Emily Thornberry
MP for Islington South and Finsbury
Lab
5 May 2005 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
It was 18 months ago that my late friend Terry Etherton was sitting up in the Gallery beaming down at the Prime Minister because he had just announced the Government scheme to give compensation to those who had been wrongly sacked from the armed forces for simply being gay. I have a constituent who lost his job at MI6 in the 1980s for his sexuality, and he has no compensation. Will the Prime Minister find the time to sit down with my constituent and me so that together we can work out how we can extend Terry's scheme?
Context
A constituent lost their job at MI6 due to their sexuality, without compensation like those in the armed forces received.
Keir Starmer
I thank my right hon. Friend for her dedicated work on this. I confirm today that the Security Minister is assessing this closely. I will make sure that my right hon. Friend is updated and has the meeting that she has asked for.
Session: PMQs
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My Committee recommends establishing a statutory public-facing national counter-disinformation centre. Can the Minister hold out hope that Britain might do this?
Context
The murder of Jo Cox raised awareness about the dangers of disinformation, which continues to pose a threat.
Stephen Doughty
We are looking closely at the suggestion and will continue the conversation with the Committee. We cannot make the promise requested.
Session: Social Media Disinformation
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May I associate myself with the comments of the Foreign Secretary with regard to the Foreign Office and the dedication and hard work of its officials? At a time like this, we are particularly in need of a Foreign Office that is absolutely at the top of its game, not just in this country but across the world. However, the Foreign Affairs Committee's concerns remain about security more than anything else, and the impact of employing Peter Mandelson causes us great concern. During his time as the ambassador to the United States, he was given access to top secret information. How can we protect our country against his leaking any of that, given his record?
Context
The Foreign Affairs Committee has raised security concerns regarding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the US.
Yvette Cooper
I know that my right hon. Friend has been taking evidence on that issue and that she has raised issues around security. We take the issue of security extremely seriously.
Session: Topical Questions
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The British Government recognised Palestine last summer, and the concern now is that Israel may be about to annex the west bank. If Israel does that, where is Palestine? What are the concrete steps that the Government are considering to prevent this?
Context
The concern now is that Israel may be about to annex the west bank.
Hamish Falconer
I thank my right hon. Friend for that important question; I know she is extremely focused, rightly, on the deterioration of the situation in the west bank. We oppose the threat of annexation and we have taken action, including the three rounds of sanctions that I described, and we will continue to take action while the situation continues to deteriorate.
Session: West Bank Illegal Settlements
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If there is going to be a plan, when will it happen? When will this considerable sum of money be used to rearm and rebuild Ukraine?
Context
The issue of using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, the need for action beyond talk.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
We need to get this investment mobilised to support Ukraine. Obviously a lot of that needs to be done in conjunction with the European Union, where many of the assets are currently held. The EU has had a series of discussions and made significant progress through the work done by the EU Commission.
Session: Ukraine
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Given that no additional money has been secured or ringfenced for environmental protection; given that no one who would be involved in the administration of the marine protected area has so much as visited the archipelago; given the very little communication between the Mauritius Government and the British scientific community, who currently protect the area; and given that it is not clear whether the dispute mechanism set out in the treaty can even be used if the UK deems that Mauritius is in breach of its marine protection commitments, what are the Minister’s hopes for this absolutely unique and priceless marine protected area? Can that all be fixed by the memorandum of understanding?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the lack of financial allocation for environmental protection in the Chagos Islands, highlighting communication issues between Mauritius and British scientific community.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I thank my right hon. Friend for her interest in this important issue, which she and members of the Foreign Affairs Committee have raised with me previously. The Government have secured a deal that will help to protect the unique environment of the Chagos archipelago, supported by an enhanced partnership between the UK and Mauritius, under which we will support Mauritius’s ambition to establish a marine protected area to protect the globally significant ecosystems to which she refers. The agreement of the terms of the technical support and assistance is a priority within the ongoing implementation process with Mauritius.
Session: Chagos Islands
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We must not forget Gaza. Despite the eyes of the world now being turned to the Iran-Israel war, it is important that we continue to remember the suffering of the Gazans and continue to move on it. As a witness from Médecins Sans Frontières said to my Committee, there is ‘lethal chaos’ in Gaza. There is one read-across from the Iran-Israel war that I think we should learn from: the clear closeness between Israel and America, and the fact that America can influence Israel. I ask the Minister to ensure that we continue to say in our conversations with the Americans not to give up on Gaza, and to use their influence to ensure that the Israelis do the right thing. There must be peace and the hostages must come home.
Context
The Foreign Affairs Committee has received testimony of 'lethal chaos' in Gaza from Médecins Sans Frontières.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
This Government will not give up on Gaza. I can confirm that the Foreign Secretary has raised Gaza in his engagements with the US. I have not forgotten about Gaza, and was speaking to Palestinian counterparts just last night. The situation in Gaza will remain a top priority for this Government.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Situation
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The Foreign Secretary has said repeatedly that the UK should move from freezing to seizing Russian state assets, although I am still waiting to hear what proportion of those are in the UK. Meanwhile, €300 billion sits in the EU. When peace eventually comes, the rebuilding of Ukraine will need to be paid for by the Russians, so those frozen billions will be key. When I was at a security conference in Poland last week, everyone seemed to agree that these assets need to be seized. I ask the Foreign Secretary again: what are the remaining barriers to seizing those assets, and what concrete steps is he taking to ensure that he can bring our allies with us?
Context
The Foreign Secretary has advocated for the seizure of Russian state assets, but progress is slow due to complex international coordination.
David Lammy
I am very grateful to my right hon. Friend for raising this issue. It is a complex issue, and one on which it is best to act in concert with our closest allies, recognising that allies in Belgium, Germany and other countries in Europe are more exposed than we are. We continue to work at pace with our allies. This was an item I discussed yesterday in Madrid with the Weimar+ group, particularly with our Polish, French and Spanish colleagues, and I am sure it will be an item discussed at the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting later this week.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I congratulate the Foreign Office on the inspired appointment of our new ambassador in Washington DC? To silence critics and show respect to Parliament and its Committees, will the Foreign Office agree that Lord Mandelson should come before my Committee before leaving for the United States?
Context
The UK has appointed Lord Peter Mandelson as the new ambassador to Washington DC, which is an unusual decision given his lack of a traditional diplomatic career. This raises concerns among critics and parliamentary committees.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We are convinced that Lord Mandelson will do an excellent job as our representative in Washington. It was a pleasure to meet him last week to discuss his plans. Obviously we have one ambassador at a time, but I am sure that we will consider any request from the Committee in due course.
Session: Strengthening NATO
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How many and what proportion of NHS employees have received enhanced maternity leave entitlements under Agenda for Change contracts. Doctors throughout the NHS have blanket maternity agreements but nurses do not, leading to anomalies in maternity benefits between Whittington Health-employed staff and those working at GP practices. This is causing unfairness and needs addressing as community healthcare expands.
Context
The MP is concerned about the discrepancy in maternity leave benefits between doctors and nurses, particularly highlighting a case at River Place health centre where Whittington Health-employed nurses receive different terms from those employed by GP practices.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
The Department does not collect data on the number of people who have specifically received enhanced maternity leave entitlements under Agenda for Change contracts. Self-employed contractors to NHS GP surgeries are not bound by national terms and conditions, allowing them flexibility in setting wage rates and terms and conditions that reflect the skills and experience of their staff. While we anticipate good employers will set competitive terms to aid recruitment and retention, it is important to monitor this issue as healthcare services evolve.
Session: Maternity Leave
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Before the last election, the Foreign Office was working up potential sanctions against Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. When might a decision be made on these Ministers?
Context
Previous Foreign Secretary considered potential sanctions against Ministers promoting settler violence. A decision has not been made yet.
David Lammy
I think the previous Foreign Secretary was wrong to discuss potential sanctions that were not implemented. I will not get drawn on current sanctions policy but am pleased my right hon. Friend is raising important issues.
Session: Israeli Settler Violence Sanctions
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Today we hear that one of UNIFIL's watchtowers was bombed by the Israel Defence Forces. First, was that one of the watchtowers that we have provided? Secondly, what conversations has the Minister had with his colleagues about beefing up our support to UNIFIL and taking our troop numbers up from one?
Context
Concerns over attacks on UNIFIL watchtowers.
Hamish Falconer
I will have to write to my right hon. Friend about the specific watchtower and whether we have provided any aid. Underlying her point, I think, is a question about what we do when our statements about UNIFIL are not abided by.
Session: Lebanon Ceasefire
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Will the Attorney General join me in condemning those Republican senators for their outrageous actions?
Context
US senators threatened sanctions against the International Criminal Court, which undermines its independence.
Victoria Prentis
I thought that the ICC's statement was worthy of note, and I am grateful to the right hon. Lady for bringing it to the House's attention. In his statement, the independent prosecutor was also keen to point out that he welcomed active engagement by Governments and other parties on the work in which he is clearly engaged around the world to ensure that international humanitarian law is respected and war crimes are not committed.
Session: International Humanitarian Law Israel-Palestine Conflict
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The Attorney General and the Solicitor General will have been as shocked as I was to read this week's report by researchers at Warwick University on the recent handling of rape cases by the CPS. Do the Law Officers agree that we simply cannot leave things there? Will they undertake to come back to the House with an action plan based on the findings of this report, and a clear timetable for its implementation?
Context
A recent Warwick University report criticises the CPS's handling of rape cases, highlighting poor communication, quality control, decision-making, attitudes, and resources.
Robert Courts
I am grateful to the right hon. Lady for raising that. I am horrified by a great number of the findings. There is clearly a lot of work here. Things are clearly moving in the right direction, and much of the work being undertaken by the CPS is on liaising with victims and ensuring that their experience is as easy as possible, in the hugely traumatic circumstances. There is a lot more to do on joint working, but I am happy to continue liaising with her, in order to update her as this goes forward.
Session: Victims of Crime
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Does the Attorney General agree that Hamas must release hostages and Israel comply with ICJ orders, treating them as binding?
Context
There is concern over the interim ruling from the ICJ regarding the situation in Gaza. The question addresses compliance with international law.
Victoria Prentis
The right hon. Lady is correct in calling for international humanitarian law to be respected and civilians protected. We are concerned about civilian impact, call for an immediate pause to allow aid and hostages out, and review Israel's commitment to IHL regularly.
Session: Government Rule of Law
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Will she publish her full legal advice on the Bill, as happened with the Brexit withdrawal agreement?
Context
The question follows public interest about the legal implications of a new bill.
Victoria Prentis
The right hon. Lady understands, as I hope all of us in the Chamber do, the complications of the Law Officers convention, which means that I simply cannot go into the details of my advice here. On very rare occasions, either legal advice has been leaked or, more recently, I am glad to say, a summary of the Government's legal position, which may or may not include the Attorney General's advice, has been provided.
Session: Rule of Law within Government
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Will the Attorney General raise those findings with the Justice Secretary to address disproportionate impact on women?
Context
Report finding women disproportionately impacted by legal aid deserts.
Victoria Prentis
I reassure her that the access of everybody to justice is very much at the top of my agenda and his.
Session: Crown Prosecution Service Access to Justice
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Almost 500 days ago, the joint inspectorate's report on the post-charge handling of rape cases recommended that immediately the police and the CPS should work...to ensure that bad character is considered in all rape cases, and progressed wherever it is applicable. But when I recently asked the Ministry of Justice about the issue, it could not even tell me how many bad character applications had been made or allowed in the last year, let alone what progress had been made in meeting the immediate recommendations from last year's report. Does the Attorney General know what progress has been made? If not, will she make immediate inquiries?
Context
The joint inspectorate's report recommended immediate police and CPS work to ensure bad character is considered in all rape cases, but progress has not been adequately reported.
Victoria Prentis
I am always interested in the right hon. Lady's inquiries into the way that data is produced. She has made some valid points in the past, and I am always keen to engage with her on how best we can provide transparency. I am happy to take her point forward with Ministry of Justice colleagues.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Can the Attorney General tell us whether it is true that 1,600 cases accused of and investigated for rape ended up being charged with a lesser offence?
Context
The question stems from a National World report suggesting that some cases are being charged with lesser offences, affecting the charge rate.
Victoria Prentis
I have been told that, for a force to have charged an alternative offence, the facts and the evidence must be extremely similar. Some of the reporting may relate to historic sexual abuse which may explain some of the figures.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Every day that passes, more lives are destroyed by fraud. We urgently need a Government who understand the scale of that crisis and have a plan to tackle it. Five months ago, the Prime Minister stood at the Dispatch Box and told us that “the Government will shortly publish our fraud strategy…to block more scams and better protect the public.” The Solicitor General has told us again today that the strategy will come shortly. Do the Government have a different concept of time? What do they mean by “shortly”, and how much longer are we going to need to wait—or is this just another example of the Government making big promises on crucial issues and delivering absolutely nothing?
Context
The Prime Minister had previously stated that the Government would publish a fraud strategy soon to tackle economic crime. However, five months later, there has been no update on its release.
Michael Tomlinson
The shadow Attorney General is not right about that. The fraud strategy will be published. In terms of delivery, she will be pleased to hear that last year the CPS prosecuted over 6,000 defendants where fraud and forgery was the principal offence, and the conviction rate was over 80%. This is a Government that have delivered and will continue to deliver in this area.
Session: Fraud and Economic Crime Prosecutions
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May I ask about one specific area of the ministerial code that might benefit from particular clarity? Section 7 requires Ministers to inform Law Officers if they risk becoming involved in legal proceedings in a personal capacity, including when they are potential defendants or in relation to potential defamation cases, and preferably before they have instructed their own solicitors. On that basis, I ask the Attorney General to clarify two points of fact: are Ministers currently obliged to inform Law Officers if either their solicitors are sending letters to journalists threatening to sue them for libel, or they are under investigation by His Majesty's Revenue and Customs over the non-payment of taxes?
Context
The report recommended providing greater clarity in the ministerial code regarding when Ministers must inform Law Officers of potential legal proceedings.
Victoria Prentis
I am not going to comment on specific cases—the right hon. Lady will understand why that is the case. I think the ministerial code allows for a certain level of wiggle room on that particular area. It is clear that when proceedings have already commenced, it is essential to ask the Law Officers' opinion on those proceedings.
Session: Roles of Lord Chancellor and Law Officers
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May I join the Attorney General in thanking the House of Lords Constitution Committee for this excellent report? I have to say, it is a damning indictment of the former Attorney General, but also a helpful warning for current and future holders of the post. Does she agree that it would be helpful to provide greater clarity within the ministerial code on the duties of Law Officers, particularly on upholding the rule of law within Government and providing impartial legal advice regardless of political considerations—both areas that the former Attorney General fell so drastically short on?
Context
The House of Lords Constitution Committee's report highlighted the need for greater clarity in the ministerial code regarding the duties of Law Officers.
Victoria Prentis
I have looked often at the ministerial code, and I think the section that deals with legal advice is sufficient. To go back to the previous question, I note that it is suggested that the advice sought should be timely, but, as all lawyers present in the Chamber know, that is not always the way with clients, and we do our best to accommodate them.
Session: Roles of Lord Chancellor and Law Officers
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I appreciate the seriousness with which the Solicitor General approaches these issues but, as he will know, a formal complaint has been submitted by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and 20 other members of the National Stalking Consortium, asking for an investigation into the overall handling of stalking cases. Whatever the outcome of that process, may I ask him to take on board the recommendations that the consortium has submitted alongside its complaint and to ensure that, at every level of the criminal justice system, stalking is treated with the seriousness it deserves?
Context
A formal complaint has been submitted by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and other members of the National Stalking Consortium asking for an investigation into stalking case handling. The consortium also submitted recommendations alongside its complaint.
Michael Tomlinson
I pay tribute to the right hon. Lady for the tone that she is striking. She is absolutely right to highlight this issue. The Attorney General and I will look at it incredibly closely, of course, and we will do exactly as the right hon. Lady says.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Prosecution Rates
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Does the Solicitor General think that a charge rate of just 5% is good enough?
Context
The MP welcomes the Attorney General to her place and raises concerns about low prosecution rates for stalking offences.
Michael Tomlinson
Stalking was created an offence under this Government. Prosecution and charge rates are not high enough, but we are determined to see them increase.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Prosecution Rates
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Will it be possible to impose real-term spending cuts on the Crown Prosecution Service without making charge rates, court backlogs, and victim support even worse than they are now?
Context
The question is concerned with the potential impacts of real-term spending cuts on the CPS, particularly in relation to charge rates, court backlogs, and victim support.
Michael Ellis
I am grateful to the right hon. Lady for her question. As she knows, this Government have prioritised crime and the victims of crime, and we are, and always have been, the party of law and order. Whatever measures we have to take, including those we had to take when we first came in in 2010 after the appalling disaster of the previous Labour Government, we are focused on dealing with crime and the victims of crime—hence thousands more police officers now being appointed.
Session: Crown Prosecution Service Effectiveness in Ensuring Access to Justice
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Despite your leadership priorities not mentioning tackling crime, what percentage of staff cuts do you plan for the Crown Prosecution Service? How will this affect current court backlogs?
Context
Concerns about the Attorney General's plans to shrink the state, particularly regarding staffing levels in the CPS and backlogs in court cases.
Suella Braverman
While I won't engage in petty politics, I am proud of our financial support for the CPS, including increasing prosecutor numbers. There have been 115 more RASSO-trained prosecutors added to work specifically with victims.
Session: Access to Justice for Victims of Crime
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Did she personally authorise the briefings to The Times and 'Newsnight' regarding her advice on the protocol—yes or no?
Context
There are concerns that the Attorney General's legal advice on the Northern Ireland protocol has been disclosed in media reports.
Suella Braverman
I take the convention incredibly seriously; it is a running thread through the integrity, robustness and frankness with which Law Officers can provide advice. I do not comment on media speculation, and that is the Government's line.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol
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At the heart of any legislation on economic crime is the basic principle that anybody who wants to make money in the UK needs to obey the UK's laws. Yesterday, the Prime Minister said that P&O had “broken the law”, that we will be “taking action” against it, and that we will take it to court under section 194 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. Can the Solicitor General tell us, as part of the team of Government lawyers, whether he agrees with the Prime Minister's statement? Does the statement reflect the team's own legal advice to the Prime Minister, and, assuming that it does, what are the next steps in the legal proceedings that the Government intend to take against P&O for breach of the 1992 Act?
Context
The MP seeks legal clarification on the Prime Minister's statement regarding actions taken by P&O and asks for confirmation of the Government's stance.
Alex Chalk
The Government absolutely deprecate and abhor the actions that have been taken by P&O, and the Prime Minister was very clear about that. What we will not do is indulge in point-scoring, but we will take every possible step within the law. The right hon. Lady will understand that that requires an important liaison with the Insolvency Service to ensure that we know what the position is. If the law allows for a prosecution, I can tell her that this Government will not hesitate to take every action necessary.
Session: Economic Crime
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Will the Attorney General guarantee that, if Sue Gray concludes that covid restrictions were broken by individuals in Downing Street, there will be no barrier to those individuals facing the same legal consequences as everybody else?
Context
The question is prompted by concerns over the consistency of legal enforcement regarding breaches of COVID restrictions. It seeks clarity on whether individuals will face equal legal consequences.
Suella Braverman
The process is being led appropriately by Sue Gray, and all recommendations will be considered in the right way. The Attorney General did not provide a direct guarantee about legal consequences for individuals in Downing Street.
Session: Spending Review 2021 Law Officers’ Departments
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Will the new TAC be asked to examine proposed deals with Australia and New Zealand and confirm whether these benefit our farmers?
Context
The previous Secretary of State promised checks and balances through the Trade and Agriculture Commission. Concerns exist about its role.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
The new TAC will be charged with some very clear direction, given independence to scrutinise both the Australian and New Zealand trade deals and all other trade deals we are looking to strike in the months and years ahead.
Session: British Farmers Global Exports
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Does the Secretary of State's forecast predict that the recent agreement will cause a reduction in output and employment in the UK agriculture sector?
Context
A strategic approach to free trade with New Zealand was published, predicting negative impacts on UK agriculture. The government announced a new deal.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan
I am very confident that the deal struck will provide opportunities for our wonderful food producers to continue selling their goods globally and create new markets as we make more trade deals.
Session: British Farmers Global Exports
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I am just reading the figures from the Minister's Department and there is a real problem: this is now the third Asia-Pacific agreement in a row—Japan, Australia and now New Zealand—where more than 80% of the growth in trade projected by her own Department has gone to exporters in those other countries and less than 20% has gone to exporters in the UK. The Government say that they are tilting to Asia. I have to say, I think that Asia is taking us to the cleaners. While the Minister is still relatively new, will she sit down with her new boss and tell the Department that enough is enough—that we need trade deals that deliver for Britain, and we need jobs, exports and growth?
Penny Mordaunt
Nine trillion pounds—that is what these deals, and ultimately the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership, will mean to this country. Yes, we have three deals, and we are going to get more. That is what we want to do. We are going to grow these markets. That is the whole point of our leaving the EU and formulating this plan for global Britain. These deals will increase growth and prosperity in this country, which will fund everything that matters to all Members of this House.
Session: Free Trade Agreements
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I also welcome the Minister for Trade Policy, the right hon. Member for Portsmouth North (Penny Mordaunt), to her new role.
I have already mentioned the forecast that the deal with New Zealand will cost jobs in our farming communities. Has the Minister had a chance to read that? I also want to ask her about exports and growth. Is it correct, as her Department says on page 54 of the document, that under the terms of the deal New Zealand's exports to the UK will increase by five times as much as UK exports to New Zealand, and that, as it says on page 58, New Zealand's GDP will grow by half a billion pounds while the UK's GDP will not increase by a single penny? Will the Minister tell us whether those figures are right?
I have already mentioned the forecast that the deal with New Zealand will cost jobs in our farming communities. Has the Minister had a chance to read that? I also want to ask her about exports and growth. Is it correct, as her Department says on page 54 of the document, that under the terms of the deal New Zealand's exports to the UK will increase by five times as much as UK exports to New Zealand, and that, as it says on page 58, New Zealand's GDP will grow by half a billion pounds while the UK's GDP will not increase by a single penny? Will the Minister tell us whether those figures are right?
Penny Mordaunt
Missing from the right hon. Lady's question was any timeframe. The Opposition need to appreciate that we are building and increasing these markets. Over time, the numbers will go up, because we have given our businesses and farmers the opportunity to do that, and because we have faith in those businesses and farmers to seize those opportunities that we give them. I hope that the right hon. Lady and her Opposition colleagues will be cheerleaders in that respect.
Session: Free Trade Agreements
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Will the Secretary of State take a lesson from the Biden Administration, stop turning a blind eye to the abuse of workers' rights by our own trade partners and start taking action against them instead?
Context
Not specified in question.
Elizabeth Truss
I am very proud of the role that the United Kingdom has played in setting very high labour standards and looking for them in the trade agreements that we are working on. That is part of our discussions with the CPTPP countries. I have also been talking to leading figures in the US about how we can ensure strong labour rights in future US agreements.
Session: G7 Advocacy for Free and Fair Trade
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Will the Secretary of State name a country with which the UK has a trade deal where she has taken any action to enforce workers' rights?
Context
Not specified in question.
Elizabeth Truss
We are extremely committed to making sure not only that we stand up for high standards across the globe, that our workers here in the United Kingdom are protected and that we do not diminish our workers' rights, but that we work together with other countries to do that. I point to the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership, which has a very strong labour chapter, for example insisting on minimum wages and the recognition of trade union rights.
Session: G7 Advocacy for Free and Fair Trade
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We all welcome the prospect of an enhanced trade deal with Israel, and I congratulate the Secretary of State on her efforts to secure it. Among the many improvements that we hope the new deal delivers, will she guarantee to remove the clause mistakenly included in the 2019 UK-Israel agreement that prohibits manufacturers in UK freeports from sharing in the benefits of that deal? Can she tell us when we can expect revised deals with the 20 other countries, including Switzerland and Singapore, where the same freeport blunder still applies?
Context
A clause was mistakenly included in the 2019 UK-Israel agreement that prohibits manufacturers in UK freeports from sharing benefits of the deal. This affects trade agreements with other countries like Switzerland and Singapore.
Elizabeth Truss
The clauses that the right hon. Lady is referring to are absolutely standard in free trade agreements. Every agreement is the result of a negotiation with the relevant country, and of course we secure the best possible outcome in terms of tariff reductions and rules of origin, but I will be absolutely clear that firms locating in our freeports are free to take advantage of whichever is better for their company: a given free trade agreement or the additional reductions from being in that freeport.
Session: UK-Israel Trade Deal
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Under her proposed deal with Australia, will tariffs be reduced on meat produced on farms that use the practice of mulesing?
Context
The MP provided an example of mulesing, a practice illegal in the UK but common in Australia, asking about its impact on tariffs under proposed trade deals.
Elizabeth Truss
We are still in negotiations about the final stage of the deal. I can assure you that British farmers with high animal welfare standards will not be undermined, and she should know World Trade Organisation rules prevent discrimination on production methods.
Session: Free Trade Agreements
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Does she still stand by her principle that practices banned in the UK for animal welfare reasons should not be allowed elsewhere, and does this apply to her proposed deal with Australia?
Context
The MP questioned the Secretary of State's commitment to high animal welfare standards.
Elizabeth Truss
I have always been clear that we will not allow our farmers, with their high animal welfare standards, to be undermined by unfair competition from elsewhere. However, Australian beef and lamb is already able to come into the United Kingdom under current import rules.
Session: Free Trade Agreements
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I thank the Minister for that answer but the British farming industry knows the truth: the trade and agriculture commission it was promised is not what they were advertised. The question to the Minister of State is simply this: why? What are the Government so scared of?
Context
The MP questions the Government's confidence in the trade and agriculture commission's ability to protect farmers' interests as promised.
Greg Hands
We—myself, the Secretary of State and the whole of the Department for International Trade—listen very carefully to British farmers. The Secretary of State opened expressions of interest to become members of the trade and agriculture commission just this week. Its role will be as debated and approved during the passage of the Trade Act 2021 and the Agriculture Act 2020.
Session: Trade Agreements SMEs
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Small and medium-sized farms across the country are worried that this weekend's agreement with Australia will undermine their business. Last November, the Minister promised an active role for NFUs to assess trade agreements going forward and advanced protection of farming interests. Does he stand by those statements today?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of a trade deal with Australia on small and medium-sized farms, referencing promises made by the Minister in November 2020.
Greg Hands
I thank the right hon. Lady for those questions and I absolutely stand by that. We are involving NFUs from all four nations; I have met NFU Scotland's Martin Kennedy twice in recent weeks. We are confident that the new trade and agriculture commission will be up and running in good time for it to conduct its statutory review of the Australia free trade agreement.
Session: Trade Agreements SMEs
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Can I ask her to make it clear today that there will be no proposed reduction in tariffs for any agricultural products not meeting Britain's core standards?
Context
There are upcoming trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand, and it is crucial to judge these against the core set of standards recommended by the Trade and Agriculture Commission.
Elizabeth Truss
For every free trade agreement, the Trade and Agriculture Commission will produce a report on issues outlined. Our partners in Australia and New Zealand maintain high standards.
Session: Trade Policies Farmers
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General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to make a statement on the Israel Defence Forces’ operations in Lebanon. Emphasised that the IDF is expanding its i...
Lord Mandelson Humble Address: Government Response
01 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
21 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Lord Mandelson: Government Response to Humble Address
19 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Consular Assistance
05 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
55.4%
46 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
18
21.7% of votes
No Votes
28
33.7% of votes
Abstentions
37
44.6% of votes
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
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
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
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 Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
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
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
58
Ministerial Questions Asked
100
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
83
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
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+325% above average
This MP:
58
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1966% above average
This MP:
100
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-20% below average
This MP:
55.4
Average:
69.5
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 Emily Thornberry's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.