Patrick Hurley
MP for Southport
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Over 1,000 youth clubs have closed since 2010, affecting young people's development. Will the Prime Minister commend the Phab charity’s work and consider how to support youth clubs in helping the next generation grow into well-adjusted adults?
Context
Over 1,000 youth clubs have closed since 2010, impacting young people negatively. The Phab charity supports inclusive environments for both disabled and non-disabled individuals.
The Prime Minister
I thank my hon. Friend for his question; he is a credit to his community. I know at first hand that he has done so much hard work to help to heal, to rebuild and to look to a brighter future for Southport. I welcome the Phab charity to Parliament; it does fantastic work to help break down barriers.
Session: PMQs
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Will the Budget provide much-needed investment for towns like Southport to properly support local authorities and public services?
Context
Towns like Southport have faced decline under the Conservative party for over a decade, prompting questions about necessary investment.
Keir Starmer
The Budget provides £1.3 billion in new funding for local government, investment in safer streets, and future NHS improvements to support towns like Southport.
Session: PMQs
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My Southport constituency has experienced a difficult summer. First, I want to reiterate that our thoughts are with the families of Alice, Bebe and Elsie, who tragically lost their lives in the attack in July. May I ask the Prime Minister to take this opportunity to recommit to the Government's support for our town, for those grieving and affected by the tragic attack?
Context
The constituency experienced a tragic summer with the loss of three lives in an attack. The Prime Minister and Home Secretary visited to find ways to support the community.
Keir Starmer
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. We stand with those who tragically lost their loved ones in this heinous attack and will work tirelessly to support constituents grieving or affected.
Session: PMQs
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Light for Life, a homelessness charity in Southport, tells me that some of the rough sleepers with the most complex needs are precisely the people least able to navigate the bureaucracy associated with finding that roof over their head. Will the Minister consider creating a distinct pathway for entrenched rough sleepers, and allowing trusted local bodies to triage people directly and to get them into emergency accommodation, rather than expecting those with addiction issues, poor mental health and chaotic lives to navigate the bureaucracy before they can obtain help?
Context
Light for Life, a homelessness charity in Southport, reports that some of the rough sleepers with the most complex needs are the least able to navigate the bureaucracy for emergency accommodation. There is a need for a distinct pathway for entrenched rough sleepers and trusted local bodies to triage and provide help.
Florence Eshalomi
It is important that we highlight the complexity and challenges faced by many people who are sleeping rough, and it is important that we recognise that that those with complex needs can be the least able to navigate traditional services. Our new £442 million rough sleeping programme will fund routes off the streets, as well as settled accommodation and intensive support. It will bring together the multi-agency support response that is often needed to move people off the streets for good. Local authorities will have the flexibility to work with trusted voluntary organisations that can reach those who are furthest from the services. I am happy to look into the experience that my hon. Friend has described, and the experience of Light for Life in Southport.
Session: Rough Sleeping 2026-09-07 (2)
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What progress her Department has made on tackling rough sleeping and homelessness in Southport. The number of families in temporary accommodation has decreased year on year, but concerns remain about the most vulnerable individuals who are sleeping rough. Funding for the national rough sleeping programme was announced, but questions remain about its effectiveness in addressing the needs of those least able to navigate bureaucracy.
Context
The number of families in temporary accommodation has decreased in Southport, but concerns remain about the most vulnerable individuals who are sleeping rough.
Florence Eshalomi
The number of families in temporary accommodation has decreased in Southport year on year, and in June 2026 no people were sleeping rough in the West Lancashire borough council area. Funding for the national rough sleeping programme was announced last month, with £340,000 allocated to Sefton, £6.7 million to the Liverpool city region and £189,000 to West Lancashire borough council. That will ensure that people sleeping rough in Southport can be offered a roof over their head and be off the streets by Christmas.
Session: Rough Sleeping 2026-09-07 (2)
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Given the creation of “No. 10 North”, I expect further public scrutiny of its service levels, especially for passengers travelling between Euston and the north-west of England who are experiencing delays and uncertainty. Can you provide assurances on future service improvements?
Context
The MP references the opening of 'No. 10 North', suggesting that public scrutiny on service levels will increase.
Heidi Alexander (Secretary of State for Transport)
Performance on Avanti West Coast has not been good enough, and these services will come into public ownership next year. This new status will ensure better scrutiny from No. 10, the travelling press pack, as well as my hon. Friend.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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I am concerned about improving everyday journeys across the country through better railways, buses, cycling, and walking infrastructure. Can you make a statement on how your department is fulfilling its responsibilities?
Context
The MP is concerned about the government's responsibility to improve transport networks, mentioning specific improvements like new Cambridge South station funded by £250 million.
Heidi Alexander (Secretary of State for Transport)
We are improving everyday journeys across the country, starting with our railways where £250 million Government funding has opened a new Cambridge South station. Publicly owned railway services are now more punctual than those not yet in public ownership and we have announced measures to crack down on fare dodgers through new ticket gates. On buses, families benefit from free travel for children aged five to 15 throughout August. The third cycling and walking investment strategy sets a 2035 target for over half of short journeys to be walked or cycled.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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When will current pilots conclude, how will success be measured, and when will all towns benefit from effective measures?
Context
Concerns about the pace and effectiveness of Government response to high street criminal activity.
Shabana Mahmood
The crackdown is not a pilot but the real thing with funding available to every force area. Success means more shops closed, criminals arrested, and cash seized.
Session: High Streets Organised Crime Unit 2026-07-13
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In my constituency, an acknowledged victim of violent crime is being alleged to be contributorily negligent in the civil courts. That is retraumatising, and appears to be contrary to natural justice. Will the Minister meet me and my constituents to discuss this further, and see what measures can be put in place to address concerns about how the civil law system deals with such cases?
Context
A victim of violent crime in Southport is facing contributory negligence allegations in civil courts, which is causing further trauma and concern about natural justice.
Catherine Atkinson
The new victims code will ensure that victims know what services, support and information they are entitled to in the criminal justice system, but our civil and family courts should never be used to perpetuate the trauma that victims have suffered. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend, or to arrange a meeting with the relevant Minister, so that we can better understand the case that my hon. Friend raises, and what his constituent faces.
Session: Victims Code
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What progress has the Department made on a new victims code? The MP inquired about updates to the current framework that will strengthen protections for victims and improve their experience within the criminal justice system.
Context
The Department is working on updating the victims' code to better support and protect victims of crime.
Catherine Atkinson
The Victims' Commissioner will deliver a new, strengthened victims code. We have engaged with victims, support services and criminal justice professionals in a consultation that closed on 7 April, and we are now taking time to consider nearly 200 responses. We will issue a public response ahead of finalising the new code and bringing it into force.
Session: Victims Code
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Will the Secretary of State halt applying carers penalties until the Department has completed its review of over 200,000 carers allowance cases?
Context
The Department for Work and Pensions is reviewing over 200,000 cases of carers' allowances that were overpaid due to incorrect guidance from the previous government.
Stephen Timms
A review is in progress to identify approximately 2 25,000 individuals who could have debts cancelled or refunded; if carers allowance was overpaid and should not have been, money will need to be recovered. The issue arose due to incorrect guidance from the previous government which has since been corrected.
Session: Topical Questions
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What more can the Government do to ensure that social enterprises delivering NHS services get the same support as internal NHS trusts, and play a bigger role in NHS reform?
Karin Smyth
These organisations play an important role. We are making sure that they are treated fairly, and are supported to play a bigger role. They will be supported by the forthcoming plan for voluntary, community and social enterprise spending targets to 2028, and a combined action plan for small and medium-sized enterprises and VCSEs. That will include measures to ensure clearer visibility of opportunities, earlier market engagement, proportional financial and evaluation requirements, and a strong performance on prompt payment across the health system.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister agree that leadership on Ukraine has helped secure US commitments and demonstrates the importance of the US-UK defence relationship?
Context
The UK-US defence relationship is seen as crucial to international security, especially in the context of Ukraine.
Alistair Carns
The UK-US relationship remains strong; Defence Secretary's leadership has stimulated billions in investment through the Ukraine defence contact group, benefiting both UK and European security.
Session: Ukraine Air Defence UK Support
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What steps he is taking to increase air defence support to Ukraine, noting that Russia has caused over 1000 casualties daily and launched more than 55,000 missile and drone attacks in the past year.
Context
UK provides military support to Ukraine amid the ongoing war. Russia is causing significant casualties and conducting extensive attacks.
Alistair Carns
Announced a new air defence package worth more than £500 million, including 1,200 air defence missiles and 200,000 rounds of artillery through the air defence consortium. Delivery in coming months.
Session: Ukraine Air Defence UK Support
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Given the Government's commitment to growing the co-operative sector, will the Minister commit to working across Government, specifically with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, so that high street rental auctions actively prioritise community-owned and co-operative models, and ensure that the Office for the Impact Economy is promoting these economies appropriately?
Context
Following the Government's commitment to growing the co-operative sector, Patrick Hurley seeks a commitment to prioritise community-owned and co-operative models in high street rental auctions.
Satvir Kaur
This Government are committed to delivering pride in places where we live. High street rental auctions are a really effective new tool for local authorities to do that, by bringing vacant high street units back into use, while unlocking opportunities for community organisations to access tenancies at reduced rates. Early adopter councils are making great strides in implementing these new powers and sharing best practice. The Office for the Impact Economy and I are working closely with MHCLG and other Departments to maximise the impact of place-based social and economic delivery.
Session: Co-operative Sector
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What steps he is taking through the Office for the Impact Economy to help increase the size of the co-operative sector.
Context
Patrick Hurley inquires about the role of the Office for the Impact Economy in supporting the growth of the co-operative sector.
Satvir Kaur
This Government recognise the enormous value of our co-operative sector. That is why the Office for the Impact Economy is already working closely with other Departments, including the Department for Business and Trade and the Treasury, to grow the co-operative sector and maximise its social and economic impact, helping to deliver the promise of national renewal the country voted for at the last election. I personally look forward to working with my hon. Friend, in his role as chair of the social, co-operative, and community economy all-party parliamentary group, and with the wider sector to build on this.
Session: Co-operative Sector
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Farmers in my constituency report that watercourses are not being sufficiently maintained, there is not enough investment in drainage infrastructure, and there is a limited ability to deal with changing rainfall patterns and rising water tables. They tell me that the creation of an internal drainage board could help with all that. I know that work has been done to establish new IDBs through a statutory instrument, so will the Minister tell us the current status of that work, and will she please expedite it being laid before the House?
Context
Farmers in Southport have reported that watercourses are not being maintained sufficiently, there is a lack of investment in drainage infrastructure, and there's limited capacity to address changing rainfall patterns. They believe an internal drainage board could help manage these issues.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the fantastic work of the internal drainage boards in managing water levels, reducing flood risks and supporting communities, businesses and farmers alike. Of course, we are working hard on our statutory instrument. I am sorry that I cannot give him an exact date, but I can guarantee that it is something I am committed to doing.
Session: Flood Preparedness
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As you will know, Mr Speaker, Southport is a lovely seaside resort and one of the nicest places to visit in the whole of the country, so what recent discussions has the Minister had with United Utilities about reducing sewage discharges, which affect Southport and the wider north-west coast?
Context
Southport is a seaside resort where sewage discharges are impacting the local environment.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Reynolds)
The Water Minister and I are working closely with water companies across the country, including United Utilities, to drive them to reform their operations and clean up rivers, lakes and seas. Our water White Paper will replace the one-size-fits-all approach with dedicated supervisory teams at every company. UU is investing £50 million to upgrade Southport’s waste water treatment by 2029 to reduce storm overflow spills and improve coastal water quality.
Session: Topical Questions
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I visited Bishop David Sheppard primary school in my constituency where I saw firsthand how breakfast clubs are making a difference to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Will the Minister explain how the Government’s commitment to expanding breakfast clubs will tackle child poverty and reduce inequalities across the country?
Context
The MP visited Bishop David Sheppard school and observed the positive impact of breakfast clubs on disadvantaged children.
The Minister for Women and Equalities (Bridget Phillipson)
My hon. Friend is a real champion for local families, and I would be grateful if he extended my thanks to all the staff team at Bishop David Sheppard primary school for their work. Breakfast clubs make a huge difference by expanding learning opportunities and giving our children a great start to the day. This Labour Government will deliver a national roll-out of breakfast clubs across our country.
Session: Children in Poverty
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Will the Minister join me in recognising the work of the Big Onion, which provides skills training, employment support and related services in my Southport constituency? It has supported more than 1,400 young people into careers across the wider borough. Will the Minister also set out what further support the Department can give to community organisations like that, and how its success can be shared across the whole youth hub programme?
Context
Patrick Hurley highlighted the work of a local organisation called Big Onion, which has supported over 1400 young people in Southport into careers across the wider borough.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Pat McFadden)
The Big Onion is one of a number of organisations doing excellent work in trying to help young people into work. It is part of a larger partner group that the local jobcentre works closely with. In fact, one of our youth employability coaches is based with the partner group in the town hall once a week. This is exactly why we are expanding youth hubs across the country, so that we can work with other organisations to take the help where young people need it in the community.
Session: Youth Hubs
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What steps her Department is taking to help support co-operative live music venues. Southport does not need to apply to be the UK town of culture because we have a fantastic year of culture coming up this year anyway—Members should check out southport2026.com for more details. As part of building a legacy off our year of culture, I am meeting music industry professionals next week to discuss the live music scene. Grassroots music venues are vital to nurturing new talent, but too many venues in this country are closing because of soaring costs. Can the Minister outline whether music venues should have their own sector-specific support package so that we can protect live music for the future?
Context
The questioner seeks to address the issue of grassroots music venue closures due to rising costs and highlights the importance of nurturing new talent in local communities.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (Ian Murray)
My hon. Friend is correct: Southport is already a town of culture. He has been championing southport2026.com, which everyone should go and look at. In addition to the £30 million music growth package, the Government are encouraging the live music venue to go further to deliver widespread adoption of the voluntary £1 levy on tickets for stadium and arena shows in order to help to safeguard the future of grassroots music. I re-emphasise that we are encouraging the industry to go much further; we want as much take-up as possible and to see the levy in place for as many concerts as possible. We want the music industry to continue to drive progress with this, as all that money will go into grassroots live music.
Session: Co-operative Live Music Venues
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Why has Housing First been identified as a tried and tested intervention to reach those who most need our help, so will the Minister expand on what plans she has to roll out Housing First, especially in the Liverpool city region, to ensure that we work effectively across state agencies and support people experiencing homelessness into stable, long-term housing?
Context
The MP references the planned homelessness strategy and Housing First, an intervention aimed at preventing long-term rough sleeping for those with complex needs.
The Minister for Local Government and Homelessness (Alison McGovern)
Housing First is a way to provide person-centred and trauma-informed support for people with complex needs, which is crucial in preventing long-term rough sleeping. Councils across England can use flexible funding, including the £255 million rough sleeping prevention and recovery grant, to commission Housing First services. The Liverpool city region combined authority received nearly £4 million of this funding through the grant this year.
Session: Homelessness Strategy Housing First
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What steps her Department is taking to support Ukraine. The UK’s leadership on the issue of Russian sovereign assets, what further conversations are having with international counterparts to accelerate work and ensure Russia pays for its illegal war?
Context
The issue of Russian aggression against Ukraine and the need to support it economically and politically.
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Yvette Cooper)
On Friday, I welcomed President Zelensky and the coalition of the willing to a meeting at the Foreign Office chaired by the Prime Minister. Since I set out in this House new, stronger sanctions against Russia’s two largest oil producers, Rosneft and Lukoil, I am pleased to say that the US has followed suit, and the EU has also introduced further sanctions. The issue of Russian sovereign assets is an extremely important one. Both I and the Chancellor have had many discussions with our counterparts, particularly in Europe but also through the G7. We want to be able to mobilise those sovereign assets in order to support Ukraine.
Session: Ukraine
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I was pleased that the Minister gave an update earlier on the work of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, but the process is still taking too long. May I press the Minister to undertake work specifically to expedite the timescales in which compensation is expected to be paid?
Context
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority is addressing compensation for victims affected by contaminated blood products. The process, however, has been criticized for its lengthy duration.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
My hon. Friend is a powerful advocate for infected blood victims, and he can rest assured that I will continue to drive progress as quickly as I possibly can. That is how we have got to the stage where over £1.8 billion-worth of offers have been made, and I will continue to drive that progress quickly.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am pleased to see that the Government are pressing ahead with their commitment to implement new strategic authorities. May I press the Minister to consider how those new strategic authorities can grow their local economies by providing support for things like community businesses and social enterprises in town centres, helping to regenerate and renovate the neglected high streets we see across the country?
Context
Devolution is being implemented to support local economies and drive higher productivity.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Miatta Fahnbulleh)
My hon. Friend is completely right to highlight that. There is a huge opportunity for strategic authorities to support community businesses, co-operatives and social enterprises to help regenerate and revitalise our town centres and build community wealth. We are already seeing that across the country: we see it in Liverpool city region, where significant investment is going into community businesses. We are keen to build on this opportunity and to unlock it across the country.
Session: Devolution Impact on Economic Growth
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I sponsored a drop-in event here in Parliament with Parent Zone to highlight the “hit pause” campaign, which aims to teach people to recognise conspiracy theories and misinformation online. Does the Minister agree that although we can make online platforms more accountable in other ways, these kinds of initiatives should be widely available to help equip people with the means to protect themselves when tech companies fail to take responsibility for content on their platforms?
Context
Yesterday's drop-in event aimed to teach people how to recognize conspiracy theories and misinformation online.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Kanishka Narayan)
We welcome collaborative initiatives like Parent Zone's 'hit pause' programme. The Minister encourages all platforms to continue expanding their work on media literacy, embedding it into product design.
Session: Technology Companies Accountability
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The better futures fund is a big step forward in working with the impact economy; as the chair of the social, co-operative and community economy all-party parliamentary group for the social enterprise sector, I am really pleased to see how it can unlock extra resources from social investors, private businesses and philanthropy to tackle the country’s urgent problems. Will the Chief Secretary ensure that the principles behind the fund are matched with the targeted approach advocated by the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods, to make sure that the money goes where it is best needed?
Context
The Better Futures Fund was announced by the Chancellor in July to support vulnerable children and young people. The Social, Co-operative and Community Economy All-Party Parliamentary Group supports social enterprise initiatives.
James Murray (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
I thank my hon. Friend for his support of what we are seeking to achieve through the better futures fund. He is absolutely right that the fund will be designed to ensure that the money goes where it is most needed and where it will have the biggest impact—principles I think we can all agree on. As I mentioned earlier, DCMS will be working extensively with other Departments, local partners and others to design the scheme and as it gets established.
Session: Better Futures Fund
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Over the summer, we saw the announcement of a £50 million investment into Southport’s waste water treatment works to reduce the number of sewage overflows to just three per bathing season, allowing Southport to once again become the jewel in the crown of the north-west coast. Does the Minister agree that that level of investment is very much needed after more than a decade of Tory neglect of our waterways, and that it shows the difference a town can see when it has a Labour MP, a Labour council, a Labour metro mayor and a Labour Government here in Westminster?
Context
Southport's waste water treatment works received a £50 million investment to reduce sewage overflows. The announcement followed years of neglect under the previous government.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
Unsurprisingly, I could not agree more. I thank my hon. Friend for his work to champion his community here in Parliament. The previous Government oversaw record levels of sewage pollution in our rivers, lakes and seas, but this Government have secured £104 billion of private investment to upgrade crumbling pipes and halve sewage pollution by 2030, so that communities can once again take pride in their rivers, lakes and seas.
Session: Bathing Waters Pollution
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Patrick Hurley noted that individuals without recourse to public funds often face bureaucratic challenges that leave them unsupported. He asked what steps are being taken by the Department to prevent people with no recourse to public funds from ending up in a limbo situation and to address homelessness effectively.
Context
The number of people in the UK with no recourse to public funds has increased, leading many to fall through the system and potentially end up rough sleeping or engaging in antisocial behaviour.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Rushanara Ali)
Rushanara Ali stated that migrants should maintain and accommodate themselves without recourse to public funds. She encouraged councils to exhaust all options when working with individuals who have restricted eligibility for public funds. Additionally, she highlighted that funding from the rough sleeping prevention and recovery grant can be used to help anyone as long as actions comply with the law.
Session: Homelessness Prevention
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Across the northern part of my constituency, from Marshside over to Hesketh Bank, the mobile phone signal is uniformly terrible, meaning that my constituents are missing out on opportunities. Will the Minister work more closely with industry to identify and deal with those rural mobile blackspots to further the Government’s growth mission?
Context
MP noted significant mobile phone signal issues affecting constituents' opportunities. The MP has tabled multiple questions on this issue.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
I know that that is an issue in my hon. Friend's constituency because he has tabled at least 10 questions to me on the subject over the last week, all of which we have answered in time. I am keen to ensure that we as MPs persuade the mobile companies to invest more in getting better mobile coverage across the country, both in rural areas and in urban ones.
Session: Topical Questions
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Employment is crucial to reducing reoffending, and data shows that offenders who are employed within six weeks of leaving prison have a reoffending rate around half of those out of work. Will the Minister outline how the regional employment councils, including in Southport and the Liverpool city region at large, will help to drive down reoffending?
Context
Data shows that offenders who are employed within six weeks of leaving prison have a reoffending rate around half of those out of work. The regional employment councils aim to support offenders in the community.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right that securing employment is known to reduce the risk of reoffending significantly. The Minister for prisons in the other place has led a business with a track record of getting offenders into employment, and I understand that National Highways is starting to build strong partnerships as chair of the employment councils in Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire.
Session: Employment Ex-offenders
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Earlier this week, I attended the launch of the Independent Venue Community, which is a charity aiming to bring community activity into night-time music venues when they are usually closed. Does the Minister agree that such innovative thinking is beneficial to health and wellbeing, the arts sector more generally and town centre renewal? What support can the Department offer to see such schemes rolled out nationwide?
Context
The Independent Venue Community is a charity aiming to bring community activity into night-time music venues when they are usually closed, promoting health and wellbeing, arts sector growth, and town centre renewal.
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism (Chris Bryant)
All I really want to say is yes, because I agree with everything my hon. Friend said. Since you like brevity, Mr Speaker, and brevity is the soul of wit, I am just going to say yes.
Session: Topical Questions
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Whether it is the Marine Lake Events Centre, the Enterprise Arcade or the new Market Quarter in my Southport constituency, my town has benefited from state-led investment in neighbourhoods and the public realm. Does the Chancellor agree that investment policies of this sort are essential to driving economic growth in our regions and nations and will help us to finally turn the page on the failed austerity policies of the Conservative party?
Context
The MP references several specific projects in Southport such as the Marine Lake Events Centre, the Enterprise Arcade and the new Market Quarter.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rachel Reeves)
I absolutely agree, and that is why we have reversed the Conservatives’ decisions to cut capital spending. Instead, we are preserving that capital investment, which means spending £113 billion more on road, rail, energy, homes and digital infrastructure than would have been spent in the plans we inherited. We are also spending on day-to-day things, such as making sure that we have police on our streets, and working with our mayors, including Mayor Steve Rotheram, to ensure we get investment into the places that most need it.
Session: Spending Review Economic Growth
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On the topic of backlogs across the justice system, what more can the Government do to fill the gap in training capacity to better serve the interests of justice?
Context
The Ministry of Justice's campaign to recruit more magistrates is stretching the capacity of local training committees to provide sufficient mentors and appraisers for new appointees.
Lucy Rigby (Solicitor General)
My hon. Friend highlights the vital role that magistrates play in our criminal justice system. It is essential that any new magistrates receive the right level of training, and I am happy to raise the matter he has spoken about with colleagues in the Ministry of Justice.
Session: Crown Court Reducing the Backlog
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The co-operative movement has a long and proud history of helping to rebuild local economies post-conflict. In this UN International Year of Co-Operatives, will the Minister agree to meet me and representatives of the co-operative movement to discuss the ways in which Governments can promote co-operation as a solution on the global stage?
Context
In the UN International Year of Co-Operatives, there is an opportunity to discuss how Governments can support cooperative movements in rebuilding local economies post-conflict.
Stephen Doughty
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend and his colleagues, not least as a Co-operative MP. I have seen the important work that co-operatives do around the world, and we continue to support them, including by funding the global agriculture and food security programme, which has a dedicated support facility for smallholder producer organisations. We regularly meet those who are involved in co-operative solutions on a range of matters, so I would be delighted to discuss those matters with my hon. Friend and other colleagues.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Environment Agency allocates its budgets to carry out work on flood defences on the basis of a funding formula, but that formula does not give sufficient weight to agricultural land. Will the Minister undertake a review of the formula, so that agricultural land gets the flood defences it needs?
Context
The question is prompted by concerns over the current funding formula for flood defenses, which does not adequately consider agricultural land. This issue affects communities' ability to protect themselves from flooding.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Hardy)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue. I completely agree that the previous flooding formula did not work for rural communities, which is exactly why we are consulting to change it. The consultation will be announced shortly, and I encourage him and every Member across the House to get involved in shaping the formula, so we can make sure it delivers the right outcomes for everybody up and down our country.
Session: Communities Vulnerable to Flooding
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May I associate myself with colleagues’ comments about the tragic events in the Minister’s constituency? Back in 2021, a young woman in my constituency was the victim of an alleged assault. Even now, in 2025, she advises that there has been no trial, and she worries that she could run into the accused around town. What can be done to expedite such cases in which violence is alleged, to better protect our citizens and ensure that our streets are safe from crime?
Context
The MP references a case from 2021 where a woman in his constituency was the victim of an alleged assault, and she has yet to see any resolution or trial.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
The Government are committed to bearing down on the caseload and bringing waiting times down for victims. Since July, we have put more funding into Crown courts, so that they will have their greatest capacity ever, and we have doubled magistrates’ sentencing powers to free up time for the Crown courts, so that they can hear the most serious cases. We have also commissioned Sir Brian Leveson to recommend once-in-a-generation reforms to our criminal courts, and we look forward to receiving his report in the spring.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
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Given the importance of postal addresses to public service delivery and economic growth, will the Minister commit to reviewing the terms under which UK address data is made available to support growth?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the complexity and cost of accessing UK address data, which is crucial for delivering public services effectively.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)
Following the privatisation of Royal Mail in 2014, the postcode address file—the definitive list of UK postal addresses—became a privately owned data asset. However, we have committed to creating a national data library, which will use data in a radically new way for the benefit of the country and public sector users. The Data (Use and Access) Bill will also be a great step forward for the use of data in both public and private sectors.
Session: Improving Access to Public Services
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I thank the Secretary of State for his answer. In the Liverpool bay area, just off the coast of my Southport constituency, we already have a number of wind farms, including the Burbo Bank scheme. Can he outline to the House what more his Department is doing to ensure that, as we put up these wind farms, jobs are created in constituencies like mine?
Context
Discussions about job creation in constituencies hosting offshore wind farms, particularly referencing existing projects like Burbo Bank off Southport.
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)
My hon. Friend asks a really important question, which Members from right across this House will agree with. The situation we have inherited from the last Government is that Germany has almost twice as many renewables jobs per capita as Britain, Sweden almost three times as many, and Denmark almost four times as many. Through a combination of Great British Energy, the national wealth fund and a clean industry bonus, we are making sure that we do not just build offshore wind in this country, but reap the huge industrial opportunity from it.
Session: National Wealth Fund Opportunities for Industry
View All Questions -->
A farmer in my constituency tells me that even in a good year he is lucky to see much beyond £20,000 in profit. With margins as wafer thin as that, regular farming barely qualifies as investable at all. The risk of losing a huge slice of that farm to inheritance tax at random intervals would not only go to putting this generation out of business, but go a long way towards ensuring that they can never be replaced. Does the Minister agree that this measure—
Context
A farmer in Horsham constituency struggles to see much profit annually, making regular farming barely investable. The risk of losing a significant portion of the farm to inheritance tax is a major concern.
Daniel Zeichner
The point that farmers need to get a better return from their business is well made, and that is exactly what this Government will be addressing.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Co-operative businesses can be the life-blood of our towns and communities. In my constituency, I have been working with stakeholders and interested parties to bring about a community co-operative bookshop, following the closure of independent bookshops in Southport in recent years due to the cost of living. May I take this opportunity to encourage new expressions of interest in the bookshop, and to ask the Minister to confirm what more support the Government can provide for our co-operative sector, so that towns like mine can see a thriving high street built around our community?
Context
The question follows a government commitment to expand the co-operative sector and highlights its importance in community development, especially after independent bookshops closures due to high costs of living.
Gareth Thomas
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to underline the positive community impacts that co-operatives, mutual businesses and social enterprises can have not only on our high streets, but in our communities more generally. We recently announced a significant increase in the capital available to the British Business Bank, and that has enabled us to give £150 million of additional support to community banks, or community development finance institutions, as they are officially known. That will help drive more lending to community businesses, potentially including the one he set out, but if there is anything I can do to support the initiative, I would be happy to meet him to discuss it.
Session: Co-operatives
View All Questions -->
What steps his Department is taking to help increase the size of the co-operative sector. Co-operative businesses can be the life-blood of our towns and communities. In my constituency, I have been working with stakeholders and interested parties to bring about a community co-operative bookshop, following the closure of independent bookshops in Southport in recent years due to the cost of living. May I take this opportunity to encourage new expressions of interest in the bookshop, and to ask the Minister to confirm what more support the Government can provide for our co-operative sector, so that towns like mine can see a thriving high street built around our community?
Context
The question follows a government commitment to expand the co-operative sector and highlights its importance in community development, especially after independent bookshop closures due to high costs of living.
Gareth Thomas
The Government are committed to doubling the size of the mutuals and co-op sector. The creation of Great British Energy will help drive a significant expansion in the number of energy co-operatives, while work to modernise co-op, credit union and mutual law to drive expansion was recently announced by Treasury colleagues. We will work particularly closely with the recently established mutual and co-operative business council on this agenda. My hon. Friend is absolutely right to underline the positive community impacts that co-operatives, mutual businesses and social enterprises can have not only on our high streets, but in our communities more generally. We recently announced a significant increase in the capital available to the British Business Bank, and that has enabled us to give £150 million of additional support to community banks, or community development finance institutions, as they are officially known. That will help drive more lending to community businesses, potentially including the one he set out, but if there is anything I can do to support the initiative, I would be happy to meet him to discuss it.
Session: Co-operatives
View All Questions -->
It is nearly eight months since an attack by the Israel Defence Forces on a World Central Kitchen convoy killed seven aid workers, including three Britons: James Henderson, John Chapman and James Kirby. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that their families deserve to see accountability and justice for their deaths?
Context
Concerns raised about the lack of accountability and justice for aid worker deaths.
David Lammy
It was very important for me to meet the families of those people a few weeks ago. The killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including those British nationals, in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza on 1 April was appalling, and a matter of great concern.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Lifelong Learning: “University of the Air” White Paper — [Sir Desmond Swayne in the Chair]
16 June 2026
Responding: Josh MacAlister
Main Concerns
['Patrick Hurley is concerned about the decline in adult participation in higher education over the past decade, despite the success of institutions like the Open University. He notes that too often, the system feels designed around traditional undergraduate students rather than mature learners and those facing life changes such as retraining after redundancy or managing long-term health issues. He highlights that more than a third of undergraduate entrants are mature learners, yet these opportunities remain underutilised.']
Specific Asks
['Patrick Hurley asks the Government to reflect on how institutions like the Open University can play a greater role in regions where talent tends to leave for other areas. He also calls for proper funding and support for part-time provision and increased awareness of lifelong learning opportunities among adults.']
Place-based Employment Support Programmes
10 February 2026
Responding: Diana R. Johnson
Main Concerns
['The MP is concerned about the uncertainty facing place-based employment support programmes and the risk of losing expertise and relationships that these schemes have built. He highlights the importance of localised approaches in addressing unemployment, citing specific examples such as The Big Onion, Zink, Recruitment Junction, and Transform Lives Company. The MP also mentions the need for holistic mental health and wellbeing support and emphasises the value of community organisations in delivering employment support tailored to individual needs.']
Specific Asks
['The MP calls for long-term backing for place-based approaches and proper partnership with community organisations, urging national policy to learn from successful schemes and provide them with the necessary support. He also suggests scaling up and rolling out programmes that have proven effective in different regions of the country.']
Youth Unemployment
17 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Manchester Terrorism Attack 2025-10-13
13 October 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Irish Republican Alleged Incitement 2025-04-29
29 April 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the Government will take immediate action regarding the alleged incitement to murder Members of Parliament by the Irish republican group Kneecap? The MP raises concerns ...
US Steel Import Tariffs 2025-02-11
11 February 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm what conversations have been had with US counterparts about steel tariffs, and how many times has he spoken to US trade representatives since Sunday? Will he confirm that the...
Southport Attack 2025-01-21
21 January 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Ways and Means
06 November 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Chancellor's growth budget is a path to prosperity through investment in infrastructure, public services, cities, and regions. It includes £100 billion of public investment into roads, railways, p...
Violent Disorder
02 September 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Debate on the Address
17 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I beg to move, that an humble Address be presented to His Majesty. The motion acknowledges the Gracious Speech and welcomes a legislative programme based on security, fairness and opportunity for all,...
Attendance
78.6%
77 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
27
27.6% of votes
No Votes
50
51.0% of votes
Abstentions
21
21.4% 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
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
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: 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
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft 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
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
52
Ministerial Questions Asked
8
House of Commons Debates Involved
2
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
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 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+288% above average
This MP:
52
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-20% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+65% above average
This MP:
8
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+14% above average
This MP:
78.6
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 Patrick Hurley's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.