Robert Jenrick
MP for Newark
Reform
Conservative
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5 Jun 2014 - 30 Mar 2015
Conservative
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7 May 2015 - 3 May 2017
Conservative
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8 Jun 2017 - 6 Nov 2019
Conservative
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12 Dec 2019 - 30 May 2024
Conservative
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4 Jul 2024 - 15 Jan 2026
Independent
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15 Jan 2026 - 15 Jan 2026
Reform UK
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15 Jan 2026 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
One of the last meetings that I took as shadow Justice Secretary was with the parents of Lenny Scott. Lenny Scott was an exceptionally brave prison officer who uncovered corruption in his prison. He left the service, and years later he was hunted down and brutally murdered. Because he died after leaving active service, there was never any compensation paid to the children he left behind. I know that the Prime Minister would want to right that wrong. I wrote to the Justice Secretary privately after I discovered this—I should say that Lenny Scott’s parents never asked for any support. Will the Prime Minister correct this, ensure that this brave man’s children have the support that they need as they grow up without the father they deserve, and join me in thanking all the brave men and women who serve us in our Prison Service?
Context
The question concerns the murder of prison officer Lenny Scott and his lack of compensation after leaving service, affecting his family.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for raising this matter. I will make sure that it is looked into as a matter of urgency, given the circumstances that he has set out.
Session: PMQs
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A first responsibility for Government is to fix the housing crisis that young people did not cause. Three years ago, we dragged house building in this country up to the highest level since 1987, after the last Labour Government left it at its lowest level since the 1920s. But house building is weakening and we need to do more. Will my right hon. Friend consider using the Budget to do as he and I did together during the pandemic: cut stamp duty to boost housing starts, reignite the economy and support thousands of businesses across our country?
Context
House building has weakened despite previous government achievements. The questioner suggests using the Budget to cut stamp duty.
Rishi Sunak
My right hon. Friend is right to point out that since 2010 we have delivered 2.5 million additional homes, and we are on track to deliver 1 million just in this Parliament and help over 850,000 families into home ownership through schemes such as Help to Buy and the right to buy. Obviously, tax decisions are a matter for the Chancellor, but I would point out that our existing stamp duty relief for first-time buyers ensures that the vast majority of first-time buyers in our country pay absolutely no stamp duty.
Assessment
Did not directly address whether he will use the Budget to cut stamp duty
Pointing Out Existing Relief
Session: PMQs
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What diplomatic actions will the UK take with its international partners in response to Iran's imminent status as a near-nuclear power, and what contingency plans exist if negotiations fail?
Context
The potential for Iran to become a nuclear-ready state within weeks or months is a grave concern.
Boris Johnson
We advocate for Iran to return to nuclear talks at Vienna. The aim is to restore the JCPOA agreement through further dialogue.
Assessment
Specific contingency plans and alternative strategies not mentioned
Session: PMQs
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The Minister said that Governments are elected to lead. Most people would assume that means that Ministers are elected to lead, because they are accountable to Parliament and to the people. Why, then, are the Government giving away powers to the Cabinet Secretary to direct permanent secretaries, which should be the role of Secretaries of State? Do Ministers not want these powers to actually do their jobs?
Context
The Government are giving away powers to the Cabinet Secretary to direct permanent secretaries, which should be the role of Secretaries of State. The MP questions the reason for this.
Mark Ferguson
We are committed, and the Cabinet Secretary is committed, to conducting a full review of the civil service. It is at a relatively early stage, but I look forward to hearing what decisions are made. Of course, what powers are determined will be a matter for the Prime Minister.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-10
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I welcome the right hon. Gentleman to his position. I have known him for a long time—I wish him well. He has a huge task ahead of him. Earlier in the summer, the Prime Minister said that walking the streets of Makerfield lodged in his mind that so many working people want to see the personal allowance raised. In Reform, we want to do that as well; in fact, we want to raise it to £15,000 a year and to make work pay. Is it still the Prime Minister's and the Chancellor's ambition to raise the personal allowance?
Context
The MP questions the Prime Minister and Chancellor's ambition to raise the personal allowance.
John Healey
At the Budget last year, my right hon. Friend the Member for Leeds West and Pudsey (Rachel Reeves) continued the freeze in the personal allowance, which was first brought in by the Conservatives, in order to help fund the improvements in health and schools that this country needs that the people voted for at the election just two years ago. We will keep all of this under review, as we always do. Reform is making promises that it simply cannot keep. The right hon. Gentleman is right that I have known him a long time; I say to him and to the country that he is also a man whose own party leader described as “a man that believed in nothing”.
Session: Economic Growth 2026-09-08
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The Government have cancelled the two main road projects in the east midlands—the A38 in Derby and the A46 in Newark. The Government did not inform anyone. What does the Secretary of State have against the east midlands? Will the incoming Prime Minister do something to fix this mess?
Context
The Government cancelled the A38 in Derby and A46 in Newark road projects without informing stakeholders, leading to confusion.
Simon Lightwood
These proposals will be consulted on. The A38 Derby junctions and the A46 Newark bypass schemes are not scheduled to start main construction until RIS3, and their cancellation would have less significant impact compared with other schemes.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-16
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I thank the Home Secretary and welcome the Government's decision to proscribe the IRGC. Many of us campaigned for this and, in fact, were sanctioned by Iran for doing so. Far too many of our previous Prime Ministers and Foreign Secretaries bought the fallacious argument that doing so would prevent diplomatic relations with Iran. Now that the Home Secretary has chosen to do this, how will she enforce it so that we quickly stamp out all the activities of this terrible organisation from our country and ensure that it never takes root again?
Context
The Home Secretary has recently proscribed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This decision came after years of campaigning by various MPs and organisations. The question addresses how enforcement will be carried out.
Shabana Mahmood
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his contribution. The Government have passed new legislation to allow for the designation of organisations like the IRGC, and that includes bringing it within the context of the National Security Act 023. When our laws are broken, prosecutions will follow.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-13
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Unemployment is soaring and nearly 1 million young people are not in education or training. It is a terrible waste of human potential and an economic catastrophe. Reform is proposing that we scrap the damaging jobs tax and pay for that with a new levy on migrant labour, which would make it much, much easier to employ British workers. Will the Secretary of State consider this and put British workers first?
Context
Unemployment is soaring, nearly a million young people are NEETs. The Reform party proposes scrapping the jobs tax.
Pat McFadden
If the right hon. Gentleman has just noticed that there are 1 million young people not in education, employment or training, one has to ask what was he doing when he was a Minister in the last Government when the figures went up by a quarter of a million and he said nothing at all about it? We have brought forward a youth guarantee that will put work and opportunity at the heart of the reform of the system.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-06-29
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If the 7,000-acre Great North Road scheme, the 2,000-acre Steeple scheme, and the 4,000-acre One Earth scheme are all approved, almost 10% of the land mass of my constituency will be covered in solar farms. How on earth is that fair to local communities?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the large-scale approval of solar farm projects in rural areas, affecting local communities and agricultural land.
Ed Miliband
For reasons that the right hon. Gentleman will understand, I am not going to comment on individual planning decisions, because they have to go through the proper process, but I say to him that solar is the cheapest, cleanest form of power that we have.
Session: Clean Power
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The establishment of a combined cadet force at the Newark academy was an incredible step forward for the town, bringing discipline, respect, training opportunities and a sense of pride. It was very unfortunate that the Department for Education chose to cut the funding, making it more difficult for other schools—particularly schools like this, in working-class communities—to establish new combined cadet forces in the future. What can the Minister do to ensure that funding is in place so that this is not just the preserve of communities with grammar schools or public schools, and that all communities, like the one that I represent, will be given the opportunity to have combined cadet forces?
Context
The questioner discusses the establishment of a combined cadet force at Newark academy and expresses disappointment over funding cuts that make it harder for other schools, especially in working-class communities, to establish new combined cadet forces.
Louise Jones
I am sure the right hon. Gentleman will be well aware that we have committed an additional £70 million to funding the expansion of the cadets, which the Government he was a member of never did.
Session: Cadet Forces
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Last month, the United Nations General Assembly voted to demand that countries including the United Kingdom pay reparations for slavery. The Foreign Secretary instructed our ambassador to abstain and issued a statement that failed to mention the UK's role in eradicating slavery. Will the UK unequivocally state it will never pay reparations?
Context
The UN General Assembly voted for reparations, and the UK abstained from voting.
Chris Elmore
We are against reparations, and I do not know what position the right hon. Gentleman now holds on this issue. He appears to be seeking a social media response.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the Foreign Secretary be clear that she will not stand in the way of the full proscription of the IRGC, so that dangerous criminals who harm UK people and allies have no place in the UK?
Context
Previously, officials argued that proscribing Hezbollah and Hamas would harm diplomatic relations, but those arguments were overcome. Similar arguments have been made for the IRGC.
Yvette Cooper
Takes threats on UK streets seriously, but points out that the previous government did nothing to strengthen legislation during a period of Iran-backed threats on UK streets.
Session: Iran Human Rights Violations
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Under the Justice Secretary’s plans to slash jury trials, he is giving magistrates more serious cases. However, he also plans to scrap the automatic right to appeal—a vital safety valve in courtrooms where justice is delivered at pace by volunteers. Last year, 5,000 cases from magistrates courts were appealed, of which more than 40% were upheld. Given that very high rate of successful appeals, will the Secretary of State be honest with the public and concede that curtailing appeals will unquestionably lead to miscarriages of justice?
Context
Concerns about the automatic right to appeal and its importance as a safety valve in courtrooms.
David Lammy (The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
The right hon. Member for Goole and Pocklington (David Davis) on the Conservative Back Benches has just said that summary justice is no justice—either they believe in our magistrates or they do not. I believe in our magistrates. Sir Brian recommended a permission stage, and we accept his recommendation for creating a permission stage on appeal. That is the right thing to do, particularly because many appeals have no merits, and that is why victims fall away.
Session: Jury Trials Proposal Impact
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Two weeks ago, the Justice Secretary appeared on Sky News and revealed that 12 more prisoners had been mistakenly released, and that two remained on the run. I have two very simple questions: since then, how many prisoners have been mistakenly released, and how many more remain on the run?
Context
There were 12 prisoners mistakenly released, and two are still at large. The Conservatives faced similar issues with 800 erroneous releases.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Jake Richards)
Utter nonsense! We do not take advice from the Conservative party on the operational challenges that we face when we encounter these issues; we engage with the police directly. We will not give a running commentary on this long-standing issue in a criminal justice system that is failing after 14 years of the Conservative party in government. We have set out a five-point plan, through which we are attempting to grapple with this problem, and Dame Lynne Owens will report back to the Government early next year. We look forward to hearing her recommendations.
Session: Topical Questions
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Currently, if a child sex offender is released from prison, the police and the Probation Service can track them on the sex offenders register, but if a child abuser is released from prison, the authorities have no register to track them with. There is a glaring gap in the system. Paula Hudgell has been fighting to fix the law after her adopted son Tony was abused so badly that he lost his legs. She has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and she says this campaign is the fire in her belly. Paula is truly inspirational, and we are backing her campaign. Will the Secretary of State take our amendment or bring forward his own, and get this change over the line for Paula, for Tony and to protect children now and into the future?
Context
Currently, there is a gap in the system where child sex offenders can be tracked on the sex offenders register upon release from prison, but child abusers have no similar tracking mechanism. Paula Hudgell has been campaigning for legislative changes to fix this issue.
David Lammy
I am very grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for raising this issue. I can tell him that the Minister for Victims, my hon. Friend the Member for Pontypridd (Alex Davies-Jones), met Paula today and we are keen to support her campaign.
Session: Probation Service
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Fuad Awale is an extremist double murderer who later took a prison officer hostage and demanded the release of radical cleric Abu Qatada. He is the definition of evil. Yet the Justice Secretary’s Department is now set to pay him compensation as his ECHR rights have apparently been infringed because he could not associate with monsters like those who killed Lee Rigby. Will the Justice Secretary ensure no taxpayers’ money goes to this man? If he will not, and puts our membership of the ECHR above British people's interests, will he personally fund any compensation?
Context
The Justice Secretary's Department is set to pay compensation to Fuad Awale, an extremist murderer and hostage-taker, because his ECHR rights were allegedly infringed. The questioner demands no taxpayer money goes towards this.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr David Lammy)
Consequences of judgments have been an issue for successive Governments. We are committed to the ECHR, offering asylum to those genuinely fleeing torture and execution. However, we seek to work domestically and with European colleagues on issues like article 8.
Session: Human Rights Laws
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Last week, the National Police Chiefs’ Council said there was ‘no doubt’ that the Government’s early release scheme would lead to an increase in crime. This followed the news that a man who had been released from prison early was charged with murder. Will the Justice Secretary rule out any more early release schemes for prisoners?
Context
The National Police Chiefs’ Council stated that the Government’s early release scheme would lead to an increase in crime, following a news report about a man released from prison early who was subsequently charged with murder.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr David Lammy)
Can I just remind the right hon. Gentleman that, just before the general election in July 2024, his Government had three different versions of their early release scheme? We inherited a situation where prison capacity was completely unsustainable. Successive former Justice Secretaries under the previous Government have said this in the last week. We brought forward our early release scheme and it was important to do that to put capacity into the system.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the Justice Secretary to his place. The only one in, one out deal that is working in the Government is the one for Deputy Prime Ministers... In fact, there are 10,772 foreign nationals in our prisons, and that figure has gone up under Labour. The obstacle to so many of their removals is the European convention on human rights, which has morphed into a charter for criminals. The previous Justice Secretary pretended that we could reform the ECHR, but the Attorney General, Lord Hermer, has stated that that position is a “political trick”. Is it a trick that this Justice Secretary intends to play on the British public?
Context
The number of foreign nationals in UK prisons is mentioned, with a specific figure of 10,772. The questioner refers to the European Convention on Human Rights and criticizes previous statements made by Labour.
David Lammy
I know the right hon. Gentleman was a corporate lawyer, but he really needs to get into the detail. We are reforming through the Sentencing Bill so that we can get people out of the country by deporting them on sentencing. He needs to get into the weeds and look at the Bill—he can do better.
Session: Topical Questions
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Sohail Zaffer raped a child. He received 42 months. Manzoor Akhtar raped a child. He was sentenced to four and a half years. Ramin Bari was convicted of four rapes. He got just nine years—just two years per rape. These men were sentenced, but not punished. Does the Justice Secretary think these sentences represent justice? If she does not, like most people in this country, will she change the law so that rape gang perpetrators receive full life sentences?
Context
The question arises from cases where convicted offenders received sentences that many consider insufficient, like Sohail Zaffer with 42 months, Manzoor Akhtar with four and a half years, and Ramin Bari with nine years total.
Shabana Mahmood, The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
The right hon. Gentleman will know that I cannot and will not comment on individual sentences. I urge him to live up to the responsibility of being the shadow Lord Chancellor, because commenting in the way that he regularly does on individual sentencing decisions, stripped of context and without all the information, is wrong. Those are independent decisions made by the independent judiciary in individual cases.
Session: Grooming Gangs Criminal Justice System
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There has been a spate of attacks on prison officers in recent months by Islamist terrorists. One study revealed that terrorists inside prisons are teaching organised criminals how to make bombs, making the situation intolerable for frontline staff according to former governors. Can you provide an assessment of the threat from these gangs and what actions your department is taking to address it?
Context
There has been a recent increase in attacks on prison officers by Islamist extremists, with reports that these individuals are teaching organised criminals bomb-making skills. Former governors have expressed concern over the threat posed to frontline staff.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
We have invested £40 million to stop contraband, which includes enhancing security and easing crowding to curb violence. We mandate the use of protective body armour in high-risk units and on the long-term high-security estate where some of the most dangerous prisoners are held.
Session: Prison Officers Terms and Conditions of Service
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Can I first say how sorry I was to hear that the Minister was the subject of intimidation and an attack on her office? I think all of us across the House would like to wish her and her staff well, and to say how pleased we are that the vile individuals behind this have been caught and punished. In September, the Justice Secretary designed an early release scheme for prisoners. She let out Lawson Natty, who supplied the machete used to kill a 14-year-old, and Adam Andrews, who shook a baby so violently that he was left blind and paralysed. She is now halving prison sentences for killers and rapists, while Lucy Connolly remains behind bars for a reprehensible but swiftly deleted tweet. Does the Justice Secretary really believe that her choices are making the public safer?
Context
MP Robert Jenrick raises concerns about the early release of certain offenders, questioning if the choices are making the public safer.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
This Government are making choices to keep this country safer, and are cleaning up the mess left after the previous Government led our criminal justice system to rack and ruin. They left this Government to make the difficult decisions, when we came into office, that were necessary to prevent the total collapse of our criminal justice system.
Session: Violent Offenders Early Release
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For the first time, the Sentencing Council has published immigration sentencing guidelines. They water down sentences passed by Parliament which means that hundreds of illegal migrants every year will avoid the threshold for automatic deportation. Has the Justice Secretary lost control of her Department once again, or is it the case that this Government have simply “lost control” of our borders?
Context
The Sentencing Council has published new sentencing guidelines that the opposition claims water down sentences passed by Parliament, potentially allowing hundreds of illegal migrants to avoid automatic deportation.
Shabana Mahmood (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
No; what this Government are doing is cleaning up the almighty mess left to us by the previous Government, of which the right hon. Gentleman was a member. He knows full well that I have already signalled an intention to review the powers of the Sentencing Council. We have an upcoming sentencing Bill, and I will take the action that he and his Government never did in 14 long years.
Session: Immigration Offences Sentencing
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If her Department cannot even tag prisoners properly, why should the public have any confidence in her plan to use tags in place of short prison sentences? The threshold for a prison sentence is already high. Will the Justice Secretary take this opportunity to reassure the public and rule out reducing sentences for burglary, theft or shoplifting?
Context
The Department's ability to tag prisoners properly is questioned, raising concerns about public trust in using electronic tags as an alternative to short prison sentences.
Shabana Mahmood (The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
When my predecessor’s Government left office, prisons were on the point of collapse. We will ensure that prison places are available for those who need to be locked up to keep the public safe. We will expand punishment outside prison and help offenders turn their back on crime.
Session: Criminal Justice System Efficiency Technology
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In 21 days’ time, by the Justice Secretary’s own admission, we will have two-tier justice. Her plan to fix that will not come into effect for a year, and that is unacceptable. As she has been too lazy to do her job, I will do it for her. Today I am presenting a Bill to block these two-tier sentencing guidelines and fix her mess; it is here and ready to go. Will she support it? Will she stand with us on the Conservative Benches for equality under the law, or will it be two-tier justice with her and two-tier Keir?
Context
The MP highlighted his intention to present a Bill aimed at blocking two-tier sentencing guidelines and fixing the Justice Secretary's perceived failure to manage this issue properly.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Shabana Mahmood)
The whole House can see that the only pretence at a job is the one that the shadow Lord Chancellor is making, because he is pretending to be the Leader of the Opposition. We all know exactly what he is about. My reaction to what has happened in relation to the Sentencing Council’s guidelines was very clear when I made the oral statement last week in this House: we will never stand for a two-tier approach to sentencing. I am actually getting on with fixing the problem, rather than looking for a bandwagon to jump on, which is why I have already written to the Sentencing Council. I will be meeting it later this week, and I have made it very clear that I will consider its role and its powers. If I need to legislate, I will do so, but I will ensure that whatever changes I bring forward are workable and deliver the fair justice system that we all need and deserve—one that his Government did not deliver.
Session: Topical Questions
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Yesterday, the Sentencing Council issued a letter correcting the Justice Secretary. It made it clear that the new sentencing guidelines were not the same as the draft guidance under the last Government and explained that her Department supported the new two-tier guidance—her representative was at the meeting—and it was approved on 24 January. Her officials were even given a walkthrough on 3 March—a dummy’s guide to two-tier justice. After I brought that to her attention last Wednesday, her team briefed the papers that she was “incandescent”. Was she incandescent at her officials or at her own failure to read her papers and do her job properly?
Context
The MP criticized the Justice Secretary for her response to new sentencing guidelines issued by the Sentencing Council. He suggested that she was 'incandescent' at her own failure to properly manage the issue.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Shabana Mahmood)
The shadow Lord Chancellor’s amnesia continues, because he clearly has not done his homework; he has forgotten that his Government were consulted extensively on this guidance. It also appears that he cannot read, because the letter states very clearly all the consultation that took place under his Government. It shows that they were consulted numerous times on the new guidance and welcomed it—I notice that he did not refer to that. The last few days have therefore been an expert lesson from the right hon. Gentleman: he has taught us all how to throw the shadow Transport Secretary under a bus.
Session: Topical Questions
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How many criminals did her Department fail to tag? Were any offences committed while these criminals went unmonitored, and who has been held accountable for this gross incompetence?
Context
The Department of Justice released dozens of dangerous prisoners by mistake last year. Some criminals were not monitored for up to eight weeks as they did not have electronic tags.
Shabana Mahmood (The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
I inherited a contract from the previous government with Serco, which I am holding accountable. The delays are unacceptable; Serco’s performance is not good enough, but the backlog has been reduced. Further financial penalties will be imposed where necessary.
Session: Criminal Justice System Efficiency Technology
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The courts backlog is growing by 500 cases every month, and the Ministry of Justice has not set a date for when it will come down. Victims are being forced to put their lives on hold while they wait for a trial date, yet today at the Old Bailey half of all the courtrooms sit empty. The Lady Chief Justice has said that there are 4,000 additional sitting days available that could be used now. Who is the obstacle to resolving this? Is it the Justice Secretary, who is content for rape trials to be scheduled for as far off as 2027, or is it the Chancellor, and the Justice Secretary has just had rings run around her by the Treasury?
Context
The question addresses the growing backlog of cases in Crown courts, with specific reference to court capacity and delays in trials.
Shabana Mahmood (The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
What an absolutely outrageous set of remarks! The right hon. Member completely forgets that, only six months ago, his Government were in charge. The Government of which he was part all but ran our justice system into the ground. I do not recall seeing him standing up and speaking about delays for rape victims, or indeed any other kind of victim, when he was on this side of the House. I am glad he has now realised that the system ought to try to put victims first. His critique would have more force were it not for the fact that this Government, having come to office only six months ago, have increased Crown court sitting capacity by 2,500 days.
Session: Crown Court Backlog
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Contempt of court laws are guardrails that ensure fair trials. Does the Justice Secretary accept that by failing to provide basic information to the public, which had been disclosed in previous cases and would not prejudice a trial, the authorities created a vacuum for misinformation to spread? Misinformation could itself have prejudiced the trial. As most people consume news through social media, saying nothing is not cost-free. Will she commit to reviewing this issue now rather than waiting for the Law Commission?
Context
The independent reviewer of terrorism legislation has noted that by failing to provide basic information to the public, misinformation spread which could have been prejudicial to the trial. This raises questions about the adequacy of current contempt rules in an age where social media is a primary news source.
Shabana Mahmood (The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice)
There will always be differing views among lawyers about what can and cannot be said. It is right that the Government took their own position and that we did nothing that could risk collapsing the trial. I agree with the shadow Secretary of State that the online world poses a significant challenge to our contempt laws. That is why that is already being looked at. As there is a piece of work already under way, I do not want to pre-empt where that could land. The Law Commission has a good track record of considering major law changes. Because of the inquiry and the fast-moving nature of these things, I will keep this area under close review myself.
Session: Southport Attack
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I have written to the Attorney General asking him to review those sentences as potentially unduly lenient. Two of the men who were sentenced at Bradford Crown court for grooming gang offences are thought to have absconded abroad. Can the Justice Secretary confirm how many grooming gang defendants the Government is currently pursuing overseas and what efforts are being made by the Government with, in this case, the Pakistani authorities to locate these evil men?
Context
Two defendants in a recent Bradford Crown court case absconded abroad, raising concerns about the government's efforts to locate these individuals.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Shabana Mahmood)
I will happily write to the right hon. Gentleman with details on the specific case that he raises. He is right to say that we have international agreements and arrangements with other jurisdictions to ensure that offenders can be brought back to face justice in this country. I am sure that those arrangements are being applied appropriately, but I will make sure that he gets a fuller answer on the case that he has raised.
Session: Topical Questions
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Two weeks ago, three grooming gang members were sentenced at Bradford Crown court for the most appalling rapes of children but received only six, seven and nine-year sentences respectively. Does the Secretary of State agree that those sentences are disgracefully short? Will she commit to using the sentencing review to mandate full life sentences for these evil people? If she will, she will have our support.
Context
Three individuals were recently sentenced at Bradford Crown court for raping children, receiving sentences considered too lenient. Two defendants absconded abroad.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Shabana Mahmood)
We have a shared objective in making sure that these evil individuals feel the full force of the law. I will not comment on individual sentencing decisions, and the shadow Lord Chancellor might wish to reflect on that decision; it is not appropriate to do so, given our collective commitment to the independence of the judiciary. However, as I said in response to earlier questions, we will legislate to make grooming an aggravating factor, and this Government will make sure that victims get the justice they deserve.
Session: Topical Questions
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The medical evidence is overwhelming that cousin marriage significantly increases the risk of birth defects. Will the Justice Secretary commit to ending this medieval practice in Britain?
Context
Cousin marriages are seen as increasing risk of birth defects and exploitative practices.
Shabana Mahmood
The Law Commission has reported on marriage law and the Government are consulting on broader reform of marriage law, which will consider issues raised about cousin marriage.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last month, a criminal who stole 24 phones per hour was jailed for just two years. Will the Justice Secretary commit to dramatically increasing sentences for career criminals, get them off our streets and slash crime?
Context
London faces an epidemic of mobile phone theft, with over 64,000 phones reported stolen last year.
Shabana Mahmood
The Home Office is meeting with tech companies to discuss how we can break the business model of those criminals. We are addressing the issues with mobile phone theft.
Session: Topical Questions
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Instead of increasing sitting hours, the Justice Secretary's defining intervention in her five months in office has been to accidentally let out dangerous criminals from our prisons. Just last week, she rushed to Parliament to close loopholes that she created for stalking, for disclosing private sexual images and for murder. She could be signing deals with other countries to get new prisoner transport agreements. She could be using visa sanctions with foreign countries to force them to take back the 10,000 foreign criminals in our prisons. She is not doing so. Meanwhile, criminals are being released and are reoffending already. Will the Justice Secretary commit now to ending her dangerous and unnecessary early release scheme?
Context
The question arises from the recent accidental early release of dangerous criminals.
Shabana Mahmood
The shadow Minister could at least have apologised to the country for being part of a Government and a party that ran out of prison places. It was the Tory party that ran the system at boiling hot—at over 99% capacity. I hate to remind him, but for months before the previous election, the Tory party operated its own emergency release scheme, which did not have any exclusions for offences connected to domestic abuse. I will take no lessons from him, as it is this Government who are cleaning up the mess that his party left behind.
Session: Prison Capacity
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The Lady Chief Justice has said that the courts are not operating at full capacity, perpetuating the record numbers in prison on remand, awaiting trial. There could be an extra 6,500 sitting days if the Government allowed them. Cases such as rape and sexual assault are being pushed into 2027. Baroness Carr warned the Justice Secretary that failure to maximise judicial capacity would actually cost the Government more in costly and limited prison places, yet the Justice Secretary failed to agree to her request. Why are the Government letting out criminals rather than hearing more cases?
Context
The question is prompted by concerns over the number of individuals held on remand due to court backlog.
Shabana Mahmood
I am tempted to remind the shadow Minister about his own Government's track record. He ought to know that it was my predecessor, his colleague, the former Lord Chancellor who agreed the allocation of sitting days with the Lady Chief Justice and that that concordat agreement was concluded during the election period when the Tories were still conducting business. When the right hon. Gentleman responds, perhaps he would like to explain why the allocation was made for only 106,000 sitting days. What I have done is increase sitting days by a further 500 and increase magistrate courts' sentencing powers, which is the equivalent of an additional 2,000 Crown court sitting days, in order to start cracking down on that backlog.
Session: Prison Capacity
View All Questions -->
The reviewer of terrorist laws, Jonathan Hall KC, has said that the authorities should put as much information as they can in the public domain to maintain public trust. Can the Secretary of State explain the reported two-week delay between the CPS making a charging decision and it being announced publicly?
Context
Jonathan Hall KC has commented on the need for authorities to put as much information as possible in the public domain to maintain trust.
Shabana Mahmood
We do not comment on cases that are sub judice. Charging decisions are independent for the Crown Prosecution Service, which ultimately decides what charges to bring. Investigations and charging decisions should be done independently without Government interference.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
What funding has the Lord Chancellor secured to build prisons over and above those secured by the previous Government?
Context
The question addresses the need for building more prisons to house criminals and protect public safety.
Alex Davies-Jones
The Government have allocated a record £1.2 billion for prison building in the Budget, and we will be going further. We are the party of law and order. He needs to look at his record.
Session: Supporting Victims of Rape and Sexual Violence
View All Questions -->
Police firearms officer Sergeant Blake was a hero. What work is the Lord Chancellor doing with the Home Secretary to review the threshold for prosecution for individuals like Sergeant Blake who put themselves at risk?
Context
Sergeant Blake, a police firearms officer, was charged and found himself in an unfortunate situation.
Shabana Mahmood
The independent Crown Prosecution Service makes charging decisions. The Home Secretary and I have introduced a presumption of anonymity for all firearms officers if they find themselves being charged by the CPS. We believe this measure could have made a difference in Sergeant Blake's case.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
How many domestic abusers and sex offenders released under the Labour Government's early release scheme have gone on to reoffend?
Context
The question addresses the number of serious offenders released under the early release scheme and their reoffending rates, as well as building more prisons.
Alex Davies-Jones
Under the previous Government's ECSL scheme, there were zero exemptions to protect the public. This Government put in serious exemptions to prevent sex offenders and serious violent criminals from being released on to our streets.
Session: Supporting Victims of Rape and Sexual Violence
View All Questions -->
Does my right hon. Friend agree that Russia's decision to place four British nationals—three serving members of the Ukrainian armed forces and a civilian—on trial amounts to a war crime? What support will he give to the Ukrainian authorities to help them gather evidence for these cases?
Context
Russia and its proxies are placing on trial four British nationals, including three serving members of the Ukrainian armed forces and one civilian. Two have been sentenced to death, raising concerns about international justice.
Dominic Raab
Absolutely right, this is an unlawful act taking Russia further into pariah status. We have said that clearly and our allies agree. On Ukraine, we are providing support to the ICC and I have had meetings with Ukrainian Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General to ensure they have all necessary support for domestic investigations.
Session: International Criminal Court Ukraine
View All Questions -->
The solution to the inflationary crisis driven by high energy prices and lack of supply is international. What is my right hon Friend the Foreign Secretary doing to challenge OPEC's position of not increasing oil and gas supply?
Context
High energy prices are driving inflation, but OPEC is not intending to increase supply.
Elizabeth Truss
We need more renewables, nuclear energy, and short-term oil/gas solutions. The Energy Secretary works closely with Gulf counterparts.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The repeal of the Vagrancy Act was a step towards ending homelessness, yet it was later reinstated with powers to recriminalise homelessness. Can the Home Secretary ensure this is addressed so we can focus on ending homelessness?
Context
Parliament repealed the Vagrancy Act in earlier discussions, but it was subsequently reinstated within the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill.
Priti Patel
I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend for all his support and work in this area, and I will reach out and speak to him on this matter.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Has the Foreign Secretary discussed the cases of Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner with Ukrainian and Russian counterparts? What steps are being taken to secure their release?
Context
The status and treatment of British citizens Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner, held by Russian forces for propaganda purposes.
James Cleverly
The issue of foreign volunteer fighters is discussed with Ukrainian Government, who treat them as Ukrainian military. No mention of discussions or steps for specific individuals' release.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
The hon. Gentleman is right that this is a multifaceted issue. We have ended the freeze on the local housing allowance, so that will rise in the next financial year with the consumer prices index.
Context
The hon. Member discusses the multifaceted issue of housing affordability.
The Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak)
We have ended the freeze on the local housing allowance, so that will rise in the next financial year with the consumer prices index. That will help to make it more affordable for individuals on the lowest incomes to get into homes in the private rented sector, but we will bring together all parts of Government with renewed vigour—whether that is the Department for Work and Pensions, the Home Office or the Department of Health and Social Care—to ensure that we tackle this issue as never before.
Session: Rough Sleeping
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Falkland Islands: Sovereignty
08 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Local Government Reorganisation
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Dover and Portsmouth: Protests
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Economic Growth
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Death of Ann Widdecombe
13 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
European Entry and Exit System
08 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Police Leadership Commission Report
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
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
G7 Summit
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Proposed local government reorganisation in Rushcliffe
09 December 2025
The petition opposes a proposed reorganisation of local government that would merge Rushcliffe Borough Council with Nottingham City Council, arguing it is inappropriate for rural areas in Rushcliffe t...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
37.8%
37 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
18
18.4% of votes
No Votes
19
19.4% of votes
Abstentions
61
62.2% 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
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
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
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED AYE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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
DID NOT VOTE
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 NO
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 AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
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 NO
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
40
Ministerial Questions Asked
181
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
34
Statements / Bills
1
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-18% below average
This MP:
3
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+198% above average
This MP:
40
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3624% above average
This MP:
181
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+259% above average
This MP:
34
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
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 Robert Jenrick's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.