Feryal Clark
MP for Enfield North
Lab
12 Dec 2019 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Violence is again escalating in north-east Syria—Rojava. A humanitarian crisis is unfolding and the city of Kobane is under siege yet again. Will the Deputy Prime Minister commit to working with our allies to hold the Syrian regime to the March 2025 agreement by securing protection for Kurdish civilians, pushing for a meaningful and immediate ceasefire, opening humanitarian corridors into Kobane and supporting constitutional recognition for Kurdish regions?
Context
A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Kobane, Syria. The Kurdish communities feel abandoned by their western allies.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr David Lammy)
Recent events in Syria have been deeply concerning. This is a significant moment for Syria’s future, and we are using every diplomatic lever to urge all parties to stop the violence, protect civilians and ensure humanitarian support can be accessed. The Foreign Secretary has highlighted to Syria’s Foreign Minister this week the importance of protecting the rights of the Kurdish community, and we have consistently advocated for an inclusive political transition. We remain committed to standing with the Syrian people as they seek to build a more stable, free and prosperous future.
Session: PMQs
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Joining condolences to victims of the earthquake, thanks the Foreign Secretary for the UK's response but asks when further aid will be committed. Asks about discussions with international counterparts to ensure our response meets crisis scale.
Context
A devastating earthquake hit Turkey and Syria, with the bitter cold affecting search and rescue efforts. Immediate humanitarian impact is severe.
Rishi Sunak
Joined in paying tribute to the Foreign Secretary for his work, spoke to President Erdoğan on reiterating support. Search and rescue teams are deployed. The Foreign Secretary speaks with UN counterparts for targeted humanitarian support including funding White Helmets in Syria.
Session: PMQs
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Analysis shows only one in six pupils on free school meals will benefit from current catch-up programmes. Does the Prime Minister agree this is not good enough and can he explain why we are in this situation nine months after schools reopened?
Context
The question addresses the effectiveness of catch-up programs following pandemic school closures.
Boris Johnson
We have put over a billion pounds into catch-up funds, but different groups were affected differently by the pandemic. We emphasised keeping kids in school despite pressure on hospitality.
Assessment
Did not address specific statistics or explain situation fully.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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I thank the Minister for her response. Our world-class bus drivers are the backbone of London's bus service but have borne the brunt of the extreme heat that the city has been experiencing. The Mayor of London is working with bus operators and Unite the union to convene a heat taskforce to protect drivers and keep London's bus network running safely. Will the Minister join me in commending this work, and does he agree that we must prioritise tackling the impact of climate change to ensure that our transport system runs smoothly?
Context
The question is prompted by the extreme heat in London, which has affected bus drivers and led to safety concerns.
Simon Lightwood
I will of course join my hon. Friend in commending the Mayor of London for the work that he is doing to keep the people who power our transport system safe. A well-functioning transport system is integral to growth. While we continue to decarbonise the transport system, we must also ensure that it is resilient to the impacts of climate change. The Government have published our climate adaptation strategy for transport, which sets out our vision for a climate-resilient transport system that underpins growth, keeps people and goods moving, and supports every part of the UK economy.
Session: Bus Services 2026-07-16
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What plans does she have to work with local leaders on improving bus services? I am concerned about the need for better coordination between central government and local authorities to ensure that bus services meet the needs of communities across England.
Context
The question arises from the need to enhance local transport infrastructure and address concerns about current bus service quality.
Simon Lightwood
This Government are determined to deliver better bus services. We are working closely with local leaders across England, and have confirmed over £3 billion of funding over the next three years to support and improve services. Alongside the new powers delivered by the Bus Services Act 2025, local authorities now have the multi-year funding that they need to deliver services that meet local needs.
Session: Bus Services 2026-07-16
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Can the Secretary of State update the House on the new jobs being created in Wales and the opportunities that will provide for every family?
Context
The MP emphasized Labour's focus on creating jobs in tech, defence, green industries, and other sectors.
Jo Stevens
I thank my hon. Friend for recognising the scale of the opportunities and new jobs that this Government are creating in Wales and across the UK. Whether it is 3,000 jobs in new nuclear, 5,000 jobs in floating offshore wind, 8,000 jobs in our two AI growth zones, 12,0 12,000 jobs with our historic £14 billion commitment for Welsh rail, or 25, 25,000 jobs in our freeports and investment zones, we are delivering generational change for people in Wales.
Session: Job Creation
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help create new jobs in Wales?
Context
The MP highlighted concerns about job creation efforts, particularly emphasizing Labour's stance on creating new jobs in key sectors.
Jo Stevens
Creating high-quality jobs across Wales is a priority for this Government. Wales is now punching above its weight in attracting investment, with 65 new foreign direct investment projects creating nearly 2,500 jobs in 2024-25. That includes more than 500 jobs in north Wales from Eren Holding, Knauf Insulation and Kellogg's, alongside hundreds more in south Wales driven by Vishay's £250 million semiconductor cluster investment.
Session: Job Creation
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After 14 years of Conservative cuts, Enfield lost around 60% of its funding, hitting vital services such as adult social care, youth services and our high street. Despite the cuts, Enfield Labour council has worked tirelessly to protect residents and support the most vulnerable. Does my right hon Friend agree with me and our brilliant Labour council leader Ergin Erbil that fair funding is essential for these areas?
Context
The MP is responding to the Secretary of State's visit to Enfield Wash, a deprived area. She highlights significant budget reductions over 14 years, impacting social care and youth services, despite efforts by the Labour council to support residents.
Steve Reed
Fair funding will provide a significant increase for Enfield council, in line with deprivation levels. The additional Pride in Place funding for two of the most held-back areas will allow them to take control of their own futures.
Session: Pride in Place Community Spaces
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What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of Pride in Place funding on community spaces.
Context
The MP is concerned about the potential benefits of Pride in Place funding for local community spaces.
Steve Reed
The Hon. Friend visited Enfield Wash during Easter recess and noted that many places in phase 1 have chosen to spend their funds on community spaces, which allows communities to come together and articulate their aspirations for the future.
Session: Pride in Place Community Spaces
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What steps his Department is taking to help tackle violence against shop workers. The family cannot afford security guards or lose stock unlike big chains.
Context
Concern about repeated targeting of small shopkeepers who cannot afford security.
James Cleverly
The Government have put in place funding to put more police officers on the street and neighbourhood policing numbers are up. We committed to pursuing all reasonable lines of inquiry.
Session: Violence against Shop Workers
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Does the Minister think it is the lack of a Government industrial strategy or the lack of individual support for exporters that is most holding our businesses back? We are lucky that Enfield North has quite a lot of small and medium-sized businesses, but they are suffering because of the cost of spiralling bills and no Government support.
Context
The MP is questioning whether it is the lack of a government industrial strategy or individual support that is hindering business growth.
Nusrat Ghani
That is an extraordinary statement, because in the hon. Lady's constituency the greatest level of exports is from professional and business services, and those exports are increasing not only to the EU but to countries outside the EU.[Official Report, 12 March 2024, Vol. 747, c. 5MC.] (Correction) That is the reality on the ground, so our strategy is working. UK exports were £859 billion in 2023—a figure that has gone up, not down, by £21 billion. The UK is the second biggest services exporter in the world—she should be proud of that because many such businesses are in her constituency. Those exports have increased to 54% from 48%, so there is good news, but we are keen to do more.
Session: Exports Small and Medium-sized Businesses
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What steps she is taking to support small and medium-sized businesses to export. I am concerned about the difficulties that my constituents face when trying to access international markets, despite the potential for growth there.
Context
The MP is concerned about the challenges faced by local SMEs in exporting.
Nusrat Ghani
My Department continues to help small and medium-sized enterprises to grow overseas and export to the world, especially this year—the year of the SME. Businesses can access a digital self-serve offer and a wide network of support, including trade advisers, export champions, the UK Export Academy, our international markets network and UK Export Finance. Last year, UK Export Finance provided £6.5 billion to exporters of all sizes, with SMEs comprising a record 84% of those supported directly with a product.
Session: Exports Small and Medium-sized Businesses
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My borough of Enfield topped London's league for section 21 evictions last year, resulting in a dramatic rise in homeless families approaching the council for help. Can I please ask him when he will bring forward the Bill to abolish no-fault evictions?
Context
Enfield borough topped London's league for section 21 evictions last year, with a peak of 400 families approaching the council in one month. The government's commitment to abolishing section 21 evictions has not been met.
Jacob Young
We are absolutely committed to abolishing section 21. We will bring forward the Bill as soon as we are able to do so.
Session: Islamophobia
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The Minister says that the Government are doing loads, but since 2018 there has been a huge increase in the number of weapons seized in schools in some areas of the country, with knives and Tasers found in some instances. Our young people continue to bear the brunt of the Tories' decision to hollow out youth services and prevention work in our communities. Meanwhile, ninja swords and other weapons remain just a google search away. Parents should not fear for their children's safety at school. When will the Government match Labour's ambition for a Young Futures programme and prioritise the safety and opportunities of our young people?
Context
The MP highlighted an increase in weapons found in schools and criticized the government for reducing funding to youth services, questioning the safety of young people.
Laura Farris
I make no apology for the success of our violence reduction units and the difference that they have made to young people's lives since 2019. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire made the point that the crime survey for England and Wales shows that there has been a 51% fall in violent crime since 2010. More than that, our violence reduction units, working in conjunction with our Grip hotspot policing, have delivered a statistically significant fall in violent injuries. Hospital admissions for knife crime and equivalent have fallen by 25% since 2019, and overall knife crime has fallen nationally by 5% since 2019, all in the life in this Parliament. We have banned zombie knives and cyclone knives, and our Criminal Justice Bill will give the police more powers to make pre-emptive seizures.
Session: Violent Crime Young People
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I thank the Secretary of State for his response. In the wake of the recent attack on the British Library, will he tell us what assessment the Government have made of potential cyber-attacks on other non-departmental public bodies? How will he ensure that they are not vulnerable to similar attacks and that the country is not brought to a standstill?
Context
In light of a recent attack on the British Library, concern has been raised about potential vulnerabilities in other non-departmental public bodies.
Oliver Dowden
The hon. Lady is absolutely right to highlight that attack. It demonstrates that such attacks can affect not just central Government; any agency of government can be subject to them. We discussed it at Cabinet this week, and I continue to co-ordinate activity through the ministerial cyber board, ensuring robust preparation with the National Cyber Security Centre and other agencies like the British Library.
Session: Cyber-security 2024-01-18 (2)
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What steps his Department is taking to protect public services and institutions from cyber-threats.
Context
The question arises from the need to protect public institutions and services from cyber threats.
Oliver Dowden
We are protecting our public services from cyber-threats through our world-leading Government cyber-security strategy. We sanctioned 18 criminals responsible for spreading a prolific ransomware strain last year, and we exposed the Russian intelligence services for their attempts to target high-profile individuals and entities through cyber-operations.
Session: Cyber-security 2024-01-18 (2)
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Retail crime is out of control, harming shop workers. Will the Home Secretary accept Labour's plan for a new law protecting retail workers and acknowledge that current measures are insufficient?
Context
The MP highlighted serious concerns from police forces regarding the funding formula's impact on their ability to address town centre crime. Retail crime is increasing with over 850 violent incidents daily.
Chris Philp
Theft offences have decreased by 47% since 2010. We have launched a retail crime action plan and legislated in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 to address these issues.
Session: Police Funding Formula
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As the chair of the all-party parliamentary group for birth trauma, I commissioned a survey finding that 20% of mothers are not receiving six-week post-birth GP checks, missing vital diagnoses and support for physical and mental health issues. Will my hon. Friend ensure that all mums receive these checks, and include birth trauma in the women's health strategy update?
Context
A survey by Mumsnet found one in five mothers not offered six-week post-birth GP checks, leading to undiagnosed physical and mental health issues. The Women's Health Strategy needs to include birth trauma support.
Maria Caulfield
We are rolling out perinatal pelvic health services across England by March 2023 and obstetric anal sphincter injury bundles to reduce tears. Birth trauma will be covered in the women's health strategy, but we are making progress beyond that.
Session: Maternity Services
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Women continue to be failed by maternity services across England, highlighted by scandals in East Kent, Nottingham, and Morecambe Bay. CQC inspections have downgraded many units, branding them as dangerously substandard with significant staff shortages. What additional steps is the Minister taking to ensure women and their babies are safe in these services? Can she confirm if Kirkup and Ockenden reviews recommendations were fully implemented?
Context
The MP noted ongoing issues with maternity services across England, including scandals in East Kent, Nottingham, and Morecambe Bay. Care Quality Commission inspections downgraded two-thirds of units as dangerously substandard, highlighting staff shortages.
Maria Caulfield
The hon. Lady mentioned three inquiries: Ockenden (2000-2019), Kirkup (2009-2020), and Morecambe Bay (2004-2013). We are increasing midwives by 14% since 2010, with 3,650 more training places. Introduced the maternity disparities taskforce for poor outcomes groups and a support programme for poorly inspected trusts—32 currently involved.
Session: Maternity Services
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Now that the Government have left themselves with no choice but to send fewer people to prison and let more out early because there is simply no space for them, how many convicted criminals are currently on bail awaiting sentence, compared with this time last year? When do the Government expect normal service to resume?
Context
The MP criticized the emergency early release scheme due to lack of space in prisons.
Alex Chalk
I am proud of the fact that, unlike the previous Government, we are rolling out a prison expansion programme—something that entirely defeated the Labour party when it was in office. Labour said it was going to roll out three Titan prisons. How many did it produce? Absolutely none. On bail, it is the case that the number of those awaiting trial is higher, and up by 6,000 compared with the pre-covid period. That is why this Government are expanding capacity on the estate. We have 1,000 more judges, we are increasing the amount of legal aid, and we are ensuring that when people come to be sentenced, unlike under the Labour Government, they are going to prison for longer.
Session: Prison Capacity
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It has been two weeks since it was revealed that the Treasury provided special dispensation for a sanctioned Russian warlord to use British lawyers to threaten a British citizen, Eliot Higgins. What has the Chancellor done in that time to get to the bottom of this outrageous scandal of the Treasury undermining sanctions and aiding our enemies to use aggressive lawfare tactics designed to intimidate those exposing the truth?
Context
Concern over the Treasury's handling of a sanctioned Russian warlord using British lawyers to threaten a British citizen.
James Cartlidge
I answered the urgent question on this matter and said that we would consider what more can be done in these types of cases. That work is ongoing, but we will report in due course, when we have more to say.
Session: Topical Questions
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I refer the House to my declaration in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. As a proud member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I have been lucky enough to visit some of our fellow NATO Parliamentary Assembly members, such as the US and Spain, which take huge pride in their buoyant shipbuilding sectors. The Secretary of State talks about the ships being put together in this country. With contracts being awarded outside the UK, or a large portion of them being completed abroad, how does he expect to keep investment in the UK?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of contracts awarded outside the UK on investment in the UK shipbuilding sector.
Ben Wallace
I can guess the memo that was sent from the union to the hon. Lady about what to ask. The reality is that unless we invest in our shipbuilding industry and unless we collaborate internationally, we will not have a shipbuilding industry. We tried it the other way, and it did not work. We have to build collaboratively.
Session: British Shipbuilding
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The women's health strategy was an opportunity to fundamentally change the inequalities women face. Women were promised a clinical women's health lead in the NHS, yet a former Health Minister admitted that there has not even been a discussion about establishing the role. Women in east Kent were promised change after the damning review of local maternity services, yet the Care Quality Commission is now threatening the trust there with enforcement action. Time after time, women's voices are at best being ignored and at worst being silenced. So I ask the Minister: when will this Government stop letting women down with empty promises? Is the women's health strategy worth the paper it was written on?
Context
The women's health strategy has failed to deliver on its promises, such as the clinical lead position in the NHS.
Maria Caulfield
Perhaps the shadow Minister will reflect on her comments when she receives the “Dear colleague” letter later today outlining the eight priorities areas for our first year of the strategy, with work such as the prepayment certificate for hormone replace treatment being done already; it is launching in April and saving women hundreds of pounds on the cost of HRT.
Session: Women’s Health Strategy for England
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Does the Minister agree with Napo's view that there is a workload crisis in probation services? If so, who caused it?
Context
Napo claims a link between insufficient prison capacity and workload crises in probation services.
Damian Hinds
All services are linked; recruitment into the Prison Service and probation drives workload. High employment rates make recruitment a challenge.
Session: Operation Safeguard November 2022
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For what reason he triggered Operation Safeguard in November 2022. The Prison Officers Association says that the lack of staff is exacerbating the crisis in prison places, and Napo claims a link between insufficient capacity and workload crises in probation services.
Context
Operation Safeguard was triggered in November 2022 due to an increase in the requirement for places in adult male prisons.
Damian Hinds
There was an unprecedented short-term rate of growth in the requirement for places in adult male prisons in October and November, creating a contingency to maintain headroom. Meanwhile, we focus on estate modernisation and expansion.
Session: Operation Safeguard November 2022
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Members on both sides of the House will have been shocked and appalled by the recent deaths of children from streptococcus A, and our thoughts are with all the families affected. Cases are on the rise, and as we head into winter it is vital for parents to be able to secure for their children the care that they so desperately need. The shortage of GPs means that too many are struggling to see a doctor, and now there are reports of shortages of antibiotics as well. What advice can the Secretary of State give parents whose children are exhibiting symptoms but who cannot obtain a GP appointment, and what assurances can he give on the supply and availability of antibiotics?
Context
Cases of streptococcus A are on the rise, and there are reports of shortages of antibiotics. The questioner asks for advice regarding securing care for children exhibiting symptoms but unable to secure a GP appointment.
Steve Barclay
This is an important issue which I know is of concern to many families throughout the country, so I am pleased to be able to reassure the House about our response. While GPs are important in this regard, so are directors of public health, who are leading the response in respect of, for example, liaison with schools. We are seeing a peak in cases earlier than usual, which we believe is due to lower exposure during the pandemic, which in turn has led to lower immunity. There is no new strain, and that is one of the key points of reassurance, but the UK Health Security Agency has declared a national standard to improve the co-ordination of our response, including what is being done in schools.
Session: GP Recruitment
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Patients find it impossible to get a GP appointment in the manner they want due to cuts of 4,700 GPs over the last decade by this Conservative Government. Seeing the same doctor improves patient care but is becoming increasingly rare. Even the Chancellor wishes more had been done for continuity of care, so why isn't the Secretary of State matching Labour's ambition to bring back the family doctor?
Context
The question follows a decade-long trend where the Conservative government has cut 4,700 GPs. Patients are struggling to access GP appointments with their regular doctors.
Steve Barclay
The number of GPs in training is up and there are more GP appointments because patient demand has increased. The focus should be on the skills of the primary care workforce as a whole, including women's health specialists who offer services beyond general practitioners.
Session: GPs Continuity of Care
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Members across the House are calling on the Minister to fix the crisis, but she seems intent on burying her head in the sand. The Government has no plan and the Minister is running scared from even talking to dentists at a conference last week. Does the Minister agree that the people of Wakefield should bear this in mind next Thursday?
Context
Members across the House have been calling on the Minister to fix the crisis in NHS dentistry.
Maria Caulfield
The Labour dental contract put in place in 2006 is causing problems. If the hon. Lady were to meet with dentists, she would hear that the current system causes issues. We will be announcing changes before the summer recess.
Session: NHS Dental Care Services
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Seven hundred and fifty-one people died within 28 days of a positive test in my borough of Enfield; these individuals represent families grieving and seeking answers. They should not have to fight for those answers, they deserve dignity and respect. I join my hon. Friend in asking the Minister to ensure the inquiry reports back as soon as possible.
Context
The UK has seen numerous deaths due to the pandemic, with Enfield recording 751 such cases. Families are seeking swift and respectful answers.
Michael Ellis
Every effort will be made to go as fast as is reasonably possible while also getting proper inquiry results. I know that Baroness Hallett will work to that too.
Session: Covid-19 Inquiry Final Report
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If he will take steps to help ensure that the UK Covid-19 Inquiry publishes its final report in this Parliament. Seven hundred and fifty-one people died within 28 days of a positive test in Enfield; these individuals represent families grieving and seeking answers. They should not have to fight for those answers.
Context
The UK has seen a significant number of deaths due to the pandemic, leading to demands for transparency and accountability.
Michael Ellis
Under the Inquiries Act 2005, the process and timing of the inquiry are matters for its independent chair Baroness Heather Hallett. She has made it clear that she will be doing everything in her power to deliver recommendations as soon as possible.
Session: Covid-19 Inquiry Final Report
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Since 2016, the Serious Fraud Office has convicted just five fraudulent companies, but it has negotiated deferred prosecution settlements with another 11. Does the Solicitor General share my concern that when the SFO detects corporate fraud, its instinct is to negotiate instead of prosecuting and convicting those responsible?
Context
The Serious Fraud Office has seen a trend of negotiating deferred prosecution agreements rather than prosecuting companies.
Alex Chalk
The hon. Lady is right that it is always important to be vigilant about the point she raises, but I would make two points. First, in looking at the deferred prosecution agreements, we should just consider what has been achieved over the past five years: £1.3 billion has been taken off companies that have acted in a fraudulent way, in agreements sanctioned by the courts. As I have indicated, this year there will be seven trials in respect of 20 defendants on 80 counts, in respect of fraud worth more than £500 million. It is good news that just this week, Glencore has indicated that it will plead guilty to serious fraud, and it will be sentenced accordingly.
Session: Serious Economic Crime
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Does the Minister agree that a national campaign would help boost kids' mental wellbeing by getting them involved in extra-curricular activities like litter picking?
Context
The question is about initiating a national campaign where schools can engage in litter picking to boost students' mental wellbeing through extracurricular activities.
Will Quince
I would encourage a campaign to tackle littering, as it can be one of the best ways to get children and young people outside and engaged in extracurricular activities that boost mental wellbeing.
Session: Mental Wellbeing of Pupils
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NHS dentistry is in crisis. Patients are stuck with either a never-ending wait for an NHS appointment or footing the bill for going private, which is simply not an option for most families suffering rising bills and taxes. With a third of the population experiencing untreated tooth decay, when will this Government, who have had 12 years to do so, finally come up with some practical solutions that put patients' needs first, rather than the half-baked, unworkable ideas we have heard to date?
Context
Patients are facing long waits for appointments and financial difficulties due to private costs.
Maria Caulfield
I am sorry to the hear that tone from the hon. Lady. We are working under Labour's 2006 dental contract, and she may have missed that dentists were unable to offer any routine care during the pandemic over the last two years, which we have slowly worked up to 95% of usual activity. She may want to play politics with this issue, but perhaps she should speak to her Labour colleagues who run the NHS in Wales, where 6% of dental posts were lost last year. She should get her own side in order before lecturing this side of the House.
Session: NHS Dentistry Backlog
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Why have the Tories failed to act on reducing ethnic disparities in healthcare over 12 years?
Context
Over a decade of Conservative government, evidence shows no significant change in the treatment of ethnic minority patients who continue to receive poorer care due to race at every stage of their life.
Sajid Javid
The report highlights longstanding issues of ethnic disparities under successive Governments. The current Government is addressing these with initiatives like the medical devices review and a maternity disparities taskforce.
Session: Ethnic Inequalities in Healthcare
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A nurse wrote this week about working on covid wards during the height of the pandemic: 'There were no vaccines or treatments then and we worked for hours in full PPE to protect ourselves and try not to bring the virus home to our families. There were no after work drinks for us…It is clear that there was a culture inside Number 10 where even if rules were not technically broken, the spirit of the rules were, and this is completely unacceptable.' The nurse is the Minister. Surely she must agree that the Prime Minister should now resign.
Context
The MP references a nurse's account of working during the peak of the pandemic without vaccines or treatments and criticises the Prime Minister for breaking rules, demanding his resignation.
Maria Caulfield
I am very disappointed by the hon. Lady's question. Serious issues are facing the NHS and patients, and instead of playing party politics at the Dispatch Box, perhaps she needs to ask her own leader what he was doing in May last year.
Session: Face-to-face GP Appointments
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What assurances can the Minister give to constituents whose lives are at a standstill due to 14-month visa renewal delays that these timings will be reduced?
Context
Hundreds of residents in Enfield North face delays in renewing their visas, causing difficulties with business and residential contracts.
Tom Pursglove
Ministers in the Home Office aim to assist with such matters wherever possible. Specific cases can be provided to address their concerns.
Session: Removal of Failed Asylum Seekers
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When will the Government finally hold water companies to account to protect our waterways properly?
Context
The River Lea, a popular waterway for sports and recreation in Enfield North constituency, suffers from severe pollution due to raw sewage discharge. Thames Water discharged over 1,100 hours of raw sewage into the river in 2019.
Rebecca Pow
The hon. Lady raises a very serious issue, and indeed the Department is taking it very seriously. As I said, water companies already spend £1.1 billion to improve their monitoring and discharging, but we have set up the taskforce to hold their feet to the fire to come up with measures for setting a long-term goal of eliminating sewage outlets.
Session: Untreated Sewage Discharge
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What steps his Department is taking to ensure that untreated sewage is not discharged into rivers and other inland waters?
Context
Water pollution from untreated sewage affects river health and usage for water sports. Thames Water spent over 1,100 hours discharging raw sewage into the River Lea in 2019.
Rebecca Pow
Water companies are committed over the next five years to a £1.1 billion programme to improve the monitoring and management of sewage discharges. However, I have made it clear to water companies that more action is needed. That is why we have established the storm overflows taskforce which has agreed to set a long-term goal to eliminate harm from storm overflows.
Session: Untreated Sewage Discharge
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Why has the Government done so little to reassure early years providers who are worried about continuing their work safely?
Context
Covid cases in early years providers have nearly doubled since January, causing concern among nursery workers about safety without proper testing or PPE.
Vicky Ford
The evidence shows that pre-school children under five are less susceptible to covid and unlikely to drive transmission. We base decisions on public data, which was updated last week.
Session: Covid-19 Safety of Early Years and Specialist Settings
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Private train operating companies were told on 23 March, just as lockdown began, that the Government would take on all their revenue and cost risks and support them through the pandemic. By contrast, Transport for London was not granted this emergency funding deal until 14 May. Will the Minister explain why that is and reassure Londoners that the additional emergency support that TfL needs will be confirmed as a matter of urgency, rather than being left until the eleventh hour like last time?
Context
Private train operating companies received emergency funding in March, while Transport for London was granted similar support only in May. This question seeks clarification on the delay and assurance of urgent additional support.
Andrew Stephenson
The Government agreed a £1.6 billion funding package in May. But let us be clear that Transport for London's finances were in trouble well before covid-19, with a projected deficit of £220 million last year and £422 million the year before. Many of the financial problems can be directly traced to poor decision making by the current Mayor of London.
Session: Emergency Funding Agreement London
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What recent discussions he has had with (a) the Mayor of London and (b) Transport for London on the expiration of the emergency funding agreement on 17 October 2020.
Context
The question arises from the expiration of the emergency funding agreement on 17 October 2020, concerning discussions with Transport for London and the Mayor of London.
Andrew Stephenson
The Department regularly engages with Transport for London and the Mayor, including in relation to understanding the impact of covid-19.
Session: Emergency Funding Agreement London
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Before the pandemic, many law firms were already struggling because of a decade of cuts to legal aid. What is the Solicitor General doing to ensure we have a functioning and fair criminal justice system when the crisis is over?
Context
Law firms were already struggling before the pandemic due to a decade of cuts to legal aid.
The Solicitor General (Michael Ellis)
Prosecuting advocates play an essential role in our criminal justice system, and the Government support them, as can be seen with the recent influx of money from the Treasury to the Crown Prosecution Service. On 30 March, the CPS announced measures enabling interim invoices to be raised. They are now able to claim hardship payments, for example, which have been expedited. Millions of pounds in extra funding is being provided for not-for-profit providers.
Session: Support for Law Firms Covid-19
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What discussions has she had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the effectiveness of Government support for law firms during the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
Before the pandemic, many law firms were already struggling due to a decade of cuts to legal aid.
The Solicitor General (Michael Ellis)
The CPS has made changes to its system for paying fees to advocates to help support them during this difficult time, adjusted to ensure payment for work performed, even where a normal invoice trigger point has not been reached. The Ministry of Justice is working closely with legal practitioners to understand the impact of covid-19 on them. The Legal Aid Agency has streamlined the process for interim payments and hardship payments, including lowering the threshold for when such claims can be made.
Session: Support for Law Firms Covid-19
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Arrest of Opposition Politicians: Turkey
16 March 2021
Responding: Wendy Morton
Main Concerns
["The Turkish Government's attack on free speech and intolerance of pluralism in politics, the media, and religious minority groups should be alarming. Since 2015, the HDP party's success has been met with an all-out attack by the incumbent government, leading to the arrest of many democratically elected officials, including Selahattin Demirtaş for over four and a half years. The AKP Government has replaced imprisoned opposition politicians with Ministry-appointed trustees in Kurdish majority provinces, undermining democracy. In 2019, 48 out of 65 municipalities won by HDP were taken over by the Ministry of Interior, and 122 democratically elected councillors have been detained."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should work with NATO, European and global allies to impress on President Erdoğan the need to adhere to international treaties. Will the Minister raise with her Turkish counterparts the unacceptable attack on Kurdish populations and call for the immediate release of imprisoned politicians?']
Social Media Ban for Under-16s
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
High Street Gambling Reform 2026-01-08
08 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls for reform of planning policy to prevent proliferation of betting shops and adult gaming centres in economically deprived areas. Emphasises the negative impact on local communities, citing insta...
Animal Experiments Medical Research 2025-06-16
16 June 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Before I start, I must declare an interest as the chair of the all-party parliamentary group on phasing out animal experiments in medical research. Five animals are used every minute in UK research, w...
UK Democracy Impact of Digital Platforms 2025-04-03
03 April 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Social media is failing young people by enabling unprecedented levels of abuse, harassment and radicalisation. Young men are being radicalised online into committing heinous acts like the murder of Br...
Technology in Public Services
02 September 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's approach to technology in public services aims to leverage AI, digital technologies, and other advancements to improve healthcare, education, and overall public service efficiency. Th...
Licensing Act 2003 (Extension Orders) Bill - Clause 1
17 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I move that the Licensing Act 2003 be amended to allow the Home Secretary or Ministers to make extension orders for events of exceptional significance without going through a costly, bureaucratic proc...
War in Gaza
07 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Coronavirus Act 2020 - Schedule 5 - Application of Chapter 1 of Part 1 to existing tenancies: transitional provision
24 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr. Jacob Young, the Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, moved that the clause be read a Second time. The specific amendment proposed in this speech does not provide detailed arguments but can be...
British Citizenship (Northern Ireland) Bill: Instruction
05 March 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The British Citizenship (Northern Ireland) Bill, as currently drafted, allows only people born in Ireland after 31 December 1948 and have been resident in Northern Ireland for five years to register a...
Knife and Sword Ban
06 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Dog attacks
27 April 2021
The petition addresses the inadequacy of current legislation regarding dog-on-dog attacks, particularly highlighting cases where irresponsible owners fail to control dangerous dogs that harm other pet...
View Full Petition -->
Impact of the M25 junction 25 improvement scheme
26 January 2021
The petition by residents of Enfield North expresses deep concerns about the proposed M25 junction 25 improvement scheme, highlighting issues such as increased toxic air pollution, road accidents invo...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
53.1%
52 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
17
17.3% of votes
No Votes
35
35.7% of votes
Abstentions
46
46.9% 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
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
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
3
PMQs Asked
44
Ministerial Questions Asked
48
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
3
Statements / Bills
2
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+228% above average
This MP:
44
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+888% above average
This MP:
48
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-68% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-18% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-23% below average
This MP:
53.1
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 Feryal Clark's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.