Michael Shanks
MP for Rutherglen
Lab
5 Oct 2023 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
We are looking in the round at how we can deliver jobs and opportunities on the Grangemouth site. The National Wealth Fund made an unprecedented commitment of £200 million, and I have been meeting companies that are potentially interested in developing projects, to make sure we get them over the line. We have delivered on the training guarantee and delivered support beyond that provided by the Falkirk and Grangemouth growth deal. We are doing everything we can to support the workforce there, and we will continue to do so.
Context
The National Wealth Fund made a commitment of £200 million for the Grangemouth site. The MP has been meeting companies potentially interested in developing projects there.
Michael Shanks
We are looking in the round at how we can deliver jobs and opportunities on the Grangemouth site. The National Wealth Fund made an unprecedented commitment of £200 million, and I have been meeting companies that are potentially interested in developing projects, to make sure we get them over the line. We have delivered on the training guarantee and delivered support beyond that provided by the Falkirk and Grangemouth growth deal. We are doing everything we can to support the workforce there, and we will continue to do so.
Session: Topical Questions
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While the Minister is claiming to save the world by closing down the oil and gas industry in the United Kingdom, Centrica has signed a £20 billion deal with Norway to supply gas to the United Kingdom. How does he justify the loss of British jobs, giving away tax revenue and putting growth in jeopardy by closing down an industry that is still much needed?
Context
Centrica has signed a £20 billion deal with Norway to supply gas to the United Kingdom.
Michael Shanks
The right hon. Gentleman is wrong on two fronts. First, we are not closing down oil and gas. It will continue to play a part for many years to come, but there is a transition under way, as there has been for many years. The truth of the matter is that, while we want to create the jobs that come next, he turns his face against all the investment in what those jobs will be, which means that, under his plan, the transition will not lead to a future for that incredibly skilled workforce. We are determined to do it differently, so that there are good, well-paid jobs in the future and a secure energy mix for decades to come.
Session: Topical Questions
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Despite previous assurances that officials will work together, the questioner highlights the economic impact of delaying the Berwick Bank wind farm project. Has the Minister or anyone in his Department spoken with Scottish Ministers about this delay's effect on investment and jobs, and are efforts being made to accelerate the consenting process?
Context
The Berwick Bank wind farm project, a significant renewable energy initiative with potential to deliver over £8 billion to the UK economy and thousands of jobs, faces delays due to lack of decision on consent from the Scottish Government.
Andrew Bowie
The UK Government work closely with the Scottish Government on energy security and net zero objectives but avoid commenting on live planning cases due to their quasi-judicial nature.
Session: Berwick Bank Wind Farm
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What discussions has the Minister had with the Scottish Government regarding the Berwick Bank wind farm project, and is there awareness of the economic impact of not proceeding in this year's contract for difference auction? Are efforts being made to expedite the consenting process?
Context
The Berwick Bank wind farm project, a 4.1 GW renewables initiative potentially the largest offshore wind farm globally, faces delays due to lack of decision on consent from the Scottish Government.
Andrew Bowie
The UK Government work closely with the Scottish Government on energy security and net zero objectives, but do not comment on live planning cases due to their quasi-judicial status.
Session: Berwick Bank Wind Farm
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After Humza Yousaf's term in office, nobody in Scotland is better off; this coupled with a Prime Minister clinging on to power. Child poverty is up. Life expectancy is falling. NHS waiting lists are up. Drug deaths are up. Homelessness is up. Economic growth has flatlined. Is it not the inescapable truth that Scots have been failed by two Governments for far too long? Does the Minister agree that what Scotland needs now is to be rid of both these distracted, incompetent and hopelessly out-of-touch Governments?
Context
Scots are not better off after a year under the current government, with rising child poverty, falling life expectancy, longer NHS waiting lists, more drug deaths, and higher homelessness. Economic growth has stagnated.
John Lamont
I certainly agree that the SNP Government have not been focused on the day job. They have been neglecting Scotland's schools, NHS and transport network. They have not been getting on with the day job, but the harsh reality is that whoever is elected to replace Humza Yousaf as First Minister will still have the same obsession with independence and referendums.
Session: Cost of Living
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Who does the Secretary of State support—the Scottish Tory leader who is standing up in Holyrood today attacking an extension of the windfall tax, or the Chancellor who we understand is about to announce exactly that?
Context
The MP criticized both the SNP and Tory parties for opposing a windfall tax on oil and gas companies while increasing taxes on working people.
Alister Jack
My position has always been clear: I believe that the energy profits levy on the excess profits caused by Putin's illegal war in Ukraine was the right thing for the Government to do, to give support to people in the cost of living crisis.
Session: Financial Settlement for Scotland
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In Wales, as in Scotland, business rates are devolved. With relief dropping from 75% to 40%, will my hon. Friend agree that Welsh Labour's failure to extend protections seen in England means businesses like the Kinmel Arms in Moelfre face tough times?
Context
Business rates relief is set to drop from 75% in Wales to 40%, making businesses there pay almost double what English businesses do. The Welsh Labour Government has also proposed increasing the number of Senedd Members by 60%. This context involves concerns about local business support.
Nigel Huddleston
My hon. Friend puts it well. We have seen considerable protections and support for retail, hospitality and leisure business rates relief in England but not extended in the same way in Wales or Scotland.
Session: Economic Growth in Scotland Tax Policies
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The EY Independent Treasury Economic Model Club forecast published yesterday found that Scotland's growth forecast for this year is 0.7%, outperformed only slightly by the UK's 0.8%. Given there have been 25 tax hikes during this Parliament and the Scottish National party now proposes even higher taxes on modest incomes in Scotland, does the Minister agree people in Scotland are paying the price for two governments with no economic credibility?
Context
The EY Independent Treasury Economic Model Club forecast published yesterday found Scotland's economic growth forecast at 0.7% this year, outperformed only slightly by the UK's forecast of 0.8%. This follows 25 tax hikes during the current Parliament and proposed additional taxes by the Scottish National Party.
Nigel Huddleston
No, I do not agree. The OECD suggests we will be growing faster than France, Italy and Germany in coming years. Our Government has a strong track record against our OECD friends over 14 years, and Scotland benefits from this economic growth.
Session: Economic Growth in Scotland Tax Policies
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I pass the thoughts of the Opposition to the Secretary of State at this difficult time, and join the Minister in his comments about all those affected by flooding. 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 question arises from concerns over the wrongful prosecution of sub-postmasters using evidence from the Horizon IT system, affecting communities across Scotland. The issue involves the devolved nature of justice in Scotland and the conflicting statements from Scottish Government officials.
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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Pupils are almost twice as likely to witness a fight compared to the OECD average—39% in England and 36% in Scotland—and violence disrupts every part of pupils' learning. Exclusion is not working, and Scottish Government's proposal puts all responsibility on teachers. What more can the Government do?
Context
The latest PISA figures show high levels of classroom violence in the UK, with pupils witnessing fights more frequently than OECD averages. This disrupts learning and highlights the ineffectiveness of exclusion policies.
Damian Hinds
The PISA study noted that most pupils in England feel safe at school, similar to OECD averages. Serious manifestations of behaviour issues are less common than average. Schools must have full measures available including reasonable force and extended searching powers.
Session: Violence in Classrooms
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What recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of trends in the level of violence in classrooms? The latest PISA figures show a stark picture of violence in schools across the UK, with pupils almost twice as likely to witness fights compared to OECD averages. Violence disrupts learning and exclusion is not effective.
Context
The latest PISA figures show high levels of classroom violence in the UK, with pupils witnessing fights more frequently than OECD averages. This disrupts learning and highlights the ineffectiveness of exclusion policies.
Damian Hinds
The PISA study notes that most pupils in England feel safe at school, similar to OECD averages. While serious incidents are less common than average, measures must be available for schools including the use of reasonable force and extended searching powers.
Session: Violence in Classrooms
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Inflation might be slowly coming down, but food inflation in Scotland still stands at more than 10%. Families are forced to choose between being able to eat or heat their home, with thousands relying on food banks weekly. Both Governments should work together better to tackle this issue. What specific steps will the Minister take?
Context
Food inflation in Scotland stands at more than 10%, causing families to choose between eating or heating their homes. Thousands of people are turning to food banks regularly.
John Lamont
The Government is committed to tackling rising prices, focusing on reducing inflation. Measures have been put in place to support households with energy prices.
Session: Food Supply Chains
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I thank the Minister for that answer, but what is it about the code of practice that means two-year-olds are vulnerable but three-year-olds are not? What is the difference between those households? Why has Scottish Power been able to go to court to obtain warrants to install prepayment meters forcibly before it has been able to demonstrate any compliance with the code? Is that not the wrong way around?
Context
Concern about the lack of demonstration of compliance with the code of practice and Scottish Power's court actions.
Amanda Solloway
Just for assurance, we have held conversations with Ofgem and suppliers to make sure no forced instalments have taken place yet. We are scrutinising the system to ensure that all vulnerable people are able to access the energy they need.
Session: Prepayment Meters Vulnerable Households
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If she will make an assessment of the impact of the mandatory code of practice for the involuntary installation of prepayment meters on vulnerable households.
Context
Concern about the impact of involuntary installation of prepayment meters on vulnerable households.
Amanda Solloway
The Secretary of State and I met CEOs of energy suppliers recently. We emphasised that Ofgem's new rules must be implemented and lead to improved protections for vulnerable consumers. We are working closely with Ofgem and the industry to ensure that that is the case.
Session: Prepayment Meters Vulnerable Households
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When will the list of ministerial relevant interests next be published and will the interests of all the new Ministers be included in it?
Context
There is a need for transparency in the publication of ministerial interests, especially with regard to new Ministers joining the government. The list of relevant interests needs to be published soon.
John Glen
I am not certain, but work is under way. There are, I think, 18 new Ministers. I think it will be a matter of weeks, but I will keep an eye on that. The independent adviser did not give me a date yesterday, but I will continue to work closely with him where I can.
Session: Ministerial Code Compliance
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I am concerned that there is very little transparency around investigations and referrals to the independent adviser on Ministers' interests. With particular reference to Lord Cameron's appointment, will the Minister commit to publishing all the correspondence with the ministerial adviser on the code, and any correspondence around the list he had to give to the permanent secretary on his interests prior to appointment?
Context
The question arises from concerns about public confidence in the compliance with and transparency of the ministerial code. There are issues surrounding the publication of correspondence related to investigations and referrals.
John Glen
With the greatest respect, I do not think the hon. Gentleman understands that the independent adviser on Ministers' interests has wide-ranging powers. Within two weeks of appointment, a Minister will have to fill in a form which was recently changed—two months ago—and has over 30 pages covering a wide range of aspects of their interests. There is then a process where the permanent secretary of the relevant Department comments on that and the independent adviser will then publish an update of relevant interests.
Session: Ministerial Code Compliance
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The Institute for Fiscal Studies recently reported that wages in Scotland have risen by 1.5% since 2015, compared with 5% in England. In the face of a cost of living crisis brought about by the Conservative party's disastrous mini-Budget, wages simply are not keeping up with the cost of living. What can the Minister commit the Government to doing next to help make work pay? Will she, for example, support Labour's new deal for working people?
Context
Reports that Scottish wages have risen by only 1.5% since 2015, significantly lower than the 5% increase in England, highlighting the struggle for workers during a cost of living crisis.
Laura Trott
I was pleased to see this morning's figures, which show that wages are going ahead of inflation. This is very good news and I hope it spreads to Scotland.
Session: Cost of Living Scotland
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Whether he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Scotland on the impact of increases in the cost of living on the Scottish economy. I am concerned about the impact of these rises on households and businesses across Scotland. The government has announced various packages to mitigate these impacts, such as cost of living payments and the energy price guarantee.
Context
Discusses the impact of rising costs on households and businesses in Scotland, referencing UK-wide support measures.
Laura Trott
We have announced UK-wide support for households, including cost of living payments, the energy price guarantee and the energy bills support scheme. Taken together, support for households is worth £94 billion and is among the largest packages in Europe.
Session: Cost of Living Scotland
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My entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests has not been published yet, but I am a trustee of an epilepsy charity. For people with neurological conditions, particularly multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, their condition is unpredictable; one week they might be affected differently than another. The work capability assessments need to adapt to these changes. With the published consultation on reforming the assessments causing concern among those affected, what more can be done to make this process holistic and responsive?
Context
The hon. Gentleman's concerns stem from his experience as a trustee of an epilepsy charity and the impact fluctuating health conditions have on individuals' ability to undergo consistent assessments.
Tom Pursglove
We are spending a lot of time working with stakeholders to develop reforms that take better account of fluctuating health conditions. We aim to provide high-quality evidence early in the claim journey and are willing to have conversations about this.
Session: Work Capability Assessments People with Neurological Conditions
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What assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of work capability assessments for people with neurological conditions? My entry in the Register of Members' Financial Interests has not been published yet, but I am a trustee of an epilepsy charity. For people with neurological conditions, particularly multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, the condition is not uniform; one week they might be affected in one way, and the next week differently. The capability assessments have to match this variability so that they meet people's capabilities as they are.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the adequacy of current assessment methods for individuals with fluctuating health conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. The hon. Gentleman is a trustee of an epilepsy charity, indicating personal involvement in addressing such issues.
Tom Pursglove
The work capability assessor training includes neurological conditions, but we are working with stakeholders to improve the assessment of fluctuating conditions. We aim to take better account of these conditions early in the claim journey.
Session: Work Capability Assessments People with Neurological Conditions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
National Energy System Operator: Blackout Risk
15 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Greenhouse Gas Removals Sector
08 July 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Member highlights the urgency of climate change and the importance of greenhouse gas removals beyond carbon capture and storage. He argues for a commitment to engineered solutions like direct air ...
Point of Order
07 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The right hon. Member raised concerns over the lack of answers from the Government regarding the Peak Cluster project, highlighting that she had sent numerous parliamentary questions which were unansw...
Carbon Capture Pipeline Projects: Cheshire
15 June 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
MP Aphra Brandreth raised significant concerns about the Peak Cluster carbon capture project, which proposes to transport CO2 through Cheshire via a pipeline. The MP argued that the costs (£5 billion)...
Energy Security
19 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Criticises the Government's energy policy, particularly the ban on new oil and gas licences. Emphasises the negative impact of these policies on Aberdeen, the North East of Scotland, and UK economic s...
Opposition Day
24 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
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...
Heathrow Substation Outage NESO Review 2025-07-02
02 July 2025
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Minister made a statement on the publication of the report from the National Energy System Operator (NESO) following its review into the fire at the North Hyde substation, which occurred on March ...
Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery 2025-06-30
30 June 2025
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has declared the Prax Lindsey oil refinery's insolvency, urging support for workers and community. The Government will work ...
Solar Farms 2025-05-15
15 May 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Dr Caroline Johnson argues that large-scale solar farms on prime agricultural land are controversial due to the carbon footprint of producing solar panels, issues with recycling, human rights concerns...
Recommendations of the Infected Blood Inquiry
22 April 2024
The petition addresses the long-standing issue of individuals infected with contaminated blood who have suffered significant health consequences, including chronic fatigue and other severe symptoms, a...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
66.3%
55 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
17
20.5% of votes
No Votes
38
45.8% of votes
Abstentions
28
33.7% of votes
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: 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
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
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 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
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
28 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
27 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 195
Noes: 317
Failed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
20
Ministerial Questions Asked
35
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
46
Statements / Bills
1
Petitions Presented
83
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+46% above average
This MP:
20
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+623% above average
This MP:
35
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
+384% above average
This MP:
46
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-5% below average
This MP:
66.3
Average:
69.5
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 Michael Shanks's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.