Liz Twist
MP for Blaydon and Consett
Lab
8 Jun 2017 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
The British Standards Institution is 125 years old this year. I am proud to have been working closely with it to produce and publish BS 30480: the world's first free standard on suicide and the workplace. The standard has now been downloaded more than 12,500 times. As we all work towards reducing the number of people who die by suicide, will the Prime Minister support more workplace adoption of the standard and work with the BSI and me to achieve that?
Context
The British Standards Institution is celebrating its 125th anniversary.
Keir Starmer
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend, who has been an outstanding advocate on this issue. I congratulate the BSI on 125 years of vital work. The guidance reminds us that every part of society has a role to play in suicide prevention, and it is positive that so many businesses are putting it into practice. I am pleased to raise awareness of it and to encourage others who have not seen it yet to look closely at it and follow it.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister reaffirm the Government’s commitment to preventing deaths by suicide and say how they are tackling this vital issue?
Context
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, highlighting the importance of discussing suicide prevention.
The Prime Minister
I will reaffirm our commitment and work across the House with all Members to deal with suicide prevention. Thanking my hon. Friend for her tireless work as Parliamentary Private Secretary over 14 months.
Assessment
Did not provide specific actions or details on tackling suicide prevention
Session: PMQs
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May I take this opportunity to ask the Prime Minister if he will consider apologising to Brianna Ghey's mother for his insensitive comment? Turning to my question, the independent report into Teesworks released last Monday throws up more questions than it answers. It is vital that we now have a National Audit Office investigation. The report was scathing and said that there is insufficient transparency to offer evidence of value for money. Should the Government not lead by example, and will the Prime Minister finally release details of his conversations surrounding Teesworks, as he was asked to do twice last year?
Context
The independent report into Teesworks released last Monday has raised concerns about insufficient transparency regarding value for money.
Rishi Sunak
I think the hon. Lady was talking about the report on Teesworks, as far as I can see. What that report noted was that the pace and scope of the regeneration had had a wide-reaching positive impact on the local economy—and of course it was an independent external report. It makes it clear that there is no evidence of corruption or illegality and the Government will of course respond to the recommendations in the report as soon as possible.
Assessment
The questioner asked for a National Audit Office investigation and details on conversations about Teesworks, but these specific requests were not addressed directly.
Did Not Address Request For Nao Investigation
Session: PMQs
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The report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation stated that 25% of people and higher than average child poverty rates exist in the north-east. How does rising child poverty align with his plan?
Context
A report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that one in four people are living in poverty in the north-east, with child poverty rates above the UK average.
Rishi Sunak
Poverty is falling due to our efforts, reducing by 1.7 million people since 2010, including hundreds of thousands of children. Labour's £28 billion tax grab would hurt families.
Assessment
Did not address rising child poverty rates in the north-east
Labour'S £28 Billion Tax Grab
Session: PMQs
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Bus services are vital but millions will face a crisis with the ending of the bus recovery grant, predicting cuts of 15% to 20%. Will the Prime Minister commit to extending this grant so communities are not isolated? Will he meet me to discuss?
Context
The bus recovery grant will end soon, leading to predicted cuts of 15% to 20% in mileage. This could be devastating for people's daily lives in the constituency and elsewhere.
Rishi Sunak
We recognise the importance of buses, investing £3 billion over Parliament through the operators' grant for councils to subsidise routes and funding to cap operator fares at £2. We continue to see how we can support bus services in the long term.
Assessment
Commitment to extend the bus recovery grant
We Recognise The Importance Of Buses
£3 Billion Investment Over Parliament
Session: PMQs
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Prime Minister, in December 2019's election campaign you visited Samantha Parker at her home in Darlington. Samantha has the rare genetic condition PKU—phenylketonuria. You vowed to do your utmost to get her access to the life-changing drug Kuvan on the NHS.
Context
In December 2019, the PM promised to help a Darlington resident with PKU get access to Kuvan on the NHS.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Lady very much for raising the case, which I well remember. I am glad that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has now extended the treatment's availability to children with PKU. Clearly, we need to do more, and I am very happy to take it up.
Assessment
Did not provide timeline or specific details on future actions beyond acknowledging progress
Session: PMQs
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The hospitality sector, and in particular pubs in my constituency such as the Black Bull in Blaydon, a wet pub with a fine live local music tradition, has been devastated by the restrictions placed on it, in our case since September. Pubs such as the Black Bull are at the heart of our communities. The various compensation schemes do not offer enough support to allow those pubs to survive. Will the Prime Minister commit to bringing forward a financial support scheme that will allow our pubs and hospitality sector to survive?
Context
Pubs in the constituency have been devastated by pandemic restrictions, with existing compensation schemes inadequate to ensure their survival.
Boris Johnson
The hon. Member is quite right to raise the problem in the hospitality sector. We are committed to doing everything we can. She knows about the £3,000 grant, the additional £2,100, plus the £1,000 for wet pubs.
Assessment
The response did not commit to bringing forward a new financial support scheme beyond existing grants and aid.
Session: PMQs
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In areas facing tougher restrictions around opening times and socialising, what assurance can the PM give that he will provide necessary finance to mitigate effects on people's income? Will he meet local leaders to discuss support?
Context
Restrictions in the north-east are affecting custom, income, and employment in the hospitality sector.
Boris Johnson
In areas facing tougher restrictions, the Government will continue to provide support. The hon. Lady should decide whether she supports reducing transmission or not.
Assessment
Specific financial assurances were not provided
If They Are In Favour Of
Session: PMQs
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My constituents in Blaydon and Consett have suffered through a summer of extreme heat, seeing trains cancelled, signal interruptions and wildfires. Climate change affects every single one of us—not only in the UK but globally, as we have heard today—so how is climate change resilience being embedded directly into our core diplomatic and security strategy?
Context
Liz Twist mentioned the suffering of her constituents in Blaydon and Consett due to extreme heat, train cancellations, signal interruptions, and wildfires, and asked how climate change resilience is being embedded into the UK's core diplomatic and security strategy.
Kirsty McNeill
I sympathise deeply with my hon. Friend's constituents, who have been subject to such appalling disruption over the summer. We are very committed to strengthening international co-operation to anticipate, prevent and respond to climate-related risks of all sorts, including extreme weather. The French Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Secretary have recently reaffirmed their commitment to expand early warning initiatives, including through the climate risk and early warning systems programme, to strengthen protection for the most climate-vulnerable countries and populations, as well as for her constituents.
Session: Climate Change International Partners 2026-09-01
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What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that reforms to public procurement support the growth of companies like Dellner Glass Solutions across the UK bus manufacturing supply chain?
Context
The questioner highlights Dellner Glass Solutions, a company in her constituency that supplies window and door systems to the UK's world-leading bus manufacturing market.
Chris Ward
We have announced a 10-year pipeline with over £70 million funding for zero emission buses. We are also working on redefining social value to ensure it supports local communities and jobs, which should help companies like Dellner Glass Solutions stand out in public procurement.
Session: Public Procurement SMEs
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What steps is the Minister taking to help support small and medium-sized businesses through reforms to public procurement?
Context
The questioner highlights the need to support small and medium-sized businesses through public procurement reforms.
Chris Ward
This Government are determined to ensure that public procurement backs small and medium-sized enterprises. We have strengthened late payment rules, set ambitious targets for Departments to spend more with SMEs—totalling £7 billion by 2028—and are simplifying the system. The Federation of Small Businesses is involved in this work.
Session: Public Procurement SMEs
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Some 40,000 children each year acquire a brain injury, which are recorded, if at all, under a broad range of categories. Will the Minister meet me and the United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum to look at how we can better record acquired brain injuries in a special category to deal with their specific neurological needs?
Context
Each year, about 40,000 children acquire a brain injury, recorded under broad categories. This leads to difficulties in addressing specific neurological needs.
Georgia Gould
I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that issue. We have been talking to families of children with neurological issues, and it is an important area.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps he is taking to build more social and affordable homes in Blaydon and Consett constituency.
Context
The MP notes the need for more social and affordable housing in Blaydon and Consett.
Matthew Pennycook
Me again, Mr Speaker. We remain focused on implementing the five-step plan we published in July last year to deliver a decade of social and affordable housing renewal. We received incredibly ambitious bids for our £39 billion social and affordable homes programme and are in the process of assessing them with a view to a timely announcement of allocations. As Members will know, our Social Housing Bill, which will give affordable housing providers the clarity and confidence they need to build more social homes, is also making good progress in the other place.
Session: New Social and Affordable Homes Blaydon and Consett
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For 14 years, the Conservatives presided over a house building crisis that locked a generation out of home ownership and left social housing in short supply. In Blaydon and Consett, my constituents have been calling for years for more social and affordable housing to be built. What steps are being taken by this Government to address these calls?
Context
The MP highlights a long-standing crisis in house building and social housing shortages, affecting home ownership for her constituents.
Matthew Pennycook
My hon. Friend is right. I would go further than she did: I think the previous Government deliberately set out to engineer the decline of social rented housing, not least through the reforms that they made to the right to buy, which we are reversing through the Social Housing Bill. As I made clear, we received ambitious bids from affordable housing providers across the country, including in the north-east. That will allow councils and housing associations to start using the grant to build at scale once again.
Session: New Social and Affordable Homes Blaydon and Consett
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People across the north-east have been benefiting from a £2.50 bus fare for a single journey funded by the Labour Government and Kim McGuinness. With that fare, there have been over 100 million bus journeys and an increase in bus patronage. To build on this success, we need national funding to continue beyond March 2027. Will the Minister confirm the £3 national cap on bus fares will remain?
Context
The question is prompted by the success of a £2.50 bus fare scheme, which has seen over 100 million journeys and increased patronage in the north-east.
Simon Lightwood
We have extended the £3 bus fare cap in England until March 2027. We are evaluating its impact, including on passengers and value for money, to inform future decisions. Alongside this, we are giving every child free bus travel in August, building on the Kids Go Free scheme.
Session: Bus Services
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What plans she has to work with local leaders to improve bus services. This Government passed the Bus Services Act 2025, giving local leaders greater control. Local transport authorities are supported with over £3 billion of funding for improvements.
Context
The question arises from the need to enhance local control over bus services through legislative means and financial support.
Simon Lightwood
This Government passed the Bus Services Act 2025, providing local leaders greater control over their bus services. Over £3 billion of funding is allocated for improvements. Support and guidance on enhanced partnerships and franchising are provided to ensure services meet local needs.
Session: Bus Services
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Can the Minister pay tribute to the work of Emma who lost her 16-year-old daughter to suicide and mention what more can be done about suicide prevention among young people?
Context
The question references a specific constituent, Emma Webb, whose daughter tragically took her own life. Since then, Emma has worked to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Preet Kaur Gill
The Minister paid tribute to Emma's work raising awareness of mental health issues. She mentioned the women's health strategy which includes support for women and girls, aiming to improve access to mental health services in ways that work for them.
Session: Suicide Prevention Strategy
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What assessment has the government made of progress on implementing the suicide prevention strategy for England? The strategy promised initial reductions within half this time or sooner. However, we are now at the halfway mark and those reductions have not been achieved. What is the Government's plan to ensure that target is met by the end of the strategy?
Context
The suicide prevention strategy aimed to reduce the suicide rate over five years, but significant reductions have not been observed by the halfway point.
Preet Kaur Gill
The government is committed to delivering the suicide prevention strategy and has published NHS England's 'Staying safe from suicide' guidance. Progress includes launching a near-to-real-time suspected suicide surveillance system and committing £3.6 million for middle-aged men in areas needing it, co-produced with families and local partners.
Session: Suicide Prevention Strategy
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The latest Women's Aid annual audit highlights that nearly 80% of domestic abuse survivors now face devastating tech-facilitated abuse and online stalking. How will the Ministry of Justice collaborate across Government to ensure that our courts and prosecutors are fully equipped to tackle digital violence?
Context
The Women's Aid annual audit highlights that nearly 80% of domestic abuse survivors now face tech-facilitated abuse and online stalking.
Catherine Atkinson
I thank my hon. Friend for her consistent efforts to raise the issue of online harms. Whether it is physical, verbal or online, abuse is abuse, and this Government are determined to tackle violence against women and girls online as well as off. We are making it illegal to take or make intimate images without consent, including deepfakes. Our new deletion orders will ensure that courts can require offenders convicted of intimate image offences to delete images of their victims. The VAWG strategy sets out our plan across Government to tackle digitally facilitated violence.
Session: Topical Questions
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When shifts are cancelled at the last minute, many constituents struggle to make ends meet. The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces important protections. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure all workers can access these rights?
Context
Shift cancellations can cause financial hardship for workers, highlighting the importance of protections introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Kate Dearden
We are committed to ensuring jobs provide a baseline of security and predictability. The next step involves consulting before setting regulations to get detailed guidance. We aim for workers to receive guaranteed hours as part of contract agreements, with compensation for cancelled shifts being another crucial element.
Session: Topical Questions
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For 14 years under the last Government, my constituents’ living standards stagnated. Across Blaydon and Consett, we have many successful manufacturing and engineering firms such as Slaters Electricals and Petersen Stainless Rigging in Blaydon, Gardner Aerospace and CAV Systems in Consett, and many more. Can my hon. Friend set out how our modern industrial strategy will support businesses in my constituency to raise living standards for my constituents?
Context
The MP references specific businesses in her constituency, such as Slaters Electricals and Petersen Stainless Rigging in Blaydon, Gardner Aerospace and CAV Systems in Consett.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Blair McDougall)
My hon. Friend is such a powerful advocate for the industrial strengths of her part of the world, and it is on exactly those strengths that our industrial strategy is working to drive up business investment to create the high-quality jobs that will improve living standards and deliver better public services for everyone. The Government’s northern growth strategy aims to increase the potential of the northern growth corridor to catalyse growth in sectors such as those she describes, and I know we will continue to work with her to make sure her constituents get the most out of that.
Session: Modern Industrial Strategy
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The recovery grant guarantee is a vital mechanism that protects the most deprived authorities. Will the Department commit to increasing the guarantee to match the national average core spending power increase, so that the areas that need funding most are fairly protected?
Context
The recovery grant guarantee is a mechanism to protect the most deprived authorities.
Alison McGovern
I thank my hon. Friend for her comments on the fair funding review and the recovery grant, which was needed due to the significant damage done to council finances by 14 years of Tory misrule. I have already met scores of colleagues to discuss council funding, and I will meet scores more over the next couple of days. I look forward to talking with my hon. Friend about the proposal she mentions.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am glad to see the Government focusing so much on building social housing, including some in my constituency, but it will also be important to maintain the stock once it has been built and to look at existing stock. Can the Minister say when the issue of rent convergence will be resolved?
Context
The MP referenced a detailed five-step plan by the government to deliver a decade of renewal in social and affordable housing, including significant grant funding boosts. The MP emphasized the need for maintaining existing stock alongside new builds.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
The Government remain committed to implementing social rent convergence to support additional investment in new and existing social housing. We will announce a decision on how it will be implemented later this month, before the launch of the social and affordable homes programme. That decision will take into account the benefits to the supply and quality of social and affordable housing, and the impact on rent payers and welfare spending.
Session: Social and Affordable Homes Blaydon and Consett
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Our mental health system is still suffering from the strain of 14 years of Conservative government. Rethink Mental Illness has reported that 12 times as many people are now waiting for mental health treatment than for physical health treatment, with nearly a third attempting suicide while waiting and one in five losing their jobs. What are the Government doing to tackle those long waits and offer support to people before they reach crisis point?
Context
The UK's mental health system is strained, with long waits for treatment. Rethink Mental Illness reported that 12 times as many people are waiting for mental health treatment compared to physical health treatment; nearly one-third attempted suicide during wait periods.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Dr Zubir Ahmed)
The 10-year health plan will build on existing work to reduce waiting lists, including an extra £688 million of real-terms investment this year. The Government have already recruited 6,500 mental health staff out of the promised 8,500 by the end of Parliament and are introducing 24/7 mental health crisis support services through NHS 111. Additionally, the Mental Health Bill is in its final parliamentary stages to modernise legislation.
Session: Mental and Physical Health Services
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Polling by National Energy Action reveals that many families are unable to maintain energy access due to prepayment meter issues and accruing debt. Does the Minister agree that Ofgem must explore practical reforms to ensure households are not penalised?
Context
National Energy Action polling shows four in ten adults using prepayment meters have found themselves without credit, facing financial distress due to standing charges.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
My hon. Friend is correct about energy bills placing a burden on constituents. Ofgem has announced proposals requiring suppliers to offer tariffs with lower standing charges from early 2026, but further work needs to be done.
Session: Topical Questions
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Communities in my constituency have been devastated by the destruction of Shotley Park, a grade II listed building, in a recent fire. I understand that an investigation is going on into the circumstances. Can the Minister say in more general terms what steps we can take to protect our listed buildings and the memories they represent for local people?
Context
A grade II listed building, Shotley Park, was destroyed in a fire. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (Ian Murray)
There is no specific duty on owners to keep their buildings in a good state of repair, but local authorities have powers under legislation to take action where a listed building may be at risk through urgent works notices and repairs notices. The Government also support local authorities by providing funding for conservation projects, and they are consulting on reforms to make it easier for homeowners to protect their historic properties while preserving their unique character.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the Government’s work on the national youth strategy and their investment in youth services so far. How do they expect the move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to benefit young people from different backgrounds in my constituency and in general?
Context
The Member welcomes the Government's work on the national youth strategy but is seeking further clarification.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for all her work. In our youth strategy, we will set out the next steps to invest in the future of our young people. We want to better co-ordinate youth services and move away from a one-size-fits-all approach from central Government. In short, we want to put power back in the hands of young people and their communities.
Session: Youth Services Funding
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Our North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, is taking child poverty seriously, with the recent announcement of £28.6 million for the north-east child poverty action plan, including funding for a local pilot to expand specialist youth provision and support to open up pathways to future employment opportunities. How will the Chancellor work with Mayor McGuinness from the earliest stages of development of the better futures fund to ensure that it meets the needs of children and young people in my constituency of Blaydon and Consett and across the north-east?
Context
The Better Futures Fund aims to support vulnerable children and young people. The North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, has announced £28.6 million for a child poverty action plan in the region.
James Murray (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
I was pleased to meet Kim McGuinness just last week and to hear about the excellent work she is doing to champion the north-east. On the better futures fund more broadly, we know that the design must truly be a joint endeavour—it must be built up through an open dialogue with a range of different partners who will be involved in the delivery. I reassure my hon. Friend that DCMS’s stakeholder engagement includes mayoral strategic authorities, as they will be part of that process.
Session: Better Futures Fund
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One of Labour’s key manifesto commitments was to give our armed forces greater representation through the creation of an Armed Forces Commissioner—a promise that we have made good on with the passing of the Armed Forces Commissioner Act 2025 last week. How does the Minister expect that to improve the lives of our service personnel and their families?
Context
The Labour Party committed to creating an Armed Forces Commissioner in their manifesto, which was recently passed as the Armed Forces Commissioner Act 2025.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Louise Sandher-Jones)
As my hon. Friend rightly notes, the Armed Forces Commissioner Act received Royal Assent last week, which is a fantastic step forward. As she highlights, there is more to do; there are many aspects of service life where even small changes could make a massive difference to the overall experience of service personnel.
Session: Armed Forces Welfare
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I thank the Minister for his reply and for last week’s publication of the new relationships, sex and health education—RSHE—curriculum guidance. I was pleased to see that secondary schools are now being asked to talk about suicide prevention in an age-appropriate way. Andy, Mike and Tim, the 3 Dads Walking, have campaigned hard for this change over a number of years, and I am pleased that the Government have worked with them to make this happen. Will the Minister join me in thanking the three dads, and can he say how this will be implemented in schools so that we can help save young lives?
Context
The government has published new RSHE curriculum guidance last week, which includes age-appropriate suicide prevention content. The 3 Dads Walking campaign by Andy, Mike and Tim have campaigned for this change.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Stephen Morgan)
I thank my hon. Friend for the tireless work she has done on these important issues in this place. We are grateful for the contribution of 3 Dads Walking in developing the new RSHE guidance and we pay tribute to their inspirational determination and the courage shown in their work to raise awareness. The guidance contains new content about coping strategies for dealing with issues such as anxiety, but also covers issues such as loneliness and bereavement. It says that schools should “consider carefully” how to address suicide prevention safely.
Session: Mental Health Support in Schools
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When I am out and about in my constituency, I am always impressed by the dedication of staff and small business owners who bring our high streets to life. Places such as Blaydon’s Precinct and Consett’s Middle Street are at the heart of local pride and identity, but after years of austerity and a cost of living crisis, empty shops and the loss of vital amenities such as banks have taken a toll, especially in the north-east. What are the Government doing to support local businesses and revitalise high streets such as those?
Context
The MP expressed concern about the impact of austerity measures and cost-of-living issues on local businesses in Blaydon’s Precinct and Consett’s Middle Street.
Gareth Thomas
Before I had heard about the attractions of Warrington, I had heard about those of Consett. I was pleased to visit my hon. Friend’s constituency and meet many of the great businesses there just before Christmas. We have introduced measures to fill empty properties, including high-street rental auction powers for councils, which can free up space for new businesses. We are also protecting vital services on the high street through the roll-out of banking hubs, with 170 opened so far. This week, we published our Green Paper on the future of the Post Office, which sets out our plans to do even more to provide banking services on high streets, which, again, I hope will help to bring more footfall on to the high street and help businesses such as the ones that she knows only too well.
Session: High Street Businesses
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My constituents in Blaydon and Consett rely heavily on buses. Thankfully, with the support of the North East combined authority and our Mayor Kim McGuinness, my constituents have benefited from subsidised fares as a result of the Government’s continuation of the bus service improvement plan funding, for which I am very grateful. That funding is due to expire in March ’26, but it is crucial that we are able to plan how bus users across the north-east can continue to benefit from those fares. Will the Minister agree to meet me and members of the combined authority to discuss how we can continue to provide value for money for bus users in the north-east?
Context
Residents in Blaydon and Consett are benefiting from subsidised fares due to the continuation of the bus service improvement plan funding.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
I am delighted to hear that my hon. Friend’s constituents are benefiting from reduced fares, below the Government’s national £3 bus fare cap. I was pleased that we were able to allocate £23.8 million to the North East combined authority under the leadership of Mayor Kim McGuinness. I am, of course, more than happy to meet my hon. Friend.
Session: Local Bus Services
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What practical support are the Government giving to small businesses to help them export and take full advantage of those trade deals?
Context
The question follows the recent relaunch of the Board of Trade aimed at supporting small businesses in taking advantage of free trade agreements.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and for the opportunity to attend a wide-ranging roundtable with local businesses in her constituency, at the end of last year. Our new workshop, “Introduction to Export”, is in collaboration with the North East combined authority, and is aimed specifically at helping local small businesses that are thinking about exporting to new markets for the first time. A range of other support is available on the Government website, and that will be significantly improved as a result of the coming business growth service.
Session: Small Businesses Exports
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Back in 2018, I had an Adjournment debate on pavement parking after meeting my then constituents Margaret and Laurel, who are both visually impaired. They told me—in fact, they demonstrated to me—that pavement parking prevented them from using pavements safely, which undermined their independence and confidence, and put them at risk of injury. My Blaydon and Consett constituents continue to raise this issue, but we saw little action under the last Government. What progress has the Minister’s Department made on responding to the consultation and on providing guidance to local authorities?
Context
In 2018, Liz Twist held an Adjournment debate on pavement parking after meeting visually impaired constituents Margaret and Laurel. They demonstrated that pavement parking prevented them from using pavements safely, undermining their independence and confidence and putting them at risk of injury.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
I welcome my hon. Friend’s question. The previous Government failed to act and, like her, I am determined to tackle pavement parking. That is why I have met representatives of Guide Dogs, Living Streets, Sustrans and Transport for All to discuss this very important issue, which is absolutely fundamental to the safety and accessibility of our public realm. I can assure my hon. Friend that I am on the case, and I look forward to setting out the way forward very soon.
Session: Pavement Parking
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As we act to protect our rivers and waterways from pollution, regulation will be important. The Environment Agency’s resources were decimated under the Conservatives. How will the 2025 Act give the Environment Agency the powers it needs to hold polluting companies to account?
Context
The Environment Agency's resources were significantly reduced under the previous government, affecting its ability to regulate water pollution.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Steve Reed)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The previous Government cut resources for regulation in half, and that is one of the ways water companies were able to get away with so much pollution. We have changed the law to allow regulators to recover prosecution costs so that they can carry out further prosecutions and stop those who have been polluting our waterways.
Session: Water Sector Reform Consultation
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Local resilience forums such as Northumbria LRF and Durham and Darlington LRF, which cover my constituency, play a very important role in identifying potential risks and supporting our local communities. Can the Minister tell the House how the Government are working with these local forums, and how they will ensure that their insights feed into the Government’s planning and preparation for risks such as pandemics?
Context
The MP highlighted the role of local resilience forums such as Northumbria LRF and Durham and Darlington LRF in identifying potential risks and supporting communities.
Abena Oppong-Asare (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
I thank my hon. Friend for her important question. The Government recognise the importance of local resilience forums and the role they play in boosting resilience in places and communities. I hope she feels reassured that I have met all local resilience forums across England to discuss their concerns, and I have also met businesses to talk about the importance of local resilience. We will continue to work closely with local resilience forums, including Northumbria LRF in her local area, to plan and prepare for a broad range of risks, including pandemics.
Session: Emergency Preparedness
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The principle of equality before the law is integral to our justice system, but the new guidelines from the Sentencing Council—which were welcomed by the previous Government—have put that principle at risk. Does the Lord Chancellor agree that Conservative Members have a lot of explaining to do?
Context
The MP raised concerns about the new sentencing guidelines from the Sentencing Council, which she believed put the principle of equality before the law at risk.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Shabana Mahmood)
I notice that in all his references to letters, the shadow Lord Chancellor did not refer to the letter from the previous sentencing Minister, now the shadow Transport Secretary, who welcomed those guidelines. He knows full well that that was a reference to the guidelines around race, ethnicity and cultural background.
Session: Topical Questions
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Self-harm in prisons is now at the highest rate ever recorded. In women’s prisons, the rates are eight times higher than in men’s prisons—shockingly, one in three female prisoners has self-harmed. Does my hon. Friend share my deep concern about those figures, and what is the Department doing to tackle that issue effectively?
Context
Self-harm rates in prisons are at record highs, particularly among women. In women’s prisons, the rate is eight times higher than in men’s prisons, with one in three female prisoners self-harming.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
I certainly share my hon. Friend’s deep concern about that issue, which she is right to raise. Good relationships between staff and prisoners are essential in our efforts to identify and manage the risks of suicide and self-harm. We are providing specialist support to establishments rolling out tailored investments, including specialised training for new officers, recruiting psychologists to support women, and piloting a compassion-focused therapy group designed for women.
Session: Female Offenders
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When the tragedy of Southport happened, crucial details about the case could not be revealed to ensure that the trial did not collapse and the vile perpetrator did not walk away as a free man. However, some on social media were playing by different rules. Does the Secretary of State think that our contempt rules are fit for the modern world?
Context
Following the Southport attack, crucial details about the case could not be revealed to prevent trial collapse. However, some social media users were sharing information that should have been restricted by contempt rules.
Shabana Mahmood (The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
My hon. Friend raises an important point. The Government would not say anything that would risk collapsing this trial. The media followed the law, and so did everyone in this House, but the same was not true online. As the Prime Minister has said, this challenge clearly must be addressed. The Law Commission is reviewing contempt laws. We will look closely at that work and consider these issues in the round.
Session: Southport Attack
View All Questions -->
St Ives church in Leadgate in my constituency is known as the miners’ cathedral. The building is full of heritage, but costly maintenance issues are threatening its very survival. The church has secured grants to fund temporary fixes, but a long-term solution is desperately needed. It tells me that reclaiming tax can make all the difference, so will my hon. Friend reassure me that schemes like that will continue to help churches such as St Ives?
Context
St Ives church in Leadgate is facing costly maintenance issues and has secured grants for temporary fixes.
Marsha De Cordova
I thank my hon. Friend for her question. I know that St Ives church is a cornerstone of that community, and I congratulate the congregation on the funding they have raised to stabilise some of the church’s structures. Grants from the buildings for mission fund are available from the diocese and may help with some of the future work. However, we all know the importance of the listed places of worship scheme, and I will continue to raise it with the Secretary of State. I hope that the Government are listening and will come forward, as the scheme is due to end in March, and we certainly do not want that to happen.
Session: Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
View All Questions -->
Does the Minister agree that the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill can deliver better support for military families going through difficult times?
Context
The question comes from research on suicide prevention for military families.
Luke Pollard
The Armed Forces Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for bereaved families and have discretion to investigate welfare matters, enhancing support and addressing concerns raised by serving personnel's families.
Session: Independent Armed Forces Commissioner
View All Questions -->
What progress has been made on establishing an independent armed forces commissioner?
Context
The question arises from efforts to establish an independent commissioner for the armed forces.
Luke Pollard
The Armed Forces Commissioner Bill is a landmark piece of legislation. Second Reading will be later today, aiming to renew the contract between the nation and those who serve with an independent champion improving parliamentary oversight and addressing welfare issues.
Session: Independent Armed Forces Commissioner
View All Questions -->
In the first 100 days of a Labour Government, the Secretary of State has delivered the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation. Can she update the House on her work in supporting the new deal for working people?
Context
The Labour Government has delivered the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation.
Angela Rayner
The new deal for working people is contained in the Employment Rights Bill, which had its Second Reading last week. We will continue to push forward other measures that do not require legislation, but what we hope to see is a new culture between business, trade unions and local communities to ensure that work really does pay.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
This time last year, the Lord Chancellor announced her intention to introduce free legal advocates so that victims of rape can enforce their rights—for example, in relation to the use of their personal information in court. What progress is the Minister making in bringing forward that vital new protection for victims?
Context
Last year, the Lord Chancellor announced intentions to introduce free legal advocates for rape victims.
Alex Davies-Jones
In our manifesto, this Government were clear that we are committed to introducing free, independent legal advice for victims and survivors of rape, from report to trial. I am working with officials to develop this new policy and to ensure victims get the support they need to understand and uphold their rights as soon as possible. I plan to draw on lessons learned from the successful pilots in Northumbria, as well as from the Mayor of London's current ILA pilot.
Session: Rape and Sexual Violence Victim Support
View All Questions -->
What steps her Department is taking to support victims of rape and sexual violence?
Context
The question pertains to the government's actions to support victims.
Alex Davies-Jones
The Government are deeply committed to supporting victims of rape and sexual violence. To do that, we will increase the powers of the Victims' Commissioner and get victims the information they need, provide free legal advocates to uphold the rights of victims of rape, and fast-track rape cases to drive down waiting times for victims.
Session: Rape and Sexual Violence Victim Support
View All Questions -->
Among the many people who are concerned about the safety of buildings—understandably, given recent events—are those who work or live in residential social care homes. Does today's announcement include higher safety standards, including sprinkler systems in such homes?
Context
The MP expressed concern about the safety of buildings, particularly residential social care homes.
Rushanara Ali
I completely agree with my hon. Friend that we should ensure that the most vulnerable in society are protected. That is why the Government have today announced an amendment to the statutory fire safety guidance to make provision for sprinkler systems in all new care homes.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
In 1985, just before privatisation, 4.2% of total consumer spending was on energy bills. Between 2000 and 2020, that dropped to between 2% and 3%. Even last year during the war in Ukraine, it only hit 3.6%. Does my hon. Friend agree that, as he has already said, the suggestion from the hon. Member for Blaydon (Liz Twist) would wallop consumers?
Context
The question highlights the historical context of consumer spending on energy, noting a decrease after privatisation and argues against the proposed public ownership.
Justin Tomlinson
We have to work with businesses to secure investment. We have secured £300 billion for low-carbon technologies since 2010, as we boost UK energy production, our energy security and, ultimately, deliver cheaper bills for consumers.
Session: Public Ownership of Energy System
View All Questions -->
Every family in Britain is paying the price for the Government's failure on energy, with bills through the roof while oil and gas profits have soared. A publicly owned clean energy company would allow us to take back control of our energy, cutting bills and creating jobs across the UK. Why are the Government letting their ideological stubbornness get in the way of supporting families, when they could follow other, successful countries and set up a publicly owned clean energy company like Great British Energy?
Context
The question addresses the failure to control energy prices, with families across Britain facing high bills while oil and gas profits soar. It references successful publicly owned clean energy companies in other countries.
Justin Tomlinson
I thank the hon. Lady for her question, but I do not think that consumers will. The TUC itself has highlighted the potential £61 billion to £82 billion cost that will be landed either at the taxpayer's doorstep or directly on to consumers' bills, which is nothing to be thankful for.
Session: Public Ownership of Energy System
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
World Suicide Prevention Day
08 September 2026
Responding: Alison McGovern
Main Concerns
['Liz Twist is concerned about the high number of suicide deaths in the UK, particularly in the north-east, which has the highest rate at 15.1 deaths per 100,000 people. She highlights the significant economic cost of a single suicide, estimated at £1.46 million, and the disparity in mental health service referrals, with men accounting for only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies despite having higher mental health needs. She also discusses the importance of addressing the stigma and silence surrounding suicide, and the need for systemic change and early intervention to prevent suicides.']
Specific Asks
['Twist asks the Minister to provide more detail on the revenue funding for the new mental health hubs and emergency centres, and to revise the national suicide prevention strategy to address the specific concerns of men, who make up 75% of suicide deaths. She also requests that the Minister work closely with the APPG to ensure that mental health has parity of esteem with physical health and that the strategies deliver the necessary systemic change.']
Mental Health: Parity of Esteem
17 June 2026
Responding: Preet Kaur Gill
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the devastating consequences of our failure to treat mental illness with urgency. In my constituency, I see long waits for mental health support linked to worsening symptoms and increases in self-harm and suicide attempts. The most recent figures show that almost 1.87 million adults and over 576,000 children and young people are waiting for mental health services. One-third of these patients have waited longer than 18 months for treatment. Families face impossible choices with some parents skipping meals to pay for private therapy.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to ensure that reducing waiting times for non-urgent community mental health care is included as a specific priority in NHS planning guidance, commit to rolling out access and waiting time standards consulted on by NHS England, outline how we will reverse the projected decline in funding for mental health over the next two years, protect the mental health investment standard until a long-term alternative plan is in place, and ensure that community mental health is a central component of the roll-out of neighbourhood health services.']
National Suicide Prevention Standard
14 April 2026
Responding: Zubir Ahmed
Main Concerns
['One in four adults has contemplated suicide, and one in 13 has attempted it. For every suicide death, at least 135 people are directly or indirectly affected. Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50, accounting for 27.1% of male deaths aged 20 to 34. Male-dominated industries such as construction face severe challenges with work and mental health. Agriculture and farming workers experience social isolation and financial pressures. Healthcare workers and emergency responders deal with trauma and have access to lethal means.']
Specific Asks
['Will the Government help promote the standard with business, public sector bodies and throughout government? Will they commit to organising a roundtable on its rollout across UK workplaces? How will small and medium-sized enterprises access trauma-informed training?']
Child Risk Disclosure Scheme
14 October 2025
Responding: Josh MacAlister
Main Concerns
['The case of Maya Chappell highlights the failure to protect children from non-sexual abuse. Despite early red flags such as missed health visits, drug use, and controlling relationships, statutory services were not engaged until it was too late.']
Specific Asks
['Calls for a child risk disclosure scheme, mandatory multi-agency safeguarding protocols, and new powers for professionals to intervene in cases of non-sexual abuse.']
Football Index Collapse: Lessons Learned — [Mrs Sheryll Murray in the Chair]
24 April 2024
Responding: Stuart Andrew
Main Concerns
['The collapse of Football Index affected tens of thousands of people across the UK, many losing substantial amounts of money. Regulatory failures from both the Gambling Commission and the Financial Conduct Authority were highlighted by the Sheehan report, indicating that if the platform had been taken down in 2019, it could have saved customers huge amounts of money. Victims are still dealing with financial difficulties, stress, anxiety, and depression, amounting to as much as £124 million in losses.']
Specific Asks
['The Minister is urged to commit to proper independent scrutiny of all the available evidence on Football Index and ensure that any future football platforms like KiX cannot be launched without learning from the lessons of the Football Index scandal. Liz Twist also asks for an update on compensation plans for victims and actions taken regarding the new platform, KiX.']
Violence and Abuse towards the Retail Workforce
05 December 2023
Responding: Chris Philp
Main Concerns
['The retail workforce is facing an alarming rise in violence, abuse, theft and intimidation. Shop workers report verbal insults, threats with weapons, physical assault, and fear of returning to work after witnessing violent behaviour towards them or colleagues. The issue has grown in severity since the start of the pandemic, with incidents rising from 450 per day in 2019-20 to around 850 per day in 2021-22. Only 7% of these incidents are prosecuted, leaving workers feeling unprotected and demoralised.']
Specific Asks
['The government should create a specific offence of abusing or assaulting retail workers, scrap the £200 threshold for investigating shoplifting, and provide more neighbourhood patrols in town centres with additional police officers.']
Access to Sport: People with Colour Blindness
15 March 2023
Responding: Stuart Andrew
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the prevalence of colour blindness in the UK, affecting one in 12 boys and men and one in 200 girls and women. The condition impacts daily life through difficulties with technology, education, and sport due to lack of accessibility. Many children are undiagnosed as screening is not required in schools or optician's appointments."]
Specific Asks
['I ask the Minister to have conversations with departments for education and health to encourage routine screening of colour vision deficiency, place guidelines for fixtures on a firmer footing, ensure safety issues are addressed by sports authorities, and meet me to discuss these issues further.']
Football Index Collapse
07 June 2022
Responding: Nigel Huddleston
Main Concerns
["Football Index's collapse has significantly damaged many customers, leading to financial losses exceeding £124 million for tens of thousands of individuals. This situation not only impacts their financial stability but also affects their mental health and wellbeing. The regulatory failures highlighted by the Sheehan report reveal that both the Gambling Commission and Financial Conduct Authority were negligent in overseeing Football Index's operations. These failings allowed customers to continue investing money into an inadequately regulated platform, exacerbating the losses."]
Specific Asks
['I urge the Minister to commit to a meeting with the Football Index action group and myself to discuss outstanding issues. Furthermore, I ask for another in-depth report or inquiry into regulatory failures, showing support for those affected. Lastly, I request that the Government look at bringing forward a redress scheme for Football Index victims.']
Regional Inequalities: Child Poverty — [Dr Rupa Huq in the Chair]
02 March 2022
Responding: David Rutley
Main Concerns
['In 2022, nearly a third of children in the north live in poverty, with 60% of northern local authorities having above-average numbers of children living in low-income homes. The north was affected by longer lockdowns during the covid-19 pandemic and had higher levels of infections and deaths, exacerbating existing inequalities. Children across the north spent more time in lockdown than their peers elsewhere in England, affecting their education readiness and mental health outcomes.']
Specific Asks
["The lead MP asks for a comprehensive child strategy with increased government investment in welfare, health, and social care systems to support children's health, particularly in deprived areas. She also calls for reversing the £20 cut to universal credit and lifting the two-child limit on benefits."]
Bus Services: North-east England
24 November 2021
Responding: Trudy Harrison
Main Concerns
["Liz Twist highlighted that some 160 million bus journeys were made across the north-east pre-covid, reflecting a high level of concern from constituents about changes to local bus services. She noted the significant impact of driver shortages, increased congestion on roads due to more people using cars to avoid catching covid, and financial pressures faced by operators due to reduced fare income and increasing costs for fuel, labour, maintenance, and concessionary travel reimbursements. She also mentioned that the Government's national bus strategy required local transport authorities to submit plans by October 2021 but significantly cut funding from £3 billion to £1.2 billion."]
Specific Asks
['Twist asked the Minister to look again at continuing emergency payments for the Tyne and Wear Metro due to end in March 2022, considering a major shortfall of £20.8 million is forecasted. She requested an urgent discussion with Nexus, Transport North East, and others to explore ways forward that avoid the proposed 20% reduction in bus mileage.']
Health and Care Bill - Schedule 12 - Minor and consequential amendments
08 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to make minor and consequential changes to ensure the smooth implementation of the Health and Care Bill. These changes are nec...
Not specified in the provided text - Clause not specified, but it is related to Schedule 12
08 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Karin Smyth is moving that the clause be read a Second time. She has not provided detailed arguments or statistics in this excerpt, but her intent is to advance the debate on the amendments within Sch...
Not specified in the provided text - Clause being debated is not specified in the provided text
08 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The provided text does not contain detailed arguments from Karin Smyth beyond the formal motion to read the clause a second time. Further details are needed for a comprehensive analysis.
Not specified in the provided text - Clause being read a Second time
08 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Karin Smyth, a Labour MP for Bristol South, moved that the clause be read a Second time. The specific details of the amendment and its implications are not provided in the given text.
CHURCH COMMISSIONERS
03 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Asked about the steps the Church of England is taking to work with other faith groups to promote community cohesion.
Criminal Justice Reform
01 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Health and Social Care Bill
01 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, James Murray, moved the Second Reading of the Health and Social Care Bill. He emphasised the personal significance of the NHS in his life due to a ra...
Online Harms
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...
Pre-1997 Pensions: Discretionary Increases
19 March 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Across the country, an estimated 1 million pensioners are losing out on pension increases that they ought to be entitled to because their hard work occurred before April 1997. Before this date, define...
Royal Mail: Universal Service Obligation
11 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Recommendations of the Infected Blood Inquiry
07 May 2024
The petition addresses the long-standing issue of people who received contaminated blood and have suffered as a result, along with their families, waiting too long for redress.
View Full Petition -->
Derwent Walk
27 April 2022
The petitioners are concerned about the threat of destruction or significant changes to Derwent Walk country park due to a proposed permanent transport route linking Consett and Gateshead/Newcastle.
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
89.8%
88 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
32
32.7% of votes
No Votes
56
57.1% of votes
Abstentions
10
10.2% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
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
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
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
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
8
PMQs Asked
214
Ministerial Questions Asked
163
House of Commons Debates Involved
13
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
2
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
+119% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+1497% above average
This MP:
214
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+417% above average
This MP:
13
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3254% above average
This MP:
163
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-18% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+30% above average
This MP:
89.8
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Liz Twist's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.