Steve McCabe
MP for Birmingham, Selly Oak
Lab
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Could any of the material that the Prime Minister's Government are trying to avoid giving to the covid inquiry cover his tenure as Chancellor and his eat out to help out policy?
Context
The PM's government faces legal proceedings regarding documents relevant to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme during his time as Chancellor.
Rishi Sunak
As I have said previously, it is right that we learn the lessons from covid so that we can be better prepared for the future. That is why the Government have co-operated with the inquiry in a spirit of transparency and candour, handing over more than 55,000 documents so far.
Session: PMQs
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How would the PM feel if hundreds of community pharmacies were forced into closure by an unfavourable NHS contract that disregards increasing expenses?
Context
The MP raised concerns about over 600 pharmacies potentially closing this year due to a harsh NHS contract that does not account for rising costs, leading to bankruptcy.
Rishi Sunak
The PM acknowledges the importance of community pharmacies for primary care. The Government is exploring ways to support pharmacies, including proposals received.
Assessment
Specific measures or commitments were not outlined
Session: PMQs
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The latest “State of Ageing” report reveals that last year in this country, 9,000 people over the age of 60 died because their homes were too cold. Will the Prime Minister give a guarantee that that figure will be lower, not higher, this time next year?
Context
A report reveals that 9,000 people over 60 died last year due to their homes being too cold. This statistic highlights the serious issue of winter mortality.
Boris Johnson
I think everybody has every sympathy with people who are facing difficulties with the cost of heating. That is why the Government have stepped up with an extra £9.1 billion in addition to what we are doing with the cold weather payments and the warm home allowance, and we will continue to support people throughout the aftershocks of covid, just as we did throughout the pandemic.
Assessment
Did not provide a direct commitment to reduce winter deaths below last year's level
Session: PMQs
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Could the Prime Minister kindly explain to the people of tier 3 Birmingham, with a population of over 1 million and where almost 2,000 have lost their life, why he has not considered them a priority for receipt of the vaccine?
Context
Tier 3 Birmingham, with over a million population and nearly 2000 deaths due to covid, has been considered not a priority for vaccine receipt.
Boris Johnson
I really must respectfully disagree with the hon. Gentleman. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has set out very clear criteria for the groups, starting with those over 80, care home workers, NHS workers and those in care homes, and he knows the criteria very well. Birmingham, of course, will be among them, and of course that is right. I am afraid that I simply cannot accept the premise of his question.
Assessment
The Prime Minister did not specify a timeline or any specific action to address Birmingham's vaccine prioritization.
Disagreed With Premise
Session: PMQs
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We are warned of a “pre-war world,” yet we lack the necessary training, resources, and equipment for high-intensity warfighting. When will this be addressed?
Context
Concerns about insufficient training and resources for high-intensity warfare, equipment and stockpiles not sufficient for prolonged campaigns.
Grant Shapps
We have just provided the largest number of personnel for NATO's Steadfast Defender exercise, which is the biggest in 40 years. The UK supplied a large number of people on land, air, and sea. To achieve security, we must spend 2.5% of GDP and set out a trajectory to reach it.
Session: NATO UK Obligations
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We must all be aware of a growing number of pensioners who are struggling with rent, council tax and other cost-of-living increases. Given that state of affairs, does the Minister think there may be an argument that the threshold to access pension credit is too high and that if he were to lower it just a little, he would help a great many more people who are obviously struggling?
Context
There is a growing number of pensioners who are struggling with rent, council tax and other cost-of-living increases.
Paul Maynard
I draw the hon. Gentleman's attention to the fact that the state pension has gone up by 8.5% this year, after an increase of 10.1% last year. On top of that, for those in receipt of pension credit we have added £900 in cost-of-living payments, and 8.9 million have received a £300 top-up to their winter fuel payment. We have spent billions on supporting pensioners through the cost-of-living crisis. As we established in the exchanges earlier, pensioner poverty remains stable.
Session: Support for Pensioners
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Will my right hon. Friend implement the measures as quickly as possible to benefit retail workers across Stockton South and the rest of the country?
Context
Welcoming the package announced to support retail workers and concern about its implementation.
James Cleverly
My hon. Friend has campaigned vigorously on this issue, met me several times, and worked closely with the Secretary of State for Justice to ensure policing and criminal responses deter those who may assault retail workers.
Session: Violence against Shop Workers
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I appreciate the Minister's earlier answer, but when Royal British Legion Industries says that 6,000 veterans are homeless or in danger of becoming so, is there a need for more urgent intervention, or is the Minister for Veterans' Affairs right to hail getting 500 off the streets as a triumph?
Context
Royal British Legion Industries reported that 6,000 veterans are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The Minister for Veterans' Affairs hailed getting 500 off the streets as a triumph.
Andrew Murrison
I think that getting 500 off the streets is good—it is certainly a start—but one person without a home is one too many, whether they are a civilian or a veteran. The important thing is that we look at factors that might be peculiar to defence that predispose people to homelessness, because we have a particular duty to those people in accordance with the military covenant.
Session: Support for Veterans
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Does the Minister think it might be time to improve the uptake of pension credit?
Context
Over 9 million pensioners are now paying income tax, and almost 1 million not receiving pension credit to which they are rightly entitled.
Paul Maynard
Applications to receive pension credit are currently increasing, quarter on quarter.
Session: Support for Pensioners
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Is it not quite surprising that the veteran ID card cannot be used for the purpose of ID in a UK election? When does the Minister hope to put that right?
Context
The MP congratulates the roll-out of veteran ID cards but expresses surprise that these cards cannot be used as identification for UK elections. He asks when this issue will be addressed.
Johnny Mercer
The ID card is part of a multi-phase operation to digitise 13 million veterans' records. Getting the ID card out was the first phase, but our ambition is to ensure that the card is used for all sorts of purposes including as identification in UK elections.
Session: Veteran ID Cards
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The number of veterans claiming welfare benefits is rising steadily, and more than 52,000 are now in receipt of universal credit. Does the Minister find that a cause for celebration or concern?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the rising number of veterans claiming welfare benefits, expressing doubt over whether this trend should be celebrated or seen as a problem.
Andrew Murrison
I am a veteran, and I talk to veterans all the time. Since 2011, we have materially improved the lived experience of our veteran community and their families. We will continue to do so—of that, he can be absolutely sure.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Centre for Military Women's Research has identified numerous gaps in our understanding of women's experiences in the military, the consequent problems they face and the reluctance to pursue research on those matters. Is it right to presume that the women veterans' strategy—I hear what the Minister says about his genuine concern on these matters—will be his main vehicle for ensuring that we tackle those issues?
Context
The question stems from concerns raised by the Centre for Military Women's Research regarding gaps in understanding and addressing issues faced by women veterans.
Johnny Mercer
Absolutely; the point of the strategy, essentially, is to ensure that the voices that have been unheard for too long are heard. I know that there is unmet need and pain in the female veteran community. There is also huge pride, and there are extraordinary examples of those who have served and have gone on to achieve extraordinary things in their lives. We will of course look to achieve balance; I want to ensure that female veterans are correctly catered for and looked after in this country. I want it to be the best country in the world to be a veteran—and that is for all veterans, female or male, across the piece, irrespective of cap badge. I am determined to keep going until we get there.
Session: Support for Female Veterans
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I spent the recess studying the veterans strategy action plan with its 60-odd commitments and thinking about the views of the Minister for Veterans' Affairs on what he calls the “lack of political horsepower”. Why is it, after 14 years and so many commitments, that 76.4% of veterans are so dissatisfied with the compensation scheme for illnesses and injuries, and why are 500 veteran households declared homeless every three months? Is there still a lack of political horsepower or is there a need for better co-ordination between the—
Context
The MP references the veterans strategy action plan and expresses dissatisfaction with current services, citing statistics on compensation scheme dissatisfaction and veteran homelessness.
Andrew Murrison
The armed forces compensation scheme and the war pension scheme will be dramatically improved by the ongoing digitalisation of veterans' services. That is a huge commitment that will bring us into the 21st century and improve the service that is provided to veterans who are seeking compensation.
Session: Veterans
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According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research, mortgage increases are expected to cost UK households £9 billion this year and next. How do the Government defend that?
Context
The Centre for Economics and Business Research estimates that mortgage increases are expected to cost UK households £9 billion this year and next, raising concerns about the economic burden on homeowners.
Bim Afolami
The reason for this situation is a global phenomenon and we are doing what we can. We are working closely with the Bank of England, and due to our policies, interest rates will come down over time.
Session: Mortgage Support
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What recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of changes in mortgage interest rates over the course of this Parliament on household incomes?
Context
The question arises from concerns about the rising cost of living and its impact on UK households due to increasing mortgage rates.
Bim Afolami
The path to lower mortgage rates is through lower inflation, which is why halving inflation was made one of our five priorities for this year. The latest Bank of England forecast shows that we are on track for that. In June, lenders representing more than 90% of the mortgage market agreed to a new mortgage charter, which includes new flexibilities to help customers manage their repayments.
Session: Mortgage Support
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When does the Minister anticipate that it might be possible to deliver at least half of all education, health and care plans for SEND children within the Government's own legal timeframe?
Context
There are concerns about the delivery timeline of education, health and care plans for children with special educational needs.
David Johnston
We are undertaking a significant programme of reform to ensure not only that EHCPs are delivered in the right timeframe but that children get the support they need at an earlier stage without needing one.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for that answer, but given the decline in level 2 and 3 apprenticeship starts, might it be an idea to consider the views of leading industry experts who are calling for the ringfencing of apprenticeships for 16 to 18-year-olds?
Context
There is a decline in level 2 and 3 apprenticeship starts.
Robert Halfon
I say to the hon. Gentleman, whom I respect enormously, that 70% of apprentices are at level 2 or 3. I hoped that he would be getting up to celebrate the 10,130 apprenticeship starts in Birmingham, Selly Oak since May 2010.
Session: Apprenticeship Starts 2022-23
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What assessment has been made of the adequacy of the number of apprenticeship starts in the 2022-23 academic year?
Context
The number of apprenticeship starts is a key indicator for vocational training and workforce development.
Robert Halfon
There were more than 335,000 starts in the 2022-23 academic year and more people undertaking high-level apprenticeships, with starts at level 4 and above increasing by 7%. Those are provisional figures; further figures will be set out in November. We are increasing investment in apprenticeships to £2.7 billion by 2024-25.
Session: Apprenticeship Starts 2022-23
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We heard a little about retail crime earlier and it is a real issue in Birmingham, where a number of ugly, violent assaults on staff have taken place at Co-op stores in my constituency. I was pleased to hear the Minister's earlier response. However, with less than 4% of about 8 million crimes actually recorded by the police, when can we expect to see the tougher measures he hinted at earlier?
Context
A number of violent assaults have occurred at Co-op stores in Steve McCabe's constituency, leading to concerns about retail crime. The question follows an earlier discussion where the Minister hinted at tougher measures.
Chris Philp
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. I met representatives of the Co-op just a week or two ago and his chief constable, Amanda Blakeman, who leads on this for the National Police Chiefs' Council. At my request, the police are working up a plan to make sure that they always look into the CCTV footage to try to get a facial recognition match, in order to arrest and prosecute shoplifters, and that they patrol a lot more regularly in areas where shoplifting is a problem.
Session: Topical Questions
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Will the discussions with the Scottish Government also include the problems with national grid transmission, which means National Grid is paying to turn off wind turbines because it cannot afford to get the electricity they generate to the south of the country?
Context
The MP raises concerns about national grid transmission problems leading to wind turbines being shut off due to the inability to transport generated electricity to southern parts of the UK.
Alister Jack
By law, transmission network charging is a matter for Ofgem, which is an independent regulator. It has recently produced a report on charging reforms, and the Government are looking at that report.
Session: Support for the Energy Industry
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The charity Scope reports that a disabled household is £900 a month poorer than a non-disabled household, because of essentials such as specialist medical equipment, aids, adaptations, diet and heating. Does that not make the one-off £150 payment look pretty miserly?
Context
Charity Scope reports that a disabled household is £900 a month poorer than a non-disabled household.
Tom Pursglove
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise the challenges that disabled people face with the cost of living, but it is important to recognise that many disabled people receive various aspects of the wider package of support.
Session: Topical Questions
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I have written to the Minister about a family still trapped in Afghanistan whose case was being processed by the MOD but this affects our military's standing. Does the Minister recognise that the shambles over treating Afghan refugees is damaging the reputation of our military?
Context
A family trapped in Afghanistan is still waiting for their case to be processed, affecting the reputation of UK armed forces.
James Heappey
The ARAP scheme is being honoured and continues as a major line of effort by the MOD, processing hundreds of thousands of applications aimed at those who served alongside UK forces. The MOD is putting significant effort into delivering the evacuation of those who served with UK forces.
Session: Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy
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What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of the timescales for processing applications to the Afghan relocations and assistance policy scheme?
Context
The adequacy of the timescales for processing applications to the Afghan relocations and assistance policy scheme is being assessed.
James Heappey
The Ministry of Defence continues to process ARAP applications at pace, thanks to the recruitment of more caseworkers and improved systems and processes. In the first four months of 2023 we issued more than 12,200 eligibility decisions. We aim to process all outstanding initial applications by August 2023.
Session: Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy
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Why is the Minister proposing to essentially collapse the work capability assessment into the PIP process? This will cause considerable distress for those with fluctuating health conditions or recovering from treatment. Why not adopt Labour's policy of changing WCA rules to offer an “into work guarantee” for those without work requirements?
Context
The Minister's proposal to collapse the work capability assessment into PIP could lead up to 1 million people to lose out on £350 a month, causing distress and not supporting them in getting back to work.
Tom Pursglove
The Government believes scrapping the WCA is right; it responds to feedback showing strong support for this change. People will be transitionally protected, with those currently not claiming PIP potentially entitled to it.
Session: Personal Independence Payments Application Process
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The latest Government data, released last Thursday, reports a 4.1% drop in apprenticeship starts compared with the 2021-22 academic year. I have a great deal of respect for the Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, but is he sure he was right to claim in an earlier answer that apprenticeship starts rose this year?
Context
A recent public consultation reporting a 4.1% drop in apprenticeship starts compared with the previous academic year.
Robert Halfon
I am very happy to write to the hon. Gentleman to explain that, over the past year—2021-22—we increased apprenticeship starts by 8.6%, as I mentioned earlier.
Session: Topical Questions
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The number of apprenticeship starts has dropped significantly this year, and around £600 million of the levy was returned to the Treasury in the last year. Given the skills shortages affecting our economy, would it not make sense to let businesses in my constituency and elsewhere utilise at least some of that returned money for relevant non-apprenticeship training designed to alleviate the skills gap?
Context
The MP notes a significant drop in apprenticeship starts and the return of £600 million to the Treasury, questioning if businesses could utilise some of this money for non-apprenticeship training.
Robert Halfon
The hon. Gentleman cares passionately about these things. Apprenticeship starts increased by 8.6% in the past year. I am happy to send him the figures. For higher apprentices, that increased by 11%. The £600 million that he talked about—or £750 million, as quoted by the newspapers over the weekend—is money from the overall United Kingdom apprenticeship levy that was sent to the devolved authorities for them to spend on skills as they see fit.
Session: Degree Apprenticeships
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Does the Secretary of State regard that as an acceptable figure, and if not, how and when is he going to tackle it?
Context
The question is based on the latest figures revealing that there are 788,000 young people not in employment, education or training.
Mel Stride (Financial Secretary to the Treasury)
Even one person in the circumstances that the hon. Gentleman refers to is one too many. We are going to come forward very shortly with further measures on how we address those particular people, and at the time of the Budget on 15 March—which is very close now—the hon. Gentleman will probably learn more.
Session: Economic Inactivity Working-age People
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I commiserate with the hon. Member for Gillingham and Rainham (Rehman Chishti) and the people of Gillingham and Rainham for feeling let down. The Tory Mayor of the West Midlands went further. He said, after the disappointing results for his area—including Druids Heath in my constituency, one of the most deprived parts of the country—that it was time to end this “begging bowl culture”. Does the Minister agree?
Context
The question arises from a Tory Mayor's statement regarding the 'begging bowl culture' after local bids were not successful in securing funds. The speaker references Druids Heath, one of the most deprived areas in the country, which was affected by these decisions.
Dehenna Davison
I am sure the hon. Member will be very, very pleased to read the funding simplification plan we will be publishing in due course.
Session: Levelling-up and Town Centre Funding Gillingham and Rainham
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I am grateful to the Secretary of State for that answer. He will be aware that when the former Prime Minister made his statement on the AUKUS deal back in September 2021, he promised hundreds of highly skilled jobs in Scotland, England and Midlands. When does the Secretary of State think these jobs will be created?
Context
The MP seeks specific locations and timing of job creation under AUKUS deal.
Ben Wallace
We said at the time that there would be an 18-month study programme where we work out both design and work share for this submarine. We are waiting for Australia's decision on AUKUS. I am confident that all statements made about job creation in Barrow-in-Furness will turn out to be true.
Session: AUKUS Submarines
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Whether he is taking steps to ensure that AUKUS submarines are built in the UK. I am concerned about ensuring that the AUKUS deal leads to highly skilled jobs in Scotland, England, and Midlands as promised.
Context
The MP raises concerns about the impact of AUKUS deal on UK job creation and seeks specific information.
Ben Wallace
We said there would be an 18-month study programme. We are waiting for the Australian Government's decision on AUKUS. I am confident that all statements made about job creation in Barrow-in-Furness will turn out to be true. The number of jobs in Barrow is increasing from 10,000 to 17,000 to fulfill both the Dreadnought programme and Britain's attack submarines.
Session: AUKUS Submarines
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The Institute for Fiscal Studies reports that the real value of maintenance loans is the lowest for seven years. Rents, which account for 45% of bills, are rising; food costs are rising; one in 10 students are using a food bank; and 80% say they cannot make ends meet. Why does the Minister not make his Christmas present a proper increase in the level of maintenance loans? Because it is a loan, he would not even have to pay for it.
Context
The real value of student maintenance loans is at a seven-year low, with increasing rents and food costs. One in ten students are using food banks and eighty percent cannot make ends meet.
John Glen
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. I have a lot of respect for him and I recognise the issue that he refers to. Of course, many higher education providers have hardship funds that students can apply to, and there is £261 million—a quarter of a billion pounds—of student premium funding available this year to support disadvantaged students. On the specific issue of the uprating, of course there needs to be a delay to operationalise those additional sums. That is at the core of the issue. However, as I said, the Department for Education will report on the matter in due course.
Session: Inflation Student Maintenance Loan Increases
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Whether he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Education on the potential merits of increasing student maintenance loans in line with actual rather than forecast levels of inflation.
Context
The real value of student maintenance loans is at a seven-year low, with increasing rents and food costs. One in ten students are using food banks and eighty percent cannot make ends meet.
John Glen
Treasury Ministers meet regularly with Ministers at the Department for Education to discuss matters of shared interest, including student finance. The Government are considering options for changes to loans and grants for 023-24, and an announcement will follow in due course.
Session: Inflation Student Maintenance Loan Increases
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Will the Minister admit that, if the Government do not increase the guarantee credit component of pension credit in line with inflation this year, they are effectively cutting the incomes of our poorest pensioners when they need help most?
Context
The government has not committed to increasing the pension credit guarantee component in line with inflation, affecting poor pensioners.
Kwasi Kwarteng
We are absolutely committed to fairness and to helping the most vulnerable in our society—we are always committed to that—and I will not prejudge or anticipate measures in the medium-term fiscal plan this afternoon.
Session: Topical Questions
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What assessment has been made of current UK-Solomon Islands bilateral relations, and what steps are being taken to counteract Chinese influence in the Pacific?
Context
US coastguard cutter Oliver Henry aborted its visit to Solomon Islands following a similar incident by HMS Spey. This has raised questions about UK-Solomon Islands relations.
Amanda Milling
The Solomon Islands Government is reviewing protocols for receiving naval vessels. We hope this review will lead to a smooth approval process. Last month, I attended the Pacific Islands Forum in Vanuatu, showcasing UK's support and partnership with countries like the Solomon Islands.
Session: Topical Questions
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I am concerned about the Magnitsky legislation which aims to address human rights violations and serious offences. Despite these goals, it has not been used against any Iranian prison governor or senior regime member despite ongoing abuses in Iran. When will this be remedied?
Context
Since the last oral questions session, there have been ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, and Pakistan faced devastating floods. The UK provided support to both nations.
Amanda Milling
I cannot speculate about future sanction designations but confirm that we maintain a range of sanctions to constrain the destabilising activity of the IRGC.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can she update us on how those checks have proceeded and how many people identified as fraudulent?
Context
Concerns were raised about the need for additional checks before the implementation of the UK family visa scheme.
Priti Patel
Checks are legitimate due to regional instability and national security concerns. The record is clear in terms of numbers, with people refused on legitimate grounds involving national security without disclosing specific figures.
Session: War in Ukraine
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Annual report shows 103k more women affected by short-changed pensions. How long will they wait for legal entitlement? Will there be further upward revisions?
Context
Department annual report revealed an additional 103,000 women affected by short-changed pensions. This contradicts recent rosy impressions given to the Select Committee.
Guy Opperman
Over 500 people currently working on the issue, rising to over 1300 soon; aiming for resolution in near future.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does the Minister really think we should describe that as a success? Would not most people be asking what went wrong?
Context
The Kickstart scheme was expected to generate 600,000 placements but only achieved around 235,000, with some unfilled positions at closure.
Mims Davies
I will happily write to the hon. Gentleman with correct numbers. Over 162,600 young people started new roles through Kickstart; employers found that recruiting young people transformed their business and recruitment practices.
Session: Kickstart Scheme Closure
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The Chancellor called the reduction in fuel duty in the spring statement 'a tax cut…for hard-working families.' Why are those families paying more for a litre of petrol today than they were then?
Context
The Chancellor announced a reduction in fuel duty, but families still pay more for petrol today.
Rishi Sunak
Sadly, nothing we can do from this Dispatch Box can change global oil prices, but we can reduce the taxes that we are responsible for. That tax cut, together with the freeze, is worth, this year, about £100 for a typical family driver, £200 or more for a van driver, and almost £1,500 for an HGV driver.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for her answer but a constituent contacted me complaining that she was informed by her GP surgery that such services were no longer available on the NHS. Despite recent studies linking impacted cerumen with cognitive decline and dementia, will the Minister consider writing to clinical commissioning groups to remind them of their obligations and patient entitlements?
Context
A constituent was told by her GP surgery that ear wax removal services are no longer available on the NHS, despite recent studies linking impacted cerumen with cognitive decline and dementia.
Maria Caulfield
There has been no national removal of ear wax services, but they can still be commissioned locally. NICE guidance is clear on types of services that should be commissioned, including electronic irrigation and microsuction. If a local CCG is not offering such services, I am happy to meet with the MP to discuss why.
Session: NHS Ear Irrigation and Microsuction
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What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of access to NHS ear irrigation and microsuction treatments? A constituent was told by her GP surgery that such services are no longer available on the NHS and should be obtained privately, despite recent studies linking impacted cerumen with cognitive decline and dementia.
Context
A constituent complained about lack of access to ear wax removal services, despite recent studies linking impacted cerumen with cognitive decline and dementia.
Maria Caulfield
Ear wax services are the responsibility of local commissioners, who must meet local healthcare needs. Services should be undertaken either at primary care practices or through referrals to appropriate NHS services. There has been no national removal of ear wax services; traditional methods like manual syringing are not offered for safety reasons, but electronic irrigation and microsuction should still be commissioned.
Session: NHS Ear Irrigation and Microsuction
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If the extent of rising energy costs had been known in the autumn, would the national insurance increase still have been advocated?
Context
The Chancellor proposed a national insurance increase last autumn, but energy costs and other household bills have since risen sharply.
Rishi Sunak
The Government reacted to rising energy bills with a £9 billion support package, providing £150 to four out of five households in April when the price cap increases. The price cap will protect further rises until autumn.
Session: Cost of Living Increase Impact on Households
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What fiscal steps will the government take to help reduce the impact on households due to inflation and increasing costs?
Context
Inflation is rising, impacting households' ability to afford basic necessities.
Rishi Sunak
The Government recognise rising inflation and are closely monitoring it with the Bank of England. Policies include freezing duties, cutting tax rates in universal credit, increasing the national living wage, and a £9 billion package to help households with energy bills.
Session: Cost of Living Increase Impact on Households
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When a similar problem occurred in Sydney with the same type of trams built by CAF, the trams were off the tracks for 18 months. With the Commonwealth games due to start on July 28 next year, the west midlands needs full and efficient public transport service. Will the Minister monitor this issue closely and offer assistance to prevent adverse effects on the games?
Context
A similar problem in Sydney with the same type of trams resulted in an 18-month suspension. The Commonwealth games are scheduled to begin on July 28, 2023.
Chris Heaton-Harris
We have been monitoring the situation since Midland Metro Ltd first informed us in June. MML reopened a reduced service yesterday after reviewing the condition of its trams. We will continue to engage with them and ensure people can attend the Commonwealth games.
Session: Tram Service Suspensions West Midlands
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Human-specific Medical Research Techniques
04 July 2023
Responding: Paul Scully
Main Concerns
['Mr. McCabe is concerned about the high failure rate of drugs that show promise in animal tests, with over 92% failing to translate into safe and effective medicines for humans. He highlights the use of new approach methodologies based on human biology, such as organ-on-a-chip methods and advanced use of human cells and tissues, which are increasingly relied upon by researchers. Mr. McCabe also mentions several projects in universities and hospitals that utilise these techniques, including cancer research at Queen Mary University of London and heart disease studies using stem cell models at the University of Nottingham.']
Specific Asks
['Mr. McCabe calls for a human-specific technologies Act to provide a new legislative framework similar to the Climate Change Act 2008. He requests that responsibility for new approach methodologies and ending animal testing be transferred from the Home Office to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Mr. McCabe also suggests establishing an expert advisory committee to keep up with scientific advancements and setting realistic milestones for transitioning to human-specific research.']
Free Bus Travel: Care Leavers
07 December 2022
Main Concerns
['There are about 80,000 children in the care system across England and Wales, with approximately 10,000 attempting to exit the system each year. Care leavers face numerous challenges including lower educational qualifications, mental health difficulties, and financial vulnerability. The cost of living crisis exacerbates these issues, making travel a necessity rather than a luxury for care-experienced young people who are dependent on buses for essential activities such as attending work interviews and staying connected with family.']
Specific Asks
["I ask the Minister to consider extending free bus travel to care leavers aged 18 to 25 in England, inspired by the Barnardo's report 'Transport for Freedom'. I would like him to agree to meet me and representatives of Barnardo's to discuss potential schemes."]
Supported Accommodation: HMOs
11 November 2020
Responding: Kelly Tolhurst
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the conversion of family homes into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) under permitted development rules, which has led to a decrease in housing for young families and an increase in unregulated hostels. Research indicates that thousands live in potentially unsafe and unsuitable conditions, with issues like noise, drug use, and antisocial behaviour affecting local residents. In one case, a pregnant woman was placed in a property needing repairs and faced threats from staff when she complained.']
Specific Asks
['I urge the Government to reconsider their proposals for reforming planning laws that allow additional storeys on dwellings, as it will exacerbate the problem of destroying family homes. I call for better regulations, clearer definitions of adequate support in supported accommodation, increased transparency about providers, and regular monitoring with fit and proper person checks for owners.']
Hatzola Ambulance Attack
23 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Christmas Adjournment 2025-12-18
18 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Conservative MP for Harrow East highlighted improvements in local governance, including increased spending on roads and highways, introduction of free parking, and efforts to combat fly-tipping. H...
Business of the House 2025-12-04
04 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Expressed sorrow at Sir John Stanley's death, congratulated Joe Root on his test century, criticised the Government for not supporting economic growth with their Budget and for the Prime Minister misu...
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 2025-11-24
24 November 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The clause would introduce the new Schedule in NS1, which transfers to mayors of mayoral strategic authorities the power to approve a local highway authority to charge undertakers who are executing wo...
Crime and Policing Bill 2025-06-18
18 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves that the clause be read a Second time. The new clauses aim to criminalise commercial sexual exploitation, including enabling or profiting from prostitution and paying for sex acts either directl...
Business of the House 2025-01-09
09 January 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Government's first six months in office have been catastrophic, with damaging effects on the economy. The National Institute of Economic and Social Research warns that the UK economy did not grow ...
Port Talbot Transition Project
11 September 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Education and Opportunity
24 July 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Phillipson opened the debate by welcoming her new counterpart, expressing appreciation for education workers, announcing a review of post-16 qualification reform, emphasising Labour's commitment to tr...
Clean Energy Superpower Mission
18 July 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
War Graves Week
14 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission does extraordinary work keeping alive the memories of over 1.7 million men and women who gave their life in both world wars, tending to graves, memorials and sit...
4
PMQs Asked
73
Ministerial Questions Asked
145
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
22
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
+9% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+445% above average
This MP:
73
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+2884% above average
This MP:
145
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+133% above average
This MP:
22
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-100% below average
This MP:
0.0
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 Steve McCabe's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.