Sarah Jones
MP for Croydon West
Lab
8 Jun 2017 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
In the week marking 31 years since Stephen Lawrence's murder, I am concerned about the candidate's views on Islamophobia and crime. Does the Deputy Prime Minister really endorse these views?
Context
The Conservative candidate for London Mayor has promoted Islamophobic tropes, endorsed beliefs similar to Enoch Powell's, and claimed the black community has a problem with crime.
Oliver Dowden
The hon. Lady does not correctly represent the candidate's views. It is extraordinary that she raised crime, as Labour's London Mayor increased the precept by over 70% while recorded crime in London has risen by 20%
Assessment
Did not address whether he endorses those views
Does Not Correctly Represent
It Is Extraordinary
Session: PMQs
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Our absentee Prime Minister did not turn up for the Owen Paterson vote, he did not turn up for the Boris Johnson vote, he will not stand up to the MPs who called the Privileges Committee a kangaroo court, and yesterday he embarrassed himself by acting like a stroppy schoolboy in front of the Liaison Committee. With NHS waiting lists at a record high and the Tory mortgage penalty hitting my constituents hard, he has bitten off more than he can chew, has he not?
Context
The MP criticises the Prime Minister for his absence during key votes and his handling of recent committee proceedings. She mentions high NHS waiting lists and rising mortgage costs.
Oliver Dowden
I am not sure that there was a question in that; I might respectfully say that it was a rant. I will proudly defend this Government's record. We have grown the economy in the past two years faster than any other country in the G7, with record low levels of unemployment and fewer people in workless households, all of which would be put at risk if the Labour party ever entered power.
Session: PMQs
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My constituents in Bridge House, Croydon live in flats covered in dangerous cladding that will cost millions to remove. They are not eligible for the Government's building safety fund because it is the wrong type of cladding. Can the Prime Minister confirm: do my constituents have to pay the £23,000 each that they are being charged to remove this cladding, or does he have a better plan?
Context
The MP's constituents in Bridge House, Croydon live in flats with dangerous cladding that is not eligible for the Government's building safety fund due to the type of cladding. They are being charged £23,000 each to remove this cladding.
Boris Johnson
If the hon. Lady's constituents are being told that they do not have to remove that cladding, then the answer is no. It is very, very important that this House should recognise that too many buildings have been unnecessarily—unfairly, I believe—categorised as dangerous and unsafe. Of course we must remove dangerous cladding, and we are doing that, but I want householders and leaseholders—people living in flats across this country—to have the confidence that they can do so in safety, and that is what this Government are doing.
Assessment
The Prime Minister does not confirm whether constituents will need to pay £23,000 each for removal or if there is an alternative plan. He instead discusses the broader issue of categorizing buildings as dangerous and unsafe.
Discusses Broader Issues
Does Not Provide Specific Details
Session: PMQs
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The National Infrastructure Commission said that the Government have reversed some progress on net zero. The right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) said that the Government's roll-back on net zero has put off investors. A member of the Climate Change Committee has said that we are “not ready at all” for the impact of extreme weather on our national security. Mad, bad and dangerous. Will the Secretary of State finally back Great British Energy and the national wealth fund instead of lurching from crisis to crisis, not having a plan and selling out Britain?
Context
The National Infrastructure Commission, the right hon. Member for Maidenhead, and a member of the Climate Change Committee have expressed concerns over government's roll-back on net zero efforts.
Justin Tomlinson
We absolutely will not be backing putting the shadow Secretary of State in charge of UK and British energy companies, piling misery on to consumer bills. We have unlocked £300 billion of public and private investment in low-carbon technology since 2010, with plans for £100 billion more by 2030. Last year alone, we saw an investment of £60 billion; that is up a staggering 71% on the previous year.
Session: Topical Questions
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No commitment to virgin steel from the Minister, then—what a shame. I welcome him to his place, and note that he visited Port Talbot steelworks last week, but he failed to meet any actual steelworkers of course.
Context
The Minister visited Port Talbot last week but did not meet any actual steelworkers. The Government is providing £500 million for the loss of nearly 3,000 jobs.
Alan Mak
This Conservative Government have given more support to the steel sector than any Government before us. When I went to Port Talbot, I was pleased to meet steelworkers, and I will continue to do so. I also sit on the transition board. I will continue to support steel in south Wales and all the opportunities that the sector will bring.
Session: Steel Supply Chain Jobs
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An important item in the in-tray of the newly re-formed Executive is early years education and childcare. Thanks to the actions of this Government, we now have more generous entitlement to free childcare in England and Northern Ireland. Will he discuss with the Executive how Northern Ireland might be levelled up on childcare, including by using revenue-raising measures?
Context
The newly re-formed Executive faces an important task of improving early years education and childcare. There is more generous entitlement to free childcare in England and Northern Ireland due to actions by this Government.
Steven Baker
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this issue and I am grateful to her for putting it on the agenda. Certainly we will engage with the Executive on this point. She is right to mention revenue raising. It is a fact that the Executive need to both transform public services and improve revenue raising, so that everything in Northern Ireland can be delivered on a sustainable basis.
Session: Integrated Education Northern Ireland
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I travelled with colleagues to Northern Ireland two weeks ago, and we visited Forge Integrated Primary School and met lots of very fine children. In 2015, £150 million of Fresh Start funding was earmarked for integrated education in Northern Ireland. What does the Minister say to those schools that were expecting this funding but have found that it is no longer guaranteed?
Context
The MP recently visited Forge Integrated Primary School and met with school representatives expressing concerns about the lack of guaranteed funding for their expansion plans.
Steven Baker
The House may not know that only 7% of schoolchildren in Northern Ireland can be said to be attending an integrated school. The period over which Fresh Start funding was released would have ended at the end of March 2025, so we have repurposed £150 million of that funding to provide additional flexibility to the Northern Ireland Executive in respect of that funding stream and schools.
Session: Integrated Education Northern Ireland
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This Government are locked in a doom loop of inertia, and everyone is talking about it. Just this week, the National Infrastructure Commission said that the Government are taking too long, need to move faster, and that greater urgency is required. The CBI report that the Secretary of State mentioned says that “strong future growth from green businesses is being put at risk”. Labour's national wealth fund will crowd in private investment and create thousands of good jobs for plumbers, engineers, electricians and welders. Is blowing our advantage and losing the race for the industries of the future part of the Government's plan, or do they just not have one?
Context
The National Infrastructure Commission and CBI report highlight the need for urgency in green investment plans.
Claire Coutinho
I thank the hon. Lady for her question and point out that Labour has flip-flopped on investment plans. We delivered the second highest cumulative amount of recorded low-carbon investment across Europe over the past five years.
Session: Green Technologies Private Investment
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Mr Speaker: The UK steel industry, trade unions, and Labour are proposing an industrial policy worthy of a serious industrial country. Is it correct?
Context
The MP references a Daily Telegraph article questioning the Government's minimalist plan for UK steel and proposes an industrial policy.
Nusrat Ghani
Labour's £28 billion proposal has no plan behind it; we are saving 5,000 jobs at Port Talbot. Customers want cleaner steel, and Port Talbot cannot function with its ageing blast furnaces under our package.
Session: Steel Industry
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What efforts are being made to restore the Northern Ireland Executive given ongoing issues with bills, strikes, and other matters?
Context
The lack of a functioning assembly affects public service and potential strike action.
Chris Heaton-Harris
There is significant activity including meetings galore, especially with the DUP, but progress depends on interlocutors involved.
Session: Restoration of Power Sharing
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Our industry has to pay twice as much on its energy bills compared with European competitors. A recent report by UK Steel stated that our steel producers have to pay £117 million more per year on electricity, forcing the Government to deliver a subsidy through the supercharger, which in turn raises bills for everybody else. Instead of such short-term policies, is it time for Labour's industrial strategy, Labour's grid reform and Labour's mission to become a clean energy superpower?
Context
The MP discusses the impact of high energy costs on industrial competitiveness, citing a report by UK Steel.
Amanda Solloway
This Government have demonstrated our commitment to help across the domestic and non-domestic sectors. However, we also recognise the vital role that the steel sector plays in our economy. In fact, the 2021 net zero strategy reaffirms our commitment to continue to work with the steel industry on decarbonisation.
Session: Energy-intensive Industries Decarbonisation
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What recent assessment has been made of the impact of the US Inflation Reduction Act on levels of investment in low carbon industries in the UK? Given that we need to turbocharge the green economy, why will the Government's response not come into effect until 2025?
Context
The MP inquired about the impact of President Biden's plan to use America's industrial might for renewable energy projects.
Claire Coutinho
We have taken many steps already, including setting out new plans for auction round 6 of renewable energy and for permanent economy-wide full expensing. We changed planning and are unlocking the grid. The fund mentioned will unlock supply chains across the UK. It has been welcomed by Scottish Renewables as a 'shot in the arm for the sector', the Offshore Wind Industry Council, Make UK, Energy UK, and many other businesses.
Session: Inflation Reduction Act and Low Carbon Industries
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For years people have been calling on the Government to have a proper plan to help our steel industry decarbonise. Instead, the industry has lurched from crisis to crisis, and now the Government are spending £500 million in a deal that will make thousands of Port Talbot steelworkers redundant. Is it not the simple truth that jobs and wealth will be lost because there is no comprehensive plan for steel, automotive or any industry that needs to decarbonise?
Context
For years, there have been calls for a proper plan to help the UK's steel industry decarbonise. Instead, the industry has faced crises, and now the Government is spending £500 million in a deal that will make thousands of Port Talbot steelworkers redundant.
Claire Coutinho
I refer the hon. Lady to my previous comments. The investment will provide long-term security for at least 5,000 steel jobs. We have had record investment of £4 billion in the auto industry this year. Again, I urge her to look at her own party's plans. Its industry decarbonisation plans are disastrous, and will push jobs and investment out of this country.
Session: Energy-intensive Industries Decarbonisation
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Do the Government take responsibility for the current state of policing? Will they support Labour's plans to restore neighbourhood policing?
Context
The speaker criticizes the current state of policing, highlighting issues with crime reporting and lack of confidence in the police force.
Chris Philp
I must say, in the gentlest terms, that my constituency neighbour has a bit of cheek to talk about reducing crime, given that according to the crime survey, crime levels under the last Labour Government were around double what they are today. In relation to the hon. Lady's serious question about RASSO—rape and serious sexual offences—particularly on women, the proportion being reported is much higher than it was a few years ago, which is welcome.
Session: Street Crime by Young People
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Does the Home Secretary think that people who speed should be given the option to get private speeding awareness courses rather than doing them with everyone else? In her own case, what exactly did she ask her civil servants to help her with?
Context
The Home Secretary previously stated that antisocial behaviour causes misery and menace, with neighbourhood and traffic police addressing speeding and dangerous driving. The question arises from a specific case involving the Home Secretary herself.
Suella Braverman
Last summer, I was speeding. I paid the fine and accepted the points without seeking to evade the sanction. However, the shadow Minister is attempting to distract from Labour's failure to offer serious proposals on crime or policing. They voted against tougher sentences for paedophiles and murderers and campaigned against the deportation of foreign criminals.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
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With over 1,000 police officer losses in Northumbria and high levels of antisocial behaviour with thefts and motorbikes. When will recruitment to vacant posts start, investment be made in communities?
Context
Concerns about the impact of austerity measures on policing, leading to increased antisocial behaviour.
Suella Braverman
Northumbria's police and crime commissioner has received £3.9 million from Government through safer streets, including £3.5 million for projects such as community engagement.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
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During the Prime Minister's first 100 days in office around 30,000 people will have been raped and only about 320 of those rapes will ever lead to a charge. The Home Secretary has responded by slashing Government funding for forensics and cutting this year's funding for local police forces by £62 million. Is that due to the Government's disastrous mini-Budget, their failure to grow the economy over 13 years, or have they simply given up on tackling violence against women and girls?
Context
The question is prompted by the Home Secretary's reduction in government funding for forensic services and a £62 million cut to local police forces. The context includes statistics indicating 30,000 rapes occur during the Prime Minister's first 100 days, with only about 320 leading to charges.
Suella Braverman
We have increased police funding by over half a billion pounds, introduced more flexibility so that police and crime commissioners can increase their frontline resources. We are on track to achieve the highest number of police officers in history thanks to our funding and policies. We are pioneering the roll-out of Operation Soteria to improve operational support for victims of rape and serious sexual offences throughout investigations and introducing specialist measures in court to ensure appropriate evidence-giving procedures.
Session: Police Resources
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New statistics published today reveal that the mini-Budget cost even more than we first thought—a staggering £30 billion. That comes on top of 12 years of austerity, which has seen a real-terms pay cut for police and staff, thousands of jobs lost and prosecutions plummet. The Home Secretary was in the Cabinet and the Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire was No. 2 in the Treasury at the time of the mini-Budget. Will they both now apologise to our police for the damage they have done?
Context
The MP cites new statistics indicating the high cost of the mini-budget and its negative impacts on policing, including pay cuts, job losses, and a decline in prosecutions.
Suella Braverman
The Government are clear that policing must have a modern pay structure that recognises and rewards skills and competence, rather than time served. In line with that approach, chief constables have the discretion to pay an officer a starting salary of between £23,556 and £26,682 depending on qualifications and experience. The settlement is fair. We want our police officers to be empowered and strong in the fight against crime.
Session: New Police Officers Entry Pay Rates
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What does the Minister think the Home Secretary is most proud of: criminals laughing in our face as they get away with it, or thousands more people across this country blighted by crime?
Context
On the Home Secretary's watch, crime rates have risen and police morale has declined.
Tom Pursglove
I think it is fair to say that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, who I believe has done a sterling job in the role, can be proud of seeing burglary down by 24% nationally, neighbourhood crime down by 33% and vehicle offences down by 28%. We have got 72,000 weapons off our streets since 2019.
Session: Knife Crime and Serious Violence
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The NCA tackles organised crime gangs behind knife crime and drug abuse on our streets. Given this critical role, why does the Home Secretary need to ask them to prepare for 20% cuts?
Context
The National Crime Agency is tasked with combating organised crime, but the Home Secretary has requested plans for a 20% budget cut. This contradicts previous assurances of increased funding.
Priti Patel
There are no plans to cut NCA funding. Its budget has increased every year since 2019-20, securing more than £810 million over the period of the spending review in 2021.
Session: Knife Crime and Serious Violence
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Is it not the case that under the Tories dangerous perpetrators are being let off and vulnerable victims of this awful crime are being terribly let down?
Context
New figures show long waits for rape victims to go to court.
Rachel Maclean
This is exactly why we have introduced to the House the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. If the hon. Lady was listening to my earlier remarks, she would have heard me setting out the stronger sentences, the increase in electronic tagging for these perpetrators and the raft of protections to keep women and girls safer.
Session: Violence Against Women and Girls
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Conservative MPs have criticized the current system as favouring perpetrators over victims, with people afraid of going out at night due to a lack of police presence. We propose neighbourhood policing hubs, prevention teams, and funding for new community watch initiatives. Can the Minister provide any updates on addressing these concerns?
Context
The question addresses concerns from Conservative MPs about the current policing system being unfair to victims and lacking necessary powers or resources.
Kit Malthouse
The hon. Lady may not be aware that we have recruited 11,000 police officers and seen significant falls in knife crime and other neighbourhood crimes. The Prime Minister has made fighting crime a priority with the recruitment of 20,000 more police officers to tackle issues such as county lines and youth violence.
Session: Police Community Support Officers
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I have a wonderful Tamil community in Croydon, and they still feel the devastating impacts of the civil war. May I add my voice to those from across this House for sanctions against General Silva who has been accused of great crimes? Does the Minister have some words of comfort on this point for my constituents?
Context
Request for sanctions against an individual accused of atrocities is raised.
Amanda Milling
We do not comment on any possible future sanctions.
Session: Topical Questions
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On Eid al-Adha, will the Foreign Secretary welcome the number of Muslims who have come to make their lives in the UK? Will he reach out to Muslim communities around the world to stand with those in Xinjiang?
Context
Welcoming Muslim communities in the UK and expressing concern for Muslim populations in Xinjiang, China.
Dominic Raab
We celebrate all religious communities in the UK. He is right to raise concerns about persecution based on religion, creed or ethnicity, particularly in Muslim-majority countries.
Session: Topical Questions
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Is the Foreign Secretary concerned about the erosion of trust in America's electoral system, specifically in Arizona, where there is no evidence of electoral fraud? Does he think the Elections Bill will help or hinder our democracy?
Context
Discussions about international cooperation and responses to threats against democratic systems.
Dominic Raab
We work in collaboration with partners such as the US to address attacks on democracies through misinformation or cyber-crime. The Elections Bill is part of our efforts to protect democratic systems.
Session: Topical Questions
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As we have been watching the incredible achievements of the England football team, the epidemic of violence on our streets has been growing, with younger and younger boys losing their lives in horrific murders. Many of our football heroes had tough upbringings and have spoken out about the importance of role models and mentors. I want all our young people to be able to unlock their talent, but many adults who could help them have disappeared following a decade of extreme cuts. Our summer holidays should be flooded with youth work, mentorship programmes, sports clubs and mental health support. The scale of the problem deserves an appropriate response, so will the Government today recognise the potential of our whole nation and commit to helping every vulnerable child this summer?
Context
The question was prompted by a growing epidemic of violence on the streets, leading to young lives being lost, including a recent case in Croydon. The MP referenced the importance of role models and mentors highlighted by football stars who overcame tough upbringings.
Victoria Atkins
May I join the hon. Lady in acknowledging the sportsmanship, the talents, the dignity and the joy that the English football team have brought so many people over the tournament? The hon. Lady is quite right to raise the question of role models. We are building structures around them with increased investment through the Department for Education funding over the summer and through our own work in funds such as the trusted relationships fund, which helps young people build positive relationships with positive role models.
Session: Knife Crime Summer 2021
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There have been 30,000 assaults on police officers in England and Wales in a year. I am glad that the Government have finally listened to calls from Labour to increase sentences for people who assault emergency workers, but why are they doing absolutely nothing to stop the assaults in the first place? If I was in government, I would commission Home Office research into exactly who is assaulting our officers and why.
Context
The question stems from a significant increase in assaults on police officers, as highlighted by the National Police Chiefs Council figures showing a 26% rise in assaults on emergency workers.
Kit Malthouse
You will have to advise me, Mr Speaker, on whether it is in order for a Member to speak in support of something she voted against, but I welcome the hon. Lady's belated support for the doubling of sentences for assaults on emergency workers, which was included in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, against which the Opposition voted. She is right, though, to raise the issue, which has been of serious concern to us for some time, of the rise in assaults on emergency workers.
Session: Police Officers Harm in the Line of Duty
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The shadow Home Secretary will speak about the violence last night in his remarks. I simply want to say that there is never an excuse for violence, and as shadow Policing Minister, my thoughts are obviously with the police who were on duty. I wish them a swift recovery... Will the Home Secretary work cross-party to introduce a law similar to the one introduced in France in 2018 to make street harassment a specific criminal offence?
Context
The number of stalking and harassment offences recorded by the police has more than doubled in four years, reaching 500,000 last year. Most women do not report street harassment.
Priti Patel
I say to the hon. Lady that street harassment—in fact, all harassment against individuals, male and female, but particularly women and girls—is absolutely unacceptable... This will be part of our strategy on violence against women and girls. The hon. Lady will know of the work that is taking place on the VAWG consultation right now, and we are going to build on that.
Session: Crime Reduction
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The new emergency services network, which is much needed to replace our outdated system, has become yet another embarrassment for the Home Office. Costs have spiralled to an eye-watering £10.3 billion and constant delays mean that the project will not be finished for up to seven years. Local police forces, already under strain from cuts and covid, have to foot a large part of the bill which has just increased by £600 million. That would fund around 8,000 new police officers yet when I asked the Minister about this in a parliamentary question he said that the extra cost was “minimal”. There is a pattern: £600 million is “minimal”; the catastrophic loss of 400,000 essential data records is brushed aside and still no answers given; and the Home Secretary breaks the ministerial code and we are all somehow to brush that aside as well. When will the Government accept that their incompetence is wasting taxpayers' money, delaying vital work and putting the public at increased risk?
Context
The MP is critical of the costs associated with the new emergency services network, which has spiralled to £10.3 billion, causing local police forces additional financial strain.
Kit Malthouse
The cost of the emergency service network is actually only £4.2 billion, not the £10 billion-plus that was quoted. We have made significant changes to the leadership team and reset the project which is broadly back on track with new joint decision-making system.
Session: Emergency Services Network
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Does the Minister agree that this situation is unacceptable and that, at the very least, they deserve to see the clear detailed scientific evidence and advice that the Government have received about the safety of early years settings?
Context
The MP is concerned about the safety of pupils and staff in nurseries due to lack of clear scientific evidence provided by the Government.
Vicky Ford
All the advice that we have been given has been made public. There are three reasons why we have kept early years settings open and they are all important. Early education gives the child communication and social skills that set them up for life. You cannot teach a small child online, and they cannot get those months back. Our public health advice remains that younger children play a lower role in community transmission, and the evidence at the moment is that the confirmed cases of covid among the very youngest children are the lowest of all age groups.
Session: Covid-19 Lockdown Safety of Staff
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What steps he is taking to help ensure the safety of staff at early years settings, special schools and alternative provision during the covid-19 lockdown announced in January 2021?
Context
The MP is concerned about the safety of staff working at various educational facilities during a recent lockdown.
Vicky Ford
Ensuring the safety of children, the workforce and families is our overriding priority. The early years and schools workforce are classed as essential workers for the purposes of accessing testing, and we continue to update our guidance to help specific settings provide a safe and secure environment for children and staff.
Session: Covid-19 Lockdown Safety of Staff
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While the population has grown and violent crime has risen, we have lost nearly half of our neighbourhood PCSOs and over 12,000 police staff roles. The Prime Minister's statement last year that backing the police is crucial goes unfulfilled with no plans to replace these cuts. When will this Government live up to their promise?
Context
The Government's police officer uplift is seen as insufficient to repair damage done by previous Conservative governments.
Priti Patel
This Government have put record levels of funding into the police, illustrating day in, day out. We are committed to the recruitment programme with almost 6,000 new police officers recruited.
Session: Police Officer Numbers
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A constituent of mine, a mother of three children, recently had her universal credit and housing benefit stopped for over two months because of a fraudulent claim made in her name. She was completely innocent but suffered significant financial hardship. We know that benefit fraud, especially in universal credit, is increasing; what will the Government do to stop innocent families from suffering unjustly due to such issues?
Context
A constituent, a mother of three children, experienced significant financial hardship due to a fraudulent universal credit and housing benefit claim in her name. This highlights broader issues regarding the detection and handling of such cases.
Will Quince
Ministers redeployed staff during the pandemic to process a surge in claims from 2.2 million to 5.7 million, temporarily reducing counter-fraud efforts but now more staff are being redirected back to fraud detection and investigation.
Session: Benefit Fraud Investigations
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What steps her Department is taking to review the effectiveness of benefit fraud investigations. In light of increasing cases like those involving innocent constituents suffering significant hardship due to fraudulent claims, what will the Government do to ensure that such families are protected and not unfairly penalised?
Context
The question stems from a concern about the adequacy of current measures to prevent and address benefit fraud, especially given the strain on welfare systems due to recent events.
Will Quince
The hon. Lady's case should never have happened, and Ministers had to make difficult decisions regarding staff redeployment due to an unprecedented surge in claims during the pandemic. This led to a temporary reduction in counter-fraud efforts but more staff are now being redirected back to fraud detection and investigation.
Session: Benefit Fraud Investigations
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Following the Prime Minister's announcement of a commission to investigate racial inequality, can the Secretary of State provide details on its setup, chair, terms of reference, and expected actions?
Context
Nine out of ten children currently in custody in Croydon are black, raising concerns about underlying discrimination and racism.
Robert Buckland (The Attorney General)
There are issues identified in the Lammy review relating to legal advice tendering and system engagement. We have started 'Chance to Change' pilots for dealing with allegations against black and minority ethnic youngsters, but I do not have specific details on the commission's setup at present.
Session: Topical Questions
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Young people who brush the system without being charged often have significant problems like trauma or abuse; does the Minister look at increasing support for them before they are criminalised?
Context
Following the Black Lives Matter movement, Croydon has held urgent meetings to assess issues faced by young people who come into contact with the system but do not get charged.
Lucy Frazer (Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Courts)
The hon. Member makes a really important point on ensuring there is not racial disparity in those who enter the criminal justice system and diverting people away from it; over £220 million has been invested in early intervention, including £200 million in the youth endowment fund to support those most at risk of being drawn into crime.
Session: Criminal Justice System Support for Children and Young People
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Despite promises for more frontline officers, forces face significant funding gaps with potential staff job cuts. Will the Minister commit to plugging these funding gaps from council precepts?
Context
The Prime Minister has promised an additional 20,000 police officers while reports suggest forces are facing up to 15% cuts due to the aftermath of austerity and the pandemic.
Kit Malthouse (Minister of State for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims)
On a technical note, the primary liability is covered by the precepting authority which must pass on the precept in full. The spending review has not yet started; hence, any concerns are premature.
Session: Police Funding
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Did the Secretary of State know, when he signed the planning consent for Westferry, that the next day a new levy would come into effect, which would have cost the developers tens of millions of pounds more?
Context
The Secretary of State granted planning permission to a developer the day before new levies came into effect.
Robert Jenrick (Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government)
That was a matter of public record. It was referred to in the planning inspector's report that my Department received in November, so all parties would have been aware of that.
Session: Topical Questions
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She further questioned why the Secretary of State did not consult with organisations like the Commission for Victims and Survivors before issuing a written ministerial statement on March 18th. She emphasised that victims should be central to any proposals and must fully endorse them.
Context
Sarah Jones inquired about the government's plans for addressing historical legacies in Northern Ireland, including whether cross-community support would be needed.
Brandon Lewis
Colleagues will appreciate that it was appropriate to lay the written ministerial statement before Parliament first. That is the process of how we work in this House, but I say to the hon. Lady that I have been engaging with victims groups, as has my Minister of State, and I will continue to do so. I have spoken directly to victims groups, which are an important part of the process.
Session: Legacy Issues
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Over 250 people have died in Croydon. High levels of deaths appear to be down to the underlying health of the population, with poorer people often from BAME backgrounds being hardest hit by COVID-19. Does the Minister agree that we need to tackle longer-term underlying health issues causing gross inequality?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the high death rates in Croydon, particularly among people from BAME backgrounds.
Jo Churchill (Minister of State for Health)
It is so important that we do the research before we draw conclusions. Every death is a tragedy, but we owe it to them to give Public Health England all the support they need to truly help us address the pandemic and those most affected by it in the right way.
Session: Covid-19 Health Inequalities
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Jones asks if the Secretary of State will send his best wishes to all students in Croydon awaiting their first choice schools and what measures he is taking to address high demand areas.
Context
Parents are anxiously waiting for their children's secondary school placements.
The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson)
Williamson acknowledges parents' concerns and highlights the importance of expanding educational establishments, mentioning the free school programme as a means to improve quality and level up across the country.
Session: Topical Questions
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What steps are being taken to tackle the increase in school exclusions? I would like to discuss these issues further with the Minister, Edward Timpson, who has reviewed some of these issues.
Context
Since 2012, school exclusions have increased by 70%, and Sarah Jones argues this is not due to a rise in students' misbehaviour. She highlights the societal impact of such increases and references a debate on the issue.
Nick Gibb (The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for School Standards)
I am very happy to host a meeting. Permanent exclusions are at 0.1%, which is lower than in 2006-07, but I recognise the complexity of issues such as absence from school being linked to knife crime and other problems.
Session: School Exclusions
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What recent assessment has been made regarding the effect of county lines exploitation on women and girls, given that at least one in ten individuals involved are believed to be girls?
Context
The issue involves the assessment of the impact of county line drug dealing on vulnerable groups.
Victoria Atkins (Minister for Safeguarding)
The Government is working on a public health approach to tackle serious violence and supports agencies like NCCC which has conducted over 2,500 arrests and safeguarded more than 3,000 people. We fund young people's advocates in London, Manchester and the West Midlands to work directly with gang-affected women and girls, especially victims or at risk of sexual violence.
Session: County Lines Women and Girls
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Fly-tipping
06 February 2024
Responding: Robbie Moore
Main Concerns
["I am concerned about the prevalence of fly-tipping in Croydon and across England, with around 3,000 incidents daily costing local authorities up to £58 million annually. The number of large fly-tips has increased by 13% over the past two years. Fly-tipping is a public health hazard attracting rats and vermin, damaging local economies, and affecting people's sense of wellbeing and community pride."]
Specific Asks
["I urge the Minister to support mega-skip days similar to those in Wandsworth; consider implementing Merton Council's wall of shame approach nationally; and encourage Croydon Council to develop a fly-tipping strategy that addresses root causes, identifies hotspots, outlines available tools, and deploys them effectively."]
Increasing the number of Temporary Event Notices in England and Wales
10 September 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
Proposes to amend the Licensing Act 2003 by increasing the number of Temporary Event Notices from 15 to 20 per calendar year, and the total number of days on which a premises may be used for licensabl...
Dover and Portsmouth: Protests
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Police Leadership Commission Report
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Grooming Gangs: Independent Inquiry
18 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill - Lords amendments 2H, 2J; Government motions 439C, 439D; Lords amendments 439E, 439F in lieu
22 April 2026
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
Ms. Sarah Jones moves to disagree with the Lords' amendments 2H and 2J but proposes alternative amendments (a) to amendment 2F and (b) to amendment 2G, arguing that providing a running commentary on p...
Online Safety Bill - Lords amendment 263 and related amendments
14 April 2026
Bill Debate
Led by this MP
Moves an amendment to Lords amendment 263, aiming to address issues in the current bill regarding online safety measures. She highlights concerns around user safety and the need for a proactive approa...
Knife Crime
14 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Lucy Letby Case: Conduct of Cheshire Police
26 March 2026
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
Before the debate, Ms Nusrat Ghani informed the House about live inquests into the deaths of six babies and obtained a waiver from Mr Speaker to allow these cases to be discussed due to their sub judi...
Police Grant Report
11 February 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
The Policing Minister Sarah Jones moved to approve the Police Grant Report for England and Wales, emphasising a £1.3 billion increase in funding compared to the previous year, with £432 million coming...
Police Reform 2025-11-13
13 November 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Recommendations of the Infected Blood Inquiry
14 May 2024
The petitioners are calling for urgent implementation of recommendations from the Second Interim Report of the Infected Blood Inquiry, addressing long-standing issues faced by victims of contaminated ...
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Attendance
41.8%
41 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
14
14.3% of votes
No Votes
27
27.6% of votes
Abstentions
57
58.2% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
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
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
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
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
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 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
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
3
PMQs Asked
40
Ministerial Questions Asked
81
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
28
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
+1567% above average
This MP:
81
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+196% above average
This MP:
28
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-59% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-40% below average
This MP:
41.8
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 Sarah Jones's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.