Emma Lewell
MP for South Shields
Lab
2 May 2013 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My lovely grandad John Henry Richardson passed away in 1998 from work-related asbestos exposure. Today, in South Shields, we have one of the highest death rates from this silent killer in the United Kingdom. Will the Prime Minister look at introducing a national digital register so that we know where the asbestos is, and commit to a phased removal of it from public buildings?
Context
The MP discusses a high death rate from asbestos exposure in South Shields and requests for action on the national digital register of asbestos locations.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I am sure that I speak for the whole House when I say that I am very sorry to hear what happened to my hon. Friend’s grandfather. These are just awful cases, and the deaths are terrible. I have no doubt that he was a wonderful man, and he would have been very proud to have seen her in her place today. I will ensure that she gets a meeting with the relevant Minister.
Assessment
The PM did not directly commit to introducing a national digital register or phased removal of asbestos from public buildings.
Will Arrange A Meeting
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister consider supporting a special tribunal with statutory powers on this 70-year-long scandal?
Context
Jack Taylor and other nuclear veterans have been denied access to their medical records and compensation for decades. The Prime Minister has said these national heroes deserve full accountability and justice.
Keir Starmer
Nearly 5,000 have received their nuclear test medals and the right to apply for no-fault compensation under the war pension scheme. A meeting on this issue will be arranged for my hon. Friend with the relevant Minister.
Assessment
Supporting a special tribunal with statutory powers
5,000 Have Received Their Nuclear Test Medals
Right To Apply For No-Fault Compensation
Session: PMQs
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Our cross-party child of the north all-party parliamentary group found that expectant mothers were terminating wanted pregnancies because they could not afford another mouth to feed. Recent figures show that infant and child death rates have increased in the most deprived areas, and 50 children have died alone in unregulated accommodation. Is this the Prime Minister's plan for a brighter Britain in action?
Context
Figures show that infant and child death rates have increased in the most deprived areas, with some expectant mothers terminating wanted pregnancies due to financial concerns.
Rishi Sunak
Obviously, what the hon. Lady has described is a tragedy. No one wants to see children grow up in those circumstances, and that is why I am proud that since 2010, with a range of measures, the Government have overseen a significant fall in poverty, particularly child poverty.
Assessment
Specific request for explanation was not directly addressed
Fall In Poverty
Range Of Measures
Session: PMQs
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My constituents Ronald and Julia Sheriff's daughter Danielle currently lives in Gran Canaria. Last year, aged just 33, she suffered an aneurysm. Danielle remains deeply unwell and her family are crowdfunding to bring her back home to live. They have been advised that when she does return home, she will not be eligible for the treatment that she needs on the NHS. Please can the Prime Minister support the crowdfund for Dani, and give his personal assurance that she will receive the care that she needs from our NHS?
Context
Danielle Sheriff, a constituent from South Shields, lives in Gran Canaria and requires medical treatment not available locally. Her family is crowdfunding to bring her back home.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Lady for raising the case. My deepest sympathies are with Danielle and her family. I will make sure that the relevant Health Minister meets her to discuss the case as fast as possible.
Assessment
Did not provide financial support or assurance on medical eligibility
Session: PMQs
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Over 71,000 covid deaths in the UK, the highest rate in Europe; over £2 trillion in debt with the worst-performing economy in the G7; failing Brexit negotiations; and at least £1.5 billion spent on contracts for Tory friends and donors. Which of these achievements is he most proud of?
Context
The Prime Minister faces criticism over high covid deaths, economic performance, Brexit negotiations, and government spending.
Boris Johnson
I would take the hon. Lady's point more seriously if she and her party could be bothered to vote for measures.
Assessment
Achievements
Attacking Opposition
Session: PMQs
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My constituent Elizabeth Smurthwaite contracted coronavirus in her care home and was refused admission to hospital. This Government's policy of discharging patients with coronavirus into homes has led to over 16,000 deaths. Sadly, Elizabeth has since passed away. Last week, the Health Secretary said that he accepted responsibility for these deaths in our care homes. Does the Prime Minister?
Context
A constituent of Emma Lewell-Buck's contracted COVID-19 in a care home but was denied hospital admission, leading to their death. The Health Secretary acknowledged responsibility for deaths in care homes.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Of course this Government accept responsibility, and I accept responsibility, for everything that has happened throughout this crisis, but I will say that what happened with the discharge of patients into care homes was all done according to clinical decisions, as the NHS has confirmed, and actually there was a 40% reduction between January and March in the number of people going from the NHS into care homes. Thankfully, we are now seeing a massive reduction, thanks to the efforts of care workers and our care home action programme, to get the numbers of deaths in care homes down to the levels we would expect to find this year.
Session: PMQs
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Heugh Street bridge has been closed since November. The council only applied to the structures fund after I raised the matter here, and despite pleas, it has still not implemented proper diversions. The bridge is absolutely vital on Great North Run day in September. Can the Minister suggest what else we can do next?
Context
The council applied to the structures fund after a local MP raised the matter here, but despite pleas for action, proper diversions have not been implemented. The bridge is vital on Great North Run day.
Simon Lightwood
As somebody who is running the Great North Run this year, I hope that the local highways authority will grip this issue and ensure it is dealt with. The structures fund is open for applications until 3 August.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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The stalker of my constituent Sophie Hall was arrested and deported. Post deportation, there was no monitoring at all; stalking resumed, and he is now back in prison. Under the Government's progression model, he will again not be subject to active probation supervision. How can we keep Sophie safe?
Context
A stalker was deported but returned to the UK without monitoring, leading to a relapse in stalking behavior. The current system means he will be released early with no active probation supervision.
Jake Richards
I met my hon. Friend and Sophie at the end of last year, and as a result of that meeting, we made changes to guidance on deportation of offenders. I will meet her and Sophie expeditiously.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-06-30
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Heugh Street bridge in South Shields was closed over four months ago by the council, as it deemed it to be unsafe. It was used by over 5,000 vehicles per day and the closure is damaging my local economy. The council is currently unable to give any timescale for reopening the bridge and I am led to believe there is no funding for it to do so anyway. Can my hon. Friend the Minister please assist us in any way at all?
Context
Heugh Street bridge in South Shields has been closed for over four months due to safety concerns, affecting more than 5,000 vehicles daily and impacting the local economy.
Simon Lightwood
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. This sounds like a scheme that could benefit from the structures fund.
Session: Topical Questions
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Allies rightly agreed that up to 1.5% of GDP would go towards civil preparedness and resilience measures, but public support for our current commitments—let alone for mobilisation in a crisis—does not meet Government assumptions. Will my right hon. Friend say how he plans to address that, so that we fully meet our article 3 obligations?
Context
MP inquires about the UK's public support for civil preparedness and resilience measures, questioning whether it meets the Government’s assumptions.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
I will. My hon. Friend, who serves on the Defence Committee and did in the previous Parliament, will remember that total spending on defence in the last year of the last Government was just under £54 billion. She will know that this year and next year, it is set to be over £65 billion. She will see the increase in defence spending, she will recognise the importance of making that commitment, and she will recognise the value of the strategic defence review in setting the vision for transforming our forces, so that they are more ready to warfight, and better able to deter.
Session: NATO Defence Expenditure Target
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After a long campaign from myself and constituents, South Tyneside council has eventually agreed to curtail any new houses in multiple occupation, but we remain saturated with them. My right hon. Friend knows that they are no substitute for good social housing, so does he have any plans to strengthen the licensing regime, to close down badly managed HMOs and to deliver better housing?
Context
The constituency of South Shields has a high saturation of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), which are seen as inadequate substitutes for good social housing. Emma Lewell's petition has already prompted the local council to limit new HMO developments.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Steve Reed)
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and for her petition, which the Department will respond to in the usual way. Planning authorities have the power to limit the number of HMOs within their locality, and they may withdraw a permitted development right in a specific area using an article 4 direction, but we are keeping this policy under review. I am aware of the concerns that her constituents have expressed to her, and those that others have expressed to their own MPs.
Session: Social and Affordable Housing South Shields
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The Motability scheme provides a lifeline to people with disabilities, allowing them to get to health appointments, study, maintain employment and so much more. Cuts to the scheme risk increased health needs and increased unemployment, which are likely to cost much more than any short-term savings. Does my right hon. Friend agree that before any proposed cuts are implemented, it is vital to carry out a proper impact assessment?
Context
The MP raised concerns about proposed cuts to the Motability scheme, which provides a lifeline to people with disabilities, enabling them to access health appointments and maintain employment.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
I can assure my hon. Friend that there will be no changes to the eligibility conditions for the mobility component of the personal independence payment, or indeed other aspects of PIP, until the conclusion of the review, which I will be leading and co-producing with disabled people. That is expected to report in autumn next year.
Session: Employment People with Health Conditions
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My constituents are sick of being ignored when it comes to vital bus routes being withdrawn. More than 600 of them recently signed a petition after the unexpected and rapid withdrawal of the well used No. 17. Giving more powers to local councils does not always equate to communities having more of a say. Can the Minister please explain what checks and balances are in place to ensure that, as we devolve powers, residents really are listened to?
Context
Residents of South Shields signed a petition against the withdrawal of the No. 17 bus route, highlighting concerns about local influence over bus services.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
I know the bus services in South Shields very well indeed, having been born there, and I know intimately from conversations with my family the struggles that my hon. Friend’s constituents are having with bus services. Our landmark Bus Services (No. 2) Bill will allow local leaders to take back control of bus services, and I am sure that Kim McGuinness, the Mayor of the North East, will be able to do just that.
Session: Bus Services
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For too long, charities, faith groups and churches such as my own, St Bede’s, have been supporting people struggling to get by. Does my hon. Friend agree that our child poverty taskforce needs to seriously consider scrapping the awful two-child benefit cap, because relying on charity to lift children out of poverty is simply unsustainable?
Context
The MP is concerned about the reliance on charities and faith groups to address child poverty, particularly due to the two-child benefit cap.
Marsha De Cordova
My hon. Friend makes an important point. Everyone has a responsibility to tackle child poverty, and we should all commend and thank the Church for the role it has played in this space. I know that the Bishop of Derby hosted Baroness Sherlock, the child poverty unit and colleagues for a roundtable, where many issues were discussed.
Session: Poverty
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South Shields will be the 15th most negatively impacted constituency if the Government’s proposed welfare changes go ahead, yet there are no in-person consultation events in the north-east at all. Can my right hon. Friend please rectify that?
Context
The question stems from the concern that South Shields, one of the most negatively impacted constituencies by proposed welfare changes, has no in-person consultations planned.
Liz Kendall (The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions)
I will absolutely take that away to look at it.
Session: Topical Questions
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I echo the Secretary of State’s initial comments. South Shields has a long-standing problem with sewage being dumped in the sea at Whitburn. Just this week, Little Haven beach was handed a brown flag, and myself and local campaigners are completely fed up. The Environment Agency, Ofwat, Northumbrian Water, the council and the last Government all completely ignored our concerns. We have already requested a meeting with the Water Minister, and I hope she will confirm today that the meeting will happen very soon.
Context
South Shields has faced significant water pollution issues, including sewage being dumped in the sea at Whitburn. Little Haven beach recently received a brown flag indicating poor water quality.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Steve Reed)
I congratulate my hon. Friend on her tireless work to represent the concerns of people in South Shields about those terrible problems with water pollution. Of course, my hon. Friend voted for the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, which has given the regulator many more powers, including the power to ban undeserved multimillion-pound bonuses. I am sure she will be interested to read, as will I, the findings from the Independent Water Commission led by Sir Jon Cunliffe when they come forward in a few weeks’ time.
Session: Water Sector Reform Consultation
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In South Shields, not only is our public transport expensive, we have to suffer constant metro delays, tunnel closures and replacement bus breakdowns. This Christmas, our roads were completely cut off. Will my right hon. Friend please meet me to discuss these long-standing ongoing issues?
Context
The question is prompted by ongoing issues with public transport and infrastructure in South Shields.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend. I have already met a number of Members of Parliament in the Gateshead area about some of the recent problems with the flyover, and met the Mayor for the region.
Session: Topical Questions
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Churches Together South Tyneside does amazing work through its Happy at Home hub, providing a range of services to the lonely and the isolated. Will my hon. Friend expand a little more on the Church's wider pastoral duties towards those in the greatest need?
Context
Churches Together South Tyneside provides a range of services to lonely and isolated individuals through its Happy at Home hub.
Marsha de Cordova
Churches together groups do a fantastic job tackling isolation and loneliness. There are projects supporting parishes with physical accessibility of their buildings, including church halls and other facilities. The LPW grant scheme helps deliver adaptation of historic churches at pace.
Session: People Housebound due to Disability Church Support
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What steps the Church is taking to support people that are housebound due to a disability?
Context
The Church's initiatives aimed at supporting people who are housebound due to a disability.
Marsha de Cordova
The Church has started a project to support local parishes to adapt their buildings for accessibility, including standardising signage, training church leaders and staff, and offering a grant scheme for adaptations. The Church also continues to develop worship and educational resources available nationally to people who are housebound and their carers.
Session: People Housebound due to Disability Church Support
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Will he revisit recommendations to move murder, manslaughter, and rape cases from service to civilian courts?
Context
The question stems from concerns about the handling of serious crimes like rape within military jurisdiction.
Luke Pollard
The Government committed during opposition that murder, manslaughter, and rape cases would be tried in civilian courts. The Armed Forces Bill will provide an opportunity to implement this change.
Session: Independent Armed Forces Commissioner
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Will my hon. Friend, alongside the Education Secretary, urgently look at the proposal by Feeding Britain for auto-enrolment to free school meals as part of the single application process for families claiming UC?
Context
The MP highlights Feeding Britain's proposal for auto-enrolling children from Universal Credit claimant families in the free school meal programme.
Alison McGovern
My hon. Friend has never looked away from those facing poverty, ensuring proper measurement of household food insecurity. I will take Feeding Britain's input into the child poverty taskforce and hope to meet them to discuss how we can progress this.
Session: Child Poverty 2024-11-11 (2)
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What steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to reduce levels of child poverty? The previous Government presided over shameful levels of child poverty, including nearly 500,000 children who are eligible for free school meals but missing out. Will my hon. Friend urgently look at the proposal by Feeding Britain for auto-enrolment to free school meals as part of the single application process for families claiming UC?
Context
The MP notes the previous government's record on high levels of child poverty, including nearly 500,000 children eligible for free school meals but not receiving them.
Alison McGovern
Through breakfast clubs and fair payment rates, efforts are being made to reduce child poverty. The ministerial taskforce will publish the child poverty strategy by spring 2025 using all available levers across government. I have listened to Feeding Britain's proposal and am considering it as an input into the child poverty taskforce.
Session: Child Poverty 2024-11-11 (2)
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Will the duty of candour in the Hillsborough law apply to the 70-year-long nuclear test veterans scandal?
Nick Thomas-Symonds
I thank my hon. Friend for that question; she is a long-standing champion for justice for victims of the infected blood scandal and, indeed, the nuclear test veterans that she mentioned. We are looking to introduce a broad duty of candour—a general duty of candour. I should also point out that criminal sanctions will be really important to punish the most egregious breaches, and I am pleased to confirm today, as the Prime Minister announced in September, that the Bill we will bring forward will include criminal sanctions.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the review focus on the sovereign defence industrial base, ensuring that regions such as the north-east are pivotal in this regard?
Context
The previous government left the armed forces underfunded.
John Healey
The experts conducting the review will have an ongoing focus on the sovereign defence industrial base, reinforcing the UK's security and economy. The previous government left a depleted state in the armed forces, with billion-pound black holes in defence plans and low service morale.
Session: Strategic Defence Review
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Can she assure me that the better buses Bill will make provision to fully include local voices?
Context
Previous Government's decision to axe over 1,000 bus routes without considering local communities.
Louise Haigh
I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who has put her finger on exactly the problem with the system across the country at the moment. For too long, we have allowed private operators to pick and choose whatever routes and services they want, with no say whatsoever for local people or local leaders. The better buses Bill is at the heart of our bus service reforms, and it will give local people a proper say on the routes and services that they absolutely depend on.
Session: Local Bus Services
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What steps is she taking to help improve local bus services?
Context
Local communities have suffered from a reduction in bus routes and services due to neglect.
Louise Haigh
The state of the country's bus services is too often unacceptably poor after more than a decade of neglect and decline. In September we moved fast and announced transformative new measures to make it quicker and easier for every local authority in England to have London-style control over its bus services.
Session: Local Bus Services
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Given the rise in veteran homelessness and food insecurity, how are you supporting them financially? Veteran homelessness has risen 14% last year. Seventeen percent live in food-insecure households. Over 80,000 claim universal credit to survive. Is the UK truly the best place for veterans?
Context
The question is prompted by increased homelessness and food insecurity among veterans, many of whom rely on universal credit.
Johnny Mercer
The hon. Lady's facts are not correct. Last Christmas, under a programme designed by this Government, no veteran slept rough due to lack of provision. The Labour party has not shown up to ask questions today, so I will take no lessons from them on veterans.
Session: Veterans Cost of Living
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What steps are being taken to support veterans facing increased costs? Veteran homelessness has risen 14% last year. Seventeen percent of veterans live in food-insecure households. Over 80,000 claim universal credit to survive. Is the UK truly the best place for veterans?
Context
The question is prompted by the rise in veteran homelessness and food insecurity, with many veterans claiming universal credit to make ends meet.
Johnny Mercer
The Government reduced inflation, making living costs more affordable for veterans. Eighty-nine percent of veterans find employment within six months of leaving service. Operation Prosper helps secure well-paying jobs for veterans and their families. The shadow Veterans Minister did not attend to ask questions this morning.
Session: Veterans Cost of Living
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Severe cuts have left a £600 million gap in adult social care funding. More than 1 million lonely and isolated elderly people now rely on charities such as Re-engage to plug that gap. I know that the Minister does care about this, but surely he must recognise that those cuts and their leading to that rise in desperate loneliness are because of this Government.
Context
Cuts in adult social care funding have left a £600 million gap. Over one million elderly people rely on charities to plug this gap.
Stuart Andrew
First, let me pay tribute to the hon. Lady for the work she does with those charities. The partnership between Government and charities has made the UK one of the world's leading countries on tackling loneliness. That is why in the Budget in 2023 we announced £100 million of support for charities and community organisations, recognising the challenges they face and paying tribute to them for the work they are doing in tackling this important issue.
Session: Loneliness
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What steps her Department is taking to tackle loneliness?
Context
The government has been addressing loneliness since the strategy launched in 2018. The question asks about specific steps taken to tackle this issue.
Stuart Andrew
Since the tackling loneliness strategy launched in 2018, the Government and their partners have invested more than £80 million in tackling loneliness. The 2023 annual report included 60 new cross-government commitments, and updates on progress on things included in that report are due to be published in March.
Session: Loneliness
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The defence AI strategy acknowledged an AI skills gap across the whole of defence and promised to work with industry to provide expertise in AI and develop a skills framework. That was two years ago. Where is it?
Context
The defence AI strategy from two years ago promised to work with industry to provide expertise in AI and develop a skills framework.
Michelle Donelan
The hon. Member does not quite grasp the magnitude of what we have done on this agenda. We have invested £290 million in it since 2018. We also recently published guidance to support businesses to adopt AI. We will continue to prioritise that area.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Skills Training
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What steps she is taking to increase access to AI skills training?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of AI skills among citizens and businesses.
Michelle Donelan
The Government have funded a broad package of AI skills initiatives through the education pipeline, to address the skills gap and to support citizens and businesses to take advantage of the wealth of opportunities that AI technologies provide. We have funded a new AI master's conversion course and published draft guidance to help training providers develop business-relevant AI skills training.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Skills Training
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My constituent Tallulah Cox passed away due to lack of support from local council and NHS despite being diagnosed with brain stem cancer. What steps are being taken to ensure better support?
Context
Tallulah Cox, a constituent of the MP's, was diagnosed with brain stem cancer in May 2022. Her parents were not informed about side effects of radiation treatment and had to fight for support from local council and NHS.
Alex Chalk
This sounds like an appalling case, and my heart goes out to Tallulah Cox. If the hon. Lady writes to me, she will get a response.
Session: Topical Questions
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Our nuclear veterans waited 70 years for recognition and are still waiting for justice. In a debate last year, the Minister promised 'in days ahead' to examine 150 documents held by the Atomic Weapons Establishment. What did his examination find?
Context
Veterans are waiting for recognition and justice after waiting 70 years. Last year, the Minister promised to examine documents related to blood and urine tests.
Andrew Murrison
That is my intention—have not seen them yet but will do so soon. The hon. Lady may be disappointed by the content of those documents, as very few provide new information.
Session: Topical Questions
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In the United States, additional aid to Ukraine remains stuck in the Senate and there is the potential for a shift in its political leadership later this year. Considering we are still awaiting this Government's promised action plan for Ukraine, how assured can we be that the Secretary of State is discussing with our NATO allies all future scenarios to ensure there will be no lapse in collective military support for Ukraine?
Context
There is potential for a shift in the US Senate's political leadership, which may affect additional aid to Ukraine. The speaker wants assurance that the UK will continue its support regardless of these changes.
Grant Shapps
I really hope that there can be no doubt about this Government's commitment to Ukraine. Not only were we first with the training, but with tanks, missiles and commissioning to enable Ukraine to continue this fight in all manner of different ways.
Session: Ukraine Military Support
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The new 55-day payment rule will apply to only a few hundred companies contracted by the Government, yet microbusinesses, which do not typically have Government contracts, wait on average 68 days for payments. Those businesses make up the majority of small businesses across our country. Why will the Government not back the Micro Business Alliance's “Pay in 30 days” campaign?
Context
Microbusinesses often face longer waiting times than those with government contracts, despite being a significant portion of small businesses.
Nigel Huddleston
As I mentioned, we are well aware of the issue of late payments, and we are in constant dialogue with the key stakeholders in this area, as well as colleagues at the Department for Business and Trade. We will always keep an eye on the measures, but the moves we have already made to tackle late payments, as announced recently, will make a big difference.
Session: Small Businesses Fiscal Support
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Why do the Government hit people with disabilities the hardest at every opportunity, considering Sense findings and the Conservative cost of living crisis?
Context
The government is implementing changes to benefits and NHS prescriptions that could affect disabled individuals.
Mims Davies
I apologise, Mr Speaker. The hon. Member for South Shields will know that we are making cost of living payments once again to support people in need. That support totals over £104 billion. There is also the household support fund, which is about £1 billion this year.
Session: Disabled People Inequality
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to tackle inequality for disabled people?
Context
The government's long-term vision for tackling disability is to be outlined in the national disability strategy and a forthcoming disability action plan.
Mims Davies
In July 2021, the Government set out our long-term vision in the national disability strategy. Over the summer, we consulted on the disability action plan, which will set out the immediate action that the Government are taking in 2024.
Session: Disabled People Inequality
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If the UN Security Council resolution returns with a condemnation of Hamas, will the UK do the right thing this time and back an immediate humanitarian ceasefire?
Context
A stop-start approach prolongs hostage captivity and increases civilian casualties. The UN Security Council is discussing resolutions.
Andrew Mitchell
Both the Government and Opposition believe that a ceasefire is not the right way to proceed. However, we are heavily engaged in Security Council resolutions.
Session: Gaza Civilian Deaths and Humanitarian Situation
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Members of the Conservative party used the pandemic as an opportunity to make money for their friends and donors totalling £3.5 billion. When will they face justice?
Context
The question addresses allegations of Conservative Party members profiting from pandemic-related opportunities, totalling £3.5 billion.
Michael Tomlinson
I completely refute what the hon. Lady has said. I was looking forward to her question, but I was disappointed with the tone and substance of it. It is right to say that this Government are taking economic crime seriously, and fraud as well. I hope she has seen the new fraud strategy and, importantly, the report commissioned from Jonathan Fisher KC and his review on disclosure, which is due out next summer.
Session: Fraud and Economic Crime Prosecutions
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With cancer being a significant issue for children and young people, causing almost 500 deaths each year, why does the Government continue to reject calls for a dedicated children's cancer plan?
Context
Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children and young people, with nearly 500 dying every single year.
Andrew Stephenson
As the hon. Member knows, cancer will be part of the Government's long-term strategy for diseases. Improving cancer treatment wait times is a top priority for the Government, with a key focus on the elective care recovery plan backed by an additional £8 billion in revenue funding across the spending review period.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister believe the appointment of Lord Cameron as Foreign Secretary strengthens or weakens the Prime Minister's stance that China poses an “epoch-defining challenge” to global security?
Context
MP asked about the impact of Lord Cameron's appointment as Foreign Secretary on the Prime Minister's stance regarding China.
James Heappey
It greatly strengthens the Prime Minister's position.
Session: Indo-Pacific Region Stability
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Some years ago, the United Nations found that disabled people's rights were being systematically violated by Conservative Ministers. Recently, the Equality and Human Rights Commission found that nothing at all had changed. Is the Minister not ashamed?
Context
The United Nations found that disabled people's rights were being systematically violated by Conservative Ministers, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission recently confirmed no changes.
Mims Davies
The hon. Lady's point regarding EHRC is that it is an independent body. The Minister refutes her claim and highlights actions around British Sign Language.
Session: Topical Questions
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After repeated rejections for towns and levelling-up moneys, are my constituents not right to blame the Government of the last 13 years for this deliberate levelling down?
Context
A conservative think-tank reported that coastal communities face lower life expectancy, inadequate transport links and are comparatively poorer.
Jacob Young
The hon. Lady, like me, represents a north-east coastal community, and she will be aware of our devolution agreement with the North East Combined Authority, which hopes to address some of the challenges in her area.
Session: Regional Inequalities Coastal Communities
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What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting coastal communities?
Context
The question arises from discussions on the challenges faced by coastal communities, including regional inequality and opportunities.
Jacob Young
We have established 12 levelling-up missions principally aimed at tackling regional inequality and ensuring that, wherever someone lives—in cities, towns, island, rural or coastal communities—their opportunities are the same. Progress on the missions will be formally reported through an annual report as set out in our landmark Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill, which returns to the House of Commons tomorrow.
Session: Regional Inequalities Coastal Communities
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Does the Secretary of State agree that the Treasury's argument for increasing Defence spending to 2.5% of GDP when the economics improve is not only naive but illogical, because our economy and our national security are one and the same thing? We need to invest in our Army, Air Force and Navy now, not when Britain's economy improves.
Context
A member of the Defence Committee highlights growing threats and concerns about NATO's level of defence spending.
Ben Wallace
My right hon. Friend makes an important point about levels of Defence spending. First, spend on the Army is 20% higher since I started as Defence Secretary, and I have made sure that a greater proportion of that spend is on catching up and modernising the armed forces, which had been neglected all the way back to Afghanistan and Iraq.
Session: Size of Armed Forces
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Asbestos Removal: Non-domestic Buildings
18 June 2025
Responding: Sir Stephen Timms
Main Concerns
['The UK has one of the highest levels of deaths caused by asbestos exposure, with over 5,000 people dying each year. In South Shields, people are dying from asbestos at a higher rate than anywhere else in the United Kingdom. Asbestos-related deaths continue to occur due to its presence in buildings and workplaces.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should act now on asbestos removal from non-domestic buildings and consider implementing a central asbestos register and mandatory census for building owners to declare asbestos presence or suspicion of it.']
Healthy Start — [Peter Dowd in the Chair]
22 May 2024
Responding: Helen Whately
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the problems besetting the Healthy Start scheme, including low take-up rates at just 62.5% across England, Wales and Northern Ireland compared to Scotland's 92%. Desperate parents are resorting to theft or watering down baby formula due to high costs. Despite this need, awareness of the scheme is low among both public and professionals, leading to missed opportunities for families in financial distress."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to implement an opt-out system instead of the current opt-in approach to ensure proper data collection and free up resources for supporting families. I also request accurate take-up data and a commitment to working on piloting auto-enrolment.']
Child Poverty in the North
03 May 2023
Responding: Mims Davies
Main Concerns
['The lead MP is concerned about the high and rising rate of child poverty in the north, particularly in South Shields where over 42% of children are living in poverty. She highlights that nutrition affects cognitive development, leading to developmental impairment, language delays, motor skills delays, and psychological impacts such as withdrawn and aggressive behaviors. Pre-pandemic, there were rising numbers of hospital admissions due to malnutrition and a resurgence of Victorian diseases like scurvy and rickets. The report found 34% living in poverty compared with 28% in the rest of England during the pandemic. Additionally, nearly 100,000 homes in the north had some form of damp before the cost of living crisis.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the government to raise social security in line with inflation at the earliest opportunity, scrap the two-child benefit limit, pause universal credit sanctions for families with children, increase child benefits, extend free school meal eligibility, and improve energy efficiency in rented homes. She also suggests that policies alone will not be enough; a proper welfare safety net is required to ensure people have enough to live on.']
Expanding Free School Meals For Vulnerable Families
12 July 2022
Main Concerns
['There are nearly 4 million children in Britain living in poverty and over 800,000 missing out on free school meals. The North East Child Poverty Commission revealed that the north-east region now has the highest rate of child poverty in the UK with 38% of its children living in poverty. In South Shields alone, over 42% of children are living in poverty. Hungry children suffer developmental impairment and delayed motor skills, as well as psychological and emotional impacts.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should expand free school meal eligibility to all families receiving universal credit or equivalent benefits, which would cost an additional £550 million a year according to the Child Poverty Action Group. Furthermore, alongside that reform, they could introduce an automatic registration scheme for free school meals and move towards universal free school meals.']
Free School Meals: Eligibility
12 July 2022
Responding: Will Quince
Main Concerns
["Emma Lewell is concerned about the high number of children living in poverty and missing out on free school meals. In her constituency, South Shields, over 42% of children live below the poverty line, with figures rising rapidly since pre-pandemic times. She cites studies linking child hunger to developmental impairment, delayed motor skills, and psychological impacts such as withdrawn and aggressive behaviors. The region's north-east has seen a resurgence of Victorian diseases like scurvy due to malnutrition."]
Specific Asks
['Lewell asks the Government to expand free school meal eligibility to families receiving universal credit or equivalent benefits, which would cost an additional £550 million annually and support over one million children. She also calls for an automatic registration scheme for free school meals and advocates for universal free school meals.']
Public Office (Accountability) Bill
14 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Houses in Multiple Occupation
25 June 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Emma Lewell-Buck, MP for South Shields, raised concerns about the proliferation of HMOs in her constituency. She noted that these dwellings often lack adequate living conditions and contribute to issu...
Water Companies
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Milburn Review: Interim Report
02 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East: Economic Response
21 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Referral of Prime Minister to Committee of Privileges
28 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls for the matter of Peter Mandelson's appointment as US Ambassador to be referred to the Privileges Committee due to claims that the Prime Minister misled the House. Kemi Badenoch argue...
Children and Social Work Bill - Clause 56 - Functions of adjudicator in relation to admission numbers
15 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment moves to strengthen obligations to support sibling contact for children who are looked after. It aligns with recommendations from the Family Rights Group and Become, and is supported by ...
Middle East: Defence
09 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Public Office (Accountability) Bill 2026-01-19
19 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister of Justice emphasised the importance of the Public Office Accountability Bill for ensuring transparency, accountability, and support for families affected by state failures. She highlight...
Regulation of Houses in Multiple Occupation
08 January 2026
The petition highlights the detrimental impact of uncontrolled growth in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) within South Shields, including overcrowding, crime, anti-social behaviour, parking pressu...
View Full Petition -->
Regulation of houses in multiple occupation
03 November 2025
The petition addresses the uncontrolled growth of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in South Shields, which is causing overcrowding, antisocial behaviour, crime, parking pressures, and the erosion ...
View Full Petition -->
Recommendations of the Infected Blood Inquiry
24 April 2024
The petition addresses the long-standing injustice faced by individuals who received infected blood and their families, highlighting the ongoing suffering and the need for immediate redress.
View Full Petition -->
Right of Refusal of Development on Green Belt Land
07 September 2022
The petition opposes the development of 156 residential properties on green belt land west of Sunniside Farm in South Shields, highlighting concerns about disrupting agricultural use and a historical ...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
67.3%
66 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
25
25.5% of votes
No Votes
41
41.8% of votes
Abstentions
32
32.7% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
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
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
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: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
6
PMQs Asked
113
Ministerial Questions Asked
127
House of Commons Debates Involved
5
Westminster Hall Debates Led
2
Statements / Bills
4
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
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+743% above average
This MP:
113
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+99% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2513% above average
This MP:
127
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-79% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+63% above average
This MP:
4
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 Emma Lewell's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.