Michelle Scrogham
MP for Barrow and Furness
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I thank the Prime Minister for recently visiting the now royal port of Barrow in my constituency to lay the keel for the new Dreadnought-class submarines. He will have seen how proud we are to build our nuclear deterrent, which keeps us safe. As we move forward with our plan for change, does he agree that Barrow and Furness could provide a blueprint for the whole country, with defence investment creating jobs, growth and prosperity in communities across the UK?
Context
The Prime Minister recently visited the royal port of Barrow to lay the keel for new Dreadnought-class submarines, highlighting local pride and economic benefits.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The royal port of Barrow provides a model for how defence can be a catalyst for skilled, well-paid jobs throughout the United Kingdom. I was proud and humbled to be able to thank the crew of the Vanguard submarine that was returning home after months away, with four of those on board returning to their newborn children. That is the change that will come from our spending 2.5% of GDP on defence, for the first time since the last Labour Government. Extra investment in Barrow has been made possible by my hon. Friend and this Government; those in the Conservative party made promises, but, as usual, they never, ever set the money aside.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Minister ensure that a new offence of child criminal exploitation is brought forward swiftly and robustly to target those responsible?
Context
Vulnerable young people are often exploited by adults to run drugs and other contraband, leading to involvement in crime. The youth justice system is focusing on tackling root causes.
David Lammy
Nothing is more tragic than seeing young people from deprived backgrounds preyed on by adults. The offence will be brought forward as soon as possible.
Session: Topical Questions
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What work is the Minister doing to ensure that UK small and medium-sized enterprises are well placed to benefit from AUKUS pillar 2 projects?
Context
AUKUS submarines are being built in Barrow-in-Furness, creating jobs. Question is about the broader economic impact on UK SMEs.
Alistair Carns
The first hundred pages or so of the SDR are about better industrial collaboration between the MOD and our industries. Work on AUKUS will create over 7,000 additional jobs at UK sites and across the supply chain, with over 21,000 working on the programme at its peak. The annual innovation challenge sees suppliers receive support for developing novel capabilities to demonstration phase.
Session: Defence UK Allies
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What steps is the government taking to improve defence relationships with the UK's allies?
Context
UK's defence alliances are critical for security. Recent agreements highlight this priority.
Alistair Carns
Strengthening defence relationships with our allies is a central priority for the Government. We do that through joint operations, exercises, intelligence co-operation, deeper industrial partnerships and close planning with NATO and joint expeditionary force allies and other key partners.
Session: Defence UK Allies
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What recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the progress of upgrades to the energy coast train line.
Context
The MP notes her role as a champion for the constituents and acknowledges Cumberland council's leadership in developing proposals for the energy coast train line.
Keir Mather
My hon. Friend is a great champion for her constituents. I thank her for her efforts to push the project forward; the energy coast train line has great potential to boost the local economy. Cumberland council is rightly leading the development of proposals, and my Department will continue to work with it, and to facilitate engagement across Government.
Session: Energy Coast Train Line Upgrades
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People in Barrow-in-Furness have had to put up with an increasingly unreliable rail service, which is having a huge impact on lives and businesses locally. From our work together so far on the energy coast rail upgrade, the Minister is aware that we have cross-Government support, and that the technical case for the project is well advanced. Does he agree that the meeting that we have been working towards, bringing Ministers and Departments together with Cumbrian MPs, will be an important milestone as we progress this work?
Context
The MP highlights constituents' concerns over an unreliable rail service impacting lives and businesses in Barrow-in-Furness. The technical case for upgrading the energy coast rail is advanced, with cross-Government support.
Keir Mather
My hon. Friend continues to be a determined champion both for the project and for the economic benefits that it could bring to her constituents. I agree that a meeting with the Rail Minister is the right way to progress the matter; I give her an assurance that that meeting will happen in short order.
Session: Energy Coast Train Line Upgrades
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Without energy security, projects such as Team Barrow and the regeneration of Barrow-in-Furness more widely would be impossible to deliver. Does the Secretary of State agree that large-scale proposals, such as the MESH—Marram energy storage and decarbonisation hub—project in the Irish sea, can play an important role in delivering the Government’s clean power 2030 ambitions, strengthening energy security and creating skilled jobs? Will he meet EnergyPathways to discuss this project further?
Context
Projects like Team Barrow and the regeneration of Barrow-in-Furness are dependent on energy security. The MESH project in the Irish Sea aims to deliver clean power, strengthen energy security, and create skilled jobs.
Ed Miliband
It sounds like a really interesting project. My hon. Friend is absolutely right that there are huge opportunities. Opportunities abound when it comes to co-operation with our near neighbours and across the world to help our energy security, deliver clean power and bring down bills.
Session: Topical Questions
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Forests With Impact is delivering innovative prisoner rehabilitation through horticulture, paid work and accredited training at HMP Haverigg, helping people to gain skills for employment on release while also contributing to environmental recovery. Would the Minister be willing to pay a visit and observe this work at first hand, and will he meet me to discuss how similar schemes could be supported more widely?
Context
Forests With Impact is delivering a prisoner rehabilitation program at HMP Haverigg, focusing on skills training for employment post-release.
Jake Richards
I thank my hon. Friend for her important question. That sounds like a really important initiative. A big swathe of this Government’s agenda is trying to tackle reoffending, which means improving rehabilitative services within our prisons. I look forward to meeting this service with my hon. Friend in the new year.
Session: Topical Questions
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After 14 years of neglect, young people in Barrow and Furness are going to benefit from this Government’s commitment to supporting the apprenticeships that will drive our local economy. Does the Minister agree that Labour’s unprecedented investment in skills shows just how serious this Government’s commitment is to driving opportunity in communities like mine?
Context
The MP highlighted the neglect of post-16 education in her constituency over 14 years, emphasizing the importance of supporting local economy through apprenticeships.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Western)
I strongly agree with her on the first question, because this package of investment will fund new measures to support apprenticeships for young people, including by fully funding apprenticeships at small and medium-sized enterprises for eligible people aged 16 to 24 to boost small business starts and prioritise funding to young people, starting from the next academic year. We are working with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Education to deliver the £182 million defence skills package aimed at harnessing the skills needed for the future and meeting the needs of people at various stages in their training and career pathways.
Session: Post-16 Skills Education
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The Minister will know how proud we in Barrow are to be building our world-class nuclear submarines. Working in the shipyard requires security clearance, which is provided by UKSV. However, some of my constituents have lost job offers due to the significant delays in receiving clearance. That has a severe impact on those individuals as well as on our ability to deliver the submarines that defend the country. Can the Minister assure me that steps are being taken to speed up the process?
Context
Concerns raised by constituents in Barrow who lost job offers due to significant delays in receiving security clearances from UKSV, impacting the ability to deliver nuclear submarines.
Dan Jarvis (Minister of State, Cabinet Office)
My hon. Friend will know better than anyone that Barrow makes a critical contribution to national security. I can assure her that UKSV continues to undertake a programme of work to improve the efficiency of the vetting process and that further work is ongoing to digitise and improve the automation of processes. If she has any further concerns, I would be happy to discuss them with her.
Session: United Kingdom Security Vetting
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I have been impressed by the work being done in Drop Zone in my constituency. It runs a variety of projects for young people, including specialised education for those with additional needs, mental health support, and support for the transition back into education, employment and training. But young people in Barrow and Furness still face difficult challenges from a long legacy of underfunding. The youth trailblazer scheme is already making a difference in some constituencies after just a few months. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can tailor the scheme to specifically target young people in Barrow and Furness?
Context
The question concerns the support provided to young people in Barrow and Furness who are not in education, employment or training. This is prompted by a concern about underfunding in this area despite some successful initiatives.
Alison McGovern
Barrow has unique circumstances, challenges and opportunities, and it is important that all parts of the Government address those unique opportunities and challenges in Barrow. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to further discuss what we are already doing and what more we can go on to do to ensure that young people in Barrow have the best possible chance in life.
Session: NEETs Barrow and Furness
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My constituents in Barrow and Furness very much welcome the Government’s move towards delivering more neighbourhood health services, but my right hon. Friend will be aware of the great concern locally about the proposal from Lancashire and South Cumbria integrated care board to permanently end level 3 critical care at Furness general hospital. More than 10,000 people have signed my petition just this week to oppose that move. Will the Secretary of State please ensure that decision makers meet me and representatives locally to explore an alternative path forward that ensures patient safety, protects the integrity of our hospital and reflects the area’s growing population?
Context
The proposal by Lancashire and South Cumbria integrated care board to permanently end level 3 critical care at Furness general hospital has raised significant concern among constituents in Barrow and Furness. Over 10,000 people have signed a petition against this decision.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
That was just one of many instances in which my hon. Friend has made the voices and views of people across Barrow and Furness heard loudly and clearly in this place and across government. In response to her question, I say yes, absolutely: on such an important matter her local commissioners should be meeting her, as the local Member of Parliament, and I think I can commit to that on their behalf. While such decisions must be made locally and clinically led, they must also be made in partnership with the local authority and the local community. We must ensure that we are engaging democratically elected representatives, and I will ensure that my hon. Friend secures that meeting.
Session: Neighbourhood Health Services
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The previous Government’s mismanagement has left our flood defences unfit for purpose. Will the Chancellor set out what the Government are doing to increase community resilience against flooding and coastal erosion?
Context
Previous government's mismanagement has left flood defences in Barrow unfit for purpose, impacting local communities.
Darren Jones
To protect from devastating impacts of flooding, we have committed £2.65 billion over 2024-25 to 2025-26 for improving flood defences and established a flood resilience taskforce which will report in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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At the autumn Budget, a range of support measures for small businesses were announced, including vital support for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. Will the Minister confirm the measures being taken to support the independent and important craft brewing and distillery sector in Cumbria?
Context
The autumn Budget announced support measures for small businesses, including the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. The question seeks confirmation of specific measures for craft brewing and distillery in Cumbria.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
Permanent decisions were made to give businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors certainty that their discounts will apply to business rates relief. These measures will benefit establishments like Shed One gin, Wolftown and Kin vodka in Cumbria.
Session: Regional Growth England
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In Barrow and Furness, we often joke that we live at the end of the longest cul-de-sac in the UK. The A590 and the A595 are lifelines for people in my constituency. Our future growth, the nuclear deterrent and the emergency services depend on the roads working well, but we are often cut off. Will the Minister therefore confirm the Government’s commitment to investing in the improved reliability of such critical pieces of infrastructure?
Context
The A590 and the A595 are vital for Barrow and Furness, affecting growth, nuclear deterrent operations, and emergency services.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight the importance of those roads to her constituents. I am working closely with National Highways and holding it to account for those parts of the road network, as well as working with local authorities to ensure that roads are reliable, well maintained and available.
Session: Topical Questions
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Critical care at Furness general hospital in Barrow has been temporarily downgraded, meaning that those in most need of the highest level of care are now exposed to potentially life-threatening delays during a 50-mile transfer on difficult roads. Will the Minister please look at this worrying decision by the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust and do everything to enable the reopening of this service as soon as possible?
Context
Critical care services at Furness General Hospital in Barrow have been temporarily downgraded, causing significant concern for patients needing urgent care. This decision has been made by the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.
Andrew Gwynne
My hon. Friend is a doughty fighter for her constituents. I am aware that the decision she mentions is an interim measure made by the critical care network, the Lancashire and South Cumbria integrated care board and the NHS trust. The decision will be kept under review and patients impacted will receive appropriate support.
Session: District Hospitals
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What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of district hospitals in providing services that meet the needs of local communities?
Context
The effectiveness of district hospitals in providing services to local communities is under scrutiny. The question arises from concerns about the quality and accessibility of healthcare.
Andrew Gwynne
Lord Darzi's report concluded that the health service is in a critical condition across the country. District hospitals have a vital role to play in meeting the needs of their communities, and this Government will support them to reduce waiting times, improve urgent care, and build a neighbourhood health service.
Session: District Hospitals
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Will he comment on the importance of that broad approach, which aims to make Barrow an even better place in which to live, work and raise a family, and will he meet me to discuss that further?
Context
The importance of a cross-departmental approach to support the AUKUS deal in Barrow and Furness is highlighted.
Luke Pollard
Both the Secretary of State and I have visited Barrow to see not only the incredible innovation in the shipyard there, but the amazing workforce who are putting together the nuclear submarines. The Government are indeed working across Departments, and with the local council and BAE Systems, to invest heavily in development of the shipyard and submarine facilities.
Session: AUKUS Strategic Partnership
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Opposition Day
23 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the motion expressing regret over the chaos in Government, particularly regarding the temporary Prime Minister's attendance at the NATO summit. Calls on the Government to spend 3% of GDP on defe...
Reserve Forces and Cadets Act - Schedule 6
22 June 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
I move that the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to enhance support for reserve forces and cadet organisations, recognising their significant contribution to community resilience and ...
Defence Investment Plan
10 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence
24 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Conservative MP regrets that the Government has not published the Defence Investment Plan despite repeated promises to do so. He criticises the delay for freezing procurement and leaving the UK vu...
Ministry of Defence
04 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Tan Dhesi, as Chair of the Defence Committee, emphasised the need for long-term strategic investment in defence to counter the increasing military threat from Russia and China. He criticised the UK's ...
Middle East
02 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Finance (No. 2) Bill 2026-01-12
12 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Minister opened the debate on the Finance (No. 2) Bill, emphasising that the Labour Government's second Budget was a choice between austerity and decline or investment and renewal, opting for the ...
Remembrance Day Armed Forces 2025-11-11
11 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund 2025-10-23
23 October 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the Government will review the allocation of the fishing and coastal growth fund, which has been widely criticised as unfair to Scotland, particularly given its signific...
Attendance
66.3%
55 of 83 votes
Aye Votes
19
22.9% of votes
No Votes
36
43.4% 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
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
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
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: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
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 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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
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
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
17
Ministerial Questions Asked
19
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
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
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+24% above average
This MP:
17
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+293% above average
This MP:
19
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
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 Michelle Scrogham's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.