Harpreet Uppal
MP for Huddersfield
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I associate myself with the Prime Minister's comments on Henry Nowak and the calls for calm over division. The rugby league family lost a giant last week. John Kear, the former England, Wales and challenge cup-winning coach died suddenly on Sunday afternoon on his journey north after commentating on the challenge cup final at Wembley the previous day. After playing for Castleford, his local team, he moved to teaching and coaching for a total of 700 matches with nine clubs, and his career included famous underdog challenge cup wins with Sheffield Eagles in 1998 and Hull FC in 2005. John loved, and in turn was loved by, his sport. Will the Prime Minister join me in paying tribute to John and sending condolences to his wife Dawn and his family and friends?
Context
John Kear, a former England, Wales and Challenge Cup-winning coach in rugby league, passed away suddenly on his way north after commentating at the Challenge Cup final.
Keir Starmer
I pay tribute to John. We were all deeply sad to hear of his passing. He was a remarkable athlete and coach, and an energetic and enthusiastic champion of his sport. He will be missed by supporters across the country and my thoughts—all our thoughts—are with his wife Dawn, his family and his friends at this sad time.
Session: PMQs
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Ahmad Al Ibrahim was only 16 years old when he was fatally stabbed in Huddersfield. His life was cruelly taken away in what the police described as an “unprovoked” and “motiveless” attack. Following a visit to Netherhall learning campus in my constituency last week, I know how important this issue is for young people. Will the Prime Minister commit to redoubling efforts to tackle serious violence and knife crime through more visible policing, stronger prevention and investment in youth services?
Context
Ahmad Al Ibrahim, a 16-year-old in Huddersfield, was fatally stabbed. The attack was described by the police as 'unprovoked' and 'motiveless'. This highlights the importance of addressing serious violence and knife crime.
The Prime Minister
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that devastating case. My thoughts, and I am sure those of the whole House, are with the family and friends. Through our Crime and Policing Bill, we are increasing penalties for the illegal sale of knives and giving police new powers to seize knives likely to be used for violence or cause harm. We have also launched a coalition to tackle knife crime, to bring together campaigners and community leaders to tackle the root causes of knife crime and help protect the next generation.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister join me in paying tribute to NHS staff at my local hospital? Will he ensure that the NHS learns from the HRI’s innovative approaches?
Context
The MP highlights the innovative approaches taken by Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, such as using AI for scans and partnering with University of Huddersfield's national health and innovation campus.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank my hon. Friend, because the achievements of hard-working staff at Huddersfield royal infirmary prove that we can bring down waiting times through our plans for change. It is important that we are applying that best practice and innovation across the NHS.
Assessment
The PM did not explicitly agree to visit Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
Session: PMQs
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What are this Government doing to help companies like Antich & Sons access procurement processes?
Context
The questioner highlights Antich & Sons, a family-owned textiles company that aligns with the industrial strategy and northern growth strategy.
Chris Ward
Small businesses will now receive over £7 billion a year from government procurement, supporting the industrial strategy. This will support more money, jobs and opportunities in local communities.
Session: Public Procurement SMEs
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The UK Labour Government are investing in our railways to boost economic growth right across the country. In my constituency, we are seeing continued investment through the trans-Pennine route upgrades in Huddersfield. Will the Minister set out what rail upgrades are coming to Wales, and how they will deliver economic growth and boost employment across the nation?
Context
In Huddersfield, the trans-Pennine route upgrades are continuing to be invested in by the UK Labour Government. The questioner wants to know about rail upgrades for Wales.
Anna McMorrin
I thank my hon. Friend for her excellent question. We have agreed a £14 billion long-term plan for Welsh rail, with work starting immediately, spanning 43 projects in every corner of Wales and unlocking around 12,000 jobs. New stations and faster and more reliable trains will connect people with communities and jobs right across Wales, benefiting the whole UK.
Session: Rail Network
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What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to improve the rail network in Wales.
Context
N/A
Anna McMorrin
The Prime Minister has announced a generational funding commitment to Welsh rail and a pipeline of projects worth up to £14 billion. That long-term plan will transform connectivity across Wales. We will deliver that at pace, building on the strong start of the £445 million of investment already secured at the spending review.
Session: Rail Network
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Child criminal exploitation is a significant driver of knife crime in the UK. Around 15,500 children were identified as at risk or involved in exploitation in the year ending March 2025. Children are often coerced by gangs into carrying weapons for protection, storing drugs and trafficking illegal goods, often being criminalised themselves rather than treated as victims. What work is the Home Office doing to target the organised criminality behind CCE, and what structures are in place to support children and families in vulnerable situations?
Context
15,500 children identified as at risk or involved in child criminal exploitation, often coerced by gangs into carrying weapons and trafficking drugs.
Sarah Jones
We are introducing legislation to bring in a new offence of child criminal exploitation. Our county lines programme works extensively not just to tackle the criminals and to shut down the lines, but to safeguard young people. More than 4,000 safeguarding referrals have been made since July 2024, so while we are catching the criminals, we are also protecting the children.
Session: Knife Crime
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What recent steps her Department has taken to help tackle knife crime?
Context
No specific background given, but the question seeks information on recent actions to combat knife crime.
Sarah Jones
We have set an ambitious but essential target to halve knife crime in a decade, and we are already seeing results. Since the start of this Parliament, knife crime has fallen by 8% and knife homicides are down 27% to their lowest level in a decade, but we must and will go further. We are working on the final plans for our cross-Government plan to halve knife crime, which we will publish soon.
Session: Knife Crime
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The consequences of knife crime are always tragic. It devastates communities and too often involves young people. There has been under-investment in the criminal justice system and, in particular, in provision for youth justice by previous Administrations. What steps is the Minister taking with Departments across Government to increase prosecutions for knife crime, and for child exploitation in organised criminality in particular?
Context
There has been under-investment in the criminal justice system, particularly youth justice.
Jake Richards
My hon. Friend raises the important issue of knife crime, as did my hon. Friend the Member for Erewash (Adam Thompson). Every incident of knife crime is taken seriously and has a devastating effect on the victim, their family and the community. As I said, knife crime is down 8% under this Labour Government. That is a good start but we have also just announced record investment in early intervention services, whether that is the Turnaround programme or youth justice services more generally. In the coming weeks, we will publish a cross-Government strategy for tackling knife crime which will involve work by colleagues at the Department for Education, the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice. That is the best way of ensuring that we tackle the causes of knife crime.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned about police operations last year leading to hundreds arrested and thousands of high street shops raided across the country, including in West Yorkshire. What further steps are being taken to tackle money laundering, including by connecting information across agencies and flagging suspicious entities, so that such operations can be closed down quickly?
Context
The MP noted that police operations last year led to hundreds of arrests and thousands of raids on high street shops across the country, including in West Yorkshire. She highlighted a need for further steps to tackle money laundering.
Dan Jarvis
We are taking more steps. The new high streets taskforce will look at whether the current data sharing between agencies in supporting enforcement teams is appropriate in order to maximise our response to be as effective as possible. The Government will also publish a new anti-money laundering and asset recovery strategy this summer, which will set out further ambitious measures to strengthen our fight against money laundering, including through better sharing and exploitation of financial information across the system.
Session: Money Laundering High Street Businesses
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I am concerned about police operations last year leading to hundreds arrested and thousands of high street shops raided across the country, including in West Yorkshire. What further steps are being taken to tackle money laundering, including by connecting information across agencies and flagging suspicious entities, so that such operations can be closed down quickly?
Context
The MP noted that police operations last year led to hundreds of arrests and thousands of raids on high street shops across the country, including in West Yorkshire. She highlighted a need for further steps to tackle money laundering.
Dan Jarvis
We are taking more steps. The new high streets taskforce will look at whether the current data sharing between agencies in supporting enforcement teams is appropriate in order to maximise our response to be as effective as possible. The Government will also publish a new anti-money laundering and asset recovery strategy this summer, which will set out further ambitious measures to strengthen our fight against money laundering, including through better sharing and exploitation of financial information across the system.
Session: Money Laundering High Street Businesses
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I have met local charities that do incredible work but face challenges due to increasing demand and rising service costs while funding decreases. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure charities in Huddersfield receive adequate funding to deliver essential services?
Context
Local charities in Huddersfield are struggling with increased demand and rising costs while facing a decrease in funding opportunities.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
We recognise the need to protect small charities; that is why we more than doubled the employment allowance, meaning over half of charities with national insurance contributions liabilities will either gain or see no change in 2025-26. We are also piloting a new way of working under the national youth strategy to make sure support for young people is driven by local organisations.
Session: Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector
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Since the beginning of 2025, the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs has documented more than 1,600 attacks in the west bank perpetrated by Israeli settlers. What more can the UK do in terms of sanctions for illegal settler outposts and settlement trade and to hold the Israeli Government to account?
Context
The UN has documented over 1,600 attacks in the West Bank perpetrated by Israeli settlers.
Hamish Falconer
On 27 November, the UK, France, Germany and Italy collectively condemned the massive increase in settler violence against Palestinian civilians in the west bank. The pace of settlement building in the west bank continues unabated, as my hon. Friend knows well because she has been engaged on these issues for some time. Israel must stop settlement expansion, and it must crack down on settler violence, which has reached record levels. This Government have introduced three waves of sanctions focused on settlements, including against Mr Ben-Gvir.
Session: Topical Questions
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Huddersfield contemporary music festival is the UK’s largest international festival dedicated to new music, and the programme this year has more than 30 world and UK premieres. Will the Minister join me in paying tribute to this festival, which brings national and international musicians to Huddersfield every November, and will he set out what the Government are doing to ensure we invest in culture in towns like mine?
Context
The MP paid tribute to the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and asked about government support for cultural investment.
Ian Murray (Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts)
I highly commend the festival in Huddersfield. As an Edinburgh MP who is always championing festivals, the more music festivals and other arts festivals we have across the country, the better. I encourage everyone to go.
Session: Topical Questions
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As part of the trans-Pennine route upgrades, 25% of the route has already been electrified, with 40% due to be completed by summer 2027. Huddersfield’s famous railway station is also undergoing a £70 million reconstruction. Although there has been a 30-day closure that has led to some disruption for residents in my town, can the Secretary of State set out how the Government are ensuring the economic and social benefits of that investment will be utilised to help regenerate communities in Huddersfield?
Context
The MP references the trans-Pennine route upgrades and Huddersfield's railway station reconstruction, highlighting specific progress figures and a recent 30-day closure that caused disruption.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I would like to acknowledge that my hon. Friend’s constituents have had to put up with some significant disruption in recent months, but I am confident that when that work is complete, Huddersfield will have a railway station fit for the future. The trans-Pennine route upgrade programme is working closely with local partners to ensure that the £11 billion of investment delivers long-term social and economic benefits for Huddersfield and local communities along the route. This includes supporting skilled jobs, improving connectivity and creating opportunities right now for local supply chains.
Session: Transport System Economic Growth
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The MP noted during a visit to Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership in Huddersfield the concerning issue of prolonged delays between CPS charges and court trials, which exacerbates trauma for victims and overburdens long-term care services. She asked the Government to urgently address these delays so that domestic abuse victims can promptly access justice.
Context
During a visit to Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership in Huddersfield, Harpreet Uppal heard about long delays between CPS charges and trial dates that retraumatise victims of domestic abuse and put significant strain on support services. The delays prevent victims from accessing swift justice.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
My hon. Friend outlines exactly why we have asked Sir Brian Leveson to conduct a review into the criminal courts; the ambition is to reduce the length of time victims have to wait for justice. We are expecting the recommendations of that review shortly. We are supporting victims by funding key support services to make sure that victims continue to be engaged with our criminal justice system, and we are expanding the use of specialist domestic abuse courts, where trained staff can support victims directly.
Session: Topical Questions
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In Huddersfield, new neighbourhood policing teams are making a difference in restoring safety to our town centres, with 12 additional officers for the team. I welcome the 6.8% funding uplift received by West Yorkshire police this year, but given the persistent challenges that town centres face—including violent and knife crime, which we have seen in Huddersfield—will the Secretary of State update the House on how the Government will continue to support neighbourhood policing and ensure that forces such as West Yorkshire have the long-term resources they need to keep communities safe?
Context
New neighbourhood policing teams have made a difference in restoring safety to Huddersfield town centre. The area faces persistent challenges including violent and knife crime.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Yvette Cooper)
My hon. Friend is right that we need the additional neighbourhood policing in West Yorkshire. I welcome the 12 additional officers in her constituency, the 100 additional neighbourhood police officers across West Yorkshire and, of course, the additional police officers in Pontefract and Castleford town centres. We have made it clear to police forces across the country that the focus this summer needs to be on tackling town centre crime.
Session: Topical Questions
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I recently met young people from the West Yorkshire Youth Collective. They told me that funding for work experience opportunities for those aged between 16 and 19 has reduced in recent years, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and the arts. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that young people, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, can access the opportunities they need to succeed?
Context
Young people from the West Yorkshire Youth Collective reported a reduction in funding for work experience opportunities, particularly in STEM and arts fields.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
My hon. Friend is right to highlight this important area. As she will know, our manifesto committed us to expanding work experience and careers guidance so that we can support young people into fulfilling jobs, create opportunities and drive growth. Our wider skills reform will also create 120,000 training opportunities over the course of this Parliament. If my hon. Friend would like to share more details of the discussion she mentions, I would look carefully at them.
Session: Topical Questions
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At a recent roundtable on violence against women and girls hosted by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, we heard from local organisations that do outstanding work but are hampered by short-term funding, as well as from a brave survivor who shared her experiences. They specifically asked for the Government to commit to strategic investment. Will the Minister review contracts with the sector so they are multi-year and take a long-term view of service delivery and preventive work?
Context
Local organizations involved in addressing violence against women and girls are hindered by short-term funding, leading to a need for multi-year contracts.
Jess Phillips (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department)
My hon. Friend makes an important point that short-term funding massively hampers the sector. The vast majority of violence against women and girls funding comes from local authorities and, in fact, other Departments, but I will absolutely commit to looking at how the Home Office manages its contracts to ensure sustainability.
Session: Topical Questions
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One of my constituents, a 96-year-old man, took out in 1990 what he thought was a £15,000 loan but was actually an interest roll-up lifetime mortgage. Despite paying £40,000 over the years, he now owes over £52,000 due to compound interest. He has been denied redress by the financial ombudsman due to time limits and my team has also contacted the FCA and the lender without success. My constituent is now left to deal with the consequences. Will the Minister meet me to discuss this case, and how we can better support other people who have been mis-sold those products?
Context
A constituent, a 96-year-old man who took out an interest roll-up lifetime mortgage in 1990 and now owes over £52,000 despite paying £40,000.
Emma Reynolds (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
I am really sorry to hear about the circumstances that my hon. Friend’s constituent is facing, and I would be happy to meet her to discuss the issue further. Lifetime mortgages are complex financial products, and I suggest that anyone considering equity release seeks independent financial advice to help ensure those products are suitable for their needs.
Session: Lifetime Mortgages Support for Older People
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I welcome the funding commitments for transport in Huddersfield, including rail upgrades to the Penistone line and the trans-Pennine route, which are very much needed. However, during a coffee morning with residents last week, the main issue discussed was the reliability of bus services and the need for integrated transport. Can the Minister outline how she is supporting our West Yorkshire Mayor in ensuring that transport-led economic growth includes bus services and is felt across all neighbourhoods and communities in Huddersfield?
Context
The MP discusses the need for reliable and affordable bus services to support transport-led economic growth across all neighborhoods and communities.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I am not surprised to hear that buses are top of the agenda for my hon. Friend’s constituents. Reliable, affordable bus services will be essential for so many of those she represents, and I was particularly delighted to see the successful launch this week of Mayor Tracy Brabin’s Weaver bus network. The Government are investing £36 million in West Yorkshire’s buses. That is in addition to the £830 million we are spending in the region to improve local transport infrastructure and the rail investment we are making as part of the trans-Pennine route upgrade.
Session: Economic Growth
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Tackling climate change should matter to all of us because it affects all of us. At COP29, the UK led the way on setting strong climate targets. How is the Minister ensuring that measures are in place to track progress against our COP commitments? How is she working with businesses, local authorities and industry to deliver on those targets and drive investment?
Context
Harpreet Uppal inquired about the adequacy of COP29's agreement, focusing on how measures are being put in place to track progress against COP commitments.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Kerry McCarthy)
My hon. Friend is right: we earn the credibility that enables us to show international leadership by delivering at home. In due course we will publish a cross-economy plan for meeting our climate targets, which will outline the policies that are needed to meet our 2035 nationally determined contribution, and we are engaging with a range of stakeholders on delivery through, for instance, the Net Zero Council, which has a very busy work programme, and the local net zero delivery group.
Session: COP29
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I recently met a constituent who is a former postmaster affected by the Horizon scandal. He has applied for compensation but feels that the process is taking too long, with unreasonable asks. Given the legal ruling that postmasters should be afforded the benefit of the doubt, what steps is the Department taking to ensure that compensation claims are processed fairly and without delays that could further affect the victims?
Context
A constituent of the MP, a former postmaster affected by the Horizon scandal, has applied for compensation but feels that the process is taking too long and imposing unreasonable asks. The legal ruling suggests that postmasters should be afforded the benefit of the doubt.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
As my hon. Friend will know, we inherited a compensation process that was perceived by many sub-postmasters as being slow, legalistic and adversarial, so we have already taken a series of steps to try to speed things up, particularly in trying to get out more fixed-sum payments—for example, we are moving in more staff to support work on the compensation process. If she would like me to look in more detail at her constituency case, I am very happy to do so.
Session: Post Office Horizon Compensation
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What steps she is taking to improve passenger rail performance. The TransPennine route upgrade is the biggest rail infrastructure project in the country, and my constituency is at the centre of it. One of the main benefits for passengers will be faster and more reliable trains. Will the Secretary of State update the House on the project, and tell us what steps are being taken to ensure that local communities such as those in Huddersfield benefit fully from improvements in rail performance?
Context
The question addresses the need for improved rail service, particularly in relation to the TransPennine route upgrade project which is a significant infrastructure investment. The project aims to provide faster and more reliable trains between Huddersfield and other major cities.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
My hon. Friend is right to draw attention to the importance of this investment to her constituency. The rail upgrade will double the number of seats between Huddersfield and Manchester, and will increase the number by 30% between Huddersfield and Leeds. Service reliability will also improve. Moreover, 60% of the workforce will be employed within 25 miles of the route and 66% of spending will be within the local supply chain, which will lead to local growth and jobs—so it is good news all round.
Session: Rail Passengers
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I have witnessed the exceptional work of local hospices. However, they are also struggling with long-term funding pressures and have had to make difficult decisions to reduce services and staff. What further work are the Government doing to ensure that hospices thrive and end-of-life care is included in the 10-year NHS plan?
Context
Hospices in Sheffield Central are struggling with long-term funding pressures and have had to reduce services and staff.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
I thank my hon. Friend for that question. One of the three shifts in the 10-year plan is shifting more healthcare out of hospitals into the community. We are having discussions about long-term sustainability, including hospices, and as we develop the plan, we will carefully consider policies with input from stakeholders.
Session: Hospices
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Too many communities, including in Huddersfield, are forced to deal with persistent fly-tipping and littering in their streets and neighbourhoods, and residents are understandably fed up with it. What support are the Government providing to local areas to ensure that they have the resources they need to prevent and tackle persistent fly-tipping?
Context
Communities in Huddersfield are dealing with persistent fly-tipping and littering issues.
Mary Creagh (The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
I visited a fly-tipping site in Lichfield where people have been trapped in their homes. Fly-tipping blights communities, harms wildlife and places huge costs on taxpayers and businesses. Councils dealt with over a million incidents in 2022-23, up 10% on three years ago. I do not believe that the waste carriers, brokers and dealers regime is fit for purpose, so I have asked officials to look at how we strengthen that regime to crack down on waste criminals.
Session: Topical Questions
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When I visited Birkby junior school, I saw that tackling climate change and pollution is one of their key priorities. Does the Minister agree that setting a strong nationally determined contribution at COP29 and committing to an ambitious clean power target is important in demonstrating that the Government are intent on tackling climate change, especially at a time when other global leaders are not?
Context
The UK submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change last week.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Kerry McCarthy)
Last week, the UK formally submitted its NDC to the United Nations framework convention on climate change. It is a world-leading, ambitious target that we hope will demonstrate ambition to other countries. In that NDC, we have a youth clause for the first time, and I am very keen to talk to Members across the House about how we can better engage with schools, communities and young people to bring them on board with us as we seek to achieve our ambitions.
Session: Topical Questions
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Members of the Windrush generation who struggle to submit compensation claims do not have access to legal aid, leaving them unable to navigate the complex process. I have recently been contacted by a constituent who is struggling to navigate the claims process, and has no other support available to him. What steps is the Minister taking to tackle those barriers, and will she commit to providing additional support to ensure that every eligible individual can access the scheme, regardless of their capacity or circumstances?
Context
The Windrush generation faces significant barriers in accessing compensation for the injustices they suffered, including a lack of legal aid to navigate complex claims processes. A constituent has reported difficulties in submitting a claim.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Seema Malhotra)
My hon. Friend makes an important point. We are committed to making changes so that the scheme is accessible and so victims of the Windrush scandal are far better supported in applying for compensation. It is why, in July, we brought in a single named caseworker approach to streamline the process, improve consistency and remove duplication, and it is why we announced £1.5 million of grant funding for organisations to provide extra support for applicants.
Session: Windrush Victim Support
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Will he please work closely with veterans to ensure that they get the justice that they deserve?
Context
A recent BBC documentary detailed the 60-year campaign of nuclear test veterans for disclosure of medical records and damages relating to radiation exposure, with a marked increase in rates of cancer and genetic damage.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
We owe a debt to our nuclear test veterans, who delivered their service in a courageous and honourable way. I have already committed to looking into the records issue in detail, and to continuous engagement with all the charities and nuclear test veteran groups.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the recent announcement of £225 million in new military assistance to Ukraine. Alongside that, we must continue to step up our efforts to pressure Russia. Following the reported damage to a major undersea cable in the Baltic over Christmas, which Finnish authorities suggest may be linked to a shadow fleet vessel, what further actions is the UK taking alongside European allies to undermine the Russian shadow fleet?
Context
Following the reported damage to a major undersea cable in the Baltic over Christmas, which Finnish authorities suggest may be linked to a shadow fleet vessel.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
My hon. Friend is right in general terms: Russian aggression is not simply confined to Ukraine, and we all saw what happened on Christmas day. We are deeply concerned about the damage and sabotage to undersea cables. I can confirm to the House that for the first time the joint expeditionary force—the JEF—has activated an advanced UK-led reaction system to track potential threats to undersea infrastructure and to monitor the movements of the Russian shadow fleet. That will be run out of the standing joint force headquarters at Northwood.
Session: Ukraine Military Support
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What options will the sentencing review explore to disrupt criminal networks and protect vulnerable young people?
Context
County lines drug dealing is impacting children across the country.
Shabana Mahmood
The sentencing review will look at the sentencing framework, drug crime, and I will ensure my hon. Friend gets a response from the Home Office specifically on county lines.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the decision to introduce breakfast clubs, which will have an amazing impact on pupils in my constituency and everywhere else. Will the Secretary of State tell us a little about the logistics of rolling out the programme throughout the country, and how quickly that can be done?
Context
The MP welcomes the decision to introduce breakfast clubs and asks about the logistics of rolling it out.
Bridget Phillipson
As I said, schools have until 20 December to apply to take part in the early adopters scheme. That is because we want to ensure that we establish the scheme, and understand the benefits and challenges, before we roll it out across the country. We are determined to get this right, and we will build on the early adopters to deliver universal free breakfast clubs in every primary school in England.
Session: Primary School Breakfast Clubs Impact
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The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is horrific, and it is clear that rape is being used as a weapon of war. Recent data from Médecins Sans Frontières highlights that 90% of sexual violence survivors in a hospital in Chad were abused by armed perpetrators, and 50% were attacked in their homes. This is happening in 2024. Can the Foreign Secretary provide details on how the UK's recent pledges on humanitarian aid for Sudan and the region are being used to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence?
Context
A humanitarian crisis in Sudan includes rape as a weapon of war, with Médecins Sans Frontières data indicating high rates of sexual violence. The UK has pledged additional aid for the region.
Anneliese Dodds
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that incredibly concerning situation. The UK has been determined to do all that it can, particularly in relation to conflict-related sexual violence. In October 2024, it was the UK that led moves to secure the renewal of the mandate of the fact-finding mission at the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Session: Official Development Assistance
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Last week, the chief executive of Forget Me Not children's hospice visited Parliament with local dad Steve, whose son is supported by the hospice. The hospice provides vital services to families such as Steve's, but its services are at risk in the longer term without sustainable funding, including the NHS England children's hospice grant. Can the Health Secretary take urgent steps to improve funding for hospices?
Context
The MP mentions a local children's hospice at risk due to lack of sustainable funding.
Wes Streeting
I am grateful for the steps that my hon. Friend is taking to make representations on behalf of her local children's hospice, both on the Floor of the House and outside the Chamber. I recognise the pressure she describes. We are determined to help hospices to overcome them.
Session: Topical Questions
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As world leaders meet this week at the G20 in Brazil, what steps is the Defence Secretary taking with his international counterparts —other Defence Secretaries at the G20, in particular—about the urgent situation in Gaza, particularly for civilians and children?
Context
World leaders meeting at the G20 in Brazil.
John Healey
My hon. Friend is right. For nearly nine months—in opposition and now in government—we have been calling for and working for a ceasefire in Gaza to get all hostages released and, importantly, to flood the area with the aid that the Palestinians so desperately need. That has to be the first step towards a political solution that can see a Palestinian state and security both for Israel and for the Palestinians in future.
Session: Topical Questions
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Knife and violent crime is a concern with many young people being criminally exploited in wider county lines gangs. How is the Department working with regional mayors to improve prosecution rates for knife and violence-related offences?
Context
There are serious concerns about knife and violent crime, particularly the involvement of children in county lines gangs. The MP seeks information on efforts to improve prosecution rates for these crimes.
Sarah Sackman
Knife crime impacts many young people who senselessly lose their lives or are injured. Mayors and councils will be essential partners in achieving safer streets. I have met the deputy Mayor of West Yorkshire to discuss this matter. The Government have implemented a ban on zombie-style knives and machetes.
Session: Street Crime
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What recent discussions have you had with regional mayors regarding the rates of prosecution for street crime?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the effectiveness of current policies against street crime and the need for increased prosecutions.
Sarah Sackman
Council leaders and regional mayors play an important role in tackling unprecedented challenges. We are committed to working closely with local leaders for safer streets. I have already met several deputy mayors, mayors, and council leaders to discuss these matters.
Session: Street Crime
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I recently joined a Reclaim the Night march in Greenhead park in my constituency. The first of these marches took place in Leeds in the 1970s, and they are still important, because a woman is killed every three days in the UK. What actions are we taking to prioritise reducing the level of violence against women and girls, and also to create safer environments at night?
Context
There is a persistent issue of violence against women and girls, with alarming statistics highlighting the need for urgent action.
Jess Phillips
I thank my hon. Friend for question. The first march was in 1977 and, frankly, progress has been too slow if we still need to march. We will use a cross-Government, transformative approach to halve violence against women and girls, and that will be underpinned by a new violence against women and girls strategy, to be published next year. That will include drastically improving the police and criminal justice response. Prevention and education are also absolutely fundamental to our approach, and we will work across key Departments, including the Department for Education, to tackle the root causes of these crimes.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
View All Questions -->
Will every single policy across Departments be assessed to check compatibility with 1.5°C, and what steps are being taken to ensure proper compensation for climate loss and damage in developing countries?
Context
The Government has set a new target for cutting carbon emissions and the question is about ensuring all policies are assessed.
Kerry McCarthy
On the question of looking at our policies across the piece, that is very much my job. We will respond to the Committee on Climate Change's report and set out a plan to implement NDCs, requiring effort share across Departments.
Session: Climate Change International Leadership
View All Questions -->
What steps are being taken to establish international leadership on climate change, given that this year is likely to be the hottest on record?
Context
The UK is attending COP29 in Baku and the issue of international climate leadership has been brought up.
Kerry McCarthy
I completely agree with my hon. Friend. There is a direct link between taking action to protect the British people at home and leading on climate action abroad. We are working with other countries because of the credibility gained from domestic actions since entering government.
Session: Climate Change International Leadership
View All Questions -->
My constituency is the birthplace of rugby league, and it is important at both professional and community levels. The RFL received £1 million from Sport England last year. What steps are being taken to support long-term investment in rugby league?
Context
The Rugby Football League has produced a national community facilities strategy stating the level of funding needed for rugby league.
Stephanie Peacock
The Rugby Football League has received £1 million from Sport England last year. We look forward to working with the sport in the months and years ahead.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Secretary of State review the situation urgently, including establishing a cross-Government working group on the matter?
Context
Former clients pursued for adverse legal costs after defective cavity wall insulation installation; Solicitors Regulatory Authority investigating.
Heidi Alexander
I am aware from correspondence that I have received, as the Member of Parliament for Swindon South, that there are significant concerns about the collapse of law firms such as SSB Solicitors, Axiom Law and McClure. As my hon. Friend said, the Solicitors Regulation Authority is looking at this, as is the Legal Services Board, and I shall be happy to speak to her further to provide an update.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
National Youth Strategy
08 July 2026
Responding: Stephanie Peacock
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the impact of austerity on young people and the loss of £1.2 billion in local authority funding for youth services since 2010, with more than half of council-run youth centres closing. In Kirklees council, there has been a 70% decrease in funding from 2011 to 2025, leaving just over £47 per young person being spent on youth services. Youth clubs' closures have shown young people to be 14% more likely to engage in criminal activity six years later. The evidence is clear: when youth services are cut, communities suffer."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister how the Government will ensure long-term investment so that organisations have certainty and how her Department will work with other Departments for greater alignment between reforms focused on young people. I also request a commitment to urgently reviewing and strengthening the statutory duty on local authorities to provide a sufficient local youth offer, backed by dedicated funding.']
Humanitarian Situation in Sudan
22 July 2025
Responding: Catherine West
Main Concerns
['The war in Sudan has created the largest humanitarian crisis in the world today, with nearly 13 million people displaced from their homes. Half of Sudan’s population, about 25 million people, now need humanitarian assistance and protection due to acute shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel. The situation includes widespread famine, a cholera outbreak, and significant malnutrition among children.']
Specific Asks
['The Government must do more to support diplomatic efforts and ensure targeted assistance for the Sudanese people facing severe hardships.']
Youth Provision: Universal and Targeted Support
11 February 2025
Responding: Stephanie Peacock
Main Concerns
['Fourteen years of Conservative Governments have resulted in a £1.2 billion real-terms reduction in local authority spending on youth services in England since 2010. Kirklees council, covering Huddersfield, has seen a 70% decrease in funding, leaving just £47.76 per young person spent on youth services. The Children’s Society’s “Good Childhood Report” shows that UK 15-year-olds have the lowest life satisfaction of young people across 27 European countries based on PISA data from 2022.']
Specific Asks
['The Government needs to address regional inequalities in funding and improve youth service provision. The Minister should clarify how many jobs will be created by the national youth strategy and integrate its values into housing and employment strategies as Centrepoint has requested.']
Backbench Business
09 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mohamed argues that successive British Governments have acknowledged the illegality and harmful effects of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories but have failed to take decisive ...
Steel Tariffs
17 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
09 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Murder of Henry Nowak
02 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East: Economic Update
21 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East: Economic Update
24 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sudan 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Cancer Plan 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's national cancer plan aims to save 320,000 more lives by 2035. The plan includes modernising the NHS, harnessing science and technology, prioritising clinical trials, early detection t...
Iran 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the Government’s actions regarding the brutal crackdown on protesters in Iran? The MP is concerned about the scale of violence and brutality, including reports of tens of tho...
Police Reform White Paper 2026-01-26
26 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
95.2%
79 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
31
37.3% of votes
No Votes
48
57.8% of votes
Abstentions
4
4.8% of votes
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
39
Ministerial Questions Asked
46
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
83
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
-19% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+185% above average
This MP:
39
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+850% above average
This MP:
46
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+37% above average
This MP:
95.2
Average:
69.5
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 Harpreet Uppal's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.