Susan Murray
MP for Mid Dunbartonshire
Lib Dem
4 Jul 2024 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
I wish the Prime Minister well in what he does next. The future of communities like mine in Mid Dunbartonshire is uncertain in areas where hyperscale data centres are set to be built. The large data centres in Scotland's planning system could demand more power than the whole of Scotland needs at its winter peak. Can the Prime Minister assure my constituents that they will not find themselves fighting for electricity during the cold winter days?
Context
Communities like Mid Dunbartonshire are facing uncertainty regarding the impact of large data centres on their energy supply.
Keir Starmer
It is very important that we have all the resources we need to provide the energy we need, and to bring the price of energy down, and that is what we are doing.
Assessment
The MP asked for specific assurance regarding avoiding energy shortages due to large data centres but received a general statement about ensuring energy resources without addressing the specific ask.
Changing Subject
Session: PMQs 2026-07-15
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Does the Prime Minister believe it is fair that a business owner contributes more to the Exchequer than she earns in a year? Does he think this encourages entrepreneurship?
Context
The MP is concerned about high financial burdens on small businesses.
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
We have protected business rates bills from inflation, extended relief at 40%, introduced lower rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure, and are providing £3 billion for small business loans. We are also addressing late payments issues.
Assessment
Specific fairness of current tax contributions
Redirect
Session: PMQs
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Some 54% of Scots now back nuclear power, and the SNP tells them that they cannot have it. In May, over half of Scots—57%—voted for parties committed to the Union. Now, I know that some parties might describe that as nearly 60%, but it is definitely a majority. However, the SNP's answer, as we are hearing, appears to be another referendum. There is a pattern whereby a majority of Scots disagree with the SNP, and the SNP decides the majority is wrong. Will the Secretary of State back the single transferable vote so that Scots get what Scots vote for?
Context
Recent polls show support for nuclear power and unionism among Scottish voters. The SNP's response to these preferences has been controversial.
Douglas Alexander (Secretary of State for Scotland)
This is now almost a matter of ancient history, but in the forgotten referendum that took place under the last Labour Government, I was proud to campaign alongside the hon. Member's party's former leader Charles Kennedy in favour of the alternative vote. In that sense, I think there are ways that we can improve the working of our democracy within the United Kingdom, without leaving and separating ourselves from the United Kingdom.
Session: Independence Referendum 2026-07-15
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I have repeatedly asked the Government to publish their assessment of Scotland's nuclear potential. Perhaps you can help me now. What does she regard as the greatest benefit of the Wylfa site in Wales? Does she believe that Scotland would be able to share in the same benefits?
Context
The MP seeks clarity on the benefits of the Wylfa nuclear power station for Wales.
Anna McMorrin
There are huge benefits right across Wales. Wylfa is expected to support 3,000 jobs across north Wales. This is a generational commitment to clean energy.
Session: Job Creation
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The Government have pledged major investment in Scotland, which I welcome, but too many Scottish high streets are still being hollowed out by Labour's job tax hikes while illegal vape shops, mini-marts and barbers thrive. Following yesterday's announcement for England, does the Secretary of State have any plans to hold discussions with the Scottish Government about increasing steps to tackle this issue and bring life back into our town centres?
Context
The Government has pledged investment in Scotland but concerns remain about the impact of job taxes and the need for steps to revitalize town centres.
Douglas Alexander
In relation to the Pride in Place policies that we have set out, we are directly targeting support that can be provided to high streets across Scotland. The hon. Lady will be aware that within the devolution settlement, local taxation in relation to high streets rests appropriately with the Scottish Government. I wrote to the First Minister offering to meet him immediately on his appointment, but it is a matter of regret that he has not taken up that opportunity.
Session: Economic Growth
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The SNP is willing to support the Chinese economy by buying buses from China that raise serious security concerns, but when it comes to supporting defence jobs at the British-owned Rolls-Royce site in Glasgow, it pulled the funding. Does the Secretary of State agree with me that the SNP is failing Scotland both on jobs and on security?
Douglas Alexander
The hon. Lady’s question tells us everything we need to know about the base politics of the SNP, which suggest that those who are pro national security are somehow anti-Scottish. That helps to explain why the SNP Government were not willing to fund the welding centre on the Clyde, which would have delivered hundreds of apprenticeships and secure jobs for decades to come. It explains why they were are weak on our own defence, supporting unilateral nuclear disarmament notwithstanding the arrival of Vladimir Putin’s ambitions on the international stage. If Scotland wants to benefit from being part of a strong and secure United Kingdom, I hope that we will decisively reject the SNP on 7 May.
Session: Economic Growth
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Can the Minister explain how much it would have cost to provide support to dependants? Can he tell me how many people have been left without support as a result of this decision?
Context
On 23 February, the Cabinet Office confirmed that hardship loans would not be available to dependants or surviving spouses of civil service pension scheme members, leaving one of the MP's constituents without support.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
The Minister is willing to look into the worrying case and clarify that the Cabinet Office has already withheld moneys from Capita for not meeting milestones, and their contractual rights are reserved.
Session: Civil Service Pensions Recovery Plan
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What estimate has the government made of the cost of the civil service pensions recovery plan?
Context
The recovery plan for civil service pensions has raised concerns about the financial impact on pension scheme members and their dependants.
Nick Thomas-Symonds
The Government have ensured that hardship loans are in place and are monitoring Capita, holding it to account on the recovery plan. The priority is to stabilise the service, and there will be a commercial discussion on cost.
Session: Civil Service Pensions Recovery Plan
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Given that senior Scottish Labour politicians have no faith in this government, can you outline major policy differences?
Context
Reference to recent difficulties for Scottish Labour, questioning policy differences between the two.
Douglas Alexander
I associate myself with colleagues' remarks about Jeane Freeman. The SNP's failure to build ferries, declining education standards, and inability to address waiting times are significant issues. We have had difficult decades under the SNP, avoiding a third decade of their failures.
Session: Relations with Scottish Government
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I welcome the Government’s U-turn on digital identity cards, but they must go further. We are now looking at a largely redundant system that is expected to cost nearly £2 billion. Will the Minister explain why this is the best use of public money and whether he agrees that the resources would be better directed to tackling organised crime rather than building a system that primarily monitors compliant citizens?
Context
The government recently reversed its stance on digital identity cards and is now investing in a new digital ID system. The cost of the new system is expected to be nearly £2 billion.
Josh Simons (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)
We are building a digital ID system because it is the infrastructure that we need for the foundation of the British state and better public services in years to come. I am proud that we as a Government are investing the time and resources to improve government and make it work better for people so that it is easier to access public services.
Session: Digital Identity Scheme
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Susan Murray congratulated the Government on the successful allocation of green energy and asked what discussions the Secretary of State had with his Cabinet colleagues to ensure that the benefits from this initiative would be passed on to the Scottish people through skilled jobs, grid upgrades, and protection of offshore infrastructure.
Context
The seventh round of green energy in contracts for difference saw nearly 20% allocated to Scotland, with Liberal Democrats credited for the system. The question is about discussions between Cabinet colleagues to ensure benefits are passed on to Scottish people.
The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Douglas Alexander)
Mr Alexander discussed these issues in the Cabinet and reaffirmed the government's commitment to building clean home-grown power, emphasizing that their choice is not about whether to build but what to build. The focus is on renewables due to their lower costs compared to gas.
Session: Economic Growth
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An individual recruited by the Russian Government recently carried out an arson attack on British soil. That followed the Yantar’s aggressive action against the RAF in the North sea. Does the Minister agree that to defend against the growing Russian threat, we need to co-ordinate with our European allies, not just on aiding Ukraine, but on domestic security measures, be they on land, at sea or in our digital spaces?
Context
Recent events include an arson attack on British soil by a Russian recruit and the Yantar's aggressive actions against the RAF in the North Sea. The issue is the need for coordinated security measures with European allies.
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Al Carns)
The hon. Member makes an exceptionally valid point. Just last Thursday, we launched the Military Intelligence Services that are primarily about co-ordinating all of our intelligence capabilities to ensure that we can identify, deter and defeat threats should they be posed towards the UK, our critical national infrastructure or any of our sensitive sites. It is worth noting that engagement between the Military Intelligence Services, our defence intelligence and all our other agencies goes hand in glove with our like-minded European allies fighting for democracy and freedom all over the world.
Session: NATO European Security
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The Russian spy ship Yantar has been probing our infrastructure in the North sea. While doing so, its crew used high-powered lasers against an RAF plane monitoring their activity, threatening the lives of our pilots. What steps are the Government taking to secure our critical strategic infrastructure in the North sea and to ensure clear and serious consequences for Russia when it carries out aggressive and dangerous military activity off our coasts?
Context
The Russian spy ship Yantar has been probing UK infrastructure in the North Sea, using high-powered lasers against an RAF plane monitoring its activity. This poses a threat to pilots' lives.
Dan Jarvis (The Minister of State, Cabinet Office)
The hon. Lady and the House will understand that I am limited in what I can say in my response, but I can assure her that Russia is a top national security priority for the Government, and UK law enforcement has recently secured a range of convictions in this area. I will have more to say about this later today.
Session: National Resilience
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After 18 years of an SNP Government in Scotland, the education system is failing and qualified Scottish pupils are being turned away from Scottish universities. Meanwhile, the private sector in the west of Scotland, such as at the energy technical academy in my constituency, is upskilling workers, who are paying so that they can install electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps. Will the Secretary of State explain to the Scottish Government that educating young people and further education training are good for Scotland?
Context
The Scottish education system, particularly the further education sector, is failing to meet the needs of young people and businesses in Scotland. In Susan Murray's constituency, the energy technical academy is investing in private upskilling initiatives.
The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Douglas Alexander)
I sincerely hope the Scottish Government are listening to the very powerful points made by the hon. Lady. Some 89,600 young people in Scotland are not in work, education or training. That is equivalent to about 16.1% or one in six of our young people in Scotland. Scotland deserves better than a Scottish Government who are failing one in six of their young people.
Session: Skills, Development and Training Forth Valley
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Across Scotland and the UK, towns that once powered our economy have been left behind, as coalmines, steelworks, dockyards and, as we are now hearing, refineries and chemical plants are closing down, taking generations of skilled workers with them. We now have a chance to revive those communities by rebuilding British manufacturing to supply the components for our green transition, as well as for the wider net zero economy. As the Government prepare to conclude their consultation on the future of the North sea, do the Government plan to invest in the factories of Britain and in upskilling our workforce to be the innovative and sustainable local supply chain that the North sea and our net zero economy need?
Context
Susan Murray highlighted towns across Scotland and the UK that have been economically affected by the closure of coalmines, steelworks, dockyards, refineries, and chemical plants. She stressed the opportunity to revitalise these communities through a green transition in manufacturing.
The Minister for Energy (Michael Shanks)
Yes. The hon. Lady touches on a number of points. The transition means building on the industrial strategy that we outlined as a Government, because are not agnostic about industrial policy—we care that things are built in this country again. That is why there is a £1 billion supply chain fund to ensure that we get the economic advantage of the clean power transition, as well as energy security. There is a broader question around building up the skills to ensure that there is a future workforce that can take advantage of that.
Session: Renewable Energy Sources Funding
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Just over a week ago, nearly 1,000 peaceful protesters... were arrested in a single day for opposing the ban on Palestine Action, yet over the weekend, at the Unite the Kingdom protest, 26 police officers were injured and 25 arrests were made. Does the Home Secretary agree with my constituents in Dunbartonshire that this raises serious questions about proportionality?
Context
The MP raises concerns about the proportionality of police actions against peaceful protesters.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Shabana Mahmood)
This weekend, well over 100,000 protesters marched in London. Many were exercising the ancient right to peaceful protest, but not everyone did... Those violent thugs will face the full force of the law.
Session: Topical Questions
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I, too, welcome the right hon. Member to her place. Her predecessor, the right hon. Member for Hove and Portslade (Peter Kyle), warned that losing control of artificial general intelligence would be catastrophic, yet he failed to deliver legislation to protect the public. Will the new Secretary of State deliver on an artificial intelligence Bill, and ensure that the British people benefit from the advantages of AI, without becoming its victims?
Context
The question follows a previous statement by Liz Kendall about strengthening laws against dangerous self-harm material online. It references her predecessor's warning about the risks of unregulated AI.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)
I want to ensure that people, businesses and creatives throughout the country can benefit from the huge opportunities that technological developments in AI promise, and that people are protected, too. It is early days in this job, and I am listening carefully to all those involved, but wherever action is required, I will take it.
Session: Topical Questions
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In my constituency and across Scotland, small and medium-sized businesses have taken blow after blow. The Conservatives bungled Brexit, increasing import costs, and energy costs are soaring. Most recently, the hike in national insurance contributions is decimating job opportunities in small and medium-sized businesses. What are the Government doing to support SMEs, which are at the heart of our economic growth, and to get people off benefits and back into work?
Context
Over the past five years, SMEs have faced challenges due to poor Brexit negotiations, increasing global uncertainty, and rising national insurance contributions. These factors have significantly impacted small businesses in Scotland.
Gareth Thomas (Minister for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
In a recent survey almost three quarters of SME businesses were confident about the future. We are increasing access to finance for SMEs through the significant expansion in the capacity of the British Business Bank.
Session: SME Operating Costs
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Following the Pensions Minister’s response to me about pensioner living standards, what specific measures announced in the Government’s pensions reforms will support pre-1997 defined benefit pensioners, who currently receive a minimal or no annual uplift?
Context
The MP asks about specific measures to support pre-1997 defined benefit pensioners.
Torsten Bell
The hon. Lady is right to highlight the question of pensioners’ living standards, and we are taking action right the way across the board to deal with that. She will have seen the increases in the state pension in April. We have seen nearly 60,000 extra awards for pension credit over the course of the year since last July, compared with the year previously. On her question about pre-1997 indexation, this issue was recently discussed at the Work and Pensions Committee, and we have set out our response to that Committee’s report.
Session: Topical Questions
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I thank the Minister for his answer. As has been mentioned, we have recently seen attacks against private institutions, with groups such as Marks & Spencer being targeted. I would be very interested to learn about the approach that has been taken by the statutory organisations and those in the military sphere, but I would like to know what efforts have been made to protect private businesses from cyber-attacks and to ensure that my constituents in Mid Dunbartonshire and people across the UK have access to their daily essentials.
Context
Recent attacks on private institutions have highlighted the need for national resilience in dealing with cyber-attacks.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Pat McFadden)
The hon. Member is absolutely right. The National Cyber Security Centre offers advice, guidance and tools such as Cyber Essentials to businesses to help them prepare as best they can for attacks. Unfortunately, organised crime carries out some of these attacks, and the extortion of money is often at their root. It is really important that Government, business and individuals prepare as best we can to act against the bad actors who are trying to explore cyber-vulnerabilities and often, as I said, extort money.
Session: Cyber-security
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In my constituency of Mid Dunbartonshire, the community justice team are having some success in preventing reoffending by working with offenders in a trauma-informed way. Given the success of that trauma-informed approach to rehabilitation, what discussions has the Minister had regarding the differing approaches that are taken to offender rehabilitation across the UK?
Context
Community justice team in Mid Dunbartonshire is having success with a trauma-informed approach.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Sir Nicholas Dakin)
The hon. Member is right to highlight the good work going on in her constituency. As I said, I saw trauma-informed activity in operation at HMP Humber. It is something we need to learn from across the prison estate.
Session: Prisons Rehabilitation
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What discussions have the Government had regarding the International Court of Justice’s 2024 judgment on Israel and Palestine?
Context
Discussions about the International Court of Justice’s 2024 judgment on Israel and Palestine.
Shabana Mahmood
The hon. Lady will know that that is a matter primarily for the Foreign Secretary. We keep under review all judgments of all courts, domestic and international, and adopt our policy position accordingly. I will ensure that her concerns, if there are any, are raised directly with the Foreign Secretary.
Session: Topical Questions
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In my constituency there is an ageing population in need of local healthcare services. Will the Secretary of State meet his Scottish counterpart to discuss the need for increased access to community healthcare, and specifically the need for a new health and care centre within my constituency?
Context
The constituency of Mid Dunbartonshire has an ageing population with a need for local healthcare services. The Scottish counterpart's view on increased access to such services is sought.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
Only last week I met with my counterparts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to talk about how we can work together to improve health and care throughout the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. She will know that health is devolved, but thanks to the decisions taken by this Labour Government, the Scottish Government have just been delivered the biggest financial settlement since devolution began.
Session: Shifting Care into the Community
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In my constituency, many elderly and disabled people face very high energy bills due to essential medical equipment and heating needs. What support are the Government providing to ensure that these households are protected from the high cost of electricity?
Context
Elderly and disabled people face very high energy bills due to essential medical equipment and heating needs. The question asks about Government support for these households.
Miatta Fahnbulleh
We know that consumers are under pressure with energy bills. That is why last winter, £1 billion of support was provided to help vulnerable customers through our warm home discount and through industry. That is why we are extending the warm home discount from 3 million households to 6 million households and doing ongoing work to ensure we are supporting the most vulnerable households with bills.
Session: Topical Questions
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Many schools in my constituency of Mid Dunbartonshire use mobile phones as an educational tool, yet along with this learning opportunity comes easy access to sites posting horrendous content. I would like to know how the Government plan to tackle small, foreign-based websites exposing people to graphic content. What steps is the Department taking to ensure that smaller platforms are adequately regulated to protect children from online harms?
Context
Schools in Mid Dunbartonshire use mobile phones as educational tools, but this also exposes students to harmful content on foreign-based websites. The Online Safety Act 2023 came into effect last week.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)
I am grateful to the hon. Member for her question and the manner in which she expressed it, which recognised the complexity of smartphone use—the benefits as well as the potential harmful aspects. I can assure her that, as of last week, the power to demand that illegal content be taken down has come into force. I accept that there is still illegal content online, but I am closely watching the way that Ofcom responds. I think that, in the coming days and weeks, she will see action showing how assertive it intends to be, and I expect it to be, in doing so. It also has a taskforce looking at the small but risky sites she mentions. I will be looking at this very closely and supporting Ofcom in relation to its requirement to act in those circumstances.
Session: Smaller Platforms Regulation
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of changes to employer national insurance contributions on businesses in Scotland? A constituent has told me about one of their clients, which is a care home owner that is facing an increase in operating costs of £70,000 a year as a result of the national insurance contributions increase. Most of the business’s caring staff work part time, which suits their family circumstances. However, for each part-time member of staff, the business must pay an additional £615 a year as a result of the change to the national insurance contributions threshold in the Government's October Budget.
Context
The question arises from concerns about the impact of increased national insurance contributions on small businesses, particularly in the care sector. A constituent's client, a care home owner, faces an annual increase of £70,000 due to these changes.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)
I am sure that the hon. Member, and Members across the House, will join me in paying tribute to Scotland’s social care workers for the incredible contribution they make. Social care is a devolved matter. The Scottish Government have received the largest budget settlement in the whole history of devolution, as well as support for additional employer national insurance costs. They can choose to deliver that additional support for social care.
Session: Employer NICs Businesses
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of trends in inflation on pensioners' living standards? This is especially relevant given that many have saved their hard-earned money into private schemes but now face the reality of inflation outstripping their modest yearly increase, thereby eroding the value of their savings.
Context
The question arises from the need to understand the government's stance and measures regarding the impact of high inflation on pensioners' income and living standards, particularly for those relying on state pensions.
Emma Reynolds
Due to the Government's steadfast commitment to the triple lock, pensioners will see an above-inflation increase of 4.1% in their state pension next year, which means that they will be up to £470 better off—and, over the course of this Parliament, over £1,900 better off.
Session: Inflation Pensioner Living Standards
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What assessment has been made of the potential impact of trends in inflation on pensioners' living standards? This is especially relevant given that many have saved their hard-earned money into private schemes but now face the reality of inflation outstripping their modest yearly increase, thereby eroding the value of their savings.
Context
The question arises from the need to understand the government's stance and measures regarding the impact of high inflation on pensioners' income and living standards, particularly for those relying on state pensions.
Emma Reynolds
Due to the Government's steadfast commitment to the triple lock, pensioners will see an above-inflation increase of 4.1% in their state pension next year, which means that they will be up to £470 better off—and, over the course of this Parliament, over £1,900 better off.
Session: Inflation Pensioner Living Standards
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I am concerned about the potential impact of trends in inflation on pensioners' living standards, especially for those with private pensions whose financial planning is being undermined by high inflation. What steps will you take to prevent the erosion in value of private pensions and mitigate the problem of investment growth not being passed on to pension holders?
Context
The question arises from the concern over rising inflation and its impact on pensioners' living expenses, specifically in Mid Dunbartonshire where nearly a quarter of constituents are of pension age. Pensioners who have invested in private schemes face challenges as inflation outstrips their modest yearly increase, eroding the value of their lifetime savings.
Emma Reynolds
The Chancellor launched a landmark pensions review in July, which is being led by me. The review aims to boost returns for future pensioners so they get better returns similar to those seen in Australia and Canada, and also to increase investment in the UK economy.
Session: Inflation Pensioner Living Standards
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I am concerned about the potential impact of trends in inflation on pensioners' living standards, especially for those with private pensions whose financial planning is being undermined by high inflation. What steps will you take to prevent the erosion in value of private pensions and mitigate the problem of investment growth not being passed on to pension holders?
Context
The question arises from the concern over rising inflation and its impact on pensioners' living expenses, specifically in Mid Dunbartonshire where nearly a quarter of constituents are of pension age. Pensioners who have invested in private schemes face challenges as inflation outstrips their modest yearly increase, eroding the value of their lifetime savings.
Emma Reynolds
The Chancellor launched a landmark pensions review in July, which is being led by me. The review aims to boost returns for future pensioners so they get better returns similar to those seen in Australia and Canada, and also to increase investment in the UK economy.
Session: Inflation Pensioner Living Standards
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Does the Minister agree that reducing reoffending is central to cutting crime, job losses, family breakdowns and homelessness? This aligns with the success of a community justice team using a trauma-informed approach.
Context
The community justice team in Mid Dunbartonshire is having success in preventing reoffending by working with offenders trauma-informed way.
Shabana Mahmood
Reducing reoffending is clear, given that 80% of offenders are reoffenders. Cutting reoffending is a strategy for cutting crime, keeping the public safe, and helping ex-prisoners turn their lives around. The sentencing review will look carefully at short sentences.
Session: Early Release Scheme
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What recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the early release scheme?
Context
No specific incident or context was provided other than the general need to assess the short-term emergency measure.
Shabana Mahmood
The immediate purpose was to stop us running out of prison places and avert a total breakdown of law and order. We have managed to avert the crisis with short-term measures but also set out a long-term plan for building prison places. A landmark sentencing review has been launched so emergency releases are never needed again.
Session: Early Release Scheme
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Housing Needs: Young People
16 April 2026
Responding: Matthew Pennycook
Main Concerns
['Young people across the United Kingdom face increasing difficulties in accessing affordable housing, with record numbers of young adults living at home due to unaffordable rent. The private rented sector sees bottom earners spending an average of 63% of their income on rent. Since 2019, Scotland has seen a 66% increase in rough sleeping and 10,000 children in temporary accommodation.']
Specific Asks
["The Minister is asked to meet with the Liberal Democrats to discuss a potential 'rent-to-buy' scheme and assess the impact of ongoing mortgage rule reviews on under-35s. There are also questions about whether first-time buyer support schemes truly reach young people on ordinary incomes or those with family wealth."]
Energy Security and Net Zero: Scotland
04 March 2026
Responding: Michael Shanks
Main Concerns
["Scotland plays a significant role in energy security and net zero, producing 90% of its power from clean sources in 2024 and transferring 17 TWh of excess energy to England. Despite this, Scotland faces workforce decline with a 51% drop in oil and gas industry jobs from 2014 to 2023, and there is a risk of losing skilled labour needed for a successful transition to clean energy. The SNP Government does not support building new nuclear power plants in Scotland, while Wales is designated for the UK's first small modular reactor, potentially leaving Scotland with less access to firm power investment and supply chain jobs."]
Specific Asks
["The UK Government should request UK-Scottish Government talks on Scotland's nuclear policy, with small modular reactors on the agenda, to ensure equal access to jobs and development. Ministers should introduce a consistent community benefit and community energy framework, accelerate grid development, and use the industrial strategy to set out clear UK content and supply chain commitments. They should also support an installer pipeline, quality assurance, and aftercare for heat pumps and retrofits."]
Religious Crematoriums
16 September 2025
Main Concerns
['There are over 300 crematoriums across the United Kingdom, but most do not reflect religious practices adequately. Many communities face strict time limits and space restrictions during ceremonies, which can lead to families adapting their traditions or feeling unsupported at a time of grief. Financial barriers exacerbate this issue by making it difficult for many to access appropriate services.']
Specific Asks
['The Minister is asked to review the provision of religiously appropriate crematoriums across Britain and work with local authorities to ensure that the Equality Act 2010 is properly considered in all planning and funding decisions relating to crematoriums and burial services.']
Inheritance Tax: Family-owned Businesses
03 June 2025
Responding: James Murray
Main Concerns
['Family-owned businesses are facing significant challenges such as national insurance increases, which threaten growth and investment. According to the Fraser of Allander Institute, many businesses are scaling back workforce expansion plans. The Centre for Economics and Business Research found that family-owned businesses provide employment for nearly 16 million people and contribute more than £200 billion in taxes annually.']
Specific Asks
['The proposed changes to business property relief will lose the Government nearly £1.9 billion, according to the Confederation of British Industry estimates. Before implementing these changes, the Government should conduct a consultation that assesses their impact on family businesses and local communities.']
Neuropsychiatric Conditions: PANS and PANDAS
25 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Welcomes the debate and highlights the need for early diagnosis and treatment of PANS and PANDAS. Emphasises that many families are struggling due to long wait times, misdiagnosis, and a lack of aware...
Legacy of Jo Cox
11 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
I thank Jo’s family for their leadership and friendship, praising the tenacity and guts that have inspired others. I commend Kim Leadbeater for stepping into public life and continuing Jo Cox's legacy...
Miscellaneous
24 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Initiated a debate on the need for urgent legislation to protect children from harmful online content. Emphasised the importance of age-appropriate regulation, cross-party consensus, and public consul...
Backbench Business - Brain Tumour Survival RatesBackbench Business
09 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The House is urged to note the poor survival rates of brain tumours in the UK, which ranks 22nd out of 29 comparable countries. McDonagh highlights the lack of progress due to a system that prioritise...
Occupied Palestinian Territories Genocide Risk Assessment 2026-02-05
05 February 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Calls for the UK Government to recognise a serious risk of genocide in Gaza based on overwhelming evidence. Criticises the government's failure to meet its legal obligation under the genocide conventi...
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill 2026-02-03
03 February 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Holocaust Memorial Bill 2026-01-20
20 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government introduced the Holocaust Memorial Bill. She emphasised that the Bill aims to establish a national Holocaust mem...
Covid-19 Financial Support 2026-01-15
15 January 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Perteghella highlights a national scandal where millions of taxpayers were excluded from financial support during the pandemic, despite promises by the Government. She cites 3.8 million UK taxpayers b...
Violence against Women and Girls Strategy 2025-12-15
15 December 2025
Urgent Question
Contributed to this debate
Will the Minister confirm that the violence against women and girls strategy will be published this Thursday, despite it being delayed three times this year? What steps are being taken to ensure the s...
St Andrew’s Day and Scottish Affairs 2025-12-11
11 December 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The hon. Member for Dunfermline and Dollar began by noting the importance of St Andrew’s Day, celebrating Scotland's connection to its patron saint and the qualities that define Scottish society: a ge...
Attendance
61.3%
49 of 80 votes
Aye Votes
38
47.5% of votes
No Votes
11
13.8% of votes
Abstentions
31
38.8% of votes
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
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
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
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 Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
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: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
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: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
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 AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
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
VOTED AYE
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
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
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: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
03 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 458
Noes: 104
Passed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: British Indian Ocean Territory
Ayes: 103
Noes: 284
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Youth unemployment
Ayes: 91
Noes: 287
Failed
28 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Medical Devices (Fees Amendment) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 294
Noes: 108
Passed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 9
Ayes: 91
Noes: 378
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 1
Ayes: 88
Noes: 310
Failed
27 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill: Amendment 2
Ayes: 61
Noes: 311
Failed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: Thir...
Ayes: 316
Noes: 194
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial...
Ayes: 373
Noes: 106
Passed
21 Jan 2026
VOTED AYE
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill Commi...
Ayes: 191
Noes: 326
Failed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 185
Passed
20 Jan 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Sentencing Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 7
Ayes: 319
Noes: 127
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 344
Noes: 182
Passed
20 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: motion to...
Ayes: 347
Noes: 184
Passed
13 Jan 2026
VOTED NO
Finance (No. 2) Bill Committee: Clause 86 stand part
Ayes: 344
Noes: 173
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
30
Ministerial Questions Asked
27
House of Commons Debates Involved
4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
0
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
80
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1366 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-46% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+120% above average
This MP:
30
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+58% above average
This MP:
4
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+458% above average
This MP:
27
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-12% below average
This MP:
61.3
Average:
69.5
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 Susan Murray's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.