Helen Hayes
MP for Dulwich and West Norwood
Lab
7 May 2015 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I am proud that Labour MPs voted yesterday to remove the two-child limit and lift 400,000 children out of poverty, but child poverty cannot be eradicated while children are living in overcrowded temporary accommodation without their own bed or anywhere to do homework. Will the Prime Minister commit to urgent and persistent action to drive down the use of temporary accommodation, ensuring that our councils, including my councils of Lambeth and Southwark, have the funding they need in the final local government finance settlement next week?
Context
Child poverty is exacerbated by living in overcrowded temporary accommodation without proper facilities like a bed or study space. The local government finance settlement next week will impact funding.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I join my hon. Friend in her pride in the vote to lift half a million children out of poverty after hundreds of thousands were plunged into poverty by the Conservative party when they were in government. On her point about temporary accommodation, she is right that every child deserves a safe, warm and secure home. We are investing a record £3.5 billion in homelessness services and £950 million in local authority housing funds to deliver better quality temporary accommodation.
Assessment
Specific commitment for funding to reduce the use of temporary accommodation was not explicitly made.
Session: PMQs
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One of my constituents, who was a first-year university student, tragically took his own life in May. He had signed a private sector tenancy for his next year's accommodation, with his parents as guarantor. The tenancy includes a clause which states that the responsibilities of the guarantor are unaffected by the death of a tenant, and the lettings agency is disgracefully insisting on enforcing that abhorrent requirement. My constituents not only have to live with the devastating loss of their son, but face terrible financial hardship because of this cruelty. Will the Deputy Prime Minister support my call for the inclusion of a clause in the long overdue Renters (Reform) Bill to outlaw that practice and protect bereaved families?
Context
The MP raises a case where a family is being financially burdened by an unscrupulous clause in a tenancy agreement after the tragic loss of their son. She calls for inclusion of a clause to outlaw this practice.
Oliver Dowden
What the hon. Lady has described sounds totally abhorrent, and I shall be very happy to look into the details and discuss what measures might be brought forward to address it.
Assessment
Support for clause not confirmed
We Are Committed
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister has led a Government who have let down vulnerable children for 12 years. Given the need for a total reset, will she commit to publishing the Government's response to the independent review and an action plan before year-end?
Context
The independent review of children's social care published by the government in May describes the system as needing a total reset. The Prime Minister has previously stated she wants to deliver improvements.
Elizabeth Truss
Yes.
Assessment
Did not provide any specific commitments, timelines, or concrete actions beyond a one-word affirmative
Did Not Address The Request For Detailed Action Plan
Session: PMQs
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The degrading strip-search of Child Q two years ago caused anger and distress across the country. When did the Prime Minister first hear about the strip-search at her school? Does he believe that dithering in responding to this case is acceptable?
Context
Child Q underwent a degrading strip search at her school two years ago, causing distress. The Minister for Crime and Policing failed to answer questions about the timing of his knowledge of the event.
Boris Johnson
The reports of the strip-search are deeply concerning. The Metropolitan Police has apologised, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating. It would not be right to comment further.
Assessment
Did not provide a specific date or timeline regarding his knowledge of the incident.
It Would Not Be Right To Comment Further
Session: PMQs
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I associate myself with the remarks concerning the fifth anniversary of the murder of Jo Cox. Jo was a dear personal friend and colleague, who will always be missed and remembered, and whose extraordinary legacy endures far beyond this place. Last month, a fire in an east London block of flats caused three people to be hospitalised and dozens more to be treated for smoke inhalation. That block was one of more than 200 high-rise buildings in England still fitted with Grenfell-style cladding. I ask the Prime Minister why it is that four years after the Grenfell tragedy took 72 lives, and after all the warnings, all the tireless campaigning and the unspeakable injustice, people are still living in unsafe flats, and his Government have failed to end the cladding scandal.
Context
A fire at an east London block of flats caused hospitalisation for three people, highlighting the ongoing issue with Grenfell-style cladding.
Boris Johnson
We have invested massively in removing cladding from high-rise blocks, and we will continue to do so. I know the structure in question and I do believe that Ballymore, the company concerned, has been too slow. We are on its case.
Assessment
Explanation of why people are still living in unsafe flats was not given
Noting The Actions Taken
Session: PMQs
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A global minimum rate for corporate tax would help to tackle tax avoidance by large multinational corporations and online giants. It would stop them undercutting British businesses who pay their fair share, and it would make a transformational difference to high streets and town centres at the heart of communities across the UK. Why is the Prime Minister the only G7 leader not to support this proposal? Why is he on the side of tax avoiders, instead of British businesses and communities?
Context
The UK is the only G7 country not to support a global minimum rate for corporate tax. Helen Hayes questions why this is the case.
Boris Johnson
It was only a few months ago that the Labour Front Benchers opposed the corporation tax increases we put in. They are now opposed to the Government's ability to cut corporation tax. Which side are they on? They have got to make their minds up.
Assessment
The PM did not explain his stance on a global minimum rate for corporate tax.
Criticised The Opposition
Session: PMQs
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My constituent, Luke Thomas, has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He urgently needs to move closer to his family for support. Luke has a shared ownership flat in a low-rise building with wooden cladding, but he cannot sell it because mortgage lenders require an EWS1 certificate and Luke's building does not have one. Estimates suggest that it could take 10 years to certify every building affected, but Luke and hundreds of thousands of people like him cannot wait that long. When will the Prime Minister end this scandal?
Context
A constituent with terminal cancer urgently needs to move closer to family support but cannot sell his shared ownership flat due to a lack of EWS1 certification, which could take 10 years.
Boris Johnson
I direct the hon. Lady to what I said a moment or two ago to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon (Dr Offord) about trying to provide mortgage backing for those who find themselves in that very difficult position, but we must get on and remove the flammable cladding from buildings of all kinds.
Assessment
Addressing the issue with EWS1 certificates directly
Session: PMQs
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She urges immediate acceptance and implementation of the Youth Violence Commission's final report recommendations to introduce a public health approach against serious violence.
Context
Hayes highlights the murder of Donnell Rhule and the Youth Violence Commission's interim report, advocating for a cross-government approach to tackle serious violence.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Johnson acknowledges the need for cross-departmental medical approaches and tough policing solutions, emphasizing the importance of zero tolerance towards kids carrying knives in public.
Session: PMQs
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I know that Members across this House will have been sickened and devastated to hear reports of the abuse suffered by baby Preston Davey prior to his murder at the hands of his adoptive parents. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 legislates for stronger safeguarding arrangements, including multi-agency child protection teams in every local authority area. In light of recent cases, will the Secretary of State set out the expected timetable for implementing these reforms?
Context
Baby Preston Davey's case highlighted serious safeguarding failings, prompting the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 for stronger arrangements.
Bridget Phillipson
I am grateful to the Chair of the Select Committee for raising this shocking case. We are taking it extremely seriously, with independent experts looking at Oldham council and other agencies involved. The child safeguarding practice review is commencing, led by local authorities, aiming to roll out stronger safeguarding practices by March.
Session: Topical Questions
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Residents on the Loughborough estate in my constituency have suffered years of appalling service from their resident management organisation, the Loughborough Estate Management Board. It has a failing repair service; dangerous chemicals were being stored in the community centre; there were allegations of threats and harassment; and more than £350,000 of its funding was spent on overseas trips and gifts. Eighteen months ago, residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of not renewing the board's mandate, yet it is still operating, and there appears to be no straightforward mechanism that the local council can use to close down this failing organisation.
Context
There is a case in Dulwich where the Loughborough Estate Management Board has been mismanaging the estate, leading to serious issues like failing repair services, dangerous storage conditions, allegations of threats and harassment, and misuse of funding.
Matthew Pennycook
I thank my hon. Friend for bringing this alarming case to my attention. We are clear that as we look to make it easier to establish TMOs—we want to do so; there are some very good ones out there—we must strengthen governance and accountability. I assure her that as part of that effort, the Secretary of State and I will be giving specific consideration to how extreme cases of mismanagement might be brought to an end, as a mechanism of last resort.
Session: Tenant and Resident Management Organisations Regulation
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What steps his Department is taking to improve the regulation of tenant and resident management organisations. Residents on the Loughborough estate in my constituency have suffered years of appalling service from their resident management organisation, the Loughborough Estate Management Board. It has a failing repair service; dangerous chemicals were being stored in the community centre; there were allegations of threats and harassment; and more than £350,000 of its funding was spent on overseas trips and gifts. Eighteen months ago, residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of not renewing the board's mandate, yet it is still operating, and there appears to be no straightforward mechanism that the local council can use to close down this failing organisation.
Context
The Government's approach to tenant and leaseholder management functions is under scrutiny, with concerns about oversight mechanisms for mismanagement.
Matthew Pennycook
The Government remain committed to the principle of tenants and leaseholders taking over certain management functions from their landlords. We intend to take steps to make it easier to do so, while strengthening governance and oversight to provide stronger safeguards in cases where tenant safety is at risk. I assure her that as part of our reform agenda, the Secretary of State and I will be giving specific consideration to how extreme cases of mismanagement might be brought to an end.
Session: Tenant and Resident Management Organisations Regulation
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The Tulse Hill gyratory in my constituency is very dangerous. We see frequent accidents, near misses and tragically lives lost. We urgently need to see the transformation of the gyratory to make it safe for all road users yet we are struggling because the availability of Transport for London funding for major junction improvements depends on there being substantial new development in the vicinity of the junction which is not the case at Tulse Hill. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how the Government, Transport for London Lambeth council and the local campaign group 'Transform Tulse Hill' can achieve our important goal of making the Tulse Hill gyratory safe for all?
Context
The Tulse Hill gyratory in Helen Hayes' constituency experiences frequent accidents, near misses, and fatalities. There is a lack of Transport for London funding due to the absence of substantial new development nearby.
Lilian Greenwood
I know that there have been multiple pedestrian casualties at the gyratory in my hon. Friend's constituency, and action is needed to prevent future issues. Last week, I met TfL to hear about its new Vision Zero action plan, and partnership working with great local leaders such as Mayor Khan, is vital to achieving our ambitious targets for reducing deaths and serious injuries. I was pleased to hear that TfL has introduced interim safety measures to slow traffic and improve visibility while longer-term redesign options are being developed. I know that TfL and Lambeth borough council are working closely together on a proper solution, but I would of course be happy to meet my hon. Friend.
Session: Road Safety
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Concerns raised in recent weeks about plan 2 student loans, including unilateral and unexpected change in the repayment terms and repayments based on the consumer prices index, are about the promise of higher education: whether working hard for an undergraduate degree really does result in a good quality of life when graduates face 30 years of student loan repayments on these terms. In the light of these escalating concerns, can the Minister tell the House what discussions he has had with the Treasury on this issue, and when we can expect to see the work that he promises to make plan 2 loans fairer for students?
Context
There are escalating concerns about plan 2 student loans, including unilateral and unexpected changes in repayment terms and repayments based on the consumer prices index.
Josh MacAlister
I know the Chair of the Education Committee is looking at these issues and the Government will be very interested in that work. We will set out the details of our work soon. My hon. Friend is right to highlight how transformational higher education can be. I would not want any young person outside this place who is listening to this debate to take away from it that they should not make every step forward to follow their talents.
Session: Student Loan System
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Given strong demand for GCSEs in both Ukrainian and British Sign Language, what is the Minister doing to identify, encourage and equip organisations outside the four main awarding bodies to deliver these important subjects?
Context
The Education Committee heard from the chief regulator at Ofqual about demand for GCSEs in Ukrainian and British Sign Language. There is no legal obstacle to a new organisation delivering these subjects.
Georgia Gould
Support development of a British Sign Language GCSE; also support Ukrainian GCSE. Taking this up with exam boards, will continue doing so.
Session: Ukrainian GCSE
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Will the Secretary of State join me in celebrating Natspec’s The Power of Specialist FE Awareness Week, and will she assure me that the Government’s SEND reform proposals will fully recognise the vital role of specialist colleges and the need for sustainable funding, so that every young person who can benefit from a specialist college placement has access to one?
Context
The Nido Volans Centre in Helen Hayes' constituency provides education and training on independent living and employability skills for young people with special educational needs. It is part of Natspec’s The Power of Specialist FE Awareness Week.
The Minister for School Standards (Georgia Gould)
I should very much like to celebrate this week, and I agree about the importance of access to specialist colleges and helping children into work. I have visited specialist providers and seen how proud headteachers are to be helping children into supported internships and helping them with their next steps. They are doing incredibly important work. Our schools White Paper examines how we can help children with special educational needs to thrive into adulthood.
Session: SEND Funding
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My Committee’s recent report on further education and skills highlights the poor amount of information on vocational and technical training opportunities, including apprenticeships, available to young people while they are in school. We recommend that UCAS be expanded to provide a single portal for information on academic, vocational and technical opportunities, so that every young person is aware of how they can train in the skills that they need to access a good job. Will the Secretary of State consider this recommendation, and work with the Department for Education to deliver it?
Context
The MP references the Committee's report on further education and skills, which highlights the poor availability of information on vocational and technical training opportunities.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Pat McFadden)
I welcome that question, as my hon. Friend raises a very important point. If we are going to have equal status for higher education and apprenticeship routes, we should look at how the information about them is disseminated to potential applicants. I hope that she will be pleased to hear that I have already asked the Department to begin work in this area.
Session: Post-16 Education Skills Needed in the Economy
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One of the biggest challenges affecting the delivery of support for children with special educational needs and disabilities is the extent of local authority funding deficits. They are currently dealt with through the statutory override, which allows local authorities to set a balanced budget without accounting for their SEND deficits. Given that the statutory override expires in March 2026, does the Secretary of State agree that a White Paper in autumn 2025 provides far too little time for the Government to implement meaningful change without extending the override further, and when does she expect local authorities to be able to have the certainty that they need to plan for the coming financial year?
Context
The statutory override that allows local authorities to set a balanced budget without accounting for their SEND deficits expires in March 2026.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
I agree that in addition to longer-term reform, which the White Paper will deliver, it is imperative that we take action now in order to make sure that the school system better caters for children with a wide range of needs. That is why we have invested £740 million to support councils to create more specialist provision in mainstream schools. I have seen some fantastic examples right across the country, and we need to see more. On the precise question about the statutory override, we want to make sure that councils are better supported through the process, and we will set out our position very soon.
Session: SEND Support Children without an EHCP
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Across London, 90,000 children are living in temporary accommodation, denied the essentials of a stable home. This has terrible consequences for their physical and mental health and education. When does the Secretary of State believe that we will begin to see those numbers drop substantially?
Context
90,000 children are living in temporary accommodation across London due to the previous Conservative Government's policies.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
We have invested almost £1 billion in tackling homelessness and rough sleeping. We recognise the scandal of temporary accommodation inherited from the previous government. A cross-Government strategy is being developed to address this issue.
Session: Topical Questions
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Helen Hayes highlighted that blaming parents and GPs for an increase in SEND diagnoses is both inaccurate and insulting, urging the Secretary of State to focus on listening to parents and professionals rather than denigrating them.
Context
The crisis in the SEND system causes distress to families, professionals, and educators. Helen Hayes criticized certain political figures for blaming GPs and parents for increased diagnoses.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
Bridget Phillipson agreed that blaming parents and GPs is irresponsible, highlighting the distress caused by such comments. She praised Helen Hayes's committee work on SEND inquiries and reaffirmed her government's focus on better outcomes through collaboration with stakeholders.
Session: SEND Funding
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The deep crisis in our SEND system, which is one of both funding and delivery, is letting down far too many children, and requires urgent action. Will the Minister update the House on the timing of the Government’s plans for SEND, and provide assurances that there will be full engagement with parents, professionals and young people with SEND on any such plans?
Context
The MP highlights the deep crisis in the SEND system, which involves both funding and delivery issues.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
We recognise the unprecedented pressures that local authorities are under and that the system does not currently deliver the best education possible for families, who want the best for their children, as quickly or thoroughly as it should. We will be announcing more details of reform plans this year. We consult continuously with families, representatives of families and local authorities, and we will work closely with my hon. Friend’s Committee.
Session: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Funding
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We know that good quality early years education can play a significant role in closing the disadvantage gap, yet the Government have inherited a situation in which families who live in disadvantaged areas are the least likely to be able to access good quality childcare. How will the Secretary of State ensure that access to good quality childcare and early years education is at the heart of the Government's child poverty strategy?
Context
Families living in disadvantaged areas have the least likelihood of accessing quality childcare, raising concerns about child poverty.
Bridget Phillipson
I agree strongly, and that is why, alongside additional investment, there must be reform. We will make sure that the areas that my hon. Friend identifies are addressed. I look forward to discussing them in front of the Select Committee before too long.
Session: Topical Questions
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The additional £1 billion in the Budget for SEND support is very welcome, but what discussions is the Minister having with the Treasury and MHCLG on a plan to prevent the end of the statutory override from becoming a cliff-edge financial calamity?
Context
Concerns about the end of the statutory override for dedicated schools grants in March 2026, potentially impacting local authorities' ability to fund SEND support.
Catherine McKinnell
High-needs funding will increase by almost £1 billion in 2025-26, bringing total high-needs funding to £11.9 billion. We will continue to support local authorities to meet those demands and reform our system.
Session: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
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The early years sector faces significant challenges in delivering the roll-out of the expanded childcare offer promised by the last Government. The sector consistently cites the inability to recruit and retain staff as the biggest difficulty. Can the Minister confirm when the Government plan to publish the promised workforce strategy for the early years, and what opportunities there will be for the sector to have its say?
Context
The early years sector faces challenges in delivering childcare promised by previous government policies.
Stephen Morgan
I thank my hon. Friend for all her hard work while in opposition on these important issues. This Government see early education as more than just childcare; it is central to our mission to give every child the best start in life.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps she is taking to help improve educational outcomes for (a) children in social care and (b) other care-experienced young people.
Context
The drop-out rate from university for care-experienced students is 38%, compared with just 6% for non-care-experienced young people. This highlights a significant disparity in educational success.
Janet Daby
I thank my hon. Friend for all the work that she has done in standing up for children in social care in recent years. We will champion the ambitions of all children and ensure that background is no barrier to success. In our children's wellbeing Bill, we will set out our plans to raise standards for all children in social care and will ensure that they are supported to thrive.
Session: Children in Care Educational Outcomes
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What steps she is taking to help improve educational outcomes for children in social care and other care-experienced young people, given that the drop-out rate from university for care-experienced students is 38%, compared with just 6% for non-care-experienced young people. As thousands of students are arriving at university for the first time this week, what steps is the Minister taking to ensure there is a consistent package of support for care-experienced students at every university?
Context
The drop-out rate from university for care-experienced students is 38%, compared with just 6% for non-care-experienced young people. This highlights a significant disparity in educational success.
Janet Daby
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and the passion with which it was delivered. I recently spoke to members of a children and young people's advisory group, who told me about some of the challenges they face at university. In some cases, they had not even been informed about the option of university, which is quite shocking. We are committed to providing the best university experience for care leavers. Access to higher education should be based on ability and attainment, not background, but too many children across our country do not get the chance to succeed. The previous Government could have done much more. We will act to address the persistent gaps when it comes to access and positive outcomes for care-experienced young people. We have issued guidance to universities on supporting care-experienced young people and introduced statutory financial support, including a £2,000 bursary.
Session: Children in Care Educational Outcomes
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Goods exports to the European Union are still 11% lower than in 2019. Can the Minister confirm that, in seeking to grow the UK economy, the Government will take an evidence-based approach to the UK's trading relationship with our nearest neighbours, and will take all possible measures to remove the barriers to trade that are holding our country back?
Context
Goods exports to the European Union are still 11% lower than in 2019, before the Brexit agreement took effect.
Douglas Alexander
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and her observation on the character of trade in recent years. There has been better performance on services than on goods, but she is absolutely right to recognise the fall in goods trade with the European Union. Overall trade since 2018 has essentially flatlined.
Session: UK-EU Trade
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For communities mourning the loss of young people to knife crime, can you confirm that penalties for selling these weapons illegally will be substantial and apply personally to executives at retail outlets?
Context
Communities are mourning the loss of young people to knife crime; there is a commitment to ban ninja swords, machetes, and similar weapons.
Diana R. Johnson
The Government have a manifesto commitment to ban ninja swords and other weapons and will bring it forward as soon as possible; ensuring lethal blades are no longer available for purchase or sale is a key priority.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Secretary of State admit just how profoundly the Tories have failed our young people, and acknowledge that only a Labour Government can restore hope and opportunity for young people across this country?
Context
The Conservative Government cut local authority expenditure on youth services by 73% in real terms since 2010. This has a profound impact on young people's opportunities.
Lucy Frazer
In addition to the £500 million in the national youth guarantee, which is supporting young people across the country, we are approaching youth in a cross-departmental way.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given Coram's findings and the lack of reference to disabled children in recent statements, is the Secretary of State really confident that every eligible family with a disabled child can access childcare places?
Context
Coram's 2024 childcare survey found that only 6% of local authorities are confident in having enough childcare places for disabled children. The April expansion should ensure that every eligible family with a disabled child has access to a place.
Gillian Keegan
Local authorities have a statutory duty to provide places for all children, including those with SEND. We are working with organisations like Dingley's Promise to review inclusion and encourage providers to consider offering more places.
Session: Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
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There is an increasing incidence of bowel cancer among younger patients, such as my constituent Emily, who received a late diagnosis after many months of attending her GP with iron deficiency anaemia. Younger patients often report that bowel cancer was dismissed as a possibility by their GP because of their age, and that symptoms such as iron deficiency anaemia are not taken seriously enough and are not included currently on the list of commons symptoms on the NHS website. What is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that NHS guidelines and practice are fit for purpose for younger patients, who far too often receive a late diagnosis of bowel cancer?
Context
There is an increasing incidence of bowel cancer among younger patients, with many receiving late diagnoses. The NHS website does not include iron deficiency anaemia in the list of common symptoms.
Andrew Stephenson
The hon. Lady makes an important point. As part of the NHS long-term plan, we have an ambition to diagnose 75% of all stageable cancers at stage 1 or 2 by 2028. That means that we need to make significant improvements on the harder-to-detect cancers such as bowel cancer. We are working across systems to deliver those improvements, not only with better screening programmes, but by improving patient pathways. However, I am more than happy to meet her if she wants to have a further conversation specifically about bowel cancer.
Session: Topical Questions
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Staff and volunteers at Norwood and Brixton food banks are responding to the highest level of need ever seen. Despite this, why does the Minister think that food bank reliance is continuing to rise? What measures are being taken by the Government to end the need for food banks in the UK?
Context
The question addresses the high level of food bank usage in the constituency despite being one of the richest countries. Staff and volunteers at local food banks report an unprecedented demand.
Jo Churchill
Reasons for using food banks are complex. The Government provides support through cost of living payments, household support fund running hundreds of millions of pounds, rising national living wage, reduced national insurance, and local housing allowance helping 1.6 million low-income households.
Session: Cost of Living Food Banks
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The Minister can update the House on the Buckland review of autism employment. The review was instigated in April 2023, with a report to be published shortly online.
Context
Anglesey has an active autism parents' group and a coach named Ryan Gibbs who supports autistic children.
Mel Stride
The Buckland review will conclude relatively shortly, with a report being published online. I look forward to visiting her disability jobs fair in Holyhead at the end of this week.
Session: Topical Questions
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. The third instalment of the £900 cost of living payments is starting to reach 8 million low-income households tomorrow, and the disability action plan will be published soon. I am concerned about local authorities' uncertainty regarding future funding for the household support fund after March 31.
Context
The Department for Work and Pensions has been active in supporting low-income households through cost of living payments.
Mel Stride
Ten million payments have been made through the HSF since its inception, and £1 billion has been put into the fund in the last year. The Chancellor is responsible for confirming future funding after March 31.
Session: Topical Questions
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With just over two months to go until the start of the expanded offer for two-year-olds, the Government's plans for early years education and childcare are in complete chaos, with nurseries and childminders across the country still waiting to have their funding rates for April confirmed. How can the Minister expect providers to confirm places with parents when they do not even know what they will be paid? Does he agree with the chief executive of the Early Years Alliance that this is yet another example from this Government of announce first and do the thinking afterwards?
Context
With two months until the start of the expanded offer for two-year-olds, nurseries and childminders are still waiting to have their funding rates confirmed.
David Johnston
I think the hon. Lady knows that the reason providers do not have their rates at the moment is that local authorities have not informed them of their rates. We published the rates in November and it is up to local authorities to tell their providers. Where they do not have those rates, that is the reason. It is yet another example of where the Labour party hopes that if it snipes enough from the sidelines, no one will notice that it has no plan whatever for childcare.
Session: Early Years Education
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This week, the head of the National Audit Office told Parliament that between £4 billion and £8 billion of annual efficiencies could be achieved by better use of competition. When so many areas of our public services are on their knees and would benefit from that funding, can the Secretary of State set out what steps he is taking to stop this colossal waste of taxpayers' money?
Context
The National Audit Office highlighted inefficiencies in procurement worth between £4 billion and £8 billion annually.
Alex Burghart
Better competition and better procurement are at the heart of the Procurement Act 2023, which creates a world-leading framework for the good use of public money.
Session: Topical Questions
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When will the Government act to rebuild public confidence and ensure that necessary measures are taken to prevent a similar tragedy happening in future?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of urgency in addressing various issues raised by the Grenfell tragedy, including site resolution and safety measures.
Alex Burghart
The then Prime Minister announced the inquiry immediately after the event, and huge actions have been taken to provide compensation for people. No qualifying leaseholder living in a building above 11 metres will face costs for remediation of unsafe cladding.
Session: Grenfell Tower Inquiry
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What recent discussions has he had with the chair of the Grenfell Tower inquiry on the timetable for publication of the phase 2 report?
Context
The MP is concerned about the ongoing inquiry into the Grenfell tragedy, specifically regarding delays in the publication of phase 2 report.
Alex Burghart
The Grenfell Tower inquiry is a statutory inquiry established under the Inquiries Act 2005. Under the Act, the drafting of an inquiry's final report and the timing of that process are rightly matters for the independent inquiry chair. The newsletter published in November confirmed that the report will not be published before April next year but hopes to send it to the Prime Minister before the next anniversary of the fire with publication soon thereafter.
Session: Grenfell Tower Inquiry
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Does the Secretary of State agree that this uncertainty about Government funding for educational psychology training is unacceptable, and when does she expect it to be resolved?
Context
Trainees for September 2024 have been left in limbo due to delays in confirming available funding. The number of educational psychologists has fallen since 2010.
Gillian Keegan
We announced in November 2022 that a further £21 million was going to be spent to train more than 400 educational psychologists.
Session: Pupils with SEN and Disabilities
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As the Minister rightly said, under-age vaping has increased by 50% in just the past three years. Ministers had an opportunity to act during the passage of the Health and Care Act 2022 but did not support a Labour amendment to prohibit branding that appeals to children. Does the Minister regret this? When will new legislation be brought forward?
Context
Vaping among young people has increased, with one in five children trying a vape in 2023. The number of youth experimenting with vapes has tripled over the past three years.
Andrea Leadsom
The Government have brought forward a consultation on our tobacco and vapes Bill, which closes tomorrow. We will introduce legislation as soon as possible in the new year.
Session: Vaping Young People
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What steps are being taken to help reduce vaping among young people? In 2023, one in five children tried a vape and the number trying vapes has tripled in the last three years. Ministers had an opportunity during the passage of the Health and Care Act 2022 but did not act then.
Context
Vaping by young people has increased, with one in five children trying a vape in 2023. The number of youth experimenting with vapes has tripled over the past three years.
Andrea Leadsom
Our tobacco and vapes Bill restricts the appeal and availability of vapes for children. The consultation closes tomorrow, and we will introduce legislation as soon as possible in the new year.
Session: Vaping Young People
View All Questions -->
When does the Minister expect the plans that the Government have announced for SEND to make a difference to the long waiting times and lack of support experienced by so many families across the country?
Context
The Secretary of State described the SEND system over which her Government have been presiding for the last 13 years as costing a fortune without providing the right service.
David Johnston
We have already begun the reform programme and have just launched the nine change partnerships, which are already starting to make a difference to the provision. I would just say to the hon. Lady that this is yet another area where the Labour party has absolutely no policies whatsoever.
Session: SEND Provision
View All Questions -->
The Minister will know, although he unaccountably did not tell us, that there was precisely no new onshore wind in England in the recent AR5. The Minister claims that the latest compromised wording, which he alluded to, will lift the ban on onshore wind, but he knows really that that is not so and he knows what the industry has been saying about it and why it will not invest for the future. The result is no new onshore wind getting built in the medium-term, higher bills for families and less energy security for the country.
Context
The question arises from the recent allocation round, which saw no new onshore wind projects in England. The Minister claims that recent changes to national planning policy will lift the ban on onshore wind.
Graham Stuart
As I have just said, we announced changes as recently as 5 September. Like the hon. Gentleman, I look forward to a positive future for onshore wind in England, as well as in the rest of the United Kingdom.
Session: Onshore Wind Industry
View All Questions -->
What steps she is taking to help develop the onshore wind industry in England. The Government have failed to properly lift the ban on onshore wind, while bending over backwards to support expensive new oilfields and even giving billions in tax breaks for those polluting projects. That ban has already added hundreds of pounds to people's bills, undermining the investment we need in the cheapest form of energy, and cost thousands of good green jobs.
Context
The question arises from the perceived need to lift the ban on onshore wind in England to support energy security and reduce costs.
Graham Stuart
More than 15 GW of onshore wind are deployed in the UK. In our allocation round 5 just the other day, we secured 1.7 GW of onshore wind capacity; allocation round 4 secured 1.5 GW. It is extraordinary: an industry—domestic UK oil and gas—has lower emissions than the alternative from abroad and employs 200,000 people, every one of whose jobs is at risk if the Labour party ever gets into power. Labour Members are suggesting that there is a negative fiscal impact, when that industry is expected to contribute £50 billion over the next five years.
Session: Onshore Wind Industry
View All Questions -->
Last month the UN's world food programme announced the cessation of food aid in Ethiopia following the large-scale diversion of supplies. The UN has this week estimated that 8.8 million people in northern Ethiopia are in need of food aid, and severe malnutrition has increased by 196% over the past year. Will the Minister set out what the Government are doing to respond to this desperate humanitarian crisis?
Context
The UN's world food programme announced the cessation of food aid due to large-scale diversion. 8.8 million people are in need.
Andrew Mitchell
We are working incredibly closely with the UN agencies, in particular the World Food Programme. We are conscious of, have investigated, and I think have now dealt with the issue of food being stolen. We announced recently that we would spend £143 million on humanitarian support in the horn of Africa.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Earlier this year I visited healthcare facilities supported by Medical Aid for Palestinians in the west bank. This week it has taken the unprecedented step of providing bulletproof vests and helmets to medical workers due to an increase in attacks. Can the Minister set out what assurances he has received from the Israeli authorities?
Context
The MP raised concerns about healthcare workers facing increased attacks, calling for assurances that access to medical care is allowed according to international law.
David Rutley
Lord Ahmad did meet the Israeli official and talked through the importance of this matter. As the hon. Lady rightly highlights, international humanitarian law requires military forces to allow medical access in order to evacuate and treat the wounded. We are always urging Israel to live up to those important requirements.
Session: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
View All Questions -->
Across the early years sector, nurseries and childminders are raising concerns that the Government have no coherent plan for the expansion of the early years workforce to meet the requirements of an expanded offer. The only ideas on the table so far are the relaxation of ratios and a reduction in the proportion of level 2 qualified staff—plans that the Sutton Trust has found could lead to worse outcomes for children. Why are this Government so uninterested in the quality of childcare and the outcomes that high-quality early years education delivers for children?
Context
Childcare providers are concerned about the lack of a coherent plan for expanding the early years workforce.
Claire Coutinho
The Government care about education standards. That is seen across every single result across the board, whether reading or maths results. It is this Government who care about education standards. Over 90% of our early years providers are rated good or outstanding. We will do everything we can to keep them that way.
Session: Childcare
View All Questions -->
As inflation impacts local authority budgets, planning departments are becoming especially squeezed. Councils are meant to approve big planning applications within 13 weeks, but over the last year only 19% have been approved in that timeframe, down from 57% ten years ago. What can he do to improve funding for local council planning departments?
Context
Inflation impacts on local authority budgets have squeezed planning departments, with only 19% of big planning applications approved within the required 13-week timeframe.
Lee Rowley
Challenges exist in this area, and the Minister of State is aware and seeking to address them. The NSIP action plan aims to speed up projects and decisions within nationally significant infrastructure programmes.
Session: Local Authorities Long-term Funding
View All Questions -->
What discussions has he had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on long-term funding for local authorities? Local authorities have lost £15 billion of funding since 2010, as the Government have sought to outsource both the pain and the blame for their punishing approach to the public finances, with only a fraction allocated back on a piecemeal, time-limited and ad hoc basis. The reality is that it is increasingly difficult to deliver all services local residents rely on.
Context
Local authorities have faced significant financial challenges, including a £15 billion loss in funding since 2010. This question addresses the government's responsibility to provide long-term solutions.
Lee Rowley
Difficult decisions were taken after 2010 due to Labour's failure. Additional funding for local government in this financial year demonstrates an understanding of the challenges, but hard choices and trade-offs are still required.
Session: Local Authorities Long-term Funding
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
World Book Day — [Wera Hobhouse in the Chair]
05 March 2026
Responding: Olivia Bailey
Main Concerns
['Helen Hayes is concerned about the declining number of children reading for pleasure, with just one in three children and young people aged eight to 18 saying they enjoy reading in their free time, a decrease of a third since 2005. Girls are significantly more likely to read for pleasure than boys, with 39% of girls aged eight to 18 enjoying reading compared to 26% of boys. The decline in reading for pleasure is also worse in England compared to the international average. Barriers to reading for pleasure include an increase in recreational screen use, an overcrowded curriculum, cuts to library services and school libraries, a lack of a quiet reading environment, and a decline in reading among adults.']
Specific Asks
["Helen Hayes asks the Government to address the decline in reading for pleasure by promoting reading as a social activity, ensuring inclusive and accessible texts for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and supporting initiatives that connect reading to children's interests."]
Inner-London Local Authorities: Funding — [Dr Andrew Murrison in the Chair]
10 February 2026
Responding: Alison McGovern
Main Concerns
['The hon. Member is concerned about the significant cuts to local authority funding in inner London, which has led to a reduction of 60% in grant funding from central government over the past decade. She highlights rising service costs due to an ageing population and increased demand for social care, special education needs services, and temporary accommodation. The hon. Member also mentions that Southwark council spends £5 million per day on temporary accommodation for those who cannot afford stable housing.']
Specific Asks
['The hon. Member asks the government to increase the subsidy for temporary accommodation costs closer to actual housing expenses, raise the rate of local housing allowance, and consider removing the cap on recovery grants for Lambeth council to provide additional funding. She also requests the government to ensure that social housing sites are viable and deliver new homes at pace.']
Children’s Social Care
30 October 2025
Responding: Josh MacAlister
Main Concerns
['The inquiry found that the children’s social care system is under intense pressure due to funding erosion combined with increasing need. The number of looked-after children has risen by over 20% in the past decade, standing at 83,630 in 70 per 10,000 children in the population in 2024. There is a severe shortage of foster care placements and local authorities are increasingly reliant on private residential providers.']
Specific Asks
['The report recommended that the Department publish a national sufficiency strategy for reducing out-of-area placements and introduce a fostering strategy including a national register of foster carers, but these recommendations have not been fully committed to by the government.']
Lobular Breast Cancer — [Valerie Vaz in the Chair]
10 December 2024
Responding: Karin Smyth
Main Concerns
["Heather Cripps was diagnosed with stage 4 invasive lobular breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially treated as a musculoskeletal issue before her back pain worsened. Lobular breast cancer accounts for 15% of all breast cancers in the UK, with 22 women diagnosed daily. It does not cause lumps and is often invisible on mammograms, leading to late diagnosis which impacts survival rates negatively. Dr Susan Michaelis's experience highlights that lobular breast cancer has no specific treatments. The Manchester Breast Centre proposes £20 million over five years for Lobular Moon Shot funding to understand the pathology of lobular cancer."]
Specific Asks
["The Minister is asked to investigate why there are few targeted programmes for diagnosing, researching and treating lobular breast cancer; ensure it remains a priority in the Government's women's health strategy; address lack of information on mammograms for non-lump changes; educate primary care doctors on symptoms; establish specific follow-up pathways for lobular patients; support Manchester Breast Centre's £20 million Lobular Moon Shot funding proposal."]
LGBT+ People and Spouses: Social Care
12 September 2023
Responding: Neil O'Brien
Main Concerns
["The MP highlighted the case of her constituent Ted Brown and his late partner Noel Glynn, who suffered homophobic abuse in a care home despite being civil partners. The couple was awarded £30,000 in compensation after a court ruling, but the damage had already been done. She cited a report by Compassion in Care that documented 486 cases of homophobic abuse in care settings, with many providers still rated as 'good' by the CQC despite these incidents."]
Specific Asks
["The MP asked the Minister what progress has been made since the publication of the LGBT action plan five years ago and requested actions to protect LGBTQ+ residents in social care. She specifically asked for measures to ensure that gathering experiences from LGBTQ+ residents is part of standard CQC inspections, preventing abuse-rated care homes from continuing their 'good' status, and expanding Pride in Care standards."]
Covid-19 Pandemic: Royal Mail Services — [Rushanara Ali in the Chair]
19 April 2022
Responding: Paul Scully
Main Concerns
["Postal workers in Helen Hayes' constituency have faced significant issues due to the closure of the SE22 delivery office, leading to unreliable postal services. Since 2018, residents in SE22 have experienced delays and missed deliveries during peak periods or adverse weather conditions. The impact on constituents has been severe, with medical appointments missed, legal documents lost, and businesses like magazine publishers facing threats to their viability due to unreliable service. Citizens Advice estimates that 16.5 million customers were hit by letter delays in January 2021, and 15 million during the festive period of 2021-22."]
Specific Asks
['Hayes asks for meaningful public consultation on delivery office closures, an independent analysis of local service impact before any closure can take place, more granular performance data reporting at the level of local postcodes, a review of the universal service obligation to ensure regulatory action in breaches, and a full assessment by Ofcom of postal product affordability.']
Reform of the Mental Health Act: White Paper
16 June 2021
Responding: Nadine Dorries
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about racial disparities in mental health services, highlighting that black people are four times more likely to be sectioned than white people. They also point out that for every one white person diagnosed with schizophrenia, 4.7 black people and 2.4 Asian people are diagnosed. Additionally, the experience of racism has been linked to increased likelihood of developing mental health problems. The MP is worried about whether proposed reforms will address these inequalities.']
Specific Asks
["The MP asks for a commitment from the Minister to expedite the implementation of Seni's law and to fund advocacy services for children and young people who are admitted as mental health in-patients, whether by formal or informal routes. They also seek assurance that out-of-area placements for children and young people will be avoided."]
Covid-19: Social Care — [Derek Twigg in the Chair]
22 April 2021
Responding: Helen Whately
Main Concerns
['The speaker is concerned about the devastating impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the social care sector. She cites figures such as 40% of all deaths from covid-19 being care home residents between March and June 2020, with an additional 12,000 deaths since January 2021. The speaker also highlights the challenges faced by social care workers, including lack of access to PPE and testing, and the mental health impacts on staff due to high mortality rates among residents.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP calls for a public inquiry with a separate strand on social care to learn lessons for future pandemics. She urges the Government to start cross-party talks on long-term reform and ensure co-production in the process. Additionally, she asks the Minister to urgently commit to increasing pay for social care workers.']
Royal Mail: South-east London
03 November 2020
Responding: Paul Scully
Main Concerns
['Postal workers in East Dulwich have faced significant challenges due to the closure of their local delivery office, leading to unreliable services. Constituents have missed hospital appointments, important documents like death certificates, and critical financial items such as bank cards and cheques. The lack of a fit-for-purpose replacement facility has resulted in delays and failures during peak times, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.']
Specific Asks
["The MP asks for a review of Royal Mail's regulation to ensure accountability when services fail. She requests reinstatement of a delivery office in SE22 and wants action against unilateral closures without demonstrating service sustainability. The MP also questions the suitability of absentee executives and excessive executive payments, advocating for postal workers' support over profits."]
Full name of the bill being debated - Which clause or amendment is being debated
10 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The reasoned amendment tabled by the official Opposition has been selected. The amendment aims to introduce significant changes to the bill to address issues related to [specific issue], highlighting ...
Jaguar Land Rover: Redundancies
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Education and Skills Reform
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
25 June 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
Windrush Day is on 22 June, commemorating the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in 1948. The debate highlights the contributions of the Windrush generation to British society while also addressing the li...
Thames Water
16 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Social Media Ban for Under-16s
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Digital Safety: Children
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water Companies
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Children’s Social Care: Enduring Relationships Strategy
04 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Education Bill - After Clause 62 - Prohibition of smartphones during the school day
22 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to insist on Commons amendment 38J and disagrees with Lords amendments 38V to 38X. The amendment aims to prohibit the use of smartphones during the school day, aiming to protect children from on...
Tenant Management Organisations and the Right to Manage
08 July 2026
The petition addresses the poor management of the Loughborough Estate by a tenant management organisation that has lost its democratic mandate and fails to provide adequate services despite receiving ...
View Full Petition -->
Umana Yana restaurant in Herne Hill
03 April 2025
The petition highlights the disruption faced by Umana Yana, an independent restaurant in Herne Hill, due to telecommunication boxes placed outside its premises, causing a significant decline in footfa...
View Full Petition -->
Umana Yana restaurant in Herne Hill
12 February 2025
The petition addresses the detrimental impact on Umana Yana, a long-standing Guyanese restaurant in Herne Hill run by Deborah Monfries and her family, due to the installation of large telecommunicatio...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
79.8%
75 of 94 votes
Aye Votes
27
28.7% of votes
No Votes
48
51.1% of votes
Abstentions
19
20.2% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
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 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
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
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
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 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
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: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
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 AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
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
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
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 NO
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
8
PMQs Asked
98
Ministerial Questions Asked
198
House of Commons Debates Involved
9
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
3
Petitions Presented
94
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
+119% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+631% above average
This MP:
98
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+258% above average
This MP:
9
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3974% above average
This MP:
198
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+22% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+16% above average
This MP:
79.8
Average:
68.8
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 Helen Hayes's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.