Rebecca Long-Bailey
MP for Salford and Eccles
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
In March, the Ombudsman's report made it clear that these women suffered significant injustice and are owed compensation. Nearly 279,000 women have died waiting for justice. When will the PM place before this House a mechanism for appropriate redress?
Context
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's report stated that the Department for Work and Pensions was guilty of maladministration towards women's state pensions in the 1950s.
Rishi Sunak
Following the ombudsman's report, we are reviewing findings thoroughly. We are committed to ensuring pensioners have dignity and security through measures like the triple lock.
Assessment
No timeline or mechanism for addressing injustices was provided
Reviewing Findings Thoroughly
Broadly, We Are Committed
Session: PMQs
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One in five of my residents lives in fuel poverty and, according to Cornwall Insight, this winter looks to be the most brutal yet, with the current trajectory in energy prices expected to be the new norm for the rest of the decade. As the Prime Minister will know, one of the best ways to support households is through the introduction of a social tariff. He promised a consultation by summer this year, but we are still waiting. When will the consultation be released?
Context
Energy prices are expected to remain high, leading to ongoing fuel poverty issues.
Rishi Sunak
We have also provided considerable support in the here and now for households with their energy bills: £900 of direct cost of living support this financial year on top of a record increase in benefits, along with winter fuel payments of up to £300 this winter for pensioners, because they are particularly vulnerable. We will continue to look at all the support we have to ensure that those who need it are getting the help they deserve.
Assessment
Timing of consultation release
Providing Considerable Support
Here And Now
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister is pleased that nuclear veterans are receiving promised medals but John's full medical records remain incomplete. His blood tests are missing, as are countless others'. Will he review withheld documents in national archives and hold a public inquiry into why these omissions occurred?
Context
Concerned about missing medical records of a constituent, including crucial blood tests from Christmas Island. The Ministry admits withholding at least 150 files.
Rishi Sunak
The new nuclear test medal is being received. Health records requests are part of ongoing litigation, but individuals can request their medical data via subject access requests and complaints process.
Assessment
Specific review or public inquiry into withheld medical records
Changed Subject
Session: PMQs
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My constituent unknowingly gave up work at 60 due to an increase in her pension age and ended up with no income, unable to pay bills or maintain housing. Will the Prime Minister commit to fair and fast compensation payments for 1950s women affected by this injustice based on recommendations from the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman?
Context
Over 3.6 million women born in the 1950s had their state pension age increased without prior notice, causing significant financial hardship.
Rishi Sunak
This issue is under ongoing discussion, but I cannot comment further. We will respond appropriately to any recommendations made by the Ombudsman.
Assessment
Specific commitment or timeline for compensation payments
Ongoing Process
Cannot Comment
Session: PMQs
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Will the Deputy Prime Minister investigate and inform me of the legal rights of veterans who participated in nuclear weapons tests to obtain their medical records?
Context
The questioner inquires about the legal rights of nuclear test veterans to obtain their medical records.
Dominic Raab
I thank the hon. Lady, who has been a consistent champion on this issue, for which I recognise and pay tribute to her. The information is available to veterans and their families. If the hon. Lady writes to me, she will get an adequate answer.
Assessment
Does not commit to specific investigation or immediate action but offers to write back with more details.
Will Investigate Further
Session: PMQs
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The Prime Minister has been very supportive of nuclear testing veterans, so I am sure that he will be shocked that, today, has uncovered 140 pages of data previously hidden in the footnote of a 1988 Government report. There is now concern that the High Court and this House may have been inadvertently misinformed in 2008, when told that only 159 men in UK nuclear weapons tests were exposed to dangerous radiation, when today's data shows exposure numbers were actually 2,314. Will the Prime Minister urgently investigate this and arrange to meet personally in Downing Street with my constituent, her grandad and other nuclear testing veterans to bring an end to this national scandal?
Context
New data has revealed that more than 2,300 men were exposed to dangerous radiation in UK nuclear weapons tests, far more than previously believed.
Boris Johnson
I thank the hon. Member very much for bringing those facts—new facts—to the attention of the House, and I know that my office has already been in touch with the group concerned to make sure that we have a proper meeting. I hope very much that she will be there, and we will be able to discuss all the issues that she has raised.
Session: PMQs
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My constituent Laura told me that Remembrance Sunday hurts. It hurts because there have been no medals for her grandad's service and the thousands of men involved in nuclear weapons tests overseas between 1952 and 1991. It hurts because studies of such veterans have shown increased miscarriages, increased birth defects and the same rate of genetic damage as clean-up workers at Chernobyl. And it hurts because the UK is the only nuclear power on earth that has denied recognition. So I ask the Prime Minister: will he recognise nuclear testing veterans today and agree to meet them? The Leader of the Opposition has.
Context
Laura, a constituent of the MP, has expressed her concerns about Remembrance Sunday and the lack of recognition for service members involved in nuclear weapons tests overseas.
Boris Johnson
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for bringing this to my attention. I will certainly make sure that we get a proper meeting with the representatives of the nuclear veterans that she mentions.
Session: PMQs
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The Minister's predecessor confirmed that in 2014 both the MOD and Government legal advisers were made aware of a previously undisclosed fallout report showing radiation in inhabited areas. Can the Minister confirm what work has been done to establish why this evidence was not disclosed?
Context
A previously undisclosed fallout report showed radiation across inhabited areas of Christmas Island.
Calvin Bailey
Let me say how deeply grateful we are to those who participated in the UK nuclear testing programme. Since taking office, I have worked hard to listen and meet the veterans. I aim to disclose the document my hon. Friend referred to as soon as possible.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-06
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The Minister will be aware that around 10% of people automatically enrolled into workplace pension schemes choose to opt out. Would the Minister consider a simple tweak to allow employer contributions to continue in cases where individuals opt out?
Context
Many people opt out of workplace pension schemes due to low pay and cost-of-living pressures, leading them to miss out on employer contributions.
Emma Reynolds
I thank my hon. Friend for that question, which is indeed an interesting idea. It is one that was put forward recently by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, and I will consider it.
Session: Pensions Auto-enrolment Lower Earners
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Due to the introduction of auto-enrolment, there has been a 92% increase in the number of employees saving into workplace pension schemes since 2012. However, around 10% of people automatically enrolled choose to opt out due to low pay and cost-of-living pressures, leaving them losing out on both their contributions and employer top-ups. Would the Minister consider allowing employer contributions to continue in cases where individuals opt out?
Context
Auto-enrolment has seen a significant increase in the number of employees saving into workplace pensions, but around 10% opt out due to low pay and cost-of-living pressures.
Emma Reynolds
I thank my hon. Friend for that question, which is indeed an interesting idea. It is one that was put forward recently by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, and I will consider it.
Session: Pensions Auto-enrolment Lower Earners
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Action for Humanity research conducted in Gaza revealed that 53% of respondents already received no humanitarian aid during so-called evacuations, and there are fears that the Knesset's vote to sever ties with UNRWA is likely to reduce access to aid even further. The Minister has already referred to the representations that have been made, but what specific immediate actions will the Secretary of State undertake to reinforce the UN's multilateral framework and the Israeli Government's obligations under international law to ensure that sufficient aid reaches civilians in Gaza?
Context
The Knesset's vote to sever ties with UNRWA is likely to reduce access to humanitarian aid in Gaza, a concern for international organizations.
Anneliese Dodds
We recognise the impact of sometimes repeated displacements on the population, with this happening up to nine times in some cases. We have used every opportunity to make clear the essential role of the UN, including UNRWA, in Gaza.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Secretary of State's commitment to nuclear testing veterans is well known, but he may be concerned by a report in the Daily Mirror claiming incorrect testimony and incomplete documentation were provided by civil servants and given to judges. Will the Minister investigate these claims urgently?
Context
A report in the Daily Mirror alleged that inaccurate testimony and incomplete documentation were given to judges by civil servants in nuclear test veterans' legal disputes over many years.
Maria Eagle
My hon. Friend has met nuclear test veterans to establish a new relationship, committed to exploring concerns about access to medical records, and progress will be made.
Session: Nuclear Weapons
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I commend the Chancellor for recently outlining investment in social housing, but in the interim the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has stated that the previous Government's decision to freeze local housing allowance rates will push 80,000 private renters on housing benefit, including 30,000 children, into deep poverty during this Parliament. Will the Chancellor now consider unfreezing the allowance and relinking it to the actual cost of local rents, so that those families can keep their heads above water?
Context
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has stated that the previous Government's decision to freeze local housing allowance rates will push 80,000 private renters on housing benefit into deep poverty during this Parliament.
Rachel Reeves
My hon. Friend makes a really important point, which I think is familiar to all of us in our communities, about the cost of housing outstretching people's incomes. In our manifesto we committed to building 1.5 million new homes, including social housing, which is so important and can give security to people who would otherwise be left in insecure housing in the private rented sector.
Session: Topical Questions
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. Tomorrow I will present my first Budget. It will be a Budget that fixes the foundations of our economy and delivers on the promise of change.
Context
The Chancellor is set to present her first Budget.
Rachel Reeves
Tomorrow I will present my first Budget. It will be a Budget that fixes the foundations of our economy and delivers on the promise of change. It will turn the page on low growth and will be the start of a new chapter towards making Britain better off. It will mean more pounds in people's pockets, an NHS that is there when they need it, and businesses creating wealth and opportunity for all.
Session: Topical Questions
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Ingleside, the only birthing centre in the city of Salford, was temporarily closed in 2022 amid an acute midwifery staffing deficit across Greater Manchester. Will the Minister be kind enough to meet me to discuss what he can do to ensure that that unit reopens safely as soon as possible?
Context
Ingleside, Salford's only birthing centre, was temporarily closed amid a midwifery staffing deficit.
Karin Smyth
My hon. Friend is right to raise the crisis of midwifery services. We have already had debates in Westminster Hall about this, and the issue affects the entire country. It is a priority for this Government, and I am of course happy to meet her to discuss her constituency issue.
Session: Topical Questions
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Salford experienced a significant number of people presenting to the council for help because of section 21 notices. There is no affordable housing available once someone is evicted. When will the Government bring back the Renters (Reform) Bill with amendments banning section 21 evictions?
Context
In Salford, approximately 466 individuals presented to the council in crisis due to section 21 notices from April to November last year. The private market rents are outstripping incomes, leading to homelessness.
Jacob Young
We are absolutely committed to abolishing section 21. We will bring back the Bill as soon as we are able to do so.
Session: Islamophobia
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In 2019 the Government promised to abolish section 21 no-fault evictions, but the Bill that they finally published five years later, which the Minister mentioned, does not actually abolish section 21 no-fault evictions. Meanwhile, 140,000 children are living in costly temporary accommodation. In my constituency we get one or two cases every week. The problems are piling up. When will this Government do what they promised—stop delaying, stop dithering, and abolish no-fault evictions?
Context
The question addresses the government's delayed commitment to abolishing section 21 no-fault evictions, with ongoing issues like children living in temporary accommodation.
Jacob Young
As I have already said, we are absolutely committed to abolishing section 21. The Renters (Reform) Bill is going through Parliament and I look forward to debating it with the hon. Lady when it returns to this House.
Session: Islamophobia
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Will the Secretary of State confirm if and when she will legislate for a statutory duty on regulators requiring them to have due regard to the five high-level principles outlined in the AI White Paper?
Context
The government promised a statutory duty on regulators to have due regard to five high-level principles outlined in the AI White Paper.
Michelle Donelan
The risks of AI are still emerging, so the priority is keeping pace with those risks to keep the public safe. The government has an agile, sector-specific approach using world-leading regulators.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Regulation
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What steps she is taking to ensure that regulators have adequate capacity and co-ordination to implement the AI regulatory principles. AI in the UK still lacks sufficient regulation, despite the pace of change and risks posed. Will the Secretary of State confirm if and when she will legislate for a statutory duty on regulators requiring them to have due regard to the five high-level principles outlined in the AI White Paper?
Context
The UK lacks sufficient regulation for AI despite the risks posed. The government promised a statutory duty on regulators to have due regard to five high-level principles outlined in the AI White Paper.
Michelle Donelan
The risks of AI are still emerging, so the priority is keeping pace with those risks to keep the public safe. The government has an agile, sector-specific approach using world-leading regulators.
Session: Artificial Intelligence Regulation
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Many constituents feel that victims are being pursued instead of those responsible for financial schemes. Will the Chancellor confirm why they ignore the providers and operators? How many have been prosecuted specifically for their involvement?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the lack of prosecution of companies involved in disguised remuneration schemes causing financial hardship to victims.
Nigel Huddleston
Eighty-five per cent of the funds recovered from the loan charge so far—about £3.9 billion in total—have come from the employers, therefore those who were running those schemes, so the hon. Lady is mischaracterising where we have gone so far. There has been one criminal conviction so far; others are in place.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps he is taking to issue nuclear test medals to veterans before Remembrance Sunday 2023. The first nuclear test medals are expected to be available this autumn—I hope in time for Remembrance Sunday. A veteran has said, “We have heard it all before, governments come and go, but the Nuclear Veterans keep fighting, that's exactly what we did for our country all those years ago, so please, no more false promises just action…award us our medal”. He speaks for thousands of veterans whose average age is now 85. They were promised medallic recognition by the Prime Minister on November 22 last year but are informed now that the medals have been delayed again.
Context
Veterans are waiting for nuclear test medals promised by the Prime Minister in November of the previous year.
Andrew Murrison
Once again I remind the hon. Lady that it is this Government who got on and made the announcement on 22 November last year. I very much hope that by 22 November the veterans will get their medals. It is my sincere hope that by Remembrance Sunday they will be able to wear proudly what is due to them.
Session: Nuclear Test Medals
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What steps he is taking to issue nuclear test medals to veterans before Remembrance Sunday 2023. The first nuclear test medals are expected to be available this autumn—I hope in time for Remembrance Sunday. A veteran has said, “We have heard it all before, governments come and go, but the Nuclear Veterans keep fighting, that's exactly what we did for our country all those years ago, so please, no more false promises just action…award us our medal”. He speaks for thousands of veterans whose average age is now 85. They were promised medallic recognition by the Prime Minister on November 22 last year but are informed now that the medals have been delayed again.
Context
Veterans are waiting for nuclear test medals promised by the Prime Minister in November of the previous year.
Andrew Murrison
Once again I remind the hon. Lady that it is this Government who got on and made the announcement on 22 November last year. I very much hope that by 22 November the veterans will get their medals. It is my sincere hope that by Remembrance Sunday they will be able to wear proudly what is due to them.
Session: Nuclear Test Medals
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Frontline charities say that the Government's plan falls far short of what is needed, especially regarding holding back the promised £250 million in social care workforce funding. Can you promise to revisit this with urgency?
Context
Charities such as United Response and Age UK have raised concerns about the Government's plans for adult social care, highlighting issues like underfunding and workforce challenges.
Helen Whately
Not a penny of funding is being cut from adult social care. We are driving forward reforms focused on improving the social care workforce, including new career paths and training.
Session: Adult Social Care Funding
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Frontline charities like United Response and Age UK say the Government's plan falls far short of what is needed for adult social care providers, especially with the delayed £250 million workforce funding. Given that one in five over-80s have unmet care needs and we face record vacancy rates, can you promise to revisit this urgently?
Context
Charities such as United Response and Age UK argue that the Government's plan falls short, citing a lack of promised £250 million in workforce funding. One in five over-80s have some unmet care needs, while social care vacancy rates are at record highs.
Helen Whately
Not a penny of funding is being cut from adult social care. We are driving forward reforms with a focus on the workforce, introducing new career paths and training for social care workers.
Session: Adult Social Care Funding
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I congratulate the Minister for narrowing the disadvantage gap and standing up to unions in 2010 when introducing reforms in education. However, it is unfortunate that Labour remains silent while unions disrupt learning through strikes. What work is being done to ensure disadvantaged students do not suffer due to union actions?
Context
Strikes by teachers' unions are disrupting children's learning and the ability to pass exams, particularly affecting those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The question highlights concerns about union actions holding children's futures hostage.
Nick Gibb
My hon. Friend rightly highlights the importance of prioritizing school attendance, particularly for vulnerable children and those in exam years. We have issued guidance to schools to prioritize these students when restricting attendance.
Session: Disadvantage Gap in Schools
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I am concerned that despite painting a rosy picture, the disadvantage gap continues to be wider than it was in 2019 and the Government has limited the uptake of education recovery programmes like the national tutoring programme. They provided only less than a third of the funding recommended by their own Education Recovery Commissioner. Will the Minister commit today to increasing funding to meet these urgent needs?
Context
The disadvantage gap continues to be wider than it was in 2019, and the Government limited the uptake of education recovery programmes like the national tutoring programme. The funding provided is less than a third of what the Education Recovery Commissioner recommended.
Nick Gibb
Since 2010, we closed the disadvantage gap by 13% in primary schools and 9% in secondary schools. However, the gap widened during the pandemic. We introduced the national tutoring programme for intensive tuition to those who have fallen behind, spending £5 billion on an education recovery plan. The pupil premium is being increased from £2.6 billion to £2.9 billion this year.
Session: Disadvantage Gap in Schools
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Deterrence through tough sentencing must play a part in dealing with knife crime. While I welcome Ms Wade's report, I am disappointed that the Government have so far accepted only three of her 17 recommendations. Will the Minister speak to his colleagues at the Ministry of Justice to ensure all 17 recommendations are implemented?
Context
Deterrence through tough sentencing is important in dealing with knife crime. The Government accepted only three out of seventeen recommendations from Ms Wade's report on sentencing in murder cases involving knives.
Chris Philp
I will raise the issues that my hon. Friend mentions with colleagues at the Ministry of Justice, who I am sure will be receptive.
Session: Knife Crime
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Last year, knife crime in Salford decreased due to extensive work with young people by the Salford community safety partnership and police operations. Since January, there has been a spate of serious knife crime incidents distressing the community. We need urgent Government support for a proactive reduction strategy including dedicated funding and bleed kit rollouts across Salford.
Context
Knife crime in Salford fell last year but has increased since January, leading to serious incidents. The community needs urgent government support for knife crime reduction and bleed kit rollouts.
Chris Philp
We are already directing ringfenced money towards Greater Manchester via Grip hotspot funding, which we will maintain or increase next year. We support violence reduction units to get young people on a better path. I am visiting Greater Manchester soon and look forward to discussing initiatives with Chief Constable Stephen Watson.
Session: Knife Crime
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How will the Minister address the funding support that they require?
Context
Charities providing career paths for ex-military personnel lack consistent national funding.
Andrew Murrison
I hope that the hon. Lady will be aware of the career transition pathway, an innovation that eases people's passage from the armed forces into the veteran community. Let us be clear: most members of our armed forces transition perfectly well. Some need help, and the career transition pathway is designed to provide that.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Minister assure me that he is providing support to those services delivered by veterans charities to ensure that veterans and their families can access cost of living support?
Context
Veterans charities report a significant rise in demand for basic support grants. A survey by Help for Heroes found that 82% of respondents are worried about the cost of living, with one in eight using food banks in the past year. The Royal British Legion reports that 14% of veterans aged 65 or over have turned off heating to save money when it's too cold.
Andrew Murrison
The hon. Lady takes a very close interest in these matters, for which I am grateful. Of course the MOD works closely with service charities, with whom we have an almost constant dialogue in terms of their caseload to ensure that we do the best we can for our veterans. It is worth bearing in mind that veterans are civilians and are entitled to the same Government initiatives to ease their position in the current crisis as any other member of general public, as I said in my earlier remarks.
Session: Cost of Living Veterans
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Given that a Government scientist reported in February that atomic troops were more likely to die and from cancer than other servicemen, and given that the Sir John Holmes military medal review states clearly that the Prime Minister can personally make a direct recommendation on a medal issue, will he now recommend that those servicemen finally receive the medal they deserve?
Context
A Cabinet Office source reportedly stated the Advisory Military Sub-Committee has recommended no medal for nuclear testing veterans, despite evidence of increased mortality among atomic troops.
Andrew Murrison
The procedure is for the Advisory Military Sub-Committee to make a recommendation to the HD Committee, which will determine the matter. The Government has committed £450,000 towards commemorating and understanding nuclear test veterans' contributions.
Session: Nuclear Testing Veterans Service Medals
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If he will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to help ensure that British nuclear testing veterans are awarded service medals. The questioner noted a Government scientist reported in February that atomic troops were more likely to die and from cancer than other servicemen, despite this being the 70th anniversary of Britain's first nuclear test.
Context
The issue of British nuclear testing veterans not being awarded service medals has been raised in the press, with concerns over their lack of recognition.
Andrew Murrison
The award of a medal to nuclear test veterans is first a matter for the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals. The case is being considered through the well-established process for reviewing historical medal cases.
Session: Nuclear Testing Veterans Service Medals
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British nuclear testing veterans and their families met the Prime Minister, Defence Ministers, the right hon Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Sir John Hayes) and me on 8 June. The veterans told me that they felt that the Prime Minister had listened to them, and they were hopeful that they would be formally recognised. Will the Secretary of State provide a progress report on the actions that he and the Prime Minister have taken since the meeting to secure the recognition that these veterans so deserve?
Context
Veterans and their families met the Prime Minister, Defence Ministers, and other officials to discuss formal recognition for British nuclear testing veterans.
Leo Docherty
It was my great pleasure to be at that meeting, and I am happy to write to the hon Lady with an update.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Government announced the renters reform Bill in the 2019 Queen's Speech, and they announced it again in the 2021 Queen's Speech. My constituents desperately need this Bill to abolish no-fault section 21 evictions, introduce a national landlord database, apply the decent homes standard and much more, so will the Secretary of State confirm when he is finally going to get on with introducing this Bill?
Context
The Government announced the Renters Reform Bill in both the 2019 and 2021 Queen's Speech but have not yet introduced it.
Eddie Hughes
We need to introduce the White Paper, which will be published in the spring, first. I look forward to discussing its terms with the hon. Lady so we can ensure that the legislation subsequently introduced is fit for purpose.
Session: Topical Questions
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On 20 January, more than 415,000 pupils were off school and 15% of teachers were absent, but only 9,000 air purifiers have been promised, for approximately 300,000 classrooms. The Minister lauds the Government response, yet Germany has promised to subsidise 80% of the cost of air cleaning equipment in all schools to ensure that education is not disrupted. Why is he failing to ensure that our pupils have similar levels of protection?
Context
On January 20, over 415,000 pupils and 15% of teachers were absent. Despite this, only 9,000 air purifiers have been promised for approximately 300,000 classrooms in the UK. In comparison, Germany has pledged to subsidise up to 80% of the cost of air cleaning equipment.
Robin Walker
Very simply, because we are taking an evidence-based approach. We have listened to schools and we sent them the carbon dioxide monitors so that they can monitor where classrooms need the extra support. About 3% of classrooms needed that extra support and they are the ones where the devices are being provided entirely funded by the Department.
Session: School Staff Absences
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What assessment he has made of the adequacy of Government support to help tackle staff absences in schools. The Department has extended the covid workforce fund to at least the February half-term, so that schools with high absence and financial pressures can continue to access these additional funds.
Context
The questioner is concerned about high staff absence rates in schools and the adequacy of government support to address this issue.
Robin Walker
The Department has extended the covid workforce fund to at least the February half-term, so that schools with high absence and financial pressures can continue to access these additional funds. Other measures include asking former teachers to come forward if they are available to temporarily fill absences in schools during the spring term.
Session: School Staff Absences
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More than 7,000 people in Salford are on the housing waiting list, which is forcing many to rent privately, but the under-35 rule means that younger vulnerable constituents claiming universal credit receive only enough to cover a single room in a shared house, with people they do not know. One of my constituents fled domestic abuse and they do not meet the narrow criteria for exemption until 2023. Will the Secretary of State commit today to urgently expand exemptions from the shared accommodation rate?
Context
Young vulnerable constituents claiming universal credit receive only enough to cover a single room in shared housing, making it difficult to find stable housing.
Will Quince
I thank the hon. Lady for that question. As she knows, we have brought forward two of the exemptions to the shared accommodation rate. We have committed to the third, and if I can accelerate it, of course I will do so.
Session: Topical Questions
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There is currently a backlog of 57,000 cases in the Crown court, with victims of rape and serious sexual violence often left to wait years to go to trial. Sadly, they are the minority who received sufficient support to bring a case forward in the first place. Will you commit to bringing forward urgently proposals for the fast-tracking of rape and serious sexual assault cases? Will you confirm the creation of specialist rape and serious sexual violence units in every police force?
Context
A backlog of 57,000 cases exists in the Crown court with victims often waiting years to go to trial. Only a minority receive sufficient support to bring forward their case.
Kit Malthouse
We are undertaking work to shorten the timeframe between a report and a case getting to court. We will also develop expertise throughout the system to ensure victims get justice, focusing on perpetrators.
Session: Allegations of Rape Effective Investigations
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I am concerned about the significant decline in charges, prosecutions and convictions for rape over the last five years. There is a backlog of 57,000 cases in the Crown court, with victims often waiting years to go to trial. How are you ensuring effective investigations by the police?
Context
The number of charges, prosecutions and convictions for rape has declined significantly in the past five years. A backlog of 57,000 cases exists in the Crown court.
Kit Malthouse
We have carried out a robust end-to-end review of the criminal justice response, which will be published shortly. It sets out clear action to reverse the trend and ensure victims receive support and perpetrators face justice.
Session: Allegations of Rape Effective Investigations
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What will be done to support essential workers like my constituent who lost their jobs because of closed training centres and certificate extensions?
Context
A constituent supporting vaccine research was forced to leave her job due to the lack of extension on compulsory basic training certificates during lockdowns, leading to closed training centres.
Rachel Maclean
Frontline workers are acknowledged for their role in the pandemic response. It is stressed that learners must have correct road safety skills, with testing resuming on 29 March for training and 12 April for testing in England and Wales, due to easier maintenance of a covid-safe environment.
Session: Motorcycle and Moped Training Centres
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What steps has the government taken to support motorcycle and moped training centres during and between covid-19 lockdowns?
Context
Financial support is available through the self-employment income support scheme, but constituents working in essential roles like vaccine research faced difficulties due to limited public transport and closed training centres.
Rachel Maclean
Financial support through the self-employment income support scheme grant at 80% of three months' average trading profits has been made available. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency provided trainers with guidance on operating safely and testing restart dates.
Session: Motorcycle and Moped Training Centres
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Salford is home to one of the UK's oldest Yemeni communities, providing humanitarian relief to the region. With charities fearing the impact of the US decision, will the Minister contact President-elect Biden and ask him to revoke the designation?
Context
Yemeni communities in Salford fear the impact of the US designation, potentially obstructing humanitarian aid. Previous Minister's comments were welcomed.
James Cleverly
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will engage at the earliest opportunity with the incoming Administration in the White House, having already requested comprehensive exemptions from the US decision.
Session: Yemen
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I welcome comments regarding Yemen. However, will the Government now back up their words with action and suspend all arms sales and military support to Saudi-led coalition for use in Yemen?
Context
The situation in Yemen has been deteriorating, leading to a humanitarian crisis. President-elect Biden has committed to ending the war.
Dominic Raab
We are pushing every lever to precipitate peace in relation to Yemen. Our arms exports to Saudi, to which the hon. Member referred, are subject to a world-leading and rigorous process. On 3 December, I announced an extra £40 million of UK aid to help households access food and medicines.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned about my departmental responsibilities. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.
Context
The question arises after a period where the Foreign Secretary has been visiting international counterparts and discussing various issues.
Dominic Raab
Since the last oral questions, I have visited India, where I had positive conversations with Prime Minister Modi, Foreign Minister Jaishankar and others about strengthening our trade, our security co-operation and indeed human rights. Last week, I introduced measures to ensure that no British organisations profit from or contribute to human rights violations in Xinjiang. Last month, we delivered the historic EU-UK trade and co-operation agreement.
Session: Topical Questions
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What support the UK is providing to the UN's work to secure peace in Yemen?
Context
The UK is considering its support for UN initiatives to secure peace in Yemen. The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis are of concern.
James Cleverly
The UK remains deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen. We welcome the positive steps towards implementation of the Riyadh agreement, including the formation of a new inclusive Yemeni Cabinet. While we share US concerns about Houthi attacks on civilians and cross-border attacks into Saudi Arabia, we do not intend to proscribe the Houthis at this time but will keep this under regular review.
Session: Yemen
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Will the Minister commit to demanding stronger support from the Chancellor such as protecting the £20 universal credit uplift and extending it to people on legacy benefits? Will she also request bespoke financial support for the hardest-hit sectors?
Context
Analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies showed that shut-down sectors are worst affected and have higher proportions of workers who are women, disabled or BAME.
Kemi Badenoch
The hon. Lady will be aware that the Chancellor will be announcing his spending review this afternoon, and I think she will find that many of the questions she is asking will be answered at that point. With respect to the sectors that have been shut down, as I said in my first answer, we recognise that those people who are on low incomes have been disproportionately affected, and those groups are the ones who have most benefited from the interventions that the Treasury has put in place.
Session: Covid-19 Economic Effect
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Countless Salford residents are among over 700,000 nationally who are still living in dangerously cladded homes, yet only 65 registrations to the building safety fund have been allowed to proceed, an estimated 1.5 million people cannot sell their homes, and exorbitant remediation costs are still being passed on to leaseholders for defects that they did not cause. Will the Minister end this protracted scandal today and commit to the proposals set out by the End Our Cladding Scandal campaign and the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee?
Context
Leaseholders in Salford are among over 700,000 nationally who live in dangerously cladded homes. Only 65 registrations to the building safety fund have been allowed to proceed, leaving many unable to sell their homes due to remediation costs.
Christopher Pincher
I have every sympathy with the situation that the hon. Lady's constituents find themselves in. She will understand that in order to target the right buildings and ensure that the buildings most at risk are prioritised, it is important that the money disbursed by the Government is spent effectively.
Session: Dangerous Cladding Residential Buildings
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
St Patrick’s Day: Irish Diaspora in the UK
14 March 2024
Responding: Steven Baker
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the immense and multifaceted contribution of the Irish diaspora to the UK, including cultural, political, business, healthcare, and social impacts. Statistics show that as of June 2023, 13,700 NHS staff in England are Irish nationals, with around 2,300 doctors and over 4,200 nurses. There is also an estimated 5 million people with at least one Irish parent or grandparent.']
Specific Asks
['I ask the government to recognise and celebrate the ongoing contributions of the Irish diaspora in every aspect of UK life, from healthcare to politics, science, and arts.']
Nuclear Test Veterans: Medical Records
28 November 2023
Responding: Andrew Murrison
Main Concerns
['British nuclear test veterans are struggling to access their medical records, particularly blood and urine testing results from the nuclear testing programme. Many confirm that their service medical records do not include these test results, leading to uncertainty about their health conditions such as leukaemia and rare genetic disorders. The issue has been raised since 1983 but remains unresolved despite evidence of radiation-related health impacts.']
Specific Asks
['The Minister is asked to clarify the status of blood and urine sample information, review security classifications for withheld documents, release AB and ES series files, and confirm if historical records are being searched upon request. The key request is to provide veterans with their medical information while they are still alive.']
Insolvency Law and Director Disqualifications — [Mr Speaker in the Chair]
14 June 2023
Responding: Kevin Hollinrake
Main Concerns
["Five years after the Carillion scandal, UK corporate governance remains dysfunctional with high standards for disqualification of directors, ambiguous laws around creditors' prioritization, and insufficient enforcement mechanisms. Unite the union criticized fines against four Carillion executives as a 'slap on the wrist.' The Insolvency Service's 2022-23 figures showed misuse or abuse of bounce back loan schemes in almost half of disqualifications. Workers at Dawnfresh Seafoods and Orchard House Foods were left without income, while directors walked away with wealth intact. Statutory redundancy payments cost taxpayers £300 million over two years."]
Specific Asks
["Will the Government widen directors' duties to include workers and other stakeholders? Will they set clear definitions for when insolvency is deemed 'probable'? Why have proposals for worker representation on boards been shelved, and will they introduce Sarbanes-Oxley-equivalent legislation?"]
Legal Aid: North-West — [Yvonne Fovargue in the Chair]
22 February 2022
Responding: James Cartlidge
Main Concerns
['The provision of legal aid in the north-west is under severe strain, with over 47,000 outstanding cases and a significant drop in criminal legal aid firms since 2012. The number of ineffective trials has increased by over 5,000 since 2020. In civil legal aid, nearly half of residents live in areas without housing providers and over sixty percent lack community care providers. These issues are exacerbated by the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO), which restricted access to legal representation for many essential services like welfare benefits and immigration.']
Specific Asks
["The Government must address three major causes: austerity's impact on legal aid funding, outdated tendering processes that hinder provider entry, and inadequate legal aid rates. The Minister should commit today to raising civil legal aid rates in line with inflation since 2020 and implementing the independent review of criminal legal aid recommendations by increasing rates by 15%."]
NHS Corridor Care
08 July 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Expressed deep concern about the issue of 'corridor care' in NHS, highlighting that treatment in corridors is not care due to lack of proper equipment and dignity. Stressed the importance of accurate ...
Nottingham Maternity and Neonatal Services
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Media Green Paper
24 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Cuba: Humanitarian Situation
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water Companies
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Knife Crime
14 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Nuclear Test Veterans
25 March 2026
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The MP thanked her mum for encouraging her to speak on this issue, praising the efforts of campaigners like Sir John Hayes. She detailed how veterans were told radiation exposure was negligible when i...
Heating Oil Support
16 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
02 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Child Poverty Reduction Act - New clause 3—Review of the impact of the Act on child poverty, destitution, and wider social and economic outcomes
23 February 2026
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
This new clause would require the Secretary of State to undertake a review of the effects of the Child Poverty Reduction Act on child poverty, destitution, and wider social and economic outcomes. The ...
7
PMQs Asked
42
Ministerial Questions Asked
94
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
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
+90% above average
This MP:
7
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+207% above average
This MP:
42
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+58% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1842% above average
This MP:
94
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
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 Rebecca Long-Bailey's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.