Hannah Bardell
MP for Livingston
SNP
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
When my best friend and constituent Dr Laura Williams lost her husband suddenly at 35, she was left alone with three children under the age of five. Nothing could have prepared her for that grief and loss. I have witnessed at first hand what a remarkable job she has done to carry on and stay afloat, but that has been made much harder by the fact that bereavement support payments have been cut to just 18 months.
Context
A constituent lost her husband and was left struggling with three young children.
Rishi Sunak
I am very sorry to hear about the hon. Lady's constituent and her tragic loss. I would be very happy to meet her at the earliest opportunity.
Session: PMQs
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When my wee brother was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis eight years ago, it is fair to say that it turned our lives upside down. I am incredibly proud of the man he is and all that he has achieved while living with that life-limiting condition. My Livingston constituent, Steven Sharp, manages local football team the Fulshie in Stoneyburn. He has Crohn's disease and he lives with a stoma. He is like many of our constituents up and down the UK who are living with a life-limiting condition and trying to provide for their families, while holding down a job, with a condition and disease that wreaks havoc on their body. Given that one in four people wait more than a year for diagnosis, will the Prime Minister and the House support the campaign to Cut the Crap and get people diagnosed early for Crohn's and colitis? Will he meet me and my constituent Steven, to consider what more can be done for awareness, research and funding?
Context
One in four people wait more than a year for diagnosis of Crohn's or colitis.
Rishi Sunak
I thank the hon. Lady for her question, and pay tribute to her brother and to Steven for everything they are doing to raise awareness of this issue. I would be happy to meet her and Steven. This is something I am familiar with. It is a very difficult condition for people to live with, and it is right that they get the support and attention they deserve. I look forward to that discussion with her.
Assessment
Did not commit to supporting the campaign or actions for early diagnosis
Acknowledged Awareness
Offered Meeting
Session: PMQs
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According to the Prime Minister's new Deputy Prime Minister, one of the things that qualified her most for being PM, and was one of her greatest achievements, was the reintroduction of beavers. Now, I am all for the beavers, but given her flip-flopping on Brexit and her inability to understand global affairs, how can constituents of mine, such as Waz Abbas, whose energy prices will go from £7,000 to £37,000 a year, or Broadtex in Livingston—its prices will go from £50,000 to £250,000 a month—have any faith that she can tackle the oncoming humanitarian crisis? Is she going to come out of her den in No. 10 and take real action, or is she going to be as useless and corrupt as her predecessor, who has rocketed off to somewhere in the Pacific?
Context
High energy prices for constituents and concerns about the Prime Minister's capability.
Elizabeth Truss
I am determined to tackle the issues we face in energy, and I look forward to the Scottish Government playing their part by building new nuclear power stations.
Session: PMQs
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Can the Prime Minister tell me, on a scale of one to 10, how he is doing on keeping to those principles?
Context
The Prime Minister previously outlined principles in the ministerial code regarding no bullying, harassment, misuse of taxpayer money, and conflicts of interest. The question seeks a self-assessment from the PM on adhering to these principles.
Boris Johnson
It is 10 out of 10, because we believe in this Government in adhering to the principles of the ministerial code. By the way, and this is an important point, because there are a lot of attacks on MPs and on what goes on in this place, it is always worth stressing that the vast majority of people who work in the House of Commons—Members of Parliament—are doing a very good job and working very hard and are not misbehaving.
Assessment
Did not provide a numerical rating or specifics on adherence, instead discussed general behavior.
Session: PMQs
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'Inexplicable' is how the former vaccine taskforce chair Kate Bingham described this Government's decision to cancel their contract with Livingston-based vaccine developer Valneva—a company that the Prime Minister has himself visited. She also noted how shoddily Valneva had been treated and how damaging his Government's decision had been for UK life sciences, exports and jobs in my Livingston constituency, where a state-of-the-art vaccine manufacturing plant now lies unfinished. There has been no apology for the incorrect statements in the House, so will the Prime Minister please meet me and representatives of Valneva, and will he tell me whether his Government have tabled proposals to reach the amicable resolution that was promised from the Dispatch Box? If not, when will they do so?
Context
The Government cancelled a contract with Livingston-based Valneva, affecting UK life sciences, exports and jobs.
Boris Johnson
I was personally very disappointed when we could not get approval for the Valneva vaccine in the way that we had hoped, and I know how disappointing that was to colleagues in Scotland. I will certainly ensure that the hon Member gets the relevant meeting.
Assessment
Proposals for amicable resolution
Personally Disappointed
Relevant Meeting
Session: PMQs
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Bardell calls for the implementation of all recommendations in Baroness Cumberlege's report and requests a meeting with the Prime Minister to ensure women are heard and compensated appropriately.
Context
The report highlights historical mistreatment of women by male medical experts, including cases related to Primodos and sodium valproate.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Johnson agrees that the Government takes the issue seriously, confirms direct representations from constituency MPs regarding affected women, and offers to meet Bardell either personally or through the Department of Health.
Session: PMQs
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When the Secretary of State is considering welfare reforms, will he please look at the shambles in the Child Maintenance Service? Over the past year, the number of complaints to my constituency office has skyrocketed. Chief among those is that constituents cannot get responses. When they do, those responses differ between different members of staff and often are in conflict with each other. What will he do to address the extraordinary waiting times and other communication issues within the Child Maintenance Service?
Mel Stride
We are looking at modernising how the Child Maintenance Agency operates, as the hon. Lady will know. If she has specific examples of constituents who have had undue waiting times, I will be interested in putting her in touch with the relevant Minister—he serves in the other place, as the House will know—for him to consider them.
Session: Welfare Reform
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Would the Minister consider visiting Valneva in Livingston to meet the company and see their fantastic work firsthand?
Context
A vaccine firm in the MP's constituency, Valneva, does pioneering work and nearly half of its workforce are women. The company encourages women into STEM careers.
Andrew Griffith
Yes, and I commend the hon. Lady for having that very successful female-opportunity-giving firm in her constituency. I am in Scotland later this month and I will try to visit her.
Session: Women in STEM Jobs
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help support women into science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs.
Context
The question is about supporting women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs.
Andrew Griffith
Our priority is to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, can pursue the exciting opportunities in STEM. That ambition fully extends to the hon. Members' constituents in Paisley and Renfrewshire North and in Livingston.
Session: Women in STEM Jobs
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Given the evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israel, has the UK Government sought to ascertain what the Israeli military objective is in Gaza?
Context
Evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity committed by Israel, and the risk of genocide being recognised by the International Court of Justice.
Andrew Mitchell
I have not seen the motion tabled by the SNP—and I probably would not agree with it if I had. We are always focused on addressing the points that the hon. Lady has made. When it comes to the International Court of Justice, and indeed international humanitarian law, the Government's view is not the same as hers, but she may rest assured that we keep these things under very close review.
Session: Palestinian State Recognition
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Given previous statements, will the Justice Secretary confirm his support for the Scottish approach to human rights legislation?
Context
Justice Secretary's support for human rights and the ECHR is noted.
Alex Chalk
It is important not to conflate being a member of the European convention on human rights with giving effect to those rights. We already have the Human Rights Act 1998 and it is unclear if Scotland's Bill would advance UK-wide human rights, but we will listen carefully.
Session: Human Rights Legislation
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For those who suffer from endometriosis, Crohn's disease and colitis, incontinence is a daily challenge. For the purpose of the Government's proposed changes in the incontinence descriptor, what capability assessment has been done, and was there any consultation with those sufferers?
Context
None provided.
Tom Pursglove
I hear the point that the hon. Lady has raised. We have, of course, had the consultation, and many views were expressed. We will now consider those views very carefully, and come forward as appropriate in the normal way.
Session: Topical Questions
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Food banks in my constituency are doing incredible work but should not have to exist. Given the struggles of constituents and the record profiteering, will you introduce a price cap on staples like bread and milk?
Context
The West Lothian food bank, like others across the UK, is struggling due to increasing costs. The SNP has called for measures against excessive pricing by supermarkets.
Mark Spencer
If the hon. Lady compares the price of a shopping basket around Europe with the price here in the UK, she will see that the free market is doing a lot of work to suppress food inflation. We have a cheaper food basket than they have in France and Germany.
Session: Food Affordability and Inflation
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What recent assessment have you made of the impact of inflation on the affordability of food? This issue affects households across the UK with an ongoing consumer price index at 12.2% in September, down from 14.8% in July.
Context
Inflation has risen sharply, affecting household budgets and food prices. The MP is concerned about the recent assessment by the Government.
Mark Spencer
In September 2023, the consumer price index was at 12.2%, down from 14.8% in July. Industry analysis expects that food price inflation will continue to decrease over the remainder of 2023. The Government are providing an average of £3,300 per household to support them with the cost of living this year and next.
Session: Food Affordability and Inflation
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Research shows better-paid parental leave would improve labour market equality. Why is the Government blocking greater gender equality through their parental leave policy?
Context
A report by Pregnant Then Screwed highlights the inadequacy of current parental leave policies in promoting gender equality.
Kemi Badenoch
This Government has done much to promote gender equality including shared parental leave, extended redundancy protection for those on maternity leave, carer's leave, and strengthening protections against workplace harassment.
Session: Gender and Racial Inequality in the Workplace
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There is a huge gulf between the reality and the practice of the Government. The Public Accounts Committee has warned this Tory Government about their lack of planning on support for consumers with the cost of energy this winter. Lack of preparedness seems a serious ailment within this Government. Given that Sense research has found that more than 30% of disabled people are cutting back on their use of medical equipment, when will we get a proper plan from this Government, instead of the profiteering off the backs of the most vulnerable, as we see from so many energy companies?
Context
The question follows criticism from the Public Accounts Committee about the Government's lack of planning and concerns raised by Sense research regarding disabled people cutting back on medical equipment use.
Amanda Solloway
We are of course making plans, and I do not accept that we are not planning. We are also talking to stakeholders and ensuring that we are giving the best support we can to all those who will be vulnerable in winter 2023-24.
Session: Energy Costs Support for Households
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What plans does he have to support households with energy costs in winter 2023-24?
Context
The question arises from concerns about household energy costs in winter 2023-24, following the government's actions last winter.
Amanda Solloway
The Government are committed to cheap energy for all. Last winter, we covered half a typical energy bill through the combined support of the energy price guarantee and the energy bill support scheme since October, with a typical household saving around £1,500 by the end of June.
Session: Energy Costs Support for Households
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This morning, before I left my constituency, I attended a rally organised by “Hands off Howden Park” and “Save our Pools”, which are two incredible campaigns in my constituency trying to protect our arts venues and pools from closing. Unfortunately, they have been mismanaged by the Labour and Conservative administration, and those results are the reality to be faced after a decade and a half of austerity has decimated public funding. When will the Government stop wasting money on things like Brexit and nuclear weapons and properly fund our pools and arts venues?
Context
Local campaigns in Hannah Bardell's constituency are trying to protect local arts venues and swimming pools from closures due to mismanagement by the Labour and Conservative administration following years of austerity.
John Glen
We do not typically make specific decisions on local authorities from Whitehall, but we have committed to significant additional funds for local authorities and funding for the Scottish Government through the Barnett formula. I will leave the hon. Member to continue to lobby and campaign with her constituents to get those decisions made on the ground.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituents have huge issues getting their niece a visa despite a US court ruling that they are her guardians; will the Minister meet me to discuss this?
Context
A constituent Mr and Mrs Leeson, UK residents but American citizens, face delays with a visa for their niece to join them from the USA. The constituent's niece is currently stuck in the US.
Robert Jenrick
I would be happy to look into the case. The UK visa service is meeting or exceeding all its standards, but I will examine this specific issue.
Session: Asylum and Immigration Applications Backlog
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Given that the Joint Committee on Human Rights has said clearly that the UK Government should not pursue reform of the Human Rights Act 1998 without the consent of the devolved nations, will the Secretary of State promise right here, right now that he agrees with that and that his Government will not roll back or interfere with our human rights? The MP is requesting a clear commitment to respect the recommendations made by the JCHR.
Context
The Joint Committee on Human Rights has advised against pursuing reform of the Human Rights Act without consent from the devolved administrations.
Dominic Raab
The hon. Lady will be shocked to know that I did not agree with all the contents of the JCHR report, but I refer to the statements we have made on how we have approached the devolved Administrations. I have personally been to all the nations of the United Kingdom to speak to not only politicians and Government officials, but academics and practitioners. We will continue that engagement and I am sure we will get the right thing for all people and all citizens of the UK.
Session: Strengthening Human Rights
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Whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on strengthening human rights. The Bill of Rights aims to limit the abuse of human rights, but concerns arise over whether this aligns with broader international standards and collaborative efforts in upholding human rights.
Context
The MP is concerned about recent discussions regarding human rights legislation and its implications.
Dominic Raab
We introduced the Bill of Rights to this House, which will limit the abuse of human rights and restore some common sense. I have regular discussions with my colleagues, particularly the Foreign Secretary, on the work that we are doing to support the International Criminal Court and end impunity for war crimes in Ukraine.
Session: Strengthening Human Rights
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A lot of words and no action. In 2018 a promise was made that conversion practices would be banned. Four years and four Prime Ministers later, this disastrous Tory Government are going backwards with some on their Benches actively fanning the flames of hatred and bigotry towards trans people. When will this Tory Government follow the lead of the SNP Government in Scotland, take action to ban conversion practices, and stop putting trans peoples' lives at risk?
Context
The SNP Government in Scotland has already taken action to ban conversion practices, but the current government is still delaying. The questioner expresses frustration with the lack of progress.
Kemi Badenoch
The hon. Lady from the SNP is, of course, talking absolute nonsense. Government Members are legislators and what we are going to do is bring a robust Bill into law, not one that will be helpful for her to send her tweets. This is about looking after vulnerable people and not about social media campaigning.
Session: Conversion Therapy Legislation
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If the Government will take steps to help protect trans people from conversion therapy, considering the public consultation that has concluded but no action taken yet.
Context
There is a public consultation on banning conversion practices that closed this year. The questioner notes previous promises to ban the practice and asks for concrete steps.
Kemi Badenoch
The Government are committed to protecting people from these practices. We are carefully considering the responses to the public consultation on banning conversion practices, which closed this year, and we will set out our next steps and the Government's response in due course.
Session: Conversion Therapy Legislation
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Pakistan and Somalia are at the extreme ends of the climate crisis and face dire humanitarian consequences. Can those on the Government Benches tell me how cutting international aid will help them to help those countries—and do they have no shame?
Context
Bardell raised concerns about Pakistan and Somalia facing dire humanitarian consequences due to the climate crisis, questioning how cutting international aid would help them.
Andrew Mitchell
The hon. Lady is absolutely right that those are two terrible crises, and money is important. It is not everything, but it is important. We will have to wait until the outturn from the autumn statement to see where we stand on that.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister update me on where the Government are in getting justice and compensation for the affected families? Many people have died. Will she meet me and other families and representatives from the campaign group to get justice for these families?
Context
MP asked for an update and meeting regarding justice and compensation for victims of the Primodos hormone pregnancy drug, many of whom have died waiting.
Maria Caulfield (Department of Health)
As the hon. Lady knows, there is an ongoing legal case about Primodos, but I am very happy to meet her and the campaigners because I am keen to hear their experience.
Session: Topical Questions
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What real actions will the Minister take to support working parents with childcare costs during the cost of living crisis?
Context
The MP criticized the government's handling of childcare issues, noting high costs and a lack of understanding. She cited statistics showing that many parents pay as much or more for childcare than they do for rent or mortgage.
Claire Coutinho
Childcare is an important issue. Since 2010, we have doubled childcare to 30 hours for working parents with a universal offer of 15 hours and covering 85% of childcare costs under universal credit. We will ensure that the relevant Minister writes to the hon. Lady with more detail.
Session: Cost of Living Women in the Workplace
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What recent steps are being taken to support women in the workplace during the cost of living crisis?
Context
The MP noted concerns about women facing challenges in the workplace during the cost of living crisis. She referenced previous statements indicating a lack of understanding by the government regarding these issues.
Claire Coutinho
The Department for Work and Pensions new progression offer will help claimants on universal credit identify opportunities in their current role or a new role. We have also increased the national living wage, reduced the universal credit taper rate, and increased the work allowance to ensure that work pays.
Session: Cost of Living Women in the Workplace
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Speaking of broad shoulders, I am interested to know what makes the Chancellor, one of the richest men in the Commons and, indeed, in the UK, in any way qualified to make policy or to help the poorest people in my constituency who, as a result of the Tory cost of living crisis, have to choose between heating and eating, which he and others like him will never have to face?
Context
The questioner criticizes the Chancellor for his wealth and ability to understand the struggles faced by the poor.
Rishi Sunak (Chancellor of the Exchequer)
I urge the British people to judge me by my actions. Over the past two years, the record of this Conservative Government stands for itself. We were there to help this country through the crisis and we are there to help them today.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am glad you found someone to answer, Mr Speaker. Some 6,500 women in my Livingston constituency are WASPI women and they are furious. When I recently met them with the Women Against State Pension Inequality co-ordinator Carla O'Hara, there was anger and anxiety and there were many, many tears. Will the Minister tell me and the WASPI women from his constituency and from the constituencies of Members throughout this Chamber whether the “fresh vigour and new eyes” that the Prime Minister promised back in July 2019 is still on the table? Or is it, yet again, another broken promise?
Context
In the Livingston constituency, there are approximately 6,500 WASPI women who have been affected by changes in state pension ages and feel they received a broken promise.
Simon Clarke
The Government have always considered this issue, which goes back over the past decade, very carefully. For the purposes of intergenerational fairness and the wider sustainability of our pension settlement into the future, it is vital that that settlement is reflective of longer life expectancy. I am afraid that is the underpinning principle of the Government's work and we stand resolutely behind it.
Session: Gender Equality Fiscal Policies
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What recent assessment has been made of the effect of his fiscal policies on gender equality?
Context
The question arises from the need to assess how recent fiscal policies affect gender equality in society.
Simon Clarke
Our fiscal policies support the Government's ambition of creating a fairer and more equal society, and women are among those who will benefit the most. For example, women are expected to benefit disproportionately from the Government's increase to the national living wage to £9.50 for workers aged 23 and above, as well as the rise in the national minimum wage for young people and apprentices.
Session: Gender Equality Fiscal Policies
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Given that Josh Cavallo remains the only openly gay male player in top-league football and considering Qatar's human rights record towards LGBTQ individuals, what message does this send about international competitions? Does the Minister agree nations treating LGBTQ people abhorrently should not host such events?
Context
The absence of openly gay male players in professional football is highlighted, along with the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
Nigel Huddleston
We have frank conversations at international level on human rights and gay rights issues, but the Minister focuses on sport's power to highlight inclusion rather than addressing concerns about Qatar hosting the World Cup.
Session: LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Sport
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What steps she is taking to help support LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport. The Minister mentioned progress with Josh Cavallo's leadership but noted there are no other openly gay male footballers. Given Qatar hosting the World Cup despite strict repression of homosexuality, what message does this send about nations that treat LGBTQ people abhorrently?
Context
The issue of LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports is highlighted, noting that Josh Cavallo is the only top-league male footballer to come out as gay.
Nigel Huddleston
We continue to see progress in LGBT+ inclusion, and we have frank conversations at international level on issues such as gay rights. The Minister focuses on the positive impact of sport for diversity and inclusion over major sporting events.
Session: LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Sport
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Will any proposals to amend the Human Rights Act be subject to a full public consultation lasting at least three months? The questioner notes the Government's history of not consulting or rushing through changes without proper engagement and seeks assurances that future amendments will include thorough public feedback.
Context
The Government has established an independent review of the Human Rights Act, but there are concerns about the lack of public consultation in previous changes.
Robert Buckland
A wholly independent review reflecting opinions from across the United Kingdom and beyond was set up, with a report due in due course. Following that, there will be a consultation on issues ahead of any potential legislative change by the Government.
Session: Human Rights Act 1998 (Amendment)
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What are the Government's plans to bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Human Rights Act 1998? The review examines the balance between courts, government, and Parliament in relation to human rights protections. This question seeks details on the outcomes of this review and any proposed amendments based on its findings.
Context
There is an ongoing review of the Human Rights Act framework and its practical operation.
Robert Buckland
The Government have established an independent Human Rights Act review to examine its framework, practical operation, and whether changes are needed. The review is considering the approach of domestic courts towards European Court of Human Rights jurisprudence and will report this summer with a subsequent Government response.
Session: Human Rights Act 1998 (Amendment)
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At a time when poorest nations need support, does this Tory Government care? Do you know how the Foreign Secretary and his Government sleep at night knowing they have blood on their hands?
Context
Criticism of the UK government for cutting development aid, despite other G7 countries stepping up their contributions.
Dominic Raab
We are the third biggest ODA budget contributor in the G7. We made a global commitment on girls' education, doubling the average annual spend on international climate finance. We led the way with vaccine contributions and remain a leader in humanitarian spending.
Session: Aid Budget Reduction Humanitarian Impact
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What assessment has been made of the potential effect of reductions in the UK aid budget on UK humanitarian work overseas?
Context
The UK aid budget is being reduced, potentially affecting humanitarian efforts in developing countries.
Dominic Raab
The UK will spend £10 billion in official development assistance in 2021, making us the third highest bilateral humanitarian donor country based on the OECD data.
Session: Aid Budget Reduction Humanitarian Impact
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This Tory Government cut the universal credit £20 uplift in October. Will they apologise and ask for extension or continuation?
Context
The question refers to the Government's decision to remove the £20 per week Universal Credit increase in October, coinciding with the end of the furlough scheme.
Will Quince
The Government views the £20 increase as temporary, reflecting the economic impact of covid-19. We have a comprehensive £30 billion plan for jobs to support people back into work after shifting focus from welfare.
Session: Universal Credit Uplift
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Does he believe that his Government's internal market Bill has contributed to a rise in support for the SNP and Scottish independence?
Context
The question connects the support for Scottish independence with public opinion and polling data, questioning if the bill has contributed to this trend.
Alister Jack
There is nothing disastrous about a United Kingdom Internal Market Bill that has mutual recognition and non-discrimination at its base, and that protects jobs in Scotland and people's livelihoods, when 60% of Scotland's trade is to the rest of the UK, worth over £50 billion and providing 554,000 jobs.
Session: United Kingdom Internal Market Bill
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The UK Treasury has provided a substantial guarantee of £8.2 billion to the Scottish Government to help protect jobs and tackle coronavirus, yet we have not heard from the Scottish Government about where more than £2 billion of that funding will be spent. Does the Secretary of State agree that the Scottish Government needs to provide urgent details on how they will use this funding to support Scots?
Context
The UK Treasury provided an up-front guarantee of £8.2 billion to the Scottish Government for job protection and tackling coronavirus.
Alister Jack
I agree with my hon. Friend. There has been substantial extra funding, guaranteed funding, of £8.2 billion through the Barnett formula. The Scottish Government must be open and transparent about how that money is being spent to ensure accountability for the people of Scotland.
Session: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
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What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on extending the coronavirus job retention scheme in Scotland? May I associate myself and those on the SNP Benches with the comments of the Secretary of State?
Context
Discussions on extending the job retention scheme were ongoing. The SNP was concerned about levels of poverty when the scheme ended.
Alister Jack
Absolutely not. The Prime Minister was clear from the get-go that it was a UK-wide scheme with 80% funding for the whole of the United Kingdom.
Session: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
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A constituent of mine worked as a member of the cabin crew for British Airways out of Edinburgh for over 21 years. They have been forced out of their job and pressured to sign an agreement that has no transparency of the pay breakdown; frankly, they have been totally shafted by BA. Does the Transport Secretary recognise that, on the one hand, there is an urgent need for more financial support for the aviation sector, but on the other, companies such as BA need taking to task, and the fire and rehire Bill of my hon. Friend the Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire North (Gavin Newlands) would be the perfect way to do that? Would he also commit to meet my constituent and me, so that he can hear at first hand their horrendous experience?
Context
The MP sought recognition of unfair treatment faced by a constituent working for British Airways, including forced job loss under pressure to sign an unclear agreement.
Grant Shapps
I know this is a subject that the whole House has been concerned about. The Select Committee on Transport has spent some time looking into this and has made a number of different comments on the matter. It is the case, of course, that these are extraordinarily difficult times for many businesses in this country, but I do not think that any are more impacted than the aviation sector. The most important thing we can do to help the hon. Member and her constituents is to make sure that the sector gets going again, which is why things such as test and release are very important. But I will certainly ensure that a meeting can take place between the aviation Minister—the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Robert Courts)—and her constituent.
Session: Transport Sector Support and Covid-19 Emergency Funding
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Credit Unions and the Cost of Living
18 July 2023
Responding: Andrew Griffith
Main Concerns
['Ms. Bardell is concerned about the role credit unions play in supporting hard-working families during the cost of living crisis. She notes that while credit union membership has increased, the high levels of borrowing reflect the economic squeeze on low-income households. She mentions that 41% of people borrowed to pay for essential bills and expenses, while 20% borrowed for appliances and white goods. The number of adult members in credit unions reached an all-time high of 1.98 million, with loans increasing by 18.9% to £785 million last year in England alone.']
Specific Asks
['Ms. Bardell asks the Government to take urgent action to address the cost of living crisis and support credit unions further. She suggests funding specific outcomes such as financial education for schoolchildren and supporting community-focused projects. The UK Government should also continue to fund initiatives like the no-interest loan scheme led by Fair4All Finance.']
Budget Resolutions
31 October 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Yesterday’s Budget was the biggest tax-raising Budget in British history, increasing taxes to German levels for the first time. The Office for Budget Responsibility warned that these £40 billion tax r...
Infected Blood Compensation Scheme
21 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...
Infected Blood Inquiry
23 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Women’s State Pension Age
25 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
22 February 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Damian Collins moved that the House has considered the civil nuclear roadmap. He emphasised the importance of achieving an additional 24 GW of nuclear energy by 2050, noting significant changes in tec...
LGBT Veterans Independent Review
13 December 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week
12 December 2023
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The debate was held to raise awareness of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, impacting over 500,000 people in the UK. The MP highlighted personal experiences with her brother's diagnosis at a you...
Israel and Hamas: Humanitarian Pause
27 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Illegal Immigration
15 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
6
PMQs Asked
35
Ministerial Questions Asked
70
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
9
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
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+161% above average
This MP:
35
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1340% above average
This MP:
70
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-5% below average
This MP:
9
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 Hannah Bardell's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.