Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Lab
10 Jun 1999 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Will the Government support the call from the Huntington's disease community for better access to mental health services, care co-ordinators in every area and specific National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance?
Context
Huntington's disease affects the ability to walk, talk, eat and make decisions. It has a 50% chance of being inherited by children.
Oliver Dowden
We have significantly increased investment in mental health. I am happy to arrange meetings with Department of Health Ministers to discuss this matter further.
Assessment
Specific request for care co-ordinators and NICE guidance not addressed
Session: PMQs
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Some 4.5 million people pay for their gas and electricity through a prepayment meter. They are already paying more for their energy than direct debit customers, and the number of people who are disconnecting themselves because they have run out of money for the meter is increasing. What is the Prime Minister going to do to ensure that all our constituents have a right to light and warmth?
Context
4.5 million people pay for their gas and electricity through a prepayment meter, with the number of disconnections increasing due to financial constraints.
Boris Johnson
We are working with Ofgem and all the companies to protect people at this difficult time. We have given £0.5 billion more to councils to support those who find it particularly tough, including through cold weather payments and winter fuel payments.
Assessment
Specific measures for prepayment meter users
General Commitment Without Specifics
Session: PMQs
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What is the Government's plan to help those without a job, income, or savings who are in urgent need of food? What steps will be taken to ensure no family goes hungry?
Context
Applications for universal credit have increased significantly and measures to help self-employed individuals will take time to implement.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
We have already increased universal credit, and we are giving an immediate grant of £500 million to local councils to help those in urgent need. There will be more support coming.
Session: PMQs
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I will gladly write to the hon. Gentleman to set out the veterans’ organisations that the Government, the Defence Secretary, the Minister for the Armed Forces and I have engaged with in drawing up those protections, and I have already indicated to the House the groups that we will continue to talk to as we take that work forward.
Context
The Government is reviewing veterans' rights and protections. Hilary Benn has previously engaged with the Government on this issue.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
I will gladly write to the hon. Gentleman to set out the veterans’ organisations that the Government, the Defence Secretary, the Minister for the Armed Forces and I have engaged with in drawing up those protections, and I have already indicated to the House the groups that we will continue to talk to as we take that work forward.
Session: Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023
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I am concerned about the continuing legacy of the troubles affecting institutions. The Act ends civil cases and inquests in seven days, despite widespread opposition. Does the Secretary of State believe confidence will be affected by the commission's legal challenges to coroners' disclosures?
Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 will end all civil cases and inquests related to the troubles on a specific date. Families have been denied information for years.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The Secretary of State believes that people can use the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) in good faith when it opens on 1 May. He cited Denis Bradley, former co-chair of the Consultative Group on the Past, who stated that those involved with ICRIR are good people and that anything helping some people get out of the legacy 'swamp' is positive.
Session: Devolved Institutions Northern Ireland
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UK's successful bid to host 2028 Euros with Ireland is a fantastic opportunity. However, Executive have yet to invite tenders three years before deadline. Given this delay, how does Secretary of State intend to honour the guarantee that all partners will provide money for stadium construction?
Context
The question addresses the status of stadium construction for the 2028 UEFA European Football Championship, specifically Casement Park.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I am passionate about football, really want to see Euro games played at Casement Park, but latest costs are significantly higher than a year ago. Any taxpayer contribution needs value-for-money basis; no blank cheque here yet due to lack of contractor appointment.
Session: Devolved Institutions Northern Ireland
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Will the deadline be extended to ensure inquests that would otherwise stop can continue?
Context
There is uncertainty about the impact of the High Court ruling on future actions under the Act.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The judgment will take time to consider carefully. We remain committed to implementing the legacy Act, including delivering the ICRIR.
Session: Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation
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What do Ministers intend to do about the judgment, given its implications for the Act?
Context
The High Court found that the Act's immunity provisions are not compliant with articles 2 and 3 of the European convention.
Chris Heaton-Harris
This is a complex case that will likely head to higher courts. We remain committed to implementing the legacy Act.
Session: Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation
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I am grateful for that clarification. The absence of the Executive and the failure to sort out the urgent question of public sector pay is going to result in the biggest strike in Northern Ireland for many years tomorrow. Some workers have not had a pay rise for almost three years—that is not sustainable. As we await the restoration of the institutions, the party leaders and indeed the head of the civil service in Northern Ireland have all called on the Secretary of State to release the money for pay, which he has said is available. Will he now do so, so that public sector workers in Northern Ireland can get the pay increase they deserve?
Context
Public sector workers in Northern Ireland are set to go on strike due to a lack of a pay rise for almost three years. Leaders and the head of civil service have called on the Secretary of State to release available money for pay increases.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I am acutely aware of the industrial action scheduled for tomorrow and the detrimental impact it will have on public services. I hear the call from the right hon. Gentleman and others to step in, but let me put this into a slightly different context. Public sector pay is devolved to Northern Ireland, and he will know that, as I mentioned earlier, this Parliament set the budget for Northern Ireland this year, with primary legislation.
Session: Restoration of Power Sharing
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Now that the talks have concluded, with the House having voted overwhelmingly to support the Windsor framework back in March, Labour Members stand by our commitment to implement it if we were to be in government, and we support the efforts the Government are making to restore the institutions. Furthermore, it is worth pointing out that there would be no prospect of negotiating with the European Union further arrangements of benefit to Northern Ireland if the UK were to renege, again, on an international agreement it has signed. Will the Secretary of State confirm that if the Executive are not restored by tomorrow evening, he will need to bring forward legislation to postpone the elections?
Context
Following the conclusion of talks on the Windsor framework, there is a deadline for restoring the Northern Irish Executive. The House voted in March to support the framework.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question and for his affirmation of the work done on the Windsor framework. Obviously, I will be doing everything I can to ensure that it is not a Labour Government who come in to do any of this in the future. However, he is right to say that as of midnight on Thursday—tomorrow night—I will need to bring in primary legislation, because a duty falls on me to call an election for the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Session: Restoration of Power Sharing
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Will you agree that there should be a review post-flood events for learning lessons, including setting up a warning system and better defences? If not feasible by the civil service, will the Secretary of State establish such a review?
Context
The importance of a restored Executive to deal with matters like flood protection was emphasized.
Steven Baker
I agree that a review is necessary. It is possible for the Northern Ireland civil service to undertake this work under current powers, but if not, I will write to confirm.
Session: Flood Recovery Funding
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Traders are expecting to see the allocated money spent promptly. Given the absence of the Executive, will there be a review of the current flood warning system and better defences? Does the Northern Ireland civil service have the authority to establish such a review?
Context
The need for a review to learn lessons from recent flooding events was highlighted.
Steven Baker
A review is indeed needed. It is possible for the Northern Ireland civil service to undertake this work under current powers. If it transpires they cannot, I will write to the right hon. Gentleman and place a copy of the letter in the Library.
Session: Flood Recovery Funding
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I am concerned about the steps being taken by my Department to help restore power sharing in Northern Ireland. The lack of a functioning devolved government means there are direct consequences for its people, evidenced by the highest waiting lists in the UK which would not be tolerated elsewhere. In the absence of a restoration of power sharing, there needs to be a plan B—what is it?
Context
The highest waiting lists for healthcare in the UK are in Northern Ireland due to a lack of a functioning devolved government.
Chris Heaton-Harris
My focus remains on resolving issues so that the DUP can return to Stormont and get the Executive up and running. There are myriad options available, but none is as ideal as having Stormont functioning.
Session: Restoration of Power Sharing
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The Secretary of State knows that there are concerns in the Unionist community about unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses trading with Great Britain. The Government said last month they are committed to this and these arrangements will be enshrined in domestic legislation. Can he tell the House when that legislation will be introduced?
Context
Unionist concerns about unfettered access for Northern Ireland businesses trading with Great Britain have been raised.
Chris Heaton-Harris
Hopefully in very short order, dependent on making sure we have got it exactly right so it answers questions and allows Stormont and the Executive to re-form.
Session: Restoration of Power Sharing
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The UN high seas treaty is a landmark for conservation. Will the Foreign Secretary assure the House that the Government will look to adopt and ratify it as quickly as possible?
Context
The UN high seas treaty is a landmark for conservation.
Andrew Mitchell (Minister of State for Africa)
Unless I am advised otherwise, the answer is an emphatic yes.
Session: Topical Questions
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One risk to net zero is the delay in grid connections due to speculative applications without planning permission that clog the queue but never get approval. What can be done to fix this issue?
Context
The Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee highlighted a problem with speculative applications for grid connections, which do not yet have planning permission and often never get it. These are clogging up the queuing system, posing risks to achieving net zero.
Graham Stuart
The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right; Nick Winser is working on the transmission system and will report next month. We are coming up with a connections plan later this year to work with Ofgem, making sure that projects clogging the queue but not delivered get weeded out, while ensuring deliverable projects get prioritised.
Session: Net Zero Goals Local Authorities
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Since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, nearly 10 times more new jobs have been created in the US green economy compared to the UK's in the past seven years. British business wants a proper response to IRA. Is not the biggest danger that Britain being left behind as others speed ahead?
Context
US companies have announced over 100,000 new jobs in the past seven months due to IRA.
Graham Stuart
The UK's energy efficiency figures have improved from 14% to about 50%, and renewable electricity figures from 7% to about 50%. The rest of the world is playing catch-up.
Session: Clean Energy Technologies Private Sector Investment
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At a meeting in Leeds on Saturday of leaseholders affected by the cladding scandal, nearly two thirds said that they have absolutely no idea when their home is going to be made safe—six years after Grenfell. Does the Secretary of State agree that that is completely unacceptable? What is he going to do to make their homes safe?
Context
A meeting in Leeds saw nearly two-thirds of leaseholders affected by the cladding scandal unsure about when their homes would be made safe, six years after Grenfell.
Michael Gove
I saw reference to that meeting on the right hon. Gentleman's Twitter feed. I owe him a visit to Leeds to talk to his constituents about that.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Foreign Secretary will be well aware of the huge demonstrations in Israel opposing the Government's plans to control the judiciary, which will undermine the rule of law—a situation described by the President of Israel yesterday as “very serious”. Does the Foreign Secretary share President Herzog's concerns?
Context
There are huge demonstrations in Israel opposing the Government's plans to control the judiciary, described as very serious by President Herzog.
James Cleverly
Ultimately, of course, the Government of Israel need to understand that they have a responsibility to the people of Israel. We always suggest that, when there are protests, Governments listen to why those protests are happening, and of course, we want to see Israel abide by the rule of law.
Session: Topical Questions
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When do the Government intend to come forward with such a plan? While I welcome the grants of up to £5,000 that the Government are making available for boiler replacement, as the Secretary of State will know, a heat pump will cost £8,000 to £15,000, so many of our constituents would not be able to afford it even with that grant, and 90,000 such grants do not constitute a plan to decarbonise the 23 million homes in this country that have gas boilers.
Context
The question is about the government's grant scheme for boiler replacements and the feasibility of using heat pumps to decarbonise homes with gas boilers.
Grant Shapps
I note that two suppliers, Octopus and British Gas, have announced £3,000 and £2,500 air source heat pumps—after the Government £5,000, I should say—which means they start to become within reach of ordinary boilers.
Session: 2050 Net Zero Target
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Does the Government's commitment extend to helping blocks under 11 metres that need EWS1 certification even if no immediate danger has been identified?
Context
The government is reviewing how to assist buildings with cladding below 11 metres, especially when EWS1 certificates are required despite safety concerns.
Michael Gove
I will look into specifics of individual cases. Conversations with lenders have shown a reduction in EWS1 form demands, but I am willing to investigate further where they are still required.
Session: Topical Questions
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Do the Government have any plans to make use of the former Atkinson Court care home in east Leeds as part of their dispersal policy?
Context
There is a former Atkinson Court care home in east Leeds that could potentially be used for dispersal of asylum seekers. The question seeks confirmation on its use.
Robert Jenrick
The mandatory dispersal model involves agreement with local authorities to choose appropriate sites. I am happy to revert on that specific site in Leeds South.
Session: Refugees Accommodation
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Under what circumstances can it be lawful to charge leaseholders for fixing fire safety defects? Given that residents think the Building Safety Act protects them from such charges, can this issue be clarified?
Context
A constituent received a service charge bill for fire-stopping works, which they believe is not lawful under the Building Safety Act 2022.
Lucy Frazer
We are taking steps under the Building Safety Act 2022 and will write to the right hon. Gentleman with specific details on his question.
Session: Leasehold and Freehold Reform
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Can the Foreign Secretary assure the House that if an agreement with the EU is reached—the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill will be dropped?
Context
Recent reports suggest the Prime Minister has assured President Biden that an agreement will be reached with the EU in time for the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, and there are concerns about whether the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill will be dropped if an agreement is reached.
James Cleverly
The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill exists for a reason. The commitment that I made to Maroš Šefčovič in the conversations that I had with him and others was that we would not either artificially accelerate that process or artificially hinder or retard it. We have always said that our preferred option is through negotiations. We speak regularly, the tone is positive, and I think that there is now an understanding that the concerns that we have raised, and that have been raised particularly by the Unionist community in Northern Ireland, are not confected but real, and that any agreement would need to address them.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol
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May I urge him to give the go ahead as soon as possible? The site is clear, plans are ready, so can he ensure it goes forward promptly?
Context
The MP urges for the go-ahead on a new children's hospital, adult building, and maternity centre at Leeds General Infirmary.
Steve Barclay
The costs have significantly increased since 2019. Using standardisation will grip cost better and is what being discussed with Leeds General Infirmary, aiming for affordability while ensuring the scheme proceeds.
Session: Hospitals New Builds and Upgrades
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In September, I asked a then Home Office Minister why it's legal to buy a machete at 18. The serious weapons review is looking into this matter; when will it conclude and what actions will be taken to ban the sale of machetes?
Context
There is an increase in the incidence of machete use on streets, raising concerns about their sale legality.
Chris Philp
I have sympathy for the point made regarding the use of machetes. I met Deputy Assistant Commissioner McNulty who proposed various ideas, and I am studying them closely to announce further steps soon.
Session: Knife Crime and Serious Violence
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Home ownership is key to social mobility, but historically low interest rates ending make it more difficult. Will the Secretary of State commit to work with Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert for clear communication on navigating changes?
Context
The MP raises concerns about future generations and existing homeowners facing challenges as low-interest-rate era ends.
Simon Clarke
We need to communicate clearly about all support and options available. The Chancellor will provide calm, clear messaging this afternoon to reassure investors and ensure low interest rates.
Session: Home Ownership Government Support
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Why is it still legal for anyone over the age of 18 to go into a shop and buy a machete?
Context
A constituent was attacked with a machete and there have been several further incidents.
Tom Pursglove
I am very grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his question. It is important to note that since 2019 we have seen 72,000 weapons taken off our streets, but we cannot be complacent on this, which is why Ministers are looking at this issue of serious weapons, with a serious weapons review.
Session: Knife Crime and Serious Violence
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I am grateful for that reply, but on the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill—which, we note with interest, has not yet found a date for its Second Reading—is there any precedent where the United Kingdom has cited the legal concept of necessity for overriding a treaty that it has freely entered into?
Context
The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill has not yet found a date for its Second Reading. The protocol was described as being in perfect conformity with the Good Friday agreement by the Prime Minister at the time.
Elizabeth Truss
We are clear that our legislation is both necessary and lawful, and have published a Government legal statement laying out exactly why that is. Our priority as the United Kingdom Government is the Belfast/Good Friday agreement, and we know that the Northern Ireland protocol is undermining that agreement.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol
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The site for the new Leeds children's hospital and the adult hospital building, the Leeds General Infirmary, will be cleared by the end of this month. The trust is raring to go to build these wonderful new facilities. Can the Secretary of State tell me when the final go-ahead for the construction will be given?
Context
The site for the new Leeds children's hospital and adult hospital is being cleared.
Sajid Javid
The right hon. Gentleman will know that I have visited the site and spoken to local members of the trust. It is a project that we support, and we are in the final stages of the final approvals.
Session: Topical Questions
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Many countries chose to join NATO as soon as they were free. Given Russia's invasion, Finland and Sweden are considering applications. Is the Minister confident that NATO would agree to admit them?
Context
The MP raises the possibility of Finland and Sweden applying for NATO membership due to Russia's invasion.
James Cleverly
A number of countries including Finland and Sweden may apply for NATO membership, which would be considered seriously by member states. Our view is that they would be an asset to NATO.
Session: Democracy Eastern Europe
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Can we be clear that the Government are seeking an SPS agreement with the EU that differentiates the goods that are at risk of going into the EU, and those that are not?
Context
The concern is about the differentiation of goods in relation to the protocol's impact on Northern Ireland.
Conor Burns
The disruption that the implementation of the protocol is having in Northern Ireland is not sustainable. That is why the Government are committed to finding a negotiated solution.
Session: Promoting Trade and Investment
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Regarding the ICC referral, what measures are being taken to assist in collecting and preserving forensic evidence, especially as towns may be captured?
Context
The question is prompted by the need to collect and preserve evidence of war crimes for the International Criminal Court's investigation.
Elizabeth Truss
We work closely with allies on evidence collection. The Justice Secretary is visiting The Hague to discuss this further and praised British journalists for their work in collecting evidence.
Session: Support for Ukraine
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While there are clearly some specific issues to be resolved, does she not recognise that demands to exclude the ECJ are confrontational and suggestions that article 16 removes the protocol in its entirety are misleading and are creating unrealistic expectations within Northern Ireland?
Context
Recent data shows that the Northern Ireland economy is recovering faster than any other part of the UK, but concerns remain about the impact of Brexit.
Elizabeth Truss
I am taking a constructive approach to these negotiations. I was in Brussels yesterday meeting Maroš Šefčovič, and I do believe there is a deal to be done that helps protect peace and political stability in Northern Ireland and enables the free flow of goods between GB and Northern Ireland.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol Dispute Resolution
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Whether she has plans to change the dispute resolution mechanism in the Northern Ireland protocol. Article 5 requires Northern Ireland to maintain regulatory alignment with EU rules governing manufactured and agricultural goods; there are about 287 in all. Do the Government agree that this alignment should continue, and if so, what type of dispute resolution mechanism does she think would be appropriate?
Context
The issue of the dispute resolution mechanism within the Northern Ireland Protocol, which requires regulatory alignment with EU rules.
Elizabeth Truss
Our view is that the type of arbitration mechanism we need is the type in any standard trade agreement, which is an independent arbitration mechanism.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol Dispute Resolution
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The Secretary of State said earlier that his revised plans to solve the cladding crisis would be published shortly. Will that be before the forthcoming recess? All long-suffering leaseholders in my area want for Christmas is finally to hear that they will not have to pay sums they do not have to fix a problem they are not responsible for.
Context
Long-suffering leaseholders in Leeds and elsewhere await publication of revised government plans to solve the cladding crisis.
Michael Gove
Yes, I really do have to come back before Christmas with proposals. I cannot promise at this stage that they will relieve the burden on every leaseholder of every obligation, but we will do everything we can to help.
Session: Topical Questions
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One of my constituents received an unjustified service charge bill. Given that the Secretary of State has been tasked with resolving this issue by the Prime Minister, when will we see a comprehensive plan to help affected leaseholders?
Context
A constituent received a service charge bill of £103,000 to fix cladding they are not responsible for, raising concerns about the insufficiency of current measures.
Christopher Pincher
We have spent over £5 billion on remediating high-rise buildings and further proposals are being brought forward. Fundamentally, this issue needs to be fixed with lenders and insurers.
Session: First-time Home Buyers
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What policy would he encourage the new Government to pursue given that many voices now argue for full civil rights for Palestinians if a two-state solution becomes unfeasible?
Context
A new government has formed in Israel, and there is a growing debate about the feasibility of achieving a two-state solution due to increasing pressures and changing views.
James Cleverly
We look forward to working with the new Government of Israel in pursuit of a secure, sovereign, and prosperous Palestinian state alongside a stable and safe Israeli state. The UK will support actions complementary to achieving this sustainable two-state solution through political negotiations.
Session: Middle East Two-state Solution
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Given that the national infrastructure bank will be based in Leeds, would it not be highly symbolic to start building phase 2b of the eastern leg of HS2 from Leeds southwards? The Secretary of State was quoted recently as saying that he is looking at bringing forward the start date. Would he consider that idea?
Context
The national infrastructure bank will be based in Leeds. HS2 eastern leg phase 2b has been proposed.
Grant Shapps
I actually agree with the right hon. Gentleman; it probably would have been sensible to start the entire project from the north to the south in the first place, but having looked at this in great detail, not least through the Oakervee review, I also know that chopping and changing those plans partway through is the most expensive possible outcome and does not work out. None the less, we are committed to ensuring that the integrated rail plan answers all these questions, and his point has been clearly heard.
Session: Topical Questions
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We all wish the negotiators well in this final stage, as they demonstrate that sharing sovereignty—gaining benefits by accepting obligations—is what will be required in order to reach the agreement that the Government say they want and which we all want. Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the legislation that will be required to give effect to any agreement will need to pass all of its stages in Parliament by 31 December this year in order to provide clarity to individual businesses about what they can do from 1 January next year, which is, after all, only 15 days away?
Context
Concern about legislation needing to pass by December 31st for legal certainty.
Michael Gove
The right hon. Gentleman reminds us all of the importance of seeking to conclude these negotiations as quickly as possible. If they are concluded satisfactorily, we will request that the House returns in order to make sure that we can legislate effectively. We believe we can pass the necessary legislation before 31 December to give businesses legal certainty for the future.
Session: UK-EU Negotiations
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We now learn that the First Minister and her deputy have said that there is a “real threat” to the continuity of food supplies in Northern Ireland. The Road Haulage Association has described border preparations as “frankly pathetic”. The customs declaration service probably will not be ready in time, and the NAO has warned that widespread disruption for 1 January is likely. Given that the right hon. Gentleman has repeatedly assured the House that it will all be fine, why does he think so many other people do not share his optimism?
Context
Recent statements from officials suggest a potential risk to food supplies in Northern Ireland due to inadequate preparations for the post-transition period. The Road Haulage Association has criticised these preparations as 'frankly pathetic'.
Michael Gove
I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. His Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union has done extensive work drawing attention to the preparations that are required to be made. There are still significant preparations that we and businesses need to make to conclude our preparedness, which is why later today, I will be meeting representatives from business representative organisations, including the CBI and others, to ensure that everything possible is being done to prepare for the changes.
Session: Transition Period UK Preparedness
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Last week the right hon. Gentleman told the House that the two IT systems that will be crucial to enabling goods to move across the border from 1 January—namely the goods vehicle movement service and smart freight—are “in operation.” Later that day, the chief executive of the Road Haulage Association wrote that these were “absolutely not in operation.” I wonder whether the right hon. Gentleman would like to clarify what he meant.
Context
There is a discrepancy between the Minister's statement and that of the Road Haulage Association regarding the readiness of certain IT systems.
Michael Gove
Yes of course. I have found that the Road Haulage Association, valuable organisation though it may be, has not always necessarily been the most constructive partner at every stage in the conversations that we needed to have. Nevertheless, I think it is the case that we are having conversations with it and others to ensure that these and the other IT systems that we need for the end of the transition period are in place.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can he explain why the Government chose such enormous costs and red tape on one of our most important industries?
Context
The MP is concerned about the costs imposed on the chemicals industry due to new UK REACH system after leaving EU.
Michael Gove
Leaving EU necessitates having independent regulatory systems; we are competitive and will uphold higher environmental standards, freed from anti-scientific EU approach. However, we cannot accept EU seeking to tie UK laws and jurisdiction.
Session: Future UK-EU Relationship
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Huntington’s Disease
09 November 2022
Responding: Helen Whately
Main Concerns
["Mr Benn is concerned about the devastating impact of Huntington's disease on individuals and families. The condition affects approximately 8,000 people in the UK but around 32,000 are at risk due to its hereditary nature. It leads to a wide range of symptoms including cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, physical disabilities, and difficulties in daily living activities such as eating and speaking. Families often face stigma, financial strain, and limited access to appropriate care and support services. The speaker highlighted the impact of Huntington's disease on individuals and families, noting issues with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments and the high overturn rate in tribunals. The speaker also mentioned the high incidence of Huntington's in Scotland and the ongoing struggle for better care co-ordination."]
Specific Asks
["Mr Benn urges the Minister to raise awareness about Huntington's disease, improve access to mental health services, establish a care coordinator for every community, develop NICE guidelines specific to Huntington's treatment, reconsider medical fitness criteria for military service, and encourage further research towards potential treatments or cures. The lead MP asked the government to produce NICE guidelines for Huntington's disease, improve mental health support for those affected by the condition, and consider more flexible recruitment policies in the armed services for individuals with the gene but who are unlikely to develop symptoms. Additionally, he acknowledged the importance of continued research funding."]
Huntington's Disease And Its Impact On Families
09 November 2022
Main Concerns
["Hilary Benn is concerned about the devastating impact of Huntington's disease on individuals and their families. The disease affects approximately 8,000 people in the UK, with around 32,000 at risk due to its hereditary nature. There is no cure for Huntington's, which leads to a gradual decline in cognitive function and motor skills, causing severe emotional distress for caregivers who witness loved ones losing their personality and becoming unsteady or aggressive."]
Leaseholders and Cladding
12 February 2020
Responding: Esther McVey
Main Concerns
['Mr. Benn highlighted the distress faced by leaseholders due to unsafe cladding, mentioning a case in Leeds where a waking watch costs £670 per month plus VAT for each flat-owner. He emphasised that these residents are burdened with significant expenses and fear losing their homes or going bankrupt despite being blameless in the situation.']
Specific Asks
['Mr. Benn urged the Government to extend the coverage of their fund to all types of buildings with unsafe cladding, arguing it is the only fair way forward and necessary for removing dangerous cladding entirely.']
Israel and Palestine
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Office
29 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate addresses the lack of an agreed budget for Northern Ireland, with Departments forced to rely on emergency contingency powers. The Finance Minister's draft multi-year budget remains unresolv...
North Belfast: Violent Attack
09 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Supreme Court Dillon Judgment
14 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Dunmurry Police Station Attack
27 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill - Motion to carry over the bill to next Session
27 April 2026
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
The amendment seeks to ensure that proceedings on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill continue into the next parliamentary session. The Bill is essential to address the legacy of the troubles, which ha...
Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill 2025-11-18
18 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Northern Ireland Troubles 2025-10-14
14 October 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland: Legacy of the Troubles
04 December 2024
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Government's approach to addressing the legacy of the Troubles was flawed and must be corrected. The Labour party will lay a remedial order under the Human Rights Act 1998 to address deficiencies ...
Attendance
79.6%
78 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
27
27.6% of votes
No Votes
51
52.0% of votes
Abstentions
20
20.4% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
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
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
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
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
40
Ministerial Questions Asked
192
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
24
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+198% above average
This MP:
40
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3851% above average
This MP:
192
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+154% above average
This MP:
24
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+15% above average
This MP:
79.6
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 Hilary Benn's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.