Harriet Cross
MP for Gordon and Buchan
Con
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Yesterday, the farming Minister, the hon. Member for Cambridge (Daniel Zeichner), told a conference of farmers that farming is “not high on the pecking order”for this Government. Given the heartless family farm tax, will the Prime Minister say if his Minister is correct—yes or no?
Context
The MP referenced a statement by the farming Minister suggesting that farming is not high on the Government’s agenda, questioning if this was accurate given recent tax policies affecting farmers.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Farming is top of the agenda, as far as I am concerned. That is why we put £5 billion to support farmers in the Budget—[Interruption.] The Conservatives failed to spend £300 million on farming on their watch. We have set out our road map, which has been welcomed by the National Farmers Union, as the hon. Lady very well knows. It was described as “long overdue”; I wonder who did not do it before?
Assessment
Did not directly answer whether farming is high on the Government’s agenda but instead defended government actions and criticized previous administration.
Redirected To Defend Recent Budget Allocations For Farming
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Changes in agricultural property relief affect Sarah's family farm. What would the Prime Minister say to Sarah and her family during a difficult year?
Context
Sarah's family has farmed beef cattle for over 70 years, but changes to agricultural property relief have affected them after the death of Sarah's mother.
Keir Starmer
I am grateful for raising this case and the bereavement. £5 billion was set aside in Budget over next two years for farming investment. I will look at the specific case of inheritance issues.
Assessment
No direct response to Sarah's family tax situation
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Just this year, Norway has opened up a licensing round for 70 new oil and gas blocks. It is reopening three old gas fields and has permitted development plans for three new fields. Meanwhile, this Government are still banning licences, taxing the industry out of business and not permitting Rosebank and Jackdaw. Why does the Secretary of State think he is right and our Norwegian friends are wrong?
Context
Concern over the UK government's oil and gas policies compared to those of Norway.
Michael Shanks
I suspect that in the coming days England fans will learn a lot from Norway in something else. On the serious point that the hon. Member raises, we should first recognise that Norway took a different approach to extraction from the North sea 60 years ago, and it has continued to do that over its 60 years of extraction from the North sea. Secondly, we are not turning off the taps in the North sea. We have said that we will introduce transitional energy certificates to allow new production tied back to existing fields.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-07
View All Questions -->
Farm profitability in the UK is incredibly low. As we know, for many farms it is less than 1%. Reports show that a poorly negotiated and poorly implemented sanitary and phytosanitary agreement could see a 10% hit to profitability for our arable farmers. That will have a trickle-down impact across the whole agricultural supply chain, impacting many businesses UK-wide. How is the Minister's Department working with the Cabinet Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to ensure that our arable farmers and the supply chain are not impacted?
Context
Reports suggest a poorly implemented sanitary and phytosanitary agreement could significantly reduce farm profitability, affecting the wider agricultural supply chain.
Chris Bryant
We have regular conversations and at every stage, we are trying to ensure that we get the best possible deal that works for UK farmers. I just say gently to the hon. Lady that I was a Member in this House, representing a Welsh seat with many Welsh farmers, when the previous Government struck the deal with Australia and New Zealand. Welsh farmers, both in my patch and elsewhere in Wales, were absolutely furious, because it did not seem to consider their needs for a single instant.
Session: Farming Sector International Trade 2026-07-02
View All Questions -->
In my constituency, we have lost the Scotbeef abattoir and the famous Donald Russell butchers in recent months, both of which were crucial to the agricultural supply chain. Both blamed high energy costs and the increased costs of doing business, such as the huge rises in national insurance under this Government and big business rate rises under the SNP. What steps is the Treasury taking to support, not suffocate, the agricultural supply chain and other crucial elements of the farming sector?
Context
The Scotbeef abattoir and Donald Russell butchers in the constituency have closed due to high energy costs.
Dan Tomlinson
I thank the hon. Member for the representations she makes on behalf of the businesses in her constituency. This Government are taking every step we can—within the tight fiscal constraints that we inherited from the previous Government—to reform, and invest in, our business rates system so that we can raise revenue in a fair and sustainable way.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Aberdeen is the only UK city expected to grow by less than 1% between now and 2028, not least because of the UK's anti-oil and gas policies. The Rosebank production facility has now arrived at the field; it is ready and just waiting for the Government to permit it. Rosebank would bring £25 billion of investment into the economy and 2,000 jobs. Would the Secretary of State welcome that economic boost and those jobs for Scotland? If so, when did he last speak to the Prime Minister or the Energy Secretary about having Rosebank permitted?
Context
Aberdeen is facing economic challenges due to policies affecting the oil and gas industry. The Rosebank project, poised for investment and job creation, awaits government permission.
Douglas Alexander
I was actually in Aberdeen at the weekend, and I am fully aware of the contribution that oil and gas make to the north-east of Scotland and to the broader Scottish and UK economy. As was made clear in exchanges with the Leader of the Opposition at the Dispatch Box a few weeks ago, this is a quasi-judicial decision that rests with the Energy Secretary. I assure the hon. Lady that discussions continue not just with me, but with Cabinet colleagues in relation to these matters. Ultimately, given the terms of the legislation, the matter rests with the Energy Secretary.
Session: Economic Growth
View All Questions -->
The truth is there is no just transition. Everybody can see that except for the Government Front Bench. I spoke to a woman in Aberdeen just yesterday, born and raised in that city and raising her family there. She had worked in oil and gas and, actually, was proud to be playing her part in developing the energy technologies of the future. She was a lifelong Labour voter—no longer, because she has now been made redundant. Like so many others in that city, she is now looking overseas because of this Government. What does the Minister have to say to Aberdonians like her?
Context
The MP criticized the Government's handling of oil and gas sector transitions, citing a constituent who was made redundant.
Chris McDonald
Clearly, on a personal level, I say to the hon. Member's constituent that I fully understand the position she is in, having lived through such transitions myself. But the difference with this Government is that we are taking care to ensure that communities are supported—1.1 million jobs now in net zero, £105 billion of gross value added and £90 billion invested in clean energy industries since this Government came to power. We are building the British industry of the future and attracting investment to do that. We are creating the jobs of the future, while the Conservatives sat and oversaw a decline.
Session: Clean Energy Transition Supporting People in Work
View All Questions -->
A strong job and business market is key for economic growth, but Labour's huge rise in national insurance is a direct jobs tax, and the SNP's huge increase in business rates is a direct tax on our businesses. Scottish Conservatives have a plan to revitalise our high streets, support jobs and get businesses investing. Does the Secretary of State agree that his Government's decisions since coming to power have cost jobs, businesses and investment in Scotland?
Context
The Conservative Member is concerned about the economic consequences of Labour's increase in national insurance and SNP's rise in business rates, which are seen as detrimental to job creation and investment.
Douglas Alexander
Before we get to the Conservatives' plan, perhaps we could start with their apology. What about the £22 billion black hole that was left in the public finances by the Conservatives? We are still waiting for the apology.
Session: Economic Growth
View All Questions -->
That answer will be of very little comfort to Northern Ireland veterans across the country who are living in fear of vexatious claims. Why are the Government delaying bringing this legislation back to the House?
Context
The questioner is concerned that Northern Ireland veterans are living in fear of vexatious claims, and the government is delaying legislation.
Hilary Benn
There is no such thing as a vexatious prosecution because independent prosecutors bring prosecutions for politically motivated reasons. The previous Government left 800 civil claims against the Ministry of Defence in place, and it is almost unknown for an individual veteran to be called to give evidence in such cases.
Session: Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023?
Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 is being replaced with a new bill that aims to establish an independent legacy commission for investigations. The questioner seeks clarity on the steps taken by the government.
Hilary Benn
The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will establish a reformed, human rights compliant and independent legacy commission that will carry out investigations and provide family reports on behalf of families who have waited far too long for answers.
Session: Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation
View All Questions -->
We keep hearing the argument that it will take five to 10 years for new oil and gas to flow, and that therefore there is not point to starting new drilling, but the operators of Jackdaw and Rosebank say that both could be producing by the end of the year—it only needs the Secretary of State to approve that. Why is he denying the UK that supply of domestic fuel?
Context
Operators of the Jackdaw and Rosebank projects claim that both could be producing by the end of the year, pending approval from the Secretary of State.
Michael Shanks
Those projects are continuing at the moment at the developers' own risk. They are subject to a process, which the Conservative party will understand because this matter ended up in the courts under the previous Government. We are dealing with that process. Ultimately, none of those projects would take a penny off bills—that is the argument we are making. The Conservatives have no plan for bringing down bills; we have.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Can the Secretary of State confirm that they will be considered as part of our energy security, and what will the Ministry of Defence do to ensure their security now and in the future?
Context
The strategic defence review did not specifically mention moveable offshore assets such as platforms, floating production storage and offloading units or rigs.
John Healey
On the contrary, the strategic defence review placed greater emphasis on the need to step up our homeland security and defence. That includes the critical undersea infrastructure on which we depend.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Although we will rightly want to refrain from discussing too many details of a live espionage case, it seems, from media reporting, that the case goes beyond foreign state interference into local corruption. Will the Government today agree to publish a list of all meetings held between Bute Energy and the Government, both here in Westminster and in Wales?
Context
There are media reports of a counter-terror police operation involving Bute Energy and local corruption.
Darren Jones
The hon. Lady is right that there is a counter-terror police operation under way, so it would be wrong for me to comment from the Dispatch Box, but I can reassure her and the House that the Government will co-operate fully with that investigation. When we are able to provide further updates, we will do so.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
When did the Wales Office last make representations to the Cabinet about Welsh farmers, and what actions has the Minister taken to support farming in Wales?
Context
More than 400 farming businesses closed in Wales in 2025, highlighting the importance of farming to the Welsh economy.
Anna McMorrin
The Labour Government has provided £337 million of support to farmers in Wales. The Minister notes that the Welsh Conservatives voted against this support and introduced a motion to scrap the sustainable farming scheme.
Session: Family Farms
View All Questions -->
Will the Secretary of State commit to undertake a review of the impact of gambling advertising, marketing and sponsorship on public health, including on the health and wellbeing of children and young people?
Context
The Department has new responsibilities for the treatment and prevention of gambling harms as part of the gambling White Paper. Public health evidence suggests potential negative impacts of gambling advertising.
Ashley Dalton
We acknowledge the issue of potential negative impacts that gambling advertising may have on children's health. My officials continue to work closely with DCMS officials, and I will discuss this with the Minister for Gambling who is responsible for gambling advertising policy. We continue to keep public health evidence under review and consider suitable action.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Inverurie medical practice saw its national insurance bill rise by £75,000 thanks to this Government. This has put huge pressure on a practice already operating with one GP for 3,000 patients. When did the Secretary of State last meet the Chancellor to discuss the impact of NICs rise on GP practices, and what are he and his Department doing about the pressure?
Context
Inverurie medical practice faced a £75,000 increase in national insurance contributions. The practice serves 3,000 patients with one GP, three times higher than recommended by the BMA.
Wes Streeting
I see the Chancellor most weeks. That is why record investment is going into our NHS, which is improving patient satisfaction with access to general practice, cutting waiting lists, and improving ambulance response times—all to fix the mess that the Conservatives left behind.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Thank you, Mr Speaker. “Our Governments seem stricken, almost delusional, in the face of onrushing disaster,” and we are seeing arguably the most destructive industrial calamity in our nation's history. Those are the words of the GMB's Scotland Secretary about the Government's determination to tax and regulate the oil and gas sector out of business. Does the Minister agree with the words of his union friend?
Context
The GMB's Scotland Secretary criticized the government for taxing and regulating the oil and gas sector out of business.
Michael Shanks
I recently had a useful meeting in Aberdeen, in which the GMB participated, about building up the future of the North sea. What I never hear from Conservative Members is any support for industries that will invest in the North sea in the future, and in the tens of thousands of jobs that will go with it.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Girls were raped and abused by grooming gangs in Scotland just as they were in England and Wales, yet girls in Scotland are excluded from the grooming gangs inquiry. Girls, no matter where they are in the UK, must get justice, and rapists, no matter where they are in the UK, must face the consequences. In response to an earlier question, the Minister said of perpetrators of violence against women and girls that she does not care who they are or where they come from. Will she please now do the right thing and also include Scottish victims in her inquiry?
Context
Victims of grooming gangs in Scotland are excluded from the inquiry despite similar cases occurring there.
Jess Phillips
It is for the Scottish Government to undertake an inquiry because, unlike in Wales, justice is devolved in Scotland, as are education and health—all of which will be vital facets of the inquiry that will run across England and Wales. I do not disagree that there needs to be no stone left unturned in Scotland. We will make sure that anything that is found through the work of the inquiry's committee is shared with Scotland.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Obviously, the ability to use public transport is vital to allow disabled people or others who are less mobile to access work. Inverurie station in my constituency has just been removed from the Access for All programme, which provides mobility aids in stations—in this case, a lift will now not be installed. I completely appreciate that Access for All is not a responsibility of DWP, but access and allowing disabled people to get to work is. What conversations has the DWP had with the Department for Transport regarding the removal of Access for All funding, and does the Department share my concern that disabled people and those who are less mobile in my constituency will now have less ability to get to work on public transport?
Context
Inverurie station in Harriet Cross's constituency has been removed from the Access for All programme, which provides mobility aids such as lifts at stations. This affects the ability of disabled individuals to access work via public transport.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Pat McFadden)
The hon. Lady is absolutely right that mobility and public transport are essential in helping people to get to work. On the specifics of her question, the best thing that I can do is to get the Department for Transport to write to her with a proper response.
Session: Young Disabled People Support into Work
View All Questions -->
In the consultation paper on the future of the North sea, the Government defined windfall prices as $90 a barrel for oil and 90p a therm for gas. Can the Minister tell me the prices of oil and gas today? Despite current market prices being up to a third lower than what the Government defines as windfall prices, they are still punishing our oil and gas industry with massive windfall taxes. The cost is 1,000 jobs lost every month, production set to halve in the next four years and almost complete dependence on foreign imports of oil and gas by 2030. This Government are going to be responsible for the death of one of our most important industries. Will the Government now end the oil and gas supertax, scrap the mad ban on new licences and finally back the North sea?
Context
The shadow Minister referenced the Government's consultation paper on the future of the North Sea, which defined windfall prices for oil and gas. She noted current market prices are significantly lower than these thresholds.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
We have been really clear that the energy profits levy comes to an end in 2030. We have also put in place what the future of that scheme looks like to provide certainty for the long-term future. Of course, the energy profits levy was introduced by the hon. Lady’s party in government. I challenge some points made: firstly, the floor was set by the Conservative party in government and we have not changed it. Secondly, she talks about thousands of jobs lost every month, which is from a university study but does not reflect recent actual job losses. Every single job loss is distressing, yet her party should talk up opportunities in the North sea for carbon capture and storage, hydrogen production, oil and gas decommissioning work, among others.
Session: Energy Transition
View All Questions -->
The parliamentary petition against digital ID has been signed by more than 3 million people, including many in my Gordon and Buchan constituency. It is the fourth most signed petition in history. Why does the Minister think digital ID is so unpopular?
Context
The MP cited the parliamentary petition against digital ID which has been signed by over 3 million people, including many in her constituency. She noted it as the fourth most signed petition in history.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (Ian Murray)
It is up to the Petitions Committee to schedule those debates, and I am sure the Committee will schedule that debate in Westminster Hall in due course. I can only reiterate that the Government are proposing this national ID scheme to modernise public services, improve security, streamline right-to-work checks and give the public control over their data. We have an analogue government with a digital population, and we live in a new world where the economy is modernising and digitising all the time, and government has to catch up.
Session: Digital ID System
View All Questions -->
As I am sure the Minister and the rest of the Front-Bench team know, we are seeing huge redundancies and mass unemployment within the oil and gas sector increasing every week. When did any of the Front-Bench DWP team last meet the oil and gas sector to discuss that?
Context
The oil and gas sector is experiencing significant redundancies and unemployment.
Diana Johnson (Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions)
The hon. Lady might not know this, but I joined the team in September, so I will have to find out. I am happy to write to her about when the last meeting in that area took place.
Session: Unemployment Levels
View All Questions -->
Energy sovereignty and energy security are vital, and gas will play an important role in that for years to come, but our domestic production is falling because of this Government’s policies. Imports of liquefied natural gas are up by 40% this year, and domestic production is meant to get to 25% by 2030. We must support domestic production, and to do that the Government must scrap its policy of an increased energy profits levy and open up new licensing. When will the Government do that, and when will they support jobs, investment and domestic production from the North sea?
Context
Imports of liquefied natural gas have increased by 40% this year, while domestic production has been declining. The current policy includes an increased energy profits levy and a lack of new licensing opportunities.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
The hon. Lady is right: domestic production is important, which is why we have said that for decades to come, oil and gas will continue to be part of our energy picture in the UK. The number of imports has been increasing for a long time—it is not a recent trend. The North sea has been in transition for decades, and we must build up the energy that comes next. On her specific question, we consulted on what the future of the energy profits levy will look like. It comes to an end in 2030, and it is a matter for the Chancellor at the Budget. On the future of the North sea generally, we had a wide-ranging consultation, including on the future licensing position, and our pragmatic plan will be published in the coming weeks.
Session: Clean Power Energy Sovereignty
View All Questions -->
The Government’s pride in place initiative—their equivalent of levelling up—should be great and should be felt across Scotland, but unfortunately we are feeling the opposite in north-east Scotland because of the Government’s energy policies. Our high streets need regeneration after a decade of disastrous decline in the sector, whether that is from SNP or Labour policies. How will the Government act to ensure that our high streets in north-east Scotland will not be further decimated?
Context
Harriet Cross questions the effectiveness of the pride in place programme, noting the decline in her constituency's high streets due to energy policies.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)
I remind the hon. Lady that, of course, her constituents benefit from a city region and growth deal—there is investment going into her area. If she has complaints about the decline of her constituency, I suggest that she looks at her colleagues and holds them accountable for 14 years of catastrophic economic mismanagement by the Conservatives.
Session: Pride in Place Programme Regeneration
View All Questions -->
Harriet Cross mentioned that certainty is essential for all types of energy companies to plan and invest. She expressed concern about delays in publishing the outcome of the Government's consultation on the North Sea’s energy future, which closed almost six months ago.
Context
The Government's consultation on the future of energy in the North Sea closed in April, but the industry is awaiting a definitive response causing significant uncertainty for investment.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
Mr Shanks confirmed that they are currently analysing responses to the North Sea energy future consultation and will publish them as soon as possible. He acknowledged the importance of certainty but defended his party's stance by criticizing the Opposition’s approach in Aberdeen.
Session: Onshore Wind Turbines
View All Questions -->
I am sure the Minister agrees it is vital that local residents’ concerns are properly listened to, especially on major planning decisions. Having listened to many constituents in places such as New Deer, Kintore and Rothienorman who are facing huge amounts of energy infrastructure, I tabled an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that would have created a statutory duty of consultation for infrastructure in Scotland. In Committee, the Minister argued against it and said that the Scottish Government’s discretionary power was satisfactory. Will he please explain why the Government believe that a discretionary power, which my constituents fear will simply be ignored, provides meaningful engagement while the statutory right that I proposed would not?
Context
The question stems from concerns about energy infrastructure projects, particularly in Scotland. The MP has tabled an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill proposing a statutory duty of consultation for infrastructure in Scotland.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
I can do no better than to draw the hon. Lady’s attention to the extensive remarks that I made in the Bill Committee.
Session: Planning System Community Involvement
View All Questions -->
Yesterday, Scotbeef announced the closure of its abattoir in Inverurie in my Gordon and Buchan constituency, with 90 job losses and another blow to agriculture in north-east Scotland. It blamed rising costs. In April the increase to national insurance contributions came in—a huge tax rise on businesses—and the Office for Budget Responsibility has shown that 109,000 jobs were lost in May, which was the highest monthly figure in five years. It cannot be a coincidence that that happened the month after the NICs increase. How is the Minister’s Department supporting businesses and jobs in sectors such as agriculture, which are having to deal with huge cost increases because of his Government’s decisions?
Context
Scotbeef announced the closure of its abattoir in Inverurie, leading to 90 job losses. The Office for Budget Responsibility showed that 109,000 jobs were lost in May, which is the highest monthly figure in five years.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Justin Madders)
I am very sorry to hear the news from the hon. Lady’s constituency. It is the case that 667,000 more people are in work compared with this time last year, and 300,000 fewer people are economically inactive. I am rather surprised that she mentions the national insurance hike, because the Leader of the Opposition was on the radio this morning and was repeatedly asked to confirm whether that hike would be reversed. She failed to do so, and it seems to me that the Opposition are in opposition to themselves.
Session: Employment Costs
View All Questions -->
When will the Department publish the guidance for environmental impact assessments that is causing delays to projects in the North Sea?
Context
The consultation on environmental impact assessments closed on 8 January, but the Government has not yet published a response or guidance as required by Cabinet Office guidelines.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
We published the consultation on what we will do with the EIA guidance as quickly as we could. We are now analysing that. It is a complex issue, as I am sure the hon. Lady will understand. We will publish the response and the process that will now be put in place as soon as possible.
Session: Rosebank Oilfield
View All Questions -->
Towns and villages across north-east Scotland, such as Aberdeen, and Inverurie, Kintore and Ellon in my constituency, will all need regenerating in future if the Secretary of State’s Government keep decimating the oil and gas sector. The best thing his Government can do for the north-east of Scotland is allow new licences and cut the increase to the energy profits levy. Will he commit to that? Otherwise, more and more money will need to be put into north-east Scotland to regenerate our towns in future.
Context
The oil and gas sector is facing challenges, including job losses. Harriet Cross asks for new licences and a reduction in the energy profits levy to support regeneration.
The Secretary of State for Scotland (Ian Murray)
This Government are putting money into Scottish towns to regenerate them. As we keep saying from this Dispatch Box, oil and gas will be with us for decades to come. The industry itself is making the transition, and we have to make sure that it happens, and happens for the benefit of workers in the north-east and all over Scotland.
Session: Town Centre Regeneration
View All Questions -->
Earlier this month, Harbour Energy announced that it would be cutting 25% of its onshore workforce, blaming the Government’s punitive fiscal position and challenging regulatory environment. When the news was announced, the Chancellor said that this was just a commercial decision by one company, so how does she explain the other energy sector jobs that have been lost in north-east Scotland in just the last few weeks? Belmar Engineering is entering liquidation, with 48 job losses. Well-Safe Solutions faces 45 job losses. Beam, a subsea technology company, has made all 200 staff redundant. With Harbour Energy’s cut of 25% of its workforce—250 jobs—we are talking about 600 jobs in total. How can the Chancellor explain that, and how will she support the industry in the spending review?
Context
The MP highlights recent job losses in the energy sector, including Harbour Energy cutting 25% of its onshore workforce.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
My hon. Friend the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury is working closely with businesses right across the energy sector. The previous Government increased the rate of tax on energy companies to 75%, and we increased it by three percentage points to 78%, reflecting the fact that energy companies have enjoyed huge profits since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. When people’s bills have gone up, it is right that we ask the energy companies making those profits to contribute a little more.
Session: Spending Review Economic Growth
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister show the House and rural and fishing communities across the country that the Prime Minister will not negotiate away any control of our waters during his EU reset later this month?
Context
A recent poll by the Scottish Fishermen's Federation showed that 87% of Scots believe the UK should control access to its fishing waters. Two-thirds of seafood landed in the UK comes into Scotland, vital to the economy and coastal communities.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Daniel Zeichner)
I thank the hon. Lady for her important question, and I recognise the importance of the Scottish fishing fleet and its contribution. She will have to wait a little longer to hear the full details of the outcomes of any negotiations, but I have to remind her that the sense of betrayal across fishing communities came under her Government’s watch.
Session: Fishing Quotas
View All Questions -->
Many rural businesses rely on farms for their trade. Since the Government announced the family farm tax in the Budget, CBI Economics has spoken to over 4,000 businesses and farms across the country—49% said that they have either cancelled or deferred investment, and 34% said that they have reduced or paused it altogether. How can the Government say that they are supporting local businesses, and what will the Department do to support farms and rural businesses that are suffering because of the Government’s policies?
Context
Since the Government announced the family farm tax in the Budget, CBI Economics has surveyed over 4,000 businesses and farms across the country. The survey found that 49% have cancelled or deferred investment, and 34% have reduced or paused it.
Jonathan Reynolds
I feel that is a question for either the Treasury or the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, but the hon. Lady made it well. Agriculture features prominently in trade and business, and I will ensure that she gets the right opportunity to put questions about taxation to the Chancellor.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What assessment has been made of the adequacy of the resilience of the national grid against the potential disruption of offshore energy infrastructure? The UK currently has about 15 GW of offshore wind capacity, which supplies about 17% of our energy. In order to reach the Government’s 2030 targets, this will have to increase by three times to 40 to 50 GW in just five years, and to achieve that we will have to rely on Chinese wind infrastructure and technology. What specific risk assessment has the Government carried out into the impact of this exposed vulnerability and reliance on China for what will be a significant amount of our energy supplies?
Context
The UK has approximately 15 GW of offshore wind capacity, which currently supplies about 17% of its energy. To meet the government's 2030 targets, this capacity needs to increase to 40-50 GW over five years, necessitating significant reliance on Chinese infrastructure and technology.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Michael Shanks)
In every single case, the Government make an assessment and we look at the national security implications seriously. The reason supply chains in this country are weak is that they were underfunded and under-invested for years by the Conservatives. When they took ambitious steps to move towards clean power, there could have been a decision to build the supply chains here, but instead they chose to rely on foreign suppliers; we are reversing that trend, though it cannot happen overnight.
Session: National Grid Resilience
View All Questions -->
I have spoken to many businesses across my constituency in recent months, and all have said how worried they are about the changes. In response to my recent business survey, one large business said that it is now looking to cut up to 25 jobs because of the NICs changes, and that it is beyond belief that the Labour Government have decided to do this. Given that this example will be replicated in constituencies across Scotland, including the Minister’s, can she really stand at the Dispatch Box and say she believes in this policy, which so directly hits jobs, employment and growth across Scotland?
Context
The Labour Government's decision to hike national insurance is causing concern among businesses, particularly in Scotland. A recent business survey highlighted that one large business plans to cut up to 25 jobs due to these changes.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)
I do believe in this policy, in the same way I believe in all the announcements we made in the Budget. As is so often the case with Conservative Members, they will the ends of the Budget but not the means. If the hon. Lady wants changes to the public services that people in both our constituencies rely on, we need to have the revenue to pay for them. That is what this Budget was all about: cleaning up the mess we inherited and getting the investment into public services that is so desperately required.
Session: Employer National Insurance Contributions
View All Questions -->
The provisional local government finance settlement for 2025-26 introduces changes to the previous methodology for the then levelling-up funding for categorising areas of priority need. The Rural Services Network has highlighted concerns and disparities that shift funding away from rural and coastal communities to urban areas. Can the Minister assure the House that any new funding formula will adequately address the unique challenges of rural and coastal communities? Will he commit to publishing the criteria by which future levelling-up funding decisions will be made?
Context
The provisional local government finance settlement for 2025-26 changes the methodology for levelling-up funding, leading to concerns from the Rural Services Network about disparities in allocation.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)
We have been clear that for local growth funding we want to move away from the old model of competitive funding pots and beauty parades, which was short-term and based on central criteria. I can assure the hon. Lady that the model that people get from this Government will be longer term, will be allocative, will have more flexibility and will have more local leadership, and it will of course be targeted at those communities that need it the most.
Session: Levelling-up Projects
View All Questions -->
Does the serious situation with the Yantar show that we need to increase our defence spending as quickly as possible to defend our crucial infrastructure and protect national security?
Context
In light of the threat to undersea infrastructure highlighted by the Yantar incident, there is a call for immediate increase in defence spending.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard)
We are increasing our defence spending. In the Budget, we increased defence spending by £3 billion, and in the spring, after the publication of the strategic defence review, we will set out a path to spending 2.5% of our GDP on defence.
Session: Undersea Infrastructure
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister explain those inconsistencies and take the opportunity to correct the record?
Context
The National Energy System Operator's report shows that the Government's 2030 target will lower energy bills, but this is contradicted by other sources.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
I suggest that the hon. Lady actually reads the report. On page 77, the NESO sets out in black and white the system costs of a clean power system, and then what it calls “Bill components resulting from clean power pathways” and “Other bill changes”. The total impact in 2030 is to reduce electricity costs by £10 per megawatt-hour. Of course, as the NESO says, it is for the Government to make the policy choices to reduce energy bills—which we will—but it is absolutely clear that our clean power plan will reduce system costs.
Session: Warm Homes Plan
View All Questions -->
I declare an interest: I am a member of Unite the Union. The Grangemouth refinery costs £100 million a year to run, and its economic contribution to Scotland exceeds £400 million per annum. Unite has a credible plan to save the refinery and prevent thousands of job losses. Will the Treasury consider the plan, and meet me, Unite and the refinery owners to discuss its viability and Government intervention for the public good?
Context
Concern over job losses at the Grangemouth refinery, which costs £100 million annually to run with an economic contribution exceeding £400 million per annum.
Rachel Reeves
I am happy to arrange a meeting between my hon. Friend and the relevant Minister.
Session: Management of Public Finances
View All Questions -->
Last week, just days after the Budget, Apache announced that it would exit the North sea by 2029. It said: 'The onerous financial impact of the energy profits levy…makes production…beyond 2029 uneconomic.' What assessment have the Government made of the impact of those policies on current jobs in north-east Scotland, and how will Great British Energy compensate for the loss of those jobs?
Context
Apache, a major player in the North Sea, announced its exit from the region by 2029 citing the energy profits levy as making production uneconomic. The MP seeks clarity on the government's assessment of this impact and how they plan to mitigate job losses.
Michael Shanks
We are working with industry in the north-east of Scotland to ensure that this is a just and prosperous transition. We have announced our next steps of responding to court judgments, and a consultation is open at the moment. The hon. Lady must recognise that if she wants to see investment from Great British Energy, she might actually have to support its creation in the first place.
Session: Great British Energy Job Creation
View All Questions -->
Can she confirm that she fully appreciates how important agricultural property relief and business property relief are? The questioner inquires about the Treasury's understanding of these reliefs.
Context
The MP asks about the Chancellor's appreciation for agricultural property relief and business property relief, important to farmers and family businesses.
Rachel Reeves
We recognise the importance of passing assets to the next generation, and details will be set out in tomorrow's Budget regarding tax policies including these reliefs.
Session: Economic Investment and Growth
View All Questions -->
Will the Secretary of State confirm that there will be no real-terms cuts to the agriculture budget? The Labour party manifesto rightly stated that the Labour party “recognises that food security is national security.” I agree, but those words must be matched with actions. We have already asked today about future budgets, but have not heard any answers.
Context
The Labour party manifesto stated that food security is national security. Harriet Cross asked if there would be real-terms cuts to the agriculture budget.
Steve Reed
As the hon. Member will know, there is a spending review process going on, which will culminate with announcements in the Budget. That is the point at which all of that will be made clear and apparent.
Session: Funding for Farming
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Support for Pig Farmers
14 July 2026
Responding: Stephen Morgan
Main Concerns
["The UK's pig industry is experiencing significant difficulties due to an oversupply of pigs, stagnant demand in Europe, rising costs, and biosecurity concerns. The standard pig price has fallen by 15% from about 208p per kilo in August 2025 to 178p per kilo now. Many producers are receiving significantly less than the average, sometimes as low as 130p to 140p per kilo, which is below their break-even point. Scottish pig farmers have lost £5.7 million since January and face even more acute pressures with just one processor in Brechin."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to commit to meeting the National Pig Association to discuss a substantial support package for the sector and to ensure that robust checks are put into place to prevent diseases like African swine fever from entering the UK.']
Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief — [Dr Rupa Huq in the Chair]
17 October 2024
Responding: James Murray
Main Concerns
['Farmers and family business owners are facing growing anxiety about potential changes to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR). These reliefs play a crucial role in securing the longevity of farming and family businesses. In meetings with organisations like the Country Land and Business Association, it was reported that some members are already taking rash decisions due to speculation over upcoming Budget changes. Many farms operate on tight margins, with 17% failing to make a profit and 59% earning less than £50,000 in 2022-23.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should provide clarity and reassurance about APR and BPR, commit to maintaining these reliefs in their current form for the duration of this Parliament, commission an independent review on their wider impact beyond direct cost to the Treasury, and engage meaningfully with rural communities before pursuing any changes.']
NHS Corridor Care
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Expressed deep concern about the issue of 'corridor care' in NHS, highlighting that treatment in corridors is not care due to lack of proper equipment and dignity. Stressed the importance of accurate ...
Climate Change
24 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to approve the draft Carbon Budget Order 2026, which was laid before this House on 2 June.
Puberty Blockers
23 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
As a consultant paediatrician, Caroline Johnson highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the PATHWAYS clinical trial that involves administering puberty-suppressing hormones to children with gender...
G7 Summit
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Energy Security
19 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Criticises the Government's energy policy, particularly the ban on new oil and gas licences. Emphasises the negative impact of these policies on Aberdeen, the North East of Scotland, and UK economic s...
Debate on the Address
14 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The UK labour market is performing well with high employment rates, low unemployment compared to OECD countries, and rising real wages. The government's economic management has put the country in a be...
Lord Mandelson Humble Address: Government Response Update
27 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Opposition Day
24 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
19 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate highlights the inextricable link between climate change action and public priorities such as living standards, economic growth, and public services. The speaker emphasises that the UK is fa...
UK Steel Strategy
19 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government’s steel strategy aims to reverse decades of decline in the British steel sector by committing £2.5 billion of investment and introducing a new trade measure to reduce imported steel quo...
Attendance
71.6%
63 of 88 votes
Aye Votes
36
40.9% of votes
No Votes
27
30.7% of votes
Abstentions
25
28.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
39
Ministerial Questions Asked
89
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
88
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
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+191% above average
This MP:
39
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1731% above average
This MP:
89
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+3% above average
This MP:
71.6
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 Harriet Cross's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.