Ian Byrne
MP for Liverpool West Derby
Lab
Labour
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12 Dec 2019 - 30 May 2024
Labour
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4 Jul 2024 - 23 Jul 2024
Independent
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23 Jul 2024 - 5 Feb 2025
Labour
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5 Feb 2025 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I hope you get well soon, Mr Speaker. Lillia Jakeman is 19 years of age and has been given a devastating diagnosis of motor neurone disease. When she was told that she has a very rare form of the disease that can be treated with a groundbreaking new drug called tofersen, her family were given hope. They have since discovered that although the drug is being made available to the NHS free of charge, her local trust has declined to deliver it. This afternoon, her family will be arriving at Downing Street, having walked from Southampton, to highlight this injustice. Will the Deputy Prime Minister work with me, MPs from across the House, Ministers in the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS bosses to deliver fair access to tofersen for all living with this rare form of motor neurone disease?
Context
Lillia Jakeman, a 19-year-old with motor neurone disease, was denied access to the groundbreaking new drug tofersen despite NHS making it available free of charge.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr David Lammy)
I am sorry to hear about those who are waiting for this treatment. Of course, I will ensure that my hon. Friend gets the appropriate meeting with the relevant Minister.
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister is asked for a vote on whether these women are owed compensation following an injustice.
Context
The parliamentary ombudsman ruled that injustice was done to 1950s-born women and they are owed compensation, affecting over 5,000 women in the constituency.
Keir Starmer
In current economic circumstances, taxpayers cannot afford tens of billions in compensation. The percentage who knew about changes is mentioned.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister meet me to discuss how investment in universal free school meals will benefit children and their families?
Context
The author of the Government's national food strategy and UN special rapporteur called for universal free school meals to address child hunger in the UK.
Rishi Sunak
An expansion of free school meals, holiday activities and food programme are in place. The PM welcomes ideas on further support.
Assessment
A specific commitment to meeting or investing in universal free school meals was not given.
Session: PMQs
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We have a humanitarian crisis of food poverty and people are starving or freezing due to high costs. In 2015, the Government signed up to ending hunger via sustainable development goals. Can you tell me who is responsible for delivering this goal domestically and can I see the plan?
Context
There is a food poverty crisis, with more food banks than McDonald's in the UK.
Boris Johnson
The whole of Government is engaged in this campaign. We have expanded free school meals, boosted Healthy Start vouchers, and run a £200m holiday food programme fund.
Assessment
No specific Department or plan was named for ending domestic hunger
General Statement
Session: PMQs
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Professor Ian Sinha from Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, West Derby, recently stated that the environment a child develops in, even before being born, can affect its DNA detrimentally by 10%. This Government have been responsible for creating an environment that is pushing millions of families into food poverty, which will be shaping this terrifying outcome. To address this, will the Prime Minister—I ask him for the second time—work with me and other groups to put the right to food into law?
Context
Professor Ian Sinha from Alder Hey Children's Hospital stated that the environment a child develops in, even before being born, can affect its DNA detrimentally by 10%. The Government's policies are leading to food poverty for millions of families.
Boris Johnson
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise the issue of food poverty and of poverty generally. That is why, in answer to the previous question from the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central (Chi Onwurah), I made the point that we have actually been successful, as we have been championing work and employment, in getting large numbers of families out of poverty.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to working with Ian Byrne on putting the right to food into law.
Working With Partners
Session: PMQs
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The figures released this week by the Trussell Trust forecast that we will give out six emergency food parcels every minute this winter. Will the Prime Minister commit to two urgent measures to tackle this humanitarian disaster, which is happening in all our communities? First, will he commit to an additional £250 million investment in local welfare assistance schemes to bring England in line with the rest of the UK, as requested by the Children's Trust and the Trussell Trust; and, secondly, will he meet me and partner organisations as a matter of urgency to discuss bringing the right to food into UK law?
Context
The Trussell Trust forecast that six emergency food parcels will be given out every minute during winter. The MP requested an additional £250 million investment in local welfare assistance and a meeting to discuss the right to food.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Gentleman. The Government are supporting local councils with £3.7 billion for coronavirus extra needs; £380 million has gone into supporting food, and a massive programme of investment—a £9 billion investment—to lift up universal credit to support the neediest in our society.
Assessment
£250 million additional investment commitment not given
Supporting Local Councils With £3.7 Billion
Massive Programme Of Investment—A £9 Billion Investment
Session: PMQs
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Does the Minister agree that the taxpayer should not be left to subsidise poverty pay paid by companies employing more than 250 people? Will the Government require those companies to report how many workers rely on universal credit because of low wages?
Context
The MP highlighted testimony from workers in large, profitable companies who earn such low wages that they rely on Universal Credit to meet basic needs. He noted that 1.2 million people on universal credit are working at their capacity and receiving state support due to low wages.
Diana R. Johnson
I acknowledge what my hon. Friend says and I commend him for his work on the Right to Food UK Commission. Many people in retail and care sectors earn insufficiently at the end of the week, relying on foodbanks. I invite my hon. Friend to come and talk to me about this issue.
Session: Universal Credit People in Employment 2026-06-29
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What assessment has been made of trends in the level of people in employment claiming universal credit? In January 2026, 3.1 million people were on universal credit in employment, representing 37.8% of all claimants.
Context
The MP noted an assessment by his Department showing trends in the level of people in employment claiming Universal Credit.
Diana R. Johnson
The Department publishes data on universal credit and keeps labour market trends under review. Universal credit is designed to support people into and in work, allowing individuals to move into employment while continuing to receive support as their earnings increase.
Session: Universal Credit People in Employment 2026-06-29
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Next week, the Right to Food UK Commission will gather further evidence in Aberdare and Cardiff. We had a positive meeting last week with the Minister on this topic. Will the Secretary of State commit to meeting me later this year upon publication of the commission's legislative road map?
Context
The Right to Food UK Commission is gathering evidence from policy experts and those affected by food poverty. The commission aims to address the issue of hunger in communities.
Angela Eagle
I certainly welcome the opportunity to discuss my hon. Friend's work in this area. We agree on the importance of resolving the problems that the commission is looking into and look forward to seeing its final report. The Government are working across Departments to improve access to healthy and affordable food, introducing measures such as a junk food ad ban and mandatory targets for healthier food sales.
Session: Statutory Right to Food
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I would like to put on the record my thanks for a positive meeting with the Minister regarding the Right to Food UK Commission, which will publish its legislative road map next week after gathering evidence from Aberdare and Cardiff. Will the Secretary of State commit to meeting me later this year upon publication to ensure that the right to food is committed to law?
Context
The Right to Food UK Commission is gathering evidence from experts and communities affected by food poverty. The commission aims to address the issue of hunger in the UK.
Angela Eagle
I certainly welcome the opportunity to discuss my hon. Friend's work in this area. We agree on the importance of resolving the problems the commission is looking into and look forward to seeing its final report. The Government are working across Departments to improve access to healthy and affordable food, introducing measures like a junk food ad ban and mandatory targets for healthier food sales.
Session: Statutory Right to Food
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Alder Hey children's hospital NHS foundation trust in my constituency faces significant financial pressure due to its private finance initiative deal. That is because over 50% of its total PFI payment is going towards interest charges, with Alder Hey still owing £380 million by 2045 for the PFI investment of £189 million. That is nearly £200 million being drained out of Alder Hey over the next two decades, because of the now discredited PFI system. That money should be spent on making sick children better. What assessment has the Department made of the potential impacts of the use of PFI to fund the recently announced neighbourhood health centres?
Context
Alder Hey children's hospital NHS foundation trust faces significant financial pressure due to a private finance initiative deal. Over 50% of its total PFI payment is going towards interest charges, with the hospital owing £380 million by 2045 for an initial investment of £189 million.
Karin Smyth
My hon. Friend highlights an important example, where something is clearly not going well. The Department is working with the team at Alder Hey to help rectify some of those problems. That is why we will not be using that PFI model in future. We have learned those lessons and we will take forward a new PPP model for our neighbourhood health service that will transform care for people in his constituency and across the country.
Session: NHS Private Finance Initiatives
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What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of private finance initiatives on the NHS?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the financial burden placed on NHS trusts, particularly those facing significant pressure due to PFI deals. The issue has broader implications for the future use of such initiatives in healthcare.
Karin Smyth
The health PFI programme between 1992 and 2015 delivered 126 new acute facilities for the NHS, and over £12 billion of investment in the estate. NHS PFI contracts are held by individual trusts, and the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority publishes annual data on them, including the costs of all those PFI projects. The last PFI contract was signed in 2015. We are not bringing back PFI; we are bringing forward a new public-private partnership model that will draw on lessons learned from the past, to ensure that we deliver the commitments of our 10-year plan.
Session: NHS Private Finance Initiatives
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Given that the Government have so far failed to deliver their promise to enact the Hillsborough law, does the Minister recognise that this is a continuation of the betrayal of the Hillsborough families, survivors and all those affected by state cover-ups? If he does recognise that, will he support the Second Reading of the Hillsborough law that I have tabled tomorrow —and if not, why not?
Context
There is a long-standing issue regarding the establishment cover-up at Hillsborough which denied justice to victims and survivors. MPs, ministers, and prime ministers from both sides have been involved in this cover-up, with only a few exceptions standing up for accountability.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
First, I pay tribute to the work that my hon. Friend has done. I know that he speaks on this matter from lived experience. He is, has been and will continue to be, an extraordinarily powerful advocate for the Hillsborough families. The assurance that I give him is that the Government are absolutely determined to get this right.
Session: Public Bodies Duty of Candour
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Knowsley, an area in my constituency, has the highest proportion of obese and overweight children in England, according to NHS data. Knowsley council's director of public health recently told me that this was an issue of poverty and deprivation. Research into universal free school meals in London found such a policy can reduce obesity rates by up to 10%. Earlier this month, I got unanimous support from the council when I suggested that Knowsley could be a perfect test bed for the roll-out of universal free school meals. Will the Minister meet me and the leader of Knowsley council to discuss that possibility?
Context
Knowsley, an area in Ian Byrne's constituency, has the highest proportion of obese and overweight children in England. The director of public health for Knowsley described this issue as one of poverty and deprivation.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
Over 13,000 pupils in Knowsley are supported with a healthy and nutritious free meal at lunch time through the Department’s free school meals and universal infant free school meals programmes. Unlike the Conservative party, we are on the side of parents in making a child-centred Government a reality. My hon. Friend is a real champion on these matters, and I am happy to meet him to discuss them further.
Session: Free School Meals
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On 19 July, the Foreign Secretary stated that half a million people in Gaza are in phase 5 of acute food insecurity, the classification that indicates starvation and famine. UNICEF reports that 29 children have died from malnutrition. How do the Government plan to change that, as Palestinians face the harrowing reality of death by starvation because of a political choice?
Context
The humanitarian situation in Gaza with half a million people facing acute food insecurity and 29 children dying from malnutrition.
Anneliese Dodds
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising the issue, which we have discussed previously in this Question Time. We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza; we have reflected that in our policy response, but also in our humanitarian response. For example, in the statement that the Foreign Secretary made on his visit to the region, he committed £5.5 million to UK-Med, which is providing a field hospital on the ground that is desperately needed. We have also ensured that there will be continued provision of the items of medicine, food and nutrition that are required; we will play our part in that.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why is it not feasible to invite the special rapporteur this year despite initial indications?
Context
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report recommended supporting the request of UN special rapporteur on right to food to undertake a UK visit before 2023. The Government initially indicated they would facilitate it.
Steve Barclay
We are clear about the importance of food production, food security and backing our farmers. It is left-wing councils around the country that are banning meat and acting contrary to the interests of many of our farmers.
Session: Topical Questions
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Now that the Government have opted to halt funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, how do they intend to ensure that the urgently needed humanitarian aid—as called for in the International Court of Justice ruling last week—will continue to be delivered to the innocent men, women and children in Gaza?
Context
The United Nations special rapporteur stated that more than 2 million people in Gaza are facing famine. The UK has halted funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency.
Andrew Mitchell
As I set out, the Government's highest immediate priority is to ensure that aid and humanitarian support get into Gaza. We are relentlessly pursuing that objective. I have set out where we are on UNRWA, but there is no immediate effect on the food that it seeks to deliver in Gaza today.
Session: Topical Questions
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I recently met headteachers in West Derby, who shared with me their serious concerns that the current Ofsted inspection model is not fit for purpose, is deeply unfair and is driving teachers out of a profession they love. In the light of today's Education Committee report, will the Secretary of State meet me and the experienced educators in Liverpool, West Derby, to discuss their concerns and what they feel needs to change?
Context
Headteachers in West Derby are concerned that the current Ofsted inspection model is not fit for purpose, deeply unfair and driving teachers out of a profession they love.
Damian Hinds
I pay tribute to the headteachers in Liverpool, West Derby. We think it is important to have an independent inspectorate, and we think it is important that assessments are clear. In the wake of the tragedy of Ruth Perry, it is right that we think about all the aspects, some of which have already changed. To be clear, we think it continues to be important that there be a clear external assessment for parents.
Session: Topical Questions
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NHS staff have expressed concerns about the Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order 2024. Can the Minister tell me if resource will be needed for AAs and PAs to be properly supervised by doctors on a one to one ratio? Will he meet trade unions and professional bodies as a matter of urgency to clarify the Government's position on this hugely important public health issue?
Context
Concerns raised about the Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order 2024 regarding proper doctor-supervised ratios for AAs and PAs.
Andrew Stephenson
PAs and AAs are an essential part of the reform piece to the long-term workforce plan. I note that the order was passed by the House last night without a Division, so I am grateful for that cross-party support. We are working with the General Medical Council, the British Medical Association and others to ensure that the regulations are fit for purpose.
Session: Topical Questions
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The household support fund has supported 330,000 households in Liverpool since its introduction. The focus needs to shift from crisis support to prevention but in the short term the demand for local welfare is rising. Like many other councils, Liverpool City Council says the household support fund will need to continue beyond March 2024 to keep residents well supported to stay in and enter work and prevent an escalating crisis, reducing pressure on public services including local authorities. What representations has the Minister made to the Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure the continuation of the fund after March?
Context
The household support fund has supported 330,000 households in Liverpool since its introduction. The focus needs to shift from crisis support to prevention.
Michael Gove
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right: the fund has helped many communities in need, particularly in Liverpool. He and other Liverpool MPs have been assiduous in making the case for its continuation and I have passed that on to colleagues.
Session: Topical Questions
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Earlier this month we launched the consultation on Awaab's law, which insists upon time limits for repairs in the social rented sector. In the shaping of this law and many other initiatives and interventions to help people in social housing, the example of Tony Lloyd, the late Member for Rochdale, is in all our minds and hearts.
Context
Michael Gove was asked about his department's initiatives in social housing.
Michael Gove
Earlier this month we launched the consultation on Awaab's law, which insists upon time limits for repairs in the social rented sector. In the shaping of this law and many other initiatives and interventions to help people in social housing, the example of Tony Lloyd, the late Member for Rochdale, is in all our minds and hearts.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Secretary of State heed calls from the international community to support an immediate humanitarian ceasefire?
Context
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
Andrew Mitchell
In order to have a ceasefire, all parties have to agree to it. We are doing everything we can to address the humanitarian problem.
Session: Topical Questions
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Park View medical centre in West Derby is facing imminent closure with a lack of transparency from the ICB. Patients fear dispersal to other surgeries will be catastrophic due to existing pressures on GPs. Will the Minister urgently intervene and meet me and patients?
Context
The question arises due to concerns about the closure of Park View medical centre in one of Liverpool's most deprived areas. The local integrated care board has not been transparent and accountable during the process, leading to patient anxiety over quality of care post-closure.
Neil O'Brien
Carefully reviewed Park View case. Incumbent provider did not bid for future contract; NHS Cheshire and Merseyside decided on patient transfer to good-rated practices within 1 mile. Since 2019, patient-facing staff in Liverpool West Derby increased by about 50%.
Session: Primary Care
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What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of primary care service closures on public health? Park View medical centre in West Derby is facing imminent closure with a lack of transparency from the ICB. Patients fear dispersal to other surgeries will be catastrophic due to existing pressures on GPs. Will the Minister intervene urgently and meet me and patients?
Context
The question arises due to concerns about the closure of Park View medical centre in one of Liverpool's most deprived areas. The local integrated care board has not been transparent and accountable during the process, leading to patient anxiety over quality of care post-closure.
Neil O'Brien
Each ICB is required to ensure access to GP services for all. In West Derby, despite some practice closures, overall more people are seeing GPs than before the pandemic. For Park View medical centre closure, the incumbent chose not to bid for future contracts; patients will transfer to good-rated practices within 1 mile. Since 2019, patient-facing staff increased by about 50% in Liverpool West Derby.
Session: Primary Care
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I have listened to what the Secretary of State has said, but the Government have had 13 years to compel criminals to attend courts to hear their sentences. The Government's failure to do that has meant that in the last year alone the killers of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, Zara Aleena and Sabina Nessa have all avoided hearing their sentences, and avoided hearing the impact that their callous crimes have had on the families left behind. Will the Government urgently make this simple change, and stop cowardly offenders from evading their sentencing hearings?
Context
The MP has brought up the issue of offenders avoiding their sentencing hearings, which causes immense pain to families and undermines justice. He references specific cases and emphasises the need for immediate legislative action.
Alex Chalk
The hon. Lady raises an important point by referring to those three cases. What concerns me is that one defendant's actions could be copied by others, who take the view that that is somehow a way of getting away from the consequences of their actions. She makes it a political point—we are in the House of Commons, so I totally understand that—but I could equally make the point that the legislation was not changed pre-2010 either. We have seen the anguish caused by these actions, so let me make the point that I want to know that when an offender is sitting in a cell, trying to get to sleep when the rest of the world is getting to sleep, the judge's words of condemnation are ringing in their ears. There are victims who find it hard to ever recover, so why should that defendant ever be able to sleep soundly in their bed?
Session: Sentencing Hearings Offenders’ Attendance
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I have recently tabled an early-day motion to put on record in the House formally the pain that the wilful absence of an offender at a sentencing hearing causes bereaved families. Will the Secretary of State explain why provisions cannot be included in the Victims and Prisoners Bill to change that? Will he meet me and Cheryl Korbel to discuss when legislation will be brought forward and how bereaved families can be at the heart of shaping a change in the law, to ensure that no bereaved family who has to suffer in the fight for justice will face that situation at sentencing ever again?
Context
The MP has tabled an early-day motion highlighting the pain that families experience when offenders do not attend their sentencing hearing. This issue is pressing as it affects bereaved families who have to endure the absence of justice for their loved ones.
Alex Chalk
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this case and for rightly identifying the anguish, pain and insult that families feel when a cowardly defendant refuses to attend court. On his specific question, he will understand that there are issues of scope and all sorts of things as to whether legislative measures can be included within certain Bills, but of course I will be happy to discuss that with him. The central point, however, is that there is a cross-party belief that there needs to be some legislative progress—we are committed to that as well.
Session: Sentencing Hearings Offenders’ Attendance
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I recently met the Minister for Schools to present him with a costed proposal for piloting universal free school meals in Liverpool. He said that he was not ideologically opposed to that but all roads lead to the Treasury, so here we are. Will the Chancellor work with me and that Minister to enable this pilot, which would transform the education, health and wellbeing of thousands of children across my great city?
Context
The MP has proposed a costed plan for piloting universal free school meals in Liverpool to the Minister for Schools, who directed him to the Treasury.
Jeremy Hunt
I will be happy to write to the hon. Gentleman to talk to him about that initiative. We are making great progress in our schools—we have risen to fourth in the global league table for reading—but we can always do more.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given the UN's sustainable development goal to eradicate poverty by 2030, will the Chancellor cap essential food prices and address excessive profits in the food industry?
Context
Which? report highlights food price increases by 26.6% and security measures on baby formula milk.
Jeremy Hunt
I do not believe that capping prices is the right long-term solution. However, we are providing payments of £900 per household for people on means-tested benefits, £150 for households with someone disabled living in them and £300 for households with pensioners.
Session: Cost of Living
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Given that local authorities should be addressing the issue of potholes, what advice can the Minister give to councils like Barnet which are struggling with this responsibility?
Context
Local councils have a core duty to manage potholes, and some are failing in this task. One specific example is Barnet Council.
Lee Rowley
Local councils must focus on basics such as pothole repair. The Chancellor recently announced additional funding to ensure that potholes are filled.
Session: Local Authorities Inflation
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What steps are being taken to help local authorities with the financial challenges caused by inflation? Local authorities' revenue funding from central government has been drastically reduced since 2010 and levelling-up funds do not replace grant funding as they are capital, not revenue. Will the latest finance settlement worsen regional inequalities?
Context
Local authorities face significant budgetary pressures due to inflation, impacting their ability to provide services.
Lee Rowley
Absolutely not.
Session: Local Authorities Inflation
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Some 5,260 women in Liverpool, West Derby have been affected by the changes made to the women's state pension age, and many have contacted me about the devastating impact it has had on their lives. What consideration has the Minister given to early-day motion 1040 by my right hon Friend the Member for Knowsley (Sir George Howarth), which calls for an alternative dispute resolution process, including representatives of the 3.8 million women affected, to address the injustices they have been through?
Context
Changes to women's state pension age have affected around 3.8 million women, many of whom have contacted the MP about the negative impact.
Laura Trott
The hon Gentleman will know that state pension age equalisation has been the policy of successive Governments since 1995.
Session: Topical Questions
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The number of children living in poverty is increasing, and a third of the children in my city are now experiencing food poverty. With commitments from the Mayor of London and the Welsh Government on implementing universal free school meals to fight the scourge of hunger, will the Minister work with me and Liverpool City Council on piloting the roll-out of universal free school meals for all primary and secondary pupils in our city? This would be a £13 million investment in our children's future and it would ensure that all children had the chance to fulfil their potential.
Context
Reports of increasing child poverty and food poverty in Liverpool.
Nick Gibb
I am always happy to talk to the hon. Member about these issues. The Conservative Government since 2010 have extended free school meals to more groups of children than any other Government over the past century, and we have been able to do this because of our careful stewardship of the public finances and the economy. Some 1.9 million pupils are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, which is up from 1.7 million in 2021. That increase is due largely to the protections put in place on transfer to universal credit.
Session: Topical Questions
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Some 30% of disabled people, including many of my constituents, are having to cut back on using essential medical equipment at home due to rising energy bills. Some 70,000 people have signed the charity Sense's petition calling for long-term ongoing support for disabled people and their families. Will the Secretary of State deliver that support as a matter of urgency?
Context
Disabled individuals are cutting back on medical equipment usage due to high energy costs.
Neil O'Brien
That is exactly why we are spending £55 billion this winter to help households and businesses with their energy bills. That is one of the largest support packages in Europe.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister confirm whether capital dredging for the Teesside freeport project, and at other freeports including the planned freeport in Liverpool, will be paused while awaiting independent panel findings?
Context
A mass die-off of marine life in the North Sea off Teesside raised concerns about ongoing and planned capital dredging for freeports.
Mark Spencer
It is important that we get the facts as soon as possible, but I want to give the independent panel time to assess the facts. We want them to look at this independently without pressure. Once we have those facts, we can respond appropriately.
Session: Crustacean Deaths North-east coast
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What progress has been made on establishing an independent panel of experts to investigate the crustacean deaths on the north-east coast in 2021?
Context
Mass die-offs of marine life off Teesside caused environmental and economic damage. An independent panel was proposed to investigate these events.
Mark Spencer
The independent panel of experts has already been established to look at the available data, and I expect a report from the panel later this month.
Session: Crustacean Deaths North-east coast
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I thank the Minister for that answer, but I have had many constituents contact me about the planned closure of the Ministry of Defence Business Services office in Liverpool. The movement of jobs will affect them and their families. The new commute of more than two hours—especially with the train service at the moment—will be completely unworkable for many staff, particularly those with caring responsibilities or disabilities. Will the Minister meet me as soon as possible to discuss this situation so that I can share the deep concerns of my constituents with him?
Context
The planned closure of the Ministry of Defence Business Services office in Liverpool has led to many constituents contacting Ian Byrne with concerns about job relocation and commute difficulties.
Alex Chalk
Yes, of course, I will meet the hon. Gentleman. But there have actually been some good and constructive conversations with the unions, I am pleased to say, about trying to assist individuals who may want to go—we will try to assist and provide expenses. For those who do not, there is lots of work going on to ensure alternatives should they want to take them. But let us discuss it further—I would be very happy to do so.
Session: Defence Business Services
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In recent weeks, I have had several conversations with senior military officers who are becoming increasingly concerned by what they regard as unnecessary distraction within the armed forces. Could the Minister please tell me what is more important: unlawful recruitment policy, identity politics and pronouns, or operation capability?
Context
Concerns raised by military officers about unlawful recruitment policies, identity politics and pronouns being considered more important than operational capability.
Ben Wallace
Our advantage derives from our people; attracting, recruiting and retaining the best with diverse skills is vital to meeting threats faced. Diversity and inclusion are crucial for operational capability.
Session: Topical Questions
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Whether his Department has made an impact assessment of the planned closure of Defence Business Services offices in the North West. The movement of jobs will affect many staff and their families, with some facing commutes over two hours that may be unworkable due to train service issues and caring responsibilities or disabilities.
Context
The planned closure of Defence Business Services offices in the North West has been a concern for constituents who are worried about job relocation and commute difficulties.
Alex Chalk
A regional economic impact assessment was undertaken during downselection but did not form part of the decision-making criteria. The consolidation into the Blackpool site meets key user requirements, is an opportunity to bring 700 posts to Blackpool from our other north-west sites, and contributes to the redevelopment at Talbot Gateway through the building of the new Government hub.
Session: Defence Business Services
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Making a diagnosis of dementia is important to allow appropriate treatment, support and time to plan for the future. Pre-pandemic, the diagnosis rate for dementia in England was meeting the two thirds target, but today it is 61.9%. In Wales, data capture and quality is poor, but the equivalent rate is thought to be just 50%. Will my right hon. Friend outline what steps he is taking to improve the situation?
Context
The dementia diagnosis rate in England has dropped below the target of two-thirds due to factors including the pandemic.
Steve Barclay
My hon. Friend will be aware that the matter is devolved to the Welsh NHS, but I can say that in the last financial year, the Government allocated £70 million to NHS England to specifically address dementia waiting lists and increase the number of diagnoses. To further support recovery of the dementia diagnosis rate and access to post-diagnostic support, NHS England is funding two trusts in each region to pilot the diagnosing advanced dementia mandate tool, which will improve access to diagnosis.
Session: Topical Questions
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I have been contacted by many constituents working in the NHS who are struggling to cope with financial pressures, exhaustion and stress. I recently spoke to a district nurse using our food pantry in West Derby, and it was a heartbreaking example of how the cost of living crisis is impacting people across our communities. That nurse was going to lose their home and was struggling to feed their children. How does the Secretary of State plan to address the dire situation that the very people he applauded as heroes during the pandemic now face? Maybe a start would be giving NHS workers an inflation-proof rise.
Context
Constituents in the NHS are facing significant financial pressures, exhaustion, and stress due to the cost of living crisis.
Steve Barclay
On NHS pay, I expect to announce a response to the integrated pay review bodies shortly. We are putting more funding into the NHS, as I signalled in my statement yesterday.
Session: Topical Questions
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One fifth of UK pensioners live in poverty; many are undernourished or die from cold. Pension cuts worsen the situation. Will the Secretary of State discuss with Chancellor to reverse these changes and provide full restitution for 5,360 affected women?
Context
1 in 5 UK pensioners live in poverty, 1.3 million retirees are undernourished, and 25,000 die yearly due to cold weather. Cuts affect Liverpool West Derby women.
Guy Opperman
State pension has almost doubled under coalition and Conservative Governments. Pensioner poverty is declining; average support through pension credit is £3,300 plus household fund.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Almost a fifth of pensioners live in poverty under this government. With measures announced by the Chancellor failing to address these issues, will the Minister acknowledge that many pensioners will be plunged into poverty over coming months?
Context
The abandonment of the triple lock and real-terms cuts to state pensions mean that bills are rising, food costs are spiralling, and many pensioners are at risk of falling into poverty.
Guy Opperman
The Chancellor has announced a £37 billion package including a £650 uplift in pension credit from July, a £300 winter fuel payment increase, and other support schemes.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to protect tenants from housing disrepair and poor-quality housing conditions? One in four properties in the private rented sector are classed as non-decent. Every day that the Government delay their White Paper is a day that millions spend in cold, insecure, unsafe and unaffordable homes.
Context
The MP is concerned about the high number of non-decent properties in the private rented sector. There are concerns that the Government's delay in publishing a White Paper is detrimental to millions living in substandard homes.
Eddie Hughes
I have tremendous respect for the hon. Gentleman and his work, and I will be working very closely with them to ensure that the White Paper does indeed have teeth and drive down the number of non-decent homes.
Session: Housing Disrepair
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to protect tenants from housing disrepair and poor-quality housing conditions? One in four properties in the private rented sector are classed as non-decent. Every day that the Government delay their White Paper is a day that millions spend in cold, insecure, unsafe and unaffordable homes.
Context
The MP is concerned about the high number of non-decent properties in the private rented sector. There are concerns that the Government's delay in publishing a White Paper is detrimental to millions living in substandard homes.
Eddie Hughes
This Government are committed to driving improvements in both social and private rented homes. We will publish our White Paper setting out ambitious proposals, including exploring a legally binding decent homes standard and a landlord register. The target set in the levelling-up White Paper is to reduce the number of non-decent homes by 50% by 2030.
Session: Housing Disrepair
View All Questions -->
I want to share the words of one of my constituents with the House: “This is discrimination of Disabled people which I am one of…” He could not leave his home for nearly eighteen months due to Covid, and this money would have helped with heating costs. Can the Minister let me know—
Context
A constituent is concerned about the unfairness of not receiving an extra £20 a week support during the pandemic because they are on legacy benefits. This was said to be discrimination against Disabled people.
Mims Davies
In relation to the challenge in the High Court to the Government's decision not to extend the universal credit uplift to those on legacy benefits during the pandemic, Mr Justice Swift said: “My conclusion is that the difference in treatment…resulting from the 2020 Regulations was justified”. I would ask the hon. Gentleman's constituent to please use the benefits calculator on gov.uk and to talk to his work coach in case there is any support locally that he is missing out on.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister support Unite the union's “Get Me Home Safely” campaign and the early-day motion of my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry South (Zarah Sultana), which calls for the extension of the employer's duty of care to include safe transport home and policies such as making free night transport for staff a pre-condition for new liquor licences?
Context
No specific context or statistics were provided in the question.
Trudy Harrison
I thank the hon. Member for his interest in this important issue. We are already doing much on the transport network to improve safety, particularly for women and girls—for example, the rail to refuge scheme helps four people a day. We have also recently undertaken a review with our transport champions to look specifically at the safety of women and girls. I would be happy to meet him to understand how those proposals align with the recommendations from our champions.
Session: Public Transport Night-time Safety
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Duty of Candour for Public Authorities and Legal Representation for Bereaved Families
03 September 2025
Responding: Alex Davies-Jones
Main Concerns
['The state has historically taken a defensive position to protect its own interests, enabling cover-ups in various scandals such as Hillsborough, where 97 innocent people lost their lives. The current system denies truth and justice to families wronged by institutional failures. No public servant or police officer involved in the Hillsborough disaster has been convicted or disciplined despite evidence of a widespread cover-up.']
Specific Asks
['The Government must act with clarity and moral courage to push back against vested interests and establish a legal duty of candour on public authorities, public servants, and corporations responsible for public safety. This would set out the principle that they have to tell the truth.']
Children’s Hospices: Funding
30 October 2024
Responding: Stephen Kinnock
Main Concerns
["Ian Byrne is concerned about the potential closure of Zoe's Place, a children's hospice in his constituency, due to spiralling costs and insufficient funding. He highlighted the essential support provided by Zoe's Place for families with seriously ill children, stating that it should not be reliant on charity but an integral part of public services. The current model is described as 'broken,' with less than 30% of income coming from public money and most of it uncertain in its future due to potential cuts or changes."]
Specific Asks
["Ian Byrne asks the Government to commit to maintaining the £25 million children's hospice grant for 2025-26 and beyond, to make it centrally distributed once again, and to use the NHS 10-year plan to fill the almost £300 million gap in funding for children's palliative care."]
Free School Meals: Children with SEND
10 January 2024
Responding: Damian Hinds
Main Concerns
['Thousands of children with special educational needs and disabilities are missing out on free school meals despite being eligible, causing many families to fall into debt and rely on food banks. Contact calculates that more than 164,000 disabled children are unable to access their free school meals due to issues such as dietary requirements or sensory processing difficulties.']
Specific Asks
["The Government should update the free school meal guidance to clearly state schools' duty under the Equality Act and provide alternatives like supermarket vouchers for eligible disabled children who cannot eat regular school meals. The Minister is asked to commit to addressing parents' concerns about access to breakfast and holiday schemes immediately."]
UEFA Champions League Final 2022: Independent Review Findings
28 February 2023
Responding: Stuart Andrew
Main Concerns
['Ian Byrne is concerned about the organisational failures of UEFA and the French authorities during the UEFA Champions League Final in Paris, which led to a dangerous situation for supporters. He highlights that the independent review report exonerates Liverpool supporters from any blame and places responsibility on UEFA and the French government for their disorganised approach to safety and security. Byrne also criticises the lack of accountability and apology from these organisations for their role in spreading lies and smears similar to those seen during the Hillsborough disaster.']
Specific Asks
['Ian Byrne urges the Government to apply political pressure on President Macron and Aleksander Čeferin, urging them to issue a full apology and implement all recommendations from the independent review report. He also calls on the Football Association to act in the best interests of English football supporters by pushing for these changes at UEFA.']
Cost of Food
14 December 2022
Responding: Mark Spencer
Main Concerns
['The rising cost of food has increased by 16.4% in the year to October, affecting one in three people in Liverpool who are now in food poverty and one in six constituents in West Derby are missing meals or going without food. Two in three constituents are cutting back on hot water, heating, or electricity. The situation is getting worse by the hour, with workers across industries taking strike action due to rising costs such as those for food. Food insecurity levels have doubled since 2022, affecting an estimated 10 million adults and 4 million children in September alone. Calorie for calorie, healthier foods are nearly three times more expensive than less healthy options, with the cost of baby formula increasing by 22%. The poorest fifth of the population would need to spend 43% of their disposable income on food to afford a healthy diet.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP urges the Government to legislate for the right to food and ensure systemic change so that all people have access to health, happiness, and dignity. He proposes ensuring food security when setting competition, planning, transport, local government policies, and eradicating food deserts. The Minister should be under a duty when setting the minimum wage and social security benefits to state how much has been calculated for food. Finally, he asks for universal free school meals to ensure every child in state education receives a nutritious breakfast and lunch.']
Private Rented Sector Housing
15 March 2022
Responding: Eddie Hughes
Main Concerns
['Mr. Ian Byrne is concerned about the current system in the private rented sector which fails to provide homes that are safe, secure and affordable for everyone. He highlights issues such as landlords leaving tenants with health conditions like asthma in damp properties without a gas supply during winter, families living in fear of bailiffs due to section 21 eviction notices, and children suffering from poor housing conditions leading to serious health impacts or even death. Nationally, one in five homes in the private rented sector is classed as non-decent, and 12% have hazards that could cause serious harm including death or permanent disability.']
Specific Asks
['Mr. Byrne asks for the Government to take urgent action so no future tenant will go through similar experiences. He urges the Minister to scrap section 21 and present a White Paper addressing systemic issues in the private rented sector, aiming for a renters reform Bill that abolishes no-fault evictions, drives up standards, and creates a national landlord register.']
Right to Food in Legislation
21 October 2020
Responding: Victoria Prentis
Main Concerns
['The humanitarian crisis of food insecurity affects millions across the UK, particularly highlighted by an 81% increase in emergency food parcels from Trussell Trust food banks during March 2020. The issue is linked to welfare cuts and systemic failings over decades, leading to a stark rise in families, pensioners, working poor, and homeless people needing food aid. The MP recalls witnessing long queues for a local food bank, reflecting the severity of the problem.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should incorporate international treaties such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights into domestic law to establish a right to food, ensuring indicators and mechanisms are in place to tackle and measure food insecurity. The MP also supports considering universal basic income as one solution among others.']
Public Office (Accountability) Bill
14 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Estimates Day - [2nd Allotted Day]Estimates Day
30 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's response to the Select Committee’s “Game On” report acknowledged the importance of physical activity but failed to deliver on its promises due to a lack of funding and clear action. T...
National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Opposition Day
23 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the motion expressing regret over the chaos in Government, particularly regarding the temporary Prime Minister's attendance at the NATO summit. Calls on the Government to spend 3% of GDP on defe...
Lebanon: Israel Defence Forces Operations
03 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to make a statement on the Israel Defence Forces’ operations in Lebanon. Emphasised that the IDF is expanding its i...
Defence Readiness
20 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Public Office (Accountability) Bill - Motion to carry over proceedings to the next Session
27 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion is procedural, allowing the Public Office (Accountability) Bill to be carried over to the next session. The Government remains committed to delivering this landmark bill which aims to rebui...
Peter Mandelson: Government Appointment
21 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Lord Mandelson: Response to Humble Address Motion
11 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Royal Mail: Universal Service Obligation
11 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
68.7%
57 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
21
25.3% of votes
No Votes
36
43.4% of votes
Abstentions
26
31.3% of votes
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
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
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
6
PMQs Asked
66
Ministerial Questions Asked
89
House of Commons Debates Involved
7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
83
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+63% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+383% above average
This MP:
66
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+177% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1739% above average
This MP:
89
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-1% below average
This MP:
68.7
Average:
69.5
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Ian Byrne's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.