Julie Minns
MP for Carlisle
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Every month, people across our constituencies are injured by illegal e-bikes being ridden at 15 to 50 mph through town centres and parks. For every bike seized and crushed, another 10 hit our streets because they are too freely available to buy. Will the Prime Minister set out what action the Government will take to protect the public and ban the sale of these dangerous bikes?
Context
Cumbria’s police, fire and crime commissioner along with 28 other UK police commissioners are backing the Bill proposed by Ms Julie Minns to ban the sale of illegal e-bikes.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend Julie Minns for her tireless campaign against antisocial and dangerous bikes terrorising communities. Our Crime and Policing Bill will enable police to seize bikes without issuing a warning, allowing them to destroy the seized items. Product safety law already gives authorities the power to intervene and stop the sale of unsafe e-bikes.
Assessment
Does not specify any action beyond existing laws and does not commit to banning sales explicitly.
Working With Existing Legislation
Session: PMQs
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Does the Prime Minister agree that it should be easier to permanently shut down these illegal cigarette shops? Will he support measures to make this happen?
Context
There has been an increase in the number of illegal cigarettes being seized from shops, yet many reopen shortly after.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
There has been a surge in response, with more than 900 arrests, almost £11 million of criminal profits seized and almost £3 million-worth of illegal gear destroyed. We need to go further to protect our high streets by giving councils powers to deal with unwanted shops and through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Session: PMQs
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This week, thanks to this Labour Government, hundreds of free breakfast clubs have opened across our country. Will the Prime Minister join me in sending good wishes to the staff and pupils at Castle Carrock, Yewdale, Longtown, Inglewood, Brook Street, Blackford, Hallbankgate and Bishop Harvey Goodwin schools in my constituency, which are among the first to benefit from this important scheme? Will he confirm that this is just the start of Labour’s plan for change to deliver for working parents?
Context
The MP highlighted the introduction of free breakfast clubs across various schools in Carlisle, funded by the Labour Government.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Let me pay tribute to all the staff in her constituency working in the breakfast clubs, which of course deliver free breakfasts and 30 minutes of free childcare, saving working parents £450 a year. We have opened the first 750 across the country, and there will be many more to come. We of course also are saving parents £50 a year by making school uniforms cheaper—something the Leader of the Opposition ordered all her troops to vote against.
Session: PMQs
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James Rennie is an outstanding specialist school that has converted every spare corner into classrooms and exceeded its published admissions numbers. What assurances can the Prime Minister give my constituents that his Government will put children before ideology and allow local authorities to tackle the shortage in special educational needs and disabilities provision?
Context
The MP mentions the school James Rennie in her constituency, which is already at its capacity and facing a shortage of special education needs and disabilities provision.
The Prime Minister
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this vital issue. We are supporting mainstream schools to increase SEND expertise while also establishing dedicated SEN units, because we need to make sure that special schools can also cater for those with the most complex needs. We are working on this.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not provide concrete assurances or a timeline for addressing the shortage of SEND provision.
Working On It
Session: PMQs
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What assurances can the Prime Minister give my constituents that the flood defences that the Conservatives promised but failed to deliver will be completed under this Government?
Context
The city of Carlisle has faced severe flooding from the three rivers that converge there, leading to thousands being devastated. Previous promises for flood defences have not been fulfilled.
Keir Starmer
May I start by wishing my hon. Friend a happy birthday? She raises a really important matter for her constituents, who have faced appalling flooding too many times. The last Government left our defences in a state of absolute disrepair. We are investing £2.4 million this year, and the Environment Agency is currently studying options to improve protection in Carlisle. I will make sure that she gets a meeting to discuss the specific options.
Session: PMQs
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Child trust funds were designed to give every child the same financial start, regardless of who they are. However, trust fund savings are currently taken into account when assessing an 18-year-old disabled person's financial contribution to their social care, meaning that they do not get the same financial start as their non-disabled peers. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that all young people benefit in full from their child trust fund?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the interaction between matured child trust funds and adult social care assessments for disabled individuals.
Lucy Rigby
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her question. She raises a concern about the interaction between matured child trust funds and adult social care assessments. The financial assessment framework to which she refers is a matter for the Department of Health and Social Care, but I am, of course, more than happy to facilitate a conversation with her and the relevant departmental Minister.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-08
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Will the Minister please reiterate the commitment she gave last week that the Government will table an amendment to the Representation of the People Bill to provide fully accessible voting to all voters of all ages?
Context
The questioner welcomes the Government's plans to extend voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds but notes that blind and visually impaired voters will still be disenfranchised without specific legislation.
Florence Eshalomi
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and for all her work highlighting this important issue, and I am happy to reiterate my commitment on Report. As she noted in that debate, the Government have indicated their readiness to act during the passage of the Bill so that visually impaired voters can vote independently and in secret. We will continue to work with her and other hon. Members to deliver that outcome.
Session: Democratic Participation Young People 2026-09-07
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The Minister will be aware that the world's peatlands play a critical role in tackling climate change, storing twice as much carbon as all the world's forests combined. Thanks to previous EU funding, work to restore the Bolton Fell Moss peatland in my constituency began in 2015. Can the Minister outline what international peatland restoration programmes the UK Government are currently engaged with, and will she press DEFRA colleagues to ensure that the UK continues to provide long-term funding to restore Cumbria's upland bogs?
Context
Julie Minns discussed the critical role of peatlands in tackling climate change and the work to restore the Bolton Fell Moss peatland in her constituency with EU funding. She asked about current international peatland restoration programmes and funding for the restoration of Cumbria's upland bogs.
Kirsty McNeill
We are committed to peatland restoration, which is critical to tackling the climate and nature crisis and meeting our Environment Act targets, as my hon. Friend laid out. The UK supports international peatland conservation through programmes such as the Darwin Initiative. Darwin projects are, for example, helping communities in Peru and Indonesia to manage peatland ecosystems sustainably. Many tropical forests are also part of peatland ecosystems, and the UK has a long-standing portfolio of work supporting them. Of course, the Department continues to work closely with DEFRA to protect and restore important ecosystems.
Session: Climate Change International Partners 2026-09-01
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What steps his Department is taking with international partners to help tackle climate change.
Context
Julie Minns inquired about the steps being taken by the Department to collaborate with international partners to combat climate change, emphasizing the urgency of the issue.
Kirsty McNeill
Tackling the climate and nature crisis is an urgent priority for us all, as recent extreme wildfires and droughts have only served to reinforce. The UK is working with international partners to drive progress, whether through our forest partnerships with countries such as Brazil and Indonesia, or through our global clean power alliance to accelerate the worldwide transition to clean energy. The Foreign Secretary will act as the UK governor to the World Bank, taking personal leadership of the UK's engagement on development and climate finance, and later this month he will also convene Foreign Ministers at the UN to address climate security challenges.
Session: Climate Change International Partners 2026-09-01
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Can you confirm that detrunking this section of the A69 would not be a major change to the strategic road network, given recent safety incidents on the A69 at Warwick Bridge?
Context
Residents have long called for the A69 to be detrunked as an alternative route via the A689 is available.
Lilian Greenwood (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport)
National Highways is considering with local partners the case for detrunking A69 and trunking A689, but this process is complex. I will ask National Highways to update my hon. Friend when more information is available.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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I thank the Minister for her response; I know that she shares my concern about the increasing use of illegal e-bikes on our streets. When I visited Palace Cycles in Carlisle, the owner told me that he is increasingly under pressure from people who have illegally modified bikes to do repairs on them. In fact, on one occasion, while he was in discussion with the owner of such a bike, it shot across his shop without anybody being anywhere near it. The bikes are creating risks on our roads and on our high streets. Will the Minister please urge the Department for Business and Trade to use its powers under the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 to ban the sale of these dodgy bike kits?
Context
The increasing use of illegal e-bikes on streets is causing concern. A shop owner in Carlisle reported incidents involving such bikes, including one where a bike moved uncontrollably through his shop.
Lilian Greenwood
My hon. Friend is a great champion of e-bike safety. The Department for Business and Trade has consulted on new product safety regulations, seeking views on targeted regulation of some products, including e-bike batteries and conversion kits. The consultation closed on 23 June, and DBT expects to respond in the autumn.
Session: E-bikes 2026-07-16
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Last night, Members of this House passed regulations to crack down on rogue landfill operators. Does the Minister agree that no public payments should be made to a landfill gas energy provider when that provider is linked to rogue landfill operations?
Context
Members of the House passed regulations to crack down on rogue landfill operators. There is concern about public payments being made to landfill gas energy providers linked to rogue operations.
Ed Miliband
My hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. We will write to her with a good answer.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-07
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The owner of Palace Cycles recently told me that while explaining to a customer that he would not service the illegally modified e-bike that had been brought into his shop, the bike shot across the shop of its own accord. When will the Government regulate to ban the sale of dodgy, illegal, unsafe e-bikes and the kits that create them?
Context
Palace Cycles owner reported an incident where a modified e-bike malfunctioned in his shop, underscoring the need for stricter regulation. The issue involves illegal modifications and kits that make bikes unsafe.
Kate Dearden
I thank my hon. Friend for her constant campaigning on this issue. I know how important it is and, I value working closely with her. Businesses producing or supplying those products must ensure that they are safe before they are placed on the market, including online marketplaces. Businesses should not supply products they know—or should know—are unsafe. My hon. Friend knows that taking action includes regulatory action. We work alongside other Departments on this, and our recent consultation looked at how we can go even further to ensure that products are safe.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-02
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Will my right hon. Friend outline what learnings the Government have taken from international expertise to develop and shape counter-drone measures in UK prisons? He mentioned a visit to Ukraine where he discussed working with the UK defence innovation fund on an international business competition for Prison Service technology.
Context
The war in Ukraine has accelerated the development of drone technology, affecting how contraband is smuggled into prisons.
David Lammy
My hon. Friend knows that, because of the war in Ukraine, drone technology is moving at pace. That is why, when I was in Ukraine in January, we announced that we are working with the UK defence innovation fund—an innovative fund—to set up an international business competition to ensure that the Prison Service keeps up at pace with moving technology. We are also working with our French and Italian colleagues, who are experiencing the same threat.
Session: Prison Smuggling Drones 2026-06-30
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What steps he is taking to help tackle the smuggling of contraband by drones into prisons. He noted that one of his first actions as Secretary of State for Justice was announcing £40 million extra investment for prison security, including £10 million for counter-drone measures like netting and wire.
Context
Smuggling of contraband by drones into prisons is a growing threat, necessitating increased investment in prison security.
David Lammy
One of the first things I announced when appointed as the Secretary of State for Justice was a £40 million extra investment to strengthen prison security, including £10 million for counter-drone measures such as netting and wire. I recently visited Woodhill prison to look at how we are tackling this growing threat and committed a further £35 million to install heavy-duty grilles on windows at 17 of our most high-risk prison sites.
Session: Prison Smuggling Drones 2026-06-30
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My constituents, who live along the English-Scottish border, already experience issues when it comes to accessing cross-border healthcare. I recently expressed concern that the single patient record will not go across the border. May I press the Minister to ensure that lessons are being learned, and that we have cross-border operability, when it comes to digital ID?
Context
Issues faced by constituents living along the English-Scottish border with respect to cross-border healthcare.
James Frith
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: it is crucial that we learn how well some of the innovations in our health tech have lent themselves to the process of implementing digital access to services. We are open-minded and will have further conversations.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister ensure that future civil service relocations give particular consideration to smaller cities and towns with ageing populations, so that we retain our young people, attract working-age populations, and support the long-term prosperity of those communities?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of civil service relocations on towns with ageing populations.
Anna Turley
We are working with all Departments to strengthen our presence in every English region, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Smaller towns and cities will continue to support our talent pipelines and remain crucial to our overall national presence. North-west bootcamps have supported over 200 local professionals into entry-level civil service roles, and over 4,000 roles have been relocated to the region since the beginning of the Places for Growth programme.
Session: Civil Service Jobs Relocation
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What protection has the Minister put in place for those who actively and honestly seek help and prayerful support, and who are seeking guidance in churches and through Christian and faith-based groups? It is always important that people have an opportunity to seek that guidance. I know the Minister will be committed to that, and I would be very pleased to hear her answer.
Context
Conversion practices are described as an abhorrent form of abuse, with no previous ban introduced by the last Conservative Government despite multiple attempts.
Olivia Bailey
Let me be very clear that what we are talking about is criminalising abuse that should happen to nobody, anywhere, in any situation or setting. I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question, and I look forward to discussing this matter further with him when we have published our draft Bill.
Session: Conversion Practices Ban
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What steps she is taking to ban conversion practices. The work of Cumbria Pride and Pride in North Cumbria in supporting people to feel accepted and confident in their sexuality stands in stark contrast to those who peddle cruel and abusive conversion practices. Will the Minister please confirm that this Government will legislate, and will she set out the steps that the Government are taking to do this?
Context
Conversion practices are described as an abhorrent form of abuse, with no previous ban introduced by the last Conservative Government despite multiple attempts.
Olivia Bailey
This Labour Government will ban abusive conversion practices, and we will be publishing our draft Bill very soon. Given recent decisions to defund Pride events, this is a lesson that Reform councils clearly need to learn.
Session: Conversion Practices Ban
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I recently visited the Chances family hub—[Interruption.] It is indeed a very fine hub, one of several set up by Cumberland council to fill a need left by the Conservatives' short-sighted decision to abolish Sure Start. Will the Minister please assure Carlisle families that this Government will ensure that all family hubs receive the support they need to give children the best start?
Context
Cumberland council set up family hubs to fill a need left by the abolition of Sure Start.
Olivia Bailey
I thank my hon. Friend for all of her hard work on behalf of her constituents, and join her in congratulating her council on its work. She is right to condemn the outrageous cuts to Sure Start under the Conservative party, and she is also right that councils and voluntary organisations have stepped up to fill the gap.
Session: Topical Questions
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Responses to a RNIB survey showed that 73% of blind and visually impaired voters were unaware of accessible support at polling stations. I have proposed requiring these adjustments in my amendment to the Representation of the People Bill. Could the commission provide more clarity on accessibility ahead of next elections?
Context
A recent survey by the Royal National Institute of Blind People indicated that 73% of people who are blind or visually impaired did not know about accessibility adjustments available at polling stations. Julie Minns has tabled an amendment to the Representation of the People Bill.
Jeremy Wright
The commission will review May 2026 polls in autumn. Equipment availability is crucial, tactile devices were present at every polling station. Improving communication about these adjustments is essential.
Session: Polling Stations Blind and Visually Impaired Voters
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What recent assessment has the commission made of the adequacy of polling station provision for blind and visually impaired voters? Responses to a survey by RNIB showed that 73% of respondents were unaware of adjustments available. I have tabled an amendment requiring these adjustments. Could the commission do more ahead of next elections to ensure independent voting?
Context
A recent survey by the Royal National Institute of Blind People indicated that 73% of people who are blind or visually impaired did not know about accessibility adjustments available at polling stations. Julie Minns has tabled an amendment to the Representation of the People Bill.
Jeremy Wright
The commission will review the May 2026 polls this autumn. It is crucial that equipment is available, and tactile devices have been found by the commission to be present in every polling station. Communication of information about these adjustments needs improvement.
Session: Polling Stations Blind and Visually Impaired Voters
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May I wish you a very happy birthday, Mr Speaker? Members on both sides of the border and both sides of the Chamber believe that the deal has the potential to be transformative for our region. What steps are being taken to ensure that progress on the deal is maintained, and will the Secretary of State meet me, and my colleagues on both sides of the border, to discuss the reset?
Context
The question addresses the need to ensure sustained progress on the borderlands growth deal and seeks a meeting with the Secretary of State.
Douglas Alexander
I apologise unreservedly for the unforgivable oversight of not beginning my contributions by wishing you a happy birthday, Mr Speaker. The borderlands growth deal is driving growth, which is why the UK and Scottish Governments have approved a strategic reset. I assure my hon. Friend that we will endeavour to take forward the work as described.
Session: Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal
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What steps he is taking with the Scottish Government to support the delivery of the borderlands inclusive growth deal. The UK and Scottish Governments approved a deal reset in March, confirming a more deliverable and affordable financial profile which will boost key projects such as Chapelcross development and mountain bike innovation centre in Innerleithen.
Context
The question follows a recent approval of a deal reset by the UK and Scottish Governments aimed at making the financial profile more deliverable and affordable.
Douglas Alexander
This Government remain committed to the successful delivery of the borderlands inclusive growth deal. In March, the UK and Scottish Governments approved a deal reset which confirmed a more deliverable and affordable financial profile. The reset will boost the delivery of key projects such as the Chapelcross development and the mountain bike innovation centre in Innerleithen.
Session: Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal
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I am seeking assurance that the Joint Unit for Waste Crime can access both permit return data to the Environment Agency and landfill tax returns from HMRC, so that fraudulent activities can be identified more effectively. Will you meet me to discuss issues at the Hespin Wood landfill site?
Context
Illegally dumped waste costs the UK £1 billion annually. Permit return data and landfill tax returns are crucial for identifying fraudulent activity.
Mary Creagh
I am always happy to meet my hon. Friend. She is right to draw attention to the loss to the Exchequer from landfill tax fraud and evasion. Our Joint Unit for Waste Crime is made up of EA and HMRC staff, as well as other arms of law enforcement, to ensure that all intelligence sources are tapped in to disrupt waste criminals. The waste crime action plan I mentioned earlier will see the unit strengthened by £45 million over the next three years: more boots on the ground and more drones in the air.
Session: Topical Questions
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Carlisle is a great city. It is not, however, Leeds, Newcastle or Manchester. The challenges that hospitality businesses face in constituencies like mine are different. In the last couple of months, I have met two such businesses—a pub that has doubled its turnover in the last four years, but still cannot turn a profit; and a business offering fine dining that has been able to retain a full complement of kitchen staff only because its world-leading chef has taken a pay cut. Will the Minister set out how the action the Government are taking will help businesses in constituencies like mine, and will she meet me to discuss the particular challenges—
Context
The question is about the challenges faced by hospitality businesses in Carlisle and a request for specific actions from the Government.
Kate Dearden
We recognise the vital contribution of hospitality businesses in the UK, including pubs in Carlisle, to supporting local employment and sustaining high streets and communities. They play a really important role in the cultural and social fabric of communities. I am always delighted to meet my hon. Friend.
Session: Topical Questions
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When will my constituency of Carlisle be one of the locations for the six new munitions factories, and what support will the Government provide to ensure local people can take up jobs there? My constituency was home to Europe's largest munitions factory during World War I, a legacy that lives on in MOD Longtown.
Context
The MP notes the legacy of munitions factories in her constituency and its relevance to current defence planning.
Luke Pollard
I thank my hon. Friend for her lobbying in favour of Carlisle as a location. Having visited Longtown, I have seen her constituents' dedication and passion in supporting defence, as well as the opportunities there. We are making good progress on our commitment to allocate resources for six energetics and munitions factories.
Session: Defence Skills
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What plans does he have to increase defence skills? I am concerned about the need for more skilled workers in this area, especially given the legacy of munitions factories during World War I in my constituency. He will be aware that Carlisle was home to Europe's largest munitions factory during WWI and is now a centre for MOD Longtown.
Context
The MP is concerned about the need for increased defence skills in her constituency and across the country.
Luke Pollard
We are investing in skills with five defence growth deals worth £250 million; a £182 million skills package; £50 million allocated for five DTECS—defence technical excellence colleges—across England, one in Wales and two in Scotland; and £80 million in strategic priorities grants available to universities. I thank my hon. Friend for her lobbying in favour of Carlisle as a location and confirm we are making good progress on our commitment to allocate resources for six energetics and munitions factories.
Session: Defence Skills
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Given that the Society of Independent Brewers believes that a right to buy a guest beer drives customers into pubs, can the Minister update the House on when she expects to announce the results of the beer market review and the merits of introducing a guest beer agreement in England?
Context
The Society of Independent Brewers supports the guest beer agreement in Scotland, which has been in place for almost a year and has reportedly driven customers into pubs.
Kate Dearden
We have reviewed the beer market to assess any barriers facing small breweries and will announce the outcome in due course.
Session: Hospitality Sector
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Could the Secretary of State make representations to the Scottish Government so that there is an HIV testing week in Scotland, ideally at the same time as in England?
Context
Advocacy for a consistent HIV testing week in both England and Scotland to benefit from national focus.
Douglas Alexander
The right hon. Gentleman's advocacy over years has been commendable. The UK Government recently launched an HIV action plan for England, with a focus on public knowledge and identifying undiagnosed cases. While healthcare is devolved to the Scottish Government, we support initiatives ensuring people across the UK receive needed testing.
Session: Relations with Scottish Government
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What discussions have been had with the Scottish Government on their approach to bovine electronic identification, which differs from that of the rest of the UK, leading to increased costs for auction houses and hauliers in constituencies such as mine?
Context
Discussions on the relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments. Mention of specific challenges like bovine electronic identification.
Douglas Alexander
The UK Government met with the Deputy First Minister earlier this month. I am troubled by the Scottish Government's choice to diverge from the rest of the UK and Europe, which could lead to higher costs for auction houses and hauliers. The Office for the Internal Market produced a report on this issue in 2025 and recognised potential difficulties faced by businesses such as larger livestock auctions.
Session: Relations with Scottish Government
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Can the Minister tell us what progress is being made in reviewing and updating cross-border healthcare guidance?
Context
A resident registered with a Scottish GP had to travel nearly 200 miles for medical treatment in Glasgow, due to cross-border service agreements.
Zubir Ahmed
My hon. Friend and I have had many discussions on this topic, and I am very glad to continue those discussions. Treatment along the border is subject to service-level agreements in both English trusts and Scottish health boards.
Session: Topical Questions
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Illegal immigration, illegal working and illegal trading frequently go hand in hand. While I welcome the shop raids last summer, without tackling illegality at source, the police and trading standards face a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Will the Minister redouble efforts to clamp down on both illegal immigration and illegal working?
Context
Dodgy shops in Carlisle are linked to illegal immigration, illegal working, and trading standards issues.
Shabana Mahmood
I can assure my hon. Friend that this Government will redouble its efforts, with an 83% rise in the number of illegal-working arrests since we came to power and plans for further action in the year ahead.
Session: Illegal Migrants Pull Factors
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What steps her Department is taking to reduce pull factors for migrants seeking to arrive in the UK illegally. I am concerned about asylum permanence and the ability of immigrants to enter an illegal economy.
Context
Asylum claims are falling across Europe but rising in the UK, creating a pull factor for illegal migration.
Shabana Mahmood
We are making refugee status temporary, increasing immigration raids to record levels, and improving removal rates by about a quarter under this Government.
Session: Illegal Migrants Pull Factors
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Last week I visited the brilliant family-run Clark Door company. What support can the Government give to exporters such as Clark Door so that their pioneering research and development ensures their continued export success?
Context
Julie Minns visited the Clark Door company in her Carlisle constituency and is seeking support to ensure their continued export success.
Chris Bryant (Minister of State, Department for Business and Trade)
We are doing well on UK exports up to £929 billion. I am happy to consider ensuring that UK Research and Innovation provides R&D support combined with trade and business strategies to drive exports forward.
Session: Encouraging Exports
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Will the Government encourage statutory bodies to train and equip community emergency volunteers to carry out vital tasks such as closing floodgates and shutting roads?
Context
Local authorities struggle to deploy staff quickly during flood events in geographically remote areas.
Dan Jarvis (Minister of State, Cabinet Office)
The Government are considering regulatory and non-regulatory options to integrate the work of the voluntary sector with statutory emergency responders. The Minister will soon be meeting the flooding Minister to discuss this further.
Session: Emergencies Rural and Coastal Areas
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A recent outbreak of avian flu near Wetheral in my constituency affected 43,000 birds and required the culling of the entire flock. Although I welcome the turkey vaccination trial, I am concerned that it will not conclude in time for the vaccine to be rolled out for the next avian flu season. Will the Minister set out what steps she is taking to remove the regulatory barriers that might prevent a roll-out in time for the next avian flu season?
Context
A recent outbreak of avian flu near Wetheral in Ms Minns' constituency affected 43,000 birds and required the culling of the entire flock. The Minister is concerned about the possibility that the turkey vaccination trial will not conclude in time for a vaccine roll-out for the next season.
Angela Eagle
We have to get the science right on vaccination trials. The turkey trial is being carried out because this is one of our most valuable stocks, so we cannot rush it. I would not want to get our turkey industry into a situation where the vaccination trial was rushed and we were not sure of the response, because if there is not international recognition of vaccinations, it destroys the trade.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Leader of the House join me in thanking Keith Richardson, and members of the Carlisle and Stanwix branch of the Royal British Legion, for organizing an inspiring number of events in my Carlisle constituency?
Context
Members of the Royal British Legion have organized numerous events in Carlisle, including a festival of remembrance.
Alan Campbell
I absolutely join my hon. Friend in thanking Keith Richardson and everyone involved in the Royal British Legion in her proud and beautiful city. The work that they do is important for the local community, replicated across this country.
Session: Business of the House
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Over the past year, my office and I have supported a depressing number of constituents who have been failed—failed by the police and social services for not listening to reports of coercive control; failed by the family court for not recognising who the victim is; and failed by the Crown Prosecution Service for not proceeding to prosecute cases of domestic abuse because it does not believe the victim to be credible. What steps is the Minister taking with colleagues from across Government to ensure that women are believed and listened to?
Context
The questioner's office has supported numerous constituents who have been failed by the police, social services, family courts, and the Crown Prosecution Service in cases involving coercive control and domestic abuse.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Jess Phillips)
We are strengthening the justice system to better support victims by committing to ensure that there are specialist rape and sexual offences teams in every police force. We will also increase the powers of the Victims’ Commissioner through the Victims and Courts Bill, allowing them to hold criminal justice systems accountable and independently scrutinise the victims code of compliance. Additionally, we will ban anyone with a history of violence against women and girls from joining the police force and improve training on coercive and controlling behaviour.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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What assessment has been made of the resilience of mobile networks in the event of a prolonged power cut?
Context
MP raises concern about mobile networks' ability to withstand prolonged power outages due to storms.
Dan Jarvis (Minister of State, Cabinet Office)
Absolutely recognise the impact that the loss of communication services can have. The Cabinet Office is responsible for the co-ordination of resilience and crisis management across Government. Would be more than happy to discuss this matter further with the hon. Friend and represent her concerns to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Session: Topical Questions
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I recently held two events, with professionals and with families, on the subject of SEND in my Carlisle constituency. Their concerns are very much backed up by figures that show that Cumberland is spending less per pupil on those with education, health and care plans, and that there are fewer specialist education places in and around Carlisle and north Cumbria than the rest of the country. Can the Minister tell me how I can work with the Department for Education to increase the number of specialist education places in my constituency?
Context
The MP held two events on SEND in her Carlisle constituency, discussing the challenges and figures indicating lower spending per pupil with EHCPs and fewer specialist education places.
Georgia Gould (The Minister for School Standards)
One of the best parts of my new role has been getting letters from people across the House who have had conversations with their communities. They bring stories of challenges but also of some of the great practice that is happening around the country. I read my hon. Friend’s letter about those challenges with interest, and I am committed to working alongside her. As I set out, we have invested £740 million to increase the number of specialist places around the country.
Session: Children with SEND Mainstream Schools
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My constituent, who had been the victim of historical domestic abuse by both her partner and her children, recently raised with me the need for a clearer understanding and definition of child-to-parent abuse. At the time of her abuse, she did not know that what her children were doing could be classified as domestic abuse, and both the police and social services failed to understand that she was the victim, not her children. Will the Minister provide an update on the work to reach a legal definition of child-to-parent abuse?
Context
The MP raised the issue of child-to-parent abuse, citing a constituent's case where historical domestic abuse by both partner and children went unrecognised due to lack of understanding and definition.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that vital point. She will, like me, be horrified by the results of the Femicide Census report this week, which show a rise in mothers being killed by their sons. We must tackle that as a society. She will be pleased to know that what she is talking about will be in the upcoming violence against women and girls strategy.
Session: Domestic Abuse Aggravated Offences
View All Questions -->
My constituent Lee Armstrong contacted 111 when he was suffering from an Addisonian crisis. Lee and his partner provided full details about his condition to 111, and when his condition worsened, they called 999, but what neither Lee nor his partner knew was that the electronic record details given to 111 would not be available to 999, and neither would his patient records. As a result, the ambulance was not dispatched with the urgency required and Lee died. Will the Minister set out how the improvements in the digitisation of electronic records will cover the integration of the 111 and 999 services so that lives like Lee’s can be saved?
Context
The MP highlighted a case where a constituent died due to lack of information sharing between 111 and 999, underscoring the need for better integration.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
My hon. Friend outlines a horrific case in her constituency, where she has been a fantastic campaigner since last year. Information sharing between 111 and 999 already exists in many places. We want standards in place to ensure that that happens safely across the country. That is a key part of what we are trying to do in our 10-year plan by bringing together single patient records and records within systems. I am very happy to follow up with her in more detail on the case she mentions, if that would be helpful.
Session: Electronic Patient Record Systems
View All Questions -->
In my constituency, there are concerns about Deliveroo riders subcontracting to unregistered and possibly illegally working individuals. What steps are being taken to ensure all Deliveroo riders are registered and compliant?
Context
There is concern that Deliveroo riders are subcontracting to unregistered and potentially illegal workers.
Angela Eagle
There is an amendment to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill that extends the requirement to check illegal working to the gig economy, the zero-hours economy and all those areas that have non-traditional employer-employee relationships. I look forward to being able to operationalise that when the Bill becomes law.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Since this UK Labour Government were elected, more than 2 million extra GP appointments have been delivered in England, and thanks to a record-breaking £21 billion Budget settlement, waiting lists in Wales have gone down three months in a row. Does the Secretary of State agree that our NHS and our country are safer and stronger when we have two Governments working together to make devolution work, not to tear our Union apart?
Context
Since Labour's election, there have been significant improvements in GP appointments and NHS waiting lists. The UK Government has committed to a record-breaking £21 billion budget settlement for healthcare.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
I could not agree more with my hon. Friend. Driving down NHS waiting lists is a shared priority for both the UK and the Welsh Labour Governments. As she says, waiting list have fallen for three consecutive months as a result of our two Governments working together. Meanwhile, the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru voted against an extra £600 million for the Welsh NHS, and Reform would sell off the NHS to the highest bidder.
Session: Strengthening the Union
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Carlisle-Settle Railway: 150th Anniversary
07 July 2026
Responding: Keir Mather
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the historical significance of the Carlisle-Settle railway and its impact on communities. It is one of Britain's great railways, renowned for engineering achievements and scenic beauty. The railway faced closure in 1984 due to underinvestment but was saved by a grassroots campaign that demonstrated its continued viability through increased passenger numbers. By 2025, almost 1 million journeys were made along the line each year."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister for reassurance on the long-term future of the Carlisle-Settle railway and recognition of its strategic value to our national rail network. I also request continued support for community organisations and volunteers who sustain this remarkable railway.']
RAF Photographic Reconnaissance Unit
17 July 2025
Responding: Al Carns
Main Concerns
['The project to recognise members of the Royal Air Force has taken over six years to locate and access official records, identifying 1,747 names eligible for inclusion on a national monument. 629 of these men were casualties representing 45% of those found, with a third still missing in action.']
Specific Asks
['The project seeks recognition for the work carried out by members of the RAF reconnaissance units during WWII and to highlight how the government might further support this campaign.']
Bluetongue Virus in Livestock
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill - New Clause 116
02 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I propose New Clause 116 to introduce a cap on donations from overseas contributors to political parties and candidates. This measure is necessary to ensure the integrity of our democratic process and...
Backbench Business
16 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Environmental Protection
06 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mary Creagh, a Labour MP for Wakefield, opened the debate by highlighting the need to address waste crime through stricter checks and requirements on those who transport and deal in waste. She emphasi...
Neuropsychiatric Conditions: PANS and PANDAS
25 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Welcomes the debate and highlights the need for early diagnosis and treatment of PANS and PANDAS. Emphasises that many families are struggling due to long wait times, misdiagnosis, and a lack of aware...
Social Media Ban for Under-16s
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Digital Safety: Children
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Children’s Social Care: Enduring Relationships Strategy
04 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Social Care Bill
01 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, James Murray, moved the Second Reading of the Health and Social Care Bill. He emphasised the personal significance of the NHS in his life due to a ra...
Middle East: Economic Update
21 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Road Safety in Wetheral
16 June 2026
Residents of Wetheral are concerned about the speed of traffic through the village, which lacks pavements in some areas, posing safety risks for pedestrians and other road users.
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
95.7%
90 of 94 votes
Aye Votes
32
34.0% of votes
No Votes
58
61.7% of votes
Abstentions
4
4.3% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
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
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
5
PMQs Asked
48
Ministerial Questions Asked
71
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
1
Petitions Presented
94
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+258% above average
This MP:
48
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1361% above average
This MP:
71
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+39% above average
This MP:
95.7
Average:
68.8
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 Julie Minns's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.