Mark Ferguson
MP for Gateshead Central and Whickham
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Annabel is five years old and lives in my constituency. She has high-risk neuroblastoma. Annabel has endured 15 months of chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy, stem cell harvest, proton therapy, immunotherapy, hair loss and nasal feeding. Now she urgently needs the drug DFMO, which is not yet available in the UK. It must be administered within 90 days of the end of immunotherapy; 91 days is too late. Will the Prime Minister please meet Annabel's parents to discuss the lifesaving care that she needs?
Context
Annabel is a five-year-old patient with high-risk neuroblastoma who urgently needs the drug DFMO, which is not yet available in the UK.
Keir Starmer
I pay tribute to Annabel for her incredible bravery. I understand how important it is that cancer patients are able to benefit from rapid access to effective new treatments. The manufacturers of this drug have applied for a UK licence through Project Orbis, which allows the rapid review and approval of new cancer treatments. We will ensure that that process is completed as quickly as possible, and I will also ensure that the Health Minister sets up the meeting that my hon. Friend has asked for.
Session: PMQs
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We have exciting plans for Gateshead town centre, but we have more work to do on antisocial behaviour. Northumbria police’s Operation Shield has brought down antisocial behaviour significantly, but more powers and more officers are needed. What are the Government doing to ensure that the police have both the powers and the resources to tackle persistent antisocial behaviour?
Context
The MP highlighted the success of Northumbria police’s Operation Shield in reducing antisocial behaviour but noted that more powers and resources are needed to address persistent issues.
The Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)
First, I am very pleased to hear about the work of Northumbria police with Operation Shield. We want to build on existing data, good practice and evidence to develop a model that can then be rolled out up and down the country.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
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Does the Minister agree that the Opposition’s half-baked reprivatisation plan would be a huge threat to those in the armed forces and their families?
Context
Recent progress in forces housing initiatives has been made, but concerns exist about the Opposition's reprivatisation plan which could undermine current deals.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
That is a really valid point. The trouble is that the plan risks the deal we had with Annington. It would outsource all the housing, and take control away from the Government, the Ministry of Defence and the military families who would be living in that housing. Our housing strategy will come in after the summer, and it will be well thought through and delivered.
Session: Topical Questions
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From speaking to my local NHS trust in Gateshead, I know the value it places on driving costs down, but it still faces financial pressures. Key among those are issues related to the digital capital gap. We are really keen in Gateshead to improve that situation and to allow more people to access the NHS remotely. Will the Secretary of State meet me and Gateshead NHS trust to talk about how we can tackle that?
Context
The MP is concerned about the financial pressures faced by local NHS trusts, particularly regarding digital capital gaps that affect remote access to services.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
I would be delighted to do so. My hon. Friend is absolutely right: we have to ensure that the NHS is not only benefiting from, but at the forefront of the revolution taking place in digital services and medical technology. It is key to driving productivity and financial sustainability. That is why, at the spending review, the Chancellor announced that we would invest up to £10 billion in NHS technology and digital transformation; unlike our predecessors, we will not raid tech budgets to plug shortfalls in day-to-day spending. Just this month, we announced the modernisation of the NHS app, so that patients can receive test results and book appointments, saving £200 million in stamps, envelopes and letters.
Session: NHS Wasteful Spending
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Our plans for the renewal of central Gateshead are by far the most exciting investment opportunity in north-east England, with £1.2 billion of inward investment, thousands of new homes and public transport infrastructure, meaning 15,000 construction jobs over the next few decades. Gateshead college, right at the heart of the development zone, is rapidly increasing places on its superb construction course, but much more is needed. Will the Secretary of State meet me and Gateshead college to discuss super-charging construction skills to deliver our plan for growth?
Context
The MP referenced a major investment plan for central Gateshead, including £1.2 billion of inward investment and the creation of 15,000 construction jobs over several decades.
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
I have visited Gateshead college to see the fantastic work it does on digital skills, but I know that it has also developed innovative, flexible apprenticeships for careers in building design and construction, which I hope can be replicated elsewhere. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend and perhaps to visit Gateshead college to learn more about what it is doing on construction.
Session: Construction Skills Training
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Socketts newsagents, a 100-year-old business in my constituency, is threatened with closure because of frequent incidents of masked youths engaging in shoplifting. What steps will the Minister take to assist Socketts and ensure its survival?
Context
Socketts newsagents faces closure due to gang-related shoplifting.
Diana Johnson
That is totally unacceptable, and we need neighbourhood policing guarantees with bobbies on the high streets. I am happy to discuss this case further.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Secretary of State for her response. Can she update me on the conversations the Department has had with Gateshead council about the state of Gateshead flyover? This 400-tonne barrier to jobs running through the middle of our town is holding back businesses and growth, and stopping us achieving our full potential.
Context
The question relates to the impact of the Gateshead flyover on local businesses and residents in Gateshead, which is a significant barrier to job creation and economic development.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
I recall meeting my hon. Friend just before Christmas, and I appreciate how critical the resolution of this issue is to his constituents and the wider area. My officials, along with colleagues from the North East combined authority, have been meeting regularly with Gateshead council to build the case for the regeneration of the area, facilitated by the planned demolition of the flyover. I know that the Minister for Future of Roads visited Gateshead in January to see the issues for herself.
Session: Supporting Economic Growth
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My hon. Friend will know from his visit to Gateshead this week some of the fantastic small businesses we have on our high street, but also some of the incredible challenges faced by so many high streets and town centres. With that in mind, will he tell us what the Government are doing on access to finance for small businesses?
Context
The question is about improving access to finance for small businesses, especially in light of recent visits to Gateshead.
Gareth Thomas
One of the things we are determined to do is to increase access to finance for small businesses up and down the country. That is why we have provided over £1 billion across this year and next year for the British Business Bank, particularly to drive access to finance for small businesses.
Session: High Streets Government Support
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What steps his Department is taking to support high streets?
Context
The question arises from concerns over the state of local high streets and their economic viability.
Gareth Thomas
Working across government with mayors, local authorities and—crucially—local communities, we are beginning to tackle antisocial behaviour and crime, reforming business rates, working with the banking industry to roll out 350 banking hubs, stamping out late payments, empowering communities to make the most of vacant properties, strengthening the post office network and reforming the apprenticeship levy.
Session: High Streets Government Support
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Does the Secretary of State agree that the recent Budget gives the Northern Ireland Executive an opportunity to focus on economic growth?
Context
The recent Budget has provided substantial funding to the Northern Ireland Executive.
Hilary Benn
The funding is more than anticipated, but it's about making choices and setting priorities with available resources. The Budget provides a sound foundation for decision-making.
Session: Budget
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How the recent Budget has contributed to that reset?
Context
The recent budget announcement has prompted questions about its impact on the reset between UK and Welsh Governments.
Jo Stevens
Our £21 billion settlement is the largest real-terms settlement since devolution, providing a record boost for public services in Wales. It includes funding to maintain coal tips safely and investment zones to support economic growth in north and south Wales.
Session: Strengthening the Union
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What steps she is taking to strengthen the Union?
Context
The question arises from ongoing discussions about strengthening relationships between different parts of the UK.
Jo Stevens
We have reset our relationship with the Welsh Government based on trust and mutual respect. Our approach includes the new Council of the Nations and Regions, which met for the first time last month, and regular meetings between me and the First Minister of Wales.
Session: Strengthening the Union
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Would the Secretary of State be happy to visit it, as I have, to see its fantastic work? Turbo Power Systems is a prime example of a local organisation contributing significantly to national goals.
Context
Turbo Power Systems is a global company built on research and development in the MP's constituency.
Peter Kyle
Of course, I look forward to visiting Turbo Power Systems the next time I am in the region and seeing the amazing work it does. It is contributing to one of the key missions of this Government, which is to get to clean superpower status by 2030.
Session: Research and Development
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What steps he is taking to help improve domestic research and development capabilities. I am concerned that without proper funding and support, our local organisations will struggle to compete on a global scale.
Context
The MP is concerned about steps being taken to improve domestic R&D capabilities.
Peter Kyle
The UK's R&D system is a central strength and vital for the future prosperity and wellbeing of our citizens. We are investing through UK Research and Innovation to continuously improve our R&D capabilities. In July we launched five new quantum technology hubs, which are delivered by UKRI and backed by over £100 million-worth of Government funding.
Session: Research and Development
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that declining standards are far from a record to be proud of? These changes impact the life chances of children in deprived areas.
Context
The last PISA results showed that standards in England's schools have declined under the Conservative Government, particularly in reading, maths, and science.
Bridget Phillipson
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We see stark attainment gaps between poorer and more affluent children, blighting life chances in his constituency of Gateshead. We are determined to make progress.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill 2025-09-04
04 September 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office argues that the Bill's purpose is to remove hereditary peers from the House of Lords as per the Labour Government’s manifesto commitment. He c...
Property Taxes 2025-09-03 (1)
03 September 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Under the last Government, despite 27 tax rises, Government debt rose from 60% of GDP to 100.5%. The shadow Chancellor's government left a £22 billion black hole and caused a 6% fall in home ownership...
Afghanistan 2025-07-15
15 July 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Trial by Jury Proposed Restrictions 2025-07-09
09 July 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the Government's plans to restrict trial by jury through the creation of a Crown court bench division and related sentencing changes, given that this could undermine centurie...
Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill 2025-07-01
01 July 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Welfare Reform 2025-06-30
30 June 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
G7 and NATO Summits 2025-06-26
26 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Delivered a statement on the outcomes of recent G7 and NATO summits, emphasising the need for international cooperation to address security threats including Iran's nuclear programme and supporting Uk...
Spending Review 2025 2025-06-11
11 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
As Chancellor, the speaker's main focus is to improve working people's lives and rebuild schools and hospitals. She highlights the previous government’s £22 billion black hole in public finances and e...
Nuclear Power Investment 2025-06-10
10 June 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Free School Meals 2025-06-05
05 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government aims to expand free school meal eligibility for children whose families receive universal credit, lifting up to 100,000 children out of poverty. This move is part of a wider child pover...
Attendance
86.3%
69 of 80 votes
Aye Votes
29
36.2% of votes
No Votes
40
50.0% of votes
Abstentions
11
13.8% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED 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 Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
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
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: New Clause 25
Ayes: 187
Noes: 351
Failed
1
PMQs Asked
14
Ministerial Questions Asked
50
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
80
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
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+4% above average
This MP:
14
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+929% above average
This MP:
50
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+25% above average
This MP:
86.3
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Mark Ferguson's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.