Sarah Pochin
MP for Runcorn and Helsby
Reform
1 May 2025 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
It has been a year since I started raising the issue of the Mersey tolls creating barriers to growth and prosperity in Runcorn and Helsby. Despite my asking questions, sending letters, meeting with Ministers and campaigning alongside local residents and businesses, the Government still refuse to consider support for businesses south of the Mersey, which are unfairly penalised simply because of their geography. Will the Minister now reconsider helping those who are affected with subsidies for businesses in Runcorn?
Context
The MP has been raising the issue of Mersey tolls affecting growth and prosperity in her constituency for a year. Despite multiple efforts, no support from the government for businesses south of the Mersey.
Simon Lightwood
The hon. Lady and I met in October to discuss the tolls on the Mersey Gateway. As she is aware, these charges are the responsibility of Halton borough council. Thanks to funding already provided by the Department, residents of Halton can register a vehicle to use the crossings for personal journeys, free of charge, for an annual fee of £12. Businesses and constituents have benefited greatly from the construction of the Mersey Gateway bridge, which was only made possible thanks to the toll income and our annual grant.
Session: Transport Connectivity Runcorn and Helsby 2026-07-16
View All Questions -->
What plans her Department has for improving transport connectivity in Runcorn and Helsby constituency?
Context
None provided in the given text.
Simon Lightwood
We are empowering local leaders with unprecedented powers and funding to deliver the transport improvements that will best connect their communities. We have allocated £1 billion of local transport funding to the Liverpool city region, and £420 million to Cheshire and Warrington. Thanks to this funding, local leaders can prioritise bus improvements, road repairs, and better cycling and walking routes for their constituents.
Session: Transport Connectivity Runcorn and Helsby 2026-07-16
View All Questions -->
Now that the capital spending plan has been published, can the Minister confirm whether Warrington and Halton will receive funding for a desperately needed new hospital? The existing hospital estate has not been upgraded since the 1960s and does not have capacity for the growing local population. Will he commit to delivering a modern hospital for the next generation?
Context
Warrington and Halton need funding for a new hospital due to outdated infrastructure.
James Murray
We are increasing capital investment to £15 billion a year by 2028-29 and I am happy to write to the hon. Lady with further details on specific investment in her constituency.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-14
View All Questions -->
As the Minister for Secondary Care is absent, I am concerned about his departmental responsibilities. Can he make a statement?
Context
The Minister for Secondary Care, Karin Smyth, is not present as she is attending her son's graduation.
James Murray
The Minister for Secondary Care is not here today as she is attending her son's graduation. We have opened a new meningitis B vaccination programme, committed to extending Martha's rule across all maternity services, and resolved disputes with resident doctors. The NHS estate investment has increased.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-14
View All Questions -->
How does the Secretary explain the increase in welfare spending, foreign aid, and net zero commitments alongside a defence funding gap?
Context
UK welfare bill increasing by £19 billion, £13 billion spent on foreign aid, and £15 billion committed to net zero schemes while the defence plan still has a funding gap of £4.7 billion.
Luke Pollard
We are increasing defence spending. I do not accept what the hon. Lady is saying regarding Reform politicians accepting bribes from Russia.
Session: Topical Questions 2026-07-06
View All Questions -->
In my constituency, I have one of the last remaining chlorine production sites, Vynova. On a recent visit, I was told that its future is uncertain because of production costs—it is a highly energy-intensive industry. Does the Minister agree that it is strategically critical that the UK has its own chlorine production, and will he meet me to discuss the future of the site?
Context
The MP noted that Vynova, one of the last remaining chlorine production sites in her constituency, faces uncertain future due to high energy costs. She highlighted the strategic importance of having domestic chlorine production.
Chris McDonald
I commend the hon. Lady for championing the chemicals sector in the House. I am extremely concerned about the sector, including chlorine, because it is vital to the UK economy, as she says. This Government are taking action through our industrial strategy to focus on heavy industry and energy-intensive industries. I might have an opportunity to speak with her later today, if that would be of interest.
Session: Industrial Strategy
View All Questions -->
On Saturday, the Secretary of State promised extra court time for anyone arrested at the “Unite the Kingdom” march, yet there are grooming gang survivors who have waited more than 20 years for their cases to come to court. How is it that he is able to find court time to arrest protesters, yet some victims of vile sexual abuse are waiting decades to have their cases heard in court?
Context
There are cases where victims have waited more than two decades for their trials, yet the government promises extra court time for those arrested at protests.
David Lammy
I would have thought that the hon. Lady, as a magistrate, would recognise that the right to protest exists in our country and we defend it, but that where people spew hate or incite violence and where anyone causes criminal damage or harm, of course the courts will bear down on them in the strongest possible way.
Session: Jury Trial Proposals
View All Questions -->
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of restricting the right to trial by jury in some circumstances on levels of public confidence in the criminal justice system?
Context
The question arises from concerns about public confidence in the criminal justice system, which has been impacted by a backlog of over 80,000 cases.
David Lammy
We inherited a justice system in crisis, with a backlog of over 80,000 cases—double what it was in the pre-covid era—and with victims, witnesses and defendants waiting years for justice. That is what truly undermines confidence in our justice system. Justice delayed is justice denied. Only by pulling every lever—investment, efficiency and reform—can we turn the tide.
Session: Jury Trial Proposals
View All Questions -->
In my Runcorn and Helsby constituency, Riverside housing association is flattening 365 properties, demolishing them to build new homes. Residents have been left with no communication, no support and no number to ring—residents such as John and Barbara Wheldon, now in their 80s, who have lived in the same property for more than 50 years and are facing the trauma of that move without knowing where they are going. Will the Minister agree with me that housing associations have a duty of care to residents and that, where they fail in that duty of care, they should be held to account?
Context
Residents in Runcorn and Helsby constituency have faced a lack of communication and support during the demolition and reconstruction of their homes by Riverside Housing Association. The Wheldon family, in their 80s and having lived in the same property for over 50 years, are among those facing significant upheaval without proper information.
Matthew Pennycook
Social landlords are held to regulatory standards that are overseen by the regulator. I am sorry to hear about the experience of John and Barbara and others. If the hon. Lady would like to write to me with details about the case, I will happily look into it.
Session: Social Housing Standards
View All Questions -->
Is the Home Secretary comfortable with the reality that she could not stand and pray alongside the Mayor of London at last week's event in Trafalgar Square?
Context
The Home Secretary was unable to stand and pray alongside the Mayor of London at an event.
Shabana Mahmood
I am, and will always be, a very proud British Muslim.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Many of my constituents are anxious about the consultation process and the environmental impact of the Peak Cluster project in rural Cheshire. Will the Secretary of State commit to meeting me and local representatives to ensure that community concerns are properly addressed before the development consent order is submitted?
Context
Residents in rural Cheshire are anxious about a proposed development consent order for the Peak Cluster project, which is being consulted on.
Michael Shanks
As I have said repeatedly, any projects that are going through the planning system have to demonstrate community engagement and that they have engaged genuinely with that feedback. That is part of the process, and projects of any kind are assessed against that.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Deputy Prime Minister join me in congratulating Cheshire Police, led by Chief Constable Mark Roberts, on its well-executed Operation Crossbow? More than 40 perpetrators of domestic violence wanted by the police and courts were arrested. Does he agree that merging 43 forces into 12 risks undermining such operations?
Context
Operation Crossbow, a Cheshire police initiative to arrest perpetrators of domestic violence, was praised for its effectiveness. There are concerns that plans to merge 43 forces into 12 might undermine such operations.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
I commend the work of brilliant police forces up and down the country doing work to tackle domestic abuse. The hon. Member will know that it was a Labour party manifesto commitment to halve the levels of violence against women and girls, which is exactly what she is talking about with what is happening in practice in Cheshire. This Labour Government are delivering for Cheshire and her constituency.
Session: Victims of Domestic Abuse Criminal Justice System
View All Questions -->
I thank the Minister for her response. Given that the 2016 funding agreement for the construction and operation of the Mersey Gateway bridge requires a review of the tolling arrangements this year, will the Minister commit today to ensuring that MPs representing directly affected constituencies, such as Runcorn and Helsby, are formally involved in that review, so that the concerns of local residents are properly heard?
Context
The question stems from concerns about the adequacy of public transport services in the constituency. The MP mentions a 2016 funding agreement for the Mersey Gateway bridge that requires a review of tolling arrangements this year.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lilian Greenwood)
I am very glad that the hon. Member was able to meet the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield and Rothwell (Simon Lightwood), in October to discuss the tolls on the Mersey Gateway crossing. As she will know, the charges are the responsibility of Halton borough council, and thanks to additional funding provided by our Department, residents of Halton, for an annual fee of £12, can make 900 free crossings a year. Any changes to the toll arrangements are a matter for the local council.
Session: Public Transport Runcorn and Helsby
View All Questions -->
What steps he is taking to support Northern Ireland veterans. Does the Secretary of State agree with the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner that the troubles Bill treats our brave veterans more harshly than terrorists?
Context
The issue of support for Operation Banner veterans in Northern Ireland, including legal protections.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
I do not agree with that assessment. I have had many discussions with the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, and if one looks at the facts, including at the prosecutions that have taken place, there have been more prosecutions of paramilitary terrorists than of soldiers. Indeed, there has been one conviction of a soldier for a troubles-related offence in the past 27 and a half years.
Session: Support for Veterans
View All Questions -->
Does the Home Secretary agree that British citizens should be prioritised over asylum seekers in the allocation of publicly funded housing under the £100 million pilot scheme?
Context
The MP inquires about prioritising British citizens over asylum seekers in publicly funded housing.
Alex Norris (The Minister for Immigration)
The hon. Member may have heard me say earlier that we have started the process of hotel exit, which means we have reduced the amount of money we are spending on that. We want all British citizens to be adequately housed, which is why we released the homelessness strategy at the end of last year. Beyond that, we want order and control in our asylum system, so that the British people’s proud record of providing shelter can continue, and so that people can have confidence in that order and control.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister confirm what oversight the Department has of the central Government grant given to Halton borough council and Merseyflow for the two bridges in Runcorn, considering a significant portion has gone unspent in recent years? What steps are being taken to ensure transparent use of any unspent funds?
Matthew Pennycook
I am afraid that the hon. Lady will have to write to me and outline which fund precisely she is talking about. I am more than happy to get back to her if she does that.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Will the Minister confirm whether she is aware of anyone accused or convicted of a sexual offence having been granted asylum in the UK?
Context
No specific background given, but Sarah Pochin inquires about a serious concern regarding asylum seekers who may have committed sexual offences.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)
I refer the hon. Member to the stats published on the Ministry of Justice website.
Session: Violence against Women and Girls
View All Questions -->
Will the Secretary of State guarantee—yes or no—that no British serviceman or veteran will face prosecution for actions taken in Northern Ireland while serving their country?
Context
The question arises from concerns over the potential legal repercussions faced by British servicemen and veterans who served in Northern Ireland, particularly regarding retrospective prosecutions.
Al Carns
As has been mentioned, as we go through the process, we will ensure that protections are in place, to look after our veterans. The reality is—I am being really honest—that if people broke the law, they will be held accountable, but I assure the hon. Member that veterans who served will be protected.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Given this week’s visit by the French President and this Government’s desire for closer co-operation with the EU, will the Minister confirm that no new or existing trade deal will lead to this country rejoining the EU through the back door?
Context
The UK joined the European Economic Community in 1973, now the EU. This week, the French President visited, indicating closer cooperation with the EU.
Nick Thomas-Symonds (Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)
That is absolutely not the case. What we have with the European Union is a new deal that the supermarkets say has put downward pressure on prices, and which Octopus Energy says will bring the cost of energy down.
Session: UK-EU Trading Relationship
View All Questions -->
The Secretary of State will be aware of the deeply troubling revelations over the weekend of the so-called Halal bride website. Does she agree that such practices have absolutely no place in Britain?
Context
There were deeply troubling revelations over the weekend about a so-called Halal bride website.
Shabana Mahmood
I thank the hon. Lady for raising that important point. It is why we are reducing the threshold for the early removal scheme and the early removal order so that individuals such as those who have been found to be involved with a website such as this can be removed from our country.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Welsh Labour has been in power in Cardiff Bay for 26 years. In that time, Wales has fallen further and further behind its nearest neighbour in the Union in almost every key devolved area. Welsh household incomes are lower than in England; Welsh employment rates are lower than in England; and Welsh life expectancy is lower than in England. Is the Secretary of State proud of her party’s record in Wales?
Context
MP questioned Welsh Labour’s record over 26 years, citing lower household incomes, employment rates, and life expectancy compared to England.
The Secretary of State for Wales (Jo Stevens)
Actually, the positive impact that our UK and Welsh Labour Governments are having is clear in how the Welsh economy is changing. Employment has increased significantly in Wales, unemployment and economic inactivity have fallen, and real total wages have increased right across the UK.
Session: Union of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Wales
View All Questions -->
As I speak, there is a removal van outside the illegal immigrant hotel in my constituency—let us hope they are moving them out, not moving more in. Can the Secretary of State assure my constituents that these illegal immigrants are not being dispersed in the community, being housed in houses in multiple occupation owned by private landlords, and will she advise me on where they will be housed?
Context
There is a removal van outside an illegal immigrant hotel in Sarah Pochin's constituency, raising concerns about the status and housing arrangements of these individuals.
Angela Eagle (Minister for Border Security and Asylum)
Anyone who is in a hotel is someone who has claimed asylum, and whose asylum claim is pending. They are not necessarily illegal immigrants at all, and the hon. Lady should make that position clear.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Dover and Portsmouth: Protests
07 September 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Rochdale Grooming Gang: Offender Deportation
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Foreign Interference in UK Politics
06 July 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Prisoner Early Release
29 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Pathways Study: Puberty Suppression
22 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Investment Plan
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Costs for Motorists
21 May 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Knife Crime
14 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill 2026-01-27
27 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation 2026-01-21
21 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Attendance
50.7%
37 of 73 votes
Aye Votes
21
28.8% of votes
No Votes
16
21.9% of votes
Abstentions
36
49.3% 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
VOTED NO
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
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
VOTED NO
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
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
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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
VOTED AYE
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
DID NOT VOTE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
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
0
PMQs Asked
22
Ministerial Questions Asked
36
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
73
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
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+64% above average
This MP:
22
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+641% above average
This MP:
36
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-27% below average
This MP:
50.7
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 Sarah Pochin's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.