Justin Madders
MP for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Lab
7 May 2015 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I am concerned about the government's failure to invest in the NHS workforce. We have proposed doubling medical school places and ending the scandal of straight-A students being denied opportunities to become doctors. Patients, the NHS, and even his Chancellor support this plan. Why doesn't he?
Context
The NHS faces a staffing crisis with underfunding affecting staff numbers and patient care.
Rishi Sunak
The hon. Gentleman needs to keep up—we are doing a workforce plan for the NHS. There are tens of thousands more doctors, more nurses in the NHS, a record number of GPs and record investment in the NHS.
Assessment
Specific ask was about doubling medical school places; answer provided general figures but no specific commitment
We Are Doing
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
Given the economic chaos caused by her Budget, why did the previous Chancellor lose his job but she kept hers?
Context
The Prime Minister's recent Budget has led to a financial crisis, causing increased mortgage payments for many people.
Elizabeth Truss
I have been very clear that I am sorry and that I have made mistakes. The right thing to do is to make changes, which I have done, and get on with delivering for the British people by implementing measures like the energy price guarantee.
Assessment
Did not address why she kept her job while the previous Chancellor lost his
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The Prime Minister wants us to believe that fracking will reduce our energy bills, but it was not so long ago that her Chancellor said that those calling for fracking's return “misunderstand the situation”, saying: “No amount of shale gas from hundreds of wells dotted across rural England would be enough to lower the European price any time soon.” I ask the Prime Minister: is the Chancellor wrong about that?
Context
The MP cites the Chancellor's previous statement that shale gas from hundreds of wells would not lower European energy prices.
Elizabeth Truss
We are pulling every lever to improve our energy supply in Britain, whether that is the North sea and opening up more opportunity there, which those on the Opposition Front Bench are against, whether it is fracking, whether it is more renewables, which I am very supportive of, whether it is more solar panels in the right place or whether it is more nuclear power stations, which are opposed by the SNP. We are doing everything we can, because we can never again be in a situation where we are dependent on authoritarian regimes for our energy.
Assessment
The answer shifts focus from fracking's impact on energy prices to broader energy policy without addressing the question directly.
Shifts Topic
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
On 28 April 2018, when he was Foreign Secretary, the Prime Minister is reported to have attended a party at a castle in Italy, where he met a former KGB officer. That was just weeks after the Salisbury poisonings and immediately after he attended a NATO summit on Russia. If that is not astonishing enough in itself, it is also reported that he travelled there without any security detail or officials present. So will there now be an investigation into what sounds like a complete failure of national security?
Context
Prime Minister's reported meeting with a former KGB officer in Italy.
Dominic Raab
The hon. Gentleman is talking total nonsense and I do not have anything to add to what I have already said.
Assessment
Did not address the question about investigation or security failure.
Criticized The Opposition
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
It has been 664 days since the Prime Minister promised a social care plan. Why advertise for social care policy advisors if there's already a plan? Do you have a plan now?
Context
The Prime Minister said he had a plan for social care over 664 days ago, but the Department of Health and Social Care is still seeking policy advisers to develop proposals.
Boris Johnson
Yes, we do have a plan, but Labour previously failed to address it during their 13 years in power. We will tackle this issue and support those who back our efforts.
Assessment
Did not provide specifics about the current social care reform plan.
Session: PMQs
View Full Session -->
The Minister has explained various reforms needed to end feudal leasehold. Can he set out when we will see a consultation on valuation rates for enfranchisement?
Context
Interest in the upcoming leasehold reform measures, particularly on establishing capitalisation and deferment rates for enfranchisement.
Matthew Pennycook
We need new primary legislation to commence the 2024 Act's enfranchisement provisions, flaws of which will be fixed. A consultation on valuation rates is planned in coming weeks.
Session: Leasehold Reform
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to reform the leasehold sector. The Government has already implemented some reforms but needs to progress further with a commonhold and leasehold reform Bill as outlined in the King's Speech.
Context
The question addresses the need for comprehensive reforms in the leasehold system, referencing ongoing legislative efforts.
Matthew Pennycook
The Government continues to implement leasehold reforms already in statute and progresses necessary changes through a commonhold and leasehold reform Bill planned for introduction. This includes fixes to flaws in the previous Government's Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.
Session: Leasehold Reform
View All Questions -->
My constituents were delighted to see the opening of the Great Sutton medical centre, but it has brought into sharp focus the need for an urgent upgrade of GP practices in Ellesmere Port town centre. I have submitted an expression of interest to the neighbourhood centre programme, and I wonder whether the Minister would agree to meet me to discuss that further.
Context
The opening of the Great Sutton medical centre highlights the need for urgent upgrades in Ellesmere Port town center.
Stephen Kinnock
I am delighted that my hon. Friend has submitted that expression of interest. We are now assessing proposals against criteria that include: a fit with our national neighbourhood health strategy; sound estate planning; deliverability; sustainability; and, critically, local need. We will be prioritising areas where there is low life expectancy and higher deprivation. I would be delighted to meet him to talk about his expression of interest and about our programme for revolutionising care in our country through the shift from hospital to community.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting the Royal Mail depot in Ellesmere Port, where I went in one of its newly purchased vans from the Stellantis factory just down the road—a perfect example of how we should be supporting British industry. I urge the Minister to look further at this issue, because what he has announced is a start, but it does not go far enough. We need to make sure that every school, hospital, council, utility and big provider of services in this country is looking at how it can buy British and support our great manufacturing sector.
Context
The MP visited the Royal Mail depot in Ellesmere Port, highlighting a newly purchased van from the Stellantis factory. This visit demonstrated the potential of supporting British industries through procurement practices.
Chris Ward
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. I also met Royal Mail in my constituency recently and had a similar conversation, and I understand his point. As I say, I am not pretending that we have gone the full journey with procurement reform. We are taking big steps, but we need to go further, and I am very happy to work with my hon. Friend and others to do so.
Session: Public Procurement
View All Questions -->
Following coverage this week, without commenting on specific cases, will the Minister consider measures to redress the power imbalance between Vodafone and its franchisees, perhaps through a statutory code of practice or a national arbitration system?
Context
Coverage of harrowing stories about Vodafone franchisees has highlighted the power imbalance in their relationship.
Blair McDougall
I am happy to sit down with my hon. Friend and discuss whether we can bring forward specific proposals that would redress the imbalance, but I must note that my party is more committed to supporting businesses than his.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
I refer the House to my membership of Unite. I met Unite reps in the automotive sector yesterday, including from the Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port, who raised with me their concerns about changes to the employee car ownership scheme in the automotive sector. This will mean an increase in taxes on working people and lead to unintended consequences for the car sector. Also, it will not raise the money that the Treasury believes it will, so will the Minister meet me and the interested parties to discuss this further?
Context
The automotive sector reps met with Justin Madders to discuss changes in the employee car ownership scheme, which will increase taxes on working people. This raises concerns about unintended consequences for the car sector.
Dan Tomlinson
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue. The Government are fully committed to doing all they can to supporting the UK car industry to grow, invest and provide employment in constituencies such as his and in other important sites across the country. Specifically on the employee car ownership scheme, we should be clear that private use of a company car is a valuable benefit to an employee but it is also right that company car tax is paid on it, ensuring fairness with other taxpayers who pay tax on cars provided by their employers. That said, I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend and the interested parties to discuss this further.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister think that reaching our net zero targets through the import of cheaper Chinese vehicles will be a good or bad thing for the UK car industry?
Context
Stellantis, the owner of Vauxhall car plant in Ellesmere Port, announced that it would import electric vehicles despite local production capabilities. This raises concerns about the impact on the UK car industry.
Justin Tomlinson
The hon. Member raises a very important point. One of the Opposition's main pledges, which is to fully decarbonise the grid by 2030, could be met only by opening the floodgates to cheap Chinese imports—the exact thing he is opposed to.
Session: Net Zero Businesses and Investors
View All Questions -->
What recent discussions has the Minister had with businesses and investors on the Government's net zero targets?
Context
The question arises from discussions with businesses and investors regarding the government's strategy on achieving net-zero emissions.
Justin Tomlinson
Our Department's ministerial team meet regularly with industry, for example through the hydrogen investor forum, the Offshore Wind Industry Council, the solar taskforce, the green jobs delivery group, and the cross-cutting Net Zero Council.
Session: Net Zero Businesses and Investors
View All Questions -->
Can I meet with the Secretary of State or his team to discuss realistic funding options for addressing flood prevention in the Great Sutton area?
Context
The MP is collaborating with residents and authorities to address flooding issues on Chase Way and Kendal Drive. There are multiple funding sources but it's challenging to secure the necessary funds.
Steve Barclay
I thank the hon. Member for his engagement, and I will arrange a meeting with the relevant member of the team. The information is on gov.uk. Two projects near his constituency—the Cheshire Wildlife Trust and the Mersey Rivers Trust—are involved in the programme. I welcome his engagement.
Session: Natural Flood Management Programme
View All Questions -->
What are the locations of successful applicants to the natural flood management programme?
Context
The MP is concerned about the distribution of funds for natural flood management. The programme has allocated £25 million.
Steve Barclay
Forty projects have been selected to proceed to the development stage of the £25 million natural flood management programme. They include a broad range of locations, from Alnmouth to St Austell.
Session: Natural Flood Management Programme
View All Questions -->
Why are this Government such a failure regarding the implementation of the towns fund?
Context
The MP criticises the effectiveness of the towns fund after five years, citing a Public Accounts Committee report.
Jacob Young
I think that is quite poor, Mr Speaker. The hon. Gentleman's constituency has itself benefited from £11.1 million of UK shared prosperity funding and £13.4 million from the levelling up fund. Next to him I see the hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton (Jim McMahon), whose constituency has benefited from £24.4 million from the towns fund.
Session: Towns Fund
View All Questions -->
What measures will the Government take to ensure that AI does not weaken workers' rights? The TUC's Bill focuses on transparency, observability, and explainability as key elements of fair workplaces.
Context
The TUC will launch a Bill on AI regulation and employment rights, emphasizing transparency in the workplace.
Michelle Donelan
We are focused on garnishing opportunities from AI for jobs in sectors like teaching and medicine. We acknowledge that technology changes labour market needs, hence our skills system revolution including a lifelong learning entitlement next year.
Session: AI Regulation
View All Questions -->
Will the Home Secretary tell us what level of auditing there will be of the hundreds of millions of pounds being sent to Rwanda? In particular, will he guarantee that no UK taxpayers' cash will, either directly or indirectly, be used to fund the M23 militia in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Context
Hundreds of millions of pounds are being sent to Rwanda under the asylum deal, raising concerns about transparency.
James Cleverly
All our overseas expenditure, whether it is through official development assistance or through contractual relationships, such as the ones with Rwanda, is always robustly policed to ensure that it is spent exclusively on the issues that it is designed to address. We have a strong, good working relationship with the Government of Rwanda, who are absolutely committed to being the exporter of solutions to global problems, rather than the exporter of problems.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Protesters who recently created an obnoxious stunt outside the home of the Leader of the Opposition belong in jail. Protesters causing tens of thousands of pounds' worth of damage outside the Ministry of Defence last week also belong in jail. When it comes to this type of antisocial behaviour, will my right hon. Friend consider increasing visibility at high-profile locations such as those that I have mentioned?
Context
Incidents of aggressive protests against political figures and damaging vandals have occurred recently, particularly outside the home of the Leader of the Opposition and at high-profile locations such as the Ministry of Defence.
James Cleverly
Completely unacceptable to try to intimidate parliamentarians. Will stand shoulder to shoulder with them regardless of their political party in defending their rights without fear of intimidation. Secondly, these acts of vandalism are unacceptable; criminal damage will be pursued.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to help tackle antisocial behaviour. One of the aspects that really annoys my constituents is persistent cannabis smoking by people in their own homes, particularly in blocks of flats. When I raise this with the police, they say they will not go into people's homes and deal with it. Does the Home Secretary agree that this is good enough?
Context
The question arises from ongoing issues of antisocial behaviour affecting local communities, particularly concerning cannabis smoking in homes which causes significant annoyance to residents.
James Cleverly
The police should take action when there is credible reporting of criminal behaviour. I have had this conversation with police leaders from around the country, and it is a dialogue we will continue to pursue.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
View All Questions -->
I listened to the Minister's response earlier, on why Avanti should continue to provide rail services. It sounded like he was reading from one of its press releases. The litany of excuses was very long, blaming everyone but itself. When will he listen to the leaders of the north? When will he listen to the people of the north and get rid of Avanti?
Context
The Minister's response regarding Avanti was perceived to be defensive, blaming others for the issues with their services. The leader of ASLEF agreed to meet with him.
Huw Merriman
The point I was making is that if the operator changes, the contracts between operator and the unions will remain unless the unions are willing to release. There cannot be a unilateral change. The courts would not allow it. As I say, that was put in place in 1997. It was supposed to end in 2002, but continued. It is now, effectively, a part of a term and condition. A change of operator will not make any difference to that. I do listen to those in the north and I am delighted that I will be listening to the leader of ASLEF, because he has agreed to sit down with me so we can discuss those terms. I hope I can work with all Members of the House to make that happen.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
With a 16% increase in backlog and only one-third of the annual increase covered by Network North's funding, how will the Secretary address road repairs? Will he apologise for past damage caused?
Context
The backlog of local road repairs has increased by 16% this year alone to £16.3 billion, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Network North's announcement spread over 11 years.
Mark Harper
£8.3 billion from HS2 cancellation available over 11 years; first tranche of money available this and next financial year. Labour has not committed to spending the £8.3 billion.
Session: Transport Connectivity North of England Cities
View All Questions -->
My hon. Friend is right that too many employers still think they can opt out of paying the minimum wage. The Low Pay Commission's 2023 report says compliance appears persistent in social care. I found only 17 employers classed as being within social care on the latest naming and shaming list, less than 0.1% of total sector employers. What will the Minister do to ensure everyone working in social care gets at least the minimum wage?
Context
The question addresses concerns about underpayment of the national minimum wage in the social care sector, citing evidence of record-keeping issues, exploitation of migrant workers, and non-payment for travel time.
Kevin Hollinrake
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise this issue, on which we do much. We make sure that people can anonymously report underpayment through HMRC or ACAS. As of April 2022, 40 employers were on labour market enforcement undertakings and 18 have been prosecuted.
Session: National Minimum Wage Enforcement
View All Questions -->
The independent review into the Teesworks project found there to be a lack of “transparency and oversight across the system to evidence value for money,” as well as “a persistent theme or culture of excessive confidentiality”. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities does not seem to be interested in pursuing those matters, and refuses to refer them to the National Audit Office. Can the Minister explain what his Department is doing to make sure that public money is spent properly?
Context
The independent review into the Teesworks project found issues with transparency and excessive confidentiality, yet the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities does not seem interested in pursuing these matters.
Oliver Dowden
The Government remain committed to ensuring value for the taxpayer across all projects. As the hon. Gentleman highlights, this is principally a matter for DLUHC.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
When people think back to the sacrifices they made during the pandemic, the greed associated with the PPE scandal jars with them; will the Minister commit to following Labour's lead and appoint a covid corruption commissioner to chase down and claw back every penny of taxpayers' money wasted?
Context
The question arises from public concern over the handling of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic, particularly regarding fraudulent activities. There is a desire for a dedicated officer to oversee recovery efforts.
Alex Burghart
This Government take PPE fraud extremely seriously. To remind the House of the figures, 1.8% of expenditure on PPE was lost to fraud at a time when there was the most extraordinary public crisis in several generations and we were competing in an extremely overheated international market. To date, we have recovered more than a quarter of that 1.8% and the fight to recover more continues. PPE procurement is subject to ongoing contract management controls, active dispute resolution and recovery action. The law is on our side and we are using it.
Session: Covid-19 Procurement Fraud
View All Questions -->
I have heard the Minister defend the reintroduction of employment tribunal fees, but the last time the Government brought them in, there was a 70% drop in applications. How many people will be denied access to justice this time?
Context
The MP references a previous drop of 70% in applications due to employment tribunal fees reintroduction, asking about potential denial of access to justice.
Mike Freer
The hon. Gentleman is comparing apples with oranges. The two fees are completely different, in terms of quantum. A £55 claim issue fee is a small contribution towards the tribunals, which cost us £80 million a year to run. I do not think that that is unreasonable.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Please confirm that postal workers' input will be considered in any future decisions related to their views raised in Ofcom's report?
Context
Postal workers are working at unsustainable levels, not recognised adequately by Ofcom's report on the future of universal service obligations.
Kevin Hollinrake
Our clear position is that we will retain a six-day service, but the views of postal workers will be taken into account.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
First, Mr Speaker, may I echo the comments made by the Secretary of State in relation to the late Tony Lloyd, who will be greatly missed in all parts of the House? As we have heard from the shadow Secretary of State, the whole country has been levelled down since 2010 at an average rate of £10,200 per person. That is a damning indictment of this Government, but with about 1,300 projects funded by the future high streets fund, the towns deals and levelling-up funds, that decline should, in theory, not have happened. How many of those projects have now been completed and what evidence does the Department have that those projects have contributed to reducing regional inequalities?
Context
The whole country has been levelled down since 2010 at an average rate of £10,200 per person. There are about 1,300 projects funded by the future high streets fund, towns deals and levelling-up funds.
Michael Gove
The evidence of the reduction in regional inequalities is perhaps most marked in Teesside and the Tees valley where the Conservative Mayor Ben Houchen has been responsible for overseeing an economic renaissance, renewed foreign direct investment, and improvements in public health and education. The message is clear: if we want levelling up to work, we need to elect Conservative mayors in May.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Given that one in five people should be getting the national minimum wage but are not, how can we improve living standards when this legal requirement is not being met?
Context
The MP is raising concerns about the enforcement of the national minimum wage, with one in five people not receiving the legal minimum.
Laura Trott
If specific examples of non-compliance exist, they should be reported. The levels of the national minimum wage will increase by 9.8% next year, making a significant difference to households up and down the country.
Session: Living Standards OBR Growth Forecasts
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of the OBR's growth forecasts on living standards?
Context
The MP is questioning the potential impact of the Office for Budget Responsibility's revised economic forecasts.
Laura Trott
The OBR revised up its growth figures after data revisions by the Office for National Statistics indicated the economy had recovered more fully from the pandemic than expected, which means that the current level of real GDP is nearly 3% higher than was predicted in March forecasts.
Session: Living Standards OBR Growth Forecasts
View All Questions -->
Another dentist in my constituency told constituents they can no longer provide NHS services, and there is nowhere else nearby for them to go. The ICB was specifically told that the ringfence was being disapplied. Does the Secretary of State agree that this money should be spent on dental services?
Context
A dentist in the constituency stopped providing NHS services, leaving patients with nowhere else to go. There was a meeting with ICB about underspend on ringfenced money.
Victoria Atkins
NHS England has provided guidance, as set out earlier.
Session: Dental Services
View All Questions -->
One of the speakers at today's event was Andy Haldane from the Levelling Up Advisory Council, who mentioned that greater financial devolution is needed in all regions. Does the Minister agree with him and believe more economic devolution is required?
Context
The Resolution Foundation's report on economic stagnation highlights the need for greater financial devolution across all areas, not just favoured few.
Jacob Young
I agree with Andy Haldane that more financial devolution is needed in all regions. The government has followed its devolution framework, expanding it to over 60% of England and investing £13 billion into local communities. This includes significant projects like Teesside's freeport and town deals for various towns.
Session: Levelling-up Fund
View All Questions -->
Fire and rehire is rife in this country. Between March 2020 and July 2021, research found that 43,000 employers changed their employees' contracts through fire and rehire techniques. The hon. Member asked how many employees he estimates will have had their contract changed through fire and rehire in the two-year period before any changes are implemented.
Context
Research found that between March 2020 and July 2021, 43,000 employers changed their employees' contracts through fire and rehire techniques. The Government promised action following the P&O scandal.
Kevin Hollinrake
Does not have that number to hand. Wants to strike a balance between employers and their workforces, condemns what P&O did, committed to bringing in new measures on fire and rehire and intends to bring those provisions before the House next spring.
Session: Fire and Rehire
View All Questions -->
Targeted online advertising can sometimes contain very misleading claims about Members and other politicians. Members might not even be aware that an advert has been sent out. Will the Commission look at some sort of process whereby there is a way for all adverts to be registered, so that people can check their transparency and veracity?
Context
Concerns about misleading claims in targeted online political ads that politicians might not be aware of. The issue is the need for transparency and veracity of these advertisements.
Cat Smith
The Commission has previously recommended that social media libraries should be a legal requirement. That would provide voters with more information about who is being targeted online, but it would be for the Government to come forward with the legislation.
Session: Online Political Advertising Regulation
View All Questions -->
What recent discussions has the Committee had with the Electoral Commission on the regulation of online political advertising before an election?
Context
There are concerns about the regulation of online political advertising before an election. The question arises from discussions around digital imprints required by the Elections Act 2022.
Cat Smith
The Committee has not had recent discussions with the Electoral Commission on the matters raised. The Elections Act 2022 introduced a requirement for most online political campaign material to carry a digital imprint. The Commission has said that digital imprints will improve trust and confidence in digital campaigns at future elections and referendums in the UK. It has published statutory guidance to help parties and campaigners understand and comply with this new requirement.
Session: Online Political Advertising Regulation
View All Questions -->
In Ellesmere Port, we are proud that the Canal & River Trust has its headquarters there but concerned about implications from recent funding decisions amounting to a £300 million cut in real terms. This will cause serious problems for the trust and urges the Minister to reconsider these decisions and engage on bridging this gap.
Context
Concerns persist about the future funding of the Canal & River Trust, with a £300 million real-term cut over ten years causing significant worries.
Rebecca Pow
We recognise the work done by the trust, but assert that the £300 million cut in real terms is not correct due to adjustments for inflation. The trust also benefits from an investment portfolio worth over £1 billion.
Session: Canal & River Trust Funding
View All Questions -->
What recent discussions has the government had with the Canal & River Trust on its funding? Ellesmere Port is proud to be home to the trust's headquarters but concerned about potential implications from funding decisions that amount to £300 million cut in real terms over a decade, urging for reconsideration and engagement to bridge this gap.
Context
The Canal & River Trust's funding is under review, with discussions ongoing over additional funding of £400 million between 2027 and 2037. The trust was established in 2012 with a memorandum of understanding signed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Rebecca Pow
We have had many discussions on the review of its funding, providing more than £400 million additional funding between 2027-2037. The government does not adjust for inflation in funding. The trust received an investment portfolio worth over £1 billion.
Session: Canal & River Trust Funding
View All Questions -->
Given the Government's claim of increased funding for the NHS, why are there necessary service cuts? Will the Minister intervene to ensure they do not happen?
Context
The NHS Cheshire and Merseyside integrated care board has instructed all NHS providers to make 5% cuts in their services without public or parliamentary discussion.
Helen Whately
NHS England determines the funding received by integrated care systems. That follows a formula which takes into account the needs of local populations, demographic deprivation and so on, and ICSs are then able to direct resources as they are best needed across those populations.
Session: Integrated Care Systems
View All Questions -->
What recent assessment has been made of the effectiveness of integrated care systems?
Context
Integrated care systems aim to improve healthcare by better understanding local health needs and allocating resources accordingly.
Helen Whately
Integrated care systems and the organisations within them are making real progress in understanding the health needs of their populations, setting out their plans, developing the infrastructure needed for collaboration, and bringing health and social care organisations together to serve the needs of their communities.
Session: Integrated Care Systems
View All Questions -->
Biodiesel producers in my constituency face cheap Chinese imports because of the Government's decision to award them inward processing relief. This makes it difficult to support UK industry, so can we have an explanation?
Context
Cheap Chinese imports are undercutting UK biodiesel producers due to inward processing relief awarded.
Graham Stuart
I will write to the hon Gentleman.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
At the conclusion of Prime Minister's questions yesterday, my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester Central made a point of order, picking up on a statement made by the Prime Minister that she described as “categorically untrue”. This is about the sixth or seventh time this year that we have had to make such points of order about the Prime Minister. How can we have any confidence that we are going to get high standards in public life if this keeps happening?
Context
MP raised concerns about the Prime Minister's integrity after multiple points of order.
Oliver Dowden
That is simply not the case. If the hon. Gentleman had listened to the exchange, he would have heard that the Prime Minister answered comprehensively every question raised by the Leader of the Opposition and demonstrated a far greater understanding of the detail of this than that demonstrated by his opposite number.
Session: Propriety in Public Life
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to help ensure high standards of propriety in public life.
Context
MP asked about steps to ensure high standards of propriety in public life.
Oliver Dowden
This Government will uphold the highest standards of integrity and propriety. In July, a wide-ranging programme of reform was announced acting on recommendations from Nigel Boardman, the Committee on Standards in Public Life and the Public Administration Committee.
Session: Propriety in Public Life
View All Questions -->
In the absence of legislation, will my right hon. Friend consider setting up GBR as a shadow authority. That could, for example, end the unsustainable practice of costs sitting with one part of the industry and revenue with another. The rail industry has a great appetite to move forward, so will he consider something like a shadow GBR?
Context
There is no legislation to establish GBR, but the industry needs reforms. The current system has revenue and cost issues.
Mark Harper
My hon. Friend, who ably chairs the Select Committee, makes a good point. Joining up the profit and loss account, revenues, and costs can be done without legislation, and we are actively working to do that. I have tasked my officials to move at pace on this, and we are identifying where in Derby the GBR HQ will be. We will continue to deliver rail reform every day to ensure that we can respond to market conditions and have a successful, thriving railway, and I want everyone in the sector to join us in that endeavour.
Session: Great British Railways
View All Questions -->
Whether he has had recent discussions with the Leader of the House on legislation to establish Great British Railways. On behalf of Opposition Members, may I associate myself with the Secretary of State's comments in respect of the people of India? In the north-west, we were hoping that the formation of GBR might have been on track by now to help us deal with the chronically underperforming Avanti West Coast, but we see no sign of the legislation. Parliament certainly has the time to deal with it—we finished after a couple of hours on Tuesday—and it is certainly not a question of money, as we know £50 million has already been spent on the project. What exactly is the problem with bringing the matter before the House? Is it a lack of political will, or is it a lack of competence?
Context
The recent deadly rail crash in India, with over 288 deaths and hundreds injured, has highlighted railway safety issues. In the UK, there are concerns about underperforming Avanti West Coast services.
Mark Harper
The Government remain committed to GBR. As I have said, we have already announced that the HQ will be in Derby. Many of the benefits can be achieved without legislation, and we are getting on with them. It is worth noting, based on statistics published this morning by the Office of Rail and Road, that we still face a massive challenge with the rail industry: leisure is now much more important than commuting and business; and passenger revenue is still 28% down on the pre-pandemic level. A successful railway needs to change to reflect passenger demand, and that is exactly what this Government are going to deliver.
Session: Great British Railways
View All Questions -->
British business is deeply worried due to fewer UK green job creations compared to post-IRA US figures. Can the Secretary of State explain why he described the Inflation Reduction Act as 'dangerous'? Is not the real danger inaction?
Context
The MP highlights that the US has created significantly more green jobs since passing the Inflation Reduction Act, expressing concern about British business worries over losing competitiveness. He challenges the Secretary of State's stance on the IRA being 'dangerous'.
Grant Shapps
I cleared up that I only said aspects were protectionist. In reality, US does not have any major offshore wind farms; they are all built in the UK due to our lead in this area and investment schemes like FLOWMIS for manufacturing.
Session: Low-carbon Industries Investment
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Single Status of Worker — [Clive Efford in the Chair]
15 April 2026
Responding: Kate Dearden
Main Concerns
["The Government's commitment to a single status of worker is noticeably absent, despite pledges made during the last election. The current employment status system is overly complicated and outdated, leading to issues such as bogus self-employment, which undermines fair competition and workers' rights. Recent gig economy trends have exacerbated these problems, with more than 4 million people in insecure work by the end of the previous administration, half of whom were low-paid self-employed individuals likely not genuinely self-employed."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should open a consultation on employment status this spring and set out a timeline for delivering change towards a single status of worker to simplify the system and ensure fair treatment of working people.']
Digital Exclusion
28 February 2024
Responding: Saqib Bhatti
Main Concerns
['The speaker is concerned about the impact of digital exclusion on individuals who lack the necessary skills, confidence, or access to technology. He cites a survey by Age UK which found that 2.7 million people over the age of 65 do not use the internet and highlights specific challenges faced by this demographic in tasks such as turning on devices and logging in. The MP also points out difficulties in accessing banking services and paying for car parking due to reliance on digital methods, affecting individuals who lack smartphones or cannot download apps easily.']
Specific Asks
["The speaker calls upon the Government to provide practical and financial support to local authorities to promote best practice in ensuring offline service accessibility. He questions whether a new digital inclusion strategy is needed given the outdated nature of existing guidelines and asks for updates on the Government's considerations in this regard."]
Potential for a Hydrogen Village
24 May 2022
Responding: George Freeman
Main Concerns
["The Member is concerned about the transition to a hydrogen-based economy in his constituency, highlighting the need for industrial clusters like HyNet. He points out that Whitby in Ellesmere Port has been identified as an ideal location for a hydrogen village programme, with potential carbon capture of up to 800,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. The Member expresses worries about ensuring public consent and addressing residents' questions regarding costs, safety, and disruption."]
Specific Asks
["The MP asks the government to consider boiler manufacturers' commitment to selling hydrogen-ready boilers at current natural gas boiler prices without additional cost. He also inquires if more support is needed for hydrogen villages and suggests advancing two schemes rather than one to double learning opportunities."]
Public Office (Accountability) Bill
14 July 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Death of Ann Widdecombe
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Carmichael highlighted the concern regarding the management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, specifically noting proposed changes to payments for coastguard rescue officers that could impact ...
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Climate Change
24 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to approve the draft Carbon Budget Order 2026, which was laid before this House on 2 June.
Digital Safety: Children
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Costs for Motorists
21 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Referral of Prime Minister to Committee of Privileges
28 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion calls for the matter of Peter Mandelson's appointment as US Ambassador to be referred to the Privileges Committee due to claims that the Prime Minister misled the House. Kemi Badenoch argue...
Public Office (Accountability) Bill - Motion to carry over proceedings to the next Session
27 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion is procedural, allowing the Public Office (Accountability) Bill to be carried over to the next session. The Government remains committed to delivering this landmark bill which aims to rebui...
British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme
16 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
88.8%
87 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
30
30.6% of votes
No Votes
57
58.2% of votes
Abstentions
11
11.2% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
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
VOTED NO
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
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 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
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 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
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: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
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: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
5
PMQs Asked
93
Ministerial Questions Asked
220
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
14
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+594% above average
This MP:
93
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+4427% above average
This MP:
220
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+48% above average
This MP:
14
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+28% above average
This MP:
88.8
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Justin Madders's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.