Mary Glindon
MP for Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Lab
6 May 2010 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I welcome the Government’s commitment to tackling child poverty and recognising high-quality education as an escape route. However, young people attending Churchill community college have been taught in temporary accommodation for over 16 months. Can the Prime Minister use his good offices to expedite funding from the Department for Education to support rebuilding that school?
Context
Young people in a deprived area attend Churchill Community College which has been taught in temporary accommodation for over 16 months due to school deterioration under previous government.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
Proud of what we are doing on child poverty, lifting half a million children out of it. The situation my hon. Friend describes is appalling; schools crumbling under previous government's neglect. £20 billion invested to rebuild around 800 schools, aiming for all RAAC-free by end of Parliament.
Assessment
Specific funding expedited not addressed
Investing In Rebuilding Schools
Session: PMQs
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For people who followed covid rules at great personal cost, will the Prime Minister join me in ensuring we learn lessons from the pandemic and that Conservatives learn the lessons about their behaviour?
Context
The Leader of the Opposition described public outrage over Downing Street's breaches during lockdown as 'overblown'.
Keir Starmer
Across the country, people made enormous sacrifices during covid. They missed weddings, births and deaths—really important moments in their lives. People saved lives of others they will probably never meet. Unfortunately, the party opposite set rules but did not follow them themselves.
Assessment
The specific commitment to learning lessons was not directly addressed.
Praised Previous Government
Highlighted Sacrifices
Session: PMQs
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It has been an honour to meet my constituent Tom Morton, a young person in care who cares so deeply about politics and communities—he is sat in the Public Gallery today. Young people in care are at disproportionate risk of criminal and cynical exploitation by drug barons through county lines. Will the Prime Minister tell Tom and the House what steps the Government will take to prevent vulnerable children in care from becoming involved in county lines operations?
Context
Young person Tom Morton, sitting in the Public Gallery, is concerned about criminal exploitation through county lines affecting those in care.
Keir Starmer
I welcome Tom to the House. It is encouraging to see young people engaging in democracy. County lines is a real problem, and all of us will have experienced its effect and impact in our constituencies. Our county lines programme focuses on preventing young people from being exploited and lured into criminal gangs, which is far too common, and we are committed to introducing a new offence of child criminal exploitation—that is long overdue. We will also create a network of Young Futures hubs, staffed with professional youth workers, mental health support workers and career advisers, to provide focused support for young people, helping them to fulfil their ambitions and preventing them from being drawn into crime.
Session: PMQs
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Three North Tyneside schools have been identified as having a structural problem—not reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete—and hundreds of pupils are now being taught off site. The costs of putting those schools right significantly outweigh the £3.5 million school condition allocation funding for all of North Tyneside. Will the Prime Minister ensure that the Department for Education applies this policy: if it is alerted to significant issues with a building that cannot be managed with local resources, it will provide additional support on a case-by-case basis?
Context
Three North Tyneside schools are facing structural issues with RAAC and hundreds of pupils have been relocated due to safety concerns. The cost to fix these issues significantly exceeds the £3.5 million allocated.
Rishi Sunak
I thank the hon. Lady for raising the case. As she knows, the Department for Education has provided extensive support and funding to all those schools that have RAAC, which in the end was less than 1% of all schools that could have been affected. More generally, there is the very significant amount we are investing in school rebuilding and maintenance.
Assessment
Did not commit to providing additional support on a case-by-case basis when alerted to structural issues.
Provided Extensive Support And Funding
Significant Amount We Are Investing
Session: PMQs
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With thousands of steelworkers' jobs on the line, the likelihood of industrial action and reports of a deal for India to be exempt from carbon taxes, will this Government now back the detailed, serious and robust multi-union proposal as the only way to keep primary steel making in the UK?
Context
MP questions the government's support for steelworkers' jobs, including energy cost relief proposals.
Oliver Dowden
The Government will engage with any proposals that have been brought forward, as we always do, but it is actually the case that we have already provided over £700 million in energy cost relief to the steel sector in the past 10 years. It is also the case that, even in the past year, the Government spent £97 million more on UK-made steel for major public projects.
Assessment
The questioner asked whether the government would back a multi-union proposal to keep steel production viable. The answer did not address backing this proposal directly but provided information about past support for the sector.
Provided Historical Context
Mentioned Recent Spending On Uk-Made Steel
Session: PMQs
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A KPMG study finds a strong economic case to remove power cables over the Tyne. Despite my questions to previous Prime Ministers, we are no further forward. Can this Prime Minister finally secure a commitment from National Grid to implement its clear legal obligation and fund this vital work? This fog on the Tyne is impeding local businesses and risks possible net GVA benefits of up to £1.2 billion. Our great river needs action now.
Context
A KPMG study finds a strong economic case to remove power cables over the Tyne, but previous PMs have not secured commitments from National Grid.
Rishi Sunak
I am happy to look into the issue that the hon. Lady raises. What would be damaging to the north-east and the Tyne are her party's plans to stick with their completely ridiculous 2030 decarbonisation target with absolutely no plan to pay for it, which just means higher taxes for everyone in her constituency and the country.
Assessment
Shifted focus to Labour's policies rather than addressing cable removal
Criticised Opposition
Session: PMQs
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While the Home Secretary was signing his new treaty in Rwanda, his Department put out a £700 million contract to manage small boat arrivals until 2030. Does that not show the plan will not work?
Context
The Home Secretary signed a new treaty in Rwanda, but his Department put out a £700 million contract to manage small boat arrivals until 2030.
Rishi Sunak
That is a total mischaracterisation of what was put out, which was an advert, not a commitment. Our track record shows we have reduced small boat arrivals by over a third this year.
Assessment
Did not address the question about flaws in managing small boat arrivals plan.
Attack
Session: PMQs
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With no new funding announced by the Chancellor this winter and high fuel prices, what Christmas message does the Prime Minister have for constituents facing freezing conditions?
Context
13% of North Tynesiders are in fuel poverty, with legacy prepayment meters in 3,000 homes; poor energy efficiency ranking.
Rishi Sunak
We provided substantial support to vulnerable families this year and winter, including energy efficiency programmes like the home upgrade scheme.
Assessment
Christmas message for constituents in fuel poverty
Substantial Support Given
Session: PMQs
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We have heard far too much lately about ministerial posteriors and little about prosperity for the country. Even in these dying days of a lame-duck Government, will the Prime Minister stop prevaricating and subscribe to the Horizon programme for the sake of vital British science, innovation and cancer research?
Context
The Prime Minister is being urged to subscribe to the Horizon programme in order to support vital research and innovation.
Rishi Sunak
This Government are investing record sums in British science and research and development, because we believe that is critical to a brighter economic future and spreading opportunity. Our priority and preference is to associate to Horizon, but we want to make sure that that is on terms that are right both for the British taxpayer and for British science and research. I can commit to the hon. Lady that we have been extensively involved in discussions. I hope to be able to conclude those successfully and, when we do, I hope she will be the first to stand up and congratulate the Government.
Assessment
Did not confirm subscription but stated preference and commitment to terms being right for taxpayers and research
Session: PMQs
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After announcing her retirement, North Tyneside-born Sarah Hunter MBE played her final game of rugby at the opening women's Six Nations match at Kingston Park last Saturday. Sarah is the most capped international rugby player in the world, a true professional, a great ambassador for her sport and an inspiration to many.
Context
Sarah Hunter, a North Tyneside-born rugby player, played her final game at the opening women's Six Nations match last Saturday.
Dominic Raab
The hon. Lady is absolutely right. I pay tribute to Sarah's trailblazing record.
Session: PMQs
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With an estimated £4 billion in furlough fraud, shouldn't we have tackled it more aggressively? In North Tyneside, even our own party's member was on furlough but continued to work. How could this happen?
Context
The MP highlighted estimated £4 billion losses to the Government from furlough scheme fraud, including instances of party staff claiming furlough while working.
Boris Johnson
The hon. Lady questions if we should have moved faster with furlough; everyone understood its urgency despite Labour's past demands for speed. We added £100 million to combat fraud, amounting to £23 billion lost under the previous Labour government.
Assessment
The PM did not address why they didn't tackle fraud more aggressively but defended their response timing and Labour's past record.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Prime Minister commit his Government to work with us to realise the full potential of our great river, given that local authorities have set up a new Tyne taskforce?
Context
The River Tyne has been repeatedly sidelined by the Government despite constant lobbying for investment in employment opportunities and net zero transition.
Boris Johnson
The hon. Lady is absolutely right that the River Tyne is a massive economic asset for the whole of the north-east. It has suffered from historic contamination, but we are going to work with the North East local enterprise partnership to invest another £6 million to help to develop clear plans for sustainable economic growth along the whole of the estuary.
Session: PMQs
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At the age of six, Ellis Lake was diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy, which is treatable if diagnosed early. His parents Tracy and Luke are campaigning for newborn screening for the disease. The UK National Screening Committee did not recommend screening in its last review of the condition, but it did outline that it was gathering more evidence. Will the Minister look at how the process can be expedited?
Context
Ellis Lake, a six-year-old diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy, which is treatable if diagnosed early. His parents are campaigning for newborn screening for the disease.
Sharon Hodgson
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that very important matter. My sympathy is with the Lake family, and I commend them for their advocacy on this issue. I am acutely aware of the matter, having met the hon. Member for Upper Bann (Carla Lockhart) and her constituents about this issue last week, in a very moving meeting. I assure my hon. Friend that the Department is working with partners to see whether it is possible to set up a multi-condition evaluation, so that not only MLD but other rare conditions can be assessed alongside the existing screening programmes.
Session: Topical Questions
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At a roundtable I hosted last year, the Secretary of State set out the principles behind the clean industry bonus. However, competing against lower-cost regions remains a concern for fabricators in the future. Will the Minister ensure that the CIB is as robust and creative as possible so that developers buy from British yards?
Context
The Clean Industry Bonus was set out as an innovative principle in a roundtable hosted by the questioner. Developers need assurance that this scheme will be robust to compete with lower-cost regions.
Chris McDonald
The allocation round was incredibly successful, attracting £90 billion of private sector investment. In the north-east, we are forecasting an increase of 20,000 jobs and want those supply chain jobs here in the UK.
Session: Clean Energy Private Sector Investment
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What discussions has he had with private sector representatives to secure investment in clean energy industries? The allocation round 7 was a success and attracted £90 billion of private sector investment in collaboration with sector councils. However, competing against lower-cost regions remains a concern for fabricators. Will the Minister ensure that the Clean Industry Bonus is robust enough so that developers buy from British yards?
Context
Private sector representatives have been discussing investments in the UK's clean energy sectors, particularly offshore wind.
Chris McDonald
The allocation round was incredibly successful, attracting £90 billion of private sector investment. The Clean Industry Bonus will support jobs in the north-east where we forecast an increase of 20,000 jobs and ensure that supply chain jobs remain in the UK.
Session: Clean Energy Private Sector Investment
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Leaseholders contact me regularly about extortionate service charges that make their properties unsellable. Is the Secretary of State confident that without directly limiting their rate of increase, the Government's reforms will address unreasonable charges making properties unsellable?
Context
Leaseholders in Newcastle are facing high service charges, leading to financial strain and difficulty selling properties.
Steve Reed
We are determined to take action to address unfair and unjustified charges. We are committed to implementing the measures in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 as quickly as possible.
Session: Leasehold Reform
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The Minister’s announcement is welcome, but last year, in England and Wales, 18% of the people who were found to be at risk of homelessness or were experiencing homelessness were aged just 16 to 24. That number is far too high. Will the Minister agree to meet the YMCA and the Youth Homeless Chapter Collective to discuss the action needed to support young people and reduce homelessness for good?
Context
Mary Glindon referenced statistics on youth homelessness in England and Wales, noting that 18% of people at risk or experiencing homelessness are aged between 16 to 24. This highlights the disproportionate impact on young individuals.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
I congratulate my hon. Friend on sharing those figures with the House, because even though it is quite hard to hear them, it is important that we do not look away from this crisis. I will of course meet her and the charities she mentions.
Session: Homelessness
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President Trump and envoy Steve Witkoff played an important role in securing the previous ceasefire agreement. At crucial moments, Netanyahu has been receptive to Trump’s wishes; we saw that earlier this year, when Israel and Iran stepped back from the brink. As the White House has a defining role to play here, will the Foreign Secretary, with our allies, urge the US to apply its full weight to its leverage?
Context
President Trump and envoy Steve Witkoff played an important role in securing the previous ceasefire agreement.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)
I agree very much with my hon. Friend. The US of course has a key role to play in securing a lasting peace in the region. As the Foreign Secretary said yesterday, he has raised the issues directly with his American counterparts, as have the rest of the ministerial team.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Aid
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The power cables over the Tyne are a barrier to businesses securing work for large renewable energy structures, risking possible net GVA benefits of up to £1.2 billion. It has been proposed that the removal of the cables will be completed in 2032. Will the Secretary of State help me push for it to be brought forward so that Tyneside is not held back in the global race for green jobs?
Context
The power cables over the River Tyne are a barrier to businesses securing work for large renewable energy structures, potentially risking possible net GVA benefits of up to £1.2 billion. The removal of these cables is planned to be completed in 2032.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
First, I congratulate my hon. Friend on being such a brilliant champion of the port of Tyne and what it offers, and she is right to draw attention to this important issue. Approval of any works to reroute the line is a matter for Ofgem, but we stand ready to engage with her and, indeed, Ofgem to try to bring this forward. I suggest that my hon. Friend the Energy Minister meets her to discuss this important issue.
Session: Green Industries Supply Chain Jobs
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Thousands of Palestinians, including children, are detained by the Israeli military. Reports of mistreatment and torture date back to UNICEF’s 2013 report on children in Israeli military detention. Last year, the UN special rapporteurs highlighted the escalating use of torture against Palestinian detainees with people raped, electrocuted, waterboarded, suspended from ceilings, tied to beds, blindfolded and made to wear nappies. What can the Church do to help end this appalling cruelty?
Context
Reports of mistreatment and torture in Israeli detention centers, including UNICEF's 2013 report on children's abuse.
Marsha De Cordova
The Church unequivocally condemns all forms of violence and torture, and I know I speak for many when I say impunity for abuse against Palestinian detainees must end. But there is a hard limit on what the Church can do while the Israeli military continues to oppress Palestinians in the west bank and Gaza. We need an end to the occupation, a return of all Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees without charge, an immediate ceasefire and all essential aid allowed into Gaza.
Session: Occupied Palestinian Territories Christians
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I am concerned that churches in my constituency are finding it hard to cope with the rise in revenue costs. Can my hon. Friend tell us what is being done to support the financial position of English parish churches more generally?
Context
Churches in Mary Glindon's constituency are facing uncertainty about the future of the grant scheme after 2026, and increased revenue costs such as insurance.
Marsha De Cordova
There are challenges for parishes due to increases in running costs such as national insurance and energy costs. The Church Commissioners have distributed £1.2 billion to support parishes between 2023 and 2025.
Session: Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of Great British Energy funding on Northern Ireland? Does the Minister agree that Northern Ireland can gain from a Labour Government working with the Northern Ireland Executive on transitioning to clean power?
Context
The Labour MP is concerned about the impact of Great British Energy's funding on Northern Ireland, referencing the party's net zero target and advocating for collaboration between the Labour Government and the Northern Ireland Executive.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Fleur Anderson)
Great British Energy will operate across the whole of the United Kingdom, helping to reduce reliance on imported gas and bring down energy bills. The UK Ministers and GB Energy are working with Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy to explore opportunities to increase clean energy deployment by 030, starting with £1.6 million of funding to the Executive for sustainable energy.
Session: Great British Energy
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During a walkabout with local officials, I heard about the collaboration between police, retailers, and the council to tackle retail crime. However, smaller retailers cannot afford personal safety equipment for their staff. Does the Minister have any plans to help small shop owners cover these costs?
Context
Smaller retailers struggle to afford personal safety equipment for staff, unlike larger retailers.
Diana Johnson
The Government has announced £7 million over three years for police to tackle retail crime, including funding a specialist policing team. Additionally, there is £100,000 available to the National Police Chiefs’ Council to assist with security measures.
Session: Topical Questions
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With the town’s access to the world’s biggest offshore wind farm, a cluster of advanced manufacturing firms and an expanding energy skills academy, more of Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend’s potential is yet to be tapped. What discussions is the Minister having with the Energy Secretary to ensure that the investment is there and that green supply chains are anchored in places such as Tyneside?
Context
The MP highlighted the town's proximity to the world's largest offshore wind farm, a cluster of advanced manufacturing firms, and an expanding energy skills academy. She noted that more potential remains untapped in her constituency.
Torsten Bell (Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)
I have spent far too much of my life talking to the now Energy Secretary, but my hon. Friend is right to highlight the potential of green energy supply chains in her constituency and across the north-east. This is a Government committed to securing economic gains alongside energy security from the energy transition —in stark contrast to the previous Government, who thought the net zero transition was something on which to create dividing lines, not jobs.
Session: Investment Newcastle Upon Tyne East and Wallsend
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When does she expect the Equality and Human Rights Commission to publish its revised code of practice for services, public functions and associations?
Context
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is revising its code of practice for services, public functions, and associations in response to confusion about the same-sex exceptions in the Equality Act 2010.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Anneliese Dodds)
It is vital that service providers have clear guidance about the Equality Act. The EHRC has already published non-statutory guidance on the legislation for separate and single-sex service providers, and the new Government have also acted to underline that single-sex refuges, for example, are fully legally compliant, as I emphasised when I visited such a refuge in September.
Session: EHRC Code of Practice
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My constituent is trying to prevent her neighbour from building an extension that would impact her restrictive covenant. She was quoted £80,000 to £100,000 for legal action against the neighbour. These costs make civil law inaccessible to ordinary people. Will the Minister consider bringing restrictive covenants into the planning process as a material consideration?
Context
A constituent is facing high legal costs to prevent a neighbour from building an extension that would affect her rights under a restrictive covenant.
The Minister for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook)
Legal restrictions on properties are not usually treated as material planning considerations; the planning process only addresses whether the development is acceptable in planning terms. Material considerations must relate to a planning purpose such as the character or use of the land. If the hon. Member wishes to write with further details, I will endeavour to explore it further.
Session: Planning Reform
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Given that the Israeli Cabinet has recently approved a financial package to increase the number of illegal settlements in the Golan heights, what assessment has the Secretary of State made of the veracity of Israel’s statement?
Context
The Israeli Government stated that their presence in the Golan heights buffer zone is defensive, limited and temporary. Israel's Cabinet has approved a financial package to increase the number of illegal settlements.
David Lammy (Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
My hon. Friend will be pleased that I raised this issue directly with the Israeli Foreign Minister yesterday. He wanted to emphasise that this is a temporary measure in Israel’s national interests, and I emphasised that the Syrian Foreign Minister had made it clear to me that the Syrians stand by the 1974 commitment and do not want to seek any escalation with their Israeli neighbour.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Secretary of State assure me that there will be an equality impact assessment before any decision is made, to ensure that the needs of those with protected characteristics and caring responsibilities are fully considered?
Context
The proposed closure of an office in Newcastle raises concerns about the impact on staff with protected characteristics and those with caring responsibilities. The Department has previously engaged in efforts to increase working hours at offices.
Angela Rayner
As my hon. Friend knows, I am a big advocate of flexible working and making sure that we support our colleagues. The Department prepared an initial equality impact assessment in advance of the announcement of the location strategy, which will be developed during the consultation with the staff and the trade unions to inform the mitigations that will support the staff who are affected.
Session: Departmental Office Closures
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What consultation her Department has undertaken with staff on the decision to close six offices?
Context
The decision to close six offices has prompted concerns about staff engagement and impact on local communities. The Department's workforce and location strategy proposes retaining 16 of the existing 22 departmental offices.
Angela Rayner
My Department has set a workforce and location strategy that proposes to retain 16 of the existing 22 departmental offices. This will result in six offices closing over the next two years. Staff engagement on the announcement is ongoing, and consultation on implementing the strategy is beginning this month. My Department will continue to engage with the trade unions and consult with them before the office closure proposals are finalised and implemented.
Session: Departmental Office Closures
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What discussions has he had with Israeli political leaders to supplement that action?
Context
Reports of attacks on UNIFIL bases by the Israel Defence Forces.
Hamish Falconer
We are absolutely clear that attacks by the IDF on UNIFIL bases must stop, and they must stop immediately. We have called on Israel to that effect. We have called on all parties to uphold their obligations in ensuring the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel.
Session: Lebanon Ceasefire
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What diplomatic steps he is taking to help secure a ceasefire in Lebanon. The reported attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon bases by the Israel Defence Forces show disregard for resolution 1701 and the existing diplomatic framework for peace. Can the Foreign Minister tell the House what discussions he has had with Israeli political leaders to supplement that action?
Context
Calls for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Lebanon, with concerns over attacks on UNIFIL bases.
Hamish Falconer
We are absolutely clear that attacks by the IDF on UNIFIL bases must stop, and they must stop immediately. We have called on Israel to that effect. We have called on all parties to uphold their obligations in ensuring the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel. I am sure that many in this House will be looking each day at the reports from UNIFIL on the situation there.
Session: Lebanon Ceasefire
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I am pleased to hear that the Secretary of State has said that she will prevent another scandal such as the sudden sacking of 800 P&O ferry employees two years ago. Will she please outline what steps she intends to take to stop anything like that ever happening again?
Context
The previous government was criticized for its handling of the sudden sacking of 800 P&O ferry employees.
Louise Haigh
I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for her question. The previous Government took two-and-a-half years after the P&O ferry scandal to do nothing. In fewer than 100 days, we are bringing forward legislation that will prevent such a scandal ever happening again, and we are working with operators who employ properly in this space and the trade unions to bring forward protections on rostering as well.
Session: Topical Questions
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In 14 years, the Tory Government did nothing to tackle the ludicrous situation whereby there are over 200 pay bargaining units for civil servants across all Government Departments and agencies, a highly time-consuming and inefficient process that generates unfair pay disparities between people doing near-identical jobs in different Government offices. Will the Minister take this opportunity to look again at whether pay bargaining can be consolidated across the civil service, and will he agree to meet the Public and Commercial Services Union to discuss the advantages of such reforms?
Context
Glindon highlights a long-standing issue where there are over 200 pay bargaining units across Government Departments, leading to inefficiency and unfair pay disparities.
Pat McFadden
We do value civil servants, and of course we want all public servants to be properly and fairly rewarded. As with any public expenditure, what is spent on pay has to be balanced against other priorities and fair to taxpayers as a whole. On meeting the PCS, yesterday, I met the general secretary of the PCS, as well as other civil service unions. I hope for a fruitful dialogue with them. Departments do have flexibility on pay. They can direct pay towards the needs of their own workforces.
Session: Civil Service National Pay Bargaining Units
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Will the Attorney General take the opportunity today to call on Israel to take the steps ordered by the Court?
Context
The International Court of Justice issued an interim ruling on the Gaza conflict, setting out steps for Israel to take. The Netanyahu Government has not complied with this ruling.
Victoria Prentis
This Government firmly respect the role and the independence of the ICJ. Its ruling, or order, called for the immediate release of the hostages and referred to the need to get more aid into Gaza, and that is exactly what the Government are also calling for.
Session: International Humanitarian Law Israel-Palestine Conflict
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Currently, other than the Heritage Fund and potential regional government funding, there are no other sources of funding that would help cultural and heritage sites meet climate change targets. What are the Government doing directly to ensure that heritage sites can be resilient against climate change and have sustainable futures?
Context
The question addresses the lack of funding sources besides the Heritage Fund and regional government funding, which are not sufficient for heritage sites to meet climate change targets.
Julia Lopez
I thank the hon. Member for raising that issue. We have been looking into how historic buildings can reduce energy consumption. Historic England has guidance to help museums, and we will look at what more we can do.
Session: Heritage Sector Net Zero
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What steps her Department is taking to help the heritage sector reach net zero.
Context
The question asks about specific steps the Department is taking to assist heritage sites in achieving net zero emissions.
Julia Lopez
Earlier this year, we published a review of barriers faced by owners of historic homes to reducing energy consumption. It made commitments across planning, skills and finance to assist the heritage sector on its journey to net zero, including consulting on local listed building consent orders.
Session: Heritage Sector Net Zero
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April's new price cap will see 6 million households across the UK in fuel poverty and National Energy Action estimates this figure will include 8,800 households in North Tyneside alone. The Government promised their household upgrading scheme would help 100,000 households but in nine months it has helped fewer than 5,000 and only 15 in my constituency. Can the Minister account for the abysmal failure of the flagship policy?
Context
The questioner highlights a significant increase in fuel poverty due to the new price cap and criticizes the government's household upgrading scheme for its poor performance.
Amanda Solloway
I stand by the Government's record of support on fuel poverty: we have helped with affordability and with insulation and energy efficiency. We have given unprecedented support to 350,000 households, who were kept out of fuel poverty at the energy peak in 2022.
Session: Fuel Poverty Winter 2023-24
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Will the Minister support the call from Northumbria's PCC Kim McGuinness for further investigation into police resources as, clearly, not all areas of the country have benefited equally from the uplift programme?
Context
Northumbria police force has lost officers and budget since 2010. The PCC Kim McGuinness calls for further investigation into police resources.
Chris Philp
Northumbria force's funding has gone up by £28 million this financial year—a 7.6% increase and more than double the rate of inflation. Conservative PCCs tend to spend those resources most wisely.
Session: Neighbourhood Policing
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Ministers will be aware that four schools in North Tyneside closed just over a month ago because of a structural problem not related to RAAC. The 1,700 pupils have been relocated, thanks to the council and to the schools working together. Can the Minister assure me that funding will be made available either to rebuild or to restructure the schools as soon as it is needed?
Context
Four schools in North Tyneside closed just over a month ago because of a structural problem.
Damian Hinds
Yes, and I am aware that the hon. Lady has met my noble Friend Baroness Barran. Inspections by structural engineers are ongoing, as I think the hon. Lady will know, but the early indications are that this was a historical and isolated issue about the way the school was built.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Minister ensure that the highly regulated land-based industry can better innovate and grow by ensuring that the right option is chosen on the changes proposed to machine rules?
Context
The MP asked about potential changes to machine rules for the adult gaming sector, currently out for consultation, that could enable better innovation and growth within the highly regulated land-based industry.
Stuart Andrew
The hon. Lady is right that the rules for the land-based sector have been very out of date for some time. That is why doing these consultations has been really helpful; it has identified further work that needed to be done. We have had a second consultation on some of that but, again, we will still be on course to implement the changes by the summer.
Session: Gambling Consultation
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What progress has the Department made on responding to the consultations on the gambling White Paper?
Context
The MP inquired about the government's progress in addressing concerns raised through three consultations initiated after the publication of the Gambling White Paper.
Stuart Andrew
The Government launched three consultations following the gambling White Paper. We are considering all the evidence that was received and will publish the Government response soon. Our response to the consultation on the introduction of the online slots limit is due to be published imminently, and we are on track for implementation of the recommendations by the summer.
Session: Gambling Consultation
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Will the Attorney General address the implications for Post Office's ability to pursue private prosecutions, and what role should the CPS have?
Context
The Horizon scandal has raised concerns about the power of organisations to pursue private prosecutions. The question addresses the need for Crown Prosecution Service oversight.
Victoria Prentis
These matters are being considered carefully within Government. The priority is to right wrongs from the Horizon scandal, and there is work underway to ensure future scrutiny of private prosecutions.
Session: Government Rule of Law
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What recent steps have been taken with Cabinet colleagues to ensure the rule of law is upheld within Government?
Context
The rule of law is a critical constitutional principle. The question arises in the context of ensuring its upholding by government entities.
Victoria Prentis
I have always been clear that the rule of law is fundamental to our constitution, and it is the duty of the Law Officers to uphold it. I take this duty seriously, engaging with colleagues across Government to ensure the rule of law is protected for generations to come.
Session: Government Rule of Law
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The scandal of the unjustified prosecution of sub-postmasters the length and breadth of this country is almost beyond words. Although it should not have taken a TV drama to get action, it is good that those found guilty in England will now have their convictions quashed, but meanwhile, in Scotland, we are no clearer on how those wrongly convicted will get justice. What is the Minister doing to ensure that those who were wrongly convicted in Scotland finally get the justice they deserve?
Context
The issue concerns the wrongful prosecution of sub-postmasters using evidence from the Horizon IT system, affecting communities in Scotland. The First Minister initially claimed that he would be happy for this Parliament to legislate for every victim across the UK, but his Lord Advocate then said she does not support blanket exoneration.
John Lamont
Officials from the UK Government are working with their counterparts from the various devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Government, to fully understand the legislative options that are available across the respective jurisdictions. I reassure the hon. Member that it remains a priority for all concerned to ensure that those sub-postmasters receive justice and compensation as quickly as possible, irrespective of where they live in the United Kingdom.
Session: Horizon Prosecution of Postmasters
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Whether he has had recent discussions with the Advocate General for Scotland on the prosecution of postmasters using evidence from the Horizon IT system. In Scotland, these prosecutions were carried out by the Crown Office and the procurator fiscal. Ministers of the Crown were made aware of concerns around potentially unsafe prosecutions in 2013. Can the Minister tell the House why it took so long for the prosecutions to be halted and for previous convictions to be reviewed?
Context
The question arises from concerns over the wrongful prosecution of sub-postmasters using evidence from the Horizon IT system, affecting communities across Scotland. The issue dates back to 2013 when Ministers were made aware of potential unsafe prosecutions.
John Lamont
The ongoing situation with the Post Office and Horizon is clearly very serious. We need to ensure that all sub-postmasters wrongly prosecuted finally get justice, no matter where they reside in the UK. My officials are working at pace with the office of the Advocate General and other key UK Government Departments to consider the issues around wrongful convictions. The administration of justice is devolved but the UK Government are in contact with the Scottish Government to explore the most effective way to exonerate and compensate those innocent people.
Session: Horizon Prosecution of Postmasters
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Will the Minister explain why the current design of universal credit is failing these families given that figures from the Trussell Trust show a record 26,000 emergency food parcels for children in the north-east between April and September?
Context
Figures from the Trussell Trust show that food banks in the north-east provided a record 26,000 emergency food parcels for children between April and September, with need doubling over five years. Most families turn to food banks due to insufficient income.
Mims Davies
400,000 fewer children are in absolute poverty. We have added food security questions to the family resources survey and will look at that. £8 million has been allocated in the household support fund for Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend.
Session: Child Poverty
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What steps his Department is taking to help reduce the number of children in poverty. Figures show over 900,000 job vacancies across the UK and evidence indicates work reduces child poverty risk.
Context
Child poverty is a major concern, with numerous families struggling to meet basic needs.
Mims Davies
In 2023-24 we are spending around £124 billion through the welfare system on people of working age and children. Our focus is on supporting parents into, and to progress within, work with over 900,000 vacancies across the UK. Announcements include raising local housing allowance back to the 30th percentile, increasing benefits and the national living wage.
Session: Child Poverty
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What steps has the Department taken to deliver the measures proposed in the national food strategy to encourage the reformulation of food and drink products?
Steve Barclay
That is one of the issues that I look forward to dealing with in the weeks ahead, and I shall be happy to drop a note to the hon. Lady.
Session: Topical Questions
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As part of the recent floating offshore wind manufacturing investment scheme, ambitious and comprehensive bids for funding to support developments by three major industry players on the Tyne were unsuccessful. Will the Minister meet me and those key Tyne businesses to discuss what further opportunities the Department can bring to mobilise the high-quality assets of our great river?
Context
Bids for funding to support developments by industry players on the Tyne were unsuccessful.
Graham Stuart
The Government are collaborating with industry to identify solutions to unblock barriers to offshore wind deployment. I know that the UK Infrastructure Bank is providing support to the Port of Tyne. The FLOWMIS project is currently live, so I cannot comment on it, but I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss these issues.
Session: Topical Questions
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There is a backlog of over 22,432 people waiting for an Access to Work decision, with an average delay of 48 days. Does this revolution in employment support for health conditions and disabilities include addressing the backlogs?
Context
A backlog of over 22,400 individuals are waiting for an Access to Work decision with an average delay of 48 days.
Tom Pursglove
The Government is working hard to support more disabled people into work, with a staffing increase for Access to Work from 375 to over 500 full-time staff members. The focus is on prioritising job starts and streamlining processes.
Session: Employment for Disabled People
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The research by Versus Arthritis has found that one in five people described as economically inactive have a musculoskeletal condition causing over 23 million working days lost in 2021 alone. Will the Minister ask the Chancellor for additional support in the autumn statement, to help people with arthritis and MSK conditions find and remain in work?
Context
Research by Versus Arthritis indicates that musculoskeletal conditions cause significant economic inactivity, leading to over 23 million working days lost in 2021. One in five economically inactive individuals have MSK conditions.
Tom Pursglove
The Chancellor has emphasised this policy area through previous spending announcements, and initiatives such as Work Well are being consulted upon. The Government recognises that retention is just as important as job starts.
Session: Employment for Disabled People
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The recent programme for government launched by the Scottish First Minister only revealed a tired Government too distracted by internal squabbling to achieve anything for the people of Scotland. Does the Minister agree that the Scottish people deserve a change of Government in Scotland and Westminster, with a Labour Government focused on tackling the cost of living and improving living standards for the whole of the UK?
Context
The question refers to the recent Scottish Government's programme for government, suggesting it is not focused on key issues like NHS, schools, economy, and transport.
John Lamont
The SNP's programme for government was a complete and utter missed opportunity: rather than focusing on Scotland's NHS and schools, and our economy and transport links, the SNP is too busy planning independence rallies. Scotland does need change, and I am confident that, in the next general election, we will see that change in the election of even more Scottish Conservative and Unionist MPs.
Session: Government Spending Public Services
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Backbench Business
16 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Regional Innovation and Growth
18 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
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.
Energy Markets
05 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...
Women’s State Pension Age Communication PHSO Report 2026-01-29
29 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Budget Resolutions 2025-11-27
27 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Chancellor is destroying the economy by putting up taxes, which has led to increased unemployment, diminished living standards, higher inflation and lost fiscal headroom. Labour's economic policy,...
Offshore Wind Supply Chain Tyneside 2025-10-29
29 October 2025
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
I thank Mr Speaker for granting the debate. Tonight, I set out the case for further Government support being needed for the offshore wind sector in places such as Tyneside. Smulders Projects UK, a cri...
North Sea Oil and Gas Industry 2025-10-27
27 October 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the UK Government will support the North Sea oil and gas industry, particularly in light of Petrofac's entry into administration? The MP raises concerns about job losses...
Sir David Amess Summer Adjournment 2025-07-22
22 July 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focused on several issues including making Stanmore station step-free, concerns over police station closures due to increased crime in London, opposition to the Broadwalk redevelopment prop...
Attendance
95.9%
94 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
33
33.7% of votes
No Votes
61
62.2% of votes
Abstentions
4
4.1% 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 AYE
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 AYE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
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
12
PMQs Asked
96
Ministerial Questions Asked
52
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+228% above average
This MP:
12
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+616% above average
This MP:
96
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+970% above average
This MP:
52
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 (%)
+39% above average
This MP:
95.9
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 Mary Glindon's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.