Noah Law
MP for St Austell and Newquay
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 am deeply grateful for what the Prime Minister has helped us deliver in Cornwall in the past couple of years, whether that is free breakfast clubs, urgent capital funding for GP surgeries or the Kernow industrial growth fund. However, what has held us back at various points—besides the chuntering from the Opposition side—completely unnecessarily, I would argue, is something to which the answer is patently obvious to all in Cornwall: the question of who should be the masters of Cornwall's strategic destiny. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that the answer to this question must always be Cornwall? Will he make time for the Government to lay the statutory instrument required to make Cornwall once and for all a strategic authority, so that when my right hon. Friend the Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham) comes in, we can ensure good growth in every postcode and the reindustrialisation of Cornwall?
Context
The questioner highlights Cornwall's potential for growth and the need for local control over its strategic destiny.
David Lammy
My hon. Friend is right to champion the huge potential of Cornwall. We are absolutely committed to devolution and putting power in the hands of local leaders. Conversations with local authorities such as Cornwall are ongoing, and we will confirm next steps as soon as possible.
Assessment
The specific ask about laying the statutory instrument was not addressed directly
Future Action
Session: PMQs 2026-07-08
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Will the PM join me in paying tribute to Henry's family? Will he also call for recognition of the mistakes made by the police?
Context
Henry Nowak's death has raised serious questions about the fairness of policing, particularly in relation to accusations of racism.
Keir Starmer
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important case. My thoughts are with Henry's family, as are those of the whole House and country. There are lessons to be learned from accusations of racism in decision-making.
Assessment
Specific commitment to recognize police mistakes
Lessons Need To Be Learned
Session: PMQs
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The majority of imported food from non-EU countries has lower welfare standards than ours, affecting our markets. Will you commit to meeting me and my group to discuss supporting British farmers' profitability?
Context
The Labour Rural Research Group aims to support British farmers by introducing honest labelling and levelling the playing field in trade.
Keir Starmer
I am happy to discuss this. We protect high welfare standards and are bringing down barriers for farmers through our food and drink deal, record £11.8 billion budget, farmer collaboration fund, and farming profitability review.
Session: PMQs
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In the last couple of months since I spoke to the Prime Minister here about the need for social and industrial investment in Cornwall, we have had a fresh tranche of shared prosperity funding, a huge boost to international interest in our cleanest energy industries, and a road map to greater political autonomy that reflects Cornwall's unique national identity. Will the PM join his Minister on that visit in the spring to meet representatives of those industries at first hand, and spell out a roadmap for Cornwall, to help Britain become a clean energy superpower?
Context
The MP highlights recent progress in Cornwall, including shared prosperity funding, international interest in clean energy industries, and a roadmap to political autonomy. He seeks assurance from the PM about joining his minister for a visit to meet representatives of these industries.
Keir Starmer
I thank my hon. Friend. He is a champion of the extraordinary potential of Cornwall, particularly in our transition to clean power by 2030. Next week, we will publish our English devolution White Paper, setting out our ambitions to move power from Westminster into every part of England, including Cornwall, and I know that he and his colleagues are meeting the Deputy Prime Minister to discuss this next week.
Assessment
Did not confirm PM's attendance for the visit in Cornwall.
Future Plans
Session: PMQs
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With shared prosperity funding drawing to a close, and Cornwall having some of the greatest potential in Europe in critical minerals and renewable energy, it is time for our aspiring Celtic tiger to identify much more strategic sources of investment funding, which take us away from the short-termist begging-bowl politics of the previous decade. Will the Prime Minister meet Cornish MPs to discuss the future of industrial and social funding in Cornwall?
Context
With shared prosperity funding drawing to a close, the MP is seeking strategic sources of investment funding for critical minerals and renewable energy in Cornwall.
Keir Starmer
My hon. Friend is a proud Cornish MP. He is absolutely right that economic growth must be spread across the country; it cannot simply be focused in the south-east and London. He will no doubt have seen today the floating offshore wind taskforce report, which sets out that the UK's industry can support tens of thousands of jobs, including huge job opportunities in the south-west.
Assessment
The question asked for a meeting to discuss funding but received acknowledgment without commitment.
Session: PMQs
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I was elected on the back of three clear pledges, one being to work for job creation and prosperity in growing industries, including renewables. In Cornwall, we are already seeing 20% annual growth in this sector. What steps is the Minister taking to help us create those jobs?
Context
The Minister is expected to help create jobs and promote growth in key industries like renewables.
Ed Miliband
The framework provided by having a clear sense of mission, through Clean Power 2030 and the Climate Change Act 2008, is crucial. That is why we have £100 billion of private investment; we are going to carry on doing it.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-07
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As we have heard, the defence investment plan reflects the new reality of hybrid warfare involving cheap drones and cyber-attacks. The MP welcomes the £5 billion set aside for drones but asks what steps are being taken to invest in countering Russian aggression in information warfare.
Context
The MP notes the new reality of modern warfare, where cheap drones can cause significant damage to expensive systems. The question is prompted by the need for investment in defending against such threats.
Dan Jarvis
We will defend against the hybrid threats posed by Russia, including its information operations. We are working with military and civilian specialists in the Ministry of Defence to detect, expose and respond to these threats.
Session: Russia Level of Threat to UK 2026-07-06
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Even ahead of the global instability this spring, the Labour rural research group was calling for a spring push on farm profitability. Since then, our Government have announced a review of the regulation that farmers face and brought the Groceries Code Adjudicator back in-house at DEFRA to help level the playing field for British farmers. Can the Minister tell me what is next for our mission to get British farmers' operating profitability back to where it should be?
Context
The Government have announced a review of regulations that farmers face and brought the Groceries Code Adjudicator back in-house at DEFRA.
Angela Eagle
The farming and food partnership board is looking at profitability, and the sector growth plans for horticulture and poultry have already been announced. We have reduced red diesel duty, we will open the reformed SFI and will shortly publish our 25-year farming road map, our response to the Batters farming profitability review.
Session: Topical Questions
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When we came to power, our then Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs committed to protect farmers from being undercut in all new trade deals. I am pleased to say that we have come good on that commitment. Ahead of the Labour rural research group's push for farming profitability, will the Secretary of State agree to level the playing field in trade deals, and will she reaffirm that commitment to farmers?
Context
Commitment to protect farmers from being undercut in all new trade deals.
Emma Reynolds
We have promoted and protected farmers in trade deals, unlike the previous Government, who sold them down the river with the US and Australian trade deals.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assessment has the government made of the positive impacts of free breakfast clubs on children and their families, given that Pondhu primary school in my constituency has been a trailblazer for the programme and its investment in school nurseries, which has been a resounding success?
Context
The government's free breakfast clubs programme is expanding in primary schools to support child health and education. Pondhu primary school in Noah Law's constituency has been a model for the scheme.
Olivia Bailey
The government has rolled out the programme across the south-west, opening 30 school-based nurseries and nearly 100 breakfast clubs, supporting thousands of children to get the very best start in life. My hon. Friend has worked hard to support and encourage schools in his constituency to participate in the programmes.
Session: Free Breakfast Clubs
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What steps has the government taken to roll out Best Start free breakfast clubs, given that Pondhu primary school in my constituency has been a trailblazer for the programme and its investment in school nurseries, which has been a resounding success?
Context
The programme aims to provide free breakfast clubs in primary schools to improve child health and education outcomes. Pondhu primary school in Noah Law's constituency has been a model for the scheme.
Olivia Bailey
The government has rolled out the programme across the south-west, opening 30 school-based nurseries and nearly 100 breakfast clubs, supporting thousands of children to get the very best start in life. My hon. Friend has worked hard to support and encourage schools in his constituency to participate in the programmes.
Session: Free Breakfast Clubs
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My constituent Wendy fractured three vertebrae due to osteoporosis without a timely DEXA scan. Will the Minister review DEXA eligibility and expand local access to prevent future incidents?
Context
A constituent suffered lasting harm after being denied a DEXA scan for osteoporosis treatment, leading to prolonged hospital stays.
Karin Smyth
My hon. Friend makes an important point about how crucial DEXA scans are for osteoporosis, particularly for women. We have expanded DEXA scans across the country this year and allocated more capital funding for such investment.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the news this morning of Imerys's success in auction round 7. What steps is the Minister taking as part of the local power plan to ensure that local communities share the spoils of Cornwall's great renewable energy potential?
Context
Imerys was successful in auction round 7, raising questions about how local communities can benefit from Cornwall's renewable energy potential.
Ed Miliband
If my hon. Friend stays tuned, he will be hearing all about it in an hour's time.
Session: Topical Questions
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I greatly welcome these cuts to forthcoming bills. Notwithstanding those potential improvements, many of my constituents in Roche live in areas not connected to the mains gas grid, and the initial outlay associated with implementing renewable technologies can be prohibitively expensive for people. Can the scope of the warm homes plan be extended so that areas rich in geological resources but exposed to fuel poverty, such as Roche, can benefit from geothermal heat networks and significantly reduce bills on the back of those cheap renewable sources?
Context
The Labour Government extended the Warm Home Discount to an additional 2.7 million households, raising the total number of beneficiaries to around 6 million.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Martin McCluskey)
My hon. Friend is a champion not just for his own constituency, but for Cornwall as a whole. We support the development of geothermal projects and recognise, in particular, the potential of geothermal heat as a low-carbon source for heat networks. We will have more to say about that in the warm homes plan, which will be published soon.
Session: Warm Home Discount
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Cornish communities and small and medium-sized enterprises in the supply chains of Cornwall’s most promising industries alike will have been delighted by the Chancellor’s announcement of the Kernow industrial growth fund in the recent Budget. Does the Chief Secretary to the Treasury agree that those funds should be invested prudently and sustainably and that the proceeds should be recouped for the Cornish public’s coffers so they can be invested in future projects?
Context
The MP referenced the Chancellor's announcement of the Kernow industrial growth fund in the recent Budget, intended to support Cornwall’s promising industries.
James Murray (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
My hon. Friend and many of his neighbouring MPs are excellent advocates for Cornwall and for the benefits that Cornwall can bring to growth, both in the region and right across the country. I know that, in the Budget, the Chancellor was keen to support investment in future industries in Cornwall. For the local council to deliver that, we will work closely with it to make sure that money is well spent.
Session: Economic Growth Rural Areas
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I am grateful to the Secretary of State for the recent boost to the local transport grant for my constituents in mid-Cornwall, but one of the barriers to more transformative rail investment in Cornwall remains a lack of shovel-ready projects to proceed with, which I have been talking about with residents in the western clay country and Fowey. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that we can get Cornwall’s railways back on track?
Context
The MP acknowledges the recent boost to local transport grant but points out a lack of shovel-ready rail projects in Cornwall.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
My hon. Friend never misses an opportunity to talk with me about the importance of improving the transport system for his constituents. Through the local transport grant, Cornwall council will receive more than £25 million, which local leaders can use to support schemes in line with local priorities. We will issue guidance later this year so that local authorities can decide how to use their multi-year allocations, and I encourage my hon. Friend to take up this cause with his local council.
Session: Transport System Economic Growth
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Despite representing only around 9% of the UK’s economic output, the retail and hospitality sectors contribute around a third of all business rates paid. Does the Minister agree that high streets such as that in St Austell are public goods, and will he ensure that independent small businesses such as those he has described, which are central to our communities and economies, are no longer penalised by an arcane business rates system that undervalues their public contribution?
Context
The retail and hospitality sectors, despite contributing only around 9% of the UK’s economic output, pay a disproportionate share of business rates, with contributions amounting to around one-third of all business rates paid.
James Murray (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
High streets in St Austell and constituencies right across the country need more support from the business rates system. That is why we are transforming the system to ask larger premises, including the warehouses used by online giants, to pay slightly more in order to cut permanently the business rates payable by smaller premises on high streets across the country.
Session: Business Rates Affordability for SMEs
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While I greatly welcome the focus on innovation, cyber-warfare remains one of the areas in which the lines of responsibility may at least appear to be less clear. Given the threats that are proliferating—both abroad, for instance from Russia and the Sahel, and closer to home, even in many of our own in-trays—will the Minister specify where that responsibility for cyber-warfare really lies?
Context
The MP is concerned about the unclear responsibility lines in cyber-warfare, citing threats from Russia and the Sahel.
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
Keeping our nation safe in the air, on land and at sea requires cyber and space capabilities. Defence was attacked 90,000 times in the cyber domain, which amounts to roughly 250 attacks a day. That is why we are investing not just in the National Cyber Force but in the defence cyber and electromagnetic force that we are setting up, working with our colleagues in the private sector, to enhance the ability of defence not only to repel attacks on the defence infrastructure but to harden UK resilience in the private and public sectors. There is more work between the MOD and the Cabinet Office in that regard, but we need everyone to step up to defend our country in the cyber space, and we can all do something by simply updating our operating systems, which will make everyone who does so safer and more resilient.
Session: Defence Sector Innovation
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Cornwall has a huge role to play in making Britain a clean energy superpower. As Ministers will be aware, much thought has already gone into the making of an industrial strategy for Cornwall. The crucial piece now is to unlock the funding needed for industrial and economic development, particularly in the wake of the shared prosperity fund coming to an end. What discussions has the Minister had with colleagues in the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government about the prospect of a set of investment measures to replace shared prosperity funding and ensure the realisation of Cornwall’s unique industrial potential?
Context
Cornwall's role in the UK's clean energy sector and its potential to contribute significantly.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Blair McDougall)
I know from holidaying in my hon. Friend’s constituency that it is a place of incredible beauty, but I know from his constant advocacy that it is also a place of huge industrial potential. Cornwall will benefit from access to the £200 million investment fund, which provides debt and equity finance of up to £5 million for businesses in the south-west. That has already delivered £51.8 million of direct investment, leveraging an additional £48.1 million.
Session: Industrial Strategy
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Access to sport is vital for not only our public health but fostering a sense of community and reducing antisocial behaviour. Yet in St Austell, many of the astroturf facilities such as the great one at Penrice school cannot be used after dark because they lack floodlights. Will the Minister look at how small-scale investments of this kind in vital community facilities could help unlock all-year-round access to physical activity for people of all ages?
Context
The MP is concerned about the lack of floodlights at astroturf facilities in St Austell, preventing use after dark.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy)
I thank my hon. Friend for being an outstanding champion for sport in his community. I would encourage Penrice school and others who have similar challenges to approach the Football Foundation through which we fund floodlights and other small-scale investments. Previous funding allocations have been far too prescriptive, but we believe communities know best what they need, and through the Football Foundation, we are determined to deliver it.
Session: Grassroots Sports Facilities
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I welcome the fact that the rolling reporting of dry-day spills has become mandatory under our Government, but it has unfortunately laid bare the track record of South West Water, which is among the worst offenders on dry-day spills. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that companies such as South West Water feel the full force of the law with regard to dry-day spills?
Context
South West Water is among the worst offenders on dry-day spills. The issue of mandatory reporting has been highlighted by Noah Law.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to be angry about the state in which our rivers, lakes and seas have been left, and I recognise the trouble that a failing water company causes for his constituency. That is why we have committed to resetting, reforming and revolutionising the water sector and why we are establishing a new, single and powerful regulator that can fully hold all companies to account and ensure that they are delivering for the British people and cleaning up our waterways for good.
Session: Bathing Waters Pollution
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What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that supply chain businesses, particularly those of the size we have in Cornwall, and their workforces get the support they need so that workers and local communities may share in the spoils of investment?
Context
The MP is interested in how the government plans to ensure that local businesses can benefit from investments in clean energy.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
The Secretary of State is committed to driving jobs through critical minerals, geothermal or offshore wind opportunities in Cornwall. The industrial strategy aims to superpower these efforts with investments made by the Chancellor in the spending review. As part of the clean energy workforce strategy later this year, Cornwall will be at the heart of it.
Session: Clean Power Jobs
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What discussions has he had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the adequacy of the level of funding for Northern Ireland in the spending review 2025? Record funding for Northern Ireland reflects this Government’s broader commitment to fairer funding across the UK, including areas like Cornwall facing rurality and historical underfunding.
Context
Discussions on the adequacy of funding levels in the spending review for Northern Ireland, including comparisons with other areas like Cornwall.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
I regularly meet the Northern Ireland Finance Minister to discuss funding. The Government will provide Northern Ireland with a record settlement of £19.3 billion per year on average—the largest in the history of devolution—and the Executive will also continue to receive over 24% more per person, in line with their independently assessed level of need.
Session: Spending Review Northern Ireland Executive
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I believe that redistribution should be core to everything that we do. It is core to the toughest decisions that we have had to make, and it is core to our efforts to achieve growth. Does the Chancellor agree that putting more pounds into the pockets of those with the lowest incomes is the best thing we can do to grow our economy?
Context
The MP believes that redistribution is crucial for the economy's growth. He references previous decisions made by the government.
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Darren Jones)
The Government agree wholeheartedly with my hon. Friend. At the end of the current Parliament, people will be better off as a consequence of the decisions that this Labour Government are making. We have already increased the national living wage by 6.7% to benefit 3 million people, while full-time workers are seeing an increase of about £1,400 a year in their wages.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps are being taken to ensure that deprived areas, which fall just short of the mission critical definition, get adequate investment?
Context
11 mission priority neighbourhoods have been identified in mid-Cornwall alone due to socioeconomic challenges.
Alex Norris
We recognise the importance of targeting resources at deprivation and need. The government is looking beyond funding to empower local communities, encouraging initiatives such as high street rental auctions, enhanced community right to buy, and local planning processes.
Session: Topical Questions
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I was elected to this place on the back of a pledge to revitalise the towns in my constituency. With the high street in St Austell in a sorry state, I am delighted to have been able to take the first steps towards revitalising it by ending the impasse at the site of the now derelict General Wolfe pub and moving my constituency office back into town at the other end of the street. However, the fact remains that the high street is on its knees, and many residents feel that our once great town could do much better. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that significant resources are available, beyond just the plan for neighbourhoods, to revitalise towns in constituencies like mine?
Context
The high street in Noah Law's constituency, St Austell, is deteriorating. The MP has taken steps to revitalize the area but seeks significant resources from the government.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Alex Norris)
I can say to my hon. Friend’s constituents that he is making good on that election commitment, because we have had this conversation on multiple occasions. Like all future funding, the Government will set out their long-term vision for local growth at the multi-year spending review; but in this year, the recently communicated UK shared prosperity fund announcement included more than £47 million for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly—a mixture of revenue and capital funding to ensure that places can get going and kick-start economic growth locally, bringing towns such as his into play.
Session: Support for High Streets
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Industrial communities such as St Austell and the clay country have been stifled in recent years by soaring energy costs. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that industries such as the proud china clay industry are internationally competitive?
Context
High energy costs have stifled industrial communities such as St Austell and the clay country. The question asks about steps being taken to ensure industries like china clay are internationally competitive.
Ed Miliband
My hon. Friend is right: there is a long-standing issue around industrial energy prices. The key is getting off the rollercoaster of fossil fuel markets, because just as family finances were ruined in the cost of living crisis, it is the same in relation to business finances and public finances. It is an essential part of the answer.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why has the government's programme failed to recognise the impact on organisations across Bristol South? While I accept that there are multiple objectives behind aid, and that lifting the world’s poorest out of poverty has long been at the heart of the FCDO’s mission, a reset in the social contract around development aid is clearly needed. What consideration has the Minister given to shaping development policy that explicitly addresses the upstream determinants of mass migration?
Context
The British public feels that development aid has lost clarity of purpose, with some arguing that more focus should be placed on the upstream determinants of mass migration.
Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I agree with much of what my hon. Friend has said. Our development efforts have never just been about the aid budget. Peace and security, effective governance, access to private investment, remittance flows, efficient tax systems and access to trade opportunities are all essential foundations for development. That requires us to mobilise the full force of different resources and expertise across Government, our businesses and in universities, science and beyond.
Session: Official Development Assistance Refugee Costs
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I welcome the Minister’s commitment to ensuring that 50% of public procurement is of British produce. Given the significant £5 billion of bargaining power that this represents, what steps is he taking to ensure that this leads to fairer prices for farmers and supports the fundamental operating profitability of the sector?
Context
The MP references the government's commitment to ensuring that half of public sector food supply comes from local producers or those certified to higher environmental standards.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Daniel Zeichner)
We are absolutely determined to make the best of this opportunity, not least because the previous Government did not know how much we were actually buying. The Secretary of State has announced that we will monitor the food bought in the public sector, and that will inform our policy of making sure that British farmers make the most of the opportunity for public procurement.
Session: Prioritising British Produce Public Bodies
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My constituent Heidi recently moved off benefits and back into work, only to find she is earning less than when she was on benefits. Meanwhile, my constituent Tyrone is blind, autistic and has cerebral palsy, and, although he is an aspiring DJ, may struggle to find permanent work. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that we take a balanced approach, supporting those who cannot work with protection, dignity and security while ensuring that those who can go back into work?
Context
The MP describes two constituents, one earning less than when on benefits after finding work, and another struggling to find permanent work despite disabilities.
Stephen Timms
My hon. Friend sets out exactly the balance that we need to strike with our plan: proper employment support on the one hand, which has not been available in the past, and dealing with work disincentives in the current system on the other. When he sees the proposals shortly, I think he will welcome the measures we are planning.
Session: Topical Questions
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My constituency faces high levels of economic vulnerability: 4.4% of my constituents are not in education, employment or training, and one in ten are either NEET or unaccounted for. What action is the Minister taking to ensure that they are helped into both employment and skills development?
Context
High levels of economic vulnerability in the constituency, with 4.4% NEET rate and an additional 10% unaccounted for.
The Minister for Social Security and Disability (Sir Stephen Timms)
I think my hon. Friend will greatly welcome the youth guarantee announced in the “Get Britain Working” White Paper. We want to ensure that every single young person gets the same chance. We have seen a dreadful increase in the number of NEET young people over the past few years, and we are getting to grips with that and tackling it.
Session: Vulnerable People Work Support
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This weekend, grassroots campaigners in Newquay will meet to oppose the privatisation of car park charge enforcement in Newquay and Cornwall more widely. Will Heidi Alexander and colleagues in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government meet me to discuss how councils can retain more of that profit locally, instead of sending it up-country to often unscrupulous and usurious operators?
Context
Grassroots campaigners in Newquay will meet to oppose the privatisation of car park charge enforcement in Newquay. Councils want to retain more profit locally rather than sending it up-country to often unscrupulous and usurious operators.
Lilian Greenwood
I thank my hon. Friend for raising the concern, and I would be happy to meet him to discuss the issues further.
Session: Topical Questions
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Given that the mayoral council and leaders' councils are being contemplated as part of the English devolution Bill, what steps is the Deputy Prime Minister taking to ensure that Cornwall's voice is heard in Westminster, after being subsumed for far too long?
Context
The English Devolution Bill is being considered, which may affect Cornwall's representation.
Jim McMahon
It was a pleasure to meet my hon. Friend and colleagues to talk about devolution in Cornwall. He will know that we have agreed to a non-mayoral devolution deal for Cornwall as a first step. We recognise the distinct culture, history and identity of the Cornish people. This important step will allow us to unlock deeper devolution in Cornwall and, in time, we hope it will allow Cornwall to take its seat at the Council of the Nations and Regions.
Session: Topical Questions
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I declare an interest as a chair of the all-party parliamentary group for critical minerals. Domestic supplies of copper and, of course, Cornish tin are critical to the UK's energy security. What consideration has the Minister given to ensuring that copper and tin are recognised as critical minerals?
Context
The questioner declares interest as chair of the all-party parliamentary group for critical minerals. Domestic supplies of copper and Cornish tin are critical to UK energy security.
Sarah Jones
The process in terms of what is on the list of critical minerals is independent, but I have a strong interest, as does my hon. Friend, in ensuring that we produce as many critical minerals here as we can and that the supply chains around the world are working for us. I am looking at a critical minerals strategy, which will come forward in due course.
Session: Topical Questions
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Despite being above the threshold, a domestic abuse survivor cannot access legal aid due to her income. Will the Minister consider widening legal aid eligibility to all victims of domestic violence?
Context
A constituent who is a domestic abuse survivor but whose income exceeds the threshold cannot access legal aid. Legal aid is restricted to those on the lowest incomes.
Heidi Alexander
Some cases are eligible for legal aid under exceptional case funding. If my hon. Friend writes to me with the details of the case, I will come back to him with any advice that I can offer.
Session: Topical Questions
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Aviation at Cornwall airport, Newquay, is under threat from increasing regulatory burdens, leading its owner, Cornwall council, to explore costly funding options that could put this aviation business on an even less stable footing, despite its clear benefit to the public good and the local economy. Will the Minister outline the steps being taken to ensure that there is an adequate strategy in place to support airports in meeting these increasing regulatory burdens?
Context
Cornwall airport, Newquay faces increasing regulatory burdens which may affect its financial stability. The council is exploring funding options but these could add more costs.
Mike Kane
As my hon. Friend knows, the UK aviation market predominantly operates in the private sector, and regulatory costs are common to several industries. My Department is working with the aviation industry to understand the impact of these costs, and I am sure he will continue to champion the public service obligation route between Newquay and London, which enables more passengers to use Newquay airport.
Session: Regional Airports
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What steps she is taking to ensure the resilience of regional airports. Although airports are responsible for their own resilience and financial plans, the Department continues to engage with the industry to ensure that operations are as resilient as possible.
Context
The resilience of regional airports is under scrutiny, particularly regarding their financial plans and operations.
Mike Kane
Although airports are responsible for their own resilience and financial plans, the Department continues to engage with the industry to ensure that operations are as resilient as possible. Furthermore, my officials are actively exploring opportunities for improving the resilience of the sector.
Session: Regional Airports
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In Cornwall, apprenticeships in the critical minerals industry are so important, creating great work for the next generation, fostering innovation and supercharging our mission for clean energy. Will the Secretary of State outline what steps are being taken to expand our investment in these apprenticeships and meet the growing skills demand in that industry?
Janet Daby
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point about the importance of apprenticeships and skills in creating local opportunities and national prosperity. Skills England will work with employers and other partners to identify the skills needs of the next decade, and ensure that the training needed for those skills, including apprenticeships, is accessible through the growth and skills levy.
Session: Apprenticeships Critical Minerals
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Whether her Department is taking steps to create degree-level apprenticeships in critical minerals industries.
Janet Daby
This Government will unleash the green skills we need to make Britain a clean energy superpower and spread sustainable economic growth across the country. Businesses can already benefit from the level 6 mine management degree apprenticeship and we are establishing Skills England, which will work across the country and across the Government with employers, local partners, unions and other experts to ensure that we have the highly trained workforce that England needs.
Session: Apprenticeships Critical Minerals
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Will the Chancellor meet me and other council leaders to discuss immediate support for tackling the temporary accommodation crisis?
Context
The cost of temporary accommodation is spiralling, affecting local government and vulnerable households.
Tulip Siddiq
The problem is recognised, but no specific commitment or plan was made to meet the hon. Gentleman or local leaders. Refers comments to Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Session: Economic Stability
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What steps she is taking to help ensure economic stability. Given the fiscal inheritance, workers and pensioners above the personal allowance threshold have faced burdens due to fiscal drag. What measures are being taken to prevent further burdens?
Context
The Chancellor has inherited a difficult fiscal situation from the previous government.
Tulip Siddiq
The Government are taking action with three pillars: stability, investment and reform. Sustainable public finances are necessary for economic stability, with difficult decisions in the Budget on 30 October. The Government cannot undo previous decisions but aim to support those most affected through £0.5 billion extension of household support fund until March 2025.
Session: Economic Stability
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Our community cohesion in Cornwall is being undermined by the housing crisis, with many locals priced out or even facing homelessness. This matter requires urgent attention, and I am therefore pleased that this Government have placed building new homes at the top of our legislative agenda. Can the Deputy Prime Minister ensure that we are building the right kinds of homes in Cornwall—namely, social homes?
Context
The MP expressed concern about the housing crisis in Cornwall, leading to many locals being priced out or facing homelessness.
Angela Rayner
Absolutely, and my hon. Friend is right. We are strengthening housing targets and acting to ensure that local plans are ambitious enough to support this Government's commitment to 1.5 million homes in this Parliament, including social homes. Under our new proposals, assessed housing need across Cornwall would increase by around 65%, demonstrating our commitment to approving the supply of new homes that his constituents desperately need.
Session: Community Cohesion
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Aviation Bill - Clause 1
09 September 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Bill aims to restore the Government's power to regulate civil aviation, bolster passenger rights, modernise airspace, and improve safety. It addresses recent disruptions and seeks to ensure robust...
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rewiring the State
02 September 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Prime Minister has set out priorities to address 40 years of overly centralised decision making and over-privatisation, which have stripped power and resources away from communities. The Governmen...
Sudan
25 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Farming Road Map and Profitability Review
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Debate on the Address
13 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Backbench Business
13 April 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Mr Stafford moved that the House believes SEND is an issue affecting every constituency, acknowledges challenges families face in navigating a complex and under-resourced system, and supports reforms ...
Estimates Day
04 March 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The hon. Member thanked the Backbench Business Committee for allowing a debate on the FCDO, noting the significant reduction in the UK's development budget from 0.7% to 0.5% of GNI and projected to be...
Diego Garcia and British Indian Ocean Territory
25 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Tolled Crossings and Regional Connectivity 2026-02-02
02 February 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Meur ras, Madam Deputy Speaker. I am pleased to have secured a debate on this issue, which I have campaigned on consistently since becoming the Member of Parliament for South East Cornwall, and which ...
Dolphin Inn Grampound
28 October 2024
The petitioners are concerned about the potential closure of the last remaining pub in Grampound, the Dolphin Inn, which is an Asset of Community Value.
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
75.5%
74 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
25
25.5% of votes
No Votes
49
50.0% of votes
Abstentions
24
24.5% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
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 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
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 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
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 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
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 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
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
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
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
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
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: 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 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
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: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
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: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
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
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
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
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
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 AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
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 NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
5
PMQs Asked
37
Ministerial Questions Asked
39
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
1
Petitions Presented
98
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
+37% above average
This MP:
5
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+176% above average
This MP:
37
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+702% above average
This MP:
39
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+9% above average
This MP:
75.5
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 Noah Law's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.