Lucy Powell
MP for Manchester Central
Labour (Co-op)
15 Nov 2012 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
With just seven weeks to go, why is the government cutting £1 billion from the green homes grant that it promised for businesses, homeowners and the environment despite promising an extension until March 2022?
Context
The £1.5 billion green homes grant was promised to be extended until March 2022, but only £71 million has been spent so far, leaving a shortfall of £1 billion.
Boris Johnson
The hon. Lady is on to something, but she is barking up the wrong tree. We are not cutting the green homes grant. The problem is that there has not been enough take-up, and we want to encourage people to take it up and make use of the opportunity to reduce the carbon emissions of their homes.
Assessment
Did not address why the funding shortfall exists or explain how the promised extension will be implemented
Barking Up The Wrong Tree
Session: PMQs
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Like Sam's Chop House, the Frog and Bucket, and hundreds more in Manchester, nearly three quarters of hospitality businesses do not qualify for grants—and for most, loans just are not an option. Given that the hospitality and retail sectors are the lifeblood of our high streets and are likely to face the longest Government-enforced closure, will the First Secretary extend cash grants and come up with a rescue package to stop thousands of pubs, restaurants, shops and venues disappearing altogether?
Context
The hospitality and retail sectors are critical to the high street but face prolonged closures due to government-enforced measures.
Dominic Raab (First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Justice)
I certainly agree with the hon. Lady about the challenge that we have across all the sectors she mentioned in making sure that we see them through this incredibly difficult period. We want to make sure that the country, the economy, all those small businesses and all those sectors she mentioned can bounce back. The Chancellor has introduced a whole range of measures in relation to both finance—grants, where they are capable of being made—and other tax deferrals to assist small businesses in the sectors the hon. Lady described.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Secretary of State support Labour's new policy to increase music, drama and the arts in schools and transform our curriculum to meet the needs of the future economy?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the lack of diversity and a decrease in GCSEs for creative subjects under this government.
Lucy Frazer
The shadow Secretary of State will know that the Prime Minister has identified the creative industries as one of the five sectors of growth that we are supporting as a Government. She mentions GCSEs, but I do not think we should just have music and arts at GCSE.
Session: Creative Industries Skills and Training
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I wish you a restful recess, Mr Speaker. I put on the record my hopes that the Lionesses do very well in the forthcoming World cup. Congratulations to the women's English cricket team on a strong performance, and good luck to the men's cricket team in trying to pull off a great Ashes comeback. I just hope that the Manchester rain holds off. Despite the teams' successes on the international stage, the ICEC report showed that there is a lot to do to increase diversity and participation in cricket. It found that English cricket suffers from sexism, elitism and racism. Do the Government understand that they also have a role to play in addressing those serious findings? For example, what discussions has the Minister had with the Department for Education about increasing the take-up of cricket in state schools and ensuring better access to pitches, equipment and coaching?
Context
The ICEC report highlighted systemic problems within cricket, including sexism, elitism and racism. The question asks for specific actions the government will take to address these issues.
Stuart Andrew
I join the hon. Lady in wishing the men and women's England cricket teams all the very best, and thanking them for what they have done so far, as well as the Lionesses. I am very fortunate that I will be off to Australia on Monday to wave the flag in support of them. [Interruption.] It is a very difficult job, but someone has to do it. On the serious point that the hon. Lady raises, she is absolutely right. On the day of the publication of the report, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met with the England and Wales Cricket Board. We have said that we will be following the development of its plan very carefully. The hon. Lady is right that we need to see more access to facilities for women and girls, not just at Lord's but right across the country.
Session: Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket Report
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I thank the Secretary of State for her time covering this role, notwithstanding her answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne Central (Chi Onwurah), who asked a very important question. Today's inflation figures confirm that prices continue to rise. Broadband customers are dealing with inflation-busting price hikes, as a direct result of the Government's choices. They lifted the cap on wholesale costs, which has caused retail prices to rise. Will the Secretary of State apologise to hard-pressed families and tackle the cost of living crisis for broadband customers?
Context
The MP inquires about the government's response to rising broadband prices.
John Whittingdale
We recognise that households are having a very difficult time due to the cost of living, which is why my right hon. Friend the Chancellor has met the regulators to press them to do more to help. We have agreement that social tariffs are now available to all those in receipt of universal credit and other benefits. At the same time, Ofcom has agreed with providers that anybody who wishes to switch to a cheaper tariff can do so without charge.
Session: Topical Questions
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On that note, perhaps the Secretary of State will also join me in congratulating my constituents and my club, Manchester City, on its historic treble-winning season. As yet another Premier League AGM passes, and Wigan Athletic faces a winding up order, why has the Secretary of State not personally done more to bring about a fair financial settlement with the English Football League and the Football Association, to address the problems set out in her own White Paper and press the Premier League to do more? Does she share my strong view that the football regulator must be given all the powers it needs to resolve this matter?
Context
The Secretary of State has not done enough to address the financial issues in football as highlighted in her White Paper.
Lucy Frazer
Of course I congratulate Manchester City on its tremendous achievement. It is really important that football sorts out the finances within football. That is why we have consistently encouraged the Premier League and the EFL to come to some resolution, and I seriously hope they do. The hon. Lady will know that that is one of the reasons why we brought forward the White Paper, and why we are bringing forward regulation. I hope that football resolves this issue itself.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does she accept that to show international leadership, the Government need to get their act together at home?
Context
The Member is questioning the effectiveness of government policies in AI and data sectors, citing specific examples.
Chloe Smith
As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister set out this week at London Tech Week, we will be leading at home and overseas and leading change in our public services. That is the right approach. It is pro-innovation. We will capture those benefits for British businesses and British citizens, and I think that the Opposition could do an awful lot better than what they have just presented.
Session: Topical Questions
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Three weeks ago, the Secretary of State said that the use of TikTok on Government devices was “a personal choice”. At the weekend, it was reported that there was to be a review of TikTok, and this week the Prime Minister said that he was considering a ban. Can the Secretary of State tell us whether this is indeed a personal choice, or whether TikTok on officials' devices poses a security risk?
Context
The question arises from the Secretary of State's statement on TikTok usage on Government devices.
Michelle Donelan
The security of UK data is a priority, and our experts continue to monitor the threats that are posed to that data. The Government's security group, led by the Cabinet Office, is reviewing the evidence base for action on Government devices. Let me add that what I actually said was that, in terms of the general public, it is absolutely a personal choice, but because we have the strongest data protection laws in the world, we are confident that the public can continue to use it.
Session: Topical Questions
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First, let me welcome the new Secretary of State to her promoted position. I have always found her to be a thoughtful and effective Minister, and I look forward to working with her in the future. Since the gambling review was launched, 10 different gambling Ministers and Culture Secretaries have all failed to publish a White Paper. I know that the Secretary of State is personally committed to gambling reform, but, as she just said a few moments ago, she wants to look fresh at these issues herself. Does she not recognise that this is a massive disappointment for all those concerned—the families who have lost loved ones, those waiting for more research and preventive reports, and even the industry itself, which wants regulatory certainty? So when will she publish the White Paper?
Context
The questioner raises concern about the delay in publishing a gambling reform White Paper, which has caused disappointment among families affected by gambling addiction and the industry.
Lucy Frazer
I thank the hon. Lady for what she said, and I look forward to working closely and collaboratively with her on things that matter to our constituents across the country. I recognise that it is important to get the review out as soon as possible, and I assure her that that is what we are doing.
Session: Topical Questions
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So what does the Secretary of State think it was about the close confidante of the former Prime Minister who was helping with his personal finances that first attracted him to appoint Mr Sharp over the other four candidates? Does she have confidence in the process and that the actual and perceived conflicts of interest were fully disclosed?
Context
The DCMS shortlisting panel for the BBC chair had close links to the Conservative party. There are concerns about conflicts of interest and transparency in Richard Sharp's appointment.
Michelle Donelan
Richard Sharp was appointed chairman of the BBC following a rigorous appointment process in line with the public appointments governance code and the BBC royal charter. The advisory assessment panel included a senior independent panel member approved by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, who praised the process as fair and robust. In addition, there was pre-appointment scrutiny by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, which confirmed Mr Sharp's appointment. I understand the current Commissioner of Public Appointments will be investigating.
Session: Topical Questions
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There is a running theme with delays in key government initiatives such as the fan-led review, gambling White Paper, data Bill, and others. Can the Secretary of State confirm whether these delays are impacting progress?
Context
Multiple government bills, including the Online Safety Bill, have been delayed. This raises concerns about the government's ability to meet deadlines.
Michelle Donelan
The media Bill was announced in the Queen's Speech for this Session. It has not been delayed but is part of the legislative process.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the new Secretary of State's commitment. The previous Secretary of State had a difficult task with vested interests and internal differences. However, rewriting the bill may cause more delay and disagreement. Does she agree that focusing on duty of care principles and regulating business models, algorithms and their impact is the best way forward?
Context
The previous Secretary of State committed to the challenging task of getting the Online Safety Bill through despite vested interests, but the current Secretary of State is rewriting it, causing concern for further delays.
Michelle Donelan
My intention is not to appease everybody; it is to bring the Bill back as soon as possible and prioritize protecting children from harmful content.
Session: Child Protection Online
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I welcome the new Secretary of State to her post. Molly Russell's death shows the importance of regulating social media without delay as these delays cost lives. Does she accept that these delays are costing lives? Will she work with me to get this Bill on the statute book as soon as possible?
Context
Molly Russell's death highlighted the need for regulation of social media, with engagement algorithms pushing harmful content to users. The Online Safety Bill was delayed and is now a priority.
Michelle Donelan
I am delighted to meet the hon. Member and I share her commitment to protecting children. The Online Safety Bill is my No. 1 priority, and it will be brought back very soon—a commitment also given to Ian Russell.
Session: Child Protection Online
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We now know from the former gambling Minister that the White Paper is with No. 10 for sign-off. We have been promised the media Bill, football regulation review, women's football funding review, BBC future funding review, and a data Bill—all before summer recess. How is that going? The truth is there's chaos, paralysis, and total Government collapse.
Context
The hon. Member for Manchester Central is concerned about the delay in implementing several government promises, including a White Paper on gambling regulation and other key legislation. There are also vacant ministerial posts causing parliamentary business delays.
Nigel Huddleston
I hope the hon. Lady will wait to respond to the gambling review. I appreciate her giving a comprehensive list of all the Government's manifesto commitments on which we are delivering, including safe standing, Commonwealth games delivery, and Euro success.
Session: Gambling Review White Paper
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Will the Government drop measures such as the gambling levy that would bring regulation into the digital age?
Context
The publication and content of the White Paper have been delayed, raising concerns about its effectiveness in addressing industry issues.
Nigel Huddleston
No specific confirmation was given regarding dropping of measures or publishing content.
Session: Gambling Review White Paper
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Is it not the truth that the Secretary of State made up her mind long ago based on ideology and a vendetta against Channel 4's news coverage? Privatisation is bad for levelling up, skills pipeline, independent production sector, and creative industries. Is this process just a sham?
Context
The Secretary of State has made up her mind on privatisation, and evidence shows it is bad for levelling up, skills pipeline, independent production sector, and creative industries.
Julia Lopez
This is not a decision driven by ideology; it's about what is best for the creative sector, audiences, and taxpayers. Plenty of opportunities to discuss these issues in the media Bill debate.
Session: Privatisation of Channel 4
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Despite the impression given, is it not true that only 5% of respondents agreed with privatising Channel 4? What is more, stakeholders are also against the sell-off. Who actually supports their plans?
Context
The Secretary of State did not attend the Dispatch Box to defend her policy. The MP questions support levels for privatisation according to a government report.
Julia Lopez
A huge number of responses were to the 38 Degrees redrawing of questions set. We have responsibility to look at long-term trends in this business and make decisions for the taxpayer, UK audiences, and creative industries.
Session: Privatisation of Channel 4
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Oh, there she is! I am concerned about the £600 million investment in Birmingham and the west midlands for the 2022 Commonwealth games. What specific measures will be taken to ensure this funding delivers a lasting legacy for the city?
Context
The question arises in the context of a discussion about government investment for the Birmingham Commonwealth games, focusing on the financial support provided and its impact.
Nadine Dorries
We are investing almost £600 million in Birmingham and the west midlands for the 2022 Commonwealth games, which will deliver a world-class event and provide a wide range of services, including safety and security, health services, traffic management, visas, customs and inspection provisions, creating 30,000 games-time employment opportunities. We are working hard to ensure that the games leave a lasting legacy for the city, the region and the country.
Session: Commonwealth Games
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We have had multiple broadband targets, each weaker than the last. Is the current target nationwide gigabit-capable broadband by 2025 or 85% coverage by 2025? How confident are you about meeting these targets given that the digital divide is growing?
Context
Concerns about the Government's broadband target and lack of detailed plan for commercially unviable communities.
Julia Lopez
The target is 85%-plus by 2025. We expect to have all our procurements under contract by the end of this Parliament. Ensuring digital connectivity is vital for prosperity and we are confident about meeting these targets.
Session: Gigabit Broadband
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I am not sure whether her own side would see that as a blessing or a curse, given that some of her recent performances have had—how shall we describe them—mixed reviews. Our public service broadcasters are responsible for two thirds of commissions outside London, and provide a pipeline of skilled and talented workers across our regions and nations. With programming that is sold around the world, they underpin our incredibly successful creative ecosystem. The levelling-up White Paper will soon impose a statutory requirement on the Government that their own policies will meet their new levelling-up missions. How will the Secretary of State square that with her plan to sell off Channel 4 and end the BBC as we know it? Will her plans to do so be evaluated against her Government's new legal requirements for levelling up?
Context
The MP questioned the government's plans to sell off Channel 4 and end the BBC, given its statutory requirement for levelling up.
Julia Lopez
I confirm that we miss the Secretary of State very much. She is flying the flag for the UK in the global Expo today, and we are all proud of the work she is doing there. I assure the hon. Lady that we very much support our public service broadcasting sector, and it has a huge role to play in levelling up the regions. We want to support that role going forward, and we have absolutely no intention to end the BBC. A decision has not yet been made about the sale of Channel 4, but if we looked at such a sale, we would very much look at commitments to the regions. We also do fantastic stuff on PSBs with apprenticeships, and those PSBs are creating jobs across the UK, which we very much want to keep going.
Session: UK Film and TV Production
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The Secretary of State will know that grassroots football clubs, particularly those in deprived areas, are very important for levelling up. I had the pleasure before Christmas of visiting Bourne Vale social club, which helps to sustain Ipswich Vale Exiles, who have 22 youth teams and four men's teams in one of the most deprived parts of Ipswich. The football teams are dependent on the social club, but the social club is going through really hard times and is struggling to raise enough money to continue to exist. That puts at risk all those football teams. Will the Secretary of State meet me to try to find a way through? Potentially, some of that money might go to the social club, because by helping the social club we would be helping Ipswich Vale Exiles, who are critical to Maidenhall and Chantry, which are up there among the best parts of the town.
Context
Grassroots football is important for the levelling-up agenda, but some clubs are struggling due to funding issues.
Nadine Dorries
I am sure my hon. Friend is aware that we have paid a huge amount of attention to local football clubs, particularly over the past year, not least as a result of the fan-led review that has been undertaken by my hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Tracey Crouch), who is here today. We continue to provide considerable support for hospitality businesses this year. That is part of around £400 billion of direct support for the economy, which has helped to safeguard jobs, businesses and public services. We have also provided an unprecedented £1 billion to ensure the survival of grassroots professional support and leisure sectors. I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this further.
Session: Levelling-up Agenda
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The Government's actions on sustainable housing have led to increased bills and future retrofitting costs. Will the Minister adopt Labour's plans for a national mission to retrofit every home that needs it?
Context
Criticism over scrapped zero carbon homes policy and abandoned green home grants, leading to higher energy costs.
Eddie Hughes
This Government already has a good plan, including significant investment through initiatives like the boiler upgrade scheme with £450 million committed.
Session: Homes Climate Standards
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Given the need for resolution, will he tackle root issues by protecting leaseholders in law? Does he accept that bringing forward a comprehensive plan to assess, fix, fund, and certify all tall buildings before costs escalate is crucial?
Context
The Building Safety Bill is in Committee, and there is concern about tackling root causes to protect leaseholders.
Christopher Pincher
We have committed to raising funds through taxes and levies on residential developers, ensuring buildings needing remediation are addressed. The Building Safety Bill mandates building owners pursue funding routes before passing costs to leaseholders, which can be challenged in tribunals.
Session: Building Safety
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Given the high expectations for resolving this crisis, will the Minister work with us to bring forward necessary legislation? Does he agree we face a closing window of opportunity? We need protection for leaseholders from remediation costs and a comprehensive plan to resolve these issues.
Context
The Building Safety Bill is in Committee, and there is concern about protecting leaseholders from remediation costs.
Christopher Pincher
During the Building Safety Bill's Committee stage, we have been working to ensure that leaseholders are not exposed to unfair costs. This effort started after the Grenfell disaster and will continue.
Session: Building Safety
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The Secretary of State was sent out to defend the indefensible regarding housing policy during the pandemic. With a warning that more people are at risk of homelessness than ever before, can he confirm if his promise that 'nobody should lose their home' has been abandoned?
Context
The Big Issue warned of a high risk of homelessness due to eviction post-covid. The MP asks for an assessment on the number of evictions likely and costs to local councils.
Robert Jenrick (The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
This Government took exceptional steps early in the pandemic, legislating with longer notice periods under section 21. Rates of people sleeping rough on streets have been reduced by almost 40% due to our Everyone In programme.
Session: Topical Questions
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Today, on the fourth anniversary of the terrible fire at Grenfell, we first and foremost remember the 72 people who lost their lives. Our thoughts are with the bereaved, as well as the survivors of that terrible night. The Grenfell community has steadfastly campaigned for justice and change but it has come too slowly. Many first-time buyers have watched their dream of home ownership become a living nightmare in unsellable homes. I welcome the building safety fund, but funds alone are not enough due to slow progress. Will the Secretary of State commit that all buildings will be made safe by this time next year and free homeowners from costs and anxieties?
Context
Today marks the fourth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, where 72 people lost their lives. Hundreds of thousands of people are still living in buildings with unsafe conditions.
Robert Jenrick
I join the hon. Lady in giving my sympathies to the survivors and bereaved of Grenfell Tower. We are providing £5.1 billion for unsafe material removal from homes as quickly as possible. 95% of high-rise flats with similar cladding have either been remediated or have workers on site, with 65% completed. The work will be finished by the end of this year. We are also working to ensure lenders, insurers and surveyors play their part.
Session: Home ownership
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Business support that was originally designed for three months is now wholly inadequate for 12 or 18 months. Business debts and deferrals are mounting and now have to start being repaid, and the holidays are coming to an end, all at one big danger point in April. Cash grants are worth less and many still do not qualify for them. Does he recognise that he cannot pull the plug all in one go in April, given that many businesses will not even have reopened at that point?
Context
The question comes in the context of ongoing concerns about the sustainability of current business support measures as they approach their original three-month limit.
Rishi Sunak
No one is patting themselves on the back while hundreds of thousands are losing their jobs and many businesses are seeing extreme dislocation. We have put in place a series of measures but cannot protect or save every job and business. The hon. Lady makes a fair point, which is why we will review all our economic measures to support people through coronavirus at the upcoming Budget.
Session: Support for Businesses Covid-19
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Most students have missed six months of in-school teaching for their GCSE and A-level courses. Ofsted has concluded that this has impacted the disadvantaged most, particularly with high pupil and staff absences since school reopened. How can exams be done on a level playing field, especially for poorer kids in the north?
Context
Concern over the impact of missed in-school teaching time due to pandemic on disadvantaged students.
Nick Gibb
Our No. 1 priority is to make sure that we help young people catch up on their lost education. That is why we have allocated £1 billion to schools—the catch-up premium—to help students catch up and, of that, £350 million is allocated to disadvantaged pupils. We have delayed this summer's exams—GCSEs and A-levels—by three weeks to free up teaching time. Ofqual consulted in the summer on changes to assessment on issues such as science practicals, field trips, spoken language and optionality in history and English literature, again to help reduce pressure on teaching times. We will shortly announce other measures to help to ensure that exams are fair, including the approach to grading to ensure that the 2021 cohort is treated fairly compared with previous years' cohorts of students.
Session: Exams and Assessments 2021 Covid-19
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Minister, is it not about time to come clean about the serious limitations of the size and scope of the building safety fund? Up to 1.5 million people are desperate, trapped in this nightmare. What bold, urgent action does the Minister intend to take?
Context
Three years after the Grenfell tragedy and a year since the Bolton Cube fire, over 203 high-rise blocks remain clad with flammable aluminium composite material or high-pressure laminate. Many thousands more are clad with equally flammable materials.
Christopher Pincher
With respect to ACM cladding, £600 million is available for remediation; 97% of buildings with ACM have either completed or started their remediation. For non-ACM-clad buildings, a significant number of applications have been processed and further information requested to advance these applications. We will get the money out as quickly as possible while encouraging builders and owners to remediate themselves.
Session: Dangerous Cladding Leaseholder Support
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What support are you providing to leaseholders with properties that have dangerous cladding? I thank the Minister for his continued engagement on these issues, but the difficult and serious issues facing tens of thousands of leaseholders around the country are growing. Buildings unable to get insurance, EWS1 form nightmares even for buildings without cladding, and many deemed out of scope of the building safety fund. Will you meet me and Manchester City Council to discuss an excellent piece of work done on these impacts?
Context
Leaseholders face serious issues due to dangerous cladding, including insurance difficulties and EWS1 form nightmares. Many buildings deemed out of scope of the building safety fund.
Christopher Pincher
Of course I will continue to engage with her and will happily meet her, as I think I did in July. She raised the EWS1 form particularly; it is worth pointing out that this is not a Government document but devised by RICS. Not all lenders require it, some use other tools. Lenders that do require it are working with us to ensure more nuanced tools resolve leaseholders' concerns. We do not support a blanket approach to the use of EWS1 forms for buildings less than 18 metres in height.
Session: Dangerous Cladding Leaseholder Support
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Can the Secretary of State assure us that British steel will be used exclusively to build those ships?
Context
The fleet solid support ships will be built in Britain.
Ben Wallace
We are engaging with potential bidders, and we will ensure that we build a ship that is the best of British.
Session: Topical Questions
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In the debate led by my hon. Friend the Member for Newport East (Jessica Morden) held in this House the other evening, we heard about how the Welsh steel sector has been so adversely affected by this economic crisis. The response from the Minister who replied was yet again lots of warm words. When are we going to see more action, notwithstanding Celsa, to support this vital industry in Wales to save jobs and the economy?
Context
The steel sector in Wales has been adversely affected by the economic crisis. Despite warm words, more concrete action is needed to support this vital industry.
Simon Hart
The UK Government absolutely recognise the importance of the sector. We did the deal with Celsa and saved 800 jobs there, sending a message to other producers that we mean business. The goal is for Wales to have significant steel manufacturing in five years, 10 years, and 15 years.
Session: Support for the Steel Industry Covid-19
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What discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues on support for the steel industry in Wales during the covid-19 outbreak?
Context
Discussions are ongoing about supporting the Welsh steel sector which has been severely impacted by the economic crisis.
Simon Hart
The UK Government share the steel industry's ambitions for a sustainable future in Wales. The Business Secretary, the Chancellor, and I worked to reach an agreement with Celsa that saved hundreds of jobs in Wales. Frequent discussions are held with Cabinet colleagues about supporting the Welsh steel industry, especially dealing with the impact of covid-19.
Session: Support for the Steel Industry Covid-19
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Many of the communities that voted Conservative rely on our key manufacturing sectors such as aerospace and automotive for jobs. Given that the Government were prepared to create a £3 billion demand stimulus for the housing market, which was not as adversely affected by the pandemic, why will they not do a lot more to protect those jobs and communities with a demand stimulus for aerospace and automotive, which is desperately needed?
Context
The manufacturing sector in Manchester Central and other regions is facing challenges due to the pandemic, with many communities relying on key sectors such as aerospace and automotive for employment. The government has provided stimulus measures for less affected sectors like housing.
Kemi Badenoch
The Government are supporting manufacturing through £8.5 billion in measures, including grants for research and development, loans, export guarantees, and over £1 billion committed to promote ultra-low emissions vehicles and support the roll-out of a superfast charging network.
Session: Manufacturers Support
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What recent discussions have been had with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy regarding sectoral support for manufacturers during the covid-19 outbreak? Many communities that voted Conservative rely on manufacturing jobs in aerospace and automotive. Given the government's £3 billion stimulus for the housing market, why not provide a similar demand stimulus for these harder-hit sectors?
Context
The manufacturing sector in Manchester Central and other regions is facing challenges due to the pandemic, with many communities relying on key sectors such as aerospace and automotive for employment. The government has provided stimulus measures for less affected sectors like housing.
Kemi Badenoch
The Government are supporting manufacturing through £8.5 billion in measures, including grants for research and development, loans, export guarantees, and over £1 billion committed to promote ultra-low emissions vehicles and support the roll-out of a superfast charging network.
Session: Manufacturers Support
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Can the Minister tell them and me how the self-employed and those who are directors of limited companies will support themselves to stay in this industry in the coming months, when all their work has dried up and they have no extra support?
Context
Manchester is a hub of the UK's creative industry, home to many talented individuals and small organizations.
Caroline Dinenage (Minister for Digital and Culture)
We know that the creative industries are not just venues, organisations or studios but people - skilled artists, craftsmen, designers, performers, technicians. Some 2.7 million people have benefited from the self-employed income support scheme, with 95% of those who receive the majority of their income from self-employment being eligible. The next round of that scheme will open in August.
Session: Covid-19 Creative Industries and Freelancers
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Lucy Powell inquired about what more will be done by the Government to ensure that leaseholders are not bearing the brunt of removing dangerous cladding from their buildings when such buildings are ineligible for the fund because remediation work was already underway before March 11, leading to costs being passed on to residents.
Context
The Building Safety Fund was launched on June 1, and its prospectus outlines the criteria for eligibility. However, many buildings are ineligible due to the fund's limited size.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Christopher Pincher
Christopher Pincher stated that where remediation was under way before 11 March, residents should first seek to recover costs from building owners who in turn should recover them from developers. He also offered to discuss the specific case raised by Lucy Powell further.
Session: Building Safety Fund
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Given the Cabinet Office's role in coordinating across Government, will the Secretary of State commit to taking up the Leader of the Opposition's call for a national mission to get children active, social and ready for learning this summer by working with charities, clubs, theatres, musicians, libraries, and others?
Context
The question addresses the mismanagement of school reopenings by the government and proposes a national mission to support children's education and social activities.
Michael Gove (The Secretary of State for Cabinet Office)
I am grateful to the hon. Lady and will work not just with the Leader of the Opposition but with others across civil society to ensure that those children who have lost out as a result of not being able to be in school can benefit from appropriate learning in appropriate circumstances.
Session: Topical Questions
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What recent assessment has been made of the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the defence industry? Will the Government now commit to bringing forward major research and development programmes and clean tech to support the sector?
Context
The UK's defence sector employs 119,000 people directly and is crucial to national security. The aviation industry is facing a collapse in demand, affecting the defence industry.
Jeremy Quin (Minister for Defence Procurement)
The Government are providing a range of help and support across all industries, including defence. In particular, we have been clear about our desire to do everything possible to assist. This includes ensuring prompt payment and looking at interim payments where appropriate to support companies in the industry.
Session: Covid-19 Defence Industry
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Will Nick Gibb talk to local authorities about current children's social services practice during conversations on planning policy, ensuring lessons from the Greater Manchester review are learned?
Context
Review of children in need that highlights the importance of school awareness for children known to social workers.
Nick Gibb (Minister of State for School Standards)
The Minister highlights the importance of schools being aware of children known to social workers and ensuring they receive pastoral support in school, maintaining high expectations for these pupils.
Session: Free Schools and Academies Planning Policy
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Death of Ann Widdecombe
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Powerhouse Rail 2026-01-14
14 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Standards 2025-07-16
16 July 2025
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Leader of the House moved a motion to widen the boundaries of who has to register their interests in the Register of Interests of Members’ Staff to include all those with parliamentary network acc...
Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme 2025-06-16
16 June 2025
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Leader of the House of Commons moves to establish an Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS), noting that its establishment in 2018 was a significant step towards addressing inappropria...
Business of the House 2025-05-22
22 May 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Business of the House 2025-03-13
13 March 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate criticises the Government's handling of economic policies, highlighting the Prime Minister's inability to manage the economy effectively. Jesse Norman emphasises that despite initial claims...
Business of the House 2025-02-13
13 February 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Chancellor's much-vaunted dash for growth is failing due to adverse economic conditions. The Office for Budget Responsibility and the Bank of England have downgraded their growth forecasts, with t...
Scrutiny of European Statutory Instruments 2025-02-11
11 February 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Jim Allister emphasised the importance of scrutiny for laws made by a foreign Parliament, particularly in Northern Ireland. He expressed disappointment over the lack of scrutiny and representation fro...
Business of the House 2025-01-30
30 January 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Serves with Lucy Powell on the Modernisation Committee, observing her energy in bringing the House into the second quarter of the 21st century. Calls for commitment from the Leader of the House to pro...
Business of the House 2025-01-23
23 January 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Labour party has been offering regular evidence of its incompetence, particularly regarding economic policies like reviving the third runway at Heathrow despite opposition from colleagues. The Cha...
Attendance
55.4%
46 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
20
24.1% of votes
No Votes
26
31.3% of votes
Abstentions
37
44.6% of votes
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
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
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 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
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
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
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
38
Ministerial Questions Asked
78
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
1
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
83
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-46% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+178% above average
This MP:
38
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1511% above average
This MP:
78
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-89% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-20% below average
This MP:
55.4
Average:
69.5
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Lucy Powell's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.