Karl Turner
MP for Kingston upon Hull East
Ind
6 May 2010 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Working people are barred from receiving legal aid if they earn £12,750 a year. Why is the Prime Minister forcing the British public to foot the bill—which I think is currently £250,000-plus—for the inquiry into the alleged lying of Boris Johnson? Is it because he is too weak?
Context
The question concerns the current legal aid threshold, which excludes individuals earning £12,750 a year from receiving assistance. The cost for the inquiry into the alleged lying by Boris Johnson is estimated to exceed £250,000.
Rishi Sunak
It is a long-established process across multiple Administrations that former Ministers are supported with legal representation after they have left office to deal with matters that relate to their time in office. That has been the practice for many years, as I say, across multiple political Administrations, both Labour and Conservative.
Assessment
The questioner asked why the Prime Minister cannot stand up for the British people regarding legal aid and the cost of Boris Johnson's inquiry. The answer did not address this specific ask but provided general context about support for former Ministers.
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs
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If the Prime Minister or any member of his many households became unwell, would he start ringing the GP surgery at 8 o'clock each morning to not get an appointment, would he go off to accident and emergency and wait 12 hours to be seen, would he call an ambulance that would not come, or would he use some of his £750 million—unearned wealth—to pay privately and see somebody there and then?
Context
The MP highlighted issues with access to GP appointments and A&E services.
Rishi Sunak
Let me put on record my thanks to the fantastic team at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, who have provided excellent care to my family over the years. The hon. Gentleman is right to highlight the issue of people waiting unacceptably long for treatment that they need. That is why we have put record funding into the NHS to help with backlogs and waiting times this winter, and it is why the Health Secretary and the Chancellor are discussing how best to deliver the reforms we need.
Session: PMQs
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Eight hundred British workers were sacked over Zoom by P&O, owned by the Government of Dubai, to be replaced with foreign exploited agency workers on less than two quid an hour. The Prime Minister can pass an instrument now to close the loophole so that the national minimum wage applies on UK international routes. Is he going to stand up for British workers or the oil state dictator Dubai?
Context
P&O, owned by the Government of Dubai, sacked over 800 British workers via Zoom to be replaced with foreign agency workers earning less than two pounds an hour.
Boris Johnson
I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman's question. I knew he was going to ask it and he was right to ask it. We are going to make sure that everybody working in the UK exclusive economic zone gets paid the living wage, and we will do it as fast as we possibly can with the Opposition's assistance.
Assessment
The PM did not commit to a specific timeline or action plan for enforcing minimum wage on UK international routes but stated intentions to ensure fair wages.
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister has not apologised for breaking the rules and breaking the law; he is sorry because he has been caught. He is bang to rights. When my constituents were making unimaginable—unimaginable—decisions, he was hosting a boozy party in Downing Street. So how does he think he can still maintain one rule for him and another for the rest of us? He cannot, and he must resign.
Context
The Prime Minister has not apologised for breaking the rules and laws. He is forced to avoid media attention.
Boris Johnson
I refer to the answer I gave earlier.
Assessment
The specific question about moral standing was not addressed.
Reference To Previous Answers
Session: PMQs
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In a recent Conservative party political broadcast, the Home Secretary claimed that only Conservative police and crime commissioners are responsible for increasing police officer numbers, yet Humberside's police and crime commissioner, Keith Hunter, has put well over 500 additional officers on our streets since 2016—the largest proportional increase in the country—and was doing so well before the Government pledged to reverse their own cuts. Will the Prime Minister take this opportunity to do the decent thing: correct the record and congratulate Keith Hunter on taking Humberside police from the worst-performing force to one of the best in his time as police and crime commissioner?
Context
The Home Secretary claimed that only Conservative police and crime commissioners are responsible for increasing police officer numbers. However, Humberside's police and crime commissioner Keith Hunter has recruited over 500 additional officers since 2016.
Boris Johnson
I do not wish to sound like a stickler for accuracy—[Laughter]—which is my normal position, Mr Speaker, as you know, but since becoming Humberside's PCC in 2016, the force has recruited 434 officers. Of those, 129 have been recruited as part of the Government's 20,000 drive, and Mr Hunter himself praised the Government's police recruitment strategy, saying that the Government's target had lifted officer numbers in Humberside above 2,000.
Assessment
Did not acknowledge Keith Hunter's efforts or correct any inaccurate claims about his role in increasing police officers.
Session: PMQs
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I join my right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition in paying tribute to those involved in the vaccine roll-out, but The Observer highlighted this week that many of the country's 11,000 community pharmacies stand ready, willing and able to deliver desperately needed covid vaccines, yet the Prime Minister's Government have seemingly shunned an army of fully trained, experienced and registered technicians. Pharmacies such as Witham pharmacy in east Hull are at the forefront of the flu vaccine every single winter and are ready to play their part in the national effort, so will the Prime Minister now take control, fully mobilise the skills and expertise of community pharmacies and get Britain vaccinated?
Context
The community pharmacy system stands ready to deliver vaccines but the government has not fully mobilised this resource. Witham pharmacy in east Hull is an example of a local organisation ready to contribute.
Boris Johnson
There are 9,000 fantastic community pharmacies across our country. They do an amazing job. What we want to ensure is that we get doses to the places where they are going to be distributed most effectively the fastest. I am sure the hon. Gentleman would not want to see doses distributed to many places where they might not all be used in the course of the day. We need at this stage to avoid any wastage at all. That is why we are concentrating on the 233 hospitals, 50 mass vaccination sites and 200 pharmacies already, and we will wrap that up. It will be particularly important as we come into the phases when we need to reach people who are harder to reach in local communities, and there, local pharmacies will play a vital role.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not commit to fully mobilising community pharmacies but acknowledged their potential future involvement.
Under Review
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister meet a cross-party group of MPs to discuss seafarer fatigue issues, such as those seen in the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster?
Context
P&O Ferries hiring Filipino seafarers for below-minimum wage in poor working conditions.
Boris Johnson
Right hon. Friend the Transport Secretary will be happy to meet concerned parties.
Assessment
Specific commitment to hold a meeting with MPs
Right Hon. Friend
Concerned Parties
Session: PMQs
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Karl Turner asks the Prime Minister if he will pay tribute to and congratulate Steven Gallant for his brave actions that saved lives despite being in prison.
Context
A constituent serving life for a crime, Steven Gallant, showed significant bravery by wrestling a knife-wielding attacker to the ground on London Bridge.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Johnson thanks Karl Turner and expresses admiration for Steven Gallant's bravery. He hopes that such gallantry will be recognized in the proper way, though it is not within government's purview to decide these matters.
Session: PMQs
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It must be absolutely exhausting for the Justice Secretary to hold on to an idea that only he still pretends is a good one. The Mayor of London is opposed to these changes and has tried to persuade the Justice Secretary to bin them. The Mayor of Greater Manchester is opposed to this ludicrous idea. The leader of Scottish Labour was opposed to this idea—and it does not even involve Scotland. The former Welsh First Minister was apparently opposed to it. When is the Justice Secretary going to get his ego out the way and bin the ludicrous idea of curtailing jury trials?
Context
The Justice Secretary is seen to be holding on to an idea that others believe is not good.
David Lammy
The hon. Gentleman makes his point with real force. However, he never talks about victims, and has not explained how we should bring down the backlog. The truth is that we are determined to bring down the backlog, and that is why—[Interruption.]
Session: Jury Trial Proposals
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The Justice Secretary wants to do away with some jury trials. He wants to extend the powers of magistrates to sentence up to 24 months without the right to appeal a conviction or sentence. I think I am right in saying that the capacity in prisons is at 88,000 as we speak today. Where are all those apparently guilty people going to be put?
Context
Concerns about the impact of extending magistrates' powers and reducing jury trials on prison capacity.
David Lammy (The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
My hon. Friend and I have been friends for a very long time and I recognise his experience in matters related to criminal trials. May I just remind him that we have the Sentencing Bill passing through the House? That will give us greater capacity in the prison system. He will also know that the Government are on track to provide 40,000 extra prison places by the early 2030s—under the last Government, there were only 500. All of that increases capacity, and of course we hope that jury trials will also make a difference for victims.
Session: Jury Trials Proposal Impact
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My constituent Craig Eskrett was diagnosed with motor neurone disease 12 months ago. He says that the services are there in the local NHS trust, but there is a distinct lack of co-ordination. Will the Minister meet me to discuss what improvements can be made to co-ordinate those services for sufferers of MND?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the lack of co-ordination in motor neurone disease care.
Andrew Gwynne
My hon. Friend raises a real issue about how we join up the whole of the patient journey. Once diagnosed, patients need appropriate treatment and wraparound care. I am more than happy to meet him and his constituent.
Session: Topical Questions
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I pay tribute to my own family GP who goes above and beyond. However, I know that GPs are troubled by patient waiting times. In Kingston upon Thames, a GP looks after 1,800 patients but in Kingston upon Hull it is double that number. What is his right hon Friend doing about the Tory mess?
Context
The MP highlighted disparities in GP numbers between Kingston upon Thames and Kingston upon Hull, emphasizing the need for more GPs.
Wes Streeting
Thank you for highlighting Dr Islam's efforts. We have found £100 million to employ 1,000 more GPs before the end of this financial year, acknowledging that more GPs are needed in the country.
Session: Patient Waiting Times
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What assessment has his Department made of the adequacy of patient waiting times in light of the previous Conservative Government's impact on the NHS?
Context
The MP noted concerns about inadequate patient waiting times and criticised the previous government for worsening NHS conditions.
Wes Streeting
Waiting times are wholly inadequate. The previous Conservative Government took a golden inheritance and left behind the worst crisis in NHS history, failing to accept responsibility or apologise.
Session: Patient Waiting Times
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If the Government are serious about tackling fraud, why are they refusing to disclose the details of the other companies? How exactly were those contracts awarded, and can the Solicitor General update the House on how many prosecutions are pending?
Context
There were 36 failed PPE contracts during the pandemic, costing over £1 billion. Only one company, PPE Medpro, has been named.
Robert Courts
His Majesty's Revenue and Customs remains committed to covid-19 scheme compliance, and will continue to prioritise the most serious cases of abuse. Specifically on prevention and recoveries, up to 30 September 2023, HMRC had prevented the payment, or recovered the overpayment, of over £1.6 billion-worth of grants, made up of £430 million that was prevented from being paid out and over £1.2 billion that was recovered from overpayments. By 30 September 2023, HMRC had opened 51 criminal investigations into suspected fraud within the schemes, and made a total of 80 arrests.
Session: Fraud and Economic Crime
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With no evidence that the threat of deportation to Rwanda acts as a deterrent, and given plans for a £3,000 incentive for refugees to get on planes to Rwanda, does the Solicitor General accept that prosecuting criminals is essential?
Context
Despite harsh weather conditions, thousands of individuals continue to cross the channel in small boats. The Government's threat of deportation to Rwanda has not acted as a deterrent.
Robert Courts
The country faces a major challenge from cruel people-smuggling gangs exploiting individuals financially and emotionally. The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill addresses this issue, emphasizing the importance of taking action against these gangs.
Session: People Trafficking
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Two years since Lord Agnew resigned over inadequate oversight of fraud in covid-related business loan schemes, how much has been recovered and what is being done now?
Context
The former anti-fraud Minister resigned due to poor oversight of covid-related business loans.
Robert Courts
The hon. Gentleman is right to draw attention as public expect money advanced in good faith during the pandemic not be a victim of fraudulent activity. Intelligence sharing goes on between SFO and CPS, which has already charged individuals.
Session: Fraud and Economic Crime Prosecution
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What proportion of that money has been recovered so far? How many of those who took advantage have been sent to jail?
Context
In January 2022, the Chancellor announced plans to recover money from individuals who exploited covid support schemes during the pandemic.
Michael Tomlinson
First, I warmly welcome the hon. Gentleman to his place or, rather, back to his place, as I understand that this is his third outing in the shadow ministerial team. It is pleasing to see his predecessor, the hon. Member for Hammersmith (Andy Slaughter), whose name is on the Order Paper. We look forward to his question. The shadow Minister will be interested to know that I recently visited the Insolvency Service, which is conducting investigations into the bounce back loan scheme and the like. We must remember that the covid lending schemes delivered just under £80 billion of finance in almost record time. It was called for from across the House and should be supported, but he is right that those who have committed fraud should be investigated.
Session: Fraud and Economic Crime Prosecutions
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Will the Secretary of State guarantee proper consultation so that people understand the implications before any deal?
Context
The MP urged caution regarding a rushed devolution deal for Hull, stressing the need for proper consultation.
Michael Gove
We are talking to representatives from both East Riding and Kingston upon Hull councils to ensure a devolution deal works. We have developed a levelling-up partnership with Hull for transport investment.
Session: Levelling Up across the UK
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What will the Solicitor General do to address the disparity in barrister pay and put victims first?
Context
There is a disparity between criminal defence and prosecution barristers' pay, affecting cases.
Michael Tomlinson
We are putting victims first, and indeed we are doing so. The Treasury has agreed to consider CPS funding following the publication of a criminal legal aid independent review. Discussions on fees and funding continue, aiming to prioritize victims and ensure cases progress quickly.
Session: Access to Justice
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Why do the Government not take up Labour's policy of scrapping non-dom status to use the £3.6 billion to train nurses, doctors and midwives, and get the NHS back on its feet? People in east Hull want nurses, not non-doms.
Context
The NHS had backlogs before the pandemic, which have been exacerbated by government policies.
Steve Barclay
The data is very clear; in fact, it is very stark on the extent to which the backlog is driven predominantly by the pandemic. That is why we have a programme, through the extra investment in the autumn statement: the £6.6 billion over the next two years going into the NHS, but also the £2.8 billion next year and £4.7 billion the year after into social care, and £8 billion in 2024.
Session: Topical Questions
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In 2010, there were 1,861 firms of criminal solicitors with duty contracts; now there are only 964. Who does the Lord Chancellor think broke the system?
Context
The number of criminal solicitor firms with duty contracts has significantly decreased since 2010. The profession is facing challenges.
Mike Freer
I do not accept the hon. Member's characterisation. The Government have invested significantly in this area.
Session: Topical Questions
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Well before the Criminal Bar Association took action to strike, I warned the Lord Chancellor that that was inevitable unless he sat down with the association and worked constructively. He accused me of being its shop steward. Now, criminal defence solicitors' firms are on their knees. The Justice Secretary is not known for working constructively, but will he sit down with the Law Society and representative groups of criminal solicitors to come to an agreement on parity of funding between the criminal Bar and criminal defence solicitors?
Context
The Criminal Bar Association had taken action to strike and the Justice Secretary was criticised for not working constructively with the association.
Mike Freer
My right hon. Friend the Lord Chancellor meets all stakeholders on a regular basis, and I think he has a meeting coming up to address those very concerns. I am sure that he will sit down and discuss those concerns in the next few weeks.
Session: Independent Review of Criminal Legal Aid
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Whether he has made an assessment of the effectiveness of the steps taken by his Department to implement the recommendations of the independent review of criminal legal aid. The Criminal Bar Association took action to strike, and now criminal defence solicitors' firms are on their knees.
Context
The Criminal Bar Association had taken action to strike and the Justice Secretary was criticised for not working constructively with the association.
Mike Freer
My right hon. Friend the Lord Chancellor meets all stakeholders on a regular basis, and I think he has a meeting coming up to address those very concerns. I am sure that he will sit down and discuss those concerns in the next few weeks.
Session: Independent Review of Criminal Legal Aid
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Why do the Government continue to extend the temporary offshore wind workers concession? The industry is not even asking for it. Will the Minister meet me to discuss the issue?
Context
The temporary offshore wind workers concession has been extended despite industry not requesting it. The questioner seeks clarity and a meeting to discuss the issue.
Robert Jenrick
I would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman. The extension was reviewed by the Government and, on the basis of the representations made to us by the industry, we extended it to April 2023. If he has heard other representations, I would be pleased to hear about them.
Session: Topical Questions
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I, too, congratulate the Secretary of State on his appointment and welcome his team of Ministers on to the Treasury Bench. He will understand that lots of people, including many, many people in east Hull, work incredibly hard and incredibly long hours, but despite all their efforts still rely on benefits. Does he agree that it would be incredibly mean if the Chancellor of the Exchequer was now to row back on the commitment of uprating benefits in line with inflation?
Context
Many people, including constituents in east Hull, rely on benefits despite working long hours.
Mel Stride
The hon. Gentleman has been in the Chamber during questions for long enough to know that I cannot comment on the uprating or otherwise of benefits. However, he should take into account the numerous positive tax changes that there have been over the years for the hard-working constituents he refers to—not least the very significant increase in the personal allowance since 2010 and the change to the taper under universal credit, which makes a difference to many millions of people up and down the land.
Session: Topical Questions
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When will the Department set a timetable for implementing the urgent funding required by Sir Christopher Bellamy's review?
Tom Pursglove
The Under-Secretary of State for Justice will answer questions on this matter from Members. The Opposition supported the Bellamy review outcomes and we are working to deliver them.
Session: Support for Victims of Crime
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In addition to regional disparities, will the Minister look into disparities between men and women's health? Men die four years earlier than women on average, 75% of suicides are by men, and during the time taken for oral questions, one man will die from prostate cancer. Through my work as chair of the all-party group on issues affecting men and boys, we have taken evidence that points to the need for a men's health strategy.
Context
The MP noted that men die four years earlier on average than women and highlighted higher suicide rates among men. He also pointed out the disparity in cancer deaths, with one man dying from prostate cancer during oral questions.
Maria Caulfield
I absolutely take the point that my hon. Friend makes around the disparity in life expectancy between those in the most and the least deprived areas, which is greater for men. We will be publishing the health disparities White Paper, and we will focus on any disparities, including those that affect men.
Session: Regional Health Inequalities
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I am concerned about the steps being taken by the Department to tackle regional health inequalities including waiting times for NHS treatment. Before the pandemic, 4.5 million people were waiting for treatment on NHS lists in England. In Hull specifically, over 5,000 individuals are on waiting lists at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospitals. Why is someone who lives in east Hull more than twice as likely to be waiting for more than 12 months on an NHS waiting list?
Context
The MP highlighted the disparity in NHS treatment waiting times across England, with specific reference to Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospitals where over 5,000 people were on waiting lists. He cited a statistic showing that someone living in east Hull is more than twice as likely to wait for over 12 months for treatment.
Maria Caulfield
While I recognise that the waiting times in Hull are some of the highest in the country, I am sure the hon. Gentleman will welcome the investment that the Government are putting into his constituency to change that. The Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospitals have £60 million of funding, including £2.8 million for new respiratory wards, £1.6 million for new specialist theatre facilities, and £1.1 million for oxygen resilience wards.
Session: Regional Health Inequalities
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I am concerned that despite east Hull schools going above and beyond during the pandemic, they were let down by this Government's lack of action leading to 10,600 lost school days. Will you adopt the shadow Secretary of State's schools recovery plan which addresses these issues?
Context
East Hull schools have lost over 10,600 school days due to government failure last term. This prompted the need for a comprehensive recovery plan.
Robin Walker
I thank the hon. Gentleman, but we have a strong plan for recovery in schools and attendance is vital. There has been unavoidable absence due to covid, but we must tackle avoidable absence.
Session: Topical Questions
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In the autumn statement the Government snuck out a £70 million stealth cut to benefits. Can the Minister confirm that disabled people will be involved in the process and say how it will affect them? If he cannot, will the Minister responsible write to me?
Context
The Government announced a £70 million cut to benefits, prompting concerns about transparency and inclusion of disabled individuals in the decision-making process.
Guy Opperman
Yes, the Minister for Disabled People will write to the hon. Gentleman, but I can confirm that we will spend the record sum of £58 billion this year on benefits to support disabled people and people with health conditions.
Session: Support for Disabled People
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What assessment has been made of the impact of the autumn Budget and spending review 2021 on support for disabled people?
Context
The autumn Budget and spending review 2021 is under scrutiny, with a focus on the impact of these measures on disabled individuals.
Guy Opperman
Under the 2021 spending review there will be delivery of targeted support for disabled people, including £1.1 billion of investment in helping them to get into work, £2.6 billion of funding for new school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and much more on health and other matters.
Session: Support for Disabled People
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Fred from east Hull was left without any income whatsoever for several months earlier this year because the Department for Work and Pensions failed to pay him his state pension, to which he was rightfully entitled. When my office intervened, he eventually got paid, but it took us several weeks to sort it out. When people such as Fred in areas like mine are already facing a cost of living crisis, fuel poverty and the effects of the pandemic, does the Minister feel that he should apologise to Fred and many others?
Context
The MP referenced a constituent, Fred, who faced several months without income due to DWP failing to pay him his state pension. Intervention was needed from the MP's office.
Guy Opperman
I cannot comment on the individual case, but I can say that the hon. Gentleman is right to say that there was a backlog over the summer period by reason of covid and many other factors, which we took great steps to address. A dedicated team of several hundred individuals ensured that we caught up with the backlog, and we are now operating business as usual.
Session: Pensioner Poverty State Pension
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Will the Chancellor categorically deny that he or any officials attended any of the Downing Street Christmas parties in December 2021?
Context
The Chancellor was interviewed about attending Downing Street Christmas parties.
Rishi Sunak
No, I did not attend any parties.
Session: Topical Questions
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I pay tribute to the school leaders, teachers and support staff teaching the kids in east Hull. The truth is that kids in Yorkshire and the Humber are 12 times more likely to be attending an underperforming school than their counterparts in the south of England. If the Government are serious about levelling up, is it not time they started looking at primary schools in the north of England?
Context
The regional disparity is evident where children in Yorkshire and the Humber are disproportionately more likely to attend underperforming schools compared to those in southern England, indicating a persistent need for targeted educational reforms.
Robin Walker
I share the hon. Gentleman's passion for ensuring that the progress we have seen over past decades in London and the south-east is replicated across the country. That is a consistent drive of this Government; I am glad that some of the changes we have already made, such as the national funding formula and the introduction of the pupil premium, are pointing in that direction, but I will be happy to visit more schools in the north of England, including primary schools, with him and others to ensure that we can continue to drive progress in this area.
Session: School Outcomes Regional Inequality
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What steps he is taking to tackle regional inequality in school outcomes. I pay tribute to the school leaders, teachers and support staff teaching the kids in east Hull. The truth is that kids in Yorkshire and the Humber are 12 times more likely to be attending an underperforming school than their counterparts in the south of England.
Context
Regional disparity exists where students in Yorkshire and the Humber are significantly more likely to attend underperforming schools compared to those in southern England, highlighting a need for targeted interventions.
Robin Walker
We are committed to improving school outcomes everywhere and are investing a further £4.7 billion by 2024-25 in the core schools budget in England, over and above the 2019 spending review settlement for schools in 2022-23. In 2022-23 the national funding formula is providing a total of £6.7 billion, targeted at schools with higher numbers of pupils with additional needs, which comes on top of the pupil premium funding. I share the hon. Gentleman's passion for ensuring that the progress we have seen over past decades in London and the south-east is replicated across the country.
Session: School Outcomes Regional Inequality
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I rarely congratulate the Justice Secretary, but I do on this issue because he has eventually agreed with Her Majesty's loyal Opposition about making pet theft a specific offence. On a serious note, I congratulate all the campaigners on the issue, particularly John Cooper, QC, who has done an awful lot of work on it. The Justice Secretary knows that when the shadow Justice Secretary, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy), tabled his amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, the Tories rejected the idea of a specific offence time and again; I think I am right in saying that the Justice Secretary's argument was that the Theft Act 1968 was sufficient. The taskforce has now reported, but I am not clear on when we expect the legislation to take effect. When can we expect those who are alleged to have stolen pets to face the criminal courts?
Context
The shadow Justice Secretary tabled an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill regarding pet theft.
Robert Buckland
I am always grateful for the hon. Gentleman's words of wisdom, but I will just correct him in this respect: there was a general agreement that the use of theft legislation to deal with what were more than goods and chattels just was not an adequate way to reflect not just the taking of a pet, but the suffering of the pet and of the owner. That is why abduction is a much better read-across, as he knows from the matter of child abduction, for example.
Session: Pet Theft
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Time and again the Government have promised investment in areas like east Hull but now a £35 million cut will pull funding from the local economy. Is it time for the Government to match their rhetoric with actions by cancelling this cut?
Context
The universal credit uplift is set to end, affecting local economies and families.
Therese Coffey
The hon. Gentleman may not be aware that we extended the uplift beyond the pandemic's lockdown elements, and during Labour's late noughties crisis no changes were made to benefits.
Session: Universal Credit Removal of Uplift
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This Government are responsible for over 40,000 needless deaths from covid-19 in care homes. A plan to fix social care in this country is long overdue. This crisis is not new—people are routinely forced to sell the family home to pay for care. The workers are paid peanuts, while the 13 million unpaid carers are left to pick up the pieces. Does the Minister agree that we have had far too many vague promises and that unpaid carers cannot wait a minute longer?
Context
The Government's policies have been criticized for not addressing the crisis in social care, particularly regarding the high number of deaths from COVID-19 in care homes.
Helen Whately
I agree with the hon. Member that there are many challenges for social care, and that is one reason why many Governments have talked about social care reform. As he will understand, over the last year, we have rightly focused on supporting social care through the pandemic, but we are working on our proposals for reform and will bring them forward later this year.
Session: Adult Social Care Reform
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My hon. Friend the Member for Stockport (Navendu Mishra) is spot on, is he not? The Government must address the vast deserts where no legal aid providers exist. The disabled and vulnerable in most of England and Wales have been denied access to justice due to the Government's inaction. How can the Minister possibly justify a situation where 37 million people in Stockport, Hull and across the rest of England and Wales do not have access to a community care legal aid provider? He talks tough, he promises all sorts; he does nothing. Get on with it!
Context
The question focuses on the absence of legal aid providers in many areas, particularly Stockport and Kingston upon Hull.
Alex Chalk
It is always a pleasure to hear from the hon. Gentleman. What a shame that when there was a Labour Government, he did nothing to stand up to the Labour Prime Minister who decried “fat cat” legal aid lawyers and said that he was going to “derail the gravy train of legal aid”. Where was the hon. Gentleman then? Nowhere. This is the Government who are getting behind legal aid and getting behind the civil legal aid service, and who, by the way, funded the community justice fund, which provided support for the Disability Law Service that he wants to see, and so do I.
Session: Legal Advice Deserts
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Taxpayers in east Hull expect Government contracts to be awarded responsibly and fairly. Does she want to say something about that to my constituents?
Context
The question refers to concerns about the transparency and fairness of procurement processes, particularly regarding PPE contracts.
Julia Lopez
I wish to assure the House that although there has been a lot of discussion about the high-priority lane, it was effectively an email inbox that triaged the thousands of suggestions that were coming in for particular contracts. Even if people got through that—90% of people from that process were rejected—the contracts then went through the same eight-stage process. I wish to assure him that there have been no corners cut.
Session: Public Procurement Value for Money
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What recent steps has the Minister taken to help ensure value for money in public procurement?
Context
The question addresses recent steps taken to ensure value for money in public procurement.
Julia Lopez
The overarching principle in all public procurement is to secure the best value for money for the taxpayer, and that principle lies at the heart of our plans in the procurement Green Paper. Simpler procurement procedures will drive increased competition and innovation in public procurement, ultimately saving taxpayers' money. We are also due to publish version 3 of the “The Outsourcing Playbook” in spring '21, which includes 11 key policies that help Government and industry to work better together to deliver quality public services and value for money, and our new approach to social value will help to secure wider public benefit.
Session: Public Procurement Value for Money
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With over 400 fewer criminal legal aid firms today compared to 2015, leading to a rise in unrepresented domestic abuse victims, does the Secretary of State agree that action must be taken before the CLAR recommendations are implemented?
Context
The concern is about the number of criminal legal aid firms declining, impacting domestic abuse victims' representation.
Robert Buckland
Phase 1 of CLAR has already injected £51 million into criminal legal aid fees, the most significant investment in a quarter century. The new chair, Sir Christopher Bellamy QC, is engaging with professionals to ensure sustainability and representation for those in need.
Session: Covid-19 Legal Aid Sector Support
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With over 20,000 new covid infections each day and more than 1,000 deaths, how can the Minister justify allowing bailiffs to proceed with business as usual during this deadly pandemic?
Context
The MP is concerned about new daily infections and deaths due to COVID-19, questioning how enforcement can continue as usual.
Alex Chalk
Public Health England has considered these matters and is satisfied with the situation. We ensure safety in proceedings while respecting all rights, including convention rights such as article 1 of protocol 1.
Session: Evictions and Bailiff Enforcement Activity Covid-19
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Many nurseries face severe financial difficulty due to long-term underfunding and lack of support during the pandemic. Can we guarantee essential childcare places in less well-off areas like east Hull will not close as a result of covid-19?
Context
The MP emphasizes the severe financial strain on children's nurseries in disadvantaged regions like east Hull, which have been underfunded for years and are now further impacted by exclusion from pandemic support. He stresses that closures would be catastrophic.
Vicky Ford
We have announced additional funding for early years entitlements, increasing hourly rates based on local disadvantage. This should cover national living wage increases.
Session: Early Years Providers Financial Stability
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I am concerned about the financial stability of early years providers during the covid-19 outbreak. What steps are being taken to ensure that these essential services remain financially viable?
Context
The MP raises concerns about financial instability affecting early year's services due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. He highlights the critical need for these services in ensuring continued support and access for children.
Vicky Ford
We have given unprecedented support through block-buying childcare places and various schemes such as furlough. We monitor the situation closely and issued advice for census week allowing counting of temporarily absent children if nurseries remain open.
Session: Early Years Providers Financial Stability
View All Questions -->
The loss of a critical element of UK freight capacity in P&O's Hull to Zeebrugge route will not only be a devastating blow to jobs and trade in my constituency, but as it is one of the most direct routes between Pfizer's Belgian factory and hard-hit areas in the north of England, that could have a severe impact on the rapid roll-out of the covid vaccine, which I am delighted to see has been approved for use this week. I wrote to the Secretary of State recently on this issue. What action are Ministers taking to ensure that P&O honours its commitments and that this vital route is maintained?
Context
The loss of the P&O's Hull to Zeebrugge route has raised concerns about job losses, trade disruption, and potential delays in vaccine distribution.
Rachel Maclean
The hon. Gentleman is a powerful advocate for jobs and his local economy, and rightly so. My hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Robert Courts), the maritime Minister, has recently written to P&O on this matter, reminding it of its responsibilities, but decisions on the long-term viability of any route are a commercial decision. The vaccine strategy is led by the Department of Health and Social Care, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that alternative routes are available for the relatively limited volumes of traffic that will be required to bring in this much needed and life-saving vaccine.
Session: Maritime Freight Capacity Covid-19
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What assessment has he made of the adequacy of UK maritime freight capacity during the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
During the pandemic, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of UK maritime freight capacity to maintain essential services and trade.
Rachel Maclean
First, may I put on record my thanks to all transport workers? They have done an incredible job throughout the pandemic. The UK maritime sector has worked tirelessly to keep freight moving and provide sufficient capacity throughout.
Session: Maritime Freight Capacity Covid-19
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May I offer you, Mr Speaker, belated congratulations on having been elected Speaker one year ago yesterday? I pay tribute to you for the work that you have always done to promote rugby league at all levels. I am very grateful to the Sports Minister for his helpful engagement with me about rugby league, but it is very unlikely that fans will be back in stadiums for some time, so can the Secretary of State offer more financial support to ensure that we do not lose clubs such as Hull Kingston Rovers and Hull FC, both of which are incredibly important to our city?
Context
The MP is concerned about the financial struggles of rugby league clubs in his constituency, particularly given their importance to local communities and upcoming events like the Rugby League World Cup hosted by Hull.
Oliver Dowden
I completely agree with the hon. Gentleman's analysis and we have been working closely with the Treasury, but it is not possible for fans to return in stadiums from 1 October.
Session: Rugby League Clubs Financial Support
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Motor Neurone Disease Research: Government Funding
13 December 2022
Main Concerns
['MND is a devastating and untimely disease, with six people dying of it daily in the UK. The MND Association estimates that a third of those diagnosed die within one year. Following meetings with campaigners and the Business Secretary, the Government pledged to invest £50 million but failed to deliver on this promise for over 12 months.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP asks the Minister to arrange a meeting between MND campaigners and the Secretaries of State for Health and Social Care and BEIS to provide clarity on when and how the promised funding will be made available.']
Carer’s Allowance
30 March 2022
Responding: Chloe Smith
Main Concerns
["Unpaid carers are the backbone of the social care system in the UK, with an estimated 11.5 million individuals providing crucial support to those living with disabilities or illnesses. However, their efforts are poorly recognized by a meagre allowance of £67.60 per week. The charity Carers UK estimates that the economic value of unpaid care provided over the two years of the pandemic is more than £380 billion, which is more than the entire NHS budget over the same period. Unpaid carers have been left in poverty by the Government, with Carer's allowance equating to £1.93 per hour before a 3.1% uplift which will only increase it to £1.99 per hour. During the pandemic, 81% of carers had to provide more care, and 80% cared for someone whose condition worsened. Carers have also faced isolation during lockdowns, and many are now relying heavily on friends and family due to ongoing health concerns."]
Specific Asks
["I ask the Government to match up the rates for the national minimum wage and the carer's allowance earnings threshold. The current discrepancy leaves families in an impossible dilemma and punishes those who have done nothing but good for their family and society. The Government should consider ensuring that unpaid carers have access to lateral flow tests and provide an uplift in the carer's allowance for all unpaid carers everywhere. Carers should also be able to transition into work or education without financial barriers, and there should be no ban on carers receiving full-time education."]
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...
Jury Trials 2026-01-07
07 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That this House believes that it is wrong to abolish jury trials for crimes with anticipated sentences of three years or less because jury trials are a fundamental part of the UK consti...
Sentencing Bill 2025-10-29
29 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. The new clauses would require the Secretary of State to assess the effectiveness and use by courts of parenting orders and financial orders for yo...
COP29
26 November 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Police Reform
20 November 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
National Insurance Contributions: Healthcare
14 November 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Council Tax
14 November 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Future of the Post Office
13 November 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Finance Bill 2023-24 - Clause 1
04 September 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr. Huddleston moved amendment 9, which requires the Office for Budget Responsibility to produce and publish a section 4(3) report when new fiscal rules are announced by the Treasury. He argued that t...
Post Office Horizon Scandal
10 January 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
24.1%
20 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
7
8.4% of votes
No Votes
13
15.7% of votes
Abstentions
63
75.9% of votes
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
8
PMQs Asked
54
Ministerial Questions Asked
53
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
83
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
+117% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+295% above average
This MP:
54
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-21% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+995% above average
This MP:
53
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-65% below average
This MP:
24.1
Average:
69.5
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Karl Turner's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.