Mary Foy
MP for City of Durham
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My constituents are anxious about the financial situation at Durham county council. The Tories' unfair funding formula has hollowed out essential public services such as social care, while demand has been increasing. What assurances can the Prime Minister give me that essential services will be restored and that a new funding formula will be genuinely fair, focusing on the needs of my constituents, especially the most vulnerable?
Context
Durham County Council faces financial pressure due to the Tories' unfair funding formula, affecting essential public services like social care.
Keir Starmer
My hon. Friend highlights yet another failing of the last Government. Successive years of underfunding have left councils experiencing significant budget pressures, and that is felt by constituents, residents and individuals across the country. This Government will clear up the mess and get councils back on their feet. Multi-year funding settlements will partly help to allow longer-term work to be done. But we recognise the importance of councils, which know their communities best. With greater stability, we can support them in ensuring that the services that they provide get to the people who need them.
Assessment
Did not commit to a specific new funding formula or timeline for restoring essential services
We Are Not Going To Take Lessons From The Conservative Party
Session: PMQs
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Unable to secure an NHS dental appointment, my constituent Ray was forced to go private. It was then discovered that he had a large, aggressive tumour in his face and jaw, and 16 hours of gruelling surgery was required to remove it. If he had not been able to afford it, Ray might not be with us now. Does the Prime Minister accept that NHS dentistry is in crisis, and will he meet me and the British Dental Association to ensure that no one loses their life because they could not get a dental appointment?
Context
A constituent faced a life-threatening condition due to lack of NHS dental appointments.
Rishi Sunak
I am sorry to hear what happened to the hon. Lady's constituent. That is why the NHS has recently reformed dental contracts to improve access. We now invest more than £3 billion a year, and there are more than 500 more dentists working in the NHS this year than last year. Discussions are ongoing between the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS around dentistry, and DHSC is planning to outline further reform measures in the near future.
Assessment
Specific meeting with BDA was not confirmed
Discussions Are Ongoing
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister once said that he did not have any working-class friends, so he may not be aware that today half a million hard-working people are on strike, including in his constituency. Tory Britain is not working. Will the Prime Minister get a grip and negotiate with working people, or does he intend to be remembered as the Prime Minister who silenced and sacked hard-working nurses, paramedics, teachers, rail workers and firefighters in a cost of living crisis?
Context
Half a million hard-working people are on strike, including in the Prime Minister's constituency.
Rishi Sunak
When it comes to teachers, we have actually given them the highest pay rise in 30 years. That includes a 9% pay rise for newly qualified teachers and record investment in their training and development. I am clear that our children's education is precious, and they deserve to be in school today being taught. The Labour party would do well to say that the strikes are wrong and that we should be backing our schoolchildren.
Assessment
Negotiating with striking workers was not addressed
The Labour Party'S Stance On Strikes
Highest Pay Rise In 30 Years
Session: PMQs
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On Small Business Saturday, I was delighted to name Daisy Rose Coffee House as the City of Durham's small business of the year 2022 after a public vote in my inaugural award. Like so many small businesses, Daisy Rose Coffee House is the beating heart of the local community and the cornerstone of the high street. So many business owners I meet feel utterly ignored by the Government as they are clobbered by outdated business rates year after year. The Government must pick a side: are they going to continue to back the online giants, or will they join the Labour party in backing small business and scrap and replace the outdated business rates?
Context
The MP highlights the challenge faced by small businesses due to outdated business rates, using Daisy Rose Coffee House as an example.
Rishi Sunak
I congratulate Daisy Rose on winning its award and being the beating heart of its high street. I very much hope that it will benefit—I am almost certain that it will—from our discounts on business rates. Our retail, hospitality and leisure relief gives a 75% discount on business rates in the next financial year, and that comes on top of the support that we will be providing Daisy Rose and others with their energy bills, with bills being about half of what they would have otherwise been without our support.
Session: PMQs
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Last week, P&O Ferries sacked 800 seafarers on the spot. The same day, the Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions announced over 1,100 DWP job losses and 42 centre closures risking a further 7,000 jobs, including 1,300 in the north-east. Why will the Prime Minister not act to protect local communities from losing real high-quality jobs?
Context
P&O Ferries sacked 800 seafarers, while the government announced over 1,100 DWP job losses and 42 centre closures affecting thousands more jobs.
Boris Johnson
I renew my sympathies with the case of the P&O workers, and I have explained to the House what we are doing, and we will do that. We have doubled the number of work coaches and employment is climbing.
Assessment
Specific ask about protecting jobs was not directly addressed
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister condemn Dominic Cummings for undermining public health messaging, facing planning violations, and owing a large unpaid council tax bill?
Context
Dominic Cummings has undermined public health messaging, faced planning violations, and owes an unpaid council tax bill.
Boris Johnson
People's confidence in the Government has possibly been undermined by constant party political point-scoring. I advise constituents to follow guidance and get the virus down.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not condemn Dominic Cummings' actions or address the specific issues raised.
Blaming Constant Party Political Point-Scoring
Session: PMQs
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When will the Government action the plan? How will progress be reported publicly?
Context
Local members spoke to many people at a market stall about the Government's VAWG strategy. They welcomed it but felt it was long overdue and needed grassroots consultation.
Shabana Mahmood
The Government's commitment is evidenced by their landmark ten-year vision to halve violence against women and girls, with work beginning now but much more still to do.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Strategy Implementation
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What recent progress has been made in implementing the violence against women and girls strategy?
Context
The question follows recent commitments made by the Government to address violence against women and girls. The MP seeks updates on the implementation progress.
Shabana Mahmood
The Government have committed to halve violence against women and girls over a decade, implemented domestic abuse protection orders protecting 1,000 victims, Raneem's law for expert support in 999 control rooms, and specialist rape teams across all police forces.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls Strategy Implementation
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On 1 January, Israel revoked the licences of 37 international non-governmental organisations working in the occupied west bank and Gaza. The United Nations human rights chief called the suspensions “outrageous” and said that they made an already intolerable situation even worse for the people of Gaza. What is the Minister doing to ensure that the Israeli Government allow lifesaving aid to enter Gaza, reverse the suspensions of the licences and do not politicise or weaponise aid and humanitarian relief?
Context
Israel revoked the licences of international NGOs working in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, leading to concerns about aid access.
Hamish Falconer
We have continued to raise the importance of all the necessary aid getting into Gaza. It is welcome that over the last week the amount of aid that has gone in has increased, but it is still not adequate to the needs.
Session: Topical Questions
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In October 2022, a constituent of mine moved into a social housing property and immediately faced issues with extreme cold and damp. The issues went unresolved for so long that he referred his complaints to the Housing Ombudsman in April 2025, but it took until February this year for investigations to begin. What are the Government doing to ensure that housing associations are meeting their requirements under Awaab's law and that they have the resources to do so?
Context
A constituent faced unresolved issues with extreme cold and damp in a social housing property from October 2022 to April 2025, leading to referrals to the Housing Ombudsman.
Matthew Pennycook
I am very sorry to learn of the experience of my hon. Friend's constituent. All housing association homes must be free from dangerous damp and mould. I note that her case arose before we brought the first phase of Awaab's law into force on 27 October last year; now that we have done so, all social landlords are required to repair emergency hazards within 24 hours and to deal with dangerous damp and mould within fixed timescales.
Session: Social Housing Standards
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Residents in Langley Moor, Belmont, Esh Winning, North Road, Pity Me and the Sunderland Road estate are seeing growing levels of antisocial behaviour. From yobs on e-bikes to intimidation of shop workers, public disorder and arson in parks and woodlands, antisocial behaviour is getting out of hand.
Context
Antisocial behaviour is increasing in several areas of Durham, impacting community safety and quality of life.
Sarah Jones
This Government are taking low-level antisocial behaviour seriously. 26 additional officers will be deployed by the end of this month, and legislation on respect orders and more powers to tackle theft, public disorder, shop theft is being brought forward.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
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Does the Minister agree that it is unforgiveable for someone who is supposed to look after a child to hurt them instead?
Context
The Maya's law campaign seeks to improve child protection laws in the UK. The hon. Member for Blaydon and Consett has secured a debate on this topic.
Shabana Mahmood
The Government will absolutely engage fully and constructively with the debate that she mentions.
Session: Topical Questions
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Residents in Langley Moor, Belmont, Esh Winning, North Road, Pity Me and the Sunderland Road estate face growing levels of antisocial behaviour. From yobs on e-bikes to intimidation of shop workers, public disorder and arson in parks and woodlands, antisocial behaviour is getting out of hand. My constituents do not feel safe.
Context
Residents in several areas of Durham are experiencing increased antisocial behaviour, affecting community safety and quality of life.
Sarah Jones
This Government are taking low-level antisocial behaviour seriously. 26 additional officers will be deployed by the end of this month, and legislation on respect orders and more powers to tackle theft, public disorder, shop theft is being brought forward.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
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Why has the government's programme failed to recognise the impact on organisations across Bristol South?
Context
Four Jewish community ambulances were set on fire in Golders Green, London, last night. The Metropolitan police are treating this as an antisemitic hate crime.
Shabana Mahmood
The Government will absolutely engage fully and constructively with the debate that she mentions.
Session: Topical Questions
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I truly welcome the reform to SEND provision, but, with some schools already making redundancies because of funding, I echo the concerns of teaching unions that the recently announced inclusion grant is too small; it equates to one part-time teaching assistant for the average primary school and two TAs for the average secondary school. Can the Minister reassure me and educators in Durham that adequate funding will be available to make our schools more inclusive for children with SEND while allowing schools to protect the support that children with SEND in mainstream classrooms already have?
Context
The questioner welcomes the reform to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision but expresses concerns due to schools making redundancies because of funding. The recently announced inclusion grant is considered too small by teaching unions, equivalent to one part-time teaching assistant for primary schools and two for secondary schools.
Georgia Gould
We are committed to investing in schools. Our plans include an extra £1.6 billion going directly into schools and £1.8 billion going into the wider “experts at hand” service, on top of increasing funding to the schools core budget. In this Parliament, we will continue to grow our investment in both SEND and schools to ensure that every child gets the best start in life.
Session: Topical Questions
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Constituents in areas like Esh Winning, Witton Gilbert, Brandon and Waterhouses and increasingly businesses in Durham city regularly contact me about repairing power outages. They have been told by Northern Powergrid that temporary repairs will be made, but that clearly offers no reassurance to those who are elderly, live alone or rely on their electricity supply for medication or to power medical equipment. Recent storms cannot be blamed, as many of the outages were reported during spells of fine weather. Will the Minister say what work the Government are carrying out to improve the resilience of the electricity distribution network in Durham so that my constituents are not constantly worried about when their power will next go out?
Context
Constituents in areas like Esh Winning, Witton Gilbert, Brandon and Waterhouses report frequent power outages despite being told by Northern Powergrid that temporary repairs will be made. Recent storms cannot be blamed as many of the outages were reported during spells of fine weather.
Michael Shanks
My hon. Friend asks an important question. I completely understand the frustrations of people who are without power and the disruption that it has on people's lives. My Department has had a number of conversations with Northern Powergrid on the particular issues in my hon. Friend's constituency and I am advised that many of the power outages across Waterhouses, Brandon and Esh Winning were caused by trees contacting overhead lines. This is all feeding into work that is being done to ensure that the resilience of the network allows us to avoid those situations in the future. We are also working on how we can upgrade the network where possible to ensure it is resilient.
Session: Electricity Distribution Network Resilience
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Constituents in areas like Esh Winning, Witton Gilbert, Brandon and Waterhouses and increasingly businesses in Durham city regularly contact me about repairing power outages. They have been told by Northern Powergrid that temporary repairs will be made, but that clearly offers no reassurance to those who are elderly, live alone or rely on their electricity supply for medication or to power medical equipment. Recent storms cannot be blamed, as many of the outages were reported during spells of fine weather. Will the Minister say what work the Government are carrying out to improve the resilience of the electricity distribution network in Durham so that my constituents are not constantly worried about when their power will next go out?
Context
Constituents in areas like Esh Winning, Witton Gilbert, Brandon and Waterhouses report frequent power outages despite being told by Northern Powergrid that temporary repairs will be made. Recent storms cannot be blamed as many of the outages were reported during spells of fine weather.
Michael Shanks
My hon. Friend asks an important question. I completely understand the frustrations of people who are without power and the disruption that it has on people's lives. My Department has had a number of conversations with Northern Powergrid on the particular issues in my hon. Friend's constituency and I am advised that many of the power outages across Waterhouses, Brandon and Esh Winning were caused by trees contacting overhead lines. This is all feeding into work that is being done to ensure that the resilience of the network allows us to avoid those situations in the future. We are also working on how we can upgrade the network where possible to ensure it is resilient.
Session: Electricity Distribution Network Resilience
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I stand here today as someone who was diagnosed, treated and cured of breast cancer this year by the amazing staff in the north-east, but not enough women are taking up their breast screening appointments. Will the Minister do more to raise awareness of, and access to, breast screening appointments, and may I urge all women to check themselves regularly?
Context
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; not enough women are taking up their breast screening appointments.
Andrew Gwynne
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for her work in this area and for setting out eloquently her own personal experiences. Of course this Government will do more to raise awareness and enable more women to access breast screening services.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Secretary of State assure her that the better buses Bill will allow them to enfranchise buses sooner rather than later?
Context
Durham residents face significant delays and unreliability in bus services, affecting daily life.
Louise Haigh
I am grateful for my hon. Friend's question. The better buses Bill is designed exactly to help authorities such as the North East combined authority. I have met the Mayor, as has the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield and Rothwell (Simon Lightwood), who has responsibility for local transport, on a number of occasions to discuss how we can ensure that the franchising process is sped up so that we can deliver better bus services much more quickly for my hon. Friend's constituents.
Session: Local Bus Services
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As the death toll rises in Gaza, so does the misery of women and girls. What is going on? Is aid not getting to them? What steps are being taken to ensure aid reaches those in need?
Context
The United Nations reports chronic issues with humanitarian aid access for women and girls in Gaza, raising concerns about health services.
Andrew Mitchell
The aim is to get humanitarian aid into Gaza and ensure a political initiative on the west bank. The UK is working to facilitate aid through narrow entrances.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituents have told me they are no longer eligible to receive the warm home discount, which, along with Ofgem's price increase, is making the cost of living even more severe in the City of Durham. Will the Minister meet me to discuss that? What, if any, discussions has he had with the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, the hon. Member for Mid Sussex (Mims Davies) about the impact of fuel poverty on disabled people?
Context
Constituents no longer eligible for the Warm Home Discount, exacerbating fuel poverty.
Graham Stuart
We are providing targeted support for the most vulnerable through the warm home discount. I am pleased to say that we have raised it to £150 and extended it so that it now reaches 3 million low-income households, giving them a rebate on their energy bills every winter.
Session: Topical Questions
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What discussions are taking place to expand measures addressing financial burdens on service personnel during the cost of living crisis?
Context
A constituent serving as an officer is financially strained, reportedly turning to food banks due to the cost of domestic assignments.
Andrew Murrison
The Ministry of Defence has introduced a 9.7% pay increase, accepted in full from the Armed Forces Pay Review Body recommendation, which is unique across the public sector for the last year.
Session: Cost of Living Armed Forces Personnel
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What steps are being taken to support armed forces personnel with the cost of living? A constituent—a serving officer—finds himself thousands of pounds out of pocket, and others report relying on food banks due to financial strain from domestic assignments. What discussions are taking place to expand measures?
Context
The question arises from constituents facing financial difficulties due to domestic assignments, including reports of individuals turning to food banks. The context includes a constituent who is out of pocket by thousands of pounds.
Andrew Murrison
The Ministry of Defence has introduced measures such as capping subsidised accommodation charges at 1%, freezing daily food charges, increasing travelling allowances by 7%, providing wraparound childcare to families, and implementing a significant pay increase of 9.7% for the lowest ranks.
Session: Cost of Living Armed Forces Personnel
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The Minister knows that free childcare is not available in Northern Ireland, but is he aware of the serious consequences that people across the north are facing, particularly women? Childcare is extremely expensive in Northern Ireland—the most expensive outside of London—so something really needs to be done. Rather than telling me that this is just a matter for the Executive, who are not even sitting, can he tell me what he is doing right now to secure free childcare for those women, and who is he speaking to about it?
Context
The question addresses the unavailability and high cost of free childcare in Northern Ireland.
Steven Baker
I know that the hon. Lady does not mean to implore me to ride roughshod over the Belfast/Good Friday agreement, but we need to abide by the devolution settlement in that agreement. Northern Ireland has its own childcare system, and it is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Northern Ireland Department of Education to put in place the much-needed policies for childcare support that the hon. Lady quite rightly raises.
Session: Cost of Childcare
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Due to a series of errors made by the CMS, my constituent has failed to receive child maintenance payments and is now on the brink of homelessness. I have been in contact with the DWP, but this case needs to be expedited. Will the Minister assure me that my constituent will receive their payment and will not be made homeless? Will she meet me to discuss this extremely important case?
Context
A constituent faces homelessness due to CMS errors preventing child maintenance payments.
Mims Davies
The hon. Lady is right; every child maintenance arrangement plays a vital role in ensuring that both parents play their part to support their children, whether they live with them or not. I am happy to take up that case urgently, on behalf of our noble Friend in the other place.
Session: Topical Questions
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Is the Minister aware of the prevalence of the unfounded and unscientific concept of parental alienation in our family courts? It is causing suffering and, in some cases, violence against women and girls. What steps is the Department taking to ensure that the courts recognise the harm of this discredited concept?
Context
The MP is concerned about the prevalence of the unfounded and unscientific concept of parental alienation within family courts, causing suffering to women and girls.
Mike Freer
The Department is well aware of concerns and matter under review. Results, including data and research behind outcomes, will be published later this year.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Treasury confirm that the £400 million plus redevelopment of Kettering General Hospital remains on track to be completed by 2030? Will standardising hospital designs help reduce costs and increase delivery efficiency?
Context
The redevelopment of Kettering General Hospital is a key aspect for improving public health and wellbeing in the area.
John Glen
Kettering General Hospital is a priority, but ensuring expenditure efficiency in health estate investment is critical. The standardisation of hospital designs for 40 new hospitals will help achieve this goal.
Session: Inflation Public Health and Wellbeing
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What recent discussions has the government had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care regarding the impact of inflation on public health and wellbeing? Inflation makes it difficult to afford essentials like food, heating, and rent, leading to delayed diagnosis, malnutrition, and severe mental health issues. The prevention approach is being undermined by austerity measures.
Context
High inflation levels are causing financial hardships for individuals, affecting their physical and mental health.
John Glen
The government discusses health budgets frequently. The public health grant will increase to £3.575 billion for the next financial year, providing real-term funding protection over two years. Additional staff are being provided through the long-term workforce plan for the NHS. Post-COVID challenges are recognised and efforts continue to reduce waiting lists.
Session: Inflation Public Health and Wellbeing
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We have seen a significant increase in the number of teachers leaving the profession in Durham. They are burnt out and their unmanageable workloads are made harder by support staff redundancies in schools where there is an absence of furniture and equipment, with children even carrying chairs between lessons so that there is somewhere to sit. One teacher said to me, “It is like being a baker with no flour, a delivery driver without a van, an IT specialist without a computer.” When will the Department provide the absolute basics for our schools in Durham?
Context
Teachers in Durham face unmanageable workloads exacerbated by support staff redundancies, leading to a lack of basic provisions such as furniture and equipment.
Gillian Keegan
We are going even further than the basics, because we will be funding education higher than we have ever funded it in our history. It will be £60 billion next year. But I do take workload seriously. As part of our discussions with the unions, we have agreed to set up a workload taskforce, which has a target to remove five hours from the school working week in addition to the five hours we have already reduced.
Session: Recruitment and Retention
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We have seen a significant increase in the number of teachers leaving the profession in Durham. They are burnt out and their unmanageable workloads are made harder by support staff redundancies in schools where there is an absence of furniture and equipment, with children even carrying chairs between lessons so that there is somewhere to sit. One teacher said to me, “It is like being a baker with no flour, a delivery driver without a van, an IT specialist without a computer.” When will the Department provide the absolute basics for our schools in Durham?
Context
A significant number of teachers are leaving the profession in Durham, impacting schools and students. Support staff redundancies exacerbate workload issues for remaining teachers.
Gillian Keegan
We are going even further than the basics, because we will be funding education higher than we have ever funded it in our history. It will be £60 billion next year. But I do take workload seriously. As part of our discussions with the unions, we have agreed to set up a workload taskforce, which has a target to remove five hours from the school working week in addition to the five hours we have already reduced.
Session: Recruitment and Retention
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Is the Minister aware that the NHS North East and North Cumbria mental health and wellbeing hub is due to close this September? With mental health care in crisis in County Durham, that is an insult to the health and social care staff who desperately rely on those services. Will the Minister reverse that decision?
Context
The MP is concerned about the impending closure of a mental health hub in County Durham amidst a crisis in mental healthcare.
Steve Barclay
There are two issues here. One is how much investment we are prioritising towards mental health; the other is how local commissioners choose to prioritise services within those communities, and whether we try to run all of those decisions from the centre in Whitehall or embrace the 42 integrated care systems and allow them to make commissioning decisions. The bottom line is that we are spending much more on mental health, with an increase of £2.3 billion compared with the position four years ago.
Session: Topical Questions
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Mine water heating is a promising technology for heating buildings in former mining regions. What forms of support does the Minister plan to offer? Will he meet me to discuss how this can be implemented in the north-east?
Context
Mine water heating is an emerging low-carbon and efficient technology that could benefit deindustrialised areas like County Durham with high levels of fuel poverty.
Graham Stuart
The Government are taking steps to support mine water heating technology, and I am willing to meet with the hon. Lady to further discuss this matter.
Session: Topical Questions
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The number of people fed by food banks, using food vouchers, has increased by over 60% in a year. Can the Secretary of State honestly say he is doing a good job of tackling food poverty in County Durham?
Context
Foy highlighted an increase in food bank usage by over 60% in a year.
Mims Davies
I congratulate the hon. Lady on the new addition. New statistics on food bank usage will help the Government to understand the characteristics of the people most in need, and we will continue to work across Government to support the most vulnerable. I was very interested to read the recent “Child of the North” report, which we are taking very seriously.
Session: Topical Questions
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Recently, Arriva gave up its subsidised 57A route, which goes through my constituency. The council has struggled to find an alternative operator because the Government have banned it from creating its own bus company—one that could serve the local community, which is left struggling to access key local services and even to get to work. Does the Minister agree that it is long overdue and common sense to end the ideological ban on municipal bus companies?
Context
Arriva has given up a subsidised route, and the council is unable to create its own company due to an ideological ban.
Mark Harper
The hon. Lady should recognise that, as I said in answer to the previous question, the North East Combined Authority and the North of Tyne Combined Authority were awarded £117.8 million to deliver their ambitious bus service improvement plan. That is the mechanism that we have set up for local authorities to have ambitious plans to work with bus operators to deliver better services for constituents, properly funded from central Government.
Session: Bus Services
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What assessment has been made of the implications for policies of trends in the number of bus services since 2019?
Context
Trends show a decrease in bus services since 2019, raising concerns about the impact on communities and public transport.
Mark Harper
The Government have invested more than £3.5 billion in buses since March 2020, including our recently announced package of up to £300 million to protect and improve services long term, and up to £200 million to continue capping bus fares on thousands of routes in England outside London until November next year.
Session: Bus Services
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Led by Durham University, the Northern Accelerator has invested more than £100 million in partner university spin-outs in the past five years. If serious about levelling up Durham, can he explain why the north-east receives just 4% of Research England's budget and six times less money than London?
Context
The Northern Accelerator has invested over £100 million in spin-outs from north-east universities, generating skilled jobs and opportunities.
George Freeman
The hon. Lady's leadership is important; research funding follows excellence, with Northumbria University rising to 16th from 42nd in league tables. Last year saw £50 billion of private investment matching public R&D, and we aim for £20 billion public R&D leading to more private money coming into the north-east.
Session: Commercialisation of Research North-east England
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What steps she is taking to support the commercialisation of science and technology research in the north-east. Led by Durham University, the Northern Accelerator has invested more than £100 million in partner university spin-outs in the past five years, bringing skilled jobs and opportunities to my constituents and across the region. If serious about levelling up Durham, can she explain why the north-east receives just 4% of Research England's budget and six times less money than London?
Context
The north-east is developing as a science and technology powerhouse, with significant investments in NETPark and Northern Accelerator.
George Freeman
We have invested £5 million into NETPark for expansion, £5 million in Northern Accelerator with six north-east universities, and nine Catapult hubs. Traditionally, research funding follows excellence; Northumbria University's rise shows northern universities are delivering increasingly excellent science. Last year, there was £50 billion of private investment matching public R&D, which will increase as we aim for £20 billion in public R&D, leading to more private money coming into the north-east.
Session: Commercialisation of Research North-east England
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What steps is the Department taking to establish a wider and longer-term funding commitment to the charity sector?
Context
The MP highlights that while the government provides short-term support, charities still face long-term funding challenges and need a more sustainable approach.
Stuart Andrew
The £100 million announced at the spring Budget supports charities facing cost of living issues, which I know the sector has welcomed. However, no mention is made of long-term commitments or additional steps beyond this immediate funding.
Session: Cost of Living Cultural and Charitable Organisations
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What steps are being taken to support cultural and charitable organisations with increases in the cost of living?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the impact of increasing costs on local charities and cultural organisations in her constituency.
Stuart Andrew
As announced at the spring Budget, £100 million is provided for charities and community organisations in England. It supports frontline organisations experiencing higher delivery costs and provides investment in energy efficiency measures. Charities and cultural organisations also receive support under the energy bills discount scheme.
Session: Cost of Living Cultural and Charitable Organisations
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In 2021, the Government rejected my amendment to the Health and Care Bill to tackle smoking and youth vaping. England is now set to miss the Smokefree 2030 target by at least seven years, and countless children are now addicted to vapes. What steps has the Minister taken to make up that lost time?
Context
The Government previously rejected an amendment to the Health and Care Bill regarding smoking and youth vaping. This rejection is causing a delay in achieving Smokefree 2030 targets.
Neil O'Brien
We are taking action across the board on smoking. We recently announced that we are giving vaping kits to a million smokers to help them swap to stop, and bringing in new health incentives for all pregnant women so they can stop.
Session: Vaping Young People
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The commitment in the Budget to invest in childcare in the early years was extremely welcome. Can she update the House on the feedback she is getting from the sector on the proposed funding rates and whether they will allow it to meet inflationary pressures, including soaring business rates bills? Will she continue to address with the Treasury some of the unavoidable costs?
Context
Concerns about the impact of rising business rates and increased national living wage on childcare providers.
Claire Coutinho
Feedback from 10,000 providers was used to set out funding rates. There has been positivity about increased rates for one and two-year-olds with £200 million this year and £288 million next year.
Session: Early Years Support for Families
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I recently visited the outstanding Laurels Childcare Company in Durham to listen to its concerns about childcare funding. Such providers are crying out for clarity on the Government's plan. More free hours must not mean more underfunded hours. The Government admitted in 2020 that it costs £7.49 to deliver an hour of free childcare for a three-year-old, yet in September providers will be paid just £5.50 for those hours. Can the Minister tell me why?
Context
The question stems from concerns expressed by childcare providers about inadequate funding and clarity on the government's plans. Providers are worried that increased free hours may not translate into better financial support.
Claire Coutinho
We conducted a survey of 10,000 different providers and used that feedback to set out the funding rates. For two-year-olds, we have increased the rate by 30% because it is higher for this age group. We have announced the single biggest investment ever in childcare with £8 billion over four years.
Session: Early Years Support for Families
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What assessment he has made of the potential merits of bringing the delivery of all prison education into the public sector.
Context
The MP inquired about the assessment of bringing all prison education into the public sector.
Damian Hinds
Improving education in prisons is a top priority. The public sector, the independent sector and the voluntary sector all have an important part to play in that. Indeed, three of the four contracted core education providers currently are classified as public sector bodies.
Session: Prison Education
View All Questions -->
We spend more than £150 million a year on a prison education system that is unfit for purpose, and much of that is extracted as profit for failing outsourced companies. Does the Minister think that is good value for money?
Context
The MP questioned the effectiveness and value for money of current prison education providers, noting an annual expenditure of over £150 million.
Damian Hinds
That is a mischaracterisation of how the education service runs in prison. There are an extraordinary number of very dedicated people working in that service, and three of the four providers, as I say, are essentially further education college providers. We can and must do better, because we know that education and the acquisition of skills help to keep people out of trouble and from returning to jail once they get out.
Session: Prison Education
View All Questions -->
The Russell Group has highlighted the scale of delays in the academic technology approval scheme, which is detrimental to students, research projects and universities. Businesses are retracting funding and PhD applicants withdrawing due to these delays. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with his Cabinet colleagues about this issue, and will he meet me to discuss the Russell Group findings?
Context
The Russell Group's research highlights ongoing delays in the academic technology approval scheme, impacting students, research projects and universities. These delays have caused businesses to retract funding and PhD applicants to withdraw from UK opportunities.
James Cleverly
We recognise that international students coming to UK universities is an important part of our economy, and we will work with other Departments to ensure that our offer to these students remains top quality.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Does my right hon. Friend agree that getting prisoners off drugs is a critical part of reducing reoffending? Can he set out the work his Department is doing to ensure prisoners leave prison drug free?
Context
A critical part of reducing reoffending is getting prisoners off drugs.
Dominic Raab
Increasing number of incentivised substance-free living units from 25 in 2022 to 100 by March 2025. Investing in drug recovery wings. Big thing is stopping illegal drugs getting into prisons and weaning offenders off heroin and methadone.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Women and Equality: North of England
05 November 2024
Main Concerns
['Women in the north of England face significant inequalities compared to other regions, including lower employment rates, higher poverty levels, and poorer health outcomes. They are more likely to work longer hours for less pay, live in worse health conditions, be unpaid carers, and have fewer qualifications. The economic cost due to disability and long-term sickness is around £0.4 billion per annum, with women earning significantly less than the national average. Additionally, the region has higher rates of absolute child poverty, more women providing unpaid care, lower life expectancy for girls born in the north, and increased risks during pregnancy and reproductive health.']
Specific Asks
['The Labour Government should introduce a national health inequalities strategy that convenes Government Departments to address wider determinants of health. The Treasury should consider targeted support for pregnant women and improving childcare services. Local government should deliver more support through careers hubs for disadvantaged youth and invest in adult education budget increases specific to the north.']
RAAC: St Leonard’s, Durham
21 November 2023
Responding: Damian Hinds
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the impact of RAAC on St Leonard's Catholic School in my constituency. The school was ordered to close just days before the autumn term began, and parts remain shut after 11 weeks due to safety concerns. This has disrupted over 1,500 pupils' education at a crucial time for GCSEs and A-levels. Parents report mental health issues among children, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as financial stress from private tuition and childcare costs."]
Specific Asks
["I urge the Minister to speed up reimbursement for critical services provided by the school trust, offer a dispensation for pupils in years 11 and 13 affected by RAAC-related closures, amend the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 or provide a one-off exemption for these students. Additionally, I ask for assurances regarding the timeline for rebuilding St Leonard's and support for children on free school meals."]
[Mrs Maria Miller in the Chair]
22 March 2022
Responding: Michelle Donelan
Main Concerns
["Framwellgate School in City of Durham was approved for a rebuild by the previous Labour Government in 2009 but plans were scrapped under the coalition Government. Despite being overdue, it has been overlooked for two rounds of funding. The school is too small, spread across multiple blocks with no social space and poor disabled access. Other schools like St Leonard's are also in desperate need. There are concerns about transparency in how funding is awarded, lack of joined-up processes between maintenance funds and rebuilds, and insufficient scope for schools to input into the design."]
Specific Asks
['The Government should ensure that Framwellgate School and other similarly needy schools receive rebuilding support. They must address transparency issues, join up processes for maintenance and rebuilds, and incorporate community needs and pandemic learnings into school designs.']
Tobacco Control Plan
10 June 2021
Responding: Jo Churchill
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the high smoking rates in County Durham, where adult smoking prevalence is 17%, compared to 13.9% nationally. She highlights that 27% of people in routine and manual occupations smoke, and smoking costs society £122 million annually in County Durham alone. The MP points out that the Government's current approach will not achieve the ambition of a smoke-free 2030, with 1,500 deaths from smoking-related diseases every week."]
Specific Asks
["The MP calls for investment and asks if the proposals put forward by the APPG on smoking and health will be considered in the tobacco control plan. She specifically requests that the Government deliver a 'polluter pays' approach to fund tobacco control measures, as committed to in the prevention Green Paper."]
Independent Schools: Regulation of Proprietors
07 July 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The sudden closure of Durham high school in Mary Foy's constituency has caused significant distress among students, parents, and staff due to a lack of communication from the company Galaxy Global Edu...
Civil Service Pensions
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
15 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves to express concern over the state of NHS dentistry, noting that nearly 14 million people in England could not access dental care. Highlights issues such as lack of availability for children in S...
Health and Social Care Bill
01 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, James Murray, moved the Second Reading of the Health and Social Care Bill. He emphasised the personal significance of the NHS in his life due to a ra...
Smoking Health Etc (England) Bill - Clause 1 and related Lords amendments
23 March 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, That this House agrees with Lords amendment 1. The speech does not provide detailed arguments for the amendment.
Heating Oil Support
16 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Palliative Care
05 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Ms Maskell moved that the House notes the findings of the Independent Palliative Care Commission and calls on the Government to implement its recommendations in full. She emphasised the need for a com...
Police Grant Report
11 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Policing Minister Sarah Jones moved to approve the Police Grant Report for England and Wales, emphasising a £1.3 billion increase in funding compared to the previous year, with £432 million coming...
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
29 November 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill would give terminally ill adults the choice to end their life under stringent criteria, which include two medical professionals and a High Court judge's approval. Kim highlights the need for ...
Smoking Control Bill - Clause on raising smoking age by one year every year
26 November 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the Smoking Control Bill, which raises the legal age for purchasing tobacco by one year annually. Emphasises that this will lead to a smoke-free generation and reduce smoking-related deaths. Out...
St Leonard’s Catholic School
23 April 2024
The petition addresses the Department for Education's inadequate response to the anxieties and stress caused by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) at St Leonard’s Catholic School in City of...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
71.3%
67 of 94 votes
Aye Votes
24
25.5% of votes
No Votes
43
45.7% of votes
Abstentions
27
28.7% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
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 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
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: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
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
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 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
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 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
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 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
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
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
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
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
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: 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
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED 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: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
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 NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
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 NO
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
6
PMQs Asked
77
Ministerial Questions Asked
120
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
1
Statements / Bills
1
Petitions Presented
94
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
+64% above average
This MP:
6
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+474% above average
This MP:
77
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+59% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2369% above average
This MP:
120
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-89% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+4% above average
This MP:
71.3
Average:
68.8
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 Mary Foy's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.