Gavin Robinson
MP for Belfast East
DUP
7 May 2015 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I associate myself with the Prime Minister's remarks about the helicopter crash. The north Belfast attack on Monday was medieval and sadistic, viewed by millions. It requires the strongest condemnation. Will the PM meet me urgently to discuss steps taken to ensure values are enforced, rule of law sustained, and border protection improved?
Context
An attack in Belfast has caused community damage, requiring strong condemnation.
Keir Starmer
I thank the right hon. Member for his question. Standing together with a common message was powerful. I am very happy to meet the right hon. Member and other MPs from Northern Ireland. We are sickened by this attack, but need clarity that scenes of violence have no justification.
Assessment
The specific ask for urgent meeting on border control was not fully addressed.
Scenes Of Violence And Disorder
Questions Need To Be Answered
Session: PMQs
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My colleagues and I support our armed forces, but we lament how diminished the UK has appeared over the past week among our allies and within the middle east. The Prime Minister is not responsible for our armed forces being able to squeeze into Wembley Park and Ibrox, but he is responsible for our posture. He is responsible for ignoring the request to deploy a Type 45 destroyer to the region two weeks ago, and we now learn that HMS Dragon will not leave, has not left and will not be in place to defend Cyprus for over a week. Will the Prime Minister understand that I welcome the commitment for increased defence spending, but if we are planning only to get to 2.5% by 2027, it is not enough? It needs to be reconsidered. He needs to go faster where others before him did not, and he needs to take these steps not just for the protection of our values across the world, but for the protection of our consumers who are impacted by this conflict today.
Context
Concern over UK's defence posture and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Keir Starmer
The right hon. Member will have heard me set out what we did by way of pre-deployment, working in conjunction with and liaising with the US. So he understands the context in which those pre-deployments were put in place, and I think they speak for themselves as to why they were put in those places. In relation to defence spend, obviously we are increasing it to 2.6% of GDP—that is £270 billion over the Parliament—but as I said in the speech I gave in Munich just a couple of weeks ago, we are going to have to spend more and faster after the years of under-investment and troop cuts that—[Interruption.] The Conservatives were the ones who hollowed this out. They were the ones who reduced the size of the Army. They were the ones who did not spend what was necessary on defence. Like everything else they left in such a mess, we are clearing it up, and through our strategic defence review we will make Britain safer.
Assessment
Did not commit to reconsidering the timeline for defence spending
We Are Increasing It To 2.6% Of Gdp
Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister know that the Treasury did not look favourably on a request to draw on reserves for a £120 million data breach cost? Can he recognise that this incident matches Treasury criteria and ensure engagement with the Chancellor to support the PSNI's financial needs?
Context
The PSNI faces an ongoing national security threat and additional costs due to historical legacies. It has been underfunded, with a shortfall in police officers despite recommendations for 7,500 officers.
The Prime Minister
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for raising this important issue, which I know is of real concern to him. I reassure him that I am in regular contact with Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and the PSNI on it. As he is aware, we provided a record settlement of £19.3 billion a year on average for the Executive, and we invested £113 million in additional security funding for the PSNI to help address specific security challenges.
Assessment
Did not directly address the request for reconsideration of the funding issue or engagement with the Chancellor.
Reassurance
Acknowledgement
Session: PMQs
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My constituent Catherine Flanagan fled domestic violence in Beirut with her three-year-old son, who should be returned to her according to a court order. However, neither the UK embassy nor the FCO have provided assistance. Will the Prime Minister engage this issue and ask the Foreign Secretary to assist my constituent in reuniting with her son?
Context
Catherine Flanagan, a constituent from Belfast East, fled domestic violence in Beirut with her three-year-old son David. The High Court has ordered the return of David to his mother but she is unable to get help from the UK embassy or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Keir Starmer
I thank the right hon. Member for raising this case, and for all he is doing on behalf of Catherine and David—I hope they get some comfort from knowing that they have an MP working so hard on their behalf. It is a complex and difficult situation, but of course I will make sure that the relevant meetings are set up with the relevant Ministers to ensure the right hon. Member gets the answers he needs on behalf of his constituents.
Assessment
No specific commitment or timeline was provided for helping reunite Catherine Flanagan and her son
Session: PMQs
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Has he considered the petition on maternity leave extension and can he give an indication as to when the Government will respond?
Context
Bethany from Crewe raised the campaign for extending maternity leave during PM's Questions, highlighting difficulties in accessing childcare support and building bonds with family.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Yes, well remembers Bethany and her question. Understands the difficulty of this problem for many people. Will look at it in detail and see what can be done.
Session: PMQs
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I want to hear from our Secretary of State full recognition that there is a deficit and Sir Declan needs access to unredacted material. Will the Secretary of State secure agreement from the Irish Government for this change? Also, no remedial order was put before the Lords by the end of June; with no progress before Ireland assumes the European presidency and no summit on 22 July, there is no chance that the Troubles Bill will become law in 2026.
Context
The deadline for a remedial order to be put before the Lords by the end of June has passed, along with another deadline related to the Irish Government's European presidency. No summit is planned on 22 July.
Hilary Benn
The right hon. Gentleman makes a powerful argument that passing the troubles Bill will enable information sharing with Irish authorities, which is what both he and I want to see.
Session: Troubles Legacy Legislation 2026-07-08
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Given the legacy of our past, two Governments are involved. Was he concerned that Sir Declan Morgan shared his concern with the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee about not having access to unredacted intelligence material from the Irish Government? There is nothing in the draft legislation or amendments that would change this situation. Is the Secretary State further concerned?
Context
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee raised concerns about Sir Declan Morgan's lack of access to unredacted intelligence materials from the Irish Government. The committee's chief operating officer also highlighted that no changes would be made in response to these requests.
Hilary Benn
The right hon. Gentleman is referring to the position today in light of the Dillon judgment, and I agree with him that we need cooperation from the Irish Government in response to requests made by the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.
Session: Troubles Legacy Legislation 2026-07-08
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The Secretary of State will know that the howls of outrage from the article 2 expansionists have been proven to be wrong, yet those same howls of outrage have been repeated ad nauseum by the Irish Government. They continue with their state case against this country and they continue to assert that there is an incompatibility with the ICRIR. In doing so, they refuse to respond to the requests of victims; they have not responded once to the ICRIR's requests for information from the Guards; and, as the Secretary of State heard with the victim in our presence just last week, the much-fêted Garda unit does not even answer the phone. Will he now challenge the Irish Republican Government to withdraw their case and to recognise compatibility with article 2?
Context
Victims in Northern Ireland are concerned about the Irish Government's refusal to respond to requests for information from victims and the lack of cooperation with the Garda unit. The Irish Government asserts that there is an incompatibility with the ICRIR.
Hilary Benn
As I have said to the right hon. Gentleman a number of times before, the Government's view, which is reinforced by the Dillon judgment, is that the legislation that we are bringing forward, combined with the judgment, means that there is no basis for the inter-state case; but it is a matter for the Irish Government to take a decision about what they do about that. The other argument for the legislation that we are putting forward is that it will enable precisely the co-operation that the right hon. Gentleman is seeking and that will be so important to many families in Northern Ireland, including the families of service and police personnel who were killed and injured during the troubles. There may well be information that the Irish Government can now provide, and that is another strong argument for the legislation.
Session: Supreme Court Dillon Judgment Policy Implications
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The Secretary of State must know that victims in Northern Ireland would like him to stand up for them, to challenge the excess and the eccentricities of the Republic of Ireland Government, and to ensure, when they promise that they will provide information, that they do, and that their reluctance to do so has now been proven hollow. Gender has already been mentioned and he knows that the Dillon case was silent on some of the other expansionist parts of the quest on article 2. He has indicated his support for the Supreme Court's view, but will he ensure that he defends that view in court?
Context
Victims in Northern Ireland face ongoing challenges with the Irish Government's refusal to respond to requests for information from victims and the Garda unit not answering calls. The Irish Government continues to assert that there is an incompatibility with the ICRIR.
Hilary Benn
I reject the suggestion that in some way I am not standing up for victims, because the legislation that we have brought forward is about trying to give confidence to all victims in Northern Ireland. The right hon. Gentleman was one of many critics the immunity provisions in the legacy Act, which had no support in Northern Ireland, did not command support from any of the political parties, was wrong in principle and was never even commenced by the last Government. In relation to the Irish Government, we should judge each other by the steps that we take. Since we last had an exchange on this matter, the Irish Government have now legislated—it is just awaiting the Irish President's signature—to enable witness evidence to be given to the Omagh bombing inquiry. That is a sign of the Irish Government's good faith.
Session: Supreme Court Dillon Judgment Policy Implications
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Does he recognise there is a funding deficit within the PSNI? Will he similarly seek money for that?
Context
The PSNI has significant civil liability cases but no resources to progress. The Secretary of State has put in a claim for additional hundreds of millions for the legacy commission.
Hilary Benn
The creation of the legacy commission transferred 1,000 cases from the PSNI to the commission. When these are investigated, disclosure will be required.
Session: Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation
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What does he say to Northern Ireland victims who want to see progress? They were promised repeal and replacement of the legacy Act and legislation supported by all communities.
Context
The Government promised to repeal and replace the legacy Act but have not done so. The Bill is delayed due to discord among government members, leaving victims seeking progress.
Hilary Benn
The Government are keen to progress this complex piece of legislation. It is fixing a mess left by the 2023 Act and we must ensure it gets right.
Session: Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation
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Can he update the House on engaging with this to ensure that Northern Ireland is not a casualty as a result of the imposition of EU regulation?
Context
EU regulation could impose an additional requirement of 60,000 GP appointments.
Matthew Patrick
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for raising this matter powerfully last month and again this month. We raised his concerns with the European Union, and I am pleased—I hope he is, too—that the latest draft of the EU regulations includes a full exemption for Northern Ireland regarding the prescription status of antimicrobial-resistant medicines. That shows the benefits of a grown-up working relationship with the European Union, so that we can address issues as and when they arise.
Session: Public Services
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Does he believe that it is sustainable for the Northern Ireland civil service to ignore such changes for reform if we want to see the delivery of good public services?
Context
The Northern Ireland Audit Office reported frailty within the civil service.
Matthew Patrick
This Government are committed to civil service reform here. We have said that we wish to move fast and fix things. We will share our learnings with the Northern Ireland civil service. The right hon. Member also mentioned the reserve claim. He will have seen in yesterday's supplementary estimates that £400 million has been given to the Northern Ireland Executive. That is exceptional. It will be repayable over three years and accompanied by an open-book exercise looking at the Executive budget.
Session: Public Services
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The Minister will be aware that the Finance Minister yesterday, in an ill-considered way, published his budget—not an agreed budget—for consultation. The Minister will know the pressures associated with that decision and he will know the challenges that brings for politics in Northern Ireland. One thing that has been absent from the lexicon of politics in Northern Ireland over a number of years is the fiscal framework. Can he update us on where his Government are on negotiations with the Treasury and the Northern Ireland Executive? The Minister will also know of the pressures that affect our health service in Northern Ireland. Alarmingly, we understand that the European Union is going to ban the sale of antimicrobial drugs without prescription. Although that should not apply in Northern Ireland, it will. Some 60,000 products are sold over the counter. Our health service could not facilitate 60,000 additional GP appointments. This is an alarming development and I would like to hear the Minister indicate that he not only understands the severity and impact of it, but is going to take steps to address it.
Context
The MP expresses concerns about the recently published budget consultation in Northern Ireland, as well as an EU decision to ban over-the-counter sales of antimicrobial drugs. He requests updates on fiscal framework negotiations and actions to address the potential impact on health services.
Matthew Patrick
I am pleased that, as part of that consultation, there is a record settlement of £19.3 billion to fund those services. The negotiations that the right hon. Gentleman mentions are continuing. I am aware of the reforms that the right hon. Gentleman mentions. The Government share the EU’s ambition to take action against antimicrobial resistance, but I am also aware of the potential impact on Northern Ireland’s health service, particularly the demand for GP appointments, as he mentioned. We have raised this, and I will be happy to write to him with an update in due course.
Session: Public Services
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The Secretary of State will know that in my constituency we have an advanced manufacturing cluster and proudly boast over 5,000 high-skilled jobs in defence, maritime and aerospace. She will understand that last week Boeing concluded its deal to become the successor owner of Short Brothers. Will she confirm that the Government will continue to support advanced manufacturing in my constituency, whether it be with Boeing, Airbus, Thales or Harland & Wolff?
Context
The MP highlighted an advanced manufacturing cluster and over 5,000 high-skilled jobs in his constituency. He specifically mentioned the deal concluded by Boeing to become the successor owner of Short Brothers.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)
Yes, I absolutely reaffirm that commitment. The right hon. Member will know that we are increasing our defence spending, and alongside that is the work we are doing in our Department. The defence sector is critical for jobs and backing the research and development that will lead to further demand and further innovation.
Session: Modern Industrial Strategy
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In drawing upon the bonds of our country, the Minister will know while Northern Ireland has a greater than average growth rate compared with the rest of the United Kingdom, we still have a productivity gap. Behind that is the fact that our growth is masked by an over-reliance on our public sector. The Minister’s colleagues agreed in the last Parliament—as I am sure he does now—with cross-fertilisation between the Northern Ireland civil service and the home civil service. What plans does he have to increase our ability to draw on expertise and encourage secondments across this United Kingdom?
Context
The MP highlighted the productivity gap in Northern Ireland, which is masked by an over-reliance on the public sector. He suggested that cross-fertilisation between the Northern Ireland civil service and the home civil service could be beneficial.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Matthew Patrick)
I thank the right hon. Member for the opportunity to champion the growth taking place in Northern Ireland, with exciting work in the creative industries and the tech sector. On the opportunities for secondments and shared learning, I made the offer to the Executive Ministers I met last month that where we can share best practice, knowledge and learning, we should do so. I am happy to take forward other suggestions that the right hon. Member may have.
Session: Community Groups Northern Ireland and Great Britain
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The Minister will be enjoying his opportunity to travel across Northern Ireland and see some of the wonderful groups we have. He knows the strength of this United Kingdom, and he knows that increasing the bonds across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England is crucial. He should know that the last Government—supported by his Labour colleagues—agreed that through the East-West Council there should be educational collaboration, so that our young people can mix with one another and draw upon each other’s strengths. Could he indicate how many times he believes the East-West Council has progressed that matter and what plans he has to strengthen those bonds?
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of increasing bonds across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England through initiatives like the East-West Council. He noted that his party agreed in the last Parliament on education collaboration.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Matthew Patrick)
I look forward to the next meeting of the East-West Council. The right hon. Member will know that I met Minister Givan to discuss education matters and how we can ensure that students in Northern Ireland have the best education possible. I agree with the right hon. Member about the importance of shared bonds, and I hope we can progress those further.
Session: Community Groups Northern Ireland and Great Britain
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Given that yesterday the Secretary of State highlighted the protections for veterans in this legislation, could he tell the House which page, which clause or which line uses the word “veteran”?
Context
Yesterday, the Secretary of State highlighted protections for veterans in this legislation but did not answer whether the Attorney General had been excluded or recused. Today’s easier question asks about specific clauses.
Hilary Benn
The clauses that would implement the protections in relation to veterans and others are clauses 30, 31, 36, 51, 54, 56, 69 and 84.
Session: Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023
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Over the last 10 days in my constituency, there have been five of the most appalling and violent acts by self-styled vigilante groups. In each case, they livestream on Facebook Live and TikTok LIVE. Those videos disappear, and the creators remain anonymous. There will be a criminal justice response, but may I ask the Minister to relook at the protections for those who continue not only to abuse and act racistly in our society, but to do so under the cloak of anonymity?
Context
There have been violent acts livestreamed on platforms like Facebook Live and TikTok, with perpetrators remaining anonymous.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Kanishka Narayan)
This is an incredibly important issue. We will look closely at the evidence base and if there are found to be deficiencies in practice by any of the firms mentioned, we will take appropriate action.
Session: Technology Companies Accountability
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The Secretary of State might recall that two years ago I launched a report that highlighted that Northern Ireland receives one fifth of the UK average spend on defence. That incorporates the commitment for Harland and Wolff, which I worked on and greatly welcome. I also welcome the announcement of a £1.6 billion contract for Thales. However, does he accept that the previous Government committed to a thorough and thoughtful publication of how they would support continued growth in Northern Ireland’s defence sector? Will he similarly commit to doing so?
Context
Northern Ireland receives one fifth of the UK average spend on defence. Previous government commitments are mentioned.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
The Ministry of Defence has agreed to deliver precisely that “Safeguarding the Union” commitment through its defence industrial strategy, which will look at how the UK’s defence, technological and industrial base can contribute to the Government’s growth mission, including in Northern Ireland.
Session: Defence Expenditure Supply Chain
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Does that form part of the sentencing review or the Leveson review? The Minister will know that an increase in prisoners is often because of logjams within the Crown court system, leading to too many individuals being held on remand who are then convicted and released without rehabilitation or mentoring opportunities.
Context
The increase in prisoner numbers is often due to delays within the Crown court system, with many on remand who are then convicted and released without rehabilitation or mentoring opportunities.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
We are conducting a comprehensive system relook. The Member is correct to highlight this issue, and we will address it and resolve the problem.
Session: Prison Capacity
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The Secretary of State will have heard the exchanges earlier about the grave injustice and slur that was delivered upon SAS personnel in the coroner’s judgment last week, following the incidents in Clonoe. Will the Secretary of State take this opportunity to indicate not only to the House but to service personnel and the nation that he, as Defence Secretary, supports those who bravely served in Northern Ireland and stood on the precipice between peace and tyranny?
Context
The question arises from a coroner's judgment regarding the actions of SAS personnel during incidents in Clonoe, which was perceived as an injustice and a slur against those who served in Northern Ireland. This issue is sensitive due to historical conflicts and ongoing efforts towards peace.
John Healey (Secretary of State for Defence)
I am glad to accept the right hon. Gentleman’s invitation to do just that. It behoves us all to remember that those who served in our forces in Northern Ireland were part of a campaign that led to more deaths of UK security personnel in Northern Ireland than in Afghanistan. They deserve, and they will have, our fullest support.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State will know that the facility would not be there had it not been for Government investment and support. Guarantees were given not just to the people of Belfast, but to the staff directly employed at Spirit AeroSystems. The Government have also engaged in discussions about Harland and Wolff and Navantia, and the fleet solid support ships. Can the Secretary of State indicate his endeavour to ensure that viability will be at the forefront of his mind so that we can deliver the fleet solid support ships in Belfast and Devon?
Context
Gavin Robinson expressed concern about the future of Spirit AeroSystems and its impact on advanced manufacturing and supply chains.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
The administration announcement, which involves the other side of the runway, is part of a process to ensure that the takeover by Navantia goes ahead, because it is very good news. The right hon. Gentleman and I were present to celebrate that announcement, which provides security for the future. Ultimately the question of how to relate to those suppliers is a commercial matter for Navantia, but I am sure that it wants to build a good relationship with firms that will help Harland and Wolff to build the three fleet solid support ships.
Session: Aerospace Sector
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The Secretary of State knows that city and growth deals are about economic growth and ensuring prosperity within Northern Ireland. Is he aware of the concerns among businesses in England, Wales and Scotland, who are saying that, as a result of the general product safety standards emanating from the European Union, they cannot send their products to Northern Ireland? That is in stark contrast to the British Government's position to maintain standards on CE markings with the European Union. What advice and support can he give those businesses in Northern Ireland who want to trade, and to consumers who want to buy, in their own country but are currently frustrated from doing so?
Context
Businesses are concerned about product safety standards hindering trade between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Hilary Benn
Advice is being provided about the general product safety regulation. Many companies already meet its terms, because they are exporting from the UK to the European Union. There are steps that some businesses will have to take, but I hope the impact will be very small, because there is a way to get through it.
Session: City and Growth Deals
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I associate myself with the Minister of State's remarks about Ken Reid. He was a colossus of Northern Ireland politics, and journalism more broadly across the country. I thank her for those comments. The Secretary of State will know that getting the city and growth deals back on track was good, following the disappointment of the pause that followed the incoming Government. He will also know that there was a commitment in the spring Budget to support a skills and education centre at the Crusaders football club, for £2.2 million. That remains paused. I think the Minister of State has taken an interest in that project, and I would be keen for the Secretary of State to confirm that he will raise it with the Deputy Prime Minister.
Context
The project to support a skills and education centre has been paused.
Hilary Benn
I am aware of the pause that affects the particular project to which the right hon. Gentleman referred. Consideration will then have to be given to how that may or may not be taken forward, but I note his interest and I will follow developments carefully.
Session: City and Growth Deals
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I thank the Minister for her reply. She will know from discussions with her Cabinet colleagues that decisions have been taken to delay the agreement on parcels, to delay the agreement on customs, and to avoid taking the decision on UK-wide labelling. Myriad other decisions were also made and supported by this House, including Labour Members, that are required to be implemented from the “Safeguarding the Union” document. She will know about the interface between trade and constitutional politics, so I urge her to engage with the Secretary of State, the Paymaster General and others within the Cabinet to get on and deliver what businesses and the people of Northern Ireland need?
Context
The Minister previously responded to concerns about delays in implementing agreements related to parcels, customs, and UK-wide labelling.
Fleur Anderson
We are not the only Ministers who came into office three months ago to have faced all sorts of decisions that should have been taken by the previous Government. We have taken up those decisions on parcels and on every aspect that the right hon. Member mentions. He is right to raise them, because we do need to work on them to ensure that we protect the UK internal market and that we create the best possible regime for business.
Session: Promoting Business and Growth
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The MP asks about the progress on establishing Intertrade UK, including setting terms of reference and engaging businesses to support trade within the country.
Context
The Minister acknowledges the importance of Intertrade UK for encouraging investment between regions and nations within the UK.
Fleur Anderson
I agree with the right hon. Member that Intertrade UK needs to get going with its work to encourage investment between regions and nations of the UK. We are working on setting terms of reference as fast as we can.
Session: Promoting Business and Growth
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I welcome the Minister of State and Secretary of State to their positions. I am delighted to see them in post, and I know they are committed to effective public services and stability of the institutions in Northern Ireland. May I caution that in a number of responses that we have received from the Front Bench, we are having a recurring conversation that the fiscal framework that was announced back in December on an interim basis does not solve the problems we have? Even the stabilisation money that was agreed back in December has already been forecast as necessary to sustain pay in Northern Ireland. Will the Minister of State engage earnestly not only with what the Government—both of this hue and the previous Government—have been saying for the past six months, and recognise that to provide good public services in Northern Ireland we need not only to sustain, but to transform?
Context
The question stems from ongoing concerns about the adequacy of funding and the effectiveness of fiscal frameworks, particularly after recent interim announcements did not solve existing issues.
Fleur Anderson
I agree with the right hon. Member. Money is allocated specifically for transformation of public services to improve service delivery outcomes. In Northern Ireland, three in 10 people are on an NHS waiting list; that number is one in 10 here in England. That figure needs to be transformed for health outcomes. I will be talking about funding when I meet Executive Ministers, but I will also be talking about other ways in which our doors, and those of other Government Ministers, too, are open. We are determined to work together to transform public services.
Session: Public Services
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What steps he plans to take to support public services in Northern Ireland?
Context
The question arises from the need to address ongoing issues with public service provision and funding challenges in Northern Ireland.
Fleur Anderson
I am delighted to be appointed to this role, and I look forward to working closely with Executive Ministers to see public services transformed in Northern Ireland. I will be meeting the First and Deputy First Ministers tomorrow in Stormont, as well as the Northern Ireland Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt.
Session: Public Services
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I am concerned about one issue absent from the Windsor framework: an arrangement for veterinary medicines. Agriculture is vital to the Northern Ireland economy and we produce ten times more food than required. The establishment of the veterinary medicines working group has been positive, but there is a cliff edge towards the end of next year. Can the Secretary of State inform the House that a successful conclusion will be reached?
Context
The Windsor framework and subsequent agreements do not address veterinary medicines. Agriculture is crucial to the Northern Ireland economy, producing ten times more food than needed. A veterinary medicines working group has been established but faces a cliff edge by the end of next year.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The matter is important to the Government and for Northern Ireland. The priority is to secure a long-term sustainable solution on veterinary medicines through discussions with the EU, while preparing safeguards for all scenarios. A veterinary medicines working group has been set up to advise the Government; it has met twice and aims to report in June. Meanwhile, a grace period arrangement until the end of 2025 supports continuity of supply.
Session: Union of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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May I ask the Secretary of State to update the House on those issues?
Context
The MP expresses support for Northern Ireland's place in the Union and asks about progress on establishing bodies like the East-West Council and InterTrade UK.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The Government held the inaugural meeting of the East-West Council in June. We are committed to establishing new bodies like InterTrade UK to promote trade within the UK, as part of safeguarding the Union's internal market.
Session: Union of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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I appreciate the Secretary of State's remarks. He will have heard the concerns around the general strike, which will be called tomorrow. He will know that his Government dismissed our calls when we said that there simply was not sufficient money. He knows we had to battle for sufficient money and that in the run-up to Christmas he personally secured the availability of that money. The release of the funds is called for by the DUP, every political party in Northern Ireland, the head of the Northern Ireland civil service and, this morning, 50 chief executives of public sector agencies across Northern Ireland. I do not believe there is a lack of will on the Secretary of State's part, but this is a choice—a political choice that the Government can make. Will the Secretary of State use today to encourage his Government colleagues, the Treasury and anyone else who believes that using public sector workers as blackmail or political pawns is beneficial in any way?
Context
Public sector workers are set to strike due to a lack of pay increases. The Secretary of State had secured the availability of funding, but release is being delayed.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question and the way that he put it. As I mentioned earlier, public sector pay is devolved and is properly a matter for locally elected politicians who are best placed to take decisions in that space.
Session: Restoration of Power Sharing
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The Secretary of State will know that Northern Ireland can benefit from power sharing arrangements only when those institutions enjoy the support and confidence of both the nationalist and Unionist communities. I think I have previously heard him accept that the Northern Ireland protocol does not enjoy the support of any Unionist in Northern Ireland. Despite references to talks having concluded in December, the Secretary of State helpfully indicated on Monday this week that further progress had been made. Does he accept that the restoration of institutions will be secured only when that confidence within the Unionist community is put where it needs to be?
Context
The Secretary of State has mentioned that the Northern Ireland protocol does not enjoy support from any Unionist in Northern Ireland. The restoration of institutions is contingent on confidence within both nationalist and unionist communities.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question and for the many, many hours of work that he personally has put into the talks we have been having. They are detailed talks and it is a complex situation. I have said before, because it is absolutely obvious, that the Unionists in Northern Ireland are deeply unhappy with the existing Northern Ireland protocol.
Session: Restoration of Power Sharing
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Would the Solicitor General recognise that whenever people in this country try to have a debate around mandatory minimum sentences there is an automatic superficial reaction that talks about the need for judicial discretion, yet there are crimes for which we as a Parliament should be clear as to the appropriate sentence that people ought to expect?
Context
Discussion on mandatory minimum sentences often sparks debate around judicial discretion.
Michael Tomlinson
It is right to acknowledge that in the vast majority of cases the sentencing judges get it right, but when Parliament sets down the guidelines and the ambits, they should be followed closely.
Session: Unduly Lenient Sentencing Scheme
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This morning, we tragically learned that a five-year-old girl who was a P2 pupil at Black Mountain Primary School died yesterday in Belfast with strep A. I am grateful to the Minister for the answer she gave to the hon. Member for Eltham (Clive Efford) on strep A and her encouraging commitment that antibiotics including penicillin are available, but can she ensure that our public health agencies across this United Kingdom co-operate with one another and that if additional resource is required, it will be made available?
Context
A five-year-old girl died from strep A in Belfast, highlighting concerns about public health coordination.
Maria Caulfield
I am very sorry to hear about that tragic case in Northern Ireland. We want to reassure people that, while there is a slightly higher number of cases than usual for this time of year, the UK Health Security Agency is on top of this and is not concerned that there is a wider outbreak than would be expected.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The Minister will recall that at Northern Ireland questions six weeks ago, he said that “we will be marking this jubilee with full throttle, joy and celebration,” and that he and the Secretary of State would be “coming forward with some very innovative ideas”.—[Official Report, 9 March 2022; Vol. 710, c. 311.] So far we have a hamper and the potential for an annual garden party. I do not want our celebrations to be lacklustre; I want the NIO to bring a level of sparkle and joy to the platinum jubilee celebrations. Is there more to the plans the Minister will unveil next week?
Context
The MP refers back to a previous statement made at Northern Ireland questions regarding jubilee celebrations, expressing concern about the level of excitement and detail provided.
Conor Burns
I can assure the hon. Gentleman that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I, and the whole of the Northern Ireland Office, will be sparkling throughout the jubilee celebrations. We will be unveiling very shortly another very exciting proposal—a competition in Northern Ireland's schools for something to be presented to Her Majesty on behalf of the young people of Northern Ireland.
Session: Platinum Jubilee
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister outline whether he will dedicate significant resource, so that we can celebrate this historic achievement in style?
Context
The question follows discussions about marking Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee.
Conor Burns
I do not totally agree with the characterisation of the hon. Gentleman around the centenary programme that the Northern Ireland Office ran. I thought that it was bold, that it was inclusive and that it recognised the unique circumstances—[Interruption.] Oh, the hon. Gentleman said that he welcomed it.
Session: Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
View All Questions -->
There is a cohort of IRA murderers who have evaded justice, successfully fought extradition, and now reside in other countries. Would any Government proposals to deal with the legacy of our past be morally repugnant if those individuals were allowed to return home?
Context
The question addresses IRA murderers who have evaded justice and asks about proposals to deal with the legacy of past events.
Dominic Raab
I do understand the level of pain, suffering and anxiety that has been expressed. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has come forward with a set of proposals that offer a balanced approach and hope to allow communities on both sides to move forward.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps will he take in the very short term to sincerely protect the institutions?
Context
The right hon. Member for Skipton and Ripon (Julian Smith) brought forward New Decade, New Approach with commitments that would guarantee and protect the stability of institutions.
Brandon Lewis
On the cultural package, what we agreed to take forward is exactly what was agreed between the parties in New Decade, New Approach itself, and we will continue to look at that. It is important that we deliver on all of New Decade, New Approach. We have the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020, which is doing that work and has ensured that trade between GB and NI from the NI side is working in an unfettered way.
Session: Stability
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to support stability in Northern Ireland?
Context
N/A - General inquiry about stability measures.
Brandon Lewis
A stable Northern Ireland needs sustainable devolved institutions. We have progressed the Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill to that end. Prosperity is another foundation stone of stability. We have been working with the Executive to deliver the city and growth deals, which my hon. Friend the Minister of State, the right hon. Member for Bournemouth West (Conor Burns), is taking forward, and to invest in priority areas such as skills through the new deal for Northern Ireland.
Session: Stability
View All Questions -->
I encourage the Financial Secretary to look favourably upon tourism and travel sectors but from my perspective, aerospace remains the No. 1 private employer in my constituency and across Northern Ireland, employing more than 6,500 people with a turnover of £1.4 billion last year despite difficult conditions. It has high-end manufacturing skills that we cannot lose.
Context
Following up on the previous question, the MP emphasizes the importance of the aerospace sector in Belfast East and Northern Ireland.
Jesse Norman
I share his view on the importance of aerospace, especially considering Northern Ireland's comparative advantage. The Government is investing heavily in green fuels and electric flights for a net-zero transition while supporting levelling up efforts.
Session: Plan for Growth Sector Visions
View All Questions -->
What industries his Department is planning to include in the sector visions set out in the Plan for Growth. The Financial Secretary mentioned the tourism and travel sectors, but aerospace remains the top private employer in Belfast East and Northern Ireland, employing over 6,500 people with a turnover of £1.4 billion last year despite difficult conditions.
Context
The question arises from the need to define which industries will be included in the government's sector visions as part of the Plan for Growth.
Jesse Norman
The Government will consider the role of the state in supporting high-growth sectors, such as those with a comparative advantage like aerospace. The Department is investing heavily in green fuels and electric flights to support the transition to net zero, while also focusing on levelling up.
Session: Plan for Growth Sector Visions
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to promote Northern Ireland's links with the US.
Context
The question focuses on the importance of Northern Ireland maintaining its relationship with the US and seeks details about how this relationship will be promoted.
Brandon Lewis
The Government have always cherished our close relationship with the United States. It was a combined effort of the UK, Irish and US Governments that brought the troubles to an end, and it will take a renewed and ongoing partnership to safeguard Northern Ireland's stability and prosperity in the future.
Session: Links with the United States
View All Questions -->
I thank the Secretary of State for the considered engagement he has had over the past seven to 10 days on the issue of steel. The aerospace sector is crucial to my constituency and the wider Northern Ireland economy, contributing £1.9 billion annually. ADS highlights a concern about tariffs on raw materials deemed at risk for the aerospace sector, yet these materials can leave Northern Ireland tariff-free under the airworthiness agreement. I seek the Secretary of State's commitment to address this issue.
Context
The question arises due to concerns over additional tariffs on aerospace raw materials in Northern Ireland, affecting the local economy which has £1.9 billion-worth of annual activity.
Brandon Lewis
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this issue and acknowledge his long-standing support for Northern Ireland's aerospace sector. We have made it clear that there should be no tariffs on internal UK trade, utilising waivers and reimbursements to minimise impacts on business. I am happy to engage directly with him and colleagues on this matter. Additionally, we have pledged £1.95 billion in R&D funding through 2026 and allocated £125 million for the Future Flight Challenge.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol
View All Questions -->
Following the Minister's visit to Bombardier last week, Gavin Robinson questioned if the government was doing enough, highlighting the impending end of job retention scheme support and potential loss of skills in the sector. He urged for a tailored package of support.
Context
The aerospace industry is crucial to Northern Ireland's economy, with challenges due to the pandemic and upcoming changes to support schemes.
Robin Walker (Minister of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
Robin Walker acknowledged the importance of maintaining skills in the sector and discussed ongoing support measures including the business interruption scheme and job retention scheme. He confirmed that the commitment to these schemes remains until October.
Session: Aerospace Sector
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Irish Guards: 125th Anniversary
02 April 2025
Responding: Al Carns
Main Concerns
['The formation of the Irish Guards was a tribute to the bravery of Irish regiments during the Boer War, and they have served with distinction in various conflicts including World Wars I and II, as well as recent operations such as Operation Interflex in support of Ukraine.']
Specific Asks
['Recognise the long-standing service and sacrifice of the Irish Guards through continued ceremonial duties and national recognition.']
Belfast: Violent Disorder
10 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
North Belfast: Violent Attack
09 June 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...
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill - Motion to carry over the bill to next Session
27 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment seeks to ensure that proceedings on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill continue into the next parliamentary session. The Bill is essential to address the legacy of the troubles, which ha...
Middle East: Economic Update
24 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Army Reservists: Employment Rights
24 February 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
Mr Robinson thanked the Speaker for selecting this topic and expressed gratitude to the Minister for Veterans and People, acknowledging her role in engaging with defence issues. He highlighted the cas...
Standards in Public Life
09 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Mobile Phones and Social Media Use by Children 2026-01-20
20 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that they will not push their remedial order to a vote until the Supreme Court has finally ruled, considering the potential legal implications of proceeding without full dete...
Attendance
57.1%
56 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
33
33.7% of votes
No Votes
23
23.5% of votes
Abstentions
42
42.9% 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 NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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 NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
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
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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 AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
5
PMQs Asked
41
Ministerial Questions Asked
115
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+206% above average
This MP:
41
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2266% above average
This MP:
115
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-17% below average
This MP:
57.1
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 Gavin Robinson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.