Peter Kyle
MP for Hove and Portslade
Lab
7 May 2015 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Kyle thanks Ministers for their constructive work during this period. He reports a critical situation at Oaklands care home, noting delays in tests and lack of protective equipment for staff. He seeks dates for daily testing availability and full provision of PPE.
Context
A specific incident at Oaklands care home in his constituency highlights the urgent need for testing and PPE.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
Johnson confirms the Government's aim to roll out testing as soon as possible. On PPE, he assures that all required equipment will be provided by the end of the week.
Session: PMQs
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The first act of the Prime Minister was to promise a Government of professionalism and integrity, yet here we have a Secretary of State who uses her position to accuse a British scientist of being a terrorist sympathiser. She goes on to use public money to settle her libel case and then she tries to cover up just how much taxpayers' money she has wasted. Are those the actions of someone with integrity and professionalism—yes or no?
Context
The Prime Minister promised a Government of professionalism and integrity, but the questioner criticizes the Secretary of State's actions as not matching that promise.
Michelle Donelan
As the Minister responsible for UK Research and Innovation, I was alerted to a tweet by officials in my Department, which stated, “This is disturbing” and to the comment: “Suella Braverman urges police to crack down on Hamas support in UK”, with no further context or wording. That was posted by a representative of an equality, diversity and inclusion board that sits under UKRI. At the time, like many others, I was indeed concerned and used the forum that the person used to alert UKRI to my concerns. This was highlighted using that medium, but on receipt of the letter, UKRI itself said that it was deeply concerned and launched an investigation.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Government's AI White Paper says that all jurisdictions will need mandatory reporting of frontier AI. The United States has already done it. The EU has already done it. Why is the Secretary of State waiting for a Labour Government to keep this country safe?
Context
The question references the Government's AI White Paper and international progress on mandatory reporting of frontier AI.
Michelle Donelan
I will not take any lectures from the Opposition when it comes to AI. We have a plan that is working. We are leading the world when it comes to AI safety. I have spoken about the Bletchley effect. We have the world's first ever institute doing pre-deployment testing.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will businesses have to wait for an election to receive a response to the AI regulation consultation, or will the Secretary of State commit to publishing it this month?
Context
Businesses are awaiting the Government's response to AI regulation after delays. The consultation was supposed to be responded to in 2023 but no response has been issued yet.
Saqib Bhatti
We have committed to understanding the risks and opportunities presented by AI. We will publish the response to the consultation in due course, but no specific timeline was given.
Session: Innovation in Technology
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Are the Government any closer to bringing forward such legislation? Since New Decade, New Approach at the start of 2020, we have pressed for this. The bill will be article 2 compliant.
Context
There is a need for legislation that will protect Northern Ireland's ability to trade with its biggest market, the rest of the United Kingdom.
Chris Heaton-Harris
Following further conversations with the right hon. Gentleman, I can bring forward legislation in this place that does exactly what he needs it to do for his party to be able to give a date when it will go back into the Executive.
Session: Power Sharing
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Will he consider giving people time to assess changes before returning to this House? It had two days of consideration and nearly five months of Committee stage.
Context
The Irish Government has requested a pause in the Bill's passage. The Secretary of State says it will be different after Lords amendments.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The Bill has a long gestation period. This House will have plenty of time to consider amendments and others when the Bill returns.
Session: Power Sharing
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The Government's analysis of why power sharing collapsed is that, under the Good Friday agreement, the rights and aspirations of some parts of the community were being undermined. By that understanding, however, the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill goes even further in undermining the agreement. Is now not the time for a total rethink on legacy?
Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill is opposed by all communities in Northern Ireland, the Irish Government, and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. It undermines the Good Friday agreement.
Chris Heaton-Harris
We are on a journey to improve the legacy Bill dramatically. The final Committee sitting is tomorrow and we will be tabling amendments over the next couple of weeks before Report stage, with some other announcements that I am sure he will welcome.
Session: Power Sharing
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We have recently been reminded of some of the lessons from the Good Friday agreement. One such is the importance of structures to delivering successful negotiations. From the outside, it is hard to see any formal discussions or negotiations that are under way with the Northern Irish parties or leaders. Will the Secretary of State set out what he is doing to restore power sharing?
Context
The Windsor framework, a policy success in Northern Ireland, has not led to political progress despite ongoing formal talks between parties. The collapse of power sharing is attributed to the undermining of some communities' rights under the Good Friday agreement.
Chris Heaton-Harris
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. There are ongoing formal talks with the parties, and some negotiations are best done on a confidential basis to avoid other people pulling the threads of the negotiations.
Session: Power Sharing
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Due to a funding shortfall, officer numbers will soon fall to a record low. In fact, there will be 800 fewer officers than agreed in New Decade, New Approach. Does he think this is fair for a force that faces unique challenges on a daily basis?
Context
The PSNI faces a funding shortfall, leading to a decrease in officer numbers. There are concerns about the adequacy of support after high-profile visits.
Chris Heaton-Harris
First, I pay tribute to all the officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland for all the work they do across communities, and to the Chief Constable. He has brought in community policing, of which most of us will be cognisant in our own areas but which is almost new in Northern Ireland. As the hon. Gentleman knows, policing is devolved to the Executive. I am well aware of the Chief Constable's asks in this area, and I am talking to him about them.
Session: Belfast Agreement Anniversary
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Can the Secretary of State confirm that his Department will continue to work closely with the PSNI during this challenging period and anticipate any assistance that it might need?
Context
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has requested support from other UK forces for the upcoming presidential visit by President Biden. The Government needs to confirm its cooperation.
Chris Heaton-Harris
We have a number of big visitors coming to Northern Ireland to mark this important anniversary, and I know that the PSNI is remarkably well organised in preparing for this. Of course the Government will happily support the PSNI in its endeavours.
Session: Belfast Agreement Anniversary
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Will he tell the House once and for all that withdrawing from ECHR would break the terms of the Good Friday agreement?
Context
Several Cabinet members have pledged to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, raising concerns about compliance with the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.
Steven Baker
We remain committed to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement but also need to address humanitarian issues like boats crossing the channel. The Home Secretary will lead on finding solutions.
Session: Public Services
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Will the Minister assure the House that the Government will do nothing to disrupt the unique relationship between ECHR and Northern Ireland policing?
Context
The European Convention on Human Rights plays a crucial role in the policing of Northern Ireland, raising concerns about potential disruptions to this relationship.
Steven Baker
The Government remain committed to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement, which includes a commitment to the convention. The hon Gentleman knows perfectly well that there is such a commitment.
Session: Public Services
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The intended purpose of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill is divergence from the single market. To avoid repeating the political fallout over the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, the Government should be engaging with all communities in Northern Ireland right now, based on a detailed impact assessment. Is that happening?
Context
The Retained EU Law Bill aims at divergence from the single market, raising concerns about community engagement in Northern Ireland.
Chris Heaton-Harris
Yes.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol
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It is good news that the Prime Minister has paused the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill. Can the Secretary of State confirm that negotiations are on track to deliver an agreement that all communities can support by 19 January?
Context
The Prime Minister has paused the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, raising questions about the timeline for negotiations.
Chris Heaton-Harris
As the hon. Gentleman knows, I am a “glass half full” man, and I truly believe that a landing zone has been identified by all parties to aim for. Can I confirm a date? No. Can I give a running commentary? I am afraid that I cannot do so.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol
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I hope your colleagues will encourage BEIS, because it is already winter and 60% of homes are heated by heating oil. Does he think it's fair that both are getting the same £100 payment?
Context
The MP emphasizes the urgency of providing support for heating oil users in Northern Ireland who have seen their costs rise steeply.
Steven Baker
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have taken that up with our counterparts in BEIS. We do so frequently and intensively. My right hon. Friend has just said to me that he met the energy Minister on Thursday. We will continue to press colleagues in BEIS.
Session: Benefits of the Union
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Everyone was supposed to get the same support this winter but two thirds of homes in Northern Ireland are heated by heating oil. Can you tell us precisely when they will receive their support?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the support being provided to households in Northern Ireland, where two-thirds use heating oil.
Steven Baker
We look forward to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy making a statement, but I will just take this opportunity to put on record that households in Northern Ireland will benefit from: the energy price guarantee, reducing the per unit cost of electricity and gas; the energy bill support scheme, a £400 payment to all households; the alternative fuel payment, a £100 payment to households not using gas in Northern Ireland. The hon. Gentleman is perfectly right that people are anxious but I regret that today I cannot give an exact date.
Session: Benefits of the Union
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The only long-term solution to this crisis is a more sustainable energy policy, which the Government have failed to deliver for 12 years. In 2017, Nicola Sturgeon announced a national energy company for Scotland. Five years on, we are in an energy crisis and that plan has been ditched, so does the Minister agree that the right way forward is through Labour's plan for Great British Energy, a home-grown, publicly owned company run for and by the people of this country and for the interests of people in this country?
Context
A national energy company for Scotland was proposed but has since been abandoned. The Labour party is advocating for a publicly owned Great British Energy.
David Duguid
The hon. Member is absolutely correct to point out the Scottish Government's commitment, made back in 2017, to have created a nationalised energy company in Scotland by now. That has not happened, and quite frankly I do not think that it should.
Session: Cost of Living
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The UK Government's so-called mini-Budget has created a financial crisis—made in Downing Street but paid for by working people all over this country, including in Scotland. Has the Minister's Department made an assessment of how much worse off Scottish households will be as a result of the Chancellor's disastrous actions?
Context
The UK Government's mini-Budget is seen as creating a financial crisis affecting working people across the country, including Scotland. An assessment of its impact on Scottish households would be beneficial.
David Duguid
I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his place instead of the shadow Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Edinburgh South (Ian Murray). As I said, the energy support put in place means that a typical household will not pay more than £2,500.
Session: Cost of Living
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The former Foreign Secretary stopped protocol negotiations back in February. Now that she is Prime Minister, her team has been briefing conflicting reports about her intentions. We have heard that negotiations will restart. We have heard that negotiations will not restart and that article 16 will be used instead, or that the protocol Bill will proceed with urgency, provoking EU retaliation. This issue will have been covered in the appointment conversation that the Secretary of State had with the Prime Minister. It is imperative that he now updates and informs the House which of these will become Government policy.
Context
There are conflicting reports about the Government's intentions regarding protocol negotiations or legislative action to resolve issues.
Chris Heaton-Harris
We are keen to negotiate a solution with the European Union. However, we do have legislation ready and will legislate if a negotiated solution is not reached.
Session: Devolved Government
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Let me ask at the outset whether the Government's position on getting Stormont up and running is unchanged. To date, we have heard that 'there is no excuse for the DUP not being back in government' and also: 'Unless we get an Executive we can't help those families in Northern Ireland.' Is that still the case?
Context
There is concern about the clarity and consistency of the Government's position on resolving protocol issues to restore a functioning Executive.
Chris Heaton-Harris
The position is completely unchanged. We are clear that the protocol is a negotiation between the EU and the UK, but we remain committed to resolving it in order for an Executive to form as soon as possible.
Session: Devolved Government
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Does the Secretary of State agree that such a threat from the EU indicates it simply wants to punish Northern Ireland businesses because the UK Government want to protect the UK internal market?
Context
The EU has threatened to remove access for Northern Irish businesses to its single market.
Brandon Lewis
The right hon. Gentleman makes an important point. It is right that we are looking to deliver on all three strands of the Belfast/Good Friday agreement. We will never be looking at any sort of infrastructure; there cannot be a hard border on the island, in the same way that there should not be a hard border between east and west.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol Negotiations
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Can he confirm that the current plans also have the support of the nationalist community?
Context
The Foreign Secretary argues for unilateral action on the protocol due to lack of support in one community.
Brandon Lewis
The hon. Gentleman talks about the Belfast/Good Friday agreement, but his tweets in the last couple of weeks have highlighted that he has possibly not even read it; I suggest that he at least gets equipped with who the signatories to the agreement are, so that he understands who the co-guarantors are.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol Negotiations
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The Secretary of State will know that there is £300 million in a bank account in Stormont that cannot be spent because the Democratic Unionist party walked out of the Executive. He also knows that there are families in Northern Ireland who cannot heat their homes or feed their children. If the Executive cannot meet after the election, will he commit to working with me to get that money into people's pockets as soon as possible?
Context
There is £300 million in a bank account at Stormont that cannot be spent due to the Democratic Unionist party walking out of the Executive.
Brandon Lewis
I agree in part with the hon. Gentleman because I want to see that money being spent for the benefit of people in Northern Ireland, but I disagree with his analysis of why it is not being spent. That is money from last year's budget, and for a couple of years running now the current Department of Finance in Northern Ireland has consistently underspent.
Session: Shared Prosperity Fund
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But is the Secretary of State aware that in the first round of levelling-up funding, Wales applied for and received almost 50% more than was first allocated, and for Scotland the figure was 10%, yet Northern Ireland got 3% less? Will he assure us today that the same will not happen with the shared prosperity fund, and that levelling up for Northern Ireland means more than just being hit by the same tax rises that are being inflicted on the rest of the UK by this Tory Government?
Context
In the first round of levelling-up funding, Wales applied for and received almost 50% more than allocated, while Scotland got 10%, yet Northern Ireland received 3% less.
Brandon Lewis
Again, the hon. Gentleman needs to look at the figures in the round and realise that, as I have said, we have been making the biggest investment in Northern Ireland in decades—indeed, he may want to apologise for the previous Labour Government's lack of funding for Northern Ireland. We now have the biggest sum of funding since devolution began in 1998.
Session: Shared Prosperity Fund
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Ministers and Prime Minister have given various informal answers leading to distrust in the Government. Queen's University Belfast's poll shows the UK government is most distrusted among all actors. Following five rounds of negotiations between the UK and EU Governments without a statement, will the Secretary of State promise to bring discussions out of shadows and make statements to the House?
Context
Queen's University Belfast's poll found the UK government is highly distrusted, attributing this to informal communication from Ministers. Since the Executive collapsed, there have been no statements on negotiations with the EU.
Brandon Lewis
Negotiations need to be private, but we take no options off the table and continue to strain every sinew for a resolution that respects all aspects of the Good Friday agreement. We will do everything possible to resolve issues affecting Northern Ireland's economy and citizens.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol
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Does he share the assessment that the current negotiations have only a 30% chance of success?
Context
The Prime Minister has reportedly stated a low success probability for negotiations on the protocol.
Brandon Lewis
I am not sure I can give betting odds. The EU has shown a lack of flexibility, and we must be realistic about progress so far. We take no options off the table to resolve issues with the protocol.
Session: Northern Ireland Protocol
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What's the point of Brandon Lewis?
Context
Challenges to the effectiveness of the current Secretary of State's work on Northern Ireland.
Brandon Lewis
I appreciate that the hon. Gentleman has been over to Northern Ireland once and so is basing his comments on some odd conversation. I find what he just said a bit rich, bearing in mind that he is part of a Labour Front-Bench team who over the past six to nine months have called for us to bring forward dual mandates, then argued against them when we did what we said we would do.
Session: Stability
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When will that package of legislation be introduced?
Context
The package on identity, language, and culture is part of the agreement.
Brandon Lewis
We are committed to bringing that forward within the mandate of the period for Stormont, as we said at the time, and that remains our commitment.
Session: Stability
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Instead of delaying further, can he give a clear assurance that victims will be front and centre and in the driving seat before returning with proposals?
Context
Proposals are currently on the table, but victims need to be at the forefront.
Brandon Lewis
We want to ensure we are delivering for people, especially victims who have waited too long. The Command Paper sets out a plan for getting to the truth of what happened. We need to look at failures of the current system and offer a new way forward.
Session: Consultations on Addressing Legacy of Northern Ireland's Past Victims Groups
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What is the difference between the Secretary of State's current thinking and his thinking as it stood when the Command Paper was published?
Context
The Command Paper was published in July, implying a change in thinking over time.
Brandon Lewis
We have not had pauses. We said we wanted to engage with parties and agreed at the summer British-Irish intergovernmental conference to do so in partnership. Work continued over the summer and autumn, culminating in a meeting of the British-Irish intergovernmental conference just last week.
Session: Consultations on Addressing Legacy of Northern Ireland's Past Victims Groups
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I welcome the Secretary of State to his post and I welcome the other Ministers who are new in post. Despite our political differences, I hold them all in very high personal regard. On 19 July, I put it to the Secretary of State that the only way to have stability in schools come the autumn term would be to offer the vaccine over the summer months. He chose not to. Just in recent days, I spoke to a principal who said that schools are no longer primarily places of learning; they are logistical centres performing twice-weekly testing, facilitating the vaccine roll-out and dealing with local covid outbreaks. Instead of having a wall of protected adults, students are faced with a wall of pinched and angry anti-vaxxers preventing them from getting into school by bullying and harassing, interrupting their school flow. Will he accept Labour's proposal for exclusion zones around schools for the duration of any vaccine roll-out programme, and will he apologise to the 200,000 students and their families who are currently off school because he chose not to implement the measures that would have kept them there?
Context
The MP highlighted a previous proposal in July to offer vaccines over the summer months. He cited recent issues including logistical challenges, bullying by anti-vaxxers, and 200,000 students off school.
Nadhim Zahawi
I am grateful to the shadow Minister for his question and his remarks about the team. I remind him that it was the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation that initially did not make the decision and then went further and asked the four chief medical officers to make that decision. Throughout the vaccination programme, we have operated by taking the advice of the JCVI and of the chief medical officers. We moved swiftly the moment the advice was made available to vaccinate 12 to 15-year-olds. Of course, through the holiday period, that was expanded to out-of-school vaccination, and now that they are returning to school, that continues at pace. However, the shadow Minister is right to highlight the dangerous behaviour of some anti-vaxxers. There is no place for anti-vaxxers harassing or coming anywhere near school leaders, and I have the reassurance of the Home Secretary that she will make available any resources that the sector needs to ensure that those people in our schools are protected and able to get on with the job of teaching and protecting children.
Session: Covid-19 Management in Schools
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At the last Budget, the Chancellor gave a £25 billion tax break to the top 1% of businesses in the form of the super deduction, but when the school catch-up tsar came to him asking for £15 billion over a three-year period, he said that he could not fund
“everybody who comes knocking on my door.” Why is it that when an Amazon-style business comes knocking, the door is wide open, but when students come knocking, asking for money to get over the challenges of the past few years, the door is slammed in their face?
“everybody who comes knocking on my door.” Why is it that when an Amazon-style business comes knocking, the door is wide open, but when students come knocking, asking for money to get over the challenges of the past few years, the door is slammed in their face?
Context
Tax break given to businesses compared with lack of funding for education recovery.
Rishi Sunak
That is absolutely not right. When it comes to the super deduction, what the Labour party will never understand is that we want to support businesses to create jobs. That is what the super deduction does. I just gave the hon. Gentleman the example of BT creating thousands of new jobs because of the super deduction.
Session: Topical Questions
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Since taking over, the education gap between state and private schools has reached record levels. What will the Minister do to address this issue?
Context
The education gap has grown significantly under the current Government.
Nick Gibb
The hon. Gentleman should look at the last Labour Government's record where the gap was narrowing throughout their tenure.
Session: GCSE and A-level Examinations
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It was good to see the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State condemning the harassment of Chris Whitty in recent days. However, the irony seems to be lost that Chris Whitty experienced textbook antisocial behaviour of the kind that happens increasingly up and down our country in every single community. Will the Secretary of State explain why antisocial behaviour has been rising for five years, yet use of antisocial behaviour orders and measures has fallen? When he introduces a victims Bill, will it include measures to give victim status to people who suffer from antisocial behaviour?
Context
Chris Whitty experienced harassment, highlighting an increase in antisocial behaviour across the country. The MP asks why antisocial behaviour has risen while use of antisocial behaviour orders has fallen.
Robert Buckland
May I put on record my condemnation of the appalling incident involving Professor Whitty in the last few days? With regard to the way in which antisocial behaviour is policed, there have been welcome initiatives and, indeed, changes to the law by Government on preventive measures, particularly for young people and children.
Session: Topical Questions
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Why did ministers fail to secure adequate funding for the catch-up fund and why is the Chancellor not providing necessary investment in education despite rising cases?
Context
Ministers failed to secure over 90% of the funding called for by Kevan Collins for the catch-up fund. Additionally, 100,000 vulnerable students are missing out on the pupil premium due to insufficient funding.
Nick Gibb
We have announced a £1.4 billion education recovery package, with an extra £1 billion for tutoring and 6 million 15-hour courses for students aged five to 16, plus 2 million courses for those aged 16-19. We are reviewing the time aspect of Sir Kevan's recommendations before reporting into the spending review.
Session: Topical Questions
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Some 20% of sex offenders already have a previous conviction for sexual assault. The latest figures show that in the last year, 37 convicted rapists already have convictions for the same crime and 14 have been convicted for rape three times previously. When will protecting women drive policy? The Minister cannot say it is now—just look at the numbers.
Context
Recent statistics show that 37 convicted rapists have previous convictions for the same crime, with 14 having been convicted three times previously. This highlights a concerning trend of sexual assault recidivism.
Kit Malthouse
The protection of women is at the forefront of much of the work we do. The hon. Gentleman will know that the Bill, which I gather he is going to oppose tonight, contains a number of measures that would help us in that fight, not least the serious violence duty, which will bring all partners in an area together to diagnose the problems related to violence in that area and promote a strategy to address it. We think that longer sentences for those convicted of serious sexual offences will be an enormous deterrent for those who are thinking about offending, and such measures will protect women in the future.
Session: Reoffending Rates
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It was revealed that an 18-year-old woman who reported a sexual assault case faced a delay of 19 months to get her day in court. The coroner linked this delay with her death by overdose. This happened six months before the pandemic. Is it not true that this Government broke our justice system, and will the Minister offer an apology?
Context
A coroner's court revealed an 18-year-old victim of sexual assault was told she would not get her day in court for 19 months. She committed suicide after losing hope, six months before covid.
Chris Philp
I pointed out that our justice system was in good shape before coronavirus, with magistrates court waiting times at about eight weeks and a low Crown court case load. We recognise the distress victims suffer and announced an additional £40 million to support them. The rape review aims to expedite cases, but this is not just a courts issue; it involves disclosure rules and investigation time. Extra police officers will help, as we prioritise protecting victims.
Session: Court Backlog
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In 2016, 22% of kids sentenced were black and minority ethnic. Now, it is 27%. Some 41% of youth prisoners were black and minority ethnic. Now, it is over half. The proportion of black and minority ethnic young people subject to the use of force in youth prisons has gone up from 41% to 48% since the Lammy review. This Government have been in power for 10 years. It has been two years since the Lammy review. It is not that not enough progress has been made; things are going backwards. Why should anybody have faith that this lot can sort it out?
Context
The proportion of black and minority ethnic young people subject to the use of force in youth prisons has increased since the Lammy review.
Robert Buckland
With respect to the hon. Gentleman, he is just wrong about that—totally wrong. In the last 10 years, there has been a fall of 83% in the number of children receiving a caution or a sentence, and last year there was a fall of 19%. That means in actual numbers of lives and families, the number of children and BAME children affected is reducing.
Session: Youth Justice Racial Disparity
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How many crimes need to go unpunished before Ministers will come forward with a plan backed by targets and resources? The backlog is not just numbers but a tragedy for each victim awaiting justice.
Context
Victims are waiting longer than ever for justice, with some pulling out of trials due to delays. The Minister has received complaints from PCCs.
Alex Chalk
I regret that the hon. Gentleman has not read the plan that has been published, because if he had, he would know that in the magistrates courts the backlog is being eroded, because disposals have exceeded receipts since the end of July.
Session: Court Delays Covid-19
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While the number of young people required to attend court fell by 10,000 before the pandemic, the backlog remained unchanged. With demand dropping by a third and lack of competence shown so far, what hope is there for resolving this in challenging times?
Context
Despite a decline in youth referrals to court, there remains a significant backlog of cases awaiting justice.
Lucy Frazer
We are managing the court backlog across Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service. I am closely examining the youth estate due to its unique challenges, ensuring swift justice for young people who are particularly vulnerable compared to adults in the adult estate.
Session: Young People in Custody Covid-19
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What steps is his Department taking to reform the regulation of fares, specifically regarding the implementation of a single Thameslink fare structure as recommended by the Gibb review?
Context
The Gibb review recommended simplifying fare structures on the main line between London and Brighton.
Chris Heaton-Harris (Minister of State for Transport)
The Government cap around 45% of all rail fares, including most season tickets, to protect passengers from high fares. The Department is trialling a new, simpler fares structure with London North Eastern Railway and will use the findings to inform wider plans to improve fares as part of the Williams review White Paper.
Session: Train Fares
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Attendance
37.8%
37 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
17
17.3% of votes
No Votes
20
20.4% of votes
Abstentions
61
62.2% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
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
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
42
Ministerial Questions Asked
71
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
18
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
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+213% above average
This MP:
42
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1361% above average
This MP:
71
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+90% above average
This MP:
18
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-45% below average
This MP:
37.8
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 Peter Kyle's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.