James McMurdock
MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock
Ind
Reform UK
-
4 Jul 2024 - 5 Jul 2025
Independent
-
5 Jul 2025 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Over the past week, rules and regulations have come understandably under sharp focus, but even more important than rules and regulations is the law. On that topic, I believe there are a number of things that everyone in the House can agree on and feel proud about: phrases such as “without fear or favour” and symbols such as Lady Justice wearing a blindfold. However well-meaning the National Police Chiefs' Council and the College of Policing may be with their programmes such as the race action plan, we have seen some very high-profile cases where faith in police has been shaken by what appears to be two-tier decision making. May Isb ask, in good faith, what the Deputy Prime Minister can do to reassure people that “without fear or favour” will always be maintained?
Context
High-profile cases have raised concerns about two-tier decision making in the police, impacting public trust.
David Lammy
I say to the hon. Gentleman that everyone is equal before the law. That is the foundation on which the openness, tolerance and generosity of this country rest. Let us be clear: there is no two-tier justice in this country.
Assessment
The specific ask about actions to ensure 'without fear or favour' was not addressed
Change Of Subject
Personal Attack
Session: PMQs 2026-07-08
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If any member of the public wishes to visit a major sporting or music event, they can expect to be searched on the way in. If they bring a bottle of water, the lid will be taken. If they order a drink from the bar, it will be served in a plastic cup. That is done for security reasons, yet because of exemptions in the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, those same events permit the carrying of blades up to 5 inches long. Does the Prime Minister recognise the dangers and risks associated with that, and that what a solicitor might call “an exception”, our voters would call “two-tier justice”?
Context
Public events have security measures but allow carrying of knives under certain exemptions.
Keir Starmer
Let me be very clear: any blade that is used to threaten or to harm others is illegal by law—any blade. We will work with the Sikh community, knife crime campaigners and the police to learn the right lessons. That is the responsible thing to do. We all have a responsibility and a duty as politicians to respond to the case that we were discussing last week and to the events in Northern Ireland that we are discussing today with the calmness that leadership requires.
Session: PMQs
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G R Carr is a business in Burnt Mills in my constituency with more than half a century of experience in steel manufacturing and fabrication. It is exactly the kind of medium-sized business that builds this country and that we should be championing. Following my visit to the business last week, I was disturbed to find out that many of our contracts, from our flagship deals in Teesside to our nuclear programmes, go offshore, such as the 7,000-tonne order for steel from China and the more than 200 km of fabricated pipework from Germany. That is exactly the kind of investment that should be made in the UK. How does sending it offshore play into the Government’s growth plans?
Context
G R Carr, a British company with over half a century of experience in steel manufacturing and fabrication, finds its contracts going offshore.
The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr David Lammy)
The hon. Gentleman will remember that we stepped in to save British Steel, and we committed up to £2.5 billion to rebuild the sector. We will publish a steel strategy setting out how we are going to achieve that shortly. The British industry supercharger will also bring down energy costs for strategically important UK industries.
Session: PMQs
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It is an open secret that the gig economy is a magnet for organised crime and illegal workers. As Christmas approaches and demand increases, so do the associated risks. Will the Prime Minister please explain why enforcement in this area is so low and what he will do to restore order?
Context
The MP is concerned about the low enforcement levels regarding illegal workers in the gig economy.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
We are delivering a record crackdown on illegal working in the gig economy, and expanding right-to-work and facial recognition checks, which are really important. We are also introducing a new criminal offence of trespassing with intent to commit a crime through the Crime and Policing Bill.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister or Secretary of State for Health and Social Care visit Basildon with him so they can thank staff and address problems?
Context
Basildon hospital has been downgraded to inadequate by the Care Quality Commission.
The Prime Minister
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this issue and for the two examples that he has given. The downgrading of Basildon hospital is deeply disappointing. The Care Quality Commission has set out immediate actions for the trust leaders to deliver improvements.
Assessment
Did not directly address the request for a visit, instead pointed out political affiliation and NHS stance.
Disagreement
Reassurance
Session: PMQs
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Residents of my constituency of South Basildon and East Thurrock face a triple whammy of council tax increased by 50%, reduced public services, and £1 billion of emergency funding that is being borrowed at 1% above base rate. That 1% is approximately £10 million a year going to the Treasury that could be spent on frontline services in Thurrock. Will the Prime Minister commit to reducing that rate, so that the money can go where it belongs?
Context
Residents in South Basildon and East Thurrock are facing increased council taxes and reduced public services, due to £1 billion of emergency funding being borrowed at 1% above base rate.
Keir Starmer
The last Government made life even more difficult for councils needing exceptional financial support by charging a premium on borrowing. That was the wrong decision, and it had a huge impact on vital services. We will take a different approach. We are delivering a real-terms increase in core Government spending power, and that will benefit the hon. Member's constituents.
Assessment
specific commitment to reducing borrowing premium or timeline for action was not provided
Taking A Different Approach
Session: PMQs
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What recent discussions has he had with Basildon and Thurrock councils on proposals to postpone the local elections of May 2026?
Context
The question arises from discussions around the capacity of councils in Basildon and Thurrock to manage local government reorganisation alongside scheduled elections.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
We have invited views from Thurrock, Basildon and other councils undergoing local government reorganisation about their capacity to deliver both alongside elections. Councils are best placed to judge their capacity, but we will consider the representations carefully alongside precedent and legal requirements in this area.
Session: Local Elections Basildon and Thurrock
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What steps are being taken to improve homelessness guidance for local government given that some councils, like Basildon council, misclassify one-room bed and breakfast properties as self-contained units through minor additions like microwaves or fridges, leading to unlawful periods of temporary accommodation beyond six weeks?
Context
The hon. Gentleman is concerned about the misuse of temporary accommodation rules by local councils, particularly regarding vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and families.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
As the Homelessness Minister, my responsibility is to publish the homelessness strategy so that we can examine issues such as those mentioned by the hon. Gentleman, ensure that the guidance is adequate, and prioritise getting children out of temporary accommodation and providing them with proper housing.
Session: Homelessness Guidance
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What steps are being taken to reduce the cost to the public purse of migrants who have crossed the channel illegally? According to a recent report, £15.3 billion will be spent on asylum accommodation alone over the next decade, some of whom may commit violent crimes against British people. What do we say to residents, voters and taxpayers?
Context
The previous government lost control over borders, resulting in high costs for asylum seekers. The National Audit Office reports a projected £15.3 billion will be spent on asylum accommodation over 10 years.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood)
The previous Government lost control of our borders, resulting in a costly asylum system that used more than 400 hotels at nearly £9 million per day. The current government has reduced this to fewer than 200 hotels and signed an agreement with France preventing small boat departures, detaining arrivals, and returning those without the right to be in the UK. A statement will shortly be made outlining further reforms to reduce costs.
Session: Channel Crossings
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The Secretary of State and the other Ministers on the Front Bench have to great fanfare today talked about responsible governance, but Basildon council and its Labour leader have repeatedly failed to meet basic housing standards. Worse than that, its leader has gone live on social media to admit to counting postal votes and using that information to influence a recent by-election. When he is held to account, will Ministers agree to throwing him out of their party?
Context
Basildon council and its Labour leader have been criticized for failing to meet basic housing standards and engaging in unethical practices.
Alison McGovern
I am unclear about the exact details of what the hon. Member is raising, but if he would like to write to me or the Secretary of State providing details, we will make sure that he receives a swift response.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
02 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Diego Garcia Military Base 2025-05-22
22 May 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Havering Borough and Essex Devolution 2025-05-07
07 May 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
I have proudly represented my home town of Romford in the House for 24 years. An historic market town since 1247, it has been part of Essex county since the 6th century. Despite being incorporated int...
Child Rape Gangs 2025-04-28
28 April 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that a national statutory public inquiry will be established to investigate the child rape gangs scandal? The MP highlights cases of systemic abuse, cover-ups by authorities ...
Scunthorpe Steelworks 2025-04-07
07 April 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm what actions the Government are taking to prevent the closure of Scunthorpe’s steelworks? The urgency stems from British Steel's recent announcement of early asset closures a...
English Devolution and Local Government 2025-02-05
05 February 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
English Devolution
16 December 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Smoking Control Bill - Clause on raising smoking age by one year every year
26 November 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the Smoking Control Bill, which raises the legal age for purchasing tobacco by one year annually. Emphasises that this will lead to a smoke-free generation and reduce smoking-related deaths. Out...
Transport
09 September 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The draft Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) Order 2024 aims to decarbonise flights by introducing sustainable aviation fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 7...
Attendance
37.8%
37 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
23
23.5% of votes
No Votes
14
14.3% of votes
Abstentions
61
62.2% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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 AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
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
04 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
6
PMQs Asked
4
Ministerial Questions Asked
10
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-70% below average
This MP:
4
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+106% above average
This MP:
10
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 (%)
-45% below average
This MP:
37.8
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 McMurdock's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.