Lauren Sullivan
MP for Gravesham
Labour
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The Prime Minister will remember his first visit as Labour leader to Gravesend, proving that he loves the south as much as the north. On that day, I spoke to him about the long campaign by me and my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Jen Craft) for the return and sustainable funding of the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry. Will the Prime Minister give his support again and help us to unlock barriers to back this ferry route, as connectivity matters for supporting high streets?
Context
The Gravesend-Tilbury ferry service was a vital link for local connectivity, but it has been abandoned, leading to connectivity issues for local high streets.
Andy Burnham
I am glad to correct at the Dispatch Box something of a myth, Mr Speaker. Like you, I do love the south of England, so I thank my hon. Friend for giving me that opportunity—[Laughter.] Okay, I love the south of England; on this issue, I will not speak for you, Mr Speaker. On the day that I became Labour leader, I visited my hon. Friend's constituency and saw where the ferry link used to go across the head of the river, providing critical connectivity for her constituents. I do not think it is acceptable that a link once there can just be abandoned and go. I will work with my hon. Friend to find ways of bringing that service back, supported by No. 10 North. She has my word on that.
Assessment
null
Session: PMQs 2026-09-09
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that our town and local centres are the lifeblood of our economy? Will he confirm that this Labour Government will do what it takes to unlock the potential of our local economies? One such example would be supporting the campaign to restore the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry.
Context
Sullivan noted her campaign to restore the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry, which was cut by the Conservatives.
David Lammy
I congratulate my hon. Friend on her campaign to restore the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry. We are determined to help town centres thrive through our high streets strategy, backed by more than £300 million of investment. The local council can use integrated transport funding for priorities including ferry services.
Session: PMQs
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In Gravesham, I recently visited the new Maltings child contact centre hosted by the City Praise Centre. Given the vital role local organisations play in supporting families, what steps is the Minister taking to ensure services such as these are more widely available?
Context
The MP visited a child contact centre that provides safe, neutral spaces for children to meet non-resident parents.
Catherine Atkinson
This Government provide £450,000 annually to assist supported child contact centres in England and Wales. The new Maltings centre provides a safe space for children and parents; the funding supports such vital services.
Session: Support for Victims of Abuse 2026-06-30
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A number of my constituents have shared with me the terror they feel when lining up to get into court and then sitting in a waiting room before going to court, sometimes with their accused abuser or perpetrator. On some occasions, special arrangements have been put in place, but this has been very hit and miss. Will the Minister look at how the arrangements for protecting survivors and supporting them to get to court without seeing their abuser can be made standard practice, so that they can safely navigate from the street to the courtroom?
Context
Multiple constituents have shared their experiences of fear and distress while waiting to testify against their abusers, highlighting inconsistencies in protective measures.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this really important issue. Ensuring that witnesses and victims can give their best evidence in court is vital if we are to achieve prosecution of these awful crimes. We are introducing legislation to improve access to special measures for witnesses and victims, including permitting victims to be accompanied while giving evidence, separate entrances and exits, and the provision of pre-recorded cross-examination.
Session: Victims of Domestic Abuse: Criminal Justice System
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This Government have delivered the largest funding settlement to Northern Ireland since devolution. In addition to that record support to Northern Ireland, and across the United Kingdom, what discussions is the Minister having on sharing best practice with Northern Ireland and across the wider United Kingdom?
Context
The question arises from the context of a record settlement provided to Northern Ireland for improving public services. The MP wishes to inquire about discussions on enhancing public service delivery through collaborative efforts.
Matthew Patrick
My hon. Friend is right to mention that record settlement, but it is not just a question of cutting a cheque and walking away; it is also about working and sharing best practice, as she mentioned. I have had conversations with the Northern Ireland Health Minister about how we can share best practice as part of our 10-year NHS plan, and I am confident that we can continue to work together to deliver better outcomes.
Session: Public Services
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In Gravesham, we have some fantastic small businesses led by women across a diverse sector of businesses, such as House of Leyla, Nell’s Café, Maucare Services, Embridge Consulting, Ms Earlyn’s and For Girlys. Will the Minister recognise the importance of women-led businesses to the local economy and economic empowerment and set out how this Government will support women leaders to thrive?
Context
In Gravesham, there are several small businesses led by women that contribute to the local economy. Dr Sullivan highlights specific businesses such as House of Leyla and Ms Earlyn’s.
The Minister for Equalities (Seema Malhotra)
I am happy to join my hon. Friend in recognising the fantastic women-led businesses in Gravesham and the impact that women-led businesses have on our communities and our economy. The Department for Business and Trade’s venture capital unit has recently launched its second female founder cohort, and Government-backed initiatives such as the Women’s Business Council, FTSE Women Leaders and the Invest in Women taskforce—whose first anniversary I was proud to join the Chancellor in marking yesterday—are making a difference to ensure that Britain is the best place for women to start or grow their businesses.
Session: Women’s Economic Empowerment
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What steps are being taken by the Department to reduce the time taken for cancer diagnoses? A local teacher went to her GP with clear symptoms of a facial tumour but was told it was simply the effects of age. It took almost two years to receive a confirmed diagnosis, including eight months lost in the system after an urgent referral. Does the Minister agree that reducing times for cancer diagnosis must start with strengthening systems to support early recognition and follow-up, so that no one is left waiting?
Context
A local teacher was misdiagnosed with facial tumour symptoms as effects of age, leading to a two-year delay in receiving a confirmed cancer diagnosis. This includes eight months after an urgent referral.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ashley Dalton)
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and her well wishes. We are taking cancer detection seriously in general practice, and there is work to do. It is why we have recently launched Jess’s rule, which is a patient safety initiative that means when patients return three times with worsening or undiagnosed symptoms, GPs must reflect, review and rethink. That could include a second opinion, episodic continuity of care or ordering additional tests.
Session: Cancer Diagnoses
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Does the Secretary of State agree that it was astonishing that the SNP voted against the £8 million to regenerate Hamilton town centre and that only Labour’s Davy Russell will stand up for local people, jobs and services?
Context
The SNP voted against an £8 million regeneration project for Hamilton town centre. Dr Sullivan criticizes the SNP's decision.
The Secretary of State for Scotland (Ian Murray)
I have brought glasses to see if I can find an ounce of credibility in the SNP’s candidate in Hamilton for voting against that £8 million. The SNP candidate is a councillor from Cambuslang who stood for election twice in Rutherglen, sought selection in Shettleston and then voted against £8 million for the Hamilton town centre before seeking selection there.
Session: Town Centre Regeneration
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The strategy for tackling violence against women and girls must challenge the attitudes that enable it. What recent discussions has the Minister had with stakeholders across Northern Ireland to support these campaign efforts?
Context
Rates of violence against women and girls are higher in Northern Ireland than anywhere else in the UK. The strategy must challenge enabling attitudes.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Fleur Anderson)
I have met and am supporting many groups, highlighting two that I have visited. The Foyle Family Justice Centre in Derry/Londonderry supports victims, and St Joseph’s Boys’ school in Creggan is doing fantastic work through the shaping mindsets programme with White Ribbon NI, which tackles toxic masculinity.
Session: Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls
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Following the recent announcement of the lower Thames crossing which disappointed many of my constituents, will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can use a small proportion of the tolls from this new crossing to support the maritime sector, particularly the Tilbury-Gravesend ferry, to reduce congestion and rat-running through villages?
Context
The lower Thames crossing announcement was a disappointment to constituents, impacting the Tilbury-Gravesend ferry service and causing congestion issues.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mike Kane)
I recently met my hon. Friend about her campaign to reinstate the local ferry. Local ferries are a matter for the competent local transport authority, and I call on Kent county council to help her in that campaign to re-establish the ferry. I know that she is working with maritime partners, but I am happy to meet her.
Session: Maritime Sector: Support
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What steps are Ministers taking to address the ongoing shortages of medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which have been going on for 18 months?
Context
There have been ongoing shortages of medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Karin Smyth
The Department has been working with suppliers of medicines used to treat ADHD to seek commitments from them to address the issues, expedite deliveries and boost supplies. We are working with NHS England to approve the modelling for industry and communications regarding ADHD medicine supply issues. We will continue to engage with industry to address the remaining issues as quickly as possible.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Secretary of State agree that public services and the NHS need reforms to ensure sustainable finances? This is crucial given people's long waiting times for health care.
Context
People in Northern Ireland face the longest waiting lists for healthcare in the UK. The government needs to take steps to address this issue.
Hilary Benn
I share my hon. Friend's view. People in Northern Ireland face the longest waiting lists in the whole United Kingdom, and all Governments, including the Northern Ireland Executive, have to balance the money coming in and the funds that they can raise, and take decisions about public service reform.
Session: Budget Sustainability Plan
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While the lower Thames crossing is under review, what steps are being taken to promote river transport crossings such as river buses?
Context
The lower Thames crossing is under review, leading to questions about promoting river transportation like river buses.
Lilian Greenwood
I will ask my officials to look into river buses and write to my hon. Friend after today's session.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Education and Skills Reform
Wednesday 9 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Summer Health and Resilience
Wednesday 9 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
Thursday 16 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Energy Security
Tuesday 19 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Criticises the Government's energy policy, particularly the ban on new oil and gas licences. Emphasises the negative impact of these policies on Aberdeen, the North East of Scotland, and UK economic s...
UK Biobank Data
Thursday 23 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Online Harms
Thursday 19 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Current legislation is failing to prevent online harms, particularly in relation to child sexual abuse material, harmful content, and interaction with bad actors. The Online Safety Act has not lived u...
Meningitis Outbreak
Tuesday 17 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
International Women’s Day
Thursday 12 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
It is an honour to open this International Women’s Day debate, which is being held in Government time for the first time since 2020. International Women’s Day was forged in the labour strikes of the e...
Digital ID: Public Consultation
Tuesday 10 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ministry of Defence: Palantir Contracts
Tuesday 10 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
69.4%
68 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
25
25.5% of votes
No Votes
43
43.9% of votes
Abstentions
30
30.6% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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
9 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
8 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
8 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
8 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
8 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
7 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
7 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
4 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
2 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
2 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
2 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
2 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
1 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
1 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
1 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
1 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
1 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
VOTED NO
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
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
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
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: 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
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
4 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
11
Ministerial Questions Asked
42
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
11
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+759% above average
This MP:
42
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+0% above average
This MP:
69.4
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 Lauren Sullivan's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.