Mike Kane
MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East
Lab
13 Feb 2014 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My constituent Fred Bates, age 74 and suffering from liver cancer, is a victim of the contaminated blood products scandal. After 50 years, he wishes to know when victims like him will be compensated and receive justice.
Context
A constituent, Fred Bates, aged 74 with liver cancer, is a victim of the contaminated blood scandal. The issue has been discussed in Parliament previously but no resolution was reached, resulting in a lost vote.
Rishi Sunak
The Government has already accepted the moral case for compensation and acknowledged that justice needs to be delivered. The Minister for the Cabinet Office will update on the next steps from the infected blood inquiry shortly.
Assessment
Did not provide a specific timeline or amount of compensation
Session: PMQs
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With HS2 reducing journey times from Manchester to London by 1 hour 34 minutes and offering environmental benefits, what prevents the Government from starting construction in the north now?
Context
HS2 is expected to reduce travel times significantly between Manchester airport and London, alongside carbon capture benefits.
Boris Johnson
The answer to that is, as anybody who gets a project done on their home or wherever knows, that starting again midway through I am afraid greatly multiplies the cost, but we will go as fast as we possibly can.
Assessment
Did not provide specific reasons preventing immediate construction start in northern regions
Session: PMQs
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What assessment has the Minister made of the Frontier Hull programme in tackling COPD, and will she commit to exploring scaling this up nationally?
Context
In the constituency of Wythenshawe and Sale East, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major issue. Chiesi, based in the area, is involved in early diagnosis efforts.
Sharon Hodgson
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the excellent work of Hull University teaching hospital and Chiesi. The NHS has delivered spirometry tests in community settings, including community diagnostic centres, to diagnose COPD missed in the pandemic, and the lung cancer screening programme also refers patients to primary care, including for COPD.
Session: Lung Cancer Screening Programme 2026-07-14
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What progress his Department has made on ensuring that incidental findings from the lung cancer screening programme are followed up.
Context
The lung cancer screening programme has been implemented to identify cancers at an earlier stage. The programme also identifies other serious health conditions.
Sharon Hodgson
The lung cancer screening programme is already making a difference by helping to find lung cancers earlier, when they are easier to treat. By focusing first on areas with the greatest need, it is also helping to narrow the gap in lung cancer outcomes. The programme can also identify other serious health conditions. Clear NHS protocols are now in place so that these findings are followed up and patients can get the right care as quickly as possible.
Session: Lung Cancer Screening Programme 2026-07-14
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My constituents Darren and Nicole shared with me their story of hardship in raising five children on one income. Like me, they are grateful to this Chancellor for ending the two-child benefit cap. Will she consider an independent process for advising the Government on how much universal credit needs to be, if people are to afford everyday items?
Context
The question addresses the impact of the two-child benefit cap on families, using specific cases like Darren and Nicole to illustrate hardship. It seeks advice on how much universal credit needs to be adjusted for affordability.
Rachel Reeves
I thank my hon. Friend for bringing the story of Darren and Nicole to this House. I hope that they and their children will benefit from the change I made to the two-child limit for universal credit, as well as from the rolling out of free breakfast clubs to all primary schools, and the introduction of free school meals for all children whose parents are on universal credit, which will start in September and be available at primary, secondary, nursery and further education levels. As the Trussell Trust has said, the decisions I made in my Budget mean that the cruel two-child limit, which drove countless families into hardship and forced them to turn to food banks to survive, will end.
Session: Cost of Living Wythenshawe and Sale East
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What steps she has taken to help support people with the cost of living in Wythenshawe and Sale East constituency?
Context
The question addresses the cost of living crisis impacting constituents in Wythenshawe and Sale East, specifically mentioning measures to support local residents.
Rachel Reeves
The Government are committed to easing cost of living pressures for people in Wythenshawe and Sale East, and across the UK. Budget measures are already helping households; we are freezing prescription charges for the second year in a row, freezing rail fares for the first time in 30 years, and taking £150 off energy bills, as well as protecting pensioners through the triple lock and lifting half a million children out of poverty.
Session: Cost of Living Wythenshawe and Sale East
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The nation should be grateful for this Secretary of State and for what he is doing for maternal services, yet at Wythenshawe hospital in my constituency, the most recent Care Quality Commission report rated maternity services inadequate for safety. What assurances can the Secretary of State give that the improvements that he has outlined will be felt by mums locally?
Context
The most recent Care Quality Commission report rated maternity services at Wythenshawe hospital in the constituency inadequate for safety. The question follows a period where there has been significant public concern about these findings.
Wes Streeting
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to present those issues and to be honest about the challenges that have been raised in his local trust. I assure him that following an inspection by the CQC, NHS trusts take action to address the recommendations cited in the report. Already, £40 million in funding has been allocated to Wythenshawe hospital to ensure that safety issues are addressed, with work scheduled for completion by 2028. In addition, through the new maternity and neonatal taskforce, the first meeting of which I have already chaired, we will act swiftly to translate the final recommendations of the independent investigation into a new national action plan so that services improve in my hon. Friend's part of the country and across the whole of England.
Session: Maternity Care
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What steps his Department is taking to improve maternity care.
Context
The question focuses on the state of maternity services in the UK, highlighting concerns about failures in care and their impact on families.
Wes Streeting
I remain deeply concerned by the state of the maternity services that we inherited. Although the majority of births go well, I know through the courage of families and concerned staff of the devastating impact that comes from failures in care. That is why I asked Baroness Amos to chair an independent investigation into maternity and neonatal care. However, that has not stopped us from acting now, with an extra 2,000 midwives, over £149 million invested to address critical safety risks on the maternity and neonatal estate, and a £25 million boost for trusts to tackle causes of maternal death, enhance bereavement services and improve triage services. We are already making progress—lots done, but I would be the first to say on this issue: so much more to do.
Session: Maternity Care
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The UK's minimum wage is £11.44 an hour, but P&O admitted it paid seafarers only £4.87 an hour. This has been a breach of trust. What more will the Minister do to stop companies acting like modern-day pirates when it comes to fire and rehire?
Context
P&O Ferries admitted to paying seafarers £4.87 an hour, below the UK minimum wage of £11.44 per hour.
Anthony Browne
P&O's practices, including on minimum wage issues, were unacceptable. The Seafarers Wages Act will ensure seafarers operating in UK waters get the minimum wage. We coordinated with France to set a minimum wage corridor for services between the UK and France.
Session: Fire and Rehire
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If the Secretary of State is not spouting conspiracy theories, he is exuding incompetence. Ashford authorities warned Parliament that 14 hours of queues were a “reasonable worst case” scenario with the implementation of the EU entry/exit system this autumn. Why has he failed to adequately prepare for the queues at our ports and airports?
Context
The MP criticises the Secretary of State for failing to adequately prepare for queues at ports and airports.
Mark Harper
I just do not recognise the hon. Gentleman's characterisation. We are working very hard with colleagues across Government. I recently had a very good meeting with colleagues at the port of Dover, and we meet with other operators. There are very good plans in place, work is proceeding at pace, and I am confident that the EES will go very smoothly when introduced. The plans are in place and work is under way.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Minister mentions sexual offences, but it frustrates me beyond belief that my constituents have to wait on average 839 days for their cases to be heard. Is the distress caused taken into account, or is the system too broken?
Context
The question stems from concerns about the average wait time of 839 days for victims of serious sexual offences to have their cases heard, highlighting the distress caused by such delays.
Alex Chalk
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to raise the issue of victims of serious sexual offences. We take that incredibly seriously, and that is why we have introduced measures such as section 28, which enables evidence to be taken and recorded in advance. We have increased the fees for barristers to make that more straightforward. We have also increased the number of independent sexual violence advisers, who accompany, as it were, those victims on that journey. That is very important to prevent dropout rates. This is an important point: the sentencing levels are much higher—up by 30% compared with 2010.
Session: Topical Questions
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If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. The Minister mentions sexual offences, but it frustrates me beyond belief that my constituents have to wait on average 839 days for their cases to be heard. Is the distress caused taken into account, or is the system too broken?
Context
The question arises from the ongoing work of HM Prison and Probation Service and HM Courts and Tribunals Service staff during Christmas, and recent progress on key bills such as the Victims and Prisoners Bill.
Alex Chalk
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to raise the issue of victims of serious sexual offences. We take that incredibly seriously, and that is why we have introduced measures such as section 28, which enables evidence to be taken and recorded in advance. We have increased the fees for barristers to make that more straightforward. We have also increased the number of independent sexual violence advisers, who accompany, as it were, those victims on that journey. That is very important to prevent dropout rates. This is an important point: the sentencing levels are much higher—up by 30% compared with 2010.
Session: Topical Questions
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. I smile because I am welcoming the Minister to his place perhaps half a dozen Ministers since I first stood at the Dispatch Box—but the best of luck to him in the time ahead. Decarbonising maritime will require unprecedented investment in UK technologies, with visionary policy and regulatory frameworks that limit ships' emissions and mandate the use of clean fuels. When will the Government follow the advice issued by the Transport Committee in June and streamline the muddle of 184 recommendations it set for itself in “Maritime 2050”? Speaking of which, we were promised a refreshed “Maritime 2050” in 2023 by one of the Secretary of State's many predecessors. There are a handful of days left. Where is it?
Context
The Maritime 2050 plan aims at decarbonisation of the maritime sector. The Transport Committee has issued advice for streamlining its recommendations, but a refreshed version of the plan is overdue.
Anthony Browne
I thank the hon. Gentleman for what I am going to call his warm words—it is Christmas, a time to forgive and forget. The clean maritime plan is being refreshed and we will publish it as soon as possible. We are taking in and analysing a very wide range of evidence from a wide range of different people. The Government are committed to the whole “Maritime 2050” plan, and we are investing over £200 million in the UK SHORE programme to help fund research and development to make shipping decarbonise.
Session: UK Emissions Trading Scheme Ferry Services
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The right hon. Member for Salisbury (John Glen) is the ninth Paymaster General since the contaminated blood inquiry reported. We have worked together on mesothelioma and other issues, so I know he is of good faith, but my constituent Fred Bates, who was a victim of the contaminated blood scandal, is now 74 and needs to know whether he will get compensation before it is too late.
Context
A constituent, Fred Bates, is seeking compensation due to the contaminated blood scandal.
John Glen
I understand that and, through the hon. Gentleman, I say to Mr Bates that I am doing everything I can to update the House as quickly as possible. There are a range of activities that I am familiar with from the small ministerial group of which I was previously a part. There is a lot of complexity in securing the envelope of money and then working out how to allocate it, but I am doing everything I can to bring that forward as quickly as possible.
Session: Topical Questions
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Fresh from slashing and burning HS2 while in Manchester and spouting crank conspiracy theories, the Secretary of State announced Network North. However, that dodgy sounding 1970s ITV franchise does not have a single project with an approved business case, and plans are valued at 2019 prices. There was no promise to my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford East (Imran Hussain) a minute ago. Network North is literally not worth the paper it is written on, is it, Minister?
Context
The Labour MP questions the validity of the business cases for projects under Network North, citing a specific example like the Ely and Haughley project.
Huw Merriman
There is a huge amount of projects that we should all be celebrating, across parties. It is interesting that the Opposition seem to be knocking these opportunities to better connect cities across the north and the country. When it comes to business cases, the Ely and Haughley project, for example, has an outline business case of 4.6.
Session: Rail Services
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The climate breakdown data coming in from around the planet at the moment is truly terrifying, so decarbonising transport is vital if we are to meet our climate change commitments. Will the Minister pledge to continue the work laid out just four years ago in the Maritime 2050 strategy, as recommended by the Transport Committee?
Context
MP is concerned about the continuation of the maritime decarbonisation efforts laid out in the Maritime 2050 strategy.
Jesse Norman
The hon. Gentleman may know that we have just had a very interesting and successful potential negotiation at the International Maritime Organisation. We take this issue extremely seriously, both as regards the decarbonisation of ports and the creation of green routes and other forms of maritime decarbonisation. We absolutely are working on this agenda, recognising that it is one of the most difficult areas of all to decarbonise over time.
Session: Transport Infrastructure Decarbonisation
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The Government's investment is welcome but mental health patients are still waiting too long in A&E for treatment. When will this end?
Context
Mental health patients waited over 5.4 million hours for treatment in A&E last year; a constituent spent five days there.
Steve Barclay
We have invested £2.3 billion more compared with four years ago, including 100 mental health ambulances and crisis cafés to support emergency departments.
Session: Topical Questions
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Due to the UK's out-of-date and inefficient airspace, designed in the 1960s, the average flight from Luton to Jersey emits 24% more carbon than necessary. Modernising UK airspace is the quickest and most effective way to save carbon in the UK aviation sector. The process is so slow and bureaucratic that it is going to be the 2060s before this is sorted. Is it not time the Secretary of State stepped up to the plate?
Context
The MP is concerned about the inefficiencies of UK airspace, which affects carbon emissions from flights.
Mark Harper
I agree with the hon. Gentleman about the importance of airspace modernisation, which is exactly why we are getting on with it. I have had recent discussions with National Air Traffic Services on the work it is doing and discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority. That work is under way, and we are looking at it in the UK, but also working with our international partners to make sure this plays a part in decarbonisation. It was something I discussed in the US when I co-chaired a summit with the US Transportation Secretary, and we talked about these issues with important players in the aviation sector globally.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Seafarers' Wages Act remains a real missed opportunity. Let us look at points six to nine of the Government's nine-point plan: Developing a statutory code for 'fire and rehire' practices? Nope. Taking action against company leaders who break the law? Nope. Improving the long-term working conditions of seafarers? Nope. As the hon. Member for Wythenshawe and Sale East (Mike Kane) asked, where is the seafarers' charter? Encouraging more ships to operate under the UK flag? Nope. The figures went down by another 3% last year and are down by 30% since the Tories came to power. Other than the utterly anaemic Seafarers' Wages Act, what have the Tories ever done for seafarers?
Context
The Government's nine-point plan lacks action on fire and rehire practices, taking action against company leaders who break the law, improving long-term working conditions of seafarers, and encouraging more ships to operate under the UK flag.
Richard Holden
When SNP Members start talking about ferries, we can tell that they think they are on to a good one. It is interesting that they have not raised the subject of motor homes today instead. Work on the seafarers' charter continues as we speak, and I will update the House as soon as more information is available.
Session: P&O Ferries Discussions with DP World
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Manchester and Trafford are cracking on with regenerating Wythenshawe and Sale town centres, despite submitting excellent but ultimately unsuccessful levelling-up bids. Does the Minister really think that forcing cash-strapped councils to waste millions entering endless beauty parades is the best way to level up?
Context
The MP is concerned about the effectiveness of levelling-up initiatives in attracting investment to towns.
Dehenna Davison
That is why the Government will be publishing a full funding simplification plan in due course, but it is also why we are focusing on devolving more power and more money to local areas. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will join me in welcoming the fantastic trailblazer deal that we have just introduced in Manchester.
Session: Attracting Investment Support for Towns
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What steps he is taking as part of his Department's levelling up policies to support towns in attracting investment. Manchester and Trafford are cracking on with regenerating Wythenshawe and Sale town centres, despite submitting excellent but ultimately unsuccessful levelling-up bids. Does the Minister really think that forcing cash-strapped councils to waste millions entering endless beauty parades is the best way to level up?
Context
The MP is concerned about the effectiveness of levelling-up initiatives in attracting investment to towns.
Dehenna Davison
The Government are supporting towns to attract investment through a wide number of levelling-up initiatives, including freeports and investment zones. The £2.6 billion UK shared prosperity fund aims to grow the private sector across the United Kingdom, and the levelling-up funding programmes total almost £10 billion. A full funding simplification plan will be published in due course, and more power and money are being devolved to local areas. I welcome the trailblazer deal introduced in Manchester.
Session: Attracting Investment Support for Towns
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In light of the current humanitarian crisis, what more can be done to help communities remain at home?
Context
The £156 million of aid is five times less than the amount provided six years ago for a milder crisis. There is an exodus of biblical proportions in east Africa.
Andrew Mitchell
British development policy aims to keep people safe and secure. The horn of Africa crisis requires an international response, with British leadership providing skill and expertise.
Session: Hunger Crisis in East Africa
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What recent assessment has he made of the implications for his policies of the hunger crisis in East Africa? The £156 million of aid is five times less than six years ago for a milder crisis. With an exodus in east Africa, what more can the Government do to help communities stay at home?
Context
East Africa faces a severe humanitarian crisis with millions displaced due to drought and famine. The UK previously provided more aid during milder crises.
Andrew Mitchell
British development policy aims to help people remain safe and secure. The crisis requires international response, not just money but skill and expertise, with British leadership at the forefront.
Session: Hunger Crisis in East Africa
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What is the status of commitments and actions towards producing sustainable aviation fuel in the UK?
Context
The MP notes that no commitment was made on SAF production at a recent airports conference. He criticises the Government's Jet Zero Council for achieving little.
Jesse Norman
£165 million has been put into the advanced fuels fund to support five UK sustainable aviation fuel plants, with a mandate planned for 2025. Modernisation is complex but vital for noise impact protection.
Session: Aviation Noise and Fuel
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Will the Minister meet me to discuss my constituent Joanne Davies' case where she faces a £5,000 expense due to regulation change for low-rise blocks?
Context
The question raises the case of a constituent facing £5,000 costs due to regulatory changes related to cladding, with no support offered.
Michael Gove
I will absolutely make sure that I or another Minister meets the hon. Gentleman and takes up the case of his constituent, yes.
Session: Residential Buildings Remediation
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What steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to protect leaseholders from increasing insurance costs caused by cladding issues?
Context
The question addresses the issue of leaseholders in low-rise apartment blocks facing increases in building insurance costs due to cladding problems.
Michael Gove
Developers are lining up to sign our contract for remediation of approximately 1,500 buildings. Ninety-five percent of dangerous Grenfell-style clad buildings have been remediated or work is underway. The number fixed by the building safety fund has doubled in the past year. A new mid-rise scheme pilot is making progress ahead of its full launch.
Session: Residential Buildings Remediation
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Earlier this year, the Transport Secretary condemned P&O for callously treating workers. Now I have evidence showing its competitor, Irish Ferries, pays seafarers just £5.50 an hour and received a taxpayer-funded contract. How can the Government condemn such practices yet hand over money to companies with poor wage models?
Context
The P&O scandal led to condemnation of companies treating workers with callousness, but Mike Kane found evidence that Irish Ferries pays seafarers £5.50 an hour while receiving public contracts.
Richard Holden
We are currently examining this issue speedily, and the Seafarers' Wages Bill is expected in Parliament within weeks to address such matters.
Session: Topical Questions
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It has been five months since the Government promised to take legal action against P&O Ferries. Given that their CEO admitted disregarding employment law, when will the Insolvency Service deliver its decision and strike him off as a director?
Context
The Government promised to take legal action against P&O Ferries five months ago.
Lucy Frazer
The hon. Member will know that the Government have taken a variety of actions and considered very carefully the position in relation to P&O. He talks about the Insolvency Service and, obviously, this is a matter for it.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given Lord Geidt's resignation, I am concerned about whether the government will take steps to appoint an independent adviser on Ministers' interests. With no current adviser in place, there are worries about potential conflicts of interest and the lack of guidance on ministerial codes.
Context
Lord Geidt has recently resigned from his role as independent adviser on Ministers' interests. There is uncertainty about the future appointment of a replacement.
Kit Malthouse
The Government were sorry to receive Lord Geidt's resignation and are grateful for his work in the role. Any future appointment will need to be a matter for the new Administration, given that the adviser is a personal adviser to the Prime Minister and is appointed for a five-year fixed term.
Session: Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests
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The brilliant Sale High School in my constituency is in desperate need of refurbishment. To that end, I have been working with local partners to put a deal on the table. With the help of the Minister in the other place, the deal went to the Department's playing field strategy committee in June. Will the Minister please apprise the House of the outcome?
Context
The Sale High School in the constituency is urgently requiring refurbishment, with local partners working to develop a deal. The matter was taken up by the Minister in another place, but the playing field strategy committee has not yet decided on the case.
Robin Walker
I recognise that the hon. Gentleman has been pressing my noble Friend in the other place on this matter. The case for the high school did not go to the playing field panel in June, because queries requiring further information from the applicant were raised by the Department's design team. The applicant has been fully updated on the request and the information required. The case should now be going to the panel in September and I will ensure we update him at that stage.
Session: Topical Questions
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It is my great pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State to oral questions today, because he was absent without leave last time, and he is missing in action when it comes to aviation. He mentioned the chaos over Easter and the jubilee weekend, but he did not hold one meeting with aviation bosses during that time. Now EasyJet, among others, has announced that it could cancel 10,000 flights in the next three months. The Secretary of State needs to step up to the plate. He needs to go to the Prime Minister, knock on the door, and clean up the mess.
Context
The Secretary of State was absent during the last oral questions, and there were issues with aviation chaos over Easter and jubilee weekend. EasyJet has announced potential cancellations.
Grant Shapps
I am not sure what the question was. During the last oral questions, I was taking on the UK presidency of the International Transport Forum, which is the world's most important international transport body. If the hon. Gentleman does not think that a Secretary of State should be doing that, he is very mistaken indeed.
Session: Topical Questions
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When will the Government implement the airspace modernisation programme to reduce carbon emissions from aviation? Guidance was issued three years ago but has not been followed up with implementation.
Context
The airspace modernisation programme has been proposed to decarbonise air travel around airports by improving efficiency. However, despite guidance issued in May 2019, the programme is yet to be implemented.
Trudy Harrison
The hon. Gentleman should meet with the Aviation Minister regarding this point. The Government continues to work on decarbonising aviation through initiatives like 'Green Fuels, Green Skies'. Specific implementation dates for the airspace modernisation programme were not provided.
Session: Local Transport Plans Decarbonisation
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I am looking forward to St Patrick's Day. Concerning developments at P&O Ferries suggest potential significant disruption and staff redundancy. Can you provide an update on any discussions with DP World or P&O Ferries about the situation, particularly regarding avoiding foreign cheap labour replacements?
Context
Worrying news about P&O Ferries being called to port by DP World seeking long-term viability. Potential major disruptions and redundancies.
Grant Shapps
Operations at P&O Ferries have been temporarily paused causing disruption. Discussions are ongoing with the Kent resilience forum, and officials will engage in urgent discussions with P&O about the situation to address concerns for workers.
Session: Topical Questions
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I cannot begin to describe how much Sale High School in my constituency needs a rebuild. There is a local financial solution on the table, which is being put at risk by Department for Education delays. Will the Minister commit to helping me bring this to a resolution today?
Context
Sale High School needs a rebuild but funding delays are putting the local financial solution at risk.
Robin Walker
I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer that I just gave. Of course I am happy to make sure that the Department looks carefully at any individual bid of schools, especially where there is particular condition need. If he would like to write to me, I shall have a look at that case.
Session: School Buildings Refurbishment
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What assessment has the Secretary of State made about how the two-child benefit cap negatively affects faith communities, where larger families are more prevalent?
Context
None provided, supplementary question.
Therese Coffey
The hon. Member and I are both practising Catholics, and I am conscious of the point he is making. However, I am also conscious that the benefit cap takes into account the amount of benefits available to a family compared with median income. It is important that we keep that approach, recognising in particular that the cap can be lifted when people earn, I think, about £605 a month.
Session: Topical Questions
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Clearly taking its lead from South Western Railway, Southern has suspended all direct trains on the Brighton line into Victoria, meaning that my constituents along the south way have to change twice, which they calculate is adding about a third to their commuting times. That is completely unacceptable. Given the special funding arrangements between the Department for Transport and Govia Thameslink Railway, what compensation can be given to my constituents or, better still, what pressure can the Minister bring to bear on that company to provide a decent service again, at last?
Context
Southern has suspended direct trains on the Brighton line into Victoria, forcing constituents to change twice and adding about a third to their commuting times.
Wendy Morton
I share my hon. Friend's frustration and, as I said in response to earlier questions, we have been supporting the industry heavily throughout covid-19. During the omicron part of the pandemic, the industry has been handling staff absences, but this is absolutely about getting those services back up and running as soon as possible.
Session: South Western Railway
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Having failed to secure a sector-specific deal from the Treasury, the industry is recovering much more slowly than our international competitors, and now we have the spectacle of an unholy row between airlines and airports on landing charges. With the new rules on slots, we have the prospect of planes flying empty or with half loads. Industry leaders tell me that the Secretary of State has been missing in action, but he has been busy shoring up the beleaguered Prime Minister's whipping operation—we would like to thank him for that. Is it not time for the Secretary of State to step up to the plate when it comes to aviation?
Context
The aviation industry is facing difficulties in recovering from the pandemic, including disputes between airlines and airports over landing charges. The questioner points out that there has been a lack of action from the Secretary of State.
Robert Courts
The Secretary of State and all members of the Government have been in constant contact with the aviation sector, and it is through that that we have been able to tailor our response. We have given £8 billion of support to the sector. The airport and ground operations support scheme is on top of that, and there is the aviation skills retention platform.
Session: Aviation Sector
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Neither have we been invited to his last couple of Christmas parties, but we will wait to hear more on that. Perhaps, after the Sunday Times article, he should spend a little less time defending the rights of private airstrips where he can land his plane and a little more time sorting out the estimated 90,000 shortage of HGV drivers, which is holding our economy back. So here is some helpful advice: will he finally act to back Labour's plans to appoint a Minister for the supply chain crisis, boost driver recruitment and retention, and secure agreement with the EU, particularly after the news on France today, to prevent future import controls at ports worsening the situation?
Context
There is a concern over the UK's current strategy in dealing with the significant HGV driver shortage, which is impacting economic performance. Labour suggests creating a Minister for supply chain crisis.
Grant Shapps
The hon. Gentleman attacks aviation but does not understand that transport includes all forms; freight by rail and air are part of logistics. He does not seem to grasp how cargo moves globally. On supply chain, I spoke to French opposite number Jean-Baptiste Djebbari confirming no haulier movement restrictions.
Session: Transport and Logistics Labour Shortages
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We have an analogue airspace system in the digital age; the Minister is right in what he says. With the better ascents and descents of planes and the elimination of holding patterns, we will not only improve noise abatement but cut carbon emissions by up to 26%, as he rightly said. This is the lowest of the low-hanging fruit when it comes to the climate crisis, so can the Minister tell us what he is personally doing and how he is talking to the industry to unlock the funding we need to enable this programme to continue?
Context
Current airspace management is outdated, and improvements could reduce noise pollution and carbon emissions.
Robert Courts
The hon. Gentleman is quite right. There are a number of aspects to decarbonising aviation. There are the existing efficiencies as well as sustainable aviation fuel and the £180 million that we have recently announced on that. Then there is the longer-term but still rapidly advancing technology that was referred to earlier. He is also quite right to talk about airspace modernisation, and the Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act 2021, which was put through in the last Session, was a major part of that. It gives the Government extra powers. After the pause that took place during covid, we have given £5.5 million for the future airspace strategy programme, which is taking place as we speak.
Session: Glasgow Airport Airspace Modernisation
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Earlier I mentioned the penny dropping with regard to HGV drivers, but the aviation and travel industries can only dream of the Government understanding the magnitude of the crisis they face. Tens, perhaps hundreds, of thousands of jobs have gone in the sector, including 3,000 in my constituency, and that is with a job retention scheme in place. If the scheme ends this month there will be further damage to the sector. Did the Minister make representation to the Treasury to extend the scheme for aviation and travel, and if not, why not?
Context
The question focuses on job losses in the aviation and travel industries, with tens of thousands of jobs potentially at risk if current measures continue without government intervention.
Robert Courts
As I said to the hon. Member for Wythenshawe and Sale East (Mike Kane), the importance of this industry is well understood by me and the entirety of Government. We are working hard to ensure that we get international travel up and running again safely and securely, because that is the best way to protect all our constituents.
Session: Travel Companies International Restrictions
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I agree with the hon. Member for Truro and Falmouth (Cherilyn Mackrory) that fantastic projects are under way across the UK, including in her constituency, to get the maritime sector down to net zero. There is, however, a significant funding gap when it comes to making these developments a reality, and the Government, despite their record, have not done anywhere near enough to address the significant investment shortfall compared with other maritime nations that we compete with. Does the Minister agree that it is imperative that our vital maritime sector gets the support it needs? Will he commit to addressing that and providing the necessary funding to support the research and innovation that is required?
Context
The question addresses the significant funding gap for making developments in maritime decarbonisation a reality, comparing UK investment with other nations.
Robert Courts
I agree with the hon. Gentleman about the importance of decarbonising the maritime sector, but I cannot agree with him about the Government investment. We have invested £20 million in the clean maritime demonstration competition. That seedcorn funding will help to develop the technology that we will be using. It is the largest technology competition ever run by the Department for Transport.
Session: Maritime Industry Decarbonisation
View All Questions -->
To follow on from the question asked by the hon. Member for East Devon (Simon Jupp), regional airports play a critical role in connecting our regions and our Union. This month, Stobart Air collapsed, and easyJet is to close its bases at Newcastle International, London Stansted and London Southend airports; Teesside and Newquay have previously shut their doors. Without a sector-specific deal, our regional airports, the connectivity that they provide and the jobs and communities that they support are at risk. What assessment has the Department made of the long-term viability of this critical infrastructure to our nation?
Context
Several major airline operators have ceased operations at regional airports, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of these critical transport hubs.
Rachel Maclean
As the hon. Gentleman will know, we fully recognise and support the importance of the aviation industry to our country. This Government have stood behind the sector and provided up to £7 billion of support for jobs through the furlough scheme and support for airports and the airline industry.
Session: Cross-UK Transport Links
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Air Traffic Control Disruption
10 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Building Homes and Renewing Communities
03 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill - Motion to carry over the bill to next Session
27 April 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The amendment seeks to ensure that proceedings on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill continue into the next parliamentary session. The Bill is essential to address the legacy of the troubles, which ha...
International Development
19 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
17 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Strait of Hormuz
16 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Lord Mandelson: Response to Humble Address
16 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Powerhouse Rail 2026-01-14
14 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Finance 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Troubles Operation Kenova 2025-12-09
09 December 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland make a statement on the latest publication from Operation Kenova and the Government’s response to its findings?
Attendance
71.4%
70 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
24
24.5% of votes
No Votes
46
46.9% of votes
Abstentions
28
28.6% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
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
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
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
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
49
Ministerial Questions Asked
82
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
6
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
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+266% above average
This MP:
49
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1587% above average
This MP:
82
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-37% below average
This MP:
6
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+3% above average
This MP:
71.4
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 Mike Kane's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.