questions -->
Yesterday’s report from the Health and Social Care Committee is explicit that we cannot build an NHS fit for the future without effectively reforming social care. Back in January, the Secretary of State promised cross-party talks as well as Baroness Casey’s commission. He cannot outsource political leadership to Baroness Casey. Political will is the sticking point with the reform of social care. Will he show that leadership and bring the parties together to find the solutions to unblock this crisis?
Context
The question references a report from the Health and Social Care Committee stating that social care reform is necessary to build an NHS fit for the future. The Secretary of State previously promised cross-party talks and Baroness Casey's commission.
Wes Streeting
Since we came into government, we have already taken action on social care with the investment we have put in—the biggest expansion of carer’s allowance and the funding for home adaptations through the disabled facilities grant. Now that the commission is up and running, there will be cross-party engagement, but it is an independent commission and for Baroness Casey to decide how to engage.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Given the utter unreliability and, frankly, economic illiteracy of President Trump, and given that the EU is by far our largest trading partner, it is clear that the best interests of the UK are served by our having a deal that allows the closest possible co-ordination with the EU. Does the Minister agree with me that that should cover youth mobility, and improved energy and climate co-operation? Specifically, will he work with his colleagues to ensure that we ease burdens for British business by linking the UK and EU emissions trading schemes, and by aligning on chemicals regulation, to boost British productivity and prosperity?
Context
The context involves the UK's major trading partners, with a focus on the EU and US. The MP references President Trump's unreliability and economic illiteracy.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Jonathan Reynolds)
I recognise exactly what the hon. Lady says. When it comes to the importance of the EU as a principal trading partner for this country, the figures speak for themselves. I disagree with her about us having to choose between the US and the EU or any other markets. There are potentially thousands of jobs at stake in the US deal. On the questions relating to the EU, a successful negotiation takes two parties. I want to see greater co-operation but would not talk about specifics. I want the UK to have the best and most frictionless trade possible with the EU.
Session: Trade Agreements
View All Questions -->
It is often said that actions speak louder than words. The Government have repeatedly condemned what is happening in Gaza and the west bank, yet Israeli settler violence, Israeli settlement expansion, the unlawful demolition of Palestinian homes and violence in Gaza are continuing. Given that UK diplomatic efforts and condemnations are being so roundly ignored, will the UK now take action and ban the importation of products from illegal settlements on illegally occupied land, to give the signal that Israel cannot break international law with complete impunity?
Context
The MP is concerned about ongoing violence and human rights violations in Gaza and the West Bank, referencing Israeli settler violence and settlement expansion.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
The hon. Lady will know the importance that we have placed on international law since we came to power in July. We have been clear throughout this period that we want to see a ceasefire in Gaza. We regret that, at this point, we are still in disagreement with the Israeli Government, and we regret the scenes of the last few weeks in relation to the west bank and to Gaza. In relation to settlement goods, as the Foreign Secretary said earlier and as I have said before, different provisions exist for illegal settlements, which we consider to be illegal and which do not benefit from any of the provisions that would otherwise cover goods from Israel.
Session: Middle East
View All Questions -->
In my constituency, bus services are a lifeline for residents of all ages, young and old. I was shocked to hear at a recent meeting at Hereford sixth-form college that 21 students this year have had to stop their studies because of problems with the reliability and cost of public transport. Our older residents get free bus travel, but our young people do not. Does the Minister agree that it is essential that every young person is enabled to access education, employment and training? Will he meet me to discuss how the Department for Transport can work with the Department for Education to ensure that all young people can access those opportunities?
Context
Young students have stopped their studies due to problems with the reliability and cost of public transport. Older residents benefit from free bus travel, but younger individuals do not.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
I thank the hon. Lady for her question. The English national concessionary travel scheme provides off-peak bus travel to those who are eligible, including those with disabilities and those of state pension age—currently 66. However, local authorities have the power to go above and beyond their statutory obligations. Areas including the hon. Lady’s area will receive bus service improvement plans funding, which can be used for exactly that, but I am of course more than happy to meet her to discuss this further.
Session: Local Bus Services
View All Questions -->
In my constituency, a planning moratorium has been in place for more than five years due to water pollution, with an estimated effect on the local construction industry of half a billion pounds. Will the Secretary of State meet me and representatives of the Herefordshire construction industry to try to find a solution to this devastating problem?
Context
A planning moratorium has been in place for more than five years due to water pollution issues, affecting the local construction industry by an estimated half a billion pounds.
Jonathan Reynolds
The frustration that comes across in the hon. Lady’s question relates to exactly the sort of problem the Government are fixing. I would be more than happy to work with her and any Secretary of State or Department necessary to unblock that for her.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Genocide Convention: UK Compliance
17 June 2025
Responding: Mr Hamish Falconer
Main Concerns
['South Africa brought a case before the International Court of Justice arguing that Israel’s denial of humanitarian aid to Palestinians could amount to genocide under the Convention. The ICJ issued an interim response, recognising a plausible risk that Israeli acts could constitute genocide and called for immediate measures to protect Palestinians in Gaza.']
Specific Asks
['The UK Government should take action to prevent potential genocide, as per their legal obligation under Article I of the United Nations Genocide Convention.']
COP29 and International Climate Finance
30 October 2024
Responding: Anneliese Dodds
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the need for international climate finance to address mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage. I recognise that there is a historical responsibility for early industrialising countries like the UK to take action on climate finance. There is an urgent need for grants rather than loans, as many poor countries spend more on debt repayments than on essential health and education services. Additionally, international climate finance must be additional to aid and should not reduce funds available for health and education.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to commit to a collective quantified goal for climate finance in trillions of dollars at COP29. I also request that the UK maintains its commitment to providing grants as the primary form of climate finance until 2026, ideally increasing this proportion over time.']
New Housing: Environmental Standards — [Graham Stringer in the Chair]
12 September 2024
Responding: Alex Norris
Main Concerns
['Ellie Chowns is concerned about the lack of specific details from the Government regarding environmental standards for new housing, despite commitments to build 1.5 million homes over five years. She emphasises that focusing on quantity alone without considering quality and long-term sustainability could lead to poor standard buildings requiring expensive retrofits later. She notes that domestic housing accounted for more than a quarter of energy use in the UK in the last year and highlights the importance of addressing embodied carbon, solar panel installation, biodiversity enhancement, and resilience against climate impacts.']
Specific Asks
['Chowns asks the Minister to clarify the timetable for publishing the future homes standard and to ensure that it includes stringent measures on energy efficiency, minimisation of embodied carbon, maximisation of on-site renewable energy generation, and incorporation of biodiversity considerations. She also requests the removal of restrictions on local authorities setting higher standards.']
Point of Order
10 September 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
The hon. Member raised a point of order regarding the exclusion of the Green party from cross-party talks on social care, which the Prime Minister announced at the end of July. She expressed concern t...
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Economic Growth
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Jackdaw and Rosebank Oil and Gas Fields
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill - New Clause 116
02 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I propose New Clause 116 to introduce a cap on donations from overseas contributors to political parties and candidates. This measure is necessary to ensure the integrity of our democratic process and...
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Death of Ann Widdecombe
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Embodied Carbon: Buildings
13 July 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The hon. Member for North Herefordshire discussed the urgent need to address climate change, particularly focusing on the significant role of the construction industry in contributing to carbon emissi...
Iran Conflict: Ceasefire
09 July 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 ...
River Wye Pollution
23 March 2026
The petitioners are concerned about the severe phosphate pollution affecting the River Wye, its tributaries including the Lugg, Arrow, and Frome, which has compromised the health of these rivers.
View Full Petition -->
Intensive Poultry Units
03 March 2025
The petition highlights the pollution caused by intensive chicken farming, particularly noting that chicken manure spreading can lead to phosphate leaching into rivers like the River Wye, causing ecol...
View Full Petition -->
Intensive Poultry Units
27 January 2025
The petition addresses the concern over intensive poultry production leading to river pollution, particularly affecting rivers in North Herefordshire like the River Wye and River Lugg due to phosphate...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
67.3%
66 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
45
45.9% of votes
No Votes
21
21.4% of votes
Abstentions
32
32.7% 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
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 AYE
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 AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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 AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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 AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
5
PMQs Asked
56
Ministerial Questions Asked
135
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
3
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+318% above average
This MP:
56
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2678% above average
This MP:
135
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+22% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-3% below average
This MP:
67.3
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 Ellie Chowns's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.