George Howarth
MP for Knowsley
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The Prime Minister will be aware that, given the chronic lack of capacity in the NHS, community pharmacies can help to deal with minor illnesses. But there is a problem: on average 10 pharmacies close every month in England. Will he take urgent action to prevent further closures and commission a properly funded “pharmacy first” service for minor illnesses?
Context
There is a chronic lack of capacity in the NHS, and community pharmacies can help to deal with minor illnesses. However, on average 10 pharmacies close every month in England.
Rishi Sunak
There is rare agreement between the right hon. Gentleman and myself: I am a wholehearted champion of and believer in the role that community pharmacies can play. We want to make sure that they can do everything they can to ease some of the pressures in primary care.
Assessment
The PM did not commit to urgent action or funding for a 'pharmacy first' service, but acknowledged the importance of community pharmacies.
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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Does he agree that both the French and UEFA authorities' attempts to blame Liverpool fans for the failure to keep order at the stadium has been comprehensively disproved? Will he ensure that the French failure to police the event is roundly condemned?
Context
Problems arose during the European cup final in Paris. Initial reports blamed Liverpool fans for disorder, but these claims have been disproved.
Boris Johnson
Initial accounts of what took place were completely debunked and proved incorrect regarding Liverpool fans. The French authorities issued a full apology.
Session: PMQs
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Thank you, Mr Speaker, for your kindness during my illness. Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that local councils know better than central Government when it comes to levelling up? I suggest hosting a cross-party summit in Downing Street with local government leaders and Mayors to discuss how they can be empowered to unlock potential.
Context
The right hon. Gentleman was recently ill and is now back in the Chamber.
Dominic Raab
It is fantastic to see the right hon. Gentleman back in the Chamber contributing and holding the Government to account. The agenda for levelling up must involve a team effort, with central Government, local authorities and metro Mayors across the country.
Assessment
Did not commit to hosting a summit but supported the idea
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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The restoration of devolved government is welcome. Polling evidence shows a growth since the Good Friday agreement in those who identify as Northern Irish. What implications does this have for how devolved government conducts itself going forward?
Context
This question discusses the growing number of people in Northern Ireland identifying as Northern Irish rather than British or Irish.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The right hon. Gentleman asks a genuinely interesting point about growth in number of people declaring themselves Northern Irish, which I believe is reflected positively in how First Minister and Deputy First Minister go about their business.
Session: Devolved Institutions Northern Ireland
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Will the Minister consider issuing new guidance that makes clear both the costs and the benefits of switching to a heat pump?
Context
Homeowners considering switching to a heat pump struggle with accurate information about the benefits and costs.
Graham Stuart
It can be a complex matter. The Government have committed to looking at rebalancing system costs across electricity and gas, ensuring people benefit from a heat pump providing warmth and low bills.
Session: Electricity Market Review
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All of which is welcome, but last week the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority called for a comprehensive Government-backed package to deal with the problems for the local economy that will be caused by the introduction of the latest covid-19 measures. Today, the combined authority and the Metro Mayor announced a £40 million welcome package to support local businesses and jobs. Will the Minister agree to hold an urgent meeting with local MPs, the combined authority and the Metro Mayor to discuss what further assistance the Government can provide to support our local economy?
Context
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has requested a comprehensive government-backed package to address economic issues caused by the latest pandemic restrictions. A £40 million fund was recently announced locally.
Luke Hall
The right hon. Gentleman will be fully aware that Knowsley has received £30 million in additional un-ring-fenced spending to deal with pressures resulting from the pandemic, on top of the £10 million increase in its core spending power this financial year. More widely, Knowsley received £51 million to support councils, businesses and the community. To prepare for local outbreaks we have provided a £300 million grant to all upper tier authorities to develop strong and effective local outbreak plans. I met the Mayor of Greater Manchester last week and he is meeting the Secretary of State tomorrow.
Session: Local Authorities Additional Funding for Covid-19
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What steps he is taking to ensure that local authorities receive adequate funding for additional costs related to the covid-19 outbreak. I am concerned about the financial burden placed on local councils and the need for sufficient resources to manage these unprecedented times.
Context
The question arises from the increasing financial pressures on local authorities due to the ongoing costs of managing the pandemic.
Luke Hall
We have provided local authorities with an unprecedented package of support, including £4.8 billion funding for spending pressures, £3.7 billion in un-ring-fenced grants, and £1.1 billion for the infection control fund. We have also introduced a co-payment scheme to help councils recoup irrecoverable losses in sales fees and charges. In total, we have committed over £28 billion to local areas to support councils, businesses and their communities since the start of the pandemic.
Session: Local Authorities Additional Funding for Covid-19
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I thank the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster for that answer. He will be aware, because I wrote to him about it, that some European Union countries, such as Portugal, require people to be on a professional register before they can be issued with a visa to work in that country on a short-term contract. Can he give me some assurance that that problem will be resolved before the end of the transition period?
Context
The MP has written to the government about professional registration requirements for British workers in certain EU countries like Portugal before they can work there on short-term contracts. He is seeking assurance that this issue will be resolved.
Michael Gove
The right hon. Gentleman raises a very important question. He is an assiduous advocate for workers and for his constituents. We are working in these negotiations to ensure that, whether in Portugal or elsewhere, those who have skills have the opportunity to work in the European Union to the benefit of both. I am really grateful to him for being so vigilant on their behalf.
Session: Transition Period Visas
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What recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in the EU on visa arrangements for British workers at the end of the transition period.
Context
No specific context provided. The MP is inquiring about recent discussions on visa arrangements.
Michael Gove
We want to see visa-free arrangements for tourists and short-term business visitors as part of our future relationship with the European Union. Temporary entry for business purposes, or mode 4, sets out terms under which a business person can move between trading partners. On short-term business specifically, we are only seeking to lock in on a reciprocal basis arrangements that the UK already offers to third-country nationals.
Session: Transition Period Visas
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What plans he has to enable public transport authorities to operate their own bus services. I thank the Minister for his response, but I do not think it amounted to an answer to my question, so let me try again. If publicly owned bus services are right for London, why are they not right for the Liverpool city region?
Context
The question arises from a broader discussion on the operational control of local public transport services and their efficiency.
Chris Heaton-Harris
To be fair, the right hon. Gentleman's question was, “What plans he has to enable public transport authorities to operate their own bus services,” and I gave the appropriate answer. However, as he will know, I am quite keen, as a localist, to try to do some of this, but the Government are committed to implementing the UK's first ever long-term bus strategy, which will be accompanied by long-term funding. That strategy will focus on passenger needs and set out how the Government will work with local authorities and the private sector.
Session: Public Transport Authorities Buses
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While welcoming the extra funding for catch-up tutoring, there are concerns that schools will have to find a quarter of the costs themselves. Can the Secretary of State assure that schools, best positioned to understand their pupils' needs, can allocate these funds effectively and appropriately?
Context
Additional £350 million for catch-up tutoring, but schools with already strained budgets must cover a quarter of the cost.
Gavin Williamson (Secretary of State for Education)
Pleased to report Knowsley Council's cooperation in opening up schools. The £350 million package is targeted, based on evidence showing tutoring's significant impact on disadvantaged children's progress. Additionally, the £650 million portion offers flexibility to schools for improvement initiatives and aligns with Education Endowment Foundation guidance.
Session: Educational Disadvantage Covid-19
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The Minister will be aware that, as part of the drive towards zero emissions, there was a recent announcement about bringing forward the phasing out of diesel, petrol and hybrid vehicles to 2035. What assessment has he made of the economic and fiscal impact of doing so, and in particular the loss of jobs that will happen, because the industry is in imminent danger of collapse?
Context
There is an ongoing process to phase out diesel, petrol, and hybrid vehicles earlier than initially planned due to the need for net zero emissions.
Simon Clarke
We are consulting on the option of accelerating the phasing out of petrol and diesel cars, because the average lifespan of a vehicle is around 14 years, and if we are to hit our net zero targets by 2050, we need to be sensitive to that. I can reassure the right hon. Gentleman that we are listening carefully to the industry on this issue. Just last week, I met the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders for a productive conversation on how we can do this in a way that supports the sector.
Session: Net Zero Emissions Target
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
James Bulger Murder: Public Inquiry
25 March 2024
Responding: Edward Argar
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the circumstances surrounding James Bulger's murder and subsequent handling of his killers, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson. He highlights that evidence indicating sexual assault prior to the murder was not presented at trial or parole hearings. The MP also raises issues about Venables' 2010 conviction for child pornography and the attempted abduction of another child on the day James was murdered, questioning whether these factors were considered in decision-making processes. Additionally, he expresses frustration with opaque judicial responses and media intrusions into private grief."]
Specific Asks
['The MP asks the Government to consider alternative means if a public inquiry is not granted, to ensure that questions and concerns are answered fully and comprehensively.']
Employee Share Ownership Schemes
06 September 2022
Responding: Lucy Frazer
Main Concerns
["The number of firms and employees participating in SAYE has fallen significantly since 2011-12. Participation rates have plateaued or declined due to the modern workplace environment, where people change jobs more frequently for career advancement. The current SIP requires a five-year minimum investment period, which is unrealistic for today's workforce."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should consider reducing the commitment required from SIP participants from five years to three years and explore one-off SAYE options lasting just one year. Additionally, they should consult widely on how to make share plans more accessible to gig economy workers and update research on productivity benefits of these schemes.']
National Strategy for Self-Care
26 April 2022
Responding: Edward Argar
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the lack of a new national strategy for self-care since the last one was published in 2005. The covid-19 pandemic has revealed the importance of self-care, yet a survey by the Proprietary Association of Great Britain showed that only 55% of people were more likely to engage in self-care post-pandemic compared to 69% during it. Before the pandemic, there were an estimated 18 million GP appointments and 3.7 million A&E visits for minor ailments at a cost of £1.5 billion annually.']
Specific Asks
["I ask the Minister to undertake to look closely at the recommendations for a new self-care strategy, give consideration to the report's seven recommendations, agree to meet healthcare professionals and interested parties to discuss potential ways forward, and meet diabetes charities to explore how type 1 and type 2 diabetes can serve as an example for self-care management."]
Eating Disorders Awareness Week — [Andrew Rosindell in the Chair]
05 March 2020
Responding: Nadine Dorries
Main Concerns
['There are approximately 1.25 million people living with eating disorders in the UK, including 10% suffering from anorexia nervosa and 40% with bulimia. The most common age of onset is between 15 to 25 years old, though there is increasing evidence that older individuals are also affected. George Howarth raises concerns about diabulimia, a form of eating disorder affecting type 1 diabetes patients who withhold insulin for weight loss, which can be fatal. He discusses the influence of the entertainment industry and social media on body image, citing cases where performers have developed eating disorders due to pressure from these industries.']
Specific Asks
["George Howarth asks the Minister to consider suggestions made by organizations such as DWED, Beat, and Dump the Scales regarding treatment access, medical training, research funding, and awareness campaigns. He also requests a review of cognitive behavioural therapy's long-term effectiveness in treating eating disorders and meetings with entertainment industry representatives and social media providers."]
Speaker’s Statement
06 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Lindsay Hoyle paid tribute to Sir George Howarth, a former Member of Parliament for Knowsley from 1986 to 2024. He mentioned that Sir George held numerous posts on Select Committees and was appoint...
Type 1 Diabetes and Disordered Eating Services 2025-03-05
05 March 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
It is a privilege to have secured a debate on the chronic but often misunderstood condition of type 1 diabetes and disordered eating, known as T1DE. Separately, these conditions are well-known but tog...
Israel and Gaza
20 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Relationships, Sex and Health Education: Statutory Guidance
16 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
16 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate urges the UK Government to deliver prompt compensation to women born in the 1950s who had their state pension age raised. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report highlights th...
Iran-Israel Update
15 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NHS Dentistry: Recovery and Reform
07 February 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Pharmacy First
31 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Post Office Horizon Scandal
10 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Immigration and Asylum Bill - Clause dealing with Rwanda
12 December 2023
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government are implementing measures to reduce illegal immigration, noting that small boat arrivals across the Channel have decreased by a third while they increased in other European regions such...
3
PMQs Asked
9
Ministerial Questions Asked
46
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
15
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
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
-33% below average
This MP:
9
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+844% above average
This MP:
46
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+59% above average
This MP:
15
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
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 George Howarth's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.