John Cryer
MP for Leyton and Wanstead
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
Could the Minister update on what he is doing to provide support and technology specifically to elected representatives to ensure this does not happen in the future?
Context
The MP raises concern about weak cyber security compromising elected representatives and leading to information extraction.
Oliver Dowden
We established the National Cyber Security Centre, which brings together GCHQ expertise with that of various departments. Through NCSC, we work with House authorities for advice on equipment and security of Members of Parliament. I urge them to contact directly if they have concerns.
Session: Cyber Threats to Public Institutions and Services
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What steps his Department is taking to protect public institutions and services from cyber threats. The cyber threat facing the United Kingdom is intensifying, with state and non-state actors targeting critical national infrastructure, businesses, and democratic institutions.
Context
The MP is concerned about the increasing cyber threats facing public institutions and services in the UK.
Oliver Dowden
The Government have introduced a new national cyber strategy taking a whole-of-society approach. High standards of cyber-protection are set for critical industries, and advice is offered to institutions, businesses, and individuals through the help of world-leading agencies.
Session: Cyber Threats to Public Institutions and Services
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The Minister mentioned pubs that have been rescued and secured for the community, but where historic local pubs, which were at one time hubs of the community, have been wrecked by absentee owners and therefore require capital investment, does he envisage the funding being used in that regard as well?
Context
The MP asks about the eligibility of historic local pubs that require capital investment due to absentee owners.
Jacob Young
The fund is open to community groups, charities, and town and parish councils. I cannot promise the hon. Gentleman that the pub to which he refers would be eligible, but I am more than happy to meet him following this session to get further details.
Session: Community Ownership Fund
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Has he raised the activities of those settlers with his opposite number in the Israeli Government?
Context
UK sanctioned four individuals involved with illegal settlements, but the number seems low.
Andrew Mitchell
The British Government have certainly raised those activities with the Israeli Government. That is why we have asked that they should be arrested, prosecuted and punished for those activities. On those who may or may not be subject to a sanctions regime, we keep that fully under review, but the hon. Member will understand why I think it is best not to discuss that across the Floor of the House.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Justice Secretary mentioned the duty of candour that he imposed on the police. Has he considered legislating to introduce the same for all public bodies?
Context
The MP inquires about extending the duty of candour, previously imposed on police, to all public bodies.
Alex Chalk
I can say that we want to extend that duty to healthcare settings, because we do not want health professionals closing ranks when something goes wrong. It is important to say that since Hillsborough there have been so many changes, including through the Inquiries Act 2005, which mean that there can be criminal liability for those who do not do what the hon. Gentleman and I must think is a matter of common sense, which is to tell the truth.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister discuss cuckooing as a specific crime with my hon. Friend?
Context
Cuckooing is a terrible activity that could be made easier to prosecute.
Alex Chalk
The suggestion has been considered by way of discussions with criminal justice partners. I would be happy to have further conversations.
Session: Topical Questions
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In answer to question 9, the Minister seemed to say that the Government were planning to completely proscribe the IRGC. Could he confirm that? If that were the case, it would be welcomed across the House.
Context
There is a debate about the UK's intention to proscribe the IRGC.
David Rutley
To be clear, I said that we would be introducing a new sanctions regime.
Session: Topical Questions
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Could the Secretary of State engage with his opposite number in education and promote Holocaust Education Trust's work?
Context
There is a concern that the holocaust is slipping from memory, leading to increased antisemitism.
Michael Gove
The hon. Gentleman makes a good point, and I thank the Holocaust Educational Trust for its exemplary work. It is vital to ensure every generation understands the unique evil of the holocaust.
Session: Antisemitism
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May I welcome the Under-Secretary of State for Justice, the hon. Member for Newbury (Laura Farris), to her well-deserved place on the Treasury Bench? As well as expanding prison capacity, has the Secretary of State looked at the possibility of investing in women's centres? That was part of the Government's female offender strategy, but it also has a proven track record in cutting reoffending?
Context
The MP welcomed the Under-Secretary of State and asked about investing in women's centers as part of the female offender strategy.
Alex Chalk
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind words about my hon. Friend. Yes, absolutely; where the court determines that an alternative disposal is appropriate, we are keen for non-custodial options to be available. That is why we are investing heavily in alternatives. There are cases where women offenders must go to jail, but where that is not necessary we want to ensure that alternatives remain so that rehabilitation can take place in the community.
Session: Prison Capacity
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Let us have another try: has the international development Minister had direct discussions with his Israeli counterpart about getting fuel into Gaza? Once the fuel runs out, hospitals stop and people die.
Context
The question addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, specifically concerning the fuel shortage that threatens to exacerbate existing conditions such as hospital shutdowns and civilian deaths.
Andrew Mitchell
I have not had those discussions with my Israeli opposite number, but the hon. Gentleman may rest absolutely assured that the contact with the Israeli Government—not least during the visit of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary over the past few days—focuses on every aspect of this issue.
Session: Topical Questions
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Has the Minister had the chance to look at our proposal for specialist rape courts in every Crown court in the country?
Context
The question is prompted by the concern that it takes two years or more for rape cases to come to court, and 69% of victims withdraw from the cases before they come to trial.
Edward Argar
I crave your indulgence, Mr Speaker. May I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the hon. Member for Cardiff North (Anna McMorrin), who shadowed me for some time, and to the hon. Member for Lewisham West and Penge (Ellie Reeves), who also did so? It remains our priority to deliver swifter access to justice for victims of rape. In June 2022, we announced our ambitious specialist sexual violence support project in three Crown courts aimed at improving facilities and technology. Listing is a judicial prerogative, and it is important we retain flexibility in the use of the court estate.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Given the national shortage of GPs, does the Minister recognise that there is a potential danger in asking pharmacists to take on the duties of GPs—duties that they are not necessarily qualified to undertake?
Context
Concern about the national shortage of GPs and potential risks in asking pharmacists to take on GP duties.
Neil O'Brien
We absolutely recognise the need for patient safety, which is why there will be clear patient group directions and clear pathways about what pharmacists do. They are not taking on the role of GPs, but are providing additional services that will make things more convenient for all of our constituents.
Session: Pharmacy Services
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According to the Prison Officers Association, the turnover rate among officers is still very high. What discussions has the Minister had with the POA about not only recruitment but retention?
Context
Concern over high turnover rates among prison officers.
Damian Hinds
I have spoken to the POA about recruitment and retention, as the hon. Gentleman would expect. We have recently seen about a 1 percentage point improvement in the resignation rate, which is significant, but we have to make sure that all aspects of the job are right.
Session: Prison Officer Numbers
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To pursue the issue of proxies raised by my hon. Friend, am I correct in understanding that he is prepared to examine the possibility of taking action against proxies and individuals using them?
Context
Am I right in thinking that the Minister is prepared to examine the possibility of taking action against proxies and those persons of interest who use proxies?
John Glen
The Government are committed to an ever-tighter grip on illicit finance and those individuals close to Putin who make a material contribution to his regime. I am happy to receive representations on whatever case he wishes to bring to me, but I will not commit on the Floor of the House to individual extensions.
Session: Financial Sanctions Regime
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The population in my constituency is due to grow significantly over the next 10 years and beyond, necessitating expansion of healthcare services. Can the Minister provide a completion date for the new Whipps Cross Hospital, which was announced last week?
Context
The population of the MP's constituency is set to grow rapidly over the next decade. He seeks a completion date for the recently announced new hospital.
Will Quince
By 2030, Mr Speaker.
Session: Urgent and Emergency Care Growing Towns
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I welcome the Secretary of State to his place. Does he have plans to undertake an assessment of the functioning of the law on joint enterprise?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the law's impact and whether it accurately captures culpable individuals.
Alex Chalk
The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Court of Appeal considered carefully the scope of the law of joint enterprise to ensure it catches only people who are truly culpable. There are currently no plans to reform the law, but I would consider any sensitive matter he wishes to raise.
Session: Topical Questions
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One of the first decisions that the Government made on coming to power was to cancel seven school rebuilding programmes in my constituency. Since then, we have seen greater cuts to local government spending, so the buildings have continued to disintegrate. Will the Secretary of State guarantee that some of the resources that she has mentioned will go to schools in Redbridge and Waltham Forest, to stop their further disintegration?
Context
The MP questioned the allocation of resources to schools in his constituency following a decision by the Government.
Gillian Keegan
Since 2015, we have allocated over £15 billion to maintaining and improving the condition of the school estate. Our school rebuilding programme will transform buildings at 500 schools; 400 of those have already been announced, including 239 in December.
Session: School Buildings Information on Condition and Safety
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Like the hon. Member for Buckingham, I have repeatedly asked about proscribing the IRGC, which is widely seen as a group that tortures and murders women. Why has the Foreign Secretary not taken this final step?
Context
Concerns about the IRGC being recognised as a threat by both sides of the House, but no action taken to proscribe it.
James Cleverly
Actions are taken based on principles of deterring malign activity and protecting British citizens. The UK Government does not routinely speculate on future designations.
Session: Iran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
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Further to Question 4, the Minister will be aware of plans to significantly increase flights in and out of London City airport over my constituency and many others in east and south London. Can he assure the House that a decision on the matter will not be made while the Civil Aviation Authority's survey of noise pollution is still being conducted?
Context
There are plans to significantly increase flights at London City Airport, affecting constituencies in east and south London.
Jesse Norman
I obviously cannot comment on the situation at the moment, but the hon. Gentleman's point is well made. If he wishes to take the matter up with the aviation Minister, I am sure that she would welcome it.
Session: Topical Questions
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Is it true that we are considering proscribing the IRGC?
Context
The Minister seemed to suggest that proscribing the IRGC is under consideration.
Thomas Tugendhat
The Government always keep all areas under review, and speculation has certainly been in that direction. Further action will be announced as soon as it is ready.
Session: Iranian Regime Threat to UK
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Are discussions imminent between the Government and the Church of England to secure the future of churches?
Context
Many churches and cathedrals in various constituencies are in serious danger, necessitating urgent Government discussions to secure their future.
Andrew Selous
Discussions need a boost, though I would welcome support from Members across all sides. Places of worship are important in communities, and we need a national conversation about funding options to keep them sustainable for the future.
Session: Churches and Cathedrals Maintenance
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In answer to Question 11, asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Edmonton (Kate Osamor), what the Minister seemed to say was that he was willing to assess the racial disparities in joint enterprise prosecutions once the data was available, which it is not at present but which it will be in the near future. Am I right to draw that conclusion?
Context
The Minister was asked to assess racial disparities in joint enterprise prosecutions once the data is available. The questioner wants confirmation on this.
Mike Freer
What I said was that the issue was complex, and that I would be happy to sit down with the hon. Member for Edmonton to go through the exact details and the exact concerns, rather than addressing such a sensitive issue across the Dispatch Box, so that we could have a meaningful discussion and see whether we could find a way forward to resolve the underlying issues.
Session: Topical Questions
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In the past decade it was normal to write to the Home Office about an immigration case and get a reply within six weeks. That went up to 10 to 12 weeks. It is now running at three to four months—not to get a decision, just an initial response. How sustainable is that?
Context
Response times for immigration cases have been increasing over the past decade.
Robert Jenrick
I am always happy to take up cases for right hon. and hon. Members. I would just say, however, that the Home Office's standards for visa applications are now back in line with its customer service standards.
Session: Topical Questions
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Contrary to the drivel we have just been listening to, there are absolutely no guarantees about British jobs and British apprenticeships in British yards. At what point are Ministers going to stop talking about it and actually use procurement to deliver and secure the future of British yards?
Context
The question challenges the Minister about guarantees for British jobs and apprenticeships.
Alex Chalk
These ships will be built, integrated and assembled in the United Kingdom. Appledore and Harland & Wolff will get work; there will be investment and jobs in those shipyards.
Session: Defence Sector Support for UK Companies
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As my right hon. Friend the Member for Warley has just pointed out, the IRGC has led and organised the brutal crackdown on protesters in Iran. What do those fascist thugs have to do to get themselves designated a terrorist organisation?
Context
Cryer expressed frustration over the lack of designation for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) involved in cracking down on protesters.
David Rutley
I understand the point the hon. Gentleman makes, and it has been made with real passion, but we are not able to add anything to the points we have already made to hon. Members on this issue.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why can we not just get on with it and ban the IRGC, as we banned Hezbollah?
Context
The questioner criticises Iran's leaders as clerical fascists and demands a ban on the IRGC similar to Hezbollah.
Amanda Milling
I have been clear about sanctions to constrain IRGC activity. I will not comment further on proscription of this group.
Session: Iran
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Does the Minister agree that high density does not equate to high rise? In the light of tragedies such as Grenfell Tower, Ronan Point and others, will he look less than kindly on applications for high-rise developments?
Context
The question addresses concerns about high-density developments, particularly in light of recent tragedies involving high-rise buildings.
Stuart Andrew
The hon. Gentleman will understand that I am not able, in a quasi-judicial role, to comment on individual planning applications. It is for local authorities to make those decisions. Density can come in a range of different ways, and it is for local communities to decide what housing they want built in their area.
Session: Housebuilding Urban Densification
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In extreme cases where developers evade responsibility by changing names, will the Secretary of State allow for individual director prosecutions?
Context
Developers sometimes evade responsibility by closing and reopening under a different name, avoiding sanctions or prosecution.
Michael Gove
Yes, absolutely. The Secretary of State is open to considering individual director prosecution in extreme cases where developers evade responsibility.
Session: Building Remediation Costs
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Can the Minister confirm that he regularly meets with trade union representatives for bus drivers? Has his Department assessed the impact of low bus driver wages on recruitment and retention?
Context
The Minister previously stated that he is meeting trade union representatives of the bus driver industry.
Andrew Stephenson
The roads Minister, Baroness Vere, is regularly meeting trade representatives. Private sector companies run most bus operations; thus, it's not for the government to dictate wages except through minimum wage laws.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Minister assure the House that there will be no cuts in bed numbers in any future hospital reconfiguration?
Context
There are concerns about potential cuts in bed numbers during future hospital reconfigurations.
Edward Argar
Decisions on hospital reconfigurations and changes to local hospital systems are a matter for the local NHS, following full consultation and consideration of the needs of local communities. The NHS as a whole will continue to look at what bed capacity is needed to meet future need.
Session: NHS Capacity and Resilience Covid-19
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When she meets the Nigerian Foreign Minister in the future—I hope she does so in the near future and repeatedly—will she ask exactly what the Nigerian Government are doing to protect their own citizens? Many of us have constituents with relatives in Nigeria who have been the victims of torture, rape and murder, and at the moment exactly what the Nigerian Government are doing does not seem particularly clear.
Context
The question follows up on a previous query about discussions with Nigerian counterparts. It references constituents whose relatives have been victims of violence, highlighting concerns over clarity regarding the government's actions.
Vicky Ford
Nigeria faces serious security challenges including terrorism, intercommunal conflicts, and criminal banditry. The UK-Nigeria security and defence dialogue next month will discuss cooperation on human rights, counter-terrorism, and organised crime to address these issues.
Session: Nigeria Religious and Other Violence
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What discussions has she had with her Nigerian counterpart on the increasing levels of (a) religious violence and (b) other violence in that country?
Context
The question follows discussions on the increasing levels of religious and other types of violence in Nigeria, impacting citizens including those with relatives in the UK. The context includes global efforts to combat poverty and promote equality.
Vicky Ford
The UK is committed to the global fight against poverty and promoting equality, spending over £10 billion of aid in 2021 despite the pandemic's impact. We review project impacts through the spending cycle for future decisions. However, she did not provide specific details on discussions with Nigerian counterparts regarding violence.
Session: Nigeria Religious and Other Violence
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The Home Secretary will be acutely aware that Colin Pitchfork, the double child rapist and murderer, is now back behind bars. The fact that he was released shows something is wrong at the heart of the system. What conversations are happening with the Justice Secretary to ensure this never happens again?
Context
Colin Pitchfork, a child rapist and murderer, was released and is now back in prison.
Priti Patel
This is a very important case, and many conversations are taking place across Government, particularly with the Justice Secretary, the Ministry of Justice and the Parole Board. I cannot add any more than that.
Session: Topical Questions
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When the Minister next meets the national leadership of the Royal British Legion, will he point out that effectively closing down a branch and expelling its officers, as they have done in Leyton, is not the best way to promote the appeal?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the closure of a Royal British Legion branch in Leyton.
Leo Docherty
I regularly meet the magnificent team of the Royal British Legion. If the hon. Gentleman can give me any particular details of that case, I should be pleased to raise it with them.
Session: Poppy Appeal
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What discussions has the Foreign Secretary had with the Government of Nigeria about the attacks by Boko Haram and other groups on just about every minority in Nigeria, particularly Christians?
Context
Attacks by Boko Haram on minority communities in Nigeria.
Vicky Ford
We absolutely condemn violence across Nigeria. These attacks have devastating effects on all communities. Religious identity is a factor in some incidents of intercommunal violence, but the root causes are very complex. When I met African heads of mission in London on 21 September, I emphasised that democracy, human rights and the rule of law are all core UK values and that those values also include the freedom of religion or belief.
Session: Topical Questions
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So far, Ministers have given very little clarity on what help will be available for people who are self-employed and on zero-hours contracts. I realise that there are statements and that legislation is in the pipeline, but unless there is clarity, people who are ill and have been told to self-isolate will carry on going into work. Discussions need to be held with the relevant Departments. Will the Leader of the House make clear that this issue has to be addressed?
Context
Ministers have not provided much clarity on the assistance available to people who are self-employed or work on zero-hours contracts.
Jacob Rees-Mogg (Leader of the House of Commons)
This was referred to by the Chancellor in his statement yesterday and solutions are being brought forward. Department for Work and Pensions staff stand ready to support anyone affected. We encourage them to get in touch to discuss their situation. Universal credit will be paid up front to people who will need it: 100% of the first month's payment may be made. Steps are being taken to help people who are self-employed. I think £1 billion extra is being devoted to the welfare budget, to help people who are in difficulties because of the coronavirus.
Session: Business of the House
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Water Safety Education
07 May 2024
Responding: Damian Hinds
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the increasing number of child drownings in recent years, particularly with a 46% increase in 2022 against the five-year average. The National Child Mortality Database reported that the risk of drowning is twice as high among children from poorer backgrounds and three and a half times higher for those from black and ethnic minority backgrounds. Additionally, only 71% of Year 7 pupils can swim 25 metres, representing a fall of 6.3% compared to five years ago. Catherine West is concerned about the decline in swimming proficiency among children since the pandemic, with a significant number of pools closing. She highlighted that while 90% of affluent children can swim 25 metres by years 7 to 8, only 53% of children from low-income families and 56-80% of black and Asian children have similar proficiency. She noted the importance of access to water facilities for school swimming opportunities and pointed out that London Boroughs like Haringey face a shortage in publicly available pools.']
Specific Asks
["I ask the Minister to share how many schools have been taken action against for not meeting swimming and water safety attainment requirements since their introduction. I also request confirmation that the requirement to provide data on swimming and water safety directly to the Department will remain, regardless of future PE premium funding decisions. West asks the Minister to provide long-term, sustainable funding to deliver community pools necessary for all children's school swimming programmes. She also requests an update on the national vision for swimming facilities and calls for a refreshed commitment from the Department to ensure every child can swim safely."]
Football (Amendment) Bill - Clause 1
23 April 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Extremism Definition and Community Engagement
14 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Tributes to Sir Tony Lloyd
23 January 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Honoured the memory of Sir Tony Lloyd, a long-serving MP who was dedicated to public service and international affairs. Mentioned his contributions as shadow Foreign Affairs Minister, Member for Stret...
Action Against Houthi Maritime Attacks
23 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Pakistan: Evacuation of Afghans
08 November 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water Industry: Financial Resilience
28 June 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Recovering Access to Primary Care
09 May 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Top Secret Document Leaks
18 April 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Fan-led Review and Football White Paper
20 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Governor of Xinjiang: UK Visit
09 February 2023
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
0
PMQs Asked
36
Ministerial Questions Asked
44
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
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
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+169% above average
This MP:
36
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+805% above average
This MP:
44
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
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 John Cryer's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.