Lee Barron
MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Max Hall is 14 years old. He should be worrying about school, football, friends and what he wants to be when he grows up. Instead, he is living with a high-grade brain tumour and there is no cure available to him. His parents, Jackie and Steven, want to know why children being diagnosed with brain tumours are still being told that there are no treatment options available. Why does brain tumour research remain so underfunded, when brain tumours kill more children than adults under 40 than any other cancer? Why are families like them left to search for hope themselves?
Context
The MP highlighted Max Hall, a 14-year-old with a high-grade brain tumour. He asked about underfunding of brain tumour research and the lack of treatment options for children.
Keir Starmer
My thoughts—and, I am sure, the thoughts of the whole House—are with Max and his family in what must be the most awful of circumstances. Through our cancer trials accelerator programme, we will make it easier to launch innovative new clinical trials and find new treatment. For people like Max, that will make young people's cancer a research priority, make clinical trials more accessible and pay for his travel costs for care.
Assessment
Did not provide specific funding details or commitments to increase brain tumour research funding
Offered General Program Information
Session: PMQs
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For too long, many of my constituents have not had access to good, secure, well-paid jobs. We made a commitment in our manifesto that we would change that. We cannot grow an economy based on insecure work where, from one week to the next, somebody does not know how many hours they will work or how much money they will be paid. Does the Prime Minister agree that all workers should have the hours that they actually work reflected in their contract so that we can give all working people the security to plan their finances and their lives and to build a future for themselves and their family?
Context
The government made a commitment in its manifesto to change the situation of insecure work for many constituents, raising concerns about workers' security.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I am proud of this Labour Government delivering the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation. We are ending exploitative zero-hours contracts and unscrupulous fire and rehire practices, plus we have changes to parental leave and sick pay. Workers will benefit from those rights in April, and they should never forget that Reform and the Tories opposed every single one of them.
Session: PMQs
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Twelve-year-old Millie Blair from Oundle joins us today in the Gallery along with her mum, Gemma, her sister, Jessica, and her dad, Gordon. On Millie’s 11th birthday, she was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer, which led to her leg being amputated. Millie attends Prince William school, but she cannot access the lower playing field because the slope is too steep. Her parents, the school and I have asked the East Midlands academy trust to put in a ramp, but it has refused, claiming that it is not subject to certain parts of the Equality Act 2010. Does the Prime Minister agree that the trust has an absolute moral obligation to make those adjustments to give Millie full access to all the school, so that she can play and thrive with all her friends?
Context
The Labour member of parliament has raised concerns about a school's refusal to make necessary adjustments for a student with disabilities.
The Prime Minister
I welcome Millie to the Gallery—I appreciate that Members on the Opposition Benches cannot see her, but she is looking down at us and smiling with the courage and positivity that I know is everything to her. We absolutely salute that; we are humbled by it. [Hon. Members: “Hear, hear.”] I really do find it hard to understand how a school trust could make a decision like that in relation to the ramp. Rather than berate those in the trust from the Chamber, I would just implore them on behalf of everybody here and Millie in particular to look again, and hopefully, with the endorsement of the whole House, to reconsider that decision, put in that ramp and match the positivity and the courage that Millie has shown all of us. I thank my hon. Friend for raising that campaign.
Session: PMQs
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Harshita Brella was killed and found in the boot of her car as it was taken from her home in Corby on 14 November. This tragic murder left a community shocked and scared, and it is being investigated by the police. Harshita was protected by a domestic violence protection order that lasted 28 days. It was not renewed. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that all must be done to reassure the community and bring the perpetrator to justice? Further, does she agree that in some circumstances domestic violence protection orders should last longer than 28 days, when the victims are most vulnerable?
Context
Harshita Brella was killed in Corby. She had a domestic violence protection order that lasted only 28 days.
Angela Rayner
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this case. My thoughts are with Harshita's family in this horrifying set of circumstances, where Harshita should have been protected and felt protected. The Government are committed to halving violence against women and girls. We continue to do our work, hopefully across the House, to make sure that we can end the circumstances Harshita faced and we can stop this kind of barbaric action.
Assessment
Did not explicitly agree on extending protection orders beyond 28 days but acknowledged victim's vulnerability
Session: PMQs
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Considering that Royal Mail is legally obliged to deliver a universal service and keep communities connected, will the Minister join in calling on Royal Mail's owners to honour their agreement, end the two-tier workforce, and bring new entrants' terms and conditions up to the same standard as those of substantive Royal Mail employees? Service quality issues are linked to workers' terms and conditions.
Context
Service quality issues in Royal Mail are linked to workers' terms and conditions, with 50% of new entrants leaving within a year, leading to a decline in service quality.
Blair McDougall
The Minister acknowledges the connection between service quality and workers' terms and conditions and highlights the Secretary of State's meeting between unions and Royal Mail owners. Ofcom expects improvements in service quality to be in place within days of an agreement being reached.
Session: Postal Delivery Services
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What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of postal delivery services? Royal Mail's service performance has not been good enough, leading to widespread concerns among hon. Members about service standards.
Context
Royal Mail's service performance has been under scrutiny for not meeting standards, leading to widespread concerns among Members of Parliament.
Blair McDougall
The Minister acknowledges that Royal Mail's service performance has not been good enough and met with Ofcom to stress widespread concerns about service standards.
Session: Postal Delivery Services
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Back in 2004, I became a magistrate—a position that I held for 20 years. When I first walked into the magistrates’ retiring room, I thought everybody in there had retired, because I brought the average age down by about 30 years. That shows that the position is a commitment—people serve for years—and how hard it can be to get younger people involved. First, what is the Department doing to properly recognise and reward long-serving magistrates who keep the system going? Secondly, what is being done to bring in more young justices of the peace, so that magistrates better reflect the communities that they serve?
Context
Historically, the average age of new magistrates has been high. The questioner suggests that this is because the process of becoming a magistrate can be complex and off-putting.
David Lammy (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
I congratulate my hon. Friend on his service as a magistrate. He is right: we want people from all walks of life, all backgrounds and all ages to feel able to serve in their local community and be a magistrate. He will be pleased to hear that 41% of newly appointed magistrates last year were under 50, as opposed to getting towards the pension age. There is more we can do. Some of that is around simplifying the procedures, and people understanding how to become magistrates, because the complexity of the system was unbelievable, and actually put people off applying.
Session: Magistrate Recruitment
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I am proud to have secured a £20 million investment in the “pride of Corby” project—that is £2 million a year every year for the next 10 years—but it is crucial that local communities determine how and where the investment is spent. Does my hon. Friend agree that the money must be spent on exactly what the community actually wants, with residents properly consulted and local people as the decision makers?
Context
There is a £20 million investment in the 'pride of Corby' project, but it's crucial that local communities determine how to spend the funds.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
My hon. Friend is completely right. We are clear that communities must be in the driving seat. That is why we have asked for neighbourhood boards to be set up, to determine the priorities that the investment goes into. The one requirement we have of local areas is that there is a bigger conversation with residents about what they want and need.
Session: Topical Questions
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A recent survey by Young Minds found that over a third of Year 6 pupils felt ill due to standard assessment tests, with over a quarter saying they made them feel bad about themselves. Ninety-six per cent of headteachers say that SATs harm wellbeing and 5% doubt their accuracy. Our children and teachers are telling us that SATs are broken. Will the Department consider a more holistic assessment approach that ensures the wellbeing of our children at such a young age?
Context
A recent survey by Young Minds found that over a third of Year 6 pupils felt ill due to standard assessment tests, with over a quarter saying they made them feel bad about themselves. Ninety-six per cent of headteachers say that SATs harm wellbeing and 95% doubt their accuracy.
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
It is our ambition that all children get the chance not just to achieve at school but to thrive. SATs are carefully developed to ensure that they are accessible. It is clear that schools should not over-prepare children for the assessments at the expense of their wellbeing.
Session: Primary School Assessment
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Will the Minister confirm that, unlike the last Tory Government, which promised to reform business rates but did absolutely nothing, this Labour Government are committed to delivering a fairer business rates system to support the vibrant high streets that our communities deserve?
Context
Retail and wholesale jobs account for the largest share of employment in Corby and East Northamptonshire, supporting thousands of jobs.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
I know that Northamptonshire has a thriving retail and wholesale sector, and I commend my hon. Friend for championing the jobs and businesses in his constituency. He rightly says that the Conservatives promised to reform business rates. What he did not say was that they promised many times to reform business rates and never did so. We have committed to permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. The Government are committed to publishing soon an interim report that sets out further details on the direction of travel, and confirmation of our plans will come at the autumn Budget.
Session: Independent Retailers
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I set up the Corby and east Northants SEND roundtable to help seek solutions to fix the broken system. One of the outcomes of the discussions was the need to improve SEND provision in our mainstream schools. What is the Minister doing to engage with teachers to make schools more inclusive and maximise the potential of every child?
Context
The MP set up the Corby and east Northants Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) roundtable to seek solutions to fix the broken system. One outcome was the need to improve SEND provision in mainstream schools.
Catherine McKinnell
We are investing significantly to make mainstream schools more inclusive for SEND students. By strengthening our evidence of effective inclusive practice, we are equipping teachers with proven tools and strategies to deliver excellent inclusive education supported by expert teaching and a world-class curriculum. We will set out more details in our White Paper in the autumn.
Session: Topical Questions
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Only 20% of schools currently have solar panels. Brigstock Latham’s primary in my constituency does not. That is why its year 5 pupils have written to me asking for panels on their roof. They tell me that this would cut their carbon footprint, reduce bills and help improve their education. One pupil wrote: “We may be a small school, but we can be big sometimes†. Will my right hon. Friend support their inspiring campaign and perhaps visit these young community activists in my constituency?
Context
Brigstock Latham’s primary school in Lee Barron's constituency does not have solar panels despite their benefits, including reducing bills and carbon footprints. Year 5 pupils wrote to Lee Barron requesting support for installing solar panels.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
I congratulate the pupils of Brigstock Latham’s primary school on their incredible spirit. Young people right across the country care about these issues. Also, they are pointing out something really important, which is that we have this free resource of the sun and we should use it. That is why putting solar panels on schools and elsewhere is big project for Great British Energy.
Session: Rooftop Solar Power
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One of my constituents is a victim of domestic abuse and on a 999 priority list. She was served a section 21 notice by her landlord and denied band A housing by the council because, in order to keep custody of her children, she had signed a police protection order stating that she was not at risk of domestic violence. She was forced to choose between her children and a safe home. What is my hon. Friend doing to ensure that councils properly prioritise domestic abuse victims so that no one faces such an impossible choice?
Context
A constituent of Lee Barron faced difficulties after being served a section 21 notice by her landlord while under police protection due to domestic violence, leading to housing denial despite the necessity for custody of children.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
I am so sorry to hear about the difficulties that my hon. Friend’s constituent has faced. That is horrific. He will be aware that the Government are focused on tackling violence against women, working across Departments and being led by the Home Secretary and the Deputy Prime Minister. Local authorities are strongly encouraged through statutory guidance to give priority for social housing to victims of domestic abuse and their families, particularly if they are homeless and require urgent rehousing. We are also taking action to exempt victims of domestic abuse from local connection tests, where they apply, to ensure that there are no barriers to victims accessing social housing.
Session: Victims of Domestic Abuse Accommodation
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Over a decade ago, planning permission was given to build an incinerator on the outskirts of Corby. That location now has thousands of houses, a school and a nursery. Frankly, it is now in the heart of the community and no longer on the outskirts. Given that the incinerator is yet to be built, does the Minister agree with me that, in the light of the crackdown on waste incinerators, the planning application should be looked at again and the incinerator moved?
Context
A decade ago, planning permission was granted to build an incinerator on the outskirts of Corby. Due to subsequent development, this area now includes thousands of houses, a school, and a nursery.
Mary Creagh
It is not appropriate for me to comment on a specific planning permission case, but I do encourage those developing energy-from-waste facilities, including those that already have permission, to consider the evidence that DEFRA published over the recess, the new standards that we have introduced and the Government’s circular economy opportunities when determining whether their facility is still required.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Employment Rights: Terminal Illness
18 December 2024
Responding: Justin Madders
Main Concerns
['Lee Barron is concerned about the lack of legal protection for terminally ill workers in the UK, who can still face dismissal based on capability. He highlights that while some employers have signed up to the Dying to Work charter protecting over 1.5 million working people, this practice is not universal and does not provide a legal guarantee against being sacked after receiving a terminal diagnosis. Barron cites personal stories of distress faced by terminally ill workers who worry about financial security and job loss alongside their medical challenges.']
Specific Asks
['Barron calls for the Government to review the Equality Act 2010 to ensure no gaps in rights for those with terminal illnesses, implement new legislation protecting employment during this period, and promote the Dying to Work charter more widely among employers and Government Departments.']
East Midland Railway Collision
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water Companies
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Steel Industry Nationalisation Bill - New Clause 8: Contingent liabilities
08 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment aims to narrow the definition of a steel undertaking so that it must predominantly involve the manufacture or processing of steel. It seeks to prevent unnecessary nationalisation by ensu...
Royal Mail: Universal Service Obligation
11 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Education Committee 2025-10-13
13 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Presented the fifth report of this Parliament by the Education Committee, titled 'Solving the SEND Crisis'. The report highlights the moral imperative to address the crisis in special educational need...
Baby Loss 2025-10-13
13 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate discusses the challenges faced by families who have experienced baby loss, highlighting that 13 babies die daily in various circumstances. It emphasises disparities in outcomes based on eth...
Business of the House 2025-01-16
16 January 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's anti-corruption Minister has been named for corruption by another country in an international investigation. The Chancellor of the Exchequer is attempting to stimulate growth with lit...
Royal Mail Takeover
16 December 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Future of the Post Office
13 November 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Employment Rights (Transparency and Arbitration) Bill - Clause 1
21 October 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I move to read the Employment Rights (Transparency and Arbitration) Bill a Second time, declaring my lifelong commitment as a proud trade union member. The bill aims to deliver on our promise of upgra...
Attendance
78.3%
65 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
26
31.3% of votes
No Votes
39
47.0% of votes
Abstentions
18
21.7% of votes
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
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
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
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
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: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
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
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: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
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 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
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
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
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
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
4
PMQs Asked
10
Ministerial Questions Asked
11
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
-27% below average
This MP:
10
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+127% above average
This MP:
11
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 (%)
+13% above average
This MP:
78.3
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 Lee Barron's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.