James Frith
MP for Bury North
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
Following my recent meeting with Bury’s child and adolescent mental health services, can I ask the Secretary of State whether he has considered the merits of separating neurodiversity services from core CAMHS mental health provision? Will he meet me and Bury’s health leaders to discuss this approach, given the rising number of referrals in the system, the long waiting times, the workforce pressures and the growing risk of overmedicalisation?
Context
The growing number of referrals in the system, long waiting times, workforce pressures, and the risk of overmedicalisation are pressing issues for child and adolescent mental health services.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
My hon. Friend is right that NHS mental health, ADHD and autism services have never fully met the needs of the population in a tailored, personalised or timely way. The independent review into prevalence and support for mental health conditions, autism and ADHD will explore the current challenges facing clinical services. My hon. Friend the Minister for mental health is currently overseas on departmental business, but I am sure that he would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend on his return.
Session: Topical Questions
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A businessman in my constituency has been defrauded of £100,000. Local police lack the skills and resources to investigate, and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau says that it cannot identify a line of inquiry, even though my constituent has compiled evidence himself. To his great credit, my constituent is more concerned about how many more victims there will be while such crimes go uninvestigated and unpunished. Will the Solicitor General meet me to discuss how we can ensure that this crime is properly investigated and these wretched fraudsters are brought to justice?
Context
A businessman in Mr. Frith's constituency has been defrauded of £100,000. Local police lack the skills and resources to investigate, and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau is unable to identify a line of inquiry.
The Solicitor General
I am very sorry to hear about the position that my hon. Friend’s constituent has been put in. I am sorry to say that it encapsulates perfectly why fraud is so damaging. The Government are doing everything in our power to crack down on fraud and corruption and support victims of these crimes. I am more than happy to meet my hon. Friend to see what more might be done in this case.
Session: Economic Crime
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Will the Secretary of State confirm that the legal right to specialist support will remain a core principle as Labour rebuilds this broken system?
Context
There are significant problems in the current SEN system, and there is a need for urgent reform.
Bridget Phillipson
I confirm that children with SEND have a legal right to additional support. Labour will protect this. We are discussing with families, campaigners, and school leaders to ensure we get the system right—a better system with strengthened support and more timely intervention and early identification of need.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State will know that Oasis kicks off their world tour this week, and I am proud that their first English gig is in the borough of Bury—a brilliant moment for Manchester’s world-class live music scene. Hosting the five sold-out shows with 72,000 fans a night brings the band 50 million quid, but it brings serious local pressure on licensing, safety, transport and clean-up, yet Bury receives no funding for those additional costs. The as yet unconfirmed suggested £25,000 community fund barely scratches the surface. While we are proud to host, should the legacy of such a global event really just be the prep and clear-up costs? Will the Secretary of State and her Department ensure that communities like mine see a fairer share of the benefit and not just the burden of hosting major cultural events?
Context
Oasis is kicking off their world tour in the borough of Bury, with five sold-out shows expected to draw 72,000 fans per night. The event brings significant local pressure on licensing, safety, transport and clean-up but no additional funding for these costs.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
My hon. Friend makes an important point. It is absolutely fitting that Oasis are returning to Greater Manchester, and Bury is a very fitting venue, not least because my hon. Friend has long championed live music and also indulged—or should I say inflicted?—live music on many of us for years. He will know that this Government are keen to ensure that the communities feel the benefit. In particular, the Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism has been working hard with industry to introduce a levy on arena and stadium tickets to ensure that we support small venues and help more artists tour nationally.
Session: Live Music Creative Industries Sector Plan
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I met constituents concerned about their families' safety in the current crisis, including relatives in Mirpur, Kotli, Bhimber, Lahore, and Gujrat. The British Government has secured a ceasefire but must ensure lasting peace, including protection of water access under the Indus waters treaty.
Context
The MP met constituents with family roots in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir who are anxious about the conflict's escalation. There is concern over water access under the Indus waters treaty.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
We recognise the anxiety among British nationals with family ties to India and Pakistan. The UK has been actively engaging with both countries since this crisis began, staying in close touch with international partners such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to support peace efforts.
Session: Kashmir
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Will the Secretary of State meet me and Thomas White's sister, Clara White, to discuss his case?
Context
Thomas White was sentenced to three years for theft and received an IPP sentence. He remains in a category A prison, his mental health is worsening, and he recently attempted suicide.
Shabana Mahmood
I am very sorry to hear about the circumstances facing my hon. Friend's constituent's sibling in prison. We are determined to make more progress with IPP prisoners, but never in a way that compromises public protection. If my hon. Friend writes to the Department with the specifics of the case, I will ensure that he receives a response.
Session: Topical Questions
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The 2014 reforms prioritized SEN rights in the SEND system but failed to deliver promised resources. EHCPs are delayed and children often attend specialist schools outside their borough. How will the Government ensure more SEN provision in mainstream schools, like those in Bury North?
Context
The 2014 reforms aimed to put SEN rights at the heart of the special educational needs system but fell short on promised resources. EHCPs take too long to access, leading children to be sent out-of-borough for education.
Catherine McKinnell
The Minister acknowledges the importance of accommodating children with SEND in their local mainstream schools and commits to providing training for educators early on. She highlights efforts to ensure educational psychology services are available to help schools adapt.
Session: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
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News of the impact of last week's Budget on schools was greeted with relief in Bury North. The Derby high school is a top-performing school, but its main building dates back to 1959 and faces critical issues. It was due for renewal under Labour's Building Schools for the Future programme but was ignored during the 14 years of the Tories. Will the Minister meet me and the school's leadership team to discuss the urgent need for refurbishment funds?
Context
The Derby high school faces critical issues with its main building dating back to 1959. Previous funding was ignored during the Conservative government.
Stephen Morgan
We are committed to improving school buildings, where we want our children to achieve and thrive, but that will not be a quick fix. Bury council has been awarded £1.8 million for the financial year to improve its school buildings, including The Derby high school. Last week, this Government increased next year's capital allocation for England to £2.1 billion, some £300 million more than last year. I will, of course, be happy to meet with my hon. Friend—
Session: Topical Questions
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In Bury North, child poverty rates are at 43%, densely populated in three of our nine wards: Bury East, Redvales and Moorside. Does the Minister agree with me that minimising tax rises for working people is just the starting point, and that tackling the crippling level of impoverishment for those in work requires a laser focus and intervention from this mission-driven Government?
Context
The MP is concerned about child poverty rates in his constituency, which stand at 43%.
James Murray
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that, while keeping taxes on working people as low as possible is crucial, the way to make people better off in the long run is through boosting public and private investment, and delivering sustained economic growth. That is the focus of this Labour Government, and that will guide the choices we make.
Session: Taxes on Working People
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What steps she is taking to minimise taxes on working people. In Bury North, child poverty rates are at 43%, densely populated in three of our nine wards: Bury East, Redvales and Moorside. Does the Minister agree with me that minimising tax rises for working people is just the starting point, and that tackling the crippling level of impoverishment for those in work requires a laser focus and intervention from this mission-driven Government?
Context
The MP is concerned about the economic situation in his constituency, particularly regarding tax burdens on working people.
James Murray
As hon. Members know, any changes to tax policy will be set out in tomorrow's Budget. Our approach to fixing the foundations of the economy will protect working people by not increasing national insurance, basic, higher or additional rates of income tax, or VAT. My hon. Friend is absolutely right that, while keeping taxes on working people as low as possible is crucial, the way to make people better off in the long run is through boosting public and private investment, and delivering sustained economic growth.
Session: Taxes on Working People
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Intellectual Property: Artificial Intelligence
23 April 2025
Responding: Chris Bryant
Main Concerns
['Our creative industries are deeply alarmed by the potential impacts of AI, particularly regarding copyright and legal peace. The petition from the Society of Authors has gained significant support with over 50,000 signatures against the misuse of copyrighted content for AI training.']
Specific Asks
['The Government must ensure that any industrial strategy guarantees economic fairness and upholds the rights of creatives to be properly remunerated for their work, including through licensing agreements.']
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Iran 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the Government’s actions regarding the brutal crackdown on protesters in Iran? The MP is concerned about the scale of violence and brutality, including reports of tens of tho...
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2025-09-02
02 September 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
NHS 10-Year Plan 2025-07-03
03 July 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Regional Growth 2025-06-04
04 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, stated that economic growth is the top mission of the Government. He highlighted the UK's recent progress in becoming the fastest-growing economy amo...
Data (Use and Access) Bill [Lords] 2025-06-03
03 June 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
The MP did not pose an urgent question in the traditional sense but instead engaged in a detailed debate regarding the Government's stance on copyright law enforcement and proposed measures to address...
Data (Use and Access) Bill [Lords] 2025-05-22
22 May 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Data (Use and Access) Bill [Lords] 2025-05-14
14 May 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Football Governance Bill [Lords] 2025-04-28
28 April 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ukraine 2025-03-03
03 March 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Called on the House to show courage in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, announced a significant increase in defence spending for the first time since the cold war. Emphasised economic securit...
Attendance
66.3%
65 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
28
28.6% of votes
No Votes
37
37.8% of votes
Abstentions
33
33.7% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
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
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
10
Ministerial Questions Asked
20
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
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 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-25% below average
This MP:
10
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+312% above average
This MP:
20
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-4% below average
This MP:
66.3
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 James Frith's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.