Graham Leadbitter
MP for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
SNP
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I have the privilege to represent the home of Speyside malts, one the finest Scotch whiskies. Last week, the UK Government unveiled damaging plans to grant a different definition of single malt to English producers from that of Scottish single malts. That is entirely inconsistent with the global reputation of the quality of single malts, and seeks to tear up the well-established definition of a single malt, pulling the rug yet further from under the Scottish whisky industry. Given the backlash from the industry and the damage that it could cause to Scotch whisky exports and jobs, will the Prime Minister’s word on whisky be his whisky bond? Will he back the industry to the hilt and scrap these plans?
Context
The question pertains to proposed changes in the definition of single malt whisky that could negatively impact Scottish distilleries.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
We do support Scotch whisky. It is a really important part of our economy, and that is why we allocated £5 million in the Budget to it and why we are working with Brazil, which is worth £25 million for Scotch whisky. That is what we are doing to support that sector in Scotland. In another sector, at the weekend I was very pleased to announce the £200 million investment in Grangemouth and in future generations there.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
A WASPI—Women Against State Pension Inequality Campaign—woman dies every 13 minutes. That is two women since the Prime Minister took to the Dispatch Box today, and it is 111 women every day, and nearly 17,000 since he took office. How many more WASPI women have to die before the Government take action to give them the financial redress and justice that they are due?
Context
A WASPI woman dies every 13 minutes. Since the Prime Minister took office, more than 17,000 WASPI women have died without receiving financial redress and justice.
Keir Starmer
We are moving at pace on all relevant issues. We passed the Budget to provide the baseline for what we need, and we will continue to do so.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not give a specific timeline or commitment regarding WASPI women.
Did Not Address Specific Ask
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Following the summer, recovery will be at the forefront for communities in my constituency and others who have been impacted by devastating wildfires. Many businesses in these communities are in the hospitality sector, the pressures on which are well documented. A reduction in VAT would provide a much-needed boost, enable reinvestment by these businesses and support economic growth. Will the Chancellor therefore consider cutting VAT for hospitality?
Context
Recovery efforts are needed for communities impacted by wildfires, especially those in the hospitality sector.
James Murray
As I said a moment ago, decisions on fiscal matters are taken at the Budget, but I urge the hon. Gentleman to urge the Scottish Government to follow the UK Government's example by providing support to pubs in Scotland, too.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-08
View All Questions -->
The hon. Gentleman knows that Scottish energy consumers pay among the highest electricity prices in the UK; he knows there are serious alternatives quicker to implement and actually reduce bills, such as geothermal energy; and he knows the Government's figures for nuclear waste disposal facilities can be up to £53 billion. With available cost-effective alternatives, will the Minister listen to the Scottish people, stop the obsession with costly nuclear power that Scotland neither needs nor wants?
Context
Two years ago, Labour promised to cut bills for every household by £300. Currently, household bills have increased and the government is considering nuclear power which could cost Scottish households an additional £300 million over a decade.
Michael Shanks
First, in every single opinion poll a majority of Scots show that they support nuclear energy. Secondly, every day nuclear baseload is powering Scotland with the last station Torness about to close without replacement. Thirdly, hundreds of skilled workers are employed by nuclear power stations, and thousands of Scots work in nuclear plants in England due to Labour's opposition to nuclear.
Session: Nuclear Energy Sites Scotland 2026-07-07
View All Questions -->
Whether he held discussions with the Scottish Government and local authorities prior to announcing potential nuclear energy sites in Scotland. Did ministers discuss alternatives like geothermal energy, given that Scottish households pay among the highest electricity prices in the UK?
Context
Ministers commissioned a study on Scotland's potential for new nuclear energy last autumn. The question arises from discussions about the government's plans and their impact.
Michael Shanks
Ministers commissioned Great British Energy Nuclear's study of Scotland's potential for new nuclear last autumn. We remain open to discussions with the Scottish Government on opportunities for new nuclear in Scotland, and I welcome conversations with the new Scottish Energy Minister. The hon. Gentleman knows that every single day nuclear baseload is powering Scotland.
Session: Nuclear Energy Sites Scotland 2026-07-07
View All Questions -->
In a Westminster Hall debate on heating oil support this morning, the hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar suggested that the Scottish Government should be supporting businesses with energy costs. I agree that powers over energy should be totally devolved to the Scottish Government—does the Secretary of State agree with that?
Context
Concerns raised over high heating oil costs in Scotland leading to suggestions that the Scottish Government should support businesses with energy costs.
Douglas Alexander
If SNP Members want guidance on how to deal with energy costs, they could look at the £100 million emergency package that was announced by Scottish Labour only a few days ago. I must express concern, however, because if they are serious about energy, perhaps they could tell the House what happened to the publicly owned energy company that was promised so long ago by Nicola Sturgeon, because the Scottish public are still waiting.
Session: Economic Growth
View All Questions -->
In Braes villages about 30% of households use alternative heating sources such as heating oil—far above the district, constituency or Scottish nationwide average. The decision to deliver the scheme nationally is creating anxiety that communities may be forgotten by Holyrood. What assurances have Ministers received from their Holyrood counterparts that Scottish heating oil support will be available and proportionate for such communities?
Context
About 30% of households in Braes villages use alternative heating sources like heating oil, far above district averages. Anxiety exists due to centralised funding by the Scottish Government.
Martin McCluskey
I welcome my hon. Friend's advocacy for his constituents. It is essential that the Scottish Government scheme, which supports people with heating oil costs, finds its way to those who need it. I am disappointed that the Scottish Government have chosen to centralise funding rather than work alongside local government.
Session: Heating Oil Rural Homes
View All Questions -->
With local growth funding from Moray council, in my constituency, stopping, associated progress in digital connectivity will stop, business advice and growth services will reduce, and there will a much-reduced skills development programme. A total of 14 staff will be made redundant, with further scope for redeployment. Why is the Minister content to preside over these funding cuts and redundancies?
Context
Local growth funding from Moray council stopping affects digital connectivity progress, business advice services, skills development programme. 14 staff to be made redundant.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
We have committed to local growth funding to boost growth in Scotland. We have also delivered record investment to the Scottish Government, who have in their gift the ability to invest in communities and in programmes that will drive the prosperity of local areas. The hon. Gentleman should not be looking to national Government; we have done our part—now it is over to the Scottish National party.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Businesses and public services in the north of Scotland pay among the highest commercial energy prices in the whole UK. The Government have had 18 months to try and fix that. Why do they still think it is okay to discriminate against people in the north of Scotland in that way?
Context
Businesses and public services in northern Scotland pay among the highest commercial energy prices in the UK. The Government have had 18 months to address this issue.
Chris McDonald
In fact, the Government are taking an approach across the whole United Kingdom to deliver low-cost, home-grown, secure energy. There will be 20,000 additional jobs by 2030 in clean energy industries.
Session: Businesses Cost of Energy
View All Questions -->
In its recently published quarterly statistics, the Aberdeen chamber of commerce confirmed that business confidence in the north-east has slumped to levels not seen since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. What can the Minister tell me why his Government are happy to see crucial north-east businesses suffering?
Context
Business confidence in Aberdeen has fallen to levels not seen since the height of the covid pandemic. The reason cited is the Labour Government’s refusal to ditch taxes on Scotland's energy, leading to job losses.
Chris Bryant
We have been working hard to secure good outcomes for many businesses in Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey. Companies like Walker’s Shortbread are doing well by exporting globally. The Prime Minister is also talking about whisky deals with the US and China. I suggest he be cheerier given the beauty of his constituency.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I am concerned that we are not seeing a massive amount of insourcing at the moment. My constituents in Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey work on three different military bases as contractors after being civil servants, losing considerable pension benefits due to outsourcing. Many others face similar situations in DWP offices and other government departments. When can those workers expect fairness in their contractual arrangements?
Context
The SNP MP is concerned about the impact of outsourcing on constituents who have lost pension benefits. He mentions specific examples in Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey.
Chris Ward (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
We are making progress with the Employment Rights Act 2025 which reinstates a two-tier code. We have consulted on a public interest test and will publish our conclusions soon. The Government will reverse the decade-long drive to outsource services.
Session: Government Insourcing
View All Questions -->
Yesterday, the Prime Minister attempted to justify the hesitant approach that is being taken to Greenland, the US and the EU as being in the national interest, yet there was nothing in the national interest about Brexit, a false-hope deal that has left us far away from our European friends, desperately clinging to a US Administration who do not care about our national interests. Does the Secretary of State agree with me that the UK is nothing but a cork in the ocean, bobbing around at this moment of international crisis, neither here nor there—and all because of a disastrous, isolationist, self-sabotaging Brexit?
Context
The Prime Minister justified the UK's hesitant approach towards Greenland as being in the national interest. The SNP MP criticises this stance, arguing that Brexit has left the UK isolated internationally.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
The UK works with our NATO allies, some of whom are part of the EU and some of whom—like us, and like Norway, where some of our closest partnerships are—are not. This is about strengthening our Arctic security, because the Arctic is the gateway through which the Russian northern fleet can threaten the UK, Europe, the US and Canada. Arctic security is a transatlantic security issue.
Session: Security of Greenland and the Arctic
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister appreciate that in my constituency, Nairn would be excluded from applying for Pride in Place funding because Elgin is already in receipt of funding, despite being in a different unitary authority and not even in the same constituency prior to boundary changes? This exclusion also affects Shetland due to Orkney's funding. Does the Minister agree that this exclusion is nonsensical and discriminatory against large geographies and needs to be changed?
Context
The MP is concerned about the exclusion of certain areas from applying for Pride in Place funding due to their proximity to phase 1 neighbourhoods receiving funding.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Miatta Fahnbulleh)
The allocation of funding is driven by deprivation indicators. The approach in Scotland also considers health indicators alongside deprivation. We are working closely with the Scotland Office and local partners to ensure we allocate Pride in Place programme funding to areas that need it most, and further allocations will be announced shortly.
Session: Pride in Place Funding Scotland
View All Questions -->
What is the Minister’s assessment of the potential impact on the Acorn carbon capture, utilisation and storage project in light of ExxonMobil’s closure at Mossmorran?
Context
ExxonMobil's closure at Mossmorran raises concerns about the impact on the Acorn carbon capture, utilisation and storage project.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
We are processing this news and have had conversations to ensure that the wider energy infrastructure does not pose risks. I meet the Acorn company regularly, and we will continue supporting the project.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The SNP in government has introduced free bus travel for under-22s, and last week, it scrapped peak rail fares. Those measures support access to employment opportunities, put more money in people’s pockets, and support local economies, especially in suburban and rural areas. Will the Minister acknowledge those excellent measures for consumers in Scotland and consider their benefits for the rest of the UK?
Context
The SNP has introduced measures such as free bus travel for under-22s in Scotland, while the UK offers a £3 fare cap.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
We have the £3 bus fare cap in England, and we have committed to continuing that up to March next year. We will continue to keep our support for bus fares under review for the future.
Session: Bus Services
View All Questions -->
Hiking excise duty by 14% over the past two years was expected to raise £600 million for the Treasury in duty on spirits, but it has actually cost £600 million. With 70% of spirits produced in Scotland, this is nothing short of a tax on Scotland. The Chancellor has 77 days to back Scotch, support Scotland and sustain growth in this iconic and entrepreneurial sector. Will she therefore commit to reversing the Government’s attacks on a great Scottish success story by bringing down whisky duty in the Budget?
Context
The Scotch whisky industry is facing a significant challenge with excise duties having increased by 14% over the past two years. This has cost the Treasury £600 million rather than generating revenue as expected, and with 70% of spirits produced in Scotland, this policy is seen as detrimental to Scottish businesses.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Torsten Bell)
Over 90% of Scotch is exported and therefore not affected by the measures mentioned, but it will be benefited by being the biggest beneficiary of the trade deal with India, which is set to reduce tariffs from 150% to 75% initially, and then to 40% over time. This is what a Government getting on with backing the Scotch industry looks like.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Two million pensioners in the UK are in poverty, and the British state pension is among the worst in north-west Europe. During the independence referendum, Better Together claimed that our pensions are more affordable when Scotland is part of the UK. Eleven years on, will the Minister tell me exactly what the Union is doing for Scottish pensioners, other than impoverishing them?
Context
Leadbitter highlighted the issue of pensioners in poverty and criticized Better Together's claim during the independence referendum about pensions being more affordable when Scotland is part of the UK. He questioned what benefits Scottish pensioners have received from the Union beyond impoverishment.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Liz Kendall)
Investing an additional £31 billion in the triple lock over this Parliament is delivering huge benefits to pensioners in Scotland, as are our measures to drive up the uptake of pension credit in order to help the very poorest pensioners; our measures to stabilise the economy; and our investment in the NHS, on which many pensioners rely. I am proud of the action that we are taking. Given that this Government have agreed and are giving Scotland its biggest ever funding settlement, the hon. Gentleman should ask some challenging questions of his Government, to ensure that they deliver for Scotland’s pensioners, too.
Session: Poverty Reduction 2025-09-01 (1)
View All Questions -->
The strategic defence review, published this month, clearly states: “The foundation of the UK’s approach to deterrence remains a minimum, credible, independent UK nuclear deterrent, assigned to the defence of NATO… The UK’s nuclear weapons are operationally independent.” Somehow, in the last 29 days, the UK Government have decided that they no longer see their Trident nuclear missiles as a minimum credible deterrent. Why was that major change in policy not announced in the SDR?
Context
Concern about a perceived change in the UK's stance on its independent nuclear deterrent following recent announcements.
Luke Pollard
The Government have made it very clear that our support for our independent nuclear deterrent is solid and is not changing. We are investing in new submarines, we are investing in the base in Faslane, we are investing in new nuclear reactors in Derby, and we are backing the people who keep our country safe with that guarantor of our security, the nuclear deterrent.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Ministers have collectively restated their commitment to a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict, but only one of those states is currently recognised. I believe there is support in this House for recognition of Palestine, and that if the matter were put to a vote, that support would be expressed. Would that not strengthen Ministers’ hand, and will they bring the issue to a vote?
Context
The issue of the two-state solution in Israel-Palestine conflict has been a long-standing debate.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
We have discussed these issues many times. Earlier, an hon. Friend asked me why, when Ministers say things at the Dispatch Box, they do not happen. The view of this House on the question of a two-state solution is clearly very important, but it is the job of Foreign Office Ministers to try to make it a reality in practice, through diplomacy.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The UK Government have announced £14 billion for new, extremely expensive nuclear energy projects. Both the Cruachan 2 and the Acorn project in Scotland await approval to create green jobs. When will that money be made available?
Context
The SNP Member highlighted the £14 billion announcement for new nuclear energy projects but noted that shovel-ready green developments like Cruachan 2 and Acorn project are not receiving funding.
Sarah Jones (The Minister of State, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
We are supporting jobs across Scotland. The hon. Gentleman does not have long to wait about the Acorn project as the spending review will be published later this week.
Session: Clean Power Industries Jobs
View All Questions -->
There are some really good examples of the delivery of innovative products that provide access in remote and rural areas and some good small-scale providers, but in the Cairngorms national park area a provider recently unexpectedly ceased the service. Consumers have been left out on a limb, so is it time to put in place, as with the energy system, consumer protection should a provider fail to provide a service?
Context
A provider recently ceased service in the Cairngorms national park area, leaving consumers without internet access.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
I have long thought that digital connectivity is now akin to a connection to electricity, water or any other public utility. That is how we should treat the law, and I think that would assist the hon. Gentleman’s constituents.
Session: Digital Inclusion
View All Questions -->
Regional growth is really important for the wider economy. There has been a huge focus on London airports—Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton—in recent weeks. What efforts is the Transport Secretary making to address regional growth and regional airport investment?
Context
The question focuses on the importance of regional airports beyond London and requests information on efforts to address regional growth through airport investments.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I meet my counterpart in the Scottish Government regularly, and I will discuss this issue with her. The potential expansion of Heathrow is very important for regional connectivity to our other airports. With regard to Scottish airports, if there are specific issues that the hon. Gentleman would like to bring to my attention, I would be very happy to have that conversation with him.
Session: Supporting Economic Growth
View All Questions -->
Today the Senedd will vote on a motion to redesignate High Speed 2 as an England-only project. Previous calculations suggest that Wales missed out on around £4 billion from the project. Welsh Ministers have now claimed that the amount is £431 million—quite the difference. With the Welsh Government abandoning their ambitions and the UK Government refusing to budge on full consequential funding, is the Labour party now waving the white flag on Wales’s missing billions?
Context
The Senedd will vote on a motion to redesignate High Speed 2 as an England-only project. Previous calculations suggest Wales missed out on around £4 billion from the project, now claimed by Welsh Ministers to be £431 million.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Dame Nia Griffith)
The Government absolutely acknowledge that the previous Conservative Government short-changed Wales for years on rail investment, including because of HS2. One of our top priorities is to reverse those years of historic underfunding in Wales’s infrastructure. The Secretary of State met the Transport Secretary and the Welsh Government Transport Minister Ken Skates immediately before Christmas, when they agreed on a direction of travel that we hope will deliver new rail investment in Wales. The UK and Welsh Governments have agreed a prioritisation of rail improvement projects developed by the Wales Rail Board. That would inform our respective Departments’ work in the run-up to the spring spending review.
Session: Strength of the Union
View All Questions -->
My constituent Kia McNicoll is a mother of four children, and her three-year-old, Patryk, was recently diagnosed with cancer. Kia’s mother-in-law recently applied for a visa extension so that she can help the family with childcare through these most horrific circumstances, but her application was rejected. Forgive me, Mr Speaker, but I cannot tell the difference between this Labour Government and the Tories who came before them. Will the Minister commit to looking at this application again, so that my constituent can focus on what matters most: the health of her son?
Context
A constituent named Kia McNicoll's three-year-old child was recently diagnosed with cancer. Her family has applied for a visa extension so that they can receive help from her mother-in-law, but the application was rejected.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Seema Malhotra)
I thank the hon. Member for his question, and if he wants to write to me about that case, I will be very happy to look at it.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
At the moment, the rolling stock leasing companies take more than £1 billion of profit out of the railway. A substantial amount of that could be reinvested in improving the railway network. With the Bill for Great British Railways due to come to Parliament soon, will the Secretary of State look seriously at alternative financing models such as EUROFIMA—the European company for the financing of railroad rolling stock—or even a publicly owned ROSCO that could deliver rolling stock at a considerably lower price? Indeed, will she be more socialist and more ambitious with the Bill?
Context
Rolling stock leasing companies are taking more than £1 billion in profit from the railway network. This could be reinvested into improvements.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I assure the hon. Gentleman that I do not lack any ambition when it comes to Great British Railways. It would cost billions in taxpayers’ money to buy existing rolling stock, at a time when there are many pressures on the public purse. My officials have been engaging regularly with EUROFIMA to consider the potential for UK membership and how EUROFIMA finance could be deployed in the UK.
Session: Rolling Stock Purchasing Models
View All Questions -->
Since Brexit and the reinstatement of duty-free shopping, UK travellers have spent nearly 50% more on their duty-free shopping, all in the EU. Not a penny has supported jobs or investment in Scottish airports, or those in the wider UK. Does the Minister agree that a way to repatriate those sales and support the travel sector to invest in jobs at international gateways would be introducing arrival duty free, and will he work with the Treasury and the travel sector to achieve that?
Context
The question is prompted by the increase in spending on duty-free shopping since Brexit, with no benefits for Scottish airports.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mike Kane)
Changes made during the pandemic crippled airport duty-free shopping. I will get the hon. Member a more detailed letter on the matter.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I also welcome the Secretary of State to her new role, and I look forward to working across party boundaries where possible. EGNOS is a satellite enhancement system for GPS. Prior to Brexit, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd had been working with National Air Traffic Services on developing the use of the system, and invested a lot of time and effort. It would increase mapping accuracy and enable planes flying lifeline air services to land in a broader range of circumstances, improving service and reliability. As the Minister said, that work has stalled since Brexit, but the Government can re-engage with the programme should they choose, as it is open to non-EU members. Will the Minister commit to doing that?
Context
The UK’s access to EGNOS has lapsed following Brexit. Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, headquartered in Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey, had been working with National Air Traffic Services on developing the use of the system.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mike Kane)
I am grateful to the hon. Member for putting this on my radar. We are considering the costs and benefits of all options, and it is very good particularly for regional airports. We are working with the EU to identify areas where we can strengthen co-operation for mutual benefit, but it is still too early to discuss that specific area in detail. I hope to come back to the House at a later time with a more considered view.
Session: European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service
View All Questions -->
What discussions has he had with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on the issue of connectivity being important for alternative technologies to work, particularly in areas affected by cold weather?
Context
There is a strong link between communications technology and the roll-out of smart meters in areas suffering from cold weather.
Chris Bryant
There are issues about the security and safety of connectivity in areas suffering from specific weather conditions. We had a successful summit to discuss the closing down of the public services network for security, but we will work closely with the Scottish Government to ensure roll-out works in all such areas.
Session: Project Gigabit
View All Questions -->
The Secretary of State is aware of Scotland's ambitions regarding major capital transport schemes, but notes swingeing cuts made to capital budgets by the previous Tory Government while construction inflation has risen to eye-watering levels. Will she ensure that capital funding for transport projects is substantially increased to enable work on vital connectivities to progress at pace?
Context
The question stems from the need for increased capital funding to address underfunding and rising construction inflation affecting major transport schemes.
Louise Haigh
I have met the Scottish Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop, and look forward to a constructive working relationship with her. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that spending commitments are a matter for the spending review, but those negotiations and discussions are ongoing.
Session: Capital Investment
View All Questions -->
Whether she has had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on increasing capital investment in transport. The Secretary of State is aware of Scotland and other devolved nations' ambitions regarding major capital transport schemes, but notes swingeing cuts to capital budgets by the previous Tory Government amid rising construction inflation.
Context
The question arises from the need for increased capital investment in transport projects after significant cuts under the previous government.
Louise Haigh
I have met the Scottish Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop, and look forward to a constructive working relationship with her. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that spending commitments are a matter for the spending review, but those negotiations and discussions are ongoing.
Session: Capital Investment
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Factored Energy Arrangements: Pricing
14 January 2026
Responding: Martin McCluskey
Main Concerns
['The issue is that in many residential developments, services such as stairwell lighting, fire alarms, lifts and door entry systems are powered via shared electricity meters charged at inflated business energy rates. A typical communal supply using around 1,000 kWh per year would cost roughly £380 on a fixed domestic tariff but can rise to around £1,465 under standard variable business tariffs, an excess of approximately £1,100 per meter every year.']
Specific Asks
['Residents are trapped in contracts with no meaningful reform despite the 2023 call for evidence and multiple parliamentary questions. The Government should move forward on regulatory oversight and enforcement to ensure consistent standards and domestic protections for consumers.']
Support for the Scotch Whisky Industry
12 February 2025
Responding: Daniel Zeichner
Main Concerns
['Scotch whisky contributes £7.1 billion in gross value added to the UK economy, supporting 41,000 jobs across Scotland and more than 25,000 elsewhere. The industry faces challenges such as past tariffs due to US trade policies and potential future barriers under a new regime in the White House.']
Specific Asks
['The hon. Member asks for continued support from the UK Government on securing beneficial free trade agreements and strengthening existing trade relationships with key markets like India and the United States.']
Energy Rebates: Highlands and Islands
06 November 2024
Responding: Michael Shanks
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the inequity and discrimination in our energy landscape. The highlands and islands contribute disproportionately to the UK's renewable energy supply but bear the highest energy costs, generating about 5.5% of the UK's total renewable energy while constituting only 0.4% of the UK population. Fuel poverty rates are stark: 39.8% in Na h-Eileanan an Iar, 32.9% in the Highlands, and 31.6% in Moray. Households pay about 40% more than the UK average for energy with daily standing charges at 61.98p compared to 41.59p in London."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Government to introduce a highland energy rebate that would provide essential financial relief to those burdened by the high cost of energy, helping to alleviate the financial pressure on families and individuals who already endure the highest levels of fuel poverty in the UK. The rebate should be an actionable, just and necessary response to the challenges faced by our communities.']
Jackdaw and Rosebank Oil and Gas Fields
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rewiring the State
02 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister has set out priorities to address 40 years of overly centralised decision making and over-privatisation, which have stripped power and resources away from communities. The Governmen...
European Entry and Exit System
08 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Carmichael highlighted the concern regarding the management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, specifically noting proposed changes to payments for coastguard rescue officers that could impact ...
Asylum Accommodation
29 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Costs for Motorists
21 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Banking Hubs
20 May 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
MP Graham Leadbitter highlighted the significant decline in bank branches in his constituency over the past decade, noting a reduction from 22 to just six branches. He stressed that vulnerable people ...
Strategic Defence Review: Funding
15 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
13 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Opposition Day
24 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
38.8%
38 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
30
30.6% of votes
No Votes
8
8.2% of votes
Abstentions
60
61.2% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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 AYE
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 AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
28
Ministerial Questions Asked
61
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
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
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+109% above average
This MP:
28
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1155% above average
This MP:
61
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 (%)
-44% below average
This MP:
38.8
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 Graham Leadbitter's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.