Sadik Al-Hassan
MP for North Somerset
Lab
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I am delighted that North Somerset is finally getting two fantastic new stations at Pill and Portishead with the reopening of the railway line, but—and I hate to sound greedy—with Bristol airport's potential expansion on the horizon, it risks becoming one of the worst-connected major airports in the country. Does my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister agree that now we need a proper mass transit system for North Somerset and the west of England combined authority, linking Felton, the new Woodspring development, Long Ashton and the wider economic area?
Context
North Somerset is getting two new stations at Pill and Portishead with the reopening of the railway line, but Bristol airport's potential expansion risks becoming one of the worst-connected major airports in the country.
Andy Burnham
I know that my hon. Friend worked hard on getting those new stations. People in Portishead and Pill have waited far too long for those new stations, but they are now on the way. It does reflect what I was saying to the House yesterday: the big cities of England—I am talking about Leeds and about Bristol—should have mass transit systems. I will work with the wonderful Mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin, to make progress on that—to connect Bristol, its new arena, the station and the development of Temple Meads into a mass transit system that takes Bristol forward.
Assessment
Did not commit to a proper mass transit system
Session: PMQs 2026-09-02
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Very briefly, I would like to congratulate my beautiful, long-suffering Kiwi wife on completing her citizenship ceremony today in North Somerset. Will my right hon. Friend the Chancellor set out how the Government's investment can support the development of more local schemes for young people in North Somerset?
Context
A local scheme for young people has been developed in North Somerset.
Torsten Bell
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and congratulate his wife on what is a significant achievement; I am sure the whole House is supporting her. He is absolutely right that we want to see more young people having the income, opportunities and purpose that work provides, which is why it is welcome that employment is up. However, we do need to do more. We will keep providing national insurance relief for employees aged under 21 and apprentices under 25, and we are rolling out our youth hubs, including in North Somerset.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-09-08
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I am concerned about the impact of recent attacks on energy infrastructure and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on companies like Baker Hughes, which employs over 300 people in my constituency. Can you confirm what support the Government is providing to such companies to secure energy supplies and rebuild supply chains today, as well as invest in future infrastructure?
Context
Baker Hughes, employing over 300 people in Nailsea, North Somerset, faces challenges due to attacks on energy infrastructure and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Rachel Reeves
Baker Hughes is a prime example of how this conflict impacts businesses and families here. We have defended our Gulf allies against unprovoked attacks by Iran, working closely with them on rebuilding their infrastructure. In Britain, the supercharger scheme and British industrial competitiveness scheme are aiding companies in managing energy costs.
Session: Conflict in the Middle East Cost of Living
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Will the Secretary of State confirm that the Government's leasehold reforms will go further by introducing robust, enforceable regulation of service charges and professionalising property management companies such as FirstPort so they can be held accountable for poor practices?
Context
Residents living in leasehold properties managed by FirstPort report persistent failures, poor communication, and high service charges.
Steve Reed
The Government are committed to protecting leaseholders from abuse and poor service at the hands of unscrupulous managing agents. We consulted on mandatory qualifications for managing agents last year, and we are analysing responses right now.
Session: Leasehold Reform
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What pathways and training programmes are Ministers establishing to ensure that young people, such as those in my constituency, can develop the specialist skills they need to become defence innovators of the future? Is the Minister working with local colleges, universities, and defence industry employers to create hubs of apprenticeships and career opportunities?
Context
The MP is concerned about the need to develop specialist skills for young people in his constituency to become future innovators in the defence industry.
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
As a fellow south-west MP, I know just how important it is for us to invest in defence skills in the south-west and across the United Kingdom. The defence industrial strategy includes the £182 million package that we will deliver via defence technical excellence colleges with our colleagues in the Department for Education, but we need to go further, encouraging all our defence businesses—big and small—to invest in skills so that we have the workforce of the future, able to deliver those cutting-edge technologies. I shall be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss what more we can do in Somerset.
Session: Defence Sector Innovation
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As a pharmacist who worked on the frontline throughout the pandemic, I would like to ask what discussions the Cabinet Office has had with local resilience forums to ensure that areas such as my North Somerset constituency have the local co-ordination structures needed to respond effectively to a future pandemic, particularly given the strain on our community health service?
Context
The questioner is a pharmacist who worked on the frontline throughout the pandemic.
Dan Jarvis (Minister of State, Cabinet Office)
I thank my hon. Friend for his vital work on the frontline during the pandemic. The Government absolutely recognise that the most complex emergencies impact the whole system. That is why there has been extensive engagement with local partners ahead of Exercise Pegasus. The exercise will test national-to-local co-ordination arrangements, and lessons from the exercise will help strengthen pandemic preparedness at national and local levels.
Session: Future Pandemic Preparedness
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Sadik Al-Hassan asked what steps the Minister will take to ensure that SMEs can participate in defence procurement contracts. He highlighted the financial difficulties faced by one company, 1415 Industries, which was denied a business bank account, impacting its seed funding and contract bidding capabilities.
Context
The MP is concerned about financial institutions' interactions with local SMEs involved in rearmament efforts, citing a specific case of 1415 Industries being blocked from opening a business bank account.
The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle)
Maria Eagle recognised the point, agreeing to meet with Sadik Al-Hassan and local SMEs. She mentioned ongoing discussions between industry and finance stakeholders and the commitment in the strategic defence review to develop a dedicated financial services sector strategy by spring 2026.
Session: Defence Procurement SMEs
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Having worked in community pharmacies for nearly 20 years, I have witnessed at first hand the pain that medicine shortages can cause North Somerset patients and their loved ones. Will the Minister meet me, along with my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Steve Race) and other members of the all-party parliamentary group on pharmacy, to discuss the outcome of our inquiry into these shortages?
Context
The MP highlights his long-term experience in community pharmacies and the impact of medicine shortages on patients and pharmacies in North Somerset. He mentions a specific inquiry by an all-party parliamentary group.
The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
I congratulate my hon. Friend and constituency neighbour on his dedicated career in community pharmacy, and thank him for the expertise that he brings to the work of the all-party parliamentary group to help Members understand the impact of this issue on patients and pharmacies. I am planning to hold a parliamentary event on the subject in the autumn, and I am keen to work with the APPG to make it a success for all Members.
Session: Medicine Supply Chain Community Pharmacies
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What steps is he taking to improve support for veterans? The charity PTSD Resolution—which provided vital healthcare services in our stretched NHS—to deliver services that imprisoned veterans desperately need have been taken away in England. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss how the MOD and other signatories to the armed forces covenant can support the case of veteran prisoners, and to explain why precious support from a charity has been taken away?
Context
The charity PTSD Resolution, which provides vital healthcare services to imprisoned veterans, had its rights removed in England. This raises concerns about the support available to veteran prisoners.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
Earlier this month the nation celebrated 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, and the Government announced the Operation Valour programme, a new UK-wide veteran support system to ensure that veterans have improved access to essential care and support. It is backed by a new £50 million investment, starting this year. The Minister for Veterans and People is working across Government to ensure that veterans receive the support they need from all services, including Op Nova, which provides for ex-forces people who become caught up in the criminal justice system. I know that I can speak for my hon. Friend the Minister while he is on Everest in saying that he would welcome a meeting with my hon. Friend, and I will ensure that it takes place.
Session: Support for Veterans
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I thank the Minister for his response. During my recent visit to the Nailsea & Backwell disabled access café, I had the privilege of meeting remarkable residents such as Alison. A recurring theme emerged about accessing Government services, which often assumes internet access and capability. What additional measures is the Department implementing to ensure that everyone in North Somerset, particularly those with disabilities or limited digital skills, can access vital Government forms and assistance in formats that truly work for them?
Context
During a visit to the Nailsea & Backwell disabled access café, residents expressed concerns about accessing Government services due to poor internet connectivity.
The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms (Chris Bryant)
There are so many parts of delivering our public services where we can improve productivity if we manage to do so on a digital basis. I am conscious that, for example, a Doncaster hospital still employs 42 people just to carry around physical medical records. That is clearly nonsense and we need to change it. My hon Friend is absolutely right: if we go to a digital future we must be able to take everyone with us. That must mean that non-digital options should be available to those who are not able to take up digital options.
Session: Digital Inclusion
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What value does my right hon. Friend expect that the recently announced and much-anticipated Portishead and Pill railway line will add to the local economy of my constituency of North Somerset?
Context
The MP questions the value of a recently announced railway line in his constituency.
Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)
First, I congratulate my hon. Friend on his campaigning on this issue. As I represent the neighbouring constituency, I declare that the project may have some indirect benefit for my constituents. I can confirm to the House that the project supports regional and national strategic objectives. The West of England is the most productive city region outside of London, and it is set to continue to grow. An efficient and reliable rail link between Bristol and Portishead will support a range of large and small sites for housing and employment across the region, halving journey times and opening a wide range of job and leisure opportunities for the residents of North Somerset.
Session: Economic Growth Transport Infrastructure
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I look forward to seeing relations between the UK and Iraq blossom in the years to come under this Labour Government. Will the Minister share the recent conversations that he has had with Iraqi counterparts on reducing barriers to trade, such as diverging trade regimes?
Context
The questioner looks forward to improved relations between the UK and Iraq under a Labour Government. The question seeks recent conversations on reducing trade barriers.
Falconer
I was very pleased to meet the Iraqi Foreign Minister Dr Fuad Hussein during the official visit of Prime Minister Al Sudani to the UK from 14 to 16 January. During that visit our two Prime Ministers signed the landmark partnership and co-operation agreement, a wide-ranging treaty on trade and strategic co-operation, and announced a trade package worth up to £12.3 billion.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned about the record-low morale among military personnel under the previous government. I welcome the largest pay rise for forces in over two decades from this Government, but what steps will the housing deal take to improve service lives practically?
Context
The sale of service family accommodation in 1996 and the recent Annington homes deal have been criticized for poor conditions.
The Minister for Veterans and People (Al Carns)
I agree with my hon. Friend's point about morale. The Annington deal, supported by both sides of the House, saves £230 million annually and allows us to renovate or rebuild accommodation over five to ten years, significantly improving living conditions for military personnel and their families.
Session: Housing Military Personnel and Families
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Will the Minister share whether the Department has any plans to look into uplifting the warm home discount for participants with relevant long-term illnesses?
Context
Many constituents have concerns that the warm homes discount does not adequately support those with long-term illnesses who require higher energy usage.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
We recognise that vulnerable people, including those with high energy usage due to long-term illnesses, often bear a greater burden when energy prices rise. We are working with energy companies and charities to provide additional support this winter and beyond.
Session: Warm Homes Plan
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What are the Department's plans to help solve the recruitment problem for SEND professionals?
Context
There is a big workforce challenge in recruiting SEND professionals, affecting schools' ability to deal with education, health and care plans.
Bridget Phillipson
There is a big workforce challenge. Making sure that we have specialists in critical areas is crucial. Labour will reinstate the school support staff negotiating body and invest over £21 million this year to train 400 more educational psychologists.
Session: SEND Provision
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Hydrogen-powered Aviation
17 June 2025
Responding: Robert Courts
Main Concerns
['Bristol airport aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 while expanding to serve up to 15 million passengers annually. The current difficulty in decarbonising aviation, with kerosene being the primary fuel and no cost-competitive sustainable alternatives available yet, poses a significant challenge.']
Specific Asks
['Calls on the Government to provide clear policy guidance and financial support for the development of hydrogen-powered aviation to ensure that the UK does not miss out on this critical opportunity for environmental and economic leadership.']
Department of Health and Social Care
30 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate highlights the lack of transparency in the NHS estimates and the impact of the UK-US pharmaceutical deal, which includes raising NICE cost-effectiveness thresholds from £20,000 to £35,000 p...
Social Media Ban for Under-16s
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief 2026-01-05
05 January 2026
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief, explain why a U-turn was necessary after significant opposition from farmers and rural communities, ...
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2025-11-25
25 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Proposes new clause 45 to stop the automatic publication of local government members' home addresses in public registers, ensuring that such information is only published if explicitly requested by a ...
Jhoots Pharmacy 2025-10-15
15 October 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm the adequacy and suitability of Jhoots pharmacy as an NHS provider, given their poor service provision, constant closures, unpaid staff, and potential breaches of regulations...
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill 2025-10-15
15 October 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Global demand for aviation continues to grow; it is projected to be two or three times bigger by 2050. In 2024, there was a record rate of increase in carbon emissions, according to the World Meteorol...
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2025-09-02
02 September 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill 2025-06-11
11 June 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Farming 2025-03-13
13 March 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls for a debate on the future of farming to shape policy and support farmers. Discusses concerns over changes in agricultural funding, climate change impacts, and the need for a resilient food prod...
Budget Resolutions
04 November 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The first Labour Budget in 14 years shows the government's commitment to stabilising public finances, supporting people’s livelihoods, improving public services and investing in future infrastructure....
Railway Station in Long Ashton
08 July 2026
The petition addresses the lack of railway infrastructure in Long Ashton, North Somerset, which currently has no viable rail connection to Bristol or beyond, despite plans for a £1.25 billion healthte...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
82.7%
81 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
31
31.6% of votes
No Votes
50
51.0% of votes
Abstentions
17
17.3% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
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
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
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
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
1
PMQs Asked
14
Ministerial Questions Asked
10
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
1
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+4% above average
This MP:
14
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+106% above average
This MP:
10
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
+19% above average
This MP:
82.7
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 Sadik Al-Hassan's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.