Markus Campbell-Savours
MP for Penrith and Solway
Lab
Labour
-
4 Jul 2024 - 3 Dec 2025
Independent
-
3 Dec 2025 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I wish to highlight the importance of farming in my constituency and across Cumbria. Given recent reports of foot and mouth disease in Germany, I urge the Prime Minister to assure us that all Departments are vigilant in monitoring this situation at points of entry, particularly airports where meat import controls can be lax.
Context
Recent reports indicate potential foot and mouth outbreaks in Germany, raising concerns about the risk of transmission to the UK. This could have severe implications for UK farming.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
We have acted swiftly by banning imports of cattle, pigs and sheep and their products from Germany. We will restrict imports from additional countries if necessary and keep the situation under close review.
Session: PMQs
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T3. The Information Commissioner’s Office faces constant criticism for weak freedom of information enforcement and sluggish decisions. Why must Britain lag behind countries like Sweden and Norway, where citizens routinely access information in under a week, and how can MPs meaningfully hold the commissioner to account?
Context
The Information Commissioner's Office faces criticism for weak freedom of information enforcement and slow decisions, lagging behind countries like Sweden and Norway.
The Minister for Digital Government and Data (Ian Murray)
The ICO is operationally independent of Government and is accountable to this Parliament. The Information Commissioner can appear in front of Select Committees to discuss the ICO’s performance, and I would encourage my hon. Friend’s Select Committee to pursue that.
Session: Topical Questions
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After years of watching dentists in Cumbria turn their backs on the NHS contract and move those patients who can afford it to private plans, my constituency is now an NHS dental desert. Can the Minister confirm when the Government will publish their response to the consultation on quality and payment reforms, and tell us what we can expect to see in it?
Context
The MP notes the issue of dentists in Cumbria moving away from NHS contracts, leading to a shortage of accessible dental care. He references ongoing consultation on quality and payment reforms.
The Minister for Care (Stephen Kinnock)
As my hon. Friend will know, the consultation closed on 19 August. We are now considering the outcomes, and expect to publish a response very shortly. These reforms will improve support for patients with complex or urgent needs by better incentivising dentists to deliver this care on the NHS.
Session: Topical Questions
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Penrith and the surrounding villages have endured a summer of gridlock, with junction 40 on the M6 repeatedly grinding to a halt, particularly when peak holiday traffic is heading to Cumbria and the lakes. While we await the vital A66 trans-Pennine upgrade, for which we are all grateful, will the Minister agree to meet me to discuss urgent short-term interventions that National Highways can implement to ease the pressure for my constituents?
Context
Junction 40 on the M6 is repeatedly grinding to a halt due to peak holiday traffic heading to Cumbria and the lakes, causing significant gridlock.
Simon Lightwood
I sympathise with those suffering in congestion at junction 40 of the M6, which I am told is due to various issues. I know my hon. Friend and my hon. Friend the Member for Carlisle (Ms Minns) have been working hard to resolve those issues for their constituents. I am happy to arrange a meeting to discuss any future short-term interventions that could ease congestion with either me or my team or with National Highways.
Session: Topical Questions
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What specific measures are the Government taking to help prevent and mitigate the potential harms of autonomous capabilities, both in the UK and abroad?
Context
The UK's strategic defence review highlights the importance of autonomous weapons systems for augmenting defence capabilities but acknowledges that competitors may not adhere to ethical standards.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Luke Pollard)
The UK will adhere to our legal obligations and the values of society, engaging in international dialogue through the UN and other processes on responsible AI and lethal autonomy while ensuring all activities comply with international humanitarian law.
Session: Autonomous Weapons Systems
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I am grateful to have secured Thursday’s Adjournment debate on the A66 road improvement project—a key transport link between Cumbria, the north-east and North Yorkshire. Cumbria is a long way from Westminster, and many of us fear that the economic case for major projects is stacked in favour of the economically active south-east. Can the Chancellor reassure me that Cumbria will not be disadvantaged when key public spending decisions are taken?
Context
There are fears that the economic case for major projects is stacked in favour of the economically active south-east, potentially disadvantaging regions like Cumbria.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
My hon. Friend is a staunch defender of his constituency and region. We will make decisions at the spending review, which we will publish on 11 June, but as a proud northern MP, I am absolutely determined that the north gets its fair share of investment.
Session: Public Spending Value for Money
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Dominic’s aortic aneurysm burst at his rural home five years ago. With no phone signal in their stone-built house, it was a 69-minute landline call to emergency services that helped his wife keep him alive while they waited for an ambulance. As Dominic waits for more open heart surgery, can the Minister reassure his family that we are doing all we can to mitigate the risks to him and other vulnerable people during power cuts?
Context
A constituent of the MP, Dominic, experienced a medical emergency that was managed through a 50-minute landline call during a power cut. The case highlights concerns about vulnerable individuals in rural areas lacking reliable communication methods.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
I certainly can. I send my best wishes to my hon. Friend’s constituent. He said that it is a stone-built house; he is absolutely right that there are particular difficulties with mobile signal in stone-built houses—I live in one myself, in Porth in the Rhondda. One thing that we have done recently, as a result of the pressure that I have put on people, is to ensure that the battery back-up power is not just the Ofcom-guaranteed one-hour minimum, but considerably longer, and that is what lots of the operators are now providing.
Session: Digital Landlines Rural Communities
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Earlier this year I met the Cockermouth and Maryport primary care network which told me about the increasing challenge of supporting my constituents with their mental health. Has the Secretary of State considered relaxing the additional roles reimbursement scheme funding rules to allow mental health nurses to be employed wholly by a PCN, not need to be under the employment of a local mental health trust? That flexibility could help GP practices to intervene earlier and reduce referrals to secondary care quickly.
Context
Primary care networks face challenges in supporting constituents with mental health needs.
Stephen Kinnock
We have relaxed the additional roles reimbursement scheme funding rules. This will allow mental health nurses to be employed wholly by a PCN not need to be under the employment of a local mental health trust which is something that we are trying to encourage.
Session: Topical Questions
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Rural properties face unique challenges regarding fuel poverty and energy efficiency. Constituents in Penrith and Solway will see these additional challenges reflected in the Government’s warm homes plan, ensuring it takes account of rurality.
Context
Homes in rural areas experience some of the highest rates of fuel poverty in the UK. Rural properties are less energy efficient than the national average, making them harder to insulate.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
One hundred per cent—my hon. Friend is absolutely right about that. The Minister for Energy Consumers and I often discuss how we have to ensure that our warm homes plan takes account of the particular needs and challenges facing rural areas.
Session: Topical Questions
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An early day motion from 2007 noted that women were typically waiting eight years to be diagnosed with endometriosis. Shockingly, nearly 20 years later, that wait has increased to nine years. The Government are right to tackle the appalling waiting lists for surgery, but the one in 10 women who suffer with endometriosis often struggle with years of pain before surgery is even suggested. What plans does the Department have to deal with these delays, and how we can ensure that those working in primary care recognise this debilitating condition earlier?
Context
Women typically wait eight years to be diagnosed with endometriosis, with delays increasing over time despite efforts to reduce waiting lists.
Karin Smyth
Those statistics are shocking. Campaigns here and elsewhere have helped to raise awareness of endometriosis. The update to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines will help, as will more appointments, and our commitment to the 18-week target. Training for GPs is now part of the core curriculum, and we expect that to yield good results. NHS England and the Office for National Statistics have look-across to the statistics on diagnostic metric standards. I am happy to update my hon. Friend outside the Chamber, and I know other Members are also interested in how we are delivering on these commitments.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for her answer. Communities in Cumbria have seen many devastating floods over the last two decades, but flood action groups in Keswick have worked hard with United Utilities to develop a scheme that uses Thirlmere reservoir as a storm water store, helping to prevent flooding in the town. All agree that more could be done. Although I applaud their work, I note that there is no statutory requirement for water companies to use their assets as flood defences. Will the Minister look at how water companies’ assets can be used to prevent flooding across the country?
Context
Communities in Cumbria have experienced numerous devastating floods over the last two decades. Local flood action groups, such as those in Keswick, are working with United Utilities to develop schemes like using Thirlmere reservoir as a storm water store to prevent flooding.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
I am grateful not only for the work that my hon. Friend’s action flood group does, but for the work that flood action groups do right across his constituency. He raises an incredibly important and interesting issue. In the Sir John Cunliffe review, we are fundamentally looking at the management of water right across entire catchment areas. When we think about water management, we need to consider not only whether communities have enough water to meet their needs, but whether they have protection from flooding and drought. A holistic way of dealing with some of the challenges we face is certainly one of the answers going forward. My hon. Friend has given a great example, and I would be happy to explore it further with him.
Session: Flood-prone Communities Cumbria
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I welcome the new powers in the fraud Bill, and note the huge increase in pension credit fraud in recent years. Can the Minister explain how capital fraud and fraud in which recipients stay out of the country for longer than the rules require, which together account for 50% of all pension credit fraud, will be targeted under the new rules?
Context
The question addresses the increasing issue of benefit fraud, particularly pension credit fraud, which has seen a significant rise in recent years. The MP notes that capital fraud and prolonged stays abroad account for 50% of all pension credit fraud.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Western)
My hon. Friend is right to raise this issue. The eligibility verification measure in the new Bill will do just that, providing a crucial data feed to help us identify fraud that relates to pension credit as well as to universal credit and employment and support allowance. This will flag up claimants who are potentially in breach of eligibility under capital and abroad criteria, so that we can start to lower the unacceptable level of fraud and protect the public purse.
Session: Welfare Fraud Serious and Organised Crime
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I welcome the Government's proposed fraud Bill. Can the Minister explain how it will claw back money from people who cheat the system, while also protecting privacy?
Context
The Government's proposed fraud Bill aims to recover money lost due to fraudulent activities in the welfare system.
Andrew Western
I welcome my hon. Friend's support for the proposed fraud Bill. The level of fraud in the welfare system is absolutely unacceptable; almost £10 billion was lost last year. Increased use of data will be essential to clamping down on both capital fraud and broader fraud. However, we will do that without sharing any information at all with banks and financial institutions.
Session: Topical Questions
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Many teachers in my constituency welcome the drive to recruit more teachers, but they also want the Government to recognise the pressures on those already in the profession. What steps will the Department take to improve teacher retention?
Context
The MP noted that while recruitment efforts are welcome, teachers in his constituency face significant pressures within the profession.
Catherine McKinnell
I want teachers not only to remain in the profession but also to thrive in it. We are listening and acting on feedback, developing a workload reduction toolkit and an education staff wellbeing charter alongside school leaders. We aim to deliver measures that make teaching a better valued and respected profession.
Session: Teacher Recruitment
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What steps she is taking to recruit more teachers. The MP noted that many schools face severe shortages of qualified teaching professionals, leading to increased class sizes and reduced educational quality.
Context
The MP highlights the need for more teachers due to a shortage in education staff.
Catherine McKinnell
As a first step in our mission to break down barriers to opportunity, we will recruit 6,500 additional teachers. We have kickstarted recruitment campaigns and made a 5.5% pay award, resetting the relationship with the education workforce. We aim to re-establish teaching as an attractive expert profession after years of damage under the previous Government.
Session: Teacher Recruitment
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
International Human Rights Day 2025
10 December 2025
Responding: Chris Elmore
Main Concerns
['Human rights are under attack worldwide, with repressive actions in countries like Russia, Sudan, China, Iran, and others. Established democracies also face the threat of strongman politics, undermining democratic norms.']
Specific Asks
['The lead MP urges the Minister to reaffirm the UK’s leadership in defending universal human rights and to ensure consistent use of tools such as arms export licensing criteria and targeted sanctions.']
Backbench Business
01 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The motion notes the critical threat that SLAPPs pose to press freedom, public interest research, and the right of citizens and campaigners to speak out. It highlights that SLAPPs predominantly target...
Farming Road Map and Profitability Review
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Foreign Financial Influence and Interference: UK Politics
25 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
GP Contract
16 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Heating Oil Support
16 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Finance (No. 2) Bill 2026-01-12
12 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister opened the debate on the Finance (No. 2) Bill, emphasising that the Labour Government's second Budget was a choice between austerity and decline or investment and renewal, opting for the ...
Venezuela 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Finance (No. 2) Bill 2025-12-16
16 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Exchequer Secretary outlined the key aspects of the Budget delivered on 26 November, highlighting no return to austerity and a focus on reducing cost-of-living pressures. The Minister emphasised s...
Budget Resolutions 2025-12-02
02 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sudan Protection of Civilians 2025-10-30
30 October 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm actions to promote the protection of civilians, following a reported massacre at El Fasher’s Saudi maternity hospital? The issue is urgent due to reports of mass atrocities a...
Wordsworth House and Garden
15 December 2025
The petitioners are concerned about the potential closure of Wordsworth House and Garden, a Grade 1 listed site that is crucial for national heritage, education, and local tourism in Cumbria.
View Full Petition -->
Wordsworth House and Garden
21 October 2025
The petition concerns the potential closure of Wordsworth House and Garden, a Grade 1 listed national treasure in Cockermouth that is vital for heritage, education, and local tourism. Despite previous...
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School visits to Parliament
02 September 2025
The petition highlights the financial burden faced by schools in rural areas, such as Stoneraise school in Cumbria, when arranging visits for pupils to Parliament due to the significant distance from ...
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School visits to Parliament
16 July 2025
The petition calls attention to the financial barriers preventing children from Stoneraise school in Cumbria, over 300 miles from London, from visiting Parliament due to high travel costs.
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
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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
1
PMQs Asked
14
Ministerial Questions Asked
31
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
4
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+4% above average
This MP:
14
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+538% above average
This MP:
31
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+63% above average
This MP:
4
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 Markus Campbell-Savours's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.