Julian Smith
MP for Skipton and Ripon
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
A much better understanding of the particular needs of autistic and neurodiverse children is vital to expanding capacity in mainstream education for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. As the Prime Minister looks at the SEND Bill over the summer, can I urge him to introduce mandatory training for all teachers and staff on autism and neurodiversity?
Context
There is a need for better understanding of the needs of autistic and neurodiverse children in mainstream education.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that contribution, because parents and children have been failed far too often. We are committing an additional £1 billion to SEND, but there must be meaningful reform alongside it, and new teachers must have the appropriate training. We are committed to reviewing that and to working with parents and teachers, and we will take away his suggestion. I invite him and others across the House to work with us on this important reform, because I think this issue has been raised with me more than any other at Prime Minister’s questions. It is clearly a broken system; it needs reform.
Assessment
Did not commit to mandatory training but indicated willingness to review and work on the issue
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister and Chancellor look carefully at how increased funding and changes to the funding formula could make a massive difference?
Context
Special educational needs budgets are under pressure, affecting provision for children with special needs.
Keir Starmer
I am grateful to the right hon. Member for raising this issue, which is of real concern across the country for many parents who are concerned about provision. I agree that children with special educational needs and disabilities are being failed, with parents struggling to get their children the support they need and deserve.
Assessment
The specific ask about increased funding or changes in formula was not addressed.
I Agree That Children With Special Educational Needs And Disabilities Are Being Failed
Session: PMQs
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I urge him to look again at resetting our policy and taking control of a more humane approach to those women and men fleeing from Ukraine.
Context
Concerns over the bureaucracy and tone of the UK Government's response to Ukrainian refugees.
Boris Johnson
This Government are unlike any other in understanding what refugees can give and the benefits to this country. We have done more than any other to resettle vulnerable people since 2015. That is why my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Levelling Up will be setting out a route by which the British people—not just the family reunion route, but a route by which everybody in this country—can offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to resetting policy but stated an intention for more people to be able to offer homes to refugees from Ukraine.
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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Does the PM agree that it is crucial to adhere to 'New Decade, New Approach' agreements in Northern Ireland? What action will be taken if these agreements are not upheld?
Context
The MP supports the Prime Minister's statements about Jo Cox and Sir Roy Stone. He emphasizes Northern Ireland's need for a stable, functioning government following recent challenges.
Boris Johnson
The PM supports the approach outlined by the MP regarding adherence to 'New Decade, New Approach' and emphasizes the importance of a stable Northern Ireland Executive.
Session: PMQs
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I thank the Prime Minister for the decisions he took last year that have meant that the vaccine programme is in such a good position this week. Despite that success, it is vital that the programme keeps pace with the changing variants. Will he update the House on where the UK stands on ensuring that the UK supply chain is in place and that we do not get behind as the virus mutates?
Context
The MP thanks the Prime Minister for decisions that have led to a successful vaccine programme but asks about ensuring supply chain readiness as variants emerge.
Boris Johnson
My right hon. Friend asks an extremely important question. We recently announced an agreement for 50 million doses with the manufacturer CureVac because we believe that that may help us to develop vaccines that can respond at scale to new variants of the virus. As the House will have heard from the chief medical officer, the deputy chief medical officer and others, I think we are going to have to get used to the idea of vaccinating and then revaccinating in the autumn as we come to face these new variants.
Session: PMQs
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More than 5,000 rough sleepers—90% of the homeless population in the UK—are now in temporary accommodation as a result of action taken by the Government at the start of this crisis. Will the Prime Minister commit to providing all funds necessary and taking all action needed to ensure that this positive way of dealing with the homelessness crisis can be made permanent and that each of those individuals can be given a long-term home?
Context
The question pertains to the Government's efforts in providing temporary accommodation for rough sleepers.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
As my right hon. Friend knows, it is this Government's ambition to end rough sleeping by 2024. It is great to see the progress that has been made even in this very difficult time—as he says, 90% of rough sleepers are now in accommodation or have been offered accommodation. We will be investing considerable sums to make sure that we build the housing and address the social issues to tackle that problem for good.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Health Secretary speak to providers in this area, because this cut could have significant implications for the standard and quality of autism and ADHD assessments?
Context
The Government are proposing cuts to the amount paid to providers for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism assessments, which could impact assessment quality.
Sharon Hodgson
A White Paper on SEND is out for discussion. The Government are looking at improving assessment, diagnosis and support for all children with special educational needs and disabilities, including autism.
Session: Health of Children and Young People 2026-07-14
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Small businesses across Yorkshire are really struggling with energy costs. We have talked about the local power plan, and the ability of communities to sell power to small businesses—the question just came up. That has to happen. We must do everything we can to lower the costs for rural and small businesses. Will the Minister make sure that that happens?
Context
Small businesses in Yorkshire are experiencing high energy costs.
Michael Shanks
The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. This is a crucial aspect of the local power plan. We need to support communities in developing the project, and then creating a market in which they can sell electricity locally. We are working with Ofgem and partners to ensure that can happen, and we will say more in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for the answer. According to the ammunitions industry, the upcoming ban on lead in commercial bullets is going to cause significant problems for the police and armed forces, in terms of cost and supply. Viking Arms, in my constituency, which supplies the military and the police, is deeply worried about this issue. Will he meet it and any other suppliers to hear their concerns about the problem?
Context
The upcoming ban on lead in commercial bullets is causing significant problems for the military and police regarding cost and supply. Viking Arms, a supplier to both sectors, expresses concerns.
Luke Pollard
I would be happy to meet the right hon. Gentleman and his constituents. We inherited stockpiles that were much lower than we would have liked, and this Government are determined to refill those stockpiles; anything that goes into rebuilding those is important to me. I am happy to meet and discuss this further.
Session: Lead Ammunition
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What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of lead ammunition for defence purposes. Lead ammunition supply has been constrained over the past five years, affecting stockpiles. The questioner seeks an evaluation of current availability and measures taken to ensure adequate supplies for national defence.
Context
Lead ammunition supply has faced constraints over the past five years, impacting military and police stockpiles.
Luke Pollard
Lead, like other critical minerals and chemicals used in producing energetics and ammunition, has seen constrained supply over the past five years. The Government is taking a strategic approach to munitions management by rebuilding depleted stockpiles, investing in always-on facilities, and building new energetics factories.
Session: Lead Ammunition
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JB Springs has contacted me regarding the issue of quotas under the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill, expressing worries about steel import costs and the company's future. Personally, I am supportive of many aspects of this bill, but quota issues pose challenges. Is there a structure enabling colleagues to meet Department officials for business consultations? Will the Minister review quotas within 12 months?
Context
JB Springs in Skipton imports steel and is concerned about costs and the future of the company. The Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill includes quotas which are causing problems.
Chris Bryant
I am happy to meet JB Springs and discuss their issues. It is crucial to ensure our steel production sector can compete globally, but I will look at the details with the company and him.
Session: Topical Questions
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As the Minister says, it is really important that the collective regime continues—we have a great reputation globally for our opt-out regime. The litigation finance industry is vital to supporting claims from consumers. The Government said last year that they would proceed with a Bill to restore a legal issue following the PACCAR judgment, so does she have an update on when that Bill will come forward? It was not in the King's Speech.
Context
The litigation finance industry is vital for supporting consumer claims, especially after the PACCAR judgment which raised legal issues. The Government had previously stated they would proceed with a Bill to address these issues.
Kate Dearden
As the right hon. Gentleman knows, the PACCAR review involves complex issues, and it is important that we take the time needed to get it right. Great care is being taken to ensure that proposals for the opt-out collective actions balance the need to preserve a route to redress for consumers with ensuring a proportionate regime for business. As I said in my previous answer, officials would be happy to discuss this issue further with the right hon. Gentleman.
Session: Opt-out Collective Actions Regime
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When does he plan to publish his Department's review of and consultation on the opt-out collective actions regime?
Context
The opt-out collective actions regime is under review by the Department.
Kate Dearden
The Government call for evidence on the opt-out collective actions regime closed in October last year, with almost 100 responses received. We are committed to economic growth and robust competition enforcement, including private enforcement, which is good for businesses, consumers and the economy. A consultation will be published as soon as possible.
Session: Opt-out Collective Actions Regime
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The Government are rightly focused on bus services, but can I urge them to also think carefully about safety in bus stations? We have a big problem at Skipton bus station at the moment and there is no CCTV. I encourage the Minister to focus on local authorities and mayors to get obligatory CCTV in our bus stations to keep people safe.
Context
There is no CCTV at Skipton bus station, raising safety concerns.
Lilian Greenwood
The Government have committed to a number of ideas to improve the safety of the travelling public, especially women and girls, and that includes looking at safety in bus stations. I will ensure that the particular issue the right hon. Gentleman raises is examined.
Session: Topical Questions
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May I urge the Secretary of State to be crystal clear to the Northern Ireland Assembly and Northern Ireland politicians that there will be less money coming from GB, so there needs to be revenue raising and a sole focus on economic growth for the next Session of the Northern Ireland Assembly?
Context
There is a focus on economic growth for the next Session of the Northern Ireland Assembly, as less money will be coming from GB.
Hilary Benn
I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that economic growth is the answer to many of the questions that the Executive and the Assembly are facing.
Session: Good Friday Agreement
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Given that many farmers have recently signed mid-tier agreements but will not be eligible for the new SFI until September, can the Secretary of State commit to finding a solution to prevent any gap in their support?
Context
Farmers in Skipton and Ripon are facing uncertainty due to the transition from mid-tier agreements to the new SFI 2026 window, with concerns over support continuity. This issue is critical for farmers in North Yorkshire.
Emma Reynolds
Farmers in Skipton and Ripon, like others across the country, are concerned about gaps in their support as they move from mid-tier agreements towards the new SFI window. We are looking into what we can do to address these issues.
Session: Sustainable Farming Incentive
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Small businesses across North Yorkshire are under massive pressure from national insurance, the workers' rights Bill, rates, energy costs—the list goes on. Now that the consultation on the tourist tax has closed, will the Minister put that tax on pause in the interests of job creation for young people? The stats today are truly appalling.
Context
Small businesses in North Yorkshire face pressure from national insurance, workers' rights Bill, rates, energy costs. Consultation on tourist tax closed.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
The tourism levy has been campaigned for by mayors and local areas. We are consulting on the levy at the moment, but we are clear that there will be a balance between the ability of areas to generate that tax and ensuring that local businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises are thriving in the area, which is the remit and the priority of both mayors and the Government.
Session: Topical Questions
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What is the Minister doing to ensure that we strengthen neighbourhood policing in those rural areas affected by farm theft and fly-tipping?
Context
Residents in rural parts of Harlow constituency are facing issues like farm theft and fly-tipping, impacting their livelihoods.
Sarah Jones
We are introducing legislative action against farm theft, new powers and statutory guidance on fly-tipping. We will put 13,000 more officers on the streets by focusing on community presence and tackling everyday crime.
Session: Policing Rural Areas
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What steps she is taking to help ensure effective policing in rural areas? The reorganisation risks further distance between decision makers and these areas, affecting communities already struggling with under-resources. Will the Minister look carefully at how reorganisation impacts sparsest parts of the country?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of proposed police reorganisation on under-resourced rural areas like North Yorkshire.
Sarah Jones
We are providing funding over £800,000 this year to specialist national units. We strengthen neighbourhood policing through a guarantee ensuring named officers and visible patrols in every area, including rural communities. Our reforms end postcode lotteries by setting central targets, increasing transparency, and taking action against underperforming forces.
Session: Policing Rural Areas
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North Yorkshire farmers want to produce food; they are obviously worried about the environment, but the priority is food. After covid, we talked about more UK food resilience, so may I urge the Minister to press forward quickly with the recommendations about productivity in the Batters review? And will she come and visit a farm in my constituency soon?
Context
The Batters report provided recommendations to boost productivity, which North Yorkshire farmers prioritise despite environmental concerns.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Dame Angela Eagle)
I welcome the right hon. Gentleman’s support for the Batters review, which is an important part of ensuring that the sector remains profitable. I am always listening to farmers. I have had many welcome propositions to visit farms, and I will see what I can do to fit him into the grand tour.
Session: Farming Sector Productivity
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Can I press the Minister on the discussions he is having with the Executive on digital services? Dublin has just produced a very innovative digital services plan for public services. I urge the Government to talk closely with the Executive to ensure that Northern Ireland keeps pace with Dublin in that area.
Context
The MP references Dublin's innovative digital services plan for public services as an example of best practice. He urges the Government to engage closely with the Executive to ensure that Northern Ireland keeps pace.
Matthew Patrick
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question. I am very happy to ensure that that features in our conversations with Executive Ministers. Northern Ireland is leading the way in so many of these areas, so I will continue to have those conversations.
Session: Public Services
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Time pressure is one of the best routes to encourage alternative dispute resolution, as the Minister knows, but in the commercial court in 2024 the median time to judgment was 786 days. The UK law sector is up against huge pressures from Singapore and the middle east, which are offering six months to judgment and six months for appeal. May I urge Ministers to look at the competitive challenges facing UK law against such tough international competition?
Context
Discussion on the potential merits of mandatory mediation, particularly addressing delays in the commercial court.
The Minister for Courts and Legal Services (Sarah Sackman)
The right hon. Member raises a really good point. Such delays are depriving our businesses of productivity and the ability to resolve disputes sooner. The successes we are seeing on small money claims under £10,000, which tend to affect small and medium-sized enterprises, show the progress that can be made. The other thing I will point him to is the launch of our English law promotion panel, which is looking at competitiveness with other jurisdictions.
Session: Mandatory Mediation
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The right hon. Gentleman referred to the speech that the Chief of the Defence Staff will make tonight, arguing that the price of peace is rising and requiring a response from society. What steps are the Government taking to support this national conversation?
Context
The strategic defence review mentioned the need for a 'national conversation' to address trade-offs in increasing defence spending.
John Healey
We were talking about the strategic defence partnership agreement and wanted to follow that up with an agreement on Security Action for Europe, but it proved impossible to negotiate in a way that was good value for the British defence industry and taxpayer. However, we will do more alongside the European Union, particularly on Ukraine.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last week, Skipton was voted the happiest town in Britain to live in. One of the reasons for that is its hospitality sector. Through COVID, energy cost rises, national insurance rises and other challenges, that hospitality sector is facing massive challenges. I urge the Government to look again at reliefs and multipliers. Over the weekend, so many pubs and hotels raised with me the fact that they are not going to invest. We need the growth and we need the jobs. Will the Government look at how they can make things easier for the pub and hospitality industry?
Context
Skipton was voted the happiest town in Britain, partly due to its thriving hospitality sector. The sector has faced challenges such as energy cost rises and national insurance increases during the pandemic.
Dan Tomlinson (The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury)
If I had a such a charming Member of Parliament, I would also be as happy as his constituents in Skipton. I thank him for his question. We considered the support really carefully in advance of the Budget decisions announced last month. There is a challenge in that the revaluation, which was instigated by the previous Government and is carried out independently by the Valuation Office Agency, means that some businesses have seen their values increase significantly since the pandemic. That is why the Government are putting in £4 billion of support over the coming years, with around half of that coming next year to support businesses. Many will see their increases capped at either £800 or 15%. We think that that support will provide significant help to those businesses, alongside the underlying reform we are making to rebalance the system in favour of the high street.
Session: Hospitality Sector and SMEs
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What discussions has the government had with North Yorkshire council on the progress of the development of the A59 Kex Gill bypass? This link is crucial for east-west transport connectivity. I urge Ministers to engage more frequently with the council, as cost overruns are now becoming a significant challenge, and it is vital that we complete the project.
Context
The A59 Kex Gill bypass scheme is experiencing delays and cost overruns due to design changes, poor ground conditions, and landslips. The project is vital for east-west transport in North Yorkshire.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
Under the major road network programme, once the Department has approved a scheme and agreed its funding contribution, covering any cost increases is entirely a matter for local authorities. The Department has provided over £56 million towards A59 Kex Gill, and no further funding is available. However, I would be happy for my Department to provide advice to the Conservative-run council on how to deliver the scheme with the funding provided.
Session: A59 Kex Gill Bypass
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Whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals on litigation funding agreements. The right hon. Gentleman notes the importance of these agreements for access to justice and economic benefits, referencing the Civil Justice Council’s review recommendations and urging the Government to look seriously at opportunities for early dispute resolution mentioned in the report.
Context
The MP references a previous debate in Westminster Hall on third-party litigation funding, which is important for consumers, businesses, and the legal sector.
The Minister for Courts and Legal Services (Sarah Sackman)
The Minister thanks Sir Julian Smith for his commitment and confirms that she is carefully considering, alongside colleagues, the Civil Justice Council’s review. She notes the importance of litigation funding in enabling cases like Alan Bates and the sub-postmasters to fund their legal actions against the Post Office. The Government acknowledges the uncertainty created by the Supreme Court judgment in the PACCAR case and is looking at an appropriate response to effectively reverse its effect, aiming to build back better with reforms that ensure access to justice and economic benefits.
Session: Litigation Funding Agreements
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What steps are being taken to provide sustainable funding for the BBC World Service? The Government's support for the World Service as a soft power asset should be maximised, given its global reach and trust. How will this opportunity be leveraged?
Context
The Institute for Global Prosperity and CreativePower have produced a report on the impact of the BBC World Service, which reaches 320 million people globally and is trusted by 75%. In India alone, 75 million people rely on the BBC.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Chris Elmore)
A 31% increase in Government funding for the World Service was provided this year. Funding allocations for the next three years will be announced in due course. The charter review starting next year is seen as a way to establish funding streams. We are working with the BBC World Service on innovation to ensure it reaches further.
Session: BBC World Service
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Devolution is starting off well in North Yorkshire, but North Yorkshire council is really concerned about the upcoming local government settlement, which will obviously be challenging for all councils. May I urge the Secretary of State in his new role to look carefully at the most rural county in England and the particular challenges that it has in delivering services?
Context
North Yorkshire council is concerned about the upcoming local government settlement due to challenges.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Miatta Fahnbulleh)
We are looking closely at every area. We know that local government is going through the process of reorganisation at the same time as we are doing devolution. We are doing that at pace, but we are doing it in strong collaboration, working closely with individual areas.
Session: Devolution Impact on Economic Growth
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Will she maintain close dialogue with the Parole Board and Justice Secretary as the Sentencing Bill progresses to ensure victim protections?
Context
The Sentencing Bill may impact safety measures for domestic abuse survivors. The Parole Board has raised concerns about the bill's implications.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)
A commitment is made here today. The Home Office, the Minister with responsibility for victims, and I have been involved throughout the process to ensure every possible safeguard remains in place despite previous challenges.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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What steps is the Minister taking to encourage people who are out of work to accept jobs that they are offered, especially in light of instances where businesses such as R and J Yorkshire’s Finest butchers have faced multiple job applications from individuals with no apparent intention of following through?
Context
R and J Yorkshire’s Finest butchers in Kirkby Malzeard have reported multiple job applications from individuals who they believe had no intention of attending interviews or accepting jobs.
The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)
The right hon. Gentleman mentions a problem central to our inherited situation where nearly 3 million people are out of work sick and not actively looking for work, and 1.7 million people are out of work but do not receive adequate assistance from the existing jobcentre system. We are reforming the Get Britain Working programme to address these issues by changing how DWP operates so that it better serves employers and matches individuals who genuinely want to take up available jobs.
Session: Support into Work
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There are significant gaps in the understanding of autism profiles from teachers and school support staff. The evidence shows that there will be massive benefits in school attendance and educational performance if that understanding can increase. I urge the Secretary of State and the team to ask the specialist neurodiversity group that they have set up to look specifically at initial teacher training to see whether more autism-focused elements can be added.
Context
There are significant gaps in the understanding of autism profiles from teachers and school support staff. The evidence shows that there will be massive benefits in school attendance and educational performance if this understanding can increase.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
This work is already ongoing. I recognise what the right hon. Gentleman is saying—we want to ensure that every teacher gets that high-quality training from their initial teacher training to their first years in a school to ensure that they are confident and able to teach children of a whole range of abilities. We are determined to have the right number of teachers with those skilled professional qualifications so that they are able to thrive in the profession, and, indeed, to support children to thrive, too.
Session: SEND Teachers
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Rural communities such as Settle in North Yorkshire are really struggling with the loss of face-to-face banking services. Link hubs are one route for them to replace the banks that are closing. I urge Ministers to do what they can with Link—I accept that it is an independent organisation—to help it to relax the criteria for rural communities, allowing them more face-to-face banking services.
Context
Rural communities such as Settle in North Yorkshire are facing the closure of face-to-face banking services, leading to difficulties for residents.
Emma Reynolds (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)
I would be very happy to meet the right hon. Gentleman if he wanted to discuss a specific banking hub that is being considered. We work very closely with Link. As he will know, his Government passed the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023, under which the Financial Conduct Authority, Link and the financial services sector ultimately have power over the criteria, which is not something we are planning to change.
Session: Banking Services
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Does the Secretary of State agree with the need to block compensation payments to individuals like Gerry Adams as per previous cross-party positions? The MP urges him to return to the position that such payments should be blocked.
Context
The MP references a Policy Exchange report that raises concerns about the repeal of sections 46 and 47 of the Northern Ireland Troubles Act, which would block compensation payments to terrorists.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
The Secretary of State acknowledges seeing the report and states that the approach in the legacy Act has been found unlawful. He confirms that work will continue to find a lawful way to address the issue identified by the right hon. Gentleman.
Session: Legacy Discussions
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One of the challenges for risk-taking farmers is the regulatory environment. Will the Secretary of State update the House on how he will bring together Natural England, the Environment Agency and other agencies to reflect and be much more responsive to the enterprise culture in farming?
Context
The MP raises concerns about regulatory obstacles hindering entrepreneurial activities in agriculture.
Steve Reed
I share the right hon. Member's interest in the need for effective regulation. I will soon make an announcement about our intentions to review regulation to ensure that it is fit for purpose across the Department and helps to achieve the priority objectives that we have set out as a new Government and ministerial team.
Session: Agricultural Sector Innovation
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The Windsor framework, which was a great achievement seven months ago, was intended to enable the restoration of power sharing in Northern Ireland. That has not happened. What is the Government's plan? The Secretary of State refers to conversations he is having, but what is the plan?
Context
The Windsor framework was agreed seven months ago but has not led to the restoration of power sharing.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I sincerely welcome you to your place and thank you for your question. We are talking regularly with one particular political party, but talks have moved forward substantially.
Session: Restoration of Power Sharing
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Will the Government ensure that forthcoming tax cuts do not negatively affect the poorest people in the country?
Context
The MP inquired about the Government's plans for tax cuts and their potential effects on the poorest citizens.
Chris Philp
The first objective is to grow the economy, which helps lift wages and create jobs. The Government balances fairness and cost-of-living pressures with taxpayer interests when making decisions on tax cuts.
Session: Inflation
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I welcome the new Secretary of State. I hope he has had time to savour those moments of ecstatic relief upon realising, as a former Chief Whip, that he no longer has responsibility for the Tory parliamentary party. Northern Ireland has unique energy needs: a reliance on heating oil, different regulation, a preponderance of small businesses and very low disposable incomes. Will the Minister confirm that in tomorrow's energy announcement, Northern Ireland will hear not only what will happen to it but when payments will start to be made?
Context
The question arises from Northern Ireland's unique energy situation, including reliance on heating oil, distinct regulations, many small businesses, and low disposable incomes.
Conor Burns
I thank my right hon. Friend for that question and I say to him that he is held in deep affection across Northern Ireland. He is right to identify Northern Ireland's unique energy challenges, which I have seen and heard about myself on visits in recent weeks. I know that the new Prime Minister will be hearing those messages too and will want to update the House as soon as possible.
Session: Cost of Living Increases
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Will the Secretary of State confirm that the measures in New Decade, New Approach to protect sustainability and to keep Stormont running will be put on the statute book at the earliest opportunity?
Context
The document includes commitments to protect sustainability and keep Stormont running.
Brandon Lewis
Yes, absolutely. That is our focus, and we have been taking this through the House. As my hon. Friend the Minister of State said a short while ago, no doubt he will be back here talking about it soon, taking this through is important for Northern Ireland and its people, who want a functioning Northern Ireland Executive.
Session: Stability
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May I urge the Secretary of State to speed up negotiations on the Irish sea checks and regulations?
Context
The issue is affecting international relationships, steel matters, and fragile ecology in Northern Ireland.
Brandon Lewis
My right hon. Friend is correct that we need to resolve this quickly, but EU needs to recognise issues on the ground in Northern Ireland and move towards resolution.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol Negotiations
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What assessment has been made of the progress of the negotiations with the EU on the Northern Ireland protocol?
Context
The Northern Ireland protocol is causing issues with unnecessary checks on goods, affecting businesses and society.
Brandon Lewis
The status quo cannot continue. The UK Government presented a Command Paper outlining how to resolve the serious issues within the Northern Ireland protocol. However, the EU's proposals do not remove the need for unnecessary checks on goods and lack support from businesses or society.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol Negotiations
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What recent representations has he received from businesses on the implementation of the Northern Ireland protocol? Many business sectors in Northern Ireland are extremely concerned about the challenges for their individual areas. I urge the team over the summer to work as hard as possible to ensure sector-specific approaches to implementation so that we do not just go for a one-size-fits-all policy.
Context
Businesses across Northern Ireland are concerned about the challenges of implementing the protocol.
The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Penny Mordaunt)
We continue to engage intensively with business as we take forward our implementation work, including the important work of the business engagement forum which has met seven times. Departments across Whitehall will liaise with individual sectors. We will bring forward guidance on the protocol for traders in the next few weeks setting out details of extensive end-to-end support.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Civil Justice Council Review of Litigation Funding
29 October 2025
Responding: Sarah Sackman
Main Concerns
['The third-party litigation funding plays an important role in enabling citizens and businesses to bring claims against larger firms. However, the PACCAR judgment has rendered many third-party funding agreements unenforceable, leading to instability and a lack of clarity about contractual operating terms for two years. The industry, businesses, and legal sector await the Government’s response to the Civil Justice Council review.']
Specific Asks
['The Government should address the issues in the round once the review is concluded and take action now to ensure access to justice and economic growth.']
Rewiring the State
02 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister has set out priorities to address 40 years of overly centralised decision making and over-privatisation, which have stripped power and resources away from communities. The Governmen...
National Energy System Operator: Blackout Risk
15 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Points of Order
14 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Steel Trade Measure
25 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Lord Mandelson: Government Response to Humble Address
19 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Synthetic Chemicals
23 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Strategic Defence Review: Funding
15 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Lord Mandelson: Response to Humble Address Motion
11 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Energy Markets
05 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Palliative Care
05 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms Maskell moved that the House notes the findings of the Independent Palliative Care Commission and calls on the Government to implement its recommendations in full. She emphasised the need for a com...
Attendance
73.5%
72 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
40
40.8% of votes
No Votes
32
32.7% of votes
Abstentions
26
26.5% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED AYE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
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
35
Ministerial Questions Asked
70
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+161% above average
This MP:
35
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1340% above average
This MP:
70
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 (%)
+6% above average
This MP:
73.5
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 Julian Smith's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.