Matthew Pennycook
MP for Greenwich and Woolwich
Lab
7 May 2015 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
In the panicked Downing Street staffing reshuffle at the weekend, the Prime Minister appointed to a senior role a man who recently lobbied the Government on behalf of Huawei Technologies, a hostile state vendor that this House legislated to exclude entirely from this country's 5G networks. Given that the No. 10 director of communications has by definition access to some of the most sensitive Government information, will the Prime Minister tell the House whether Mr Harri's present role requires enhanced developed vetting and STRAP clearance and whether he went through the necessary checks to provide that level of clearance before he took up his post?
Context
In a Downing Street reshuffle, the Prime Minister appointed someone who recently lobbied for Huawei to a senior role. The question raises concerns about vetting processes.
Boris Johnson
That is a curious question to come from a Member on the Benches that contain someone who took, I think, £586,000 from the Chinese Government to support his office. I can tell the hon. Gentleman that this Government took the brave and necessary step of making sure that we excluded Huawei from our critical national infrastructure, and that was the right thing to do, whatever he says.
Assessment
Vetting procedures for Mr Harri's appointment were not addressed
Curious Question
Took £586,000 From The Chinese Government
Session: PMQs
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The Government's integrated review has concluded that the Chinese state poses a systemic challenge to our national security, and the Prime Minister has made it clear that when it comes to China, we must remain vigilant about our critical national infrastructure. Can he therefore confirm unequivocally today that plans for China General Nuclear to own and operate its own plant at Bradwell in Essex have been abandoned, and explain to the House precisely how and when his Government intend to remove CGN's interest from the Sizewell C nuclear project?
Context
The Government's integrated review concluded that China poses a systemic challenge to national security.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon Gentleman for raising this important issue. Clearly, one of the consequences of our approach on critical national infrastructure in the National Security and Investment Bill is that we do not want to see undue influence by potentially adversarial countries in our critical national infrastructure.
Assessment
Confirming abandonment of CGN's plans at Bradwell and Sizewell C
Undue Influence
Approach On Critical Infrastructure
Session: PMQs
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To their bitter disappointment, and despite the assurances given during the passage of the Fire Safety Act 2021 that it would do so, the Building Safety Bill, published on Monday, does little to help the hundreds of thousands of leaseholders who right now face financial ruin as a result of the building safety crisis. My question to the Prime Minister is a simple one: why are his Government seemingly intent on failing to honour the commitments given to those leaseholders, and to Members of this House, by refusing to legislate to fully protect all the blameless victims of this scandal?
Context
The Fire Safety Act 2021 promised support to affected leaseholders, but the Building Safety Bill does not provide adequate protection.
Boris Johnson
That is not accurate. We are continuing to support all those who have to remediate their buildings. I remind Members that the £5 billion that we have provided is five times what Labour offered for support in their last manifesto. We will ensure that all the leaseholders—the people who have suffered from the consequences of the Grenfell conflagration—get the advice and support that they need.
Assessment
The answer did not address why the government failed to honor its commitment specifically.
Hedging
Session: PMQs
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If the Cabinet Office finds that the Home Secretary breached the ministerial code, will she be expected to resign or be removed from office?
Context
An investigation into the Home Secretary's alleged breach of ministerial code is underway.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
I return to my earlier statement: The Home Secretary is doing an outstanding job and delivering change. I am sticking by her.
Session: PMQs
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Leaseholders are being pushed to their limits financially by unreasonable service charge demands. The MP asks whether the Government's current measures in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill are sufficient or if further action is needed.
Context
Soaring service charges are placing a financial strain on leaseholders due to building insurance premiums and the new building safety regime.
Lee Rowley
Our substantial reform package aims to improve transparency and reduce problems through the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill. When issues arise, we are keen to look at them and take action where possible.
Session: Fire Defects Remediation Costs
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By watering down protections for renters in the draft Government amendments to the Renters (Reform) Bill, are we to believe that the Government has decided at the 11th hour to give more rights and powers to landlords or is it an attempt to manage a fractious Tory party?
Context
Ministers argue that the Renters (Reform) Bill balances tenants' and landlords' interests, but recent amendments have weakened renters' protections. The question challenges whether this is due to political management within the Conservative Party.
Jacob Young
We need to strike the balance by discussing the Bill with both landlord groups and tenant groups. We are meeting colleagues on all Benches, and those in smaller parties too, ensuring that when we bring the Bill back it is in the best possible shape for tenants and landlords.
Session: Islamophobia
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As you will no doubt be aware, Madam Deputy Speaker, the Government's Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill, designed to ban the sale of new leasehold houses, does not actually contain any provisions to ban the sale of new leasehold houses, because the Department apparently did not have time to draft them before publication. If and when the Government rectify their mistake and add the necessary provisions, will they incorporate measures to reinvigorate commonhold by making it accessible and available to both prospective homebuyers and existing leaseholders? If not, why not?
Context
The MP is questioning the lack of provisions to ban new leasehold house sales in the Government's Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill.
Lee Rowley
As has been outlined, we intend to bring forward further changes to the Bill during the process, as Opposition Members know is normal, because they have sat in the same Committees that we have. We are not proposing to change leasehold to commonhold under the Bill, but that remains part of our long-term approach and we would like to see further reforms as soon as we are able to.
Session: Leasehold Reform
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It is essential that we boost the number of new homes built each year for private sale, but just as important is the need to significantly increase the supply of new affordable homes to buy and rent. The National Audit Office has confirmed that the Government's target for its flagship 2016 to 2023 affordable homes programme was 250,000 starts by March 2023. Can the Secretary of State explain how on earth the public can trust this Government to address the housing affordability crisis when recent figures reveal that they have failed to deliver on their share of that target outside London? The MP is questioning the government's failure to meet affordable housing targets.
Context
The MP is concerned about the government's failure to meet affordable housing targets set for its flagship programme. The MP seeks an explanation from the Secretary of State on how to trust this Government to address the housing affordability crisis.
Michael Gove
The significant increase in the affordable homes programme that I outlined earlier is the means for that to be done, but the difference between us is that we have a target for social and affordable homes, while Labour has none.
Session: New Homes
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Given the desperate situation that many renters are currently facing, and the urgent need to provide them with greater security and better rights, why have the Government not lifted a finger to progress that legislation in the weeks since it was published?
Context
The Conservatives promised to ban section 21 no-fault evictions over four years ago. The Renters (Reform) Bill was published in May this year.
Michael Gove
I share the hon. Gentleman's desire to do more to help people in the private rented sector but, as he will have heard, we wanted to make sure that we had a fit-for-purpose impact assessment so that the House could reflect on the changes that we are making and the benefits they will bring.
Session: Topical Questions
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Before the recess, the Minister claimed no Government U-turn on leasehold reform and refused to commit to comprehensive reform. Will the Government legislate for all Law Commission's recommendations before this Parliament—yes or no?
Context
The government claims there has been no U-turn on leasehold reform, refusing to commit to a fundamental reform package expected by leaseholders.
Rachel Maclean
We will bring forward comprehensive reforms as promised. We have started and will continue to do so, unlike the Labour Government which did nothing in 13 years.
Session: Leasehold Reform
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The developer remediation contract and responsible actors scheme are welcome but only cover a fraction of the problem. Will the Government commit to publishing a full list of eligible developers now?
Context
While the developer remediation contract is welcome, it is unclear whether all relevant developers will be covered initially or in the future. Leaseholders need certainty regarding their buildings' inclusion.
Lee Rowley
The developer contract has already confirmed work on more than 1,100 buildings with £2 billion of funding covering 44 different developers. The Government will review individual cases and has extensive support schemes in place for remediation.
Session: Building Safety Costs Support for Leaseholders
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The Minister will know that the energy bill relief scheme has not succeeded in limiting commercial gas prices to 7.5p per kilowatt-hour as intended, and that the energy bill support scheme alternative fund only went live last week. The result is that faced with staggeringly high energy bills, most heat network customers are receiving woefully inadequate financial support, and some have yet to receive any support at all. Can I urge the Government in the strongest possible terms to look again at how we might properly protect the half a million customers served by communal and district heating systems?
Context
The energy bill relief scheme intended to limit commercial gas prices to 7.5p per kilowatt-hour but has not succeeded in doing so, with many customers receiving inadequate financial support.
Amanda Solloway
From April, under the successor to the energy bill relief scheme, the Government are committed to providing support in line with other domestic consumers. The Government are working on the successor to that scheme.
Session: Energy Bill Support Heat Network Customers
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What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of energy bill support for heat network customers? The Minister will know that the energy bill relief scheme has failed to limit commercial gas prices as intended and that most heat network customers are receiving woefully inadequate financial support, with some not receiving any support at all. Can I urge the Government to look again at how we might properly protect half a million customers served by communal and district heating systems?
Context
The energy bill relief scheme intended to limit commercial gas prices to 7.5p per kilowatt-hour but has not succeeded in doing so, with many customers receiving inadequate financial support.
Amanda Solloway
Heat network consumers have been supported throughout the winter through the energy bill relief scheme, with discounts on their heating and hot water bills, and the energy bill support scheme. From April, under the successor to the energy bill relief scheme, the Government are committed to providing support in line with other domestic consumers. The Government are working on the successor to that scheme.
Session: Energy Bill Support Heat Network Customers
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Over a quarter of a million people in rural England are on a housing waiting list, yet the Government is on course to miss even the paltry target of 13,000 new rural affordable homes. At the same time, data shows that 14,110 social homes were lost last year. Are Ministers failing to provide rural and urban communities with genuinely affordable rented homes?
Context
The questioner raises concerns about the Government's failure to meet their target of building 13,000 new rural affordable homes, and highlights the erosion of social housing stock.
Rachel Maclean
No, we are not failing. Since 2010, more than 243,000 affordable homes have been provided in rural areas across England. We acknowledge the need to address the planning system and aim to level up with affordable housing in both urban and rural areas.
Session: Rural Areas Housing Provision
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Has her Department carried out any analysis or assessment of the impact on overall housing supply of the changes to national planning policy outlined in the national planning policy framework consultation?
Context
The Government's decision to signal the end of enforceable local house building targets has resulted in some local authorities pausing work on their local plans.
Lucy Frazer
Under the present system, too few local authorities have local plans because people do not want development in their area. Through the Bill, we are seeking to ensure that communities have a say on their local plans so they pass within 30 months.
Session: Home Building
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When will the overdue developer remediation contract be published? When will mortgage and insurance problems be resolved for affected leaseholders?
Context
Five years since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, leaseholders are still facing unresolved issues related to building safety.
Michael Gove
Contracts will shortly be published, we are meeting lenders to discuss moving away from current situation, and talking to the insurance industry about necessary steps.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Secretary of State give a cast-iron guarantee from the Dispatch Box today that if the Government are still standing come the time, a renters reform Bill will be introduced in the next parliamentary Session?
Context
Ministers were planning to renege on their commitment to abolish section 21 no-fault evictions, but the Prime Minister denied it.
Simon Clarke
We will introduce the rental reform Bill in the course of this Parliament. That is a commitment we are determined to honour.
Session: Private Renter Security
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What steps he is taking to increase the number of social homes built each year.
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of progress in building more social homes each year.
Eddie Hughes
The provision of affordable housing is a central pillar of this Government's plan to level up the country. We are investing £11.5 billion in affordable homes over the next five years. We recognise that there is a significant need for social housing; that is why our affordable homes programme will aim to deliver 32,000 social rent homes, double the figure of the previous programme.
Session: Housebuilding Social Homes
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With the situation worsening significantly and inflation increasing, will the Government now reconsider their pernicious two-child policy?
Context
Department data shows a significant rise in absolute child poverty after housing costs for families with three or more children from 2016-17 to 2019-20.
David Rutley
The two-child policy plays an important role in balancing fairness between those receiving benefits and those who are not. We have announced a new £15 billion support package, bringing total cost of living support to £37 billion this year.
Session: Child Poverty Future Trends
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What assessment has been made of future trends in the level of child poverty? The Department's own data indicates that rates of absolute child poverty after housing costs in families with three or more children increased by 300,000 between 2016-17 and 2019-20.
Context
Official statistics show a decrease of 200,000 fewer children on absolute low income before housing costs in 2020-21 compared with 2019-20.
David Rutley
The two-child policy is important for balancing fairness between those receiving benefits and those who are not. The government has announced a £15 billion support package, bringing total cost of living support to £37 billion this year.
Session: Child Poverty Future Trends
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With rent levels surging in the private sector and with the local housing allowance frozen once again, millions of hard-pressed tenants across the country are at risk of arrears and eviction. We know that rent tribunals are not an effective safeguard against punitive rent rises, and that the risk of such rises is likely only to increase when section 21 no-fault evictions are finally scrapped. Will the Secretary of State therefore tell the House why his planned renters reform Bill appears to be completely silent on protections for tenants against unaffordable rent rises?
Context
Millions of tenants are at risk due to surging rent levels and a frozen local housing allowance, increasing the danger of arrears and eviction. Rent tribunals are not effective safeguards against unaffordable rent rises.
Michael Gove
Our renters reform Bill will specifically ensure that people in the private rented sector are protected, and I look forward to working with the hon. Gentleman to ensure that the Bill satisfies the need of the hour.
Session: Topical Questions
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Despite the covid pandemic, more than 800 new homes were built in my constituency last year, many of them affordable for first-time buyers. More than 800 houses were built during the previous year, and more than 800 will be built this year. Does the Minister agree that the best thing we can do for first-time buyers is ensure that all constituencies build an ample number of high-quality, affordable homes?
Context
The MP highlighted the significant number of new homes built in his constituency, many affordable for first-time buyers.
Stuart Andrew
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Having local authorities with well-developed local plans to ensure that they are ready and prepared to build the houses that their local area needs is incredibly important. The affordable homes programme that the Government have announced, with £11.5 billion-worth of investment, will help to secure that, so that we can try to deliver the 180,000 homes that that is expected to deliver.
Session: Support for First-time Buyers
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The Minister will be aware that both Southeastern and Thameslink services in south-east London are running on a reduced timetable. With the restrictions having eased and growing numbers of my constituents once again needing to commute, that cut in services is beginning to cause overcrowding on not only trains, but local bus and tube services, as well as incentivising more people to jump into their cars. Can I get a commitment from the Minister today that those withdrawn services will be fully reinstated as soon as possible?
Context
Southeastern and Thameslink services have been running on a reduced timetable, causing overcrowding due to increased commuter numbers. The question seeks immediate action regarding service restoration.
Wendy Morton
I understand the concerns of colleagues across the House when it comes to trains and passengers. I assure the hon. Gentleman, as I have assured other colleagues this morning, that we continue to work closely with rail operators as they mitigate the impact of staff absences on rail services. It is important that we work together to get people back to work.
Session: Rail Services South-east London
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What plans does he have to help improve services for rail passengers in south-east London?
Context
The question arises from ongoing challenges faced by rail passengers in south-east London, particularly with Southeastern and Govia Thameslink Railway. Recent performance issues have caused reduced timetables and overcrowding on trains, buses, and tubes.
Wendy Morton
Department officials are working closely with operators in south-east London, including SE Trains —Southeastern—and Govia Thameslink Railway, to ensure that a reliable and punctual service is delivered as passengers return to work. Performance on both SET and GTR has been at a good level throughout the pandemic, with some recent challenges on GTR, owing to a high level of driver absence, leading to a temporarily revised timetable.
Session: Rail Services South-east London
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Would the Secretary of State give the House a clear and categorical assurance that if he cannot ultimately extract enough money from industry finally to fix the building safety crisis he will not allow the Chancellor to raid his Department's budgets, including funding already allocated for new affordable homes, to make up the shortfall?
Context
Concerns about the cost of living crisis affecting affordable housing funding.
Michael Gove (Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving me an opportunity to update the House on the conversations we had with developers last Thursday. Those conversations were cordial and constructive, but we were also clear about the obligation developers have. I am confident that they will meet it.
Session: Topical Questions
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Yet again, the Government seem to be engaging in a blatant act of political sabotage of London's vital transport networks. This week, Londoners have listened to Government advice, done the right thing and worked from home to keep our NHS and communities safe. As a result, passenger levels have dropped by over a quarter, which has had a further colossal impact on TfL's revenue.
Context
Passenger levels have dropped by over a quarter due to Government advice, impacting TfL's revenue. The question arises from concerns about political manoeuvres against TfL.
Grant Shapps
The letter that I received with the measures that the Mayor had to meet, which were outlined in an agreement, arrived on my desk three weeks late. Not unreasonably, on behalf of the taxpayer, I went back to him and asked him to clarify some of those points.
Session: TfL Funding Discussions with Mayor of London
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If he will hold discussions with the Mayor of London on Transport for London's funding. The move to plan B this week has seen bus travel demand in our capital fall by 9% and tube travel demand by a staggering 29%, leaving both still well below pre-pandemic levels. TfL's financial problems are a direct result of the national effort against coronavirus.
Context
TfL faces financial difficulties due to the pandemic, with demand for public transport declining. The question arises from a lack of agreement on funding settlement.
Grant Shapps
Ministers and officials in the Department for Transport regularly meet officials from Transport for London and the Mayor's office to discuss a range of issues around funding for Transport for London. Most recently, Baroness Vere met Heidi Alexander on 2 December. It does not seem particularly vindictive to pay out £4.1 billion in support of TfL as it rightly battles its way through coronavirus.
Session: TfL Funding Discussions with Mayor of London
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Will the Minister commit herself to at least the publication of the estimated emissions impact of decisions in future Budgets and spending reviews?
Context
The question follows up on the need for fiscal announcements to be aligned with net zero targets.
Lucy Frazer
The hon. Member will know that in our Budget we set out a number of measures to enable us to make the transition to a net zero world. We have made announcements relating to transport and warmer, greener buildings as well as energy and industry, and of course the Treasury always considers the impact in relation to net zero targets.
Session: Net Zero Emissions
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As we emerge from the coronavirus crisis, what plans does his Department have to pick up and take forward the conversations that took place with TfL about the matter early last year? Will he meet me in due course to discuss the future of the Southeastern franchise in more detail?
Context
The question follows up on the devolution of suburban rail services, seeking specific plans for the future of the Southeastern franchise.
Chris Heaton-Harris
Since the pandemic struck, the Department has had to focus on keeping services running while developing passenger-focused reforms. Great British Railways will be organized around regional divisions for better decision-making. The White Paper includes a commitment for strategic partnership with TfL and other local authorities to ensure rail services work best for passengers in London. I would be delighted to meet him to discuss these matters further.
Session: Suburban Rail Services London
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What recent progress has been made on plans for the devolution of suburban rail services in London? I thank the Minister for that answer. He knows that I am firmly of the view that the transfer of Southeastern services to TfL is the best long-term means of guaranteeing passengers in my constituency the fast, frequent and high-quality metro-style rail services they desire.
Context
Transport for London submitted a strategic outline business case for the devolution of suburban rail services in late 2019, but progress was halted due to the pandemic.
Chris Heaton-Harris
Since the pandemic struck, the Department has had to focus on keeping services running while developing passenger-focused reforms. Great British Railways will be organized around regional divisions for better decision-making. The White Paper includes a commitment for strategic partnership with TfL and other local authorities to ensure rail services work best for passengers in London.
Session: Suburban Rail Services London
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As a result of delays in processing applications to the building safety fund, increasing numbers of eligible developments in my constituency are finding themselves subject to soaring building insurance renewal costs. Will the Government finally accept that they need to step in and resolve this problem with the industry as a matter of urgency?
Context
Delays in processing applications to the building safety fund have led to soaring insurance costs for eligible developments in Greenwich and Woolwich.
Robert Jenrick
As a matter of fact, for ACM buildings within Greenwich and Woolwich, of the 23 that have registered, 21 have completed remediation, one building has been removed and one building has started work. For buildings with applications to the building safety fund, of the 94 registrations made, 31 have been confirmed as eligible, 27 have been assessed and 12 have been withdrawn. So great progress is being made. I am working with the insurance industry, and we should ensure that it brings forward market proposals, not simply have the Exchequer step in and subsidise it.
Session: Topical Questions
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A robust carbon price is essential to achieving a net zero carbon economy, yet despite the transition period ending in just 30 days' time, companies still have no precise idea what will replace the EU emissions trading system, which the UK will cease to participate in at that point. The House has already passed the legislation required to establish a stand-alone UK ETS, but there is no sign of the order necessary to fully implement a UK-wide carbon tax. With just 12 sitting days remaining, can the Minister confirm that the Government have determined that a stand-alone UK ETS is the fall-back option for 1 January and that the Treasury has abandoned a carbon emissions tax?
Context
The question concerns the upcoming transition from the EU emissions trading system, questioning the Government's readiness for this change.
Kemi Badenoch
The hon. Gentleman will know that this has been the subject of negotiations, which are still ongoing. We legislated for a UK-linked ETS as well as a carbon emissions tax, and we will be announcing shortly which of those options we will be taking. We know that a UK-linked ETS is the preferred option at the moment, and that is the one that we are currently hoping we will be able to negotiate for during this period.
Session: Net Zero Carbon Economy
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What recent steps have been taken to help ensure the removal and replacement of unsafe non-ACM cladding from high-rise residential blocks?
Context
The question addresses the ongoing issue of unsafe non-ACM cladding on high-rise residential blocks, a concern raised following incidents like Grenfell. The UK government has previously allocated £600 million for removing ACM cladding.
Robert Jenrick
At Budget we announced that £1 billion will be provided to fund the removal and replacement of unsafe non-ACM cladding from high-rise blocks, in addition to the £600 million already provided for removing Grenfell-style ACM cladding. Due to the pandemic, remediation work has paused on 60% of sites, but efforts are being made to restart these projects.
Session: Non-ACM Cladding
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My office is inundated with pleas for assistance from leaseholders who cannot sell or remortgage their properties because of post-Grenfell advice on cladding and building safety. Can we have a debate in Government time about the mortgage crisis and cladding? It is clear that the external wall system process is not working as it should.
Context
Leaseholders are struggling to sell or remortgage their properties due to post-Grenfell advice on cladding and building safety.
Jacob Rees-Mogg (Leader of the House of Commons)
The Government are working on that. The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, who is sitting next to me, has said that he would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss the matter.
Session: Business of the House
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What plans does the Government have to reduce the number of people affected by aircraft noise living (a) near and (b) under Heathrow airport flight paths? Further, given that 70% of the flights arriving at Heathrow use westerly operations over south London, will the modernisation Bill include provisions aimed at reducing the concentration of flight paths and mandating measures to reduce arrival noise?
Context
The question concerns the number of people affected by aircraft noise near and under Heathrow airport, focusing on westerly operations involving a final approach over south London.
Kelly Tolhurst
The Government's airspace modernisation programme should allow aircraft to climb more quickly and descend continuously, which will have a noticeable noise reduction benefit for communities overflown by Heathrow flights. Airspace modernisation is intended to reduce the amount of noise per flight for those living under concentrated flight paths. However, there is a risk that they may experience more noise than currently. Whether this is the case will depend on the final routes proposed by airports, including any respite routes, and on the outcomes of consultation with local people.
Session: Noise Heathrow Airport Flight Paths
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What recent progress have the Government made on negotiating the UK's future relationship with the EU? Given that formal negotiations will begin next week, why does the Government believe it is worth risking reputational damage by reneging on commitments set out in the political declaration signed in good faith?
Context
Government about to publish detailed aspects of the UK's future relationship with the European Union.
Michael Gove
We have honoured the withdrawal agreement, signed protocol and aim to achieve a comprehensive free trade agreement with no tariffs, quotas or quantitative restrictions. The hon. Gentleman's concern about reneging is misconceived as we honour our commitments.
Session: European Union Future Relationship
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Will the Government retain and restore the Pupil Premium or allow it to waste away as suggested by its failure to repeat the previous commitment to protect it?
Context
The House of Commons Library has confirmed a £220 million real-terms decrease in pupil premium spending since 2015, with schools losing significant amounts.
Nick Gibb (Minister of State for School Standards)
The pupil premium provides £935 per secondary school pupil and £1,320 per primary school pupil who has qualified or been eligible for free school meals in the last six years. Since 2011, over £15 billion was allocated to schools to narrow the attainment gap. With a low unemployment rate, there will be fewer people eligible for free school meals due to changes in benefit eligibility.
Session: Pupil Premium
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Private Rented Sector Housing Standards And Enforcement
15 March 2022
Main Concerns
['The issue of private rented sector housing conditions is not getting enough attention despite its growing importance to constituents. One in five homes in the private rented sector still does not meet the decent homes standard, with one in ten having a category 1 hazard posing a risk of serious harm. The speaker highlights that these substandard living conditions take a significant toll on physical and mental health and hinder families from flourishing.']
Specific Asks
["The lead MP asks for an expedited review of national standards for rented homes, updates on enforcement measures, and the reintroduction of legal aid for disrepair claims. He also urges the Government to ensure that promised renter's reform Bill is brought forward without further delay."]
Building Safety Scandal And Its Impact On Residents
02 March 2022
Responding: Yasmin Qureshi
Main Concerns
['The building safety scandal has caused immense misery to residents whose homes are compromised by historical cladding or non-cladding defects. Once they learn their home is a fire risk, they face physical, mental, and financial distress that only worsens when remediation works commence, often due to the lack of sensitivity in carrying them out. Residents experience psychological damage, health implications from denied natural light or fresh air, security risks, and financial impacts due to buildings being exposed to elements.']
Specific Asks
['Labour argues for a code of practice ensuring that all building owners and managing agents properly engage with residents on remediation management plans and the introduction of a building works agency accountable to Ministers. The government should also look into the Australian model Cladding Safety Victoria for swift and considerate remediation.']
COP26 Objectives And Climate Finance Commitments
22 July 2021
Main Concerns
["The MP is concerned about the lack of clarity from the Government regarding COP26's objectives, particularly around the 1.5°C target. He highlights that current country climate plans indicate a significant emissions gap by 2030, with a need for transparency and collective commitments to bridge this gap. Additionally, there are concerns over insufficient progress in mitigation ambition and the lack of green investment in recovery measures post-COVID-19. The MP also emphasizes the importance of ensuring the voice of developing nations is heard and that climate justice is prioritized."]
Specific Asks
['The MP asks for a plan to be brought forward by the UN General Assembly in September at the latest to meet the $100 billion commitment for climate finance annually, and for assurance from the UK government on their influence at the World Bank regarding this matter. He also seeks confirmation that arrangements will be made for post-2025 climate finance.']
Retirement Property Management Companies: Regulation
08 September 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Simon Hoare highlighted the issues faced by residents of retirement properties managed by Cognatum Estates, which operates in North Dorset. He detailed numerous complaints about transparency, accounta...
Houses in Multiple Occupation
25 June 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Emma Lewell-Buck, MP for South Shields, raised concerns about the proliferation of HMOs in her constituency. She noted that these dwellings often lack adequate living conditions and contribute to issu...
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2025-12-08
08 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2025-11-13
13 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Renters’ Rights Bill 2025-09-08
08 September 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2025-06-10
10 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Active travel—cycling, walking and wheeling—is hugely beneficial for health and happiness. Local authorities are reticent in using compulsory purchase orders for active travel despite willingness and ...
Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2025-06-09
09 June 2025
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Planning and Infrastructure Bill 2025-03-24
24 March 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Building Homes
12 December 2024
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Attendance
90.8%
89 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
34
34.7% of votes
No Votes
55
56.1% of votes
Abstentions
9
9.2% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
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
4
PMQs Asked
33
Ministerial Questions Asked
74
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
43
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
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+146% above average
This MP:
33
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1423% above average
This MP:
74
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+354% above average
This MP:
43
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+31% above average
This MP:
90.8
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Matthew Pennycook's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.