Lisa Smart
MP for Hazel Grove
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
The questioner asks if the Government agrees that covert overseas finance represents a threat to national security and if measures in the Representation of the People Bill are sufficient to stop foreign money from influencing UK democracy. She suggests capping political donations as a solution.
Context
Channel 4 showed senior figures from Reform UK discussing how money from an American donor could reach the party through his UK-based son. The questioner believes this is a threat to national security.
Dan Jarvis
The Government understands the concerns and is assembling a new cross-Government task-and-finish team to tackle the issue of megadonors in UK politics. The Rycroft review and defending democracy taskforce are addressing these matters.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-10
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The Ethics and Integrity Commission's report argues that our current transparency rules are outdated and does not account for new forms of influence, such as MPs earning more than their salary from platforms like X. Does the Minister agree that our current laws on lobbying are too narrow, and will he update them to tackle this loophole?
Context
The Ethics and Integrity Commission's report argues that current transparency rules are outdated and does not account for new forms of influence.
Mark Ferguson
We will consider the hon. Lady's concerns as part of the response to the EIC. We take seriously the issues of outside earnings by Members and the potential for undue influence.
Session: Lobbying Ethics and Integrity Commission Report 2026-09-10
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This week marked 10 years since the EU referendum vote, and the world has changed since then, with an unreliable Trump in the White House and Putin bombing schools in Ukraine. Labour's red lines are hurting the British people and playing into the hands of those who seek to divide us. It was made clear to me in Brussels last month that there is real openness to Liberal Democrat plans for a sensible, pragmatic and deliverable plan for closer working. Will the Paymaster General commit to urging the new Prime Minister to drop Labour's red lines and back Lib Dem plans for a new UK-EU growth and defence partnership?
Context
It has been 10 years since the EU referendum vote, with significant geopolitical changes including US President Trump's tenure and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Labour Party is perceived to have red lines that are limiting opportunities for closer UK-EU cooperation.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
We have been building a growth and defence partnership without moving Labour's red lines; this is what I have been doing every week. The hon. Lady advocates for a customs union but the Government has secured free trade deals with India, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and an economic deal with the United States.
Session: UK-EU Relations
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We will soon have our seventh Prime Minister in 10 years. My commiserations go to the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, who I see has bowed out of the race gracefully—I am sure he has many irons in the fire. The right hon. Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham) is known to be committed to proportional representation. What plans does the Cabinet Office have to enable any new Prime Minister to move quickly on making our voting system fit for purpose—if he does not change his mind? Has that come up in access talks?
Context
The MP inquires about a new PM's potential plans for implementing proportional representation.
Darren Jones
I thank the hon. Lady for taking the opportunity to pursue further Liberal Democrat policies; she is quite right to do so. She will know of the constitutional principles that mean we cannot bind our successors. I am sure that whoever is in the relevant ministerial role will happily answer that question in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituent John from Bredbury has been in touch because his local dentist is going private, which is unaffordable for many families in my constituency. The dental recruitment incentive scheme has recruited only two dentists in Greater Manchester and none in Hazel Grove despite a £20,000 golden hello over three years. What more can the Minister do to ensure that my constituents get the dentists they need, where they need them?
Context
Concern over local dentists transitioning to private practice and the inadequacy of current incentives. The British Dental Association reports that 96% of practices are not accepting new NHS patients.
Stephen Kinnock
The fundamental problem is that the units of dental activity system does not work for NHS dentistry. We have reduced the underspend on NHS dentistry from £392 million to £36 million since coming into office in July 2024, but there is still a long way to go and we need to reform the long-term contract to incentivise dentists to do NHS work.
Session: Dental Recruitment Incentive Scheme
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My constituent John from Bredbury has been in touch because his local dentist is going private, which is unaffordable for many families in my constituency. The dental recruitment incentive scheme has recruited only two dentists in Greater Manchester and none in Hazel Grove despite a £20,000 golden hello over three years. What more can the Minister do to ensure that my constituents get the dentists they need, where they need them?
Context
Concern over local dentists transitioning to private practice and the inadequacy of current incentives. The British Dental Association reports that 96% of practices are not accepting new NHS patients.
Stephen Kinnock
The fundamental issue with the current system is that it does not incentivise dentists to do NHS work. We have reduced the underspend on NHS dentistry from £392 million to £36 million since coming into office in July 2024, but there is still a long way to go and we need to reform the long-term contract to encourage more NHS provision.
Session: Dental Recruitment Incentive Scheme
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Stephen Yaxley-Lennon has publicly thanked the donors who funded the recent Unite the Kingdom marches, which needed a significant police presence. We have heard mention several times this afternoon of equality before the law, so does the Home Secretary agree that the laws regarding the reporting of donations, both from the UK and from overseas, apply to members of all political parties equally?
Context
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon has thanked donors for funding recent Unite the Kingdom marches, which required a significant police presence.
Sarah Jones
Transparency underscores democracy, and we need to make sure we have that. Of course, we will talk to our colleagues at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government who run elections to make sure we are doing everything we should be doing.
Session: Topical Questions
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At Prime Minister’s questions yesterday, when asked by my right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Ed Davey), the Prime Minister failed to deny that he knew that his team were lobbying for a head of mission role for Matthew Doyle, and that they were doing so with his authority. Under the ministerial code, he has clear duties of transparency to this House. For No. 10 to ask the Foreign Office to find a plum diplomatic job for another Labour mate who was friends with a convicted sex offender, let alone to then keep it secret from the Foreign Secretary, is completely shocking. The Prime Minister has shown another catastrophic lack of judgment. Will the Minister ensure that an inquiry is launched by the Cabinet Secretary to determine who did the lobbying and why, and what the Prime Minister knew and when?
Darren Jones
The Prime Minister has spent very many hours at the Dispatch Box this week being held to account and answering questions on a whole range of issues. In respect of the particulars of the hon. Lady’s question, I refer her to the Prime Minister’s words of only yesterday.
Session: Ministerial Code
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What specific steps are the Government taking to address potential shortages of food and medicine as a result of external shocks? How does the Minister plan to communicate with the public to ensure constituents have information and support?
Context
Press reports indicate the risk of shortages in certain foods and medicines due to geopolitical tensions. The questioner asked about specific steps being taken to address these potential shortages.
Dan Jarvis
We are looking at how we can communicate issues effectively with the public. The Cabinet Office co-ordinates a whole-of-Government response and works closely on those issues with partners, including in the Ministry of Defence.
Session: National Resilience
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Last month, the Rycroft review confirmed that the UK faces persistent and strategic interference from hostile states and warned that our defences against information warfare are “worryingly weak”. With important elections across the country in two weeks' time, including in my Stockport council area, what steps are the Government taking, working with our allies, to prevent disinformation from overseas aimed at those participating in UK elections?
Context
The Rycroft review confirmed persistent strategic interference from hostile states, with important local elections scheduled in Stockport.
Stephen Doughty
The hon. Lady raises a crucial issue, and I work closely with the Security Minister and others on these matters. Our electoral system is highly resilient and to date we have not seen evidence of successful Russian interference in UK democratic processes.
Session: Topical Questions
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Lib Dem-run Stockport is the MJ’s council of the year. It spends £3 in every £4 on adults and children, and it includes the most deprived part of Greater Manchester, yet the Government’s funding settlement leaves the borough receiving £52 million less each year than the average across equivalent authorities. That has been made significantly worse this year. What advice would the Minister give to my constituents when they see the council having to make cuts to vital local services?
Alison McGovern
I thank the hon. Lady for raising this issue. We want to see all councils progress towards financial sustainability, and what I would say to her constituents is that the decisions taken over the past 14 years have left councils paying for failure. If we get that right, we will be able to spend on the things that people really prioritise locally.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituent Nawaz is concerned about the financial impact of roadworks on his small business. Could the Department look at extending compensation to include telecoms and electricity companies as well?
Context
Local businesses face financial impact from roadworks.
Heidi Alexander
Roadworks are the responsibility of local highway authorities, but businesses can claim losses when works are carried out by utilities such as gas or water companies. If she has proposals for a wider scheme and would like to write to me about them, I will consider them.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituent Simon came to see me about his concerns following his family's journey through family court arrangement proceedings. He mentioned a Both Parents Matter statistic that has stayed with me: 40% of separated fathers experience suicidal thoughts. What more can the Government do to support parents, and everybody, who goes through family court proceedings?
Context
A constituent reported high levels of suicidal thoughts among separated fathers going through family court proceedings, highlighting a need for better mental health support.
Alex Davies-Jones
I am so sorry to hear of the experience that Simon has endured. Sadly, so many others like him, fathers in particular, have similar experiences while going through the family court. That is why the Deputy Prime Minister has announced today the national roll-out of a child-focused model—formerly known as pathfinder courts—for the next three years.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister recognise how preposterous it is that Lord Mandelson, who faces appalling allegations, has still not been removed, and how impotent it makes the Government look? Does he recognise that what is needed is root and branch reform of the entire second Chamber?
Context
Government Ministers have repeatedly told the House that Lord Mandelson should lose his peerage, yet no concrete steps forward can be seen.
Darren Jones
The Government are constructing a Bill that will be able to deal with cases in the round, and the Minister looks forward to bringing that Bill to the House shortly.
Session: Standards in Government
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Will the Minister set out what deadline has been set for the files to be assembled in accordance with the Humble Address, in order that they be released as soon as police investigations allow, and confirm the number of civil servants allocated to that task?
Context
The creation of the Government post of special representative for trade and investment and the appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor raises questions about transparency in previous Governments.
Darren Jones
The Department for Business and Trade is managing the Humble Address. The Cabinet Office and the Cabinet Secretary are working with the Department to bring forward documents as soon as possible. The Minister does not have the number of officials working specifically on Humble Addresses at hand.
Session: Standards in Government
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The children of Banks Lane junior school recently visited the parliamentary education establishment, and kindly invited me along. They were fizzing with enthusiasm and excitement for their learning. We know that attitudes to money are embedded at a really young age, so it is welcome that financial education is included in the curriculum and assessment review. We also know that 80% of teachers are reporting heavy workloads. What additional funding and training is coming in to ensure that children get what they need?
Context
Financial education is included in the curriculum and assessment review.
Georgia Gould
Children and young people often say to me that financial education is the big change they want to see in the curriculum. We are pleased that we are making that change as part of the curriculum and assessment review and including financial education at primary and secondary level. We are developing a new digital national curriculum to make things easier for teachers, and we are increasing funding for schools to implement these wider changes.
Session: Topical Questions
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The community of Woodley is plagued by retail crime. Bredbury police station was closed a few years ago. The Lib Dems propose a police counter in every community for better access and reassurance. What steps are being taken to ensure that communities like Woodley can access police services in person?
Context
Retail crime in Woodley has increased, leading to concerns about the accessibility of local police services following the closure of Bredbury station.
Sarah Jones
Every ward will have a named community officer, and the £200 rule for retail crime has been scrapped. There are more officers deployed to address increased theft. Innovative solutions can be considered but having a named officer is key progress.
Session: Police Services In-person Access
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What steps she is taking to help ensure in-person access to police services. Of concern is the increased antisocial behaviour and violent incidents, especially retail crime. The community wants reassurance that they can access police in person for various reasons including accessibility and reassurance.
Context
The Liberal Democrat MP for Hazel Grove is concerned about in-person accessibility of police services following the closure of Bredbury police station.
Sarah Jones
Every ward will have a named community officer. The £200 rule for retail crime is scrapped, and more officers are deployed to address increased theft. Additional steps include innovative solutions for visibility but the priority is having a named police officer in each ward.
Session: Police Services In-person Access
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One of the topics that constituents get in touch with me about a lot, particularly over the autumn, is the impact that fireworks can have on domestic animals—both the number and volume of displays and kids deploying fireworks in the street or their back gardens. Those cause distress to animals, and also to people who have suffered trauma or have served as veterans. I urge the Department to look at limiting the volume of fireworks or restricting their use solely to licensed displays.
Context
Autumn is a time when constituents often report distress caused to pets and veterans due to fireworks in the community.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Dame Angela Eagle)
We are aware of the welfare issues around fireworks, and we are looking at the evidence to see whether any such changes would actually make a difference.
Session: Domestic Animals Welfare
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I am grateful to the Solicitor General for the work she and others are doing on this topic. I have had previous conversations with Justice Ministers who have outlined plans about initiating qualitative research on the operation of the 1980 Hague convention, particularly in domestic abuse cases, which is welcome for all the Hague mothers and their families. However, many women across the country, including at least two in my constituency, remain in limbo. What discussions has the Solicitor General had with the Crown Prosecution Service about how it co-ordinates with family courts when they are hearing Hague convention applications where domestic abuse is alleged? Could she update the House on what plans the Government have to strengthen legal protections for mothers and children fleeing abuse under the Hague convention?
Context
MP Lisa Smart has previously campaigned on child abduction issues. She mentions two constituents in limbo and ongoing research by Justice Ministers on the 1980 Hague Convention.
The Solicitor General
I am very sorry to hear of situation of the hon. Member’s constituents. I am aware that the hon. Member has met colleagues from the Ministry of Justice, and I commend her for her dedication to championing these issues. We are considering further qualitative research on the operation of the Hague convention in cases of domestic abuse, and we will ensure that research is given full and proper consideration. I am not sure of the exact details of her constituents’ cases, but if she writes to me with more detail, I can take it up with the CPS. Alternatively, she may wish to meet the chief Crown prosecutor in her region to discuss it further.
Session: Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985
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Will the Minister undertake to look at Harry’s case and ensure that appointees such as Helen do not find it too hard to access Access to Work so that we can keep brilliant people like Harry in work?
Context
A constituent named Harry, who has a learning disability and holds two jobs, faces difficulty accessing his Access to Work paperwork online. His mother Helen, acting as an appointee, must print out 24 bits of paper and manually sign them before posting.
Stephen Timms
The hon. Lady makes a good point, reforming Access to Work is needed; we consulted on this in the Green Paper last year and agree that less bureaucracy for access is required.
Session: Topical Questions
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Yesterday, the Trade Secretary was the latest senior Government figure to break ranks by saying that it would be “crazy” not to look at a customs union with the EU. Does the Minister accept that it would save us all a lot of time, be the single biggest lever that the Government could pull to generate growth, and give those on his own Benches something that they are crying out for if he just agreed to crack on and start negotiations for a bespoke customs union with the EU?
Context
The Trade Secretary and others suggested it would be 'crazy' not to look at a customs union with the EU. Many businesses face trade barriers post-Brexit.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
No, and the situation is not as the hon. Lady has described. The work that the Government are doing in building a closer EU-UK relationship is crucial, and we can do it alongside a trade deal with India and an economic deal with the United States that is saving jobs at Jaguar Land Rover.
Session: UK-EU Relations
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We expect an EU reset Bill in the coming months to update the arrangements around our relationship with our European neighbours. Does the Minister agree that Parliament should have the ability to fully scrutinise the legislation to ensure that the Government deliver the change that we need and that we can hold Ministers’ feet to the fire as they set up new structures or committees as needed?
Context
The Liberal Democrats expect an EU reset Bill to update arrangements around the UK's relationship with its European neighbours, following a Brexit deal that trashed the economy and international standing.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
Well, on the basis of my exchange with the shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, I thoroughly look forward to bringing the Bill to the Commons and debating it fully. Members should not just believe what I say, but look at what the supermarkets said about the deal that was struck last year.
Session: UK-EU Relations
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What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the implementation of the Hague convention on international child abduction involving domestic abuse? Two constituents have fled Australia and Poland due to abuse, facing potential returns under the Hague convention. The second forum on domestic violence took place in Brazil. What progress was made at that forum and what legislative or other proposals will be brought forward to strengthen protections for mothers and children?
Context
Two Hazel Grove constituents have fled Australia and Poland with their children due to domestic abuse, facing the prospect of returning under the Hague convention. A second forum on domestic violence and the 1980 child abduction convention took place in Brazil.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
The Government are considering initiating further qualitative research on the operation of the 1980 Hague convention in cases relating to domestic abuse. This research will inform future policy and ensure reforms are grounded in robust evidence, improving outcomes for both children and survivors.
Session: International Child Abduction Domestic Abuse
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I note the right hon. Gentleman’s response. It may well be good for the pharma industry; my question was whether it is good for the NHS. Just four days ago, the Prime Minister said that the Brexit deal “significantly hurt our economy” and that we have to keep moving towards a closer relationship with the EU. I agree with the Prime Minister. A clear and welcome step for jobs and growth would be to create a bespoke customs union with the EU. The Liberal Democrats want to cut unnecessary red tape, support British businesses and deliver sustainable long-term economic growth. I am sure the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster does, too. I agree with his earlier comment that what happens in this House matters, so will he at least agree not to block his colleagues on the Government Benches from backing the ten-minute rule Bill that my hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Dr Pinkerton) will move next Wednesday, which sets a path towards a bespoke EU-UK customs union—
Context
The question addresses concerns about the impact of Brexit on the NHS and the broader economy, particularly regarding the trade agreement with the US.
Darren Jones (The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster)
Mr Speaker, there is obviously a great deal of interest on the Liberal Democrat Benches in their ten-minute rule Bill, which I look forward to reading in due course.
Session: EU Relations
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I am an adoptive auntie, and I know the power that comes to young children when they are in a stable, loving family and the impact that that can have on their lives. One of my constituents from Romiley tells me that despite a likely diagnosis of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder for two of her three adopted children, their therapy funding will soon come to an abrupt end, and there is no clarity on whether it will be extended. The only way she can see for her family and for many others like them to achieve safety, security and certainty for their children is through that support. Will the Minister update the House on whether they plan to extend the adoption and special guardianship support fund? If so, will they consider making a multi-year funding guarantee to offer adoptive families and—let us face it—some of the country’s most vulnerable children greater certainty about future support?
Context
A constituent with adopted children likely diagnosed with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder faces the end of therapy funding for two of her three adopted children, leaving no clarity on whether it will be extended. This lack of certainty impacts many families similarly situated.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)
We want to ensure a sustainable, long-term future for adoption support in this country. I will set out plans in the near future that will hopefully address a number of the concerns that the hon. Member has mentioned. That sits on top of the really quite widespread changes and improvements we are making to children’s social care, with £2.4 billion of investment over the next three years to ensure that earlier family help is there for all families, regardless of their legal status, whether they are an adopter or a birth parent.
Session: Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund
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Over the summer, my team and I conducted a health survey across my constituency, and 40% of those living in the most deprived and most urban parts of my patch—Heaviley, Little Moor and Great Moor—were struggling to access GPs. What more can the Secretary of State do to ensure that urban and deprived communities get their fair share of GP access?
Context
A health survey found that 40% of those living in the most deprived parts of the constituency struggled to access GPs.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
We are reforming the Carr-Hill formula so that deprivation is the driver of funding and prioritisation, which will help us to improve services for everyone and tackle the gross health inequalities that blight our society.
Session: Access to GPs
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More community energy is obviously good for the planet and for the pockets of bill payers, and it is certainly good for our energy security. The amazing volunteers at Stockport Hydro, Greater Manchester’s first hydroelectric producing plant which is in the River Goyt in my Hazel Grove constituency, tell me about the problems they are having with the Environment Agency stopping them doing their work. They were kept waiting for 227 days for the result of a licence inspection, and they have struggled to get information from it. A lead volunteer told me that if the EA continues in this way, community energy is “doomed”. What conversations is the Minister having across the Government to ensure that community energy delivers the clean power that we need?
Context
The question arises from issues faced by Stockport Hydro, a community project in Hazel Grove that has encountered difficulties with the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency delayed the licence inspection for 227 days and struggled to provide necessary information.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
I thank the hon. Lady for that question, and pay tribute to all those involved in Stockport Hydro for the work they are doing. Clearly, it has been too much of a challenge, and we need to make it easier. Alongside much-needed funding, we must make the regulatory landscape much easier, and across Government we are having a review of regulation to ensure that we can move faster to build things in this country. Nowhere is that more important than in communities that have come together to deliver a project. That is good for us as a country, good for social and economic growth and good for local communities, and we need to make it easier. I am happy to discuss the issue further with the hon. Lady, because these are the kinds of projects that we want across the country.
Session: Community Energy Projects
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T5. Starting Point in Woodley is a social enterprise that works to tackle digital exclusion. It tells me that the lack of access to a device is a barrier for too many of my constituents. What plans do the Government have to enable the refurbishment of Government and civil service devices to make it easier for my constituents to get online?
Context
Starting Point in Woodley is a social enterprise that works to tackle digital exclusion, highlighting the lack of access to devices as a barrier for many constituents.
The Minister for Digital Government and Data (Ian Murray)
The hon. Lady raises an important question about digital inclusion, which is right at the heart of the Government’s strategy. We just heard from the Opposition that they are against digital ID and digitalising this country—I am very happy to meet the hon. Lady to talk about that specific project in her constituency.
Session: Topical Questions
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I think the Government are right to identify economic growth as a key priority. I also agree with the Chancellor, who this week identified Brexit as one of the reasons that they are finding growth tough to find. Brexit red tape is a millstone around the neck of our economy; it has added 2 billion pieces of extra business paperwork, piled on costs and stifled innovation. Businesses in my constituency tell me they have stopped selling to our nearest neighbours in the world’s largest trading bloc altogether. Does the Minister agree that if the Government are serious about growing our economy, they should unleash trade by joining a bespoke customs union with the European Union?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of Brexit on economic growth, specifically mentioning increased business paperwork and costs.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister)
May I welcome the hon. Lady to her new spokesperson role? We recognise the impact that Brexit has had on the UK economy, which is why we have entered into a new trade deal in our first year in government with the European Union. A very key part of that is the sanitary and phytosanitary agreement for food and drink trade, which my right hon. Friend the Member for Torfaen (Nick Thomas-Symonds) is working on with European counterparts at the moment. Once that is implemented, we look forward to seeing trade improve, growth increasing and prices coming down on the shelves in supermarkets across the United Kingdom.
Session: Delivery of Government Priorities
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Following the recent cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover which cost £1.9 billion, can the Minister update the House on the progress being made to address such threats under the Government’s resilience action plan? Additionally, when is the introduction of the cyber-security and resilience Bill expected?
Context
The UK experienced the most expensive cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover, costing £1.9 billion, highlighting the need for national security measures against such attacks.
Dan Jarvis (The Minister of State, Cabinet Office)
Protecting national security from cyber-attacks is a priority. The Home Office is progressing legislative measures to protect UK businesses from ransomware attacks. My first visit as a Cabinet Office Minister was to the National Cyber Security Centre.
Session: Strengthening National Resilience
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My constituent Louise reported her sexual assault to the police back in 2021. She has had court dates pushed back twice and the trial is now expected in December 2026, nearly six years after reporting it to the police. What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of such delays on victim-survivors, who are also witnesses, and of the impact on the quality of the eventual court case?
Context
The MP mentioned a constituent's case where the court date for her sexual assault trial was pushed back multiple times over several years, highlighting the negative impact of such delays.
Alex Davies-Jones
I thank the hon. Member for that really important question. All my thoughts are with Louise and, sadly, so many like her who are waiting for justice. We know that justice delayed is justice denied. That is why we asked Sir Brian Leveson to conduct the once-in-a-generation reform of our criminal courts system: to ensure that we have a criminal justice system fit for the future, which breaks down the backlog on our court cases so that victims such as Louise are no longer waiting for justice.
Session: Support for Victims of Rape and Sexual Violence
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Does the Home Secretary agree that it is better to do what works, both for refugees and for communities welcoming them, and will she look again at reinstating a policy that worked, rather than chasing headlines?
Context
The move-on period extension was effective in providing stability for newly arrived refugees and local communities.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood)
We are following what is working. Rather than having an arbitrary time period, we work with local authorities to ensure appropriate move-on periods. People should remain in hotels only as long as necessary; this Government will end the use of asylum hotels.
Session: Channel Crossings
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This weekend, as the Home Secretary said, Elon Musk used a rally to call—alongside convicted criminal, so-called Tommy Robinson—for the Dissolution of Parliament, and to incite violence on our streets. What assessment has the Home Office made of these statements?
Context
The MP raises concerns over high-profile figures calling for the dissolution of Parliament and inciting violence.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood)
There is both a legal question here and a political question. On the legal question, in all cases, including the one that the hon. Lady raises, it is for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service to decide independently whether the law has been broken and charges should be brought.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Secretary of State agree that parliamentary scrutiny is needed once final guidance from the EHRC is published to ensure clarity and security for trans people?
Context
The interim EHRC guidance has caused confusion, leading to cases where trans individuals are denied access to facilities aligned with their gender identity.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
Trans people and women deserve appropriate access to safe spaces. The government has not seen advanced versions of interim updates from the EHRC but will ensure full consideration once the final draft updated code is received.
Session: Support for Trans People
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I recently had the pleasure of getting a robust grilling from some 16 and 17-year-olds from Aquinas sixth-form college in my constituency, which left me filled with optimism and a real sense that our democracy is in good hands. My worry, though, is that these sixth-formers and young people like them might lose their enthusiasm for our democracy and for voting because they feel that our first-past-the-post voting system leads to politicians taking a majority of power on a minority of votes. With more than 40% of MPs elected with under 40% of the votes cast in their constituency, does the Minister agree with her own Government’s statement on why they are scrapping first past the post for mayoral and police and crime commissioner elections, and should we expect a different voting system when the Aquinas sixth-formers vote at the next general election?
Context
The MP references recent discussions with 16 and 17-year-olds from Aquinas sixth-form college who expressed concerns about the first-past-the-post voting system.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her question. Her party had the opportunity when in government to introduce electoral reform. This Government are focused on ensuring that young people are enfranchised. I look forward to working with her to deliver votes at 16 for young people in our country.
Session: Elections Participation
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My constituent Andy from Offerton often plays a caring role for his adult son, as his son has serious mental ill health. During his son’s recent stay in prison, Andy struggled to get quality information from the prison about his son’s health situation and living conditions. What more will the Government do to ensure that parent carers such as Andy get the information they need and deserve during a child’s stay in prison?
Context
A constituent Andy often plays a caring role for his adult son with serious mental health issues and struggles to get quality information from the prison about his son’s health situation.
Nicholas Dakin
The hon. Lady is right: it is important that parent carers get the information they need that helps with rehabilitation and getting things to the right place. If she wants to write to me about that particular case, I will look into it and write back to her.
Session: Topical Questions
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The best community policing is embedded within communities, responding to their needs. Whether it is attacks on Jewish-owned businesses or hateful chants at music festivals, there are too many sobering reminders of the reality of the antisemitism that too many within the Jewish community across the UK are facing right now. Home Office figures have shown that religious hate crimes are at record highs, and that the number of hate crimes specifically targeting Jewish people has more than doubled. Everyone deserves to feel safe in our society, and that must include British Jewish communities, so what steps is the Home Secretary taking to ensure that police have the training and resources needed to effectively tackle antisemitic hate crimes, while supporting survivors?
Context
Home Office figures have shown a significant increase in religious hate crimes, with antisemitic hate crimes more than doubling. Jewish communities are facing heightened threats.
Yvette Cooper
The hon. Member is right to highlight the appalling increase in antisemitism, antisemitic hate crime and assaults that took place after the events in the middle east. She will know that, in order to tackle antisemitism, we and the police work very closely with the Community Security Trust and we are introducing new measures to deal with intimidating protests outside synagogues.
Session: Neighbourhood Policing
View All Questions -->
The Secretary of State and I are lucky enough to represent Greater Manchester constituencies, in a part of the country that played a pivotal role in our industrial heritage. Now, although Wigan is lovely, it is not Hazel Grove, so she will not have the junction of the Macclesfield and Peak Forest canal, she will not have our wonderful Marple aqueduct and she will not have one of the longest lock flights in the country. What support will the Minister give to communities like mine that are keen to see our area have world heritage site status so that these heritage assets get the support, funding and protection that they deserve?
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of communities in Greater Manchester seeking world heritage site status to protect and support their heritage assets.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
Well, I have just been told that I am on the side of Wigan. [Laughter.] But there is a more serious point here, which is that the UK has 35 UNESCO world heritage sites. We are one of the two biggest contributors in the world to UNESCO and passionate supporters of it. There is a slight danger that if we have too many and we add too many to the list, people will start trying to take others off us, so we have to manage it carefully. None the less, the hon. Lady makes a good point about the historic sites in many of our constituencies that we need to preserve, not least as part of our tourism offer for international visitors.
Session: Heritage Sector Impact of Spending Review
View All Questions -->
I saw for myself the impact of Russia’s barbarism in Kyiv and Chernihiv last month, and I heard directly from some of the brave Ukrainians who had been subject to war crimes in Yahidne. There is a lot going on in the world at the moment, but what assurances can the Foreign Secretary give the House and those Ukrainians waiting to be able to go home that he is straining every sinew so that Russia pays for its crimes and war crimes?
Context
The MP references her recent visit to Ukraine and the impact of Russia's war on Ukrainian cities. She raises concerns about Ukrainian citizens waiting for justice.
David Lammy
Our support is iron-clad. The hon. Lady will have seen our continuing package of sanctions on Russia and will recognise that this issue will be central to our discussions at NATO later on today and tomorrow. Whether it is at the G7, NATO or Weimar+, the UK continues to lead on this critical issue, not just for Ukraine but for European security.
Session: Frozen Russian Assets
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Rail Freight
03 June 2026
Responding: Lilian Greenwood
Main Concerns
['Lisa Smart is concerned about the lack of attention given to rail freight despite its significant benefits. She highlighted that in her constituency, daily freight trains remove around 60 HGV movements from busy roads and contribute to building new homes. Nationally, rail freight prevents 7 million HGV journeys every year, leading to less road wear and cleaner air. However, the UK moves only about 7% of its freight by rail compared to a European average of 19%, contributing £2.5 billion in economic and social value annually.']
Specific Asks
['Smart urges the Government to address several barriers to improving rail freight infrastructure, including dedicating more capacity for freight trains, electrifying railways, implementing digital signalling systems, and ensuring that new developments provide freight access. She requests a national freight strategy that guarantees access to train paths and protects strategic freight corridors.']
Mountain Rescue — [Emma Lewell in the Chair]
22 April 2026
Responding: Lilian Greenwood
Main Concerns
['Mountain rescue teams in England and Wales provide lifesaving services but receive no direct Government funding, relying on donations. In 2024, these teams responded to almost 4,000 call-outs, a 24% increase from 2019, with over 3,000 volunteers donating more than 167,000 hours of their time. The current situation is unsustainable and poses risks to volunteer wellbeing.']
Specific Asks
['The Liberal Democrats support providing the same status for search and rescue volunteers as Army reservists and special constables, including paid leave from employers for training and recompense for loss of earnings during call-outs. Additionally, they seek Crown indemnity insurance cover, a dedicated Minister to engage with volunteer search and rescue groups, and a VAT exemption on vehicles.']
Autistic Adults: Employment
11 November 2025
Responding: Dame Diana Johnson
Main Concerns
["The issue of employment barriers faced by autistic individuals has risen in prominence due to increased awareness and diagnosis. Lisa Smart mentions specific cases, such as Tom Boyd's difficulties with Waitrose and her constituent Bradley who struggles to secure a job despite his qualifications."]
Specific Asks
['Lisa asks for the government to promote opportunities and provide bespoke internship schemes like those offered by Stockport council to help autistic individuals thrive in their careers.']
Community Theatre
12 March 2025
Responding: Chris Bryant
Main Concerns
['The Forum theatre in Romiley faces a £2 million renovation cost due to RAAC roof issues, which is putting its future at risk. Local government funding constraints make it difficult for Stockport council to afford the necessary building renovations.']
Specific Asks
['Calls for capital funding and sustainable funding for local councils to support community theatres like the Forum theatre in Romiley.']
Adoptive Parents: Financial Support
14 January 2025
Responding: Andrew Western
Main Concerns
['The case of Kirsty highlights a significant gap in the financial support system that discourages self-employed individuals from adopting. Despite statutory guidance allowing local authorities to make discretionary means-tested payments, such support is not guaranteed and only 66% of local authorities have any policy for providing this assistance, leaving many adoptive parents with no financial safety net.']
Specific Asks
['I urge Departments across Government to prioritise financial support for self-employed adopters and extend statutory adoption pay or introduce an equivalent benefit to ensure that all prospective adopters receive the same level of support as employed individuals.']
Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals
06 November 2024
Responding: Mary Creagh
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the protection of the Peak Forest and Macclesfield canals, which are part of our national heritage and community fabric. The canals face significant funding challenges due to cuts imposed by the previous Conservative Government, amounting to nearly £300 million over ten years. Protecting these landmarks costs money, with each lock gate costing approximately £150,000. There is also a need for substantial restoration work, such as the Toddbrook reservoir repairs in 2019 which cost £15 million. The canals are vital for nature, health and wellbeing, tourism, and water management, but face an uncertain future without adequate funding.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to protect our canals as precious green corridors and industrial heritage; to fund them as a critical part of our infrastructure; and to value them as assets that could save money for the NHS and transport budget rather than liabilities to be managed. I also seek recognition for the 16-lock flight in Marple as a world heritage site.']
Summer Health and Resilience
09 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Online Safety
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Refusal
02 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill strengthens our elections and takes a stand against hostile actors, extending the franchise to 16 and 17-year-olds, automating voter registration, protecting candidates and officers, and intr...
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill - New Clause 116
02 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I propose New Clause 116 to introduce a cap on donations from overseas contributors to political parties and candidates. This measure is necessary to ensure the integrity of our democratic process and...
Ways and Means
01 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to amend the Sovereign Grant Act 2011 to specify the amount of the Sovereign Grant for the financial year 2027-28 and to confer a duty and power on the Treasury to specify the amount of the Sove...
Direction of Government
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Foreign Interference in UK Politics
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Estimates Day
29 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy has highlighted areas needing improvement in national security, including critical infrastructure protection and defence against hybrid warfare. T...
Steel Trade Measure
25 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Communications infrastructure in Hazel Grove
31 March 2025
The petition addresses residents' concerns about the proposed installation of telegraph poles and overhead fibre optic cables south of Dean Lane in Hazel Grove, which they view as unnecessary and an e...
View Full Petition -->
Communications Infrastructure in Hazel Grove
05 February 2025
The petitioners are concerned that proposed new infrastructure such as telegraph poles and overhead fibre optic cables in the area south of Dean Lane in Hazel Grove are unnecessary and an eyesore.
View Full Petition -->
Closure of High Lane Post Office
03 September 2024
The petition concerns the proposed closure of the High Line post office in Hazel Grove constituency, which residents argue is vital for the local community.
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
67.3%
66 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
50
51.0% of votes
No Votes
16
16.3% of votes
Abstentions
32
32.7% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
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: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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 AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
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
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
66
Ministerial Questions Asked
122
House of Commons Debates Involved
6
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
3
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+392% above average
This MP:
66
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+139% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2410% above average
This MP:
122
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+22% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-3% below average
This MP:
67.3
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 Lisa Smart's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.